Bennosuke
 Act 1 Scene i 
 "'Tis now the very witching time of night,
When churchyards yawn and hell itself breathes
Out contagion to this world."

-William Shakespeare, Hamlet

“I feel the darkness near me; I feel the light shining. And more keenly I feel the contrast between the two.”
― Anne Rice, The Witching Hour 

Frank and Jennifer sat in silence as their car trundled through the dark emptiness of the Missouri interstate freeway. Flat wasteland gave way to flat destitute farmland, gave way to flat gatherings of near abandoned nothing towns. Despite being probably the closest friend the other had in St. Louis, work and life and maybe some very unfair accusations about unfaithfulness had managed to keep Frank and Jennifer isolated from each other for the last few months. In fact, it was in an attempt to rectify this that Frank had even come up with the idea of the camping trip. But of course squaring things away with his daughters had kept Frank running late, and now the sun was already set, and it just felt so hard to find something to talk about.

The plan had been to go straight to Lychtwood Park and set up camp, get some hunting or maybe some fishing in, and settle in by the fire as the sun started to set in preparation for a weekend of catching up. But now it was too dark to go straight to the state park, and instead Frank and Jennifer were now pulling into the town of Salem, the closest bit of civilization. As far as they could tell, Salem was not much more than a glorified trailer park; a stain of inbred white trash... if google could be believed.

Pulling off the freeway, the first building the truck's lights illuminated was garishly lit box of tin and wood; strung with Christmas ornaments and guarded by a small army of lawn flamingos and gnomes. A neon sign reading "Jesus' Tavern" flashed across the rusted chrome of a few pickup trucks and motorcycles that were parked on the lawn outside the bar.

Otherwise it seemed the road that they were on went on for a good mile or three before coming up on a few other buildings and a row of cinderblock parked trailers. Most of the lights were off down the road, though maybe stopping at the bar would be its own form of trouble. Regardless, Jennifer and Frank would need a place to stay for the night, and a meal wouldn't hurt.
Daishain
Frank looks at the bar with some suspicion,   "Maybe we should have headed out in the morning, or stopped sooner. Jen, google maps have anything listed more appealing than that rust bucket?"  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Frank looks at the bar with some suspicion,   "Maybe we should have headed out in the morning, or stopped sooner. Jen, google maps have anything listed more appealing than that rust bucket?"   
 

 Jennifer Gibbs 

"Um... no.   Actually, I don't know," Jen replied, fiddling with her phone and holding it near the roof of the car, then near the window, "the signal out here sucks."

"This place is a dump, we might be better off driving a few more miles and crashing in the car or pitching the tent in a random cornfield," she said.
Daishain
  "Yeah, lets keep rolling for a bit, see what comes up."  
Bennosuke
Try as she might, Jen can't seem to get more than a bar of service, and nothing enough to load up the opening map from google maps.

Frank pushes the truck onward, driving past the unappealing looking pub. Surprisingly, it seems like more than a mile or two before the car trundles into what appears to the  downtown  of Salem. The aptly named Main Street (as it turns out to be the road that Frank drove down) appears to be the only road with working streetlights. There are about three blocks of storefronts, all with dirty windows and no lights on inside. More than a few of the store fronts are completely boarded up, or have been empty for so long that there is no evidence of what sort of a business the building used to house. Though it is not too late, the sidewalks are completely empty, and the entire strip feels like a ghost town.

The only sign of life is what appears to be church at he end of the street, towering over all the other buildings. Erected with what looks like ancient bricks, the weathered building is built in a post-gothic fashion with an acutely steepled roof and a single monolithic clock tower reaching up high into the night's sky. From even a block away, organ music can be heard playing an unfamiliar hymn. As the car approaches Frank and Jen can see a battered sign that reads, " The Illuminated Church of Saint George ". A few beat up pick up trucks are parked out side, more than one of them sporting Confederate Flags.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

“That a banjo I hear?” Jen asked, “this place gets more welcoming by the second..”
Daishain
Frank doesn't say anything, just keeps on rolling. Inwardly he's mentally preparing an apology to Jennifer for this mess.
Bennosuke
Frank drives a past the church down Main Street. This was definitely  Hoosier Country , and as Jen had said, it wasn't feeling too welcoming. The road carried on for another block or so before splitting. To the right the street continued on Main Street, but seemed to head into some desolate looking fields and farmland. Perhaps it would be best just to pull up behind one of the fields of corn, hoping they were out of view, and make "camp" for the night. Splitting off to the left, the sign named "Homestead Road" which lead towards a small flood of lights. The illumination was coming from rows of trailers and RVs. Some of the grounded vehicles had Christmas lights strung up over them. It was too far away to see if anyone was out and about in the trailer park, but at least there were signs of life... Of course, it was still possible to turn around and head back to the Church or the tavern.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
While Hoosier has different meanings, in and around St. Louis (as I've come to learn since moving here over the summer) Hoosier  basically means white trash. It comes from St. Louis being a relatively major Midwest city, filled with "educated", moderately well off people, but being surrounded by large parts of poorer economically depressed low income townships throughout MO and Il.
 
Daishain
Karl pulls over for a moment,   "Looks like there's some life over thataway, we could see if there's a spot more appealing than what we've seen so far to stop. Or we could head right, tuck into a corner and nap in the truck before continuing. Honestly I'm kind of leaning towards the latter, and maybe pulling out a rifle or two to have with us in here. What do you think?"  
Thundercracker
 Jen 

“Yeah, let’s head at least a few miles out though,” Jen said.
Daishain
Frank nods and keeps driving.
Bennosuke
Frank led the truck down Main Street, forsaking the lights of the trailer park. The first field they pass may have once been a field for pasture animals, but it's tall iron gating had long ago rotted and crumpled in sections. There were no signs of life and the grass had mostly died away, exposing rocky clods of soil.

But a little past this, are a few larger and more fertile strips of land. Most of the fields here seem to be growing either wheat or corn, filled with tall stalks that were at least as tall as a person. Small dirt roads split off Main Street, either to enter the fields or to divide them between supposed properties. The homes associated with these properties, when Jen and Frank could catch a glimpse form between the fields, were relatively palatial compared to the trailers of Homestead Road; likely big enough for a whole two bedrooms. These houses were mostly of the Carpenter's Gothic style, all white washed wood with buttressed and battened sidings, and narrow steepled roofs.

It wouldn't bee too hard (OOC: no roll needed) to find as tributary road to roll down, where Frank and Jen would be able to park the truck out of sight.
Daishain
Frank looks for a good spot to pull off, somewhere relatively sheltered, and on a spot where it seems unlikely for the pair to be disturbed. Once found, he'll pull in and pull out the portable grill, setting it up on the tail of the truck,   "How's the beef stew sound for tonight? Canned mind you."  
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

“Nothing but the best for us,” Jen replied as she pulled out the utensils and inspected them to make sure they were relatively clean.
Daishain
Frank grins,   "Just wait till tomorrow night, with any luck we can snag a channel catfish or two. Its especially good when freshly caught."  
Bennosuke
It's a little after dinner is finished, and the camp fire is starting to die away when the gleam of a trio of flashlights begin to bob their way into view. By the way they move, it's a trio on foot. From "good knows how far away in the dark", a male voice with a heavy Missouri twang calls out, " Hey, who are you? What are you doing on my property? " In the dark and with the glare of the flashlights, it's impossible to see the three people approaching.
Daishain
Frank stands and starts edging towards the truck where the guns are,   "Sorry for the trouble sir, we were just passing through and needed a place to stop before moving on. Didn't mean to be bothering anyone."  
Bennosuke
The bobbing of the flashlights stops, the three beams pointed at Jen and Frank. " Passing through, " the voice asks with disbelief, " through Salem? Where in the good lord's name were you headed? " Despite the fact that you can't make anything out in the brightness of the flashlights, but you get the distinct sense that there might be at least one rifle already aimed in your general direction.
Thundercracker
 Jen 

“Lytchwood Park,” Jen replied.
Daishain
Frank keeps from making any sudden movements,   "Yep, was planning on a bit of hunting and fishing out there, we would be camped out there already if things had gone to plan."  
Bennosuke
There is a moment of near silence, where you think you can hear the men with the flashlights talk amongst themselves. One of the three flashlights even lowers, and without the bright glare, you can see massive almost rotund figure illuminated by the light.

The three men approach, lowering their flashlights so as not to blind Jen and Frank. The group appear to be related, with the patriarch in the middle; a short and stooped man with a bald head, his skeletal frame draped in a dirty looking night robe. To his left is a man-child who could either be in his mid-teens or early thirties. He's short like his father, but all muscle, and long blond curls fall from his head, merging with a healthy beard and mustache. Clutching a shotgun aimed at the ground, he eyes Frank and Jen with curiosity, as if they were a strange breed of animal at the zoo. The rotund figure is likely the older brother. Like a walrus he is equal parts blubber and muscle, his frame bursting through an aggressively low cut and unfortunately tight Metallica wife beater. His massive arms are covered in tattoos, his head shaved, and both ears disfigured by massive lobe gauges, causing the flesh to almost hang down to his shoulders. The older brother is also holding a gun; his a hunting rifle. He's got the weapon trained on Frank, and unlike his brother, he eyes the two strangers with near comical suspicion.

The patriarch steps forward, one hand clutching his flashlight, the other a walking stick. " Lychtwood Park? " he asks with equal parts surprise and disdain, " what, do you have cotton for brains? Why would you want to go to The Park? You know the state is talking about closing the damned thing down entirely, right? "

In all of Frank's research, nothing had come up about this!

(Ooc: please give me a perception check at -2)
Daishain
Frank pauses, eyes not straying far from the one aiming the rifle at him,   "What's wrong with Lytchfield? I haven't heard anything off about the place since the last time I went there. That was a while ago, but still"  
Bennosuke
Jen catches sight of a specific tattoo on the older brother's right deltoid; a diving bird (maybe a dove) surrounded by a circle of fire. Though she never realized it at the time, Jen had seen that symbol already; it had been a bumper sticker on a number of the trucks parked outside of the church in town. The older man actually has a small version of the same symbol in a bronze lapel pin, maybe the size of a thumb nail, stuck to his robe.

The younger brother begins to speak, but the patriarch stifles him with a glare. " It's dangerous, " he replies quickly, " not well maintained. Too many out of towners have gotten lost in the park, or trapped down a ravine. A couple people go missing in the park every year and are never found. " He finishes by adding proudly, " Most of the locals are smart enough to stay clear of Lychwood Park. " The old man's words are dripping with disdain, and it feels like he  might  be hiding something.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

“Wow, that  does  sound dangerous,” Jen said.

She gave Frank a glare then turned back to the trio.

“Thanks for the advice, I think maybe we’ll go with plan B,” she said.
Daishain
Frank grimaces, what in the hell?

  "I see, thank you for the warning, guess we had better change course."

"Listen, I'd rather not bother anyone else like we unfortunately did with you, there a spot near here where we can stop off to rest?"  
Bennosuke
The old man interrupts Frank's question with a noisy and throat-filled snort, only to follow it by spitting out a thick amoeba of snot. " Well there's a small motel in town, pretty much always vacant, " he says flatly, " shoulda just gone there in the first place. Can give you directions, if that's what you'd like. Probably a smarter idea than just squatting on someone else's land. "

This last bit causes the younger son to snigger.
Daishain
Frank was less than sure about the idea of staying in a motel for a town this size, but he'd had his quota of rifles pointed at his face tonight. This incident made it obvious that a property looking abandoned wasn't a reliable indicator that they'd be left alone through the night.

  "Yeah, we were looking for something like that, but didn't see it on our way through the town. If you want to point us that way we'll get out of your hair."  
Bennosuke
The heavy set older brother rolls his eyes hard in doubt of what Frank said, but he does not speak up. The family patriarch nods his head and says, " Of course, makes sense you didn't see it on your way in. The motel is on the highway onramp, you'd have to have gone all the way through town to get to it. " He sighs then adds, " no doubt they'll have a room you two can share... not that it will be too romantic. " This causes the younger brother to snigger.
Daishain
  "Romance isn't really my concern right now sir. I do apologize for the intrusion. Highway on ramp you said? We'll find it."  

If there isn't anything else, Frank starts packing up the few things they'd gotten out for their impromptu meal.
Thundercracker
Jen quickly also starts packing up, she wants to get out of there as quickly as possible.
Bennosuke
The three farmers remain as Jen and Frank pack up their camp into the truck, though only the heavy set older brother watches with any suspicion. It is almost a relief leaving the three behind, though anxiety begins to creep back in as Frank drives back into town. It is not hard to find the road that leads back to the freeway, and by now the entire town has shut down and there are no lights on on main street.

It's no more than a ten minute drive before they get to the motel; the only building for what seems like a few miles in either direction. A dingy neon sign in front of the building reads, "Salem Motel" uninventively. The building is L-shaped, two stories of drab curtained windows. The parking lot is on the side of the motel opposite the freeway onramp, and when Frank pulls in he sees that there is only one car parked. The motel clerk's office sits at the corner of the L, and is the only part of the building with it's lights on. Glass doors peer into a homey but characterless office space with grey carpeted floor and yellow fluourescent lighting. Despite the fact that the lights are on, no clerk sits at the desk, and you can't see anyone from outside the office.
Daishain
  "Nice and inviting."   Frank states dryly as they pull in.   "You want one room or two? I can sleep on the floor if you want to stick together, it's the least I deserve for this farce"  
Thundercracker
 Jen 

“Eh, it’s not your fault,” Jen replied, “besides, this is kind of an adventure anyway, right?”

“We’ll get one room, let’s see if they have two beds though,” she said, “no need to pay more than we have to and this whole place gives me the creeps.  We should probably bring our stuff in from the truck, too.”
Bennosuke
As Jenn and Frank enter the motel office, the glass door slaps a brass bell which wakes the clerk who must of been sleeping. He's just a kid, the rash of acne on his face screaming that he can't be any older than 16. His voice even cracks when he greets the two. " Welcome, " he almost shrieks, " my, you two are getting in late. I take it you need a room? " He pauses for a moment, his face suddenly flushing as he eyed the couple. Just by voice alone, you can tell the clerk is not a local; not a hint of midwestern twang.
Daishain
Outside, Frank responds to Anna,   "Thanks, I am sorry though, I swear I checked online before we left, there wasn't anything like this mentioned."  

Frank ignores the awkward look   "Yes, looks like we have our pick, so maybe whichever's had the fewest problems."  
Thundercracker
Jen just nodded and kept her mouth shut.
Bennosuke
" The fewest problems? " the boy asks with confusion and concern, clearly not picking up on Frank's tone. He looks at the two with a vacant and tired expression, and then seeming to give up, chuckles awkwardly before saying, " May I recommend the Valentine's Suite? It is one of our most spacious rooms, and comes with a bottle of sparkling wine. Perhaps that would be a nice way for a... couple like yourselves to end the night? " He smiles at both Frank and Jenn, trying his best to be welcoming and perhaps hide an adolescent anxiety and discomfort.
Daishain
  "Do we look like we're looking for that sort of evening? No, don't answer that. Just a regular room, one without major complaints, messes, or nasty history."  
Bennosuke
" Oh, I'm so sorry, " the boy squeaks, his voice cracking an all time high, " Sure sure. Uh, I take it you want two twin beds then? Do you want separate rooms? " He turns to his computer and begins a short burst of typing.

He gets the two whatever configuration of room Jenn and Frank prefer, apologizing repeatedly. Fortunately, the prices are more than affordable, and the duo are able to afford whatever sleeping arrangements they are most comfortable with. Of course, you get what you pay for, and while the room is not particularly dirty, it is far from spacious, comfortable, or luxurious.

(OOC: If you want to RP a bit please, otherwise, let me know what time Frank and Jenn plan on waking)
Daishain
Frank simply hands over his card to pay for the single room with two beds without tormenting the youth any further, then starts hauling everything of notable value from the truck into the room. He pulls out his sleeping bag and lays it over the hotel bed Jenn didn't pick, even if he trusted the cleaners here, the thing was more comfortable anyways.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I'm fine ending it here or RPing out a bit more, either way.
 
Thundercracker
 Jennifer Gibbs 

"Good idea," Jen said as she followed suit with her own sleeping bag.

"This is kind of like camping in a way, right?" she said.
"So what do you think was going on with those guys?" she asked.
Daishain
Frank laughs a little,   "Not quite the same feel, but sure."

"Anyways, I dunno. Probably just hustled out to deal with a few trespassers, which I can't say I really blame them for. I'm just glad they didn't try to stop us from leaving or anything like that."  
Bennosuke
Frank's phone alarms early in the morning, too early considering the late hour the pair went to sleep, and the hard mattress, and the scuttling noises coming from the walls. The lack of sleep certainly won't help the mood, but at least it is easy to check out of the motel in the morning. The same teenager is at the desk, bleary eyed but surprisingly cheery.

As the sun is starting to rise and turn the sky pink, Frank and Jennifer take off for Lychwood Park, a ride that is both mercifully and surprisingly short. They pull into the Eastern Parking lot, where a handful of trucks are already parked. Contrary to the description received the night before, the park seems to be fairly well maintained... at least from the parking lot. Next to the dirt path entering into the park from the parking lot is a big green sign with yellow/gold lettering that reads "WELCOME TO LYCHWOOD PARK", then under it in smaller font, "Toadstool Trail". A park ranger in khaki colored uniform is kneeling next to the sign with a can of paint, touching up the ivy colored sign.

When Frank pulls in and parks the truck, the ranger gets up from his work, and saunters over to the them. Now that he's walking towards the car, you can see that he's really just another teenager; one with long straggly blonde hair. The button down shirt of his uniform is wide open, exposing his wiry frame and sun kissed skin. He grins under his pathetic attempt at a mustache as he approaches, and once close enough that he does not have to raise his voice the ranger says, " Welcome to the park. I take it you'll be camping here overnight? " There's none of the twang in his voice that hung heavy in the locals who had caught Frank and Jenn in the field last night, and none of the suspicious glances.
Daishain
Frank eyes the place,   "That was the plan originally, but on the way here we caught some worrying chatter. Something about visitors disappearing and the state looking to shut the place down? What the heck's going on?"  
Bennosuke
Frank's statement makes the ranger chuckle. He grins and says, " That's just uneducated hoosier superstition man. " After taking a moment to gaze back at his sign and the dirt trail he adds, " I've only been here for a little bit now, but my understanding is we have just about the same number of disappearances, accidents, and injuries as any other major park. We sure as hell ain't shutting down. " The ranger shakes his head, his messy tangle of of hair flapping side to side with the gesture.

Something in the back of Frank's truck catches the ranger's eye and he takes a moment to stroll over to the side of the truck for a better view. " Take it you're plan on doing some hunting and fishing while you're here? " he asks.
Daishain
Frank looks at Jen with a triumphant grin,   "I told you those guys were just messing with the out of towners."

"Yeah, we were hoping for some channel catfish and maybe a deer. Certainly not planning on shooting any eagles, and we know not to mess with the hellbenders, the mussels, or the bats. I happen to like black bears, but we're not looking to mess with those guys either, and I've got a fresh can of EPA approved bear spray. Oh, and there's a snakebite kit in there in case of vipers, though its done nothing but collect dust since I picked that one up."

"That about cover most of your warnings?"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Couldn't find a Lychwood park in the state, so I took information on the local animals, including which are protected, from Mark Twain National Forest, which is pretty close to Salem Missouri. If anyone's wondering what the heck is a hellbender, they're a kind of salamander, pretty big as such things get (usually a bit over a foot long, sometimes as much as twice that, but they're harmless, I'm not sure how they got the name)
 
Thundercracker
 Jennifer Gibbs 

Jen glanced around at the nature around them while the others talked.  They definitely took the long way to get here but they were here, and that’s what was important.
Bennosuke
The Ranger nods his head, seemingly appreciative of Frank's detailed knowledge of the local hunting laws. " Sounds good, " he replies, before going into a short summary of the park's specific rules regarding what can be hunted, and what can be brought out of the park. He offers Frank a hand to shake and says, " Anyway, my name is Mitch. Nice ta meetcha, and have a safe stay at our park! "

He gives Jenn a wink and a nod, then saunters away from the truck and heads back to finish his touch ups on the sign.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I assume Frank and Jenn are going to start by setting up camp, but I will defer to you two as to what you want to do first.


 Couldn't find a Lychwood park in the state, so I took information on the local animals, including which are protected, from Mark Twain National Forest, which is pretty close to Salem Missouri. If anyone's wondering what the heck is a hellbender, they're a kind of salamander, pretty big as such things get (usually a bit over a foot long, sometimes as much as twice that, but they're harmless, I'm not sure how they got the name) 

Yep, that's because Lychwood Park doesn't exist :P! In fact, I didn't even realize there was a Salem MO, and the town I described is definitely not based on the real place. When the characters return to St. Louis proper, I'll base locations and the like in more reality, but this part is definitely fabricated. 😛
 
Thundercracker
Once they found their site, Jen busied herself unloading the car and setting up the tent, using a small hammer to drive pitons into the ground to anchor it.  Once that was done, it would be a two person job to get it up and aired out.
Daishain
Frank finishes hauling the stuff out of the truck and to the center of the campsite while Jen stakes down the tent, then goes to help get the poles set and the thing erected.

After the tent is set, and the basics placed where they need to be, he unfolds a chair and plops down into it, grateful to finally be here.   "Well then, that was fun. All right, we've got the hiking map to those landmarks we wanted to see, there's a good meadow off to the south that we could check for deer, but after last night might I suggest starting off with some relaxing fishing?"  
Thundercracker
“Yeah, and the beers,” Jen said, “can’t forget that.”
Daishain
  "Works for me"   Frank grabs the chairs and loads some beer in the smaller, easier to carry, cooler. He checks the map for the likely fishing spots they'd worked out earlier to make sure their orientation is right before setting out.
Bennosuke
Frank and Jenn grab their fishing gear, their cooler filled with beer, and some chairs and head out for the lake. It's about a fifteen minute walk during which time the pair run into not a single other person. In fact, the forested park is remarkably quiet; no birds chirping, no bushes rustling, just peace and quiet. The route to the lake is a relatively straight forward path down a winding but well maintained trail that would be wide and even enough for biking or even horseback riding. Several smaller paths break off of the trail, some so narrow and forested that it's unclear if they are foot paths or clearings made by animals. The trail crosses several large creeks and ravines, likely small offshoots of the Mississippi. Fortunately, most of these can be crossed by small wooden bridges, though there is once creek where Jenn and Frank are forced to haul everything cautiously while stepping from rock to rock.

Finally, the trail widens out as it comes to the lake. The map calls this "Black Raven's Lake". The dark green body of water seems to go on forever against the horizon, and if the map is truly to scale, it must be nearly ten miles in diameter. It's clear to see why it might be named after a raven, as from above the lake has a shape like a bird's head and beak viewed from the side; like a crescent feeding into a round basin. The air smells fresh here, and it's nice and cool by the murky body of water.

Jenn and Frank set up their chairs, their cooler and their fishing rods, and get to finally enjoying their trip.

 Is the time spent at the lake relaxing? Do the two finally find an opportunity to catch up like old times, or is there still underlying tension given how poorly the trip first went? 
Thundercracker
 Jennifer 

“Now that’s a lotta algae,” Jen said as they set up and cast their lines, “so how’s life, how long’s it been, two years since we did something like this?”

She occasionally turned a few ticks of her fishing rod, but the activity was something more of a background to the chance to relax and catch up.
Daishain
Frank sighs as he settles in and casts a line. He hoped that this getaway turned out well. Not just because he'd roped Jen into this, but for his own sake. He didn't like to admit it, but he needed a break pretty badly...

He grunts as Jen breaks the silence first,   "Closer to three I think, it really has been too long. Things are going all right for the most part, the girls are finally settling down after the divorce. It hit them pretty hard for a while. What about you?"  
Thundercracker
 Jen 

"ugh that sounds like such a pain, at least its settling down somewhat," Jen replied, "you know me, more of the same.  I bounced around the east coast for a while, Miami, Atlanta, Raleigh, and thought about heading to California but I didn't have enough money to stay and look for a job if I didn't find one right away, so I ended up back here.  Now I'm hoping to find something that'll let me travel out west.  Can't see one ocean without seeing them both, right?"
Daishain
Frank nods,   "I know you said you'd think about it, but that offer to work with me is still open. Once you're certified you can get welding jobs anywhere. I don't think there's a state in the country that isn't running short on skilled tradespeople. Anyway, not really here to talk about work though. So west coast huh? Anything in particular you wanted to see?"  
Thundercracker
"Yeah seriously let's not talk about work.

Eh, I wanna drive up that coast road you always see on TV," Jen replied, "guess that means I'll have to learn how to drive, or hitch a ride with someone who's willing to put up with me ha ha."
Daishain
  "You know, when we were younger I always kind of pictured you as a motorcycle kind of gal, I guess I'm surprised you never learned to drive even a normal car. There a story there I missed?"   Frank reels in his line to check the bait, grimacing as he finds it missing. Dang fish... He replaces it and recasts.
Bennosuke
As the two are chatting, there is a rustling in the brush about fifteen yards away. The noise is soft at first, then grows louder. The forest and bramble are parted by the emergence of a stag's antlers, followed by the long triangular head. The deer is massive, the biggest Frank has ever seen; almost the size of a moose, though with a more slender regal figure. It takes tall graceful steps as it comes out of the forest and turns to side eye the two humans. Unlike any deer Frank or Jenn have ever seen before, this ancient creature's coat is an almost charcoal grey, shaggy and mottled. It looks at the two humans with an heir of almost disdain, before sauntering over to the edge of the lake for a drink of water.
Thundercracker
Jen paused and watched the deer, then automatically felt around for her rifle.

Then she stopped and just admired the deer for a minute or two, the fishing momentarily forgotten.
Daishain
Frank stares at the creature for a few moments before lifting his half empty beer in salute. Setting the bottle down carefully, he reaches for his phone, hoping to get some video. He'd never seen a deer like this. Not that size, and certainly not that color. This stag was magnificent, and clearly not very skittish. It seemed almost a miracle some trophy hunter hadn't bagged him already.
Bennosuke
The stag finishes it's drink, then lifts its head to give the two onlookers one last stare. Then it turns away from the lake and begins moving back towards the forest. As it approaches, the deer begins picking up speed till it is moving and a full gallop by the time it hits the tree line. A moment after its antlers crash through the brush and the stag disappears, the silence is interrupted by an explosion of crows out of the forest. They take to the air and begin to caw and caw, circling in the bright clear sky overhead. It does not take a trained eye to notice that the stag disappeared down a clearly trod-over path that fades into the darkness of the forest.
Daishain
Frank has a goofy grin when he finally turns his head to look at Jennifer,   "I've heard of black deer before, but they're supposed to be super rare, even tougher to find than albinos. Its gonna be tough to top that. What a magnificent creature."  

He rewatches the minute or so of video he managed to get on his phone for a bit, then gets up to take a look at the trail it disappeared down,   "Deer trail, looks pretty well established. I think we found a good spot to hunt later on. Not sure I could shoot at blackie, but there should be other deer using that too."  
Thundercracker
“That was amazing,” Jen said, “I’ve never seen anything like that, at least not so close.  We definitely picked the right place.”
Bennosuke
If the two settle back into fishing, Jenn and Frank are able to enjoy a few more beers, and manage to catch a few small game fish. It is a relaxing late morning, but as the sun starts to rise in the sky, it begins to become hot and humid by the lake, and you can feel your skin beginning to tingle and redden.
Daishain
Frank looks around for a shadier spot to keep fishing from. He wanted to get a nice fish for that dinner he'd promised last night.

If he doesn't see anything he'll shrug and turn to Jennifer,   "Welp, its probably getting around time for lunch anyways. Care for a bite to eat and then maybe hit the trail? Plenty of things to see around here."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Frank looks around for a shadier spot to keep fishing from. He wanted to get a nice fish for that dinner he'd promised last night.

If he doesn't see anything he'll shrug and turn to Jennifer,   "Welp, its probably getting around time for lunch anyways. Care for a bite to eat and then maybe hit the trail? Plenty of things to see around here."   
 

"Sure sounds good to me," Jen replied, "if we're going to hike we'll need to grab the water bottles anyway."
Bennosuke
It takes the better part of an hour for Frank to finally catch something, and by that time the sun has reached its zenith, creating a heavy humid and little shade. Frank had of course managed to fine the one spot that had a modicum of relief, provided by an old oak tree that seemed to tower above the forest line. The catfish that Frank finally caught was a silver skinned and slimy sucker, plump and about the length of Frank's upper arm. It swished and flipped and fought hard once Frank wrestled it out of the water, but of course the catfish finally lost the fight. It would probably fry up nicely.

(OOC: The group still goes back to the camp for lunch?)
Daishain
Frank grins as his efforts finally yield fruit,   "There we go, I was starting to wonder if we had the right bait. And we have our dinner. We can leave this in one of the coolers while we take our hike. I was rather interested in seeing those weird rock formations, what about you?"  

(OOC Yes, heading back to camp for lunch then heading out for a couple hours on the trail)
Thundercracker
“Sure let’s do it; we have a couple of days, we can see everything,” Jen replied.
Bennosuke
Frank and Jenn quickly pack up their fishing gear and march back to their campsite, Frank proudly carrying the catfish as if it were a trophy. They throw the catfish into one of the coolers.

(OOC: I'm sorry, maybe I'm not caffeinated enough, but what weird rock formation are we referring to? Also, please let me know what gear you are bringing with you, wherever it is you plan on going?)
Daishain
Frank stows the fish into the cooler, with just enough ice so it should still be nice and fresh for the evening meal. Most meats stored okay, but fish for some reason never really was the same if it wasn't practically still living when it hit the heat. This should be a treat for both of them.

But that was for later. For now... Frank loads up a lightweight hiking pack with a tiny first aid kit, the bear spray, water, and a bit of jerky, suggesting that Jan does much the same. After a moment's thought, he adds some rope and a few pitons to his own pack, then straps a multipurpose survival axe onto the side. It was a little more than he thought they'd actually need, and he'd likely regret the extra weight later, but the warning from earlier, especially about the ravines, was still weighing on him a bit. Being a little extra prepared than they actually ended up requiring would be considerably better than the reverse.

Before heading out, Frank places all of the food supplies, fish cooler included, into the bear bag, and uses another rope to hoist that up into the trees. He liked bears for the most part, but they could be a real nuisance as well. He really didn't want to come back to a wrecked campsite and no food...
Thundercracker
“Better to have it and not need it, right?” Jen remarked as they loaded themselves down with gear.
Bennosuke
It's just a little after midday when Jenn and Frank finally set off for Blackstone Rock. According to the map, Blackstone is a good two miles or so Northwest of the lake, and the sun is already at it's highest vantage to roast the air with early summer heat. The two follow a trail that runs along a steep ravine, and Frank and Jenn are kept company by the sound of the slowly rushing creek. This path is definitely well maintained, and it's pretty easy at this point to discredit everything that was said by the crazy armed farmers the other night. As the trail winds higher, the two can begin to see a jagged rocky formation of dark grey stone peaking over the treetops. Even in the protective shade of the forest, Jenn and Frank find themselves sweating, especially with the weight of their hiking packs. It gets even warmer when the trail winds away from the ravine.

The two are just leaving the blanketed protection of the forest, as the trail clears out into the final stretch before reaching Blackstone Rock, when the air is split by the thunderous sound of rifle fire. The blast is so loud that it's at first impossible to tell the proximity of the shot. But as the ringing in their ears begins to clear, a man calls out, " Oh ****! Sorry about that! " No more than thirty yards to the left of the trail is a rangy looking man with a scraggly mess of brown hair and an equally tangled long beard. He's got a red wife-beater on and camo patterned cargo pants covered in pockets, and is hoisting a smoking matte black hunting rifle over his shoulder. The man takes a step away from his open red ice cooler to walk towards Jenn and Frank, his arm extended as if in greeting. " Are you two okay? " he hollers.
Daishain
Frank shakes his head, trying to dispel the ringing in his ears, he looks to Jennifer before answering, a bit of anger creeping into his voice, though he tries to stay civil.   "You didn't hit us if that's what you mean. What exactly did you think you were shooting at?"  
Thundercracker
Jen ducked and fought the reflex to dive for cover.  The bearded man was lucky she wasn't quicker on the draw.  She looked at him and her expression echoed Frank's question.
Bennosuke
Perhaps it was the anger in Frank's voice, or perhaps it was just the discomfort with the situation, but the bearded man just chuckles as he steps closer. " My bad there, " he says jovially, adding, " Glad you're okay. " He pulls the rifle off of his shoulder, and then points it at the direction that Frank and Jenn just came from. Using the weapon as a pointer, the man replies, " Was shooting at a stag that just dove into the woods back where you two came. Big mother ****er. Biggest I've ever seen! "
Daishain
Frank shakes his head,   "We'll be heading back through here in a few hours. If you're still out here, please watch your target better."   He moves to continue on the trail. Frank is wondering about the big deer, but didn't really want to keep talking with this guy.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Frank shakes his head,   "We'll be heading back through here in a few hours. If you're still out here, please watch your target better."   He moves to continue on the trail. Frank is wondering about the big deer, but didn't really want to keep talking with this guy. 
 

“Seriously, what if you hit one of us?” Jen added.  When Frank left she followed on.

Stupid hunter.
Bennosuke
Being met with scorn rather than friendship, the hunter watches as Jenn and Frank depart and hollers after them, " Well, **** you then! Damn hippy liberal city folk! "

(OOC: Assuming the players don't respond)

The two hike up the dirt trail as it climbed towards a rocky outcrop that was the beginning of Blackstone Rock. The march up the hill is surprisingly arduous, as the trail blends into a semi-worn path across the rocky surface of the hill. Blackstone Rock seemed to be composed of layer upon layer of gritstone. Geometric pillar like protrusions seemed to almost grow off of the rock's surface, and there was little shrubbery or vegetation growing from the stone surfaces.

At the peak of the rock, Frank and Jenn were a good few miles up, and could look down upon the grassy field around the hill, as well as the forest line that seemed to creep in from all directions around the rock. The sky was clear this high up, and the only birds in the sky were the occasional crow, soaring with purpose from one location to another.
Daishain
Frank keeps moving, muttering to Jen as soon as he's sure they're out of earshot.   "What did he expect? Us to be happy about being lucky the idiot missed?"  

Later on top of blackrock, he looks around at the scenery with satisfaction, it was definitely worth the climb.
Thundercracker
 Jen 

Jen whipped around as the guy shouted after them.

“Learn how to handle a weapon!” she yelled back at him.  She watched him for a moment to make sure he wouldn’t try to shoot them.

Then she continued hiking.  Crazy rednecks.
Bennosuke
From the top of the mountain, you can make out the general surroundings. There are almost no humans around, though you can see a red smudge that is probably the redneck hunter down below. The air is clean, but the heat of the after midday sun is intense, and there is little protection from its baking rays. The birds above pay no mind to the two hikers, and the only noises are the caws of the crows and the gently gusting wind.
Thundercracker
Jen finds a spot near the peak where she can sit comfortably and take a break.  With the baking sun she wont' want to stay long, but if you're going to make the trek to the top, you have to admire the view for at least a few minutes.
Daishain
Frank surveys the area as best he can from up there, getting an idea of where everything is.
Bennosuke
The view is absolutely worth it. From this high up, Frank and Jenn can appreciate the complex spiderweb network of creeks and ravines that run through the park. The lake is easy to locate, as the vast majority of waterways twist their way towards the massive nearly black mirror of water. Interestingly, the verdant greenery of the park does seem to fade away to a thick whorl of dark forest, more densely packed the farther North you look. Of course there was nothing wrong with this section of forest, but there was something foreboding about the area, as if the trees were so close together that no sunlight could penetrate.

As long as Jenn and Frank are at the peak of Blackstone Rock, nothing more interesting happens, though several times the report of the hunter's rifle can be distantly heard.
Thundercracker
 Jen 

“So where should we go next?” Jen asked, “wanna check out that forest?”
Daishain
  "Sounds like a good option to me. Watch your footing though, fair number of vipers in these parts."   Frank settles his pack back onto his shoulders as he starts moving again.
Bennosuke
Jenn and Frank make their way back down the hillside, winding their way along the footpath between that passes between jagged rocks and clumps of reddish dust. By the time the two reach the base of Blackstone Rock, the sun is no longer at it's peak in the cloudless sky, and the redneck hunter is nowhere in sight.

The two pick a path back into the forest, and begin their exploration.

 
 Spoiler: OOC: 
So we are going to steal a mechanic from Changeling regarding walking through The Hedge. I'd like you each to roll Wits + Survival.

If there's anywhere in particular you want to go, or a specific part of the forest you might want to look for or try to reach state it. If I roll more successes than either player, then I get to choose where you end up... and the fun begins 😉
 (5d10)[ 6 ][ 5 ][ 3 ][ 3 ][ 10 ](27) 
 
Daishain
Frank has a grin as the pair descend from Blackstone. "We could use some shade and a bit of rest I think, that big oak tree is near, care to stop for refreshments there?"

He pulls out his map to be certain of the direction needed.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Wits+survival  (4d10)[ 10 ][ 10 ][ 8 ][ 5 ](33) 
 
Bennosuke
Frank and Jenn leave the clearing, finding refuge under the shaded canopy of the forest. They follow Frank's map, cutting along a narrow twisting trail. As they hike, the trees grow closer together, their branches almost appearing to intertwine to block out more and more sunlight till it a flashlight is almost desired.

Their hike is uninterrupted, the only signs of life being the occasional squawk or chirp of birds hiding within the heavy forest ceiling. Frank never loses his confidence as he navigates through the woods, and in only an hour, they reach their destination in The Crone, an ancient grandfather oak tree estimated to almost be a thousand feet tall. The duo know they are reaching their destination first by the growing cacophany of cawing, and the thickening carpet of silky black crow feathers. The tree line widens as they approach The Crone is a towering moss covered explosion of bark and branches, fingers as thick as a man's torso sprouting out in all directions. Every branch is covered in shimmering black crows, and their shrieks and the sound of rustling feathers fills the air as much of the musty stale odor of bird feathers and droppings. The birds do not seem to take the presence of their visitors lightly, and as Frank and Jenn approach The Crone, the chorus of caws grows louder, and many birds take flight into the canopy above.

(OOC: Please give me a perception roll each of you)
Bennosuke
(OOC: Jenn gets 3 successes)

As Jenn steps forward her boot crunches on something dry like twigs but too large. She looks down at the forest floor, finding thousands of tiny yellowed bones buried between the carpet of black feathers and fallen leaves. The tangle of detritus is dizzying and almost causes a sense of vertigo, and as Jenn looks up trying to clear her head and her vision, it almost looks for a moment like the grandfather oak itself is staring at her hungrily from the gnarled black knots that speckle its surface.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

"That was weird," Jen said as she looked down at the bones again to make sure they are actually, in fact, bones.
"Frank, take a look at this," she said.

She scuffed her boot around a bit to see if it was only a small pile, or if there were more spread out around the area.
Daishain
Frank kneels down and picks up a few of the bones, taking a closer look and trying to identify what sort or sorts of creatures they came from   "This is strange, bones don't get gathered in one place like this in my experience. Scavengers should be scattering them, and if some predator or toxin was killing lots of creatures in this area, the rest should instinctively avoid it."  

He looks up at the judgy corvids,   "Maybe they're responsible? Hauling every carcass they can carry back here from all over the woods? I haven't heard about anything of the sort before, but Crows do some weird stuff, and often teach it to their neighbors."

"Either way, this place is not as peaceful as we thought, lets maybe have lunch somewhere else."   He pulls out a camera and starts taking some pictures, wanting to send them to a guy who might make sense of this.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Not trying to identify species or anything that specific, just if we're mostly talking birds, rodents, snakes, etc. or a mixture thereof sort of thing.
perception  (5d10)[ 2 ][ 2 ][ 4 ][ 1 ][ 10 ](19) 
 
Bennosuke
Looking down at the carpet of feathers and bones on the forest floor, Frank notices that the collections of bones appear to almost be gathered together in collections. Though not necessarily in exact piles, it seems like there are areas of the ground speckled with an array of dirty yellowed bone, while between these collections are areas of dried dirt without a single piece of skeletal remains.

(OOC: To tell more about the types of animals, please give me an Int + Survival roll)
Bennosuke
To Frank, many of the animal skeletons scattered out on the ground are clearly rodent... but as he looks closer, there are some bones from a larger animal. These are far less common, but they are clustered close enough together that Frank is certain that they belong to whole animals. Frank has to get around and root through the loose piles of bone, but it isn't till he unearths a skull that he realizes... cats. There are cat bones scattered out here!

(OOC: 2 successes)

Jenn also starts rooting through the piles of bones. She can't draw any further conclusion about the origins of the skeletons, but she picks up on a separate surprise. There's no damage to the bones; no evidence of trauma, no talon or beak scratches, no bones cracked open for the marrow. Despite the tree full of scavengers, there's no evidence these rodents have been eaten!


The crows begin to caw louder, thousands of black eyes seeming to stare down at the two human intruders.
Daishain
Frank drops the cat skull and looks to Jennifer,   "Lets get out of here quickly. I don't know what, but something is deeply wrong with this place. I was wrong about the ravens, they're not strong enough to lift a cat. I think that leaves just one animal that might arrange this. Humans, and I don't want to meet anyone that thinks of this crap as a hobby."  

Unless she for some reason disagrees, he sets off in the direction of their camp.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Frank drops the cat skull and looks to Jennifer,   "Lets get out of here quickly. I don't know what, but something is deeply wrong with this place. I was wrong about the ravens, they're not strong enough to lift a cat. I think that leave just one animal able to arrange this. Humans, and I don't want to meet anyone that thinks of this crap as a hobby."  

Unless she for some reason disagrees, he sets off in the direction of their camp. 
 

“Yup, f this, time to go,” Jen replied.  She unslings her rifle and checks the safety, just in case.
Bennosuke
Jenn and Frank turn and begin to make their way back down the path that had winded them to this terrible tree. The screeches of the crows seemed to grow louder and more threatening, even as the tree fell farther and farther away in the tree line. If either of the hikers looked back, they would be relieved to see none of the big black birds chasing them through the forest. It was fortunately cooler under the forest canopy, but still the humidity was stifling, and the trees were so thickly gathered here that the lighting was almost dim, making it disorienting to figure out how late the day had grown.

And to make matters worse, the trail no longer looked familiar. The trail had somehow narrowed, and branches seemed to reach out as if to grab or slow down the two hikers.

 
 Spoiler: OOC: 
Assuming the two are making their way back to camp. Please give me Wits + Survival, but this time -1. Competing against the following roll  (5d10)[ 7 ][ 10 ][ 1 ][ 5 ][ 7 ](30) 

And feel free to make any other rolls you think would be useful.

EDIT: Wow, my rolls have just been so bad of late.
 
Daishain
Frank grits his teeth, and checking his surroundings regularly, keeps on trudging along. This trip had been a mixed bag to say the least. Several awe inspiring moments, and then things like this..

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
wits+survival-1  (3d10)[ 4 ][ 1 ][ 10 ](15) 
ten again  (3d10)[ 3 ][ 6 ][ 8 ](17) 
 
Bennosuke
To Jenn it seems like the two are truly lost. The trail keeps splitting far more than she remembers it had on the way coming to the tree, and the path just seems to grow more and more narrow. Frank is doing his best to maintain a sense of optimism, studying the map and using every ounce of his wits to navigate.

Somehow, the two make it back to camp, though Jenn is almost certain they took a completely disparate route to prior. By now the two are covered in sweat, their legs smeared with patches of splashed mud, and sporting scrapes from unexpected branches that seemed to reach for them out of nowhere. The sun is just starting to descend, the baby blue sky becoming lined with a hues of pink and violet, though it is still unmercifully hot and humid. There might be time for one last adventure before the sun sets, if the two are truly feeling brave.

(OOC: Tie goes to the runner with Frank's one success)
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

"Ugh, I'm wiped after that hike, how about dinner?" Jen asked, "think that fish is still good?"

She decides against mentioning anything about the freaky tree, the bones, or how they seemed to get completely lost on the way back.
Daishain
  "Yeah, lets get a proper fire going and wash up. Might be time to open that whiskey bottle too."   He looks around the campsite and takes a breath, talking in a more positive tone now that things seem to be safe. It had been a very long time since he'd had that much trouble figuring out which direction to go...

  "We'll want to leave early in the morn if we want a good chance at those deer anyways."  

Frank cleans himself off with some wipes from a "dude shower" brand cleaning kit, and goes ahead and changes clothing before walking out to the bear bag and beginning to bring it down from the trees.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
In case it comes up, Frank has no intention of getting drunk, but a bit of Jameson to calm his nerves sounds good to him.

BTW, Frank actually has a merit stating he never loses his sense of direction. But I figure it probably wouldn't apply against mystical happenings. Besides, him never normally getting lost only adds to the suspense when suddenly that's changing.
 
Bennosuke
Fortunately, the camp has been left unmolested, and the two are able to go about their chores in preparation for the evening. As the sun sets, the sky turning darker colors of plum and violet, it finally begins to cool and a warm fire becomes a welcome companion. The afternoon is peaceful, and again it is like there are no other animals or humans in the park with them.

Frank and Jenn get their fire going, the logs they collected finally taking light from the gutting tinder, and the air becomes filled with the homey aroma of wood fire. Once the logs stop putting out black smoke, the two begin cooking the fish Frank had caught. But even over the crackling of the fire, the two can hear the disturbance of a group approaching. Raucous jovial voices, and the sound of trampled thicket grow closer and closer. Jenn and Frank can tell even before the group arrives that they are being descended upon by a group of  kids .

The four that push through the shrubs, walking where no trail has been cleared can't be any older than 18. It's three guys and one girl, all dressed as if they were going to a Christian metal concert rather than camping in a national park. The leader is a lanky kid with a shaved head and pierced ears, whose skin is so pale it reflects the red firelight. He has his arm around the girl, and he leers at Frank and Jenn before giving her a sloppy peck on the cheek. " Told ya I'd find them, " he chuckles at his girl and the two boys behind him, his voice heavy with some form of intoxication, his lids half mast and puffy over scorched red eyes. He's got a heavy midwestern accent that reeks with the stench of Hoosier, and when he grins again at Jenn and Frank, you can see he's missing one of his top front teeth.

The girl is a little dumpy, her soft form hidden behind an oversized black T, a camo denim jacket, and oversized jeans taken from a rap video in the 90s. Her eyes are equally bleary red, and she chuckles at her boyfriend's triumphant remarks as if it was a too clever joke. " Way to go Zach, " she giggles, before giving the two an embarrassed smile, " maybe they'll be willing to share their dinner with us. "

" Ya, sorry to interrupt your... romantic evening, but we're awfully hungry and well, we forgot to bring any dinner. " Zach chortles. Then he lifts his free hand, carrying a bright red cooler and adds, " but we got beer... among other things, if you want things. " And this causes him to chuckle all over again.

One of the boys in back steps forward from the shadows. " Oh hey, it's you two, " he says, and Jenn and Frank can see that it's the long haired park ranger they met this morning. Now he's wearing a striped button down, two sizes two big, and has clearly been partaking in the festivities of his companions. " Sorry to barge in on you, " he adds with sincerity and a touch of shame.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

“Oh hey, it’s you,” Jen said to the ranger, completely ignoring the others, “hey listen, what do you know about this crazy looking tree a few hours hike over that way? There were about a million black birds in and  around it, and the craziest thing, someone had gathered all the bones of like hundreds of little animals , other birds, mice, squirrels, and cats and piled them in little stacks all around.  Freaked me the F out.  Do you have any idea what that’s about?”
Bennosuke
Zach speaks up before his ranger pal can reply. " That's wicked, " he chuckles, nodding his head in excitement, " You're not yankin' my chain, are you mam? " He seems genuinely excited by Jenn's story. His exclamation causes his girlfriend and the other kid to give whooping cheers of excitement.

Mitch, the ranger from this morning steps forward and with a touch of both confusion and concern says, " You mean The Crone? I'm... I'm not really sure I know what you mean. I've seen some birds up in the old oak tree, but a million black birds? And animal bones everywhere? I... well that's... kinda crazy sounding, no offense. "

(OOC: Feel free to give me Composure + Empathy)
Thundercracker
 Jen 

“Yeah, it was totally crazy, freaked me the F out,” Jen replied.

 
 Spoiler 
composure -1(?):  (2d10)[ 8 ][ 3 ](11) 
10 again:  (2d10)[ 2 ][ 9 ](11) 
 
Daishain
Frank sighs as the others approach. Right when things were looking up again... Looks like a couple of delinquents pressured the ranger kid into taking them out here, and from the looks of it he knew this wouldn't go well.

He's grateful to Jen for taking the conversation in a different direction. He was inclined to send the lot packing, but that could cause even more trouble than feeding the pack and keeping an eye on them.

As doubt is expressed about what was seen at the Crone, he fished out his phone and pulls up the pictures he took.
Bennosuke
As far as Jenn can tell, Ranger Mitch is being sincere. He sounds surprised and perplexed as he replies, " Well... that sounds pretty crazy. If it's alright, I'll check it out first thing in the morning. I'm technically supposed to be off, " this causes his companions to chuckle, " but I'll come back in and me and Ben will go check it out. " But something about Zach's expression seems more curious than concerned.
Daishain
Frank clears his throat,   "Right, with that out of the way, this request of yours. I can't say I'm particularly in the habit of sharing a campsite or hard won food with others just because they didn't think to bring the basics. Do you have some means of shelter for the night? If not, I'd focus on that first, because while we might have enough food, tent space is in short supply. It gets cold out here in a hurry."  
Thundercracker
Jen stayed quiet as she waited to see how the kids responded.
Bennosuke
" Aw, hey man, don't be like that, " Zach says with a sneer, his girlfriend chiming in, " We're really hungry man. "

Mitch does his best to reign his friends in, saying apologetically, " We don't need a place for the night man. We've got our own camp and everything, and if we really needed to, we could just head back to our cars and drive home. We just... well Jason was supposed to be in charge of packing food, and I guess he didn't get the message. " Mitch shoots the third boy a glare, which is met with a playful vitriolic sneer and the middle finger from Jason. He turns back to Frank and says pathetically, " But we are really hungry. "

" Ya man, starving! " Zach says, clutching his stomach in imitation of true pain. Not sure about Frank, he moves to Jenn, giving her his best puppy dog eyes and says, " What do you think? You wouldn't turn away a group of poor starving kids, would you? "
Daishain
Frank looks to Jen with an eyebrow raised, looking for a cue on how okay she is with this. They were annoying, but at the least taking them in for dinner wouldn't mean putting them up for the night.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

Jen gives a sly smirk.

“Wellll, I think if  Jason  was supposed to bring the food and he didn’t, it wouldn’t really be fair for us to bail him out like that, no consequences,” Jen said, looking at the other kids, “a mistake like that needs to be paid for, don’t you think?”

“Something like, stripping down to his boxers and singing the national anthem, would that be a fair punishment?” she asked.

She grinned.
Daishain
Frank's lips twitch up a bit in amusement. Then he looks to Jason to see his reaction.
Bennosuke
Jason's eye twitches at Jenn's suggestion. The kid looks like he's a high school or collegiate wrestler; all muscles, and no neck. He's got a beany on, and is probably wearing back eye liner. He starts to protest, but before he can get anything meaningful out, Zach chimes up, clapping his hands together. " Yes, " he announces with excitement, " I couldn't agree more! It's only fair to us... and Jason! " The girl cheers on this idea as well, though Mitch says nothing.

" No man, " Jason growls, " that's not fair! Come one! It's not my fault... I mean... well that's not fair! " His protests turn into pleas, but Zach and his girlfriend Lydia are merciless, and begin chanting for him to strip and sing, " Do it! Do it! DOOOO IIIIIT! "

" ****, fine! " the boy shouts in defeat, his hands shaking with anger. He reaches down and unbuckles his black studded belt, dropping his dark stretch jeans to reveal yellowed tighty whities, before throwing off his black leather biker jacket and white wife beater. Standing with his hands about his ankles, face flushed with equal parts anger and embarrassment, Jason begins to sing the National Anthem; his voice cracking hard anytime he hits a high note. By the end of the performance, he's shivering in the cold evening air, his hands clutched in front of his crotch to protect his... modesty. " Happy? " he asks, voice almost breaking into a sob, lined eyes still narrowed with anger.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs  

“No no, start lower!” Jen yelled as he started singing, but it was too late.  After his voice cracked the first time she started feeling bad and joined in to sing the rest of it together.

“Happy? Well, you won’t be singing for the Chiefs anytime soon, but I guess it’s good enough for dinner,” she said, “pull up some dirt.  We’re gonna need more wood too if we’ve got more people; anyone want to volunteer to go foraging?”

She looked at the other kids.
Bennosuke
Zach and his girlfriend hoot and jeer while Jason does his best. Mitch just stands there looking uncomfortable. But when Jenn joins in, the group's mocking quickly gives way and Mitch, then the other two join in as well, the entire group (plus or minus Frank) crooning the ending to the National Anthem together.

At the end, Jason quickly starts pulling his pants back up, hands fumbling as he zips up and buckles his belt while Jenn speaks. His face is still flush with embarrassment, but he grins when Zach swoops in to pat him hard on the back with a chuckle.

Jenn finishes her statement, and with an arm still around his half naked companion, Zack salutes her and replies, " Aye aye captain, " He turns back to his girlfriend, lips pulling back into a snaggle toothed smile as he gives her a wink, before turning back and replying, " Lydia and I can do the foraging. We'll bring back some great firewood, since y'all are kind enough to share your dinner with us. Much obliged. Mitch, you can stay here with Jason and warm yourselves by the fire. " He turns his somehow charming grin back to Jenn and Frank and adds, " But is there any chance you wouldn't mind sharing a few beers with us? "
Daishain
Frank simply states,   "Maybe, lets get things set up though. We need some more seating. There's a log over that away that would do pretty well, but I'll need a few hands to move it. Mitch and Jason, if you wouldn't mind helping. Jenn, if you could rummage through and get out the rest of the potatoes? Just wrap them up in foil like the other two and set them all next to the fire, just barely not touching the flames. Those things take a while to cook."  
Bennosuke
" Sir yes sir, " Zach says snotily as he turns to give Frank a salute. He gives the man a big fake grin and says, " Lydia and I will be back with some firewood, and then when we get back, we'll definitely need to quench our thirst with some beer... after all that hard work and all. " Without waiting for a reply, he winds up and gives his girlfriend a hearty spank on the tush, causing her to shriek in surprise before breaking out into a fit of giggles. With playful groping hands he chases Lydia off into the dark.

The moment they are gone, Mitch steps forward, brushing his long hair out of his eyes before apologizing, " I'm sorry about this you guys. Thanks for being so cool. Jason and I will help with the log if you like, just lead the way. " Jason falls in line with Zach gone, and the two do their best to help out with the work and dinner preparation anyway they can.

Unless you want to do anything further, I can move things on to dinner.
Daishain
As Zach leaves and Mitch apologizes, Frank looks to him,   "I understand. But if this sort of thing is common, you may wish to speak with Zach when the time is right. He's not acting like much of a friend."  

He doesn't say anything else on the matter as he points the way to the log he'd seen earlier. A mid sized length of pine, not too much rot, not too heavy to move, still big enough to serve as a decent seat.
Bennosuke
Mitch shrugs, clearly uncomfortable with the situation and replies, " Eh, he's not that bad. He just... likes to have fun by being a bit of an *******, if you know what I mean. "

Later, the group is sitting around the campfire eating dinner. The temperature has dropped by now a good 10-15 degrees, and while not cold, the heat of the roaring fire is very welcome. The previously raucous teenagers have quieted down a bit as they tuck into their food. As he is finishing up his portion of fish and baked potato, Zach looks up with a grin and reaches into his pocket to pull out a small glass pipe. The smell of marijuana can immediately be appreciated over the smoke of the firewood. " Anyone up for a little fun, " he asks with a mischievous **** eating grin, " Let's smoke and tell some...  scaaaary storieeees ! "
Daishain
Frank decides to ignore the weed. He always thought the laws against its use were bogus, but that didn't mean he wanted to partake.

As the activity is suggested he shrugs,   "Sure, I have a few good ones in store. Who wants to start?"  
Thundercracker
Jen just focuses on eating and cleaning up; no need to be swarmed by racoons and who knows what else in the middle of the night.
Bennosuke
Zach lights a purple bic lighter and takes a long pull of the pipe, the tiny flame flickering in a pale comparison to the campfire. He coughs after exhaling a heavy cloud of black pungent smoke. Grinning while still trying to get his breath back he says, " Why don't we start with the most appropriate one? " He raises an eyebrow at Lydia, whose own grin widens before she stares knowingly at Jenn and Frank. Mitch gives him a dirty look but does not say anything until Zach adds, " Let's tell the story of The Wytch of Lytchwood Park! "

" Cut it out Zach, " Mitch growls. But Zach just sits there grinning, eyes turning red as he studies Frank and Jenn, trying to read their faces.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

"Ooh, that sounds like fun," Jen said as she cracked open another beer, "let's hear it."
Daishain
Frank sips at his own drink, he has no particular intention of dulling his senses with this sketchy teenager around. Although this story might be interesting.
Bennosuke
Mitch rolls his eyes an makes a frustrated sigh but says nothing. Zach gives him a rueful sneer and then passes him the pipe. Turning back to the rest of the group he says, " Right, the Wytch! Well rumor has it that there's this woman monster that lives in these woods. Some people say she's always been here, while others say she was a preacher's wife when the settlers first got here, ya know, and that she was lured off by the devil or something. " Mitch takes a hit of the pipe, coughing loudly and forcing Zach to pause momentarily to wait for silence. He pats Mitch on the back a few times as the young park ranger fights to regain control of his airway. Once Mitch is better, he continues, " Anyway, none of that really matters. You see, though no one talks about it, the ignorant white trash Hoosiers of this town much all believe in her. Ever since I was a little kid it was always,  behave or we'll take you out to Lytchwood and feed you to the Wytch , right? " Zach looks to the others for affirmation. Lydia and Jason nod their heads in knowing agreement.

Mitch shrugs his shoulders apologetically and inserts, " I'm not from Salem. We only moved here a couple of years ago, " which causes Zach to snicker.

" But it's more than that, " the ring leader continues, " no one will admit it, but it's like, well the people of this town  really  believe in her. They like, worship her or something; not in a church or anything, but there's kinda this rumor that she's got all these crazy powers and can grant wishes, or favors or something. My uncle says that if you leave her something to eat, like your cat or something, she'll help you out. Like ya got a big test coming up? Leave her little Fluffy out at the Crone oak tree and you'll ace it. Oh yeah, and like a bunch of people think she lives in that giant tree, hence the name The Crone. " Zach pauses, locking turning his attention just to Frank and Jenn, the grin slinking off his face to leave an expression of hesitance and concern. " That's why I figured you had to hear this story, because like, you said you found a bunch of animal skeletons out there, right? "
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

"I dunno man, there were a _lot_ of bones out there," Jen replied, "and the birds were acting weird too.  It was freaky."

She shuddered as she recalled the odd tree and the bones, and birds.
Daishain
Frank's eyebrow rises a bit,   "That would certainly explain a few things. Based on the numbers this had to have been going on for a long time."  
Bennosuke
" That's the thing, " Zach says excitedly, " you're whole story doesn't make sense, see? " He grins at the two, and now his eyes are almost red in the firelight. " I've been to the tree many times man, we were just there last weekend. No bones. How did so many get out there in just a week? " His words were filled with excitement, like he believed in everything he had said, and everything Jenn and Frank had said, and was on the verge of cracking some unsolved mystery. Leaning forward, almost to the point where the fire should be singing his face, Zach continues, " And even if someone had brought all those animals out there in one week, how did they all get.. kept there. Like why didn't all the cats and rats or whatever it was you saw just scamper off? "
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

"Got me man," Jen said as she took another swig of beer, "maybe the tree ate them."

"Damn, wish I packed some s'mores..." she said.
Daishain
Frank figures the kid was trying to mess with them by saying the bones weren't there before and shrugs,   "Welp, I'll take local superstitions and some dead pets over some of the other theories that popped into my head. I was kind of thinking we'd might have stumbled into a 'The hills have eyes' situation."  
Bennosuke
" Hills have eyes? " Zach asks scornfully, the pipe finally having found its way back to him. He lights it again and takes another puff, adding, " Hey man, we're not all just dumb hicks out here or whatever. I mean, our parents are all crazy or whatever, but we're not just inbred hillbillies. "

Jason chuckles at this, but after his laugh the grin recedes from his face. In dead seriousness he says, " Nah man, Zach's right. But people round here believe in The Wytch, that's for sure. I got a friend who says his dad is even part of some Church group that's dedicated to tracking her in this forest, and making sure she can't leave. I heard she's also a shape shifter, and would prefer to heat humans if she could! " He's wide eyed, and dead serious, if not a little too high.
Daishain
Frank shrugs again,   "Didn't think you were like that, but you got to admit, so many hoosiers in one place does make it seem more likely for there to be a bunch of inbred hillbillies hiding in the woods nearby. Every town has its rejects."

"Anyways, sounds kind of like this myth might have common roots in an old Native American story I heard about. Skatega... Skade... something, not sure how to pronounce it. Ghosts of evil magic users that refuse to stay dead, and rise at night to kill, eat, and throw curses. Only way to get rid of them is to find and destroy their bodies with fire."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Skadegamutc if anyone's curious about where I got that, the "ghost witches" of the Wabanaki native americans. Probably entirely unrelated to what Benno had in mind but still...
 
Bennosuke
" Bad ass! " Jason says under his breath, the whites of his eyes almost completely replaced with red.

Zach simply sits there, nodding his head as if he already knew the story. But his girlfriend mistakes the look for concern, and making her hands into claws Lydia turns on Zach cackling, " What, are you scared now or something? " She grabs him by both shoulders and giggles joyfully.

" Hey, cut it out babe, " he says with annoyance, though he gives her a big smirk to show he's not scared. Turning to Fred he says, " You think they're the same thing? Does this Skade mother grant wishes or whatever? "
Daishain
Frank shakes his head at the question,   "Not that I know of, but I don't remember them being tied to a tree either. Maybe the legend changed."   He grins then,   "Or maybe the spirit is trapped, unable to act freely, and using the promise of false wishes to get what it wants."  
Bennosuke
Zach shrugs and starts to speak, but before he can, Jason excitedly blurts, " That makes total sense. My uh, friend's dad, he said that they trapped it somehow in the forest. He didn't say anything exactly about that it being in the tree... but like wouldn't that be crazy? "

Zach's scowl at being spoken over melts away into a charming yet mischievous grin. " Well then, maybe we'd be doing the town a service by cutting the ****er down, right? Or maybe light it on fire? Wouldn't we be the heroes then? " The suggestion causes Lydia to giggle, and he leans over to start sticking his tongue down her throat.

" Cut it out man, " Mitch blurts out, clearly irritated by the suggestion. However, Zach seems suddenly too busy to argue, or even to pay attention to his buddy.
Daishain
Frank shakes his head,   "Sounds like a good way to get arrested for arson, or maybe pecked to death by a murder of crows. Those suckers looked mean. Anyways, enough about the Wytch I think. Ever heard of the legend of Three Sister's Road? Its an old tale from Nebraska about betrayal and revenge."   If the teens don't interrupt him, Frank tells the story as best he recalls.
Bennosuke
The teenagers don't do anything to interrupt Frank, though Lydia breaks away from Zach, suddenly curious about the new ghost story, much to the young man's chagrin. As Frank begins, the three teenagers listen with excited interest.

(OOC: Not to drag things on, as I think we are getting ready to end the night/scene, but I think for fun, why don't you give me a Presence + Expression roll for this, take a +1 for good measure)
Bennosuke
Though it's not the greatest story ever told, Frank keeps the three teens focused as he tells his story about...  The Legend of Three Sister's Road!  When it's over, Zach chuckles and throws an empty beer can over his shoulder and announces, " Well ****, not bad not bad. " He pulls Lydia into him, and gives her an evil looking face. " Hope that didn't scare you too much babe, " he says in a voice meant to sound like Vincent Price. He plants a big wet one on Lydia who turns half jokingly away from his kiss.

Zach stumbles to his feet, and shakes his head out. " **** guys, I think it's time to head back to the camp site. " He grins at Frank and Jen and says, " unless you want us to join you two lovebirds, " before making kissy faces at the two.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs  

“Nope,” Jen replied, “I dragged my butt all the way out here to pitch my tent and sleep in it, and that’s what I’m gonna do.”
Bennosuke
" Very well then, " Zach says with a dramatic shrug. He offers Lydia a hand to help her rise and playfully says, " My lady, " She takes his hand, stumbling as well but falling into his arms. The two snog for a moment as Jason and Mitch roll their eyes, and all in all it takes another five to ten minutes before the four young adults stagger away from the campfire, fading into the dark night forest like a bad dream.

The following morning comes on as if the incursion of Zach, Lydia, Mitch, and Jason was a bad dream. As sun streams in through the branches of the trees, the sound of birds chirping from somewhere above trickles into the camp. The camp fire has completely gutted, and there are still plenty of empty and crushed beer cans scattered around, mostly left by Zach and the others.
Daishain
Frank rubs his eyes as he gets up, looking to Jen as she crawls out of her tent.   "Mornin', hope you slept well."

"Did you want to try and snag a deer this morning? If so we need to get moving right away."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Frank rubs his eyes as he gets up, looking to Jen as she crawls out of her tent.   "Mornin', hope you slept well."

"Did you want to try and snag a deer this morning? If so we need to get moving right away."   
 

 Jen Gibbs 

"Yes, why don't you get everything ready for hunting and, let me clean up the campsite a bit first, nothing like coming back to a dozen beer cans all over the place," Jen said.

"You know, for an attempt at getting away from people, we sure have seemed to attract a lot of them.  First that hunter with no clue how to hunt, and then those kids last night eating our dinner," she added.
Daishain
Frank shrugs, that arrangement seemed fine with him. He gets out the rifle cases, opening them up for one last check. He'd thoroughly cleaned them before they ever came out here, and they should be flawless, but he liked being meticulous with his tools. Soon enough he has everything gathered that he thinks they'll need, including the camouflaged tarp that he liked to use as a quick blind that goes anywhere.
Bennosuke
By the time the two are ready, it is almost half past eight, and the sun has fully illuminated the sky. Frank and Jenn head out, carrying their rifles and gear. The forest was already wide awake, and unlike the day prior, the woods are filled with the sound of animals rushing through the brush and bird chirping high up in the tree tops. The tension of the evening's incursion with the local teenagers is almost immediately forgotten as the two hike through the forest, looking for a good place to set up "camp".

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Sorry for the delay. I want to minimized the crunch here, but I think this will be best served with an extended action of sorts. I think a Wits/Dex + Survival/Firearms roll would make the most sense here, and you can use your better stat for the attribute and skill options. Each roll counts as an hour. Goal will be 6 successes for a normal deer, but 10 if you choose to hunt rare black stag (please specify).

While the rolls can mostly be done in the OOC thread, I'm also going to ask that along with choosing your target first, that one of you give me an IC post describing where you decide to set up your gear ect.
 
Thundercracker
Jen followed Frank's lead in finding a decent spot to hunt from, and helped set up the tarp to create a blind before checking her rifle and settling in to wait.
Daishain
Frank sets out as soon as they're ready. Most deer hunters would insist they're heading out far too late, but honestly being in place before dawn always seemed excessive. He heads first for the lake, and has them set up a bit away from the deer trail they'd discovered yesterday. Chances are it was used somewhat frequently for the other deer to come and get water.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
It actually ends up being the same number of dice regardless of the available combinations, but I think wits/survival is closer to the flavor... and I think Frank and Jenn would agree to leave the magnificent one be.
wits+ survival hour 1  (5d10)[ 5 ][ 5 ][ 1 ][ 3 ][ 1 ](15) 
ten again  (5d10)[ 7 ][ 1 ][ 2 ][ 8 ][ 10 ](28) 

wits+ survival hour 2  (5d10)[ 4 ][ 8 ][ 1 ][ 1 ][ 2 ](16) 
ten again  (5d10)[ 1 ][ 2 ][ 7 ][ 4 ][ 9 ](23) 

wits+ survival hour 3  (5d10)[ 9 ][ 8 ][ 8 ][ 9 ][ 6 ](40) 
ten again  (5d10)[ 10 ][ 10 ][ 7 ][ 9 ][ 5 ](41) 
 
Bennosuke
The two make camp by the lake, bundling up at the tree line so that they have a wide view of the clearing and the muddy grass that leads up to the expansive body of water. They scent the immediate area with a packet of doe urine that Frank had brought, the smell is pungent. By it's very nature, hunting was a sport of patience, and it's almost a two hour wait before a good sized buck saunters out of the clearing. The lithe animal has a short pelt of light brown that almost shines in the morning sun, and a pair of blooming antlers crown its mantle. The deer is maybe a hundred yards away, and as it exits the forest, it stops to look both ways like a child at a crosswalk. Head to the sky, sniffing at the morning air, the buck decides there is no danger and pads over to the water's edge to take a drink.

Frank is still taking sight, when Jen's rifle fires, blasting a small cloud of grey powder into the air. The buck twitches sideways, stumbling against the impact of the rifle shell. It sways but does not go over, instead turning away from the water on shaking thin legs to flee back into the cover of the forest. The buck takes several unstable steps across the mud, but as it tries to gain speed it's legs give out and the deer falls neck and flank first into the grass.

(OOC: Giving Jen the credit for TC's excellent number of successes in the first two rolls)
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

Jen waited for the echo of the shot to fade away, then checked her rifle's safety before slinging it over her shoulder.
"That's dinner for the trip," she said, "c'mon, let's get over there and make sure it's down for good."
Bennosuke
Jen and Frank begin racing across the clearing towards the struggling buck. As they come out into the open, it seems to see them, and fumbles back onto all four hooves, though one of them seems to be moving badly. The buck begins limping back towards the forest, almost dragging the left front leg as it crashes back into the brush. The deer was clearly badly wounded though, and was leaving behind a trail of churned up dirt and a splattering of dark red blood on the slick wet grasses.

(OOC: Of course, Wits + Survival + 1 for both of you please. Goal 3 successes)
Daishain
Frank nods as Jen makes the shot,   "Good hit, lets put it the rest of the way down."  

He safeties and shoulders his own rifle, and moves up towards the trail left by the buck, determined to reach it swiftly and end the creature's pain.

On catching up, he would approach from the sides to avoid any last ditch kicking and use a long bladed knife to try and pierce the heart.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
wits+survival+1  (6d10)[ 5 ][ 4 ][ 2 ][ 8 ][ 5 ][ 3 ](27) 
 
Thundercracker
"Careful," Jen said.
Getting up close to a wounded animal with just a knife could always be unpredictable.
Bennosuke
(OOC: Unless someone wants to try with a willpower, I only count two successes.)

Jen and Frank hurriedly begin to follow the trail of spattered blood and muddy hoof prints. At first it is easy to keep on the trail, and based on how bad the deer had been hit it seemed like it could not have gone far. But soon the two find themselves deep within the woods with no sign of the deer's tracks.

The woods here are darker, the branches clawing today to block out the midday sun; thin spidery white trees all somehow almost bereft of leaves. No other part of the forest has been like this. Frank and Jen find themselves standing at the edge of a ravine that must be almost twenty feet deep. Below the mudslide and bramble of tree roots, the river rushes at a furious pace, roaring loud enough to drown out the chirps of the birds, loud enough to drown out almost all other sounds.

As the two shuffle around the edge of the ravine, looking for a sign of the deer, they come across a thin but definite trail of animal bones. The line of crushed skulls and spindly femurs seems to fade back into the forest, but swells to a collected pile at the lip of the ravine, ending where it appears a tree trunk had once been used to cross the river. The trunk now rests precariously at a diagonal stuck in the middle of the rushing creek.

(OOC: Feel free to take an Int + survival roll along with anything else you want to do)
Thundercracker
Jen pulled out her phone and took some photos of the trail of bones and the pile, along with the fallen tree and the ravine.  The next time someone questioned whether something weird was going on, she’d be ready.

“I don’t think it came this way,” she said loudly over the sound of rushing water.

 
 Spoiler 
 int+ survival:  (3d10)[ 3 ][ 2 ][ 3 ](8) 
10 again:  (3d10)[ 2 ][ 6 ][ 1 ](9) 
 
Bennosuke
There is not much more Jen can gather from looking around. It is hard for her to tell how long the tree trunk had been like that, and how long the bones had been there. As she snaps pictures with her phone, her mind races over what could be happening.
Daishain
Frank looks confused,   "How the hell did we lose that trail? That buck was floundering like a fish on land."  

On seeing the bones he shakes his head,   "And even more weirdness with the bones."   He looks around, thinking of the last place they saw the trail and how to backtrack.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
int+survival  (4d10)[ 9 ][ 5 ][ 8 ][ 10 ](32) 
ten again  (4d10)[ 5 ][ 5 ][ 1 ][ 5 ](16) 
 
Bennosuke
Frank looked down at the trail of bones. The pieces of spine and skull and limb were all the same sorts of animals they had found at the tree. And just like the night before, it seemed that the different yellowing pieces of skeleton had only laid of the forest floor for a short period of time. The dirt underneath was still moist, and did not cling to the bones like it would have if the bones had sunk down with the weight of time. Furthermore, just like the bones from the night before, these had only recently been picked clean; knuckle bones still clung together with spidery ligaments.

It also looked like the tree trunk that was laying in the river below had also relatively recently been moved. Frank could see the streak in the bed where it had been dragged.
Daishain
Frank takes his rifle off of his shoulder slowly, he lowers his voice a bit as he says,   "Whoever messed with the bones and the tree did so recently. Probably earlier today. Lets backtrack, see if we can't find that deer trail again. I don't want to be messing around with whatever this is."  
Thundercracker
Jen nodded and followed Frank’s lead.  The situation just seemed odd, and she unslung her rifle, just in case.
Bennosuke
Frank and Jenn turn back the way they came, but somehow nothing looks the same. It has suddenly become much harder to find the deer's trail, which had led them to this ravine. Impossibly, it was getting darker too and it felt like the forest was beginning to close in on the two campers.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
So we are going to continue with the antagonistic mechanic stolen from Changeling here, as Frank and Jenn try to find their way back through the woods. Please both of you roll  Wits + Survival -2 , and your combined successes will be compared to the following roll

 (5d10)[ 6 ][ 8 ][ 3 ][ 6 ][ 2 ](25) 
 
Daishain
Frank tries not to show it, but he's getting increasingly nervous about this place. Perhaps this whole thing was a mistake.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
wits+survival-2  (2d10)[ 2 ][ 1 ](3) 
ten again  (2d10)[ 6 ][ 4 ](10) 
 
Bennosuke
The two walk as quickly as they can away from the ravine and the trail of animal bones. It had been a little before midday when they had entered the woods to track down the wounded deer, but somehow as they march on, the sky seems to darken above the forest canopy. Anxiety stalks the two through the woods like a demon hunter. Nothing seems familiar, and it becomes undeniable that Frank and Jenn are lost in the dark forest. Stars become visible bleeding between the branches, but even their light is strangled and unhelpful.

Suddenly, almost maddeningly even, the two campers find themselves back at the ravine. Not only are the two back at the ravine, but back at the long thin trail of bones! Jenn and Frank have only a moment to ponder what is happening, standing at the lip of the ravine and looking down at the fallen tree trunk, when the ground under them erodes with a sudden  boom . The forest floor gives out and Frank and Jenn find themselves tumbling down fast and hard, rolling into the ravine with the rocks and soil and clods of dirt.

(OOC: I rolled for both Frank and Jenn, but Frank has failed his Stamina + Athletics roll and falls hard. He can either take the Arm Wracked, or the Leg Wracked Tilt. Up to you Daishain)

Jenn and Frank are thrown into the ravine, collapsed at the water's edge. The walls of the ravine are steep and the soil too soft to climb. However, the earth on the other side of the ravine seems to rise more gently, and may be more easily ascended.
Thundercracker
Jen tried to keep her arms and legs from tangling on anything as they fell, then when they hit the bottom she stopped for a moment, then checked herself over to see if anything was broken.  Next she reflexively checked the barrel of her weapon to make sure it was clear as training took over.

“You okay?” she asked into the gloom.

She couldn’t exactly see where Frank was and hoped to follow the sound of his voice.
Daishain
Frank groans a bit in answer, then winces in pain as he tries to push himself up.   "Wrist's hurt pretty bad, one sec."   He pokes and prods at himself for a bit before continuing.   "Bad sprain I think, not broken. Still, going to be one handed for a while."   He gingerly stands and looks for his rifle, hoping it wasn't damaged in the fall. He'd have a hard time holding it now, but still...

  "What in the bloody hells is wrong with me Jenn? I haven't gotten lost like that since I was a little kid in the scouts. And apparently losing track of time too... Am I just going nuts?"  
Thundercracker
“Something weird is going on, let’s follow this ravine, it used to be a stream at one point right? Has to lead somewhere.”
Bennosuke
Jenn and Frank follow the ravine, marching along the nearside bank as the river rushes at a furious pace. They leave behind the fallen log that had clearly been used as a bridge at some point, trudging through soft dirt and pockets of mud, trying their best to keep to the most firm land. The two march along the ravine as it twists this way and that... but impossibly, as Frank and Jenn round the next bend, they come back upon the what is almost certainly the same fallen tree trunk resting diagonally across the river.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

Jen stopped and stared at the tree trunk, then she walked up to it and carved a large letter J in the side with a knife.

“No way that’s the same tree, water can’t run downhill in a circle,” she said, “let’s keep going.”
Daishain
Frank is frowning as they come on the site of the tree bridge again. Surely it couldn't be the same, but the more he looked the harder it was to find a difference in the scene...

While Jenn carved up the stump, he took advantage of the brief stop to take a sling out of his first aid kit, binding up his arm so it would be more comfortable.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Frank is frowning as they come on the site of the tree bridge again. Surely it couldn't be the same, but the more he looked the harder it was to find a difference in the scene...

While Jenn carved up the stump, he took advantage of the brief stop to take a sling out of his first aid kit, binding up his arm so it would be more comfortable. 
 

Jen helped Frank fashion a sling, which is infinitely easier to do with more than one hand.
Bennosuke
By the time Jenn finishes helping Frank with his injured arm, the sky has somehow darkened as if it were dusk, though it is hard to see the sky above through the thick forest canopy. Above the constant whirring of the river a voice calls out. Perhaps it is too dark to see that far, but it sounds like the voice is coming from the other side of the ravine. " Hello? " the voice calls out high and strained and... strange, " Help? " The voice sounds a little distant, but it is so hard to pinpoint in the darkness, and with the roar of the river right next to you.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

“Hello?” Jen called as she attempted to figure out where the voice was coming from.  She tried to find an easy spot to clamber out of the ravine from.
Bennosuke
There is a pause after Jen calls out... when the air is only filled by the rushing of the stream. Then she is answered, the scared strained voice perhaps slightly farther away, " Hello? Please help? Hello? "
Thundercracker
Jen looked around to see if she could spot the source of the voice, then whether there was a way to cross the stream safely to get to the other side.  Her thought was to get a better view from the top of the ravine.
Daishain
Frank calls out,   "Where are you? Are you injured?"  
Bennosuke
As Jen studies her surroundings, anxiety beginning to claw at the back of her neck, it appears that the most straightforward means of getting across the river would be by shifting the the tree trunk. It's base and roots still rest on this side of the ravine, and it looks like at some point it had lain straight across the river, though maybe the current had shifted it to lay at a diagonal not fully reaching the other side.

As Jen ponders this, Frank calls out again. The voice replies, still across the river but closer now, it's source still out of sight. " Help! Hello? Here, come here! " the voice sounds strained and desperate.
Daishain
Frank frowns, this was seeming... off, whoever was calling out was responding oddly. He calls out again,   "Are you injured? Can you move?"  

He walks up to the tree trunk and pushes it with his boot, trying to gauge how difficult it would be to shift back into position.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

Jen puts out a hand and stops Frank as he approaches the tree.  Something about the voice seems off.

“Wait, who says ‘come here’ when they’re injured?” Jen asked, “somethings not right.”
Bennosuke
When Frank checks the tree trunk, it slides easily in the silt of the riverbed. In fact, he finds that there might be a track from which the tree trunk had slid through from a previous position that likely would have gone directly across from bank to bank.

But Jen speaks to Frank, he gets no reply from the mystery voice... or maybe the voice is just too far off and all Frank can hear is a desperate call drowned out by the flowing river and a gust of wind.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

"Where are you?" Jen called out.

She motioned for Frank to stay quiet, and unslung her rifle.  The expression on her face was one of extreme suspicion as she strained her ears for a reply.
Daishain
Frank nods, suspicious of this whole thing as well, and glad that it wasn't just the pain in his arm making him paranoid.
Bennosuke
Perhaps Frank's suspicion was correct about the person calling moving farther away. There was no reply when Jen called out this time, even when the stream quieted, there was no reply to Jen's calling.
Daishain
Frank looks to Jen and shrugs,   "Either their sense of direction is terrible, or they didn't need help after all. Okay, this trunk can be moved back into position, but if it slid before, it probably will again, I'm not sure we can trust it to stay put, and I'm going to have a hard time swimming like this. I'm thinking we could take it the other way though, pull it on around and climb it to get back up the bank to where we came from. Less chance of getting even more lost that way... I think."

"We've got a fair bit of rope, I think we can probably find a branch and use that to haul up one end. Sound like a plan?"  
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs  

“Works for me,” Jen replied, “what do you want me to do?”
Daishain
Frank tilts his head,   "First bit would be to haul that thing the rest of the way to this side of the water. Are you comfortable climbing out a few feet to get the rope looped around the trunk?"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Frank's plan, roughly speaking:
-Jen climbs out on the log just enough to be able to loop the rope around the big log.
-Use said rope, and probably a tree, Jen and Frank work together to pull the thing so its entirely on the near shore.
-roll the log into a good position near the ravine wall they fell down
-Weight the rope, toss it over an appropriately placed tree branch, then retie it around the thin end of the log
-Use the rope to haul the thin end up until its resting up against the ravine wall
-Jenn should then be able to climb up out of the ravine, using both the log and the rope.
-While at the top, she should be in a good position to help Frank do the same in spite of his arm

Of course, none of this is helpful if the ravine wall is too high for the log to reach, and/or the log is too heavy to be moved by two people even with good leverage...

Plan B would involve basically skipping to step 4, and instead using the rope to try and bodily lift one of them up without the log. Should be able to at least provide enough lift to make it much easier to climb. Easier setup, tougher actual climb...
 
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

"Eh, I think I can handle it," Jen replied as she attempted to visualize what Karl was suggesting and exactly how she was going to pull it off.
Bennosuke
Jen sets out, following Franks' instructions, struggling to bring the log onto the river bank.

(OOC: Let's keep it simple. Jen is primary and Frank is secondary. Please give me a Str + Stamina roll at -2 each. I believe the Arm Wracked Tilt applies an additional -3 modifier for Frank but I'm away from book at the moment. Any successes for Frank add more dice to Jen's pool. And don't forget about the ability to add 3d10 with a WP)
Daishain
Frank sets himself to pull as best he can, using his body and legs.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Str+stam-2  (4d10)[ 8 ][ 10 ][ 9 ][ 10 ](37) 
ten again  (4d10)[ 9 ][ 8 ][ 2 ][ 2 ](21) 
 
Bennosuke
The going is slow at first, and Jen almost loses her footing as she climbs out onto the wet log. Her boot slides out from under her on the slick, almost slimy bark, and there is a moment of near instant terror where she can feel herself going over and into the river.

Fortunately, calamity is avoided and Jen is able to catch herself, before completing the task of tying the rope to the tree's spear-like end. After this, it is mostly Frank's patient instruction that gets the two through the lengthy task of pulling it out of the river and onto the muddy bank. Then they must lever the tree trunk up against the ravine wall, struggling to get the rope over a nearby overhanging branch. It takes several throws before they successfully get the rope over and taught. It's exhausting work playing tug of war to get the tree branch up against the ravine, creating a makeshift ladder, and by the time the work is complete, both Jen and Frank are exhausted, stained with sweat and spattered with mud. By now all light has gone out of the sky, and the two are forced to use flashlights as their source of light. The rush of the nearby river has become comforting, a constant in the otherwise unknowable and near impenetrable darkness. Then Jen begins the laborious process of climbing up the tree trunk, going limb over limb with her weighted camping pack, till she can finally pull herself up and over onto the forest floor above the ravine.

But something changes when Jen finally makes it; the forest goes completely silent. Even the constant roar of the water on rocks goes mute. Her flashlight shines down on Frank, but he seems so so far away. Down in the ravine, Frank can see his companion standing up above, her lit flashlight creating a yellow and charcoal silhouette against the blackness. If either calls out to the other, the sound is terribly distant, and warped, like an echo bouncing off of a cave wall. Jen still has the rope and can begin the process of pulling Frank up, if she so desires.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

" What the... " Jen thought as she pulled on the rope.
She repeated the curse like a mantra as she tried to get Frank up and out of the ravine as quickly as possible.

Something was wrong.  Something was definitely very wrong.  Had she accidentally been slipped some drugs or something? Was there something in the air?
Bennosuke
Between Jen and Frank's effort, there is no significant difficulty in pulling the man up out of the ravine. When Frank struggles to the top, he is greeted by the same eerie silence. It is near completely dark, but you realize as you look around that somehow you are not on the same bank of the ravine that you were when you first feel in. The trees here are too low and more tightly packed. The forest is almost claustrophobic here, strangling inward. But there is a trail, a narrow sort of path that might have been created by an animal or perhaps an old stream.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Between Jen and Frank's effort, there is no significant difficulty in pulling the man up out of the ravine. When Frank struggles to the top, he is greeted by the same eerie silence. It is near completely dark, but you realize as you look around that somehow you are not on the same bank of the ravine that you were when you first feel in. The trees here are too low and more tightly packed. The forest is almost claustrophobic here, strangling inward. But there is a trail, a narrow sort of path that might have been created by an animal or perhaps an old stream. 
 

“Weird,” Jen said, “that tree looks almost exactly like the other one.  Is it me, or is it hard to hear the river from up here?”
Daishain
Frank shakes his head,   "Not just you, this is definitely weird. All right, so we need to get our bearings again, or at least find someplace with shelter. There's a couple of distinct mountains we should be able to see from anywhere in the park given a clear view, if we can get to where they're visible, we'll be able to place ourselves on the map."  
Bennosuke
As Frank raises his flashlight up towards the skyline looking for mountains, his beam falls upon the something tangled in one of the nearby trees.  Is it bones?  From afar it looks like a small figure maybe made out of tied together sticks... or something.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

"Okay, I don't want to know what that is," Jen said, "let's just get out of here."

She ignored the figure and kept looking for mountains, or any landmark aside from the nearby trees.
Daishain
Frank mutters as he keeps moving,   "Looks like some sorta fetish to me. More crap related to that witch of the woods thing probably."  
Bennosuke
Jen and Frank start to move cautiously into the forest, desperate to identify any landmark that might help them navigate. But to their dismay, as they keep going, they find a second figure strung up in the trees... then a third... then a fourth. These poppets are mostly in the same form, a two pronged branch strung up in the shape of an upside down Y, crossed on it's longest limb by a single straight branch. These "fetishes" as Frank called them seemed to be appearing more frequently as the duo walked deeper into the forest, and yet nothing was appearing as familiar.

Then the voice returned, this time closer, clearer, " Hello? Are you there? Help! Please help! " There was something jarring, almost grating about the voice of this mystery person; it was high pitched, the words pronounced in a sibilant screeching voice. It made the hairs stand on end, it made one want to run as fast as possible in the opposite direction.
Thundercracker
Jen stopped as she heard the voice call out again.

No way was it the same person from the river... this was some kind of ambush or something.

 She put her back against a tree, crouched, and just looked and listened to see if she could pick up any clues about the voice, if it was masking some other sound perhaps.  The weight of the rifle was comforting in her hands, and she slowly flicked the safety off.
Bennosuke
Jen threw herself against the tree, moving suddenly, her body remembering the thrill of combat. Her eyes search the darkness as she plays her flashlight across the tree line. Her ears pricked to pick up the slightest of noises. She hears nothing but the sound of Frank's breathing, and maybe the rustle of his cloths. She sees nothing... until her flashlight plays on the branches immediately above her head. Strung out in on the tree's gnarled limb are multiple of these wooden fetishes. The strange strung up dolls seem to reach down for Jen, and she can feel her stomach do flips, seeming to reject what she is seeing.

As Jen casts her flashlight about the tree line, she sees that somehow they have come to a part of the forest festooned with thousands of these poppets hanging down from the branches.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

No one person put all of these up; who knows how many people were living in the woods.  Had they stumbled on some kind of weird cult?  If they had, they definitely knew exactly where they were because of their flashlights.

“Hello?” Jen called, trying to get a direction on the voice, “where are you?”
Bennosuke
There is a long pause... silence. Then the strange voice, " Hello? Over here! Please help! " Jen had the mad thought, that it was like someone had taught a goat to speak. The consonants and syllables were all there, but it was as if the sounds had no meaning to the speaker! Jen was fairly certain she could point in the direction the voice had come from.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 There is a long pause... silence. Then the strange voice, " Hello? Over here! Please help! " Jen had the mad thought, that it was like someone had taught a goat to speak. The consonants and syllables were all there, but it was as if the sounds had no meaning to the speaker! Jen was fairly certain she could point in the direction the voice had come from. 
 

“Ok, I’m coming, don’t worry!” Jen called.

She looked up, was there any moonlight or ambient light they could see by?
Bennosuke
The night was somehow pitch black. The trees were not so close together that they should be blocking out the sky, but there was nothing beyond the trees other than a black, lightless, hungry void.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The night was somehow pitch black. The trees were not so close together that they should be blocking out the sky, but there was nothing beyond the trees other than a black, lightless, hungry void. 
 

 Jen Gibbs 

Jen moved to where Frank was and looked around for a good spot to sit and wait in the dark, maybe some undergrowth or something they could hide in.

"Feels like an ambush," Jen whispered, "Long as we're using flashlights, they'll be able to see us from a mile away.  On three we turn off the lights and head over to those bushes, quiet as we can.  We'll wait there until our eyes adjust and see if there's enough light to see well enough to get out of here without turning them on.  OK?"
Daishain
Frank nods, really not liking the idea of hiding in the dark right now, but trusting Jenn's instincts. She was the soldier here after all.
Bennosuke
The two move away from the voice, crouching low till they can find what maybe  feels like  a safe place. No other sounds can be appreciated in the dark as the two move, taking shelter under another tree. The ground here is damp, the soil soft, but dotted with what feels like hundreds of quarter sized slick rubbery prominences. It takes a moment to realize that the forest floor here seems to be covered... no littered with mushrooms.

After several very very long moments, the voice comes again. It's the same voice, but this time it seems to come from somewhere else, " Hello? Please come! I need help! " Another long moment and the voice comes again, but this time from some other part of the forest and this time much closer, much louder, " Please help. Help me! " Impossibly, there were no other sounds in the forest; no crunching of leaves, no foot falls, no sound of someone breathing right behind you, hands reaching out for your neck!

As the two stay still, the voices continue to come, each time from a different direction and a different proximity. Still no sign of anyone else in the forest, other than the voice. But as the chorus comes, first from this way, then that, it becomes harder to remember which way the two came from.  Which way was the ravine? 

It slowly becomes easier to see, though that means maybe being able to see shapes on the ground immediately around you, and dark shapes up to five feet away. Trees surround the two, and it is clear that most of them are strung up like candelabras with the strange stick figures.
Thundercracker
Jen stuffed some of the mushrooms into her pack.  Maybe they were trippy mushrooms and she was actually hallucinating.  Then she grit her teeth and stayed quiet, hoping that if she wasn’t hallucinating, whatever was out there would move away.  If it knew where they were, it would have closed in by now.  If it didn’t, turning on their flashlights would give away their location instantly.  She strained her ears to hear footfalls amid the calls for help.
Bennosuke
In between the please for help, Anna can hear nothing. No foot falls, no breathing, no wind, no animal sounds; NOTHING.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 In between the please for help, Anna can hear nothing. No foot falls, no breathing, no wind, no animal sounds; NOTHING. 
 

Jen tried to get comfortable in the little space they had beneath the bush.  If she was hallucinating it was better to wait it out then try to wander off through the woods in the dark.  Other than that, a bunch of speakers or a drone or something calling for help couldn't actually harm her.  She'd stay awake all night if she had to, until the sun came up and she could see what was out there...
Daishain
Unable to properly hold his rifle, Frank keeps his hand on his knife, and stays close enough to Jenn to feel her presence and avoid separating. This was freakish beyond belief, and the idea that they'd been drugged somehow was seeming more and more likely.
Bennosuke
Complete and utter silence falls over the forest as Jen and Frank bundle together in their little shelter. The crying voice stops out of nowhere, leaving the two campers in near total darkness. Deprived of sight of anything farther than just a few feet, and with a maddening silence falling over them, both Jen and Frank quickly become aware of the scent on the stale night air. It is not overpowering, but the woods are filled with the scent of wet rotting wood. It is like the earth and the trees are all moist with decomposition. With little other stimulus, the scent seems to slowly grow stronger and stronger, as if spores are unavoidably invading their nostrils, filling their lungs, worming deep inside of them.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Complete and utter silence falls over the forest as Jen and Frank bundle together in their little shelter. The crying voice stops out of nowhere, leaving the two campers in near total darkness. Deprived of sight of anything farther than just a few feet, and with a maddening silence falling over them, both Jen and Frank quickly become aware of the scent on the stale night air. It is not overpowering, but the woods are filled with the scent of wet rotting wood. It is like the earth and the trees are all moist with decomposition. With little other stimulus, the scent seems to slowly grow stronger and stronger, as if spores are unavoidably invading their nostrils, filling their lungs, worming deep inside of them. 
 

If both of them were healthy, Jen might consider trying to move away, but with Frank injured, she figured it was probably best to wait until morning.  Then again, if the mushrooms were really what was causing them to hallucinate, it might be a good idea to get away from them.

She tapped Frank on the shoulder and leaned in close so he could easily hear her.

"Stay or go?" she whispered as quietly as she could into his ear.
Daishain
Frank blinks rapidly, trying to clear his head, then whispers back,   "Go I think, anywhere's got to be better than whatever this is, even just sheltering by that river we left. But we need to pick a direction and keep as straight as we can. Wandering in circles isn't going to help."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Frank blinks rapidly, trying to clear his head, then whispers back,   "Go I think, anywhere's got to be better than whatever this is, even just sheltering by that river we left. But we need to pick a direction and keep as straight as we can. Wandering in circles isn't going to help."   
 

"Alright, we're going to have to use the flashlights then, can't walk when it's this dark, we'll both end up injured," Jen replied.

She looked up to try and find any stars to orient herself.  Whether she can find any or not, she'll flick her flashlight on, cast it around quickly to see if anything was nearby, then she started leading them, away from the bushes they'd hid in.
Bennosuke
The two hikers gather their courage and push into the forest, trying their best to choose a direction that takes them back toward the ravine. Their flashlights seem to be their only light, and somehow the pale yellow light seems to die out at Jenn and Frank's feet. The tree line claws at the sky, blocking almost all the star and moonlight, and making it impossible to find any star by which to navigate. In fact, peering upward only forces Jenn's eyes to fall on the strange stick figures hanging from the branches. The poppets seem to stare back at Jenn, their strange angles causing a painful spasm of nausea to claw at her throat and stomach.

Looking up causes Jenn and Frank to almost stumble over the slumped dark figure on the forest floor. A boot hits the soft heavy body crumpled in a heap. Even in the darkness you can make out a broken human shape, head arms and legs.

The voice returns, " Hello? Anyone? Hello! HEEEELLLLLOOOOO!!! " ringing out; echoing loud enough to fill the entire park with it's inhuman screech.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

"Cover me," Jen said.  She fully suspected this thing could be a trap but she couldn't simply leave a potentially injured person in the middle of the forest without at least checking them first.

She knelt down by the body and inspected it with her flashlight alone, without turning it over, to try and get an idea of the extent of the injuries.  That damn disembodied voice was going to drive her crazy soon; she did her best to block it out.

 
 Spoiler 
wits + medicine(?):  (3d10)[ 9 ][ 3 ][ 5 ](17) 
10 again: (3d10)[ 2 ][ 1 ][ 6 ](9) 
 
Bennosuke
It takes only a moment for Jen to ascertain just what she is looking at. This is a human. Female. Dead. Skinned! The flashlight falls across moist fatty tissue, shiny gristle and underlying strips of ribbed muscle. The body has been stripped perfectly from head to toe; not even lips, or eyelids. It's like a cadaver at the body museum. The stench of the dead body suddenly hits Anna, the heavy smell of blood and fresh meat, forcing her gorge to rise instantly. As Jen stumbles back, she realizes something terrible, this poor stripped thing was Lydia, the poor teenage girl they had met the night before!
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

What the!

Jen stumbled back and cast her flashlight around.

“ Keep your head, keep your head ,” she thought frantically, “ don’t panic! ”

On a whim she also checked above them.  She forced herself to breathe slowly, to not hyperventilate.

She suddenly wanted to bind her flashlight to her rifle, so she could carry it in two hands and shine a light at wherever she was aiming.  Did they have any duct tape with them?
Bennosuke
Both players, please give me an Integrity roll of Resolve + Composure +1
Daishain
Frank's eyes go wide as he takes in the grisly sight. F***, this was even worse than he'd thought... F*** F*** F***!

Forcing himself to pause and breathe, the normally rather composed man has a difficult time keeping himself together. But after a moment he looks up again and whispers,   "Let me handle the light while you get the rifle, call out if you need me to light something up. Let's get the hell out of here."  
Bennosuke
Neither Jen nor Frank have steady hands as they work together (assuming Jen takes the rifle), but neither individual truly loses control. The beam from Frank's flashlight darts and quivers as he struggles to keep it steady.

The voice continues to call out, but each time it does, it sounds like the source is in a different direction.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Neither Frank or Jen fail their breaking point. They both keep their integrity intact, but must choose either the spooked or shaken condition.

Shaken: Something has frightened your character extensively. Anytime your character is taking an action where that fear might hinder her, you may opt to fail the roll (before you’ve made the roll), and shed this Condition. This Condition can be imposed by a successful degeneration roll.

Spooked: Your character has seen something supernatural — not overt enough to terrify her, but unmistakably otherworldly. How your character responds to this is up to you, but it captivates her and eats her attention. You can shed this Condition when your character’s fear and fascination causes her to do something that hinders the group or complicates things (she goes off alone to investigate a strange noise, stays up all night
researching, runs away instead of holding her ground, etc.).
 
Thundercracker
“C’mon let’s go, anywhere’s better than here,” Jen said.

She led the way forward, based on the way she’d first seen the body.

 
 Spoiler 
Jen will take the spooked condition, because that one seems more interesting.
 
Bennosuke
Jen rushes forward, barely even waiting for Frank as she begins marching forward. Her mind is racing faster than her feet, playing over and over the image of the skinned young girl. The impossibility of everything that had happened was enough to drive one mad, but by focusing on what she needed to do, Jen was holding on tight to her sanity.

As she leads, Jen's flashlight beam, shaking though it may be, begins to play on some sort of structure up ahead. Despite any other judgement she has, Jen finds her feet walking forward, closer and closer to bring the mound into view. As she does, the flashlight pulls into view a stooped figure standing before the mound. The yellow light reflects off of the figure's flesh as if her skin were made of some sort of rumpled mirrored glass. The figure looks up at Jen and Frank, round eyes seeming to catch the beam of the flashlight and reflect it back like a wild animal. This time, there is no doubt where the voice is coming from. " Hello, help please! " the voice screeches, forming words without any meaning behind them, the voice of a parrot.

Now Jen and Frank can see the creature's simian form, stooped forward such that it's long limbs nearly touch the ground. It's skin was slick but wrinkled, long heavy breasts aged and withered. For a moment, Lydia's face stares back at the two, before unreality sets in and the two realize that this  thing  was wearing Lydia's flayed skin like a body suit. The thing throws its head back, mouth slick with black gore, and cackles, long thin arms raising up to the sky.

(OOC: No point in a second breaking point here, but still waiting on Daishain's choice of condition!)
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 
 "It's like something out of a horror film, " Jen thought, " shoot first, figure it out later. "

While one part of her brain starting utterly freaking out, her training took over the rest of it and forced her limbs to react.

On instinct, Jen shouldered her rifle and fired at whatever it was that had skinned Lydia and now wore the gore as a costume.

 
 Spoiler 

Firearms style 1 - fire first, add firearms skill to initiative, rifle -5 initiative
initiative dex4 + composure 3 + fire first 4 - 5 rifle:  (1d10+6)[ 12 ] 
attack:  (8d10)[ 9 ][ 8 ][ 1 ][ 3 ][ 6 ][ 7 ][ 10 ][ 2 ](46) 
10 again:  (8d10)[ 3 ][ 5 ][ 3 ][ 9 ][ 4 ][ 10 ][ 8 ][ 7 ](49) 
rifle damage = 4
 
Daishain
Frank takes a few steps back, clutching the flashlight hard enough to hurt his hand as Jennifer opened fire, wishing he'd brought a pistol or something he could use in spite of the injured arm.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Taking Spooked as well for the same reason.
 
Bennosuke
The report from Jen's rifle thunderously cuts through all noise in the forest, drowning out The Wytche's cackling laughter, and fills the darkness for just a moment in blazing yellow light. In that moment you can see the overlay where the skin suit hangs off of The Wytche's own greying fetid flesh, her massive owl's eyes reflecting the fiery discharge. The instant is interrupted as the Wytche is nearly thrown off her feet by the impact of the rifle shell. The figure seems to explode into a cloud of dark feathers that gather around her, but as the impossible shrapnel slowly floats towards the forest floor, you can see that The Wytch is still standing, a massive cavity blown into abdomen, dripping black ichor.

The Wytche raises both hands outward, her bony appendages like the long branches of the trees overhead. Jen and Frank can feel heat gathering in the forest, and an airless breeze begins to whip the tree limbs overhead. The Wytche was jibbering something low and incomprehensible in some sibilant language long ago forgotten. Every hair on your neck and arms begins to stand up on end, and the smell of ozone begins to fill the air, as if right before a lightning strike.

(OOC: I'll give you this chance to flee before bad things start happening, though if you want to stay, I'll let you resolve your Spooked condition... and you will probably face another more severe breaking point)
Thundercracker
“ Ozone comes after lightning,”  Jen thought.

Now completely out of her depth, Jen let one hand off her rifle and grabbed Frank’s arm, and ran.  Something was coming, and she wanted to find cover behind a large tree or boulder before it hit.
Daishain
Frank is stunned for a moment. He'd been prepared for weird inbred cultists maybe, but this... And then Jennifer is yanking on his arm, almost causing him to drop the flashlight. Feet moving more on instinct than conscious control he follows her towards cover.
Bennosuke
Jen and Frank flee, simply picking a direction that takes them away from The Wytche, and running. Her strange discordant laughter echoes in the forest, and something like foot falls seem to chase the two. At some point, you think you pass another dead body, but with Frank's torchlight floating this way and that as he runs, you can't be sure, and the two are too too focused on getting away to stop and double check.

For whatever reason, mercifully, the two arrive at the ravine. The shallow bank can be easily descended, and despite everything wrong with navigating in the forest, the tree trunk/bridge is right there waiting for them.

(OOC: Assuming you want to descend down the side of the ravine and cross the tree trunk bridge, please give me Dex + Athletics + 3)
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

Jen's heart pounded in near-panic as they fled through the forest.  Whatever the hell that was, it wasn't natural.  Nothing could take that kind of wound and stay standing.  And that wasn't blood leaking out of it either.  Fight or flight took over, and she ran flat out without even feeling an ounce of fatigue.  Then the ravine was in front of her.

She slid to a stop near the edge of the ravine and pulled her light out to shine behind her.  Assuming she doesn't see anything chasing them, she set it on the ground, still pointing back the way they came, and propped it slightly on a stone or something so it was angled up a little bit, so as not to be blocked by the ground.  She then moved into a kneeling position, aiming back into the forest, scanning the trees for any movement.

"You go across first," she said, "I'll cover you, then when you get there set up you light and cover me."
Daishain
Frank nods, he didn't like it, but it made sense with his arm. He does his best to keep his balance going across.

Once on the other side, he unshoulders his rifle, finding a branch or rock to rest the end on as he aims back across the stream to cover Jennifer as she makes her own crossing.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
dex+athletics+3  (7d10)[ 8 ][ 2 ][ 7 ][ 6 ][ 5 ][ 9 ][ 10 ](47) 
ten again  (7d10)[ 9 ][ 5 ][ 8 ][ 1 ][ 5 ][ 5 ][ 8 ](41) 
 
Thundercracker
Jen slung her rifle and picked up her flashlight to make her way across the ravine.

She focused on putting one foot in front of the other, and tried her best to trust Frank to cover her.

 
 Spoiler 
dex+ athletics +3 (9d10)[ 7 ][ 4 ][ 3 ][ 3 ][ 10 ][ 7 ][ 7 ][ 6 ][ 2 ](49) 
10 again:  (9d10)[ 10 ][ 2 ][ 10 ][ 10 ][ 9 ][ 1 ][ 6 ][ 7 ][ 2 ](57) 
 
Bennosuke
First Frank, and then Jen are able to make it across the makeshift bridge onto the other side of the ravine. As if it were like stepping through a magic wardrobe, the forest suddenly becomes filled with noise again. The rushing river suddenly comes to life with the thunderous sound of water shifting and moving quickly. The canopy even seems less thick, allowing for bright starlight to shine through and illuminate the forest so that you don't need a flashlight to see what is immediately before you.

Standing now on this side of the ravine, Frank and Jen see a loping deer path that climbs its way up steep bank wall. But far off on the other side of the river, the two think they can hear a mad cackling voice calling out incoherently to them, slowly growing louder!
Thundercracker
“C’mon, let’s get outta here,” Jen said, and she led the way up the deer trail, only pausing long enough to make sure Frank is keeping up with her.
Bennosuke
Mercifully, the two almost immediately find the deer trail, and are able to start back tracking towards their campsite. If someone checks their phone or watch, they find that it's (or maybe  already ) a little after midnight. No matter how slowly or quickly the two go, there is no sign of the Wytch, or the nightmare the two left behind, though it is very probable that every noise in the forest causes the two to jump with sudden fear.

(OOC: Are the two going to talk about this, or is this a silent march? Also, are we walking back to the campsite, or doing something else?)
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

"Okay, what the hell was that back there?" Jen asked quietly, "that was totally insane wasn't it?  Was I completely tripping, or did that just happen?"

She kept her rifle close and her senses peeled for anything approaching.  She was jumpy, and she knew that was dangerous, but given what had just happened, she figured it was a miracle she wasn't tearing through the woods screaming in terror.

"You saw me shoot it, right?  Dead center, that would have dropped a grizzly," she said, "and it just laughed at us."
Daishain
Frank slings the rifle over his shoulder again, he'd dearly like to hold onto it, but couldn't do much with it on the move, so...

He tries to stop his hands from trembling as he says,   "I... I don't know. I'd say we had a really bad acid trip or something, but I've never heard of two people seeing the same things while on a bender like that. Lets get out of here and clear our heads."  
Bennosuke
It is not too long before the two find their way back to the camp. As far as they can tell, the site is undisturbed. Their tents stand in flimsy defense, the smell of last night's campfire still hangs warm and welcoming in the air. As far as the two campers can tell, they are safe; though at the same time, one can't help but recognize how vulnerable they are with their tents out in the middle of these dark woods.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

"Do you want to pack up and drive, like right now?" Jen asked.

"Or just drive and leave the tents?" she asked, "because I'm kind of torn."
Daishain
Frank hesitates, looking at the tents.   "Lets pack up first, use the activity to focus a bit. If we've been drugged I'd rather find out for sure by taking too long untying knots than by wrapping the truck around a tree."  
Bennosuke
Trying to pack in the dark by flashlight is slow, frustrating work; and it does not help that Frank only has one good arm. Any time a bush rustles with the sound of a scampering critter, or a bird hoots overhead, the two are momentarily shocked with fear.

But the dark night is never split by the sound of the Wytche's cackling call. Instead, just as the two are nearly finished, the light of a flashlight peers into the campsite like a terrified yellow eye. A shaking desperate voice calls out, " Hello? Please tell me you're there! Please! " The voice sounds like Mitch, frightened out of his mind, coming from behind the yellow beam.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

Jen has kept her rifle on her at all times, and that slowed them down even more, but no way was she letting her weapon go, not with that thing out there and who knows what else.

When ranger Mitch came walking up, she immediately thought of another trick.  She dropped to a knee and brought her rifle up.

“Mitch? Is that you?  Stop where you are, shine the light on yourself, right now,” Jen said.  Her voice sounded tight and panicky, even to herself.
Bennosuke
" Ah, yeah, sure, " Mitch's voice squeaks. The yellow eye of the flashlight lifts, turning into a column pointing shakily skyward. The beam illuminates the gaunt face of the park ranger. The boy's eyes are two round white circles, a rictus mask of terror pressed into his face. Mitch's hands were shaking, causing the flashlight to quiver this way and that, lighting his face in an almost strobe effect, and his teeth were chattering, causing the boy to appear to shake and twitch violently in the darkness. Seeing Jen's raised weapon and her combat stance, he shrieks, "[B]Please, don't shoot me! Oh god.[/B" ]
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

Jen pulled the barrel of her rifle away and flipped the safety back on.

“Relax, I’m not gonna shoot you, but there’s something out there, and as soon as we pack up these tents, we’re gone,” she said.

“You’re coming, right?  Grab that, throw it in the trunk,” she said as she continued packing as fast as she could.

She could figure out his story later.
Daishain
Frank is still trying to awkwardly haul his rifle with one arm into position as Jen handles the issue, he hesitates before putting the rifle back up, but then follows suit,   "You saw something too huh? Come on kid, help me get this damn thing on the tailgate."  
Bennosuke
 Jen pulled the barrel of her rifle away and flipped the safety back on.

“Relax, I’m not gonna shoot you, but there’s something out there, and as soon as we pack up these tents, we’re gone,” she said.

“You’re coming, right? Grab that, throw it in the trunk,” she said as she continued packing as fast as she could. 

" Oh god, " Mitch shrieks as Jen lowers the aim of her rifle, " you saw it too didn't you. "

Rather than following Jen's command and coming over to help, the boy just stands there shaking, his hands so out of control that he actually drops his flashlight.


 Frank is still trying to awkwardly haul his rifle with one arm into position as Jen handles the issue, he hesitates before putting the rifle back up, but then follows suit, "You saw something too huh? Come on kid, help me get this damn thing on the tailgate." 

" It... it got Zach and Lydia. Oh god, it got both of them. I... I ran, I just ran. Ran as fast as I could. Don't know how I got out. Oh god, I left them. " Mitch drops to his knees, trembling hands moving to cover his face.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

The image of the skinned girl swam across Jen’s vision, and she angrily forced herself to keep packing.

“ You wanna end up like them?  Keep packing, ” she thought.

She redoubled her efforts to get everything in the car, and when they were done she looked to Mitch.

“You coming?” she asked.
Daishain
  "Not the time to break down kid. Survive, and then panic when you can breathe. On your feet Mitch. We've got things to do."   Frank doggedly hauls the cooler he'd been hoping for health with up with one arm, keeping moving so he doesn't have to think himself.
Bennosuke
Mitch pulls himself up from the ground and begins to help Jen and Frank with busting the campsite. Once all the tents are packed up, sleeping backs rolled and tucked away, and gear loaded into packs, the three get ready to hike everything back to the parking lot. Between the three individuals, the process takes a little under a half hour, but as the three get ready to leave, Mitch stops in his tracks. " Jason, " he half yells, half shrieks, " I forgot about Jason! He got away I think. We got separated at some point. I... he may still be out there! " He looks back and forth pleadingly from Frank to Jen, panic written in the lines of his face.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

Jen shook her head.  Go back?  Not a chance in hell.

"No way.  I shot that thing right in the chest and it just laughed at us," she said, "your friend Lydia is beyond dead, and I'm pretty sure I saw another body on the way out while we were running for our lives.  I'm not going back."
Bennosuke
Mitch's eyes go wide at Jen's refusal, his body stiffening. The park ranger opens his mouth as if to protest, but closes it mechanically as if learning how to use his jaw. With a whimper Mitch shrugs, and without waiting for the other two begins marching towards the trail back to the parking log. Over his shoulder he weakly hollers, " Then let's go then. "

But when the group gets to the parking lot with their packs, Mitch freezes. " M..mmm... my car is gone, " he stammers, eyes wide in the flashlight (why are there not street lamps in this parking lot?). " My car is gone, " he repeats, this time turning to Frank and Jen, adding, " I don't know where it is! " As he gets over his shock, Mitch asks, " Would you take me to my house? "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Mitch's eyes go wide at Jen's refusal, his body stiffening. The park ranger opens his mouth as if to protest, but closes it mechanically as if learning how to use his jaw. With a whimper Mitch shrugs, and without waiting for the other two begins marching towards the trail back to the parking log. Over his shoulder he weakly hollers, " Then let's go then. "

But when the group gets to the parking lot with their packs, Mitch freezes. " M..mmm... my car is gone, " he stammers, eyes wide in the flashlight (why are there not street lamps in this parking lot?). " My car is gone, " he repeats, this time turning to Frank and Jen, adding, " I don't know where it is! " As he gets over his shock, Mitch asks, " Would you take me to my house? " 
 

“We’ll figure out what happened to your car later, let’s just get out of here first,” Jen said, “your house sounds like a good idea.”
Daishain
Frank looks back at the woods briefly before shuddering and looking away,   "We'll keep an eye out for him. But we're in no position to go wandering around blindly looking for someone when we have no idea where to even begin. We've all already gotten turned around too many times. Its a good way to end up dead."

"Where is your house, do you live alone?"  
Bennosuke
Mitch says in reply to Jen, " Sure, yeah, sounds good, " even as his head shakes side to side, his eyes glazed in the flashlight beam. He begins to follow Jen mechanically back to Frank's truck.

In response to Frank's question he says, " Uh, no. My mom and I moved into a house in Salem about a year ago. It's not too far from here. I can give you directions. "

The trio finish packing up the truck, and pile in; Frank getting behind the wheel. Mitch gets into the back, allowing Jen to take the passenger seat. There is a terrible moment when Frank keys the ignition and the engine turns over and over and over without starting. The headlights flicker on and off in the dark parking lot as the car fails. But with a second attempt the old reliable truck's engine roars to life, and Frank practically peels out of the parking lot of the old national park.

Mitch is mostly silent in the back of the truck, but as they get closer to Salem, he begins giving directions. He leads Frank to stay outside of town, cutting along old dirt roads that cause the truck to jump and vibrate despite it's size and suspension. They pass outside of the main strip of the town, winding behind a trailer park filled with old campers and beat up rectangles on cinderblocks. That's when Mitch pipes up, " Over there... that one. That's my truck! " Sure enough the only light coming from the trailer park at this hour are the head beams of an olive green flatbed, parked outside a relatively well kept looking trailer; this one still on wheels.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

"What are the odds your buddy found your truck and drove it to your mom's place?" Jen asked as she stared at the pickup.
Daishain
Frank frowns,   "Yeah, I could see Jason grabbing the truck and driving off, but why would he go here? Lets approach carefully. Too many surprises tonight already."  
Bennosuke
" My mom's place is down the road still, " Mitch says in reply to Jen, adding proudly, " we don't live in a trailer park. "

To Frank he says, "“ I don't know. Jason doesn't live in the trailer park either. After tonight, I don't think we can be cautious enough. " He offers a very uncomfortable stilted chuckle, adding, " There's only one entrance to the trailer park, but a little farther down there's a break in the fence through which we can crawl... if you wanna. "

(OOC: Please let me know how the group is approaching)
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

"You're joking, right?" Jen replied, "I say we leave the car where it is and call it in as stolen, which is WAS, and let the cops handle it.  If it is your buddy you can always drop charges later and have a good laugh over a beer.  If it's not... better safe than sorry."

"Keep driving," she said to Frank, "at least until we're out of sight."
Daishain
Frank nods in agreement, and keeps moving,   "Sorry kid, but we can look into that thing in the morning."  
Bennosuke
Mitch's mouth opens as if to protest, but no words come out as he stares agape as the Frank drives the car past the trailer park. Once out of sight, Mitch's mouth flaps closed, and he resumes whispering directions to Frank from the backseat.

Mitch leads them through a series of narrow claustrophobic residential roads; most of the properties no more than a small farmhouse surrounded by browning grass fields and rotting wood fences. Eventually he tells Frank to pull up in front of a leaning two story colonial of warped wood and crumbling brick. In the forested night, it looks like a perfect haunted house. No lights shine from the dirty windows, and no cars are parked in the dirt driveway. " This is me, " Mitch says, waiting for Frank to finish pulling up. Before he steps out of the car, Mitch pauses and pulling out his phone says, " Uh, maybe we should exchange numbers or something, given everything that happened. "
Daishain
  "Hold on just a sec."   Frank looks around.   "You said you live with your parents right? Where are they?"  
Thundercracker
Jen scanned outside of the car.  She was still freaked out by what happened and would probably stay that way until dawn.
Bennosuke
Mitch seems stunned by the sudden suspicion. He stops, staring at Frank with a confused and almost stoned expression. " Uh, I live with my mom. I assume she's upstairs sleeping, " he says, pointing a finger at one of the dark second floor windows that almost looks like a skull's eye socket. He adds, " It's like, almost three in the morning man. "

Jen scans the surrounding area; blackness clawing in from flat wasteland and dying vegetation. She can maybe see another property, maybe a 50 yards away... but it's almost all darkness.
Thundercracker
“I think what Frank meant was, where’s her car?” Jen asked, “or it’s just you that has one..?”
Bennosuke
" We only have the truck, " Mitch says flatly, perhaps too exhausted to be embarrassed, but frustration still peaking through his voice at the end. After a moment he steps out of the car and closes the door, saying in frustration, " It's been a ****ty night, but what the **** is there to be suspicious of? " almost yelling by the end.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

“You didn’t see what we saw,” Jen said flatly.

“We need to get to a hospital, Frank’s messed up,” she said, “give me your number, I’ll give you a text.”
Bennosuke
Mitch opens his mouth to respond to Jen, and he clearly is forced to stifle a scream. Biting down on his anger, the young man growls, " And you sure as **** didn't see what I saw. " But when Jen mentions Frank's injury, a light of empathy turns on in the ranger's eyes. " I, I didn't realize, " he stammers with sincere apology. He puts his head into the window to address Frank and asks, " What happened. Did... did  she  get you??? "

He does happily exchange numbers.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

"No, no the ground dropped out beneath us and dumped us into a ravine," Jen said, "that's where he hurt his arm."

She paused and looked at Mitch, but not really seeing him, her eyes unfocused.

"You saw it too?" she asked, "it was wearing her skin.  Did you know that?  It was wearing her skin."
She patted the barrel of the rifle that rested between her legs, pointed at the roof of the truck.

"I hurt it though, it was bleeding," she said, "And then we ran like hell."
Bennosuke
When Anna asks if he saw it too, Mitch replies, " I... I saw her, or it! I saw her kill... " but Mitch breaks down, his face knotting into a tangle of wrinkles as he struggles not to begin sobbing. " Them, " he adds weakly, " I saw her kill them, and I ran. I left them. I left them to die. "

He seems not to hear Jen's comment about hurting the Wytch, or maybe simply is not comforted by the idea.
Daishain
I shudder at Jen reminding me of what that thing had done to the poor girl in the woods. But then I wave off the idea of going to the hospital,   "They'll just charge a bunch to give me a fancier sling like the one I have at home, give me higher dosages of painkillers I can get cheaper OTC anyway, and tell me to go home and ice the thing. Waste of my time and theirs. Lets just get out of this crazy place."  
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

"Yeah, I'll drink to that," Jen said, "I'm okay with driving until morning, to be honest."

She glanced out the window at Mitch.

"You're alive, that's what's important," she said, "good luck with your truck."

"Let's go," she said to Frank as she rolled up the window.
Bennosuke
The two watch as Mike trundles up to his house, and after removing a key from his pocket, let's himself in through the front door. A light in the upstairs window bursts into life as Frank pulls the car away from the house.

The long drive back to Saint Louis is completed in near silence; the result of a mix of exhaustion and sheer disbelief over what had or may have happened in Lytchwood Park. Perhaps the two attempt to start a conversation about their experience, but any such discussion quickly falls into flat and silent disbelief. Frank was right about his arm, and by the end of the drive, he is already starting to feel better, more certain that he won't need to stop by an emergency room.

The drive passes in a fugue of flat highway, empty fields and warped and weary farm houses, and finally by early afternoon Frank's truck crawls back into civilization. He drops Jen off at her apartment, the two promising to get together again soon, though perhaps not really meaning it.

 
 Spoiler: OOC: 
We will end the scene here. See the OOC thread where I have already tallied up beats and XP. I will start the new scene in a follow up post in just a moment.
 
Bennosuke
 Act 1 Scene ii 
 “But his soul was mad. Being alone in the wilderness, it had looked within itself and, by heavens I tell you, it had gone mad.”

-Joseph Conrad, The Heart of Darkness

“What are we? Humans? Or animals? Or savages?”
― William Golding, Lord of the Flies 

It was when Jen began to unpack that her phone first buzzed. It was a text message from Caitlyn;  perfect timing . " Hey babe, you in town tonight? " the first text read, followed by a second, " was thinking of grabbing a pizza and some drinks in town. You free? " Jen's first thought was that Caitlyn needed something if she was reaching out like this. Usually it was just that she wanted Jen to listen while she complained about a new boyfriend or her boss. But somehow, spending time with Caitlyn, even if she could be self-centered and small, always seemed to cheer Jen up.

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

Frank was standing on the porch of his ex-wife's new house, struggling to push the doorbell. Clarissa had taken the girls this weekend, and Frank had come to pick them up. To be honest, after everything that had happened, Rachel and Marissa were all that Frank could think about. He was numb to everything else, and needed to be back with the only light that really kept Frank going. Perhaps he had gone home and unpacked first; unloaded the van and even showered, or perhaps Frank had driven straight to Clarissa's.

But the ivy green front door opens even before Frank can press the doorbell button. Standing in the doorway was Neil,  handsome Neil,  with his strong jaw, perfectly trimmed brown hair, and **** eating pearly whites. " Hey Frank, " Neil said through that same grin, " you're back early! Uh, good to see ya. "
Daishain
Frank grits his teeth, great. It was one thing to watch his wife walk off, but did he have to get replaced by a complete douche?

  "Hello, yes, I'm back. Are they ready?"  
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

Jen waffled for a moment, then decided she still had a life to live.

 "Sure, let's do it, 6pm?"  she texted back
Bennosuke
Neil's warm grin warps, shifting somehow into a superior judgmental smirk. " Oh, " he says in reply as if somehow surprised by Frank's question, lackadaisically adding, " well we weren't expecting you would be back so soon. I mean, if you had texted and given us a heads up. " Something in the man's eyes tells Frank that he is maliciously enjoying drawing this out and making Frank squirm. Neil pauses for a moment to peer back into the house behind him, before turning back to Frank. Rather than making any attempt to get the girls, he gives the same 32 teeth smile and asks, " Soooo... did you and Jen have a good trip? " He was definitely enjoying watching Frank squirm.

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

" Great! " Caitlyn's text comes back almost immediately, " Totes can't wait to see you!!! "

Jenn has plenty of time to finish unpacking before 6, and can perhaps take care of any errands or plans she feels compelled to. Of course, Caitlyn picks a fancy dinner spot for pizza, the sort of restaurant that makes Jenn want to pull up her checking account balance when she sees the menu. Sophie's Wine Bar is an upscale with a large outdoor garden dining space, and known for its expensive wood fired pizza oven, flown in from Rome.

The sky is turning pink as Jenn sits across from Caitlyn, the latter wearing a slimming black cocktail dress as she pours out glasses of Pinot Noir from the bottle. " Cheers, " she says as she hands Jenn a glass, flashing a warm and excited ruby smile. " I have so much to tell you... but why don't you first tell me how you're doing! What's new Jenn? It's been too long since I've seen you love! "
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

"Love? Did you go to England or something?" Jen asked.

"I've been good you know, finally got a decent job, went camping last weekend to try and de stress," she said.

" Epic Fail, " she thought.

"Thinking about buying a motorcycle," she said, "but I'd have to get my license first.  What about you?"
Bennosuke
Jen's sardonic comment makes Caitlyn laugh, giving her friend a warm grin that says " that is why I love you. "


 "I've been good you know, finally got a decent job, went camping last weekend to try and de stress," she said. 

 
 Spoiler: OOC: 
In the timeline as I have it, Jen just got back from her camping trip earlier that day
 


" Oh, camping... " she says with feigned interest, desperately diving her face into her wine glass to obscure her expression, " ... sounds fun. " Caitlyn was definitely not the outdoorsy sort, or at least she had become less so in the last few years.


 "Thinking about buying a motorcycle," she said, "but I'd have to get my license first. What about you?" 

Caitlyn nods her head at this, similarly trying to muster up a show of support or interest in the idea of getting on a motorcycle. When it is finally her turn, Caitlyn is all too eager to start spilling the beans. " Well, I just got this offer to be a sales rep for a pharmaceutical company, " she says with nearly giddy excitement. Her grin goes from ear to ear, and a hand goes up reflexively to twist a lock of dyed blonde hair around a pair of fingers. She adds, " It's like, gonna be a big raise in my pay, and like I'll be traveling a lot more, and like... I think I could be really good at it. " Her voice gets faster and more excited with every word, and by the time Caitlyn finishes she is practically hysterical, " And so I was really hoping we could celebrate tonight! "
Daishain
Frank refuses to take the bait,   "It went well enough. Just cut short due to conditions. Look, can I come in? I want to see my daughters."  
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

"Hey, that's great news," Jen said, genuinely happy for her friend, "of course let's celebrate.  What did you have in mind?"
Bennosuke
Frank's question wipes the smug grin off of Neil's face for just a short moment. He pauses for a moment, " Uh, " turning back to check his house behind him, as if judging whether or not Frank would soil the place, before turning back to Frank. " Sure, " he says hesitantly, stepping back and pulling the door wide open, " come on in. " Frank is greeted by a doormat with a smiling pineapple, the entranceway is painted a pristine warm white. Several photos of Neil and Clarissa together and smiling hang on the walls. Neil walks ahead of Frank, eyes half on the intruder. Nearing the polished wooden stairwell he calls out as if warning of invasion, " Clarissa, girls, Frank is here. "

There is no sign of Clarissa from inside, but there is the sudden rustling of little feet busy with little tasks upstairs.  Clomp clomp clomp  come familiar footsteps, followed by Rachel's excited call, " Daddy! " Within moments, both girls are rushing downstairs and diving into Frank's arms with unbridled joy that only children can have.

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

Caitlyn smiles warmly at the question. She puts her wine glass down then coyly says, " Well... I was thinking... first we eat like all of the pizza, and drink at least another bottle of wine, and then once we've digested we go out dancing like we used to. Just you and me. " Her smile broadens even wider and even warmer, and this was what made Caitlyn such a friend, even when she could be petty and flighty and self centered; she had a way of putting all her attention on you, becoming the most loyal and amazing ally. She pauses for a moment to take a sip of wine, her smile fading as she puts the glass down. " But first I want to hear more about you. You seem a little... frazzled Jen. "
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

"Oh, it's nothing really," Jen said, "just had a bad trip.  It was like one problem after another.  We fell into a ravine and Frank got hurt, then we got all turned around.  Some redneck hunter almost shot us by accident too."

No way was she going to start talking about flayings and shooting something that bled black ichor.

"Honestly I could use a good night out to distract me," she added.
Daishain
Frank's problems seem far away now as he leans down to scoop up both of his girls in a hug,   "Hey there angels, its good to see you. Are you ready to go have some fun?"  
Bennosuke
" Wow, " Caitlyn says with genuine surprise and concern. Her eyes go wide and she reflexively stabilizes her wine glass on the table. Turning her head to the side she says, " That sounds worse than just a bad night? If I didn't know any better, it sounds like that trip was... well cursed! " Jen had never known her companion to be overly superstitious, even if she did follow her online horoscope a little too closely. " Is Frank okay? " she asks.

In regards to needing a distraction, Caitlyn becomes immediately excited. She takes another sip, emptying her glass of wine and says, " Well good! I was thinking we could go to this new place downtown called Ice Bar. It's a Russian dance club that specializes imported vodka. " She leans in closely and with mock-furtiveness adds, " Apparently a number of the Blues hockey players have been going there recently. "

Caitlyn is interrupted when Jen's phone buzzes. It's a text from Mitch to both her and Frank, " Hey! It was Jason who stole my truck. If you have time to talk, I REALLY need to talk! " The message immediately brings back flashback memories from the weekend!

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

Both girls reply with excited affirmatives, though Marissa leans in to whisper, " Daddy, you really stink. " She giggles with a short expulsion of glee.

" The girls are going to need to pack up before they can leave, " Neil interjects, clearly trying to take control of the situation.

It's not long though till the girls have packed. Clarissa makes a short appearance filled with forced smiles and pleasantries. Once the girls have packed up, Frank piles them into his truck and takes them home. A couple of hours later Frank is bathed and unpacked, sitting on the couch with the girls watching a movie and munching on microwaved popcorn.

His phone buzzes. It's a text from Mitch to both him and Jen, " Hey! It was Jason who stole my truck. If you have time to talk, I REALLY need to talk! " The message immediately brings back flashback memories from the weekend!
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

“He’s ok,” Jen replied, ”Oh yeah I’m definitely going to need to change for that.  How do you want to this?  Should we meet up at our place or mine, or at the bar?”
Daishain
Frank's irritation at the situation soothes quickly once he is alone with the girls, and soon he is laughing and playing with them. For a brief, wonderful moment, he is able to put the events of the weekend out of his mind.

But that didn't last long... Mitch's text crashes into his good mood like a brick through the window. Excusing himself, he steps aside, messaging both Mitch and Jen,   "Has something else happened?"  
Bennosuke
" Oh, " Caitlyn says with reflexive surprise, " I mean, whatever's best for you. " She pauses for a moment, only a hint of concern in her eyes before she says, " For what it's worth, I think you look fine. " She glances at Jen's cellphone, perhaps slightly suspiciously when a second message comes in.

This one is from Frank and it reads, " "Has something else happened?" 

This is followed almost moments later by a rapid fire series of replies from Mitch. They read, " Well, Jason had a lot of information for me. ", " I think you will want to hear it. ", " But it might be best to talk on the phone. ", " Or in person! "

This series of texts definitely raises Caitlyn's concern. " Is everything okay, " she asks, perhaps reading into the look on Jen's face.

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

The girls watch as Frank gets up from the couch. The younger is too enrapt with the television to really notice, but Marissa calls after her father, " Dad, everything okay? "

Almost moment's after his text, Frank's phone begins to buzz with a rapid fire series of replies from Mitch reading, " Well, Jason had a lot of information for me. ", " I think you will want to hear it. ", " But it might be best to talk on the phone. ", " Or in person! " Frank was now standing in the kitchen, down the hall from the living room where the girls sat.
Daishain
Frank smiles at Marissa,   "Just a message from a buddy I met on that trip."   He fires off a text,   "Not now, later",   then determinedly rejoins the girls on the couch. He needed this moment with them.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

"Yeah, just some drama," Jen replied, putting her phone down.

"So should we meet at your place?" she asked.
Bennosuke
The girls barely notice when Frank returns, just seconds later to the couch. But it's only a moment before a reply text causes his phone to go off again. " She's free! " the first text says, followed almost immediately by a second, " Jason says you freed her! " Rachel shoots her father an annoyed look, but is too busy watching the television to say anything.

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

" Uh, sure, " Caitlyn says, still slightly distracted by Jen's still busy phone. The machine flashes Frank's message, a belligerent,   "Not now, later" .

And this is followed shortly by two texts from Mitch, " She's free! " the first text says, followed almost immediately by a second, " Jason says you freed her! "
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

"Alright perfect," Jen said as she turned her phone over and rolled her eyes at the incoming messages, "let's finish up here and then we can get to dancing, hopefully with some hockey players."

Once on her way home to change (alone), she called Mitch.

"Hey, what's going on?" she asked.
Daishain
Frank resolutely ignores the phone as he continues to enjoy the evening with his daughters. Only later when they've been settled in to bed does he step away and call in.   "What is this nonsense about us freeing her?"  
Bennosuke
Caitlyn and Jen finish up their drinks and pizza. The food is good, and while maybe not  the best  in the city, is very affordably priced. Caitlyn kisses Jen on the cheek as they depart, and make her promise to hurry up so they can go out.

Jen makes the phone call on the ride back, the car speaker picking up via bluetooth. It only rings twice before Mitch picks up. " Hey, Jen? Thanks for calling, " he says in anxious rushed words, " you're uh... you're alone now, right? " Once he get's an affirmation from Jen, Mitch continues, his words almost becoming more rushed till they are nearly falling together in a crazed stream, " Well, just hear me out. Jason's uncle, the one we were telling you about, well he's part of this group; an organization really. See, they call themselves The Union, and I guess they know a whole lot about The Wytch. " He pauses for a moment then explains, " Well that's what they call that crazy monster in the woods. Anyway, they seem to know a whole lot about her, and they think that you and Frank may have released her, and well... they want to talk to you... like in person... and like ASAP! " There is a final pause here, where perhaps Mitch is waiting for Jen to reply, or maybe he is simply just out of breath.

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

Mercifully, the chain of texts stops here. Frank is able to finish TV time with his daughters, and see them off to bed, getting an extra warm hug and kiss from Rachel before he leaves her room. There is a moment, walking down the unlit hallway before Frank gets back to the living room, where for a moment he can swear he sees a dark shadow standing and staring at him. But in a moment the figment is gone.

Stepping in to the living room, Frank calls Mitch back, asking his question before Mitch can even begin to speak.


  "What is this nonsense about us freeing her?" 

" Hey, uh, well... " the man flounders, clearly taken off guard. In a desperate, but almost tired way he says, " Well Jason's uncle and his friends say she's gone. See, they're this group call The Union, and apparently their main job was to watch The Wytch, which is what they call her. And well, she's not supposed to be able to cross running water or something... like Dracula, and well Jason and his Uncle and their friends went out today after I had a chance to talk to them, and well she's gone. Apparently a tree was left across the creek, like a bridge or something, and they think that's how she got out! "
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs  

Jen considered hanging up in Mitch right then and there, but… there _was_ something in the forest, and she _did_ shoot it point blank.  Maybe it would be looking for a little payback.  It might make sense to meet up with Mitch and his people who knew what was going on…. If they weren’t completely nuts.  She’s have to get Frank too.

But not tonight, she had plans.

“I’d feel safer if it was a phone call or a zoom,” she said, “why do we need to meet in person?”
Bennosuke
Mitch replies almost immediately, his voice a little high pitched and strained, " I don't know, that's what they said. I guess their kinda like some secret society or something, like a Hoosier elk lodge or something. " He pauses for a moment then adds, " I suppose I can give you Jason's number if you want, but he said his uncle wanted to talk to you in person. He said you may have let the Wytch out, and that she... might have followed you home. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Mitch replies almost immediately, his voice a little high pitched and strained, " I don't know, that's what they said. I guess their kinda like some secret society or something, like a Hoosier elk lodge or something. " He pauses for a moment then adds, " I suppose I can give you Jason's number if you want, but he said his uncle wanted to talk to you in person. He said you may have let the Wytch out, and that she... might have followed you home. " 
 

 Jen Gibbs 

Well.  There was nobody at home when she was there earlier....
"Any chance she followed me home to say thanks?" Jen asked.  She immediately thought about where she kept her weapons; she'd definitely be arming herself as soon as she got home.
Bennosuke
However light hearted Jen's comment was meant to be, Mitch seems to take it too seriously. " Dude, I don't know, but I'm sure it's not good, " he says shrilly, adding defensively, " I'm not an expert about this stuff. I mean, this is the first time I've ever had to deal with anything like this. I'm barely keeping it together as is. Talk to Jason and his uncle Jen. That's all I got for you. " As he speaks, it sounds like Mitch is on the verge of losing it, the words coming in a hurried, mixed up jumble.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

"Yeah alright, send me his details," she said.

Once they came through she would call the number.  She'd almost managed to convince herself whatever happened in those woods was some kind of hallucinogenic nightmare, but she sure as heck wasn't going to miss her night out with her best friend.
Bennosuke
Jen hangs up on Mitchell, though just as she is, it sounds like he's about to say something. As she pulls into her driveway, she gets two text messages from the park ranger; the first is a phone number, the second reads, " His name's Bill ".

When Jen dials the number, it rings several times before the line is picked up. " Who is this? "  maybe Bill  asks in a deadly serious almost accusatory voice that sounds like sandpaper wiped on gravel.
Daishain
Frank pinches the bridge of his nose, he'd half convinced himself that the whole thing wasn't real.   "We got in there without crossing any water at all, so that's crap. And I remember that tree. We used it to get away yeah, but it was left where anyone, let alone a witch, could've done the same thing."

"Listen, in case there was something we did, tell your buddies I'm sorry. But maybe they should focus more on keeping people out of there. At least two people died because they didn't, and another four almost went with them. Now, if you don't mind, I'd love to forget about all of that and get back to my daughters."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Jen hangs up on Mitchell, though just as she is, it sounds like he's about to say something. As she pulls into her driveway, she gets two text messages from the park ranger; the first is a phone number, the second reads, " His name's Bill ".

When Jen dials the number, it rings several times before the line is picked up. " Who is this? "  maybe Bill  asks in a deadly serious almost accusatory voice that sounds like sandpaper wiped on gravel. 
 

“This is Jen, is this Bill?  I got your number from Mitch,” she said.

 
 Spoiler 
Jen has a condition that can be resolved by doing something stupid, right?
 
Bennosuke
 
 Spoiler: OOC@Daishain 

 Frank pinches the bridge of his nose, he'd half convinced himself that the whole thing wasn't real. "We got in there without crossing any water at all, so that's crap. And I remember that tree. We used it to get away yeah, but it was left where anyone, let alone a witch, could've done the same thing. 

Frank and Jen found the log displaced in its position crossing the running water creek at the bottom of the ravine. They did use it to get across, and then left it there when they fled.
 


" I don't know what to tell you man, " Mitch says anxiously, " that's just what Jason's uncle said... and like he and his friends seemed to know what they were talking about! "


 "Listen, in case there was something we did, tell your buddies I'm sorry. But maybe they should focus more on keeping people out of there. At least two people died because they didn't, and another four almost went with them. Now, if you don't mind, I'd love to forget about all of that and get back to my daughters." 

Again, Mitch replies with a strung out hurried anxiety, " They're not angry or anything man. They're worried! They said she's free now. They've been combing Salem up and down, but don't think she's there anymore... though apparently some kid in the RV park died in the middle of the night, and they think it was her. But they think she's escaped, and maybe since you guys freed her, they think she's followed you home. "

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

There is a long pause after Jen introduces herself, almost long enough for Jen to wonder if the line got disconnected. Then in the same 6-pack a day voice, " Good evening Jen. Where are you right now? "

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Mostly yes. Jen is spooked, and can resolve the condition if she does something stupid as a result of her fear.
 
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

"I'm at home, but not for long," Jen replied, "where are you?"

She puts the phone on speaker and heads straight for her weapon locker where she keeps her firearms.  Was she freaked out?  Yes.  But she was determined to plow right through that and prove to herself there was nothing wrong.
Daishain
Frank is silent for a while, then tersely states,   "How do I contact these people?"  
Bennosuke
Bills voice remains a low rumble of gravel picking up immediately. " Home? Where's that? You sound like city folk " the man asks, stream rolling right past Jen's question.

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

" Bill says... that's Jason's uncle; he says he wanted you to come up here, " Mitch word vomits. But he pauses for a moment, seeming to catch his breath, or maybe a hold of the last shreds of his sanity. Slowing down he says, " I know the whole thing sounds melodramatic and stupid. But well last night was really crazy, and Bill and his...  associates  seem to know what is going on. They're definitely  weird  and secretive, but I think you should hear him out. "
Daishain
  "We'll see about going up there, how do I contact them?"  
Thundercracker
 Jen 

“I’m not in the habit of giving out my home address,” Jen said, “Mitch said you wanted to talk?”

She spoke as she moved and kept her eyes open for anything out of place.
Bennosuke
Mitch gives Frank the same contact information he provided for Jen, but adds, " I don't know man. I think you should get up here and ASAP. It sounds to me like... well like they have ways of fighting  her , or it, or whatever. Anyways, you should definitely hang some garlic up in your house to start. I've been stringing it up all day. "

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

Bill chuckles gruffly and replies, " ****... and they call me paranoid. How about starting with a city? " He pauses for a moment, and though Jen can't really hear, it somehow sounds like the man is sucking hard at a cigarette. " We wanna know where  she  went. I can't start tracking her till I know where her prey... I mean where you are. "

In reply to the question Bill replies, " Yes, I want some information from you, but I also want to help. I suspect you are in quiet some danger my friend. **** you did? ****! Not a lot of people have actually seen the Wytch! " And at this there is a certain grim excitement in the man's voice, " And I suspect she's gonna wanna come after you and your friend, now that you've freed her. "
Daishain
  "We'll see. Take care of yourself kid."   Frank hangs up and palms his face,   "...Garlic... Right out of a cheap horror book..."   

Frank almost forgets about calling Bill, frowning at the absurdity of it all. But then he looks towards where his daughter was sleeping, and remembers the poor girl in the woods...

Soon enough he's calling the number he was given.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

"St Louis," Jen replied, figuring it was okay to say that much.  She still suspected she was being scammed.

"Well, why don't you tell me what kind of things a 'Wytch' could or would do, and I'll tell you if that's what I saw out there," Jen said.

"Mitch said the same thing about 'freeing' it, but it's not like we unlocked a door or anything," Jen said, "and besides, assuming there is a 'Wytch' and assuming we did 'free' it, shouldn't it be saying 'thank you' if we ever crossed paths again?"

She talked while she moved.  Of course, shooting it in the chest probably wouldn't endear it to her, assuming there actually was a Wytch out there.  But it bled.  So that's why she was arming herself.
Bennosuke
It sounds like Mitch is just starting to say something when Frank hangs up, but it is almost an immediately a relief to be off of the phone with the frantic park ranger.

Later, the phone rings once, then twice, then three times when Frank calls. When the line picks up, a gruff voice barks out almost immediately. " Hello? Who's calling? " probably Bill says in an almost irritated and very anxious tone.

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


 "St Louis," Jen replied, figuring it was okay to say that much. She still suspected she was being scammed. 

" Of course, " Bill says with disdain. But in reply to Jen's question, she is almost cut off. " There's only one Wytch, " he says with the insistent irritation of a mad man being called on his insanity, adding, " The Wytch of Lytchwood Park! " There's a short pause while Jen can here the man's labored breathing. Then he says, " It's a shape shifter, and a creature with dark magics... old magics. We believe that it was some sort of branch off of our more correct human tree. It can wear skins and eat dreams, and the people of Salem go to her every once in a while for favors. No one talks about it, and no one would admit it, but they leave her offerings in exchange. " By now Bill is practically raving, though his voice remains low and rough. But he stops here, again seeming to try to keep a hold of himself. Then he adds, " It's complicated, and there's more to tell you about... but not over the phone like this; you never know who is listening. "


 Mitch said the same thing about 'freeing' it, but it's not like we unlocked a door or anything," Jen said, "and besides, assuming there is a 'Wytch' and assuming we did 'free' it, shouldn't it be saying 'thank you' if we ever crossed paths again?"

She talked while she moved. Of course, shooting it in the chest probably wouldn't endear it to her, assuming there actually was a Wytch out there. But it bled. So that's why she was arming herself. 

" You let it cross the river, " he says flatly, " I know it sounds crazy, but it can't cross running water. " He chuckles, an almost spiteful chuckle, before adding, " There's your proof that she's a damned creature! And trust me, you don't want  It's  form of thanks. "
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

Now, she hadn't told anyone about that thing wearing the girl's (Lydia?) skin.  Jen paused as Bill mentioned that, then she continued arming herself.  She pulled out her hunting rifle and a glock, and shoved the pistol into her waistband and slung the rifle over her shoulder.  Then she went to get the ammo.

"Yeah, I saw it wearing a skin," Jen said, "it did the skinning too, I think, thanks for reminding me."
She stopped talking as she slammed the clip into the pistol and grabbed a box of bullets for the rifle; Bill could probably hear her but she didn't care.  Now that she didn't feel naked anymore, she was going to turn on all the lights in the house, and then she was going to change to go out with Caitlyn.

"Okay, we can meet, tomorrow," she said.  She picked a starbucks at a nearby mall around lunchtime.

Then she remembered, she'd stumbled into the corpse.  If it really was skinned, there should be some blood left on her boot.  She looked down to check.
Daishain
  "The name's Frank, I understand you wanted to speak with me and my friend Jen. All I want to know is how to keep my daughters safe."   Frank is having a tough time keeping his tone even. The more he spoke the more it seemed real.
Bennosuke
 "Yeah, I saw it wearing a skin," Jen said, "it did the skinning too, I think, thanks for reminding me." 

This causes Bill to chuckle, but he doesn't say anything till he hears Jen slam the pistol clip home. " Good, " he says, " arming yourself; now you're using your brain. " He chuckles again, but this time the gravel laugh chokes into an almost desperate fit of dry coughs. Struggling to control his voice Bill adds, " But it's too bad your bullets won't work. My buddy once unloaded an entire AR clip on, but it was still standing after. Honestly not sure what will kill it... still working on that. "

When Jen suggests meeting tomorrow he replies, " That will work. There's a Church in Salem; The Illuminated Church of Saint George, we can meet there. Just let me know what time you're coming by. " When Bill mentions The Illuminated Church, Jen's mind races back immediately to driving down Main Street with Frank the night before they got to the park (OOC: See post 5 of the IC thread).

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

" Yeah, " Bill says knowingly from the other line, " I spoke to Jen earlier tonight. Been waiting for your call. " He pauses for a moment and Frank can hear the man take a deep sigh in. Then he says, " You have daughters Mr. Frank, who you want to protect? Well, probably the best thing you can do is just stay away from them. See my guess is The Wytch will be coming around to find you, and well, you know what witches do to little children, right? " He chuckles once, a dark mirthful chuckle.
Daishain
  "I don't find this particularly amusing Bill."   Frank sighs,   "At least you didn't start droning on about garlic and lambs blood or something."

"How do we deal with this thing? Mitch said something about running water?"  
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs  

“I’ll text you,” Jen said, “it bled when I shot it.”
Bennosuke
" Well, dealing with it ain't exactly that easy, " Bill replies flatly. He stops for a moment before adding, " The Wytch can't cross through running water, though as you've probably guessed it can go over it if there's a bridge or something. Anyways, I don't really think  you  should be dealing with it. That said, I do want to meet with you and your friend Jen. She actually said she'd be coming by tomorrow. Talking to you will help  me  deal with The Wytch, and maybe just maybe I can help you and your loved ones stay a little bit safer. "

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

When Jen mentions that she'll text Bill, he replies, " Well ****, ain't that thoughtful of you. I guess I'll just sit around on my ass all day tomorrow waiting to hear from you. " He chuckles at this, seeming darn proud of his sarcasm.

But Bill is less quick to reply when Jen mentions shooting The Wytch. Instead there is a pause before a noisy slurping sound. Then he says, " And I'm guessing it didn't do a whole hell of a lot to slow it down, right? "

Jen looks down at her boot (OOC: Sorry about that), and there is the dried maroon brown stain on the side of the toe cap, from when she stumbled into the flayed body.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

"Sorry, doing two things at once, I'm going to get Frank to come too," Jen said as she tapped out a message to Frank, "it didn't chase us, but it didn't die either.  It started doing something and we took off before it finished."

"So... hypothetically speaking, if it wanted to track me down, how would it do it?" Jen asked as she stared at the blood stain on her boot.  She took her shoes off; she was going clubbing anyway and she had no idea if this thing could track down a bloody shoe, but maybe it could...

Frank:  "Meet tomorrow at that church in Salem?  Mitch's friend wants to chat, seems to know what he's talking about. Lunch?" 
Bennosuke
 "Sorry, doing two things at once, I'm going to get Frank to come too," Jen said as she tapped out a message to Frank, "it didn't chase us, but it didn't die either. It started doing something and we took off before it finished." 

Bill's voice practically cuts Jen off while she's talking, " Frank? That's your friend who was with you at the park? " He doesn't comment on Jen's description of what happened.


 "So... hypothetically speaking, if it wanted to track me down, how would it do it?" Jen asked as she stared at the blood stain on her boot. She took her shoes off; she was going clubbing anyway and she had no idea if this thing could track down a bloody shoe, but maybe it could... 

There is a long pause before Bill replies. Finally he says, " Hypothetically speaking? " His voice trails off for a second then he adds, " ... Well, not hypothetically speaking, you should hang garlic up all over your house; over the mantle of your door, over every window, and around your bed. " Seeming to know where Jen's mind is going he hastily says, " Don't worry, its not a vampire and it doesn't drink blood. I know it might sound stupid. But the Wytch can follow you by scent, and well garlic messes with it's ability to smell you. "

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

Fred gets Jen's text around this time, even though it had been sent earlier in the night. The text reads, " "Meet tomorrow at that church in Salem? Mitch's friend wants to chat, seems to know what he's talking about. Lunch? "
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

Garlic?  No.  Perfume?  Yes.

She sprayed on more than she needed, then threw the small bottle into her clutch.

"I was in a car, we drove for hours, and it wasn't even my car," she said, "Okay, whatever, it can find me by smell.  Anything else I should know?" she asked.
Bennosuke
Bill seems to ignore Jen's glibness and says, " Well, I'd suspect you should start expecting The Wytch to take the skins of your loved ones. Be prepared to expect everyone. And be careful of your dreams. " He says both facts like they were prescriptions being provided by a doctor, rather than absurd recommendations.
Daishain
  "Right, then is there anything I can do to make sure the thing is following me and not going anywhere near my daughters? I can stay on the move for a while if need be, use a few water crossings to keep it interesting. You wanted to meet up in Salem it seems."  
Bennosuke
 Frank gets Jen's text around this time, even though it had been sent earlier in the night. The text reads, ""Meet tomorrow at that church in Salem? Mitch's friend wants to chat, seems to know what he's talking about. Lunch?" 

Bill chuckles at Frank's question. " Well shoot, that's mighty noble of you, " he says with bemusement, " I'm not sure I have a great answer for you. Suppose the best I can tell you is to stay away from your daughters, 's probably the best way to keep them safe. " In reply to Frank's last statement he says, " Yes, I spoke to your friend. I believe she was going to come out here tomorrow. Figure I might be able to help you more if we  talk  in person. "
Daishain
  "Right, I suppose we will probably meet tomorrow then."   When the call ends, Frank starts securing the house, mostly focusing on setting things up so if something gets in, it won't do so quietly. Then he settles down to sleep in the living room armchair, his blanket concealing the loaded shotgun close to hand. He also sets an alarm so he can be relatively sure of waking before the girls and cleaning up the evidence of his paranoia.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Bill seems to ignore Jen's glibness and says, " Well, I'd suspect you should start expecting The Wytch to take the skins of your loved ones. Be prepared to expect everyone. And be careful of your dreams. " He says both facts like they were prescriptions being provided by a doctor, rather than absurd recommendations. 
 

"Right," Jen said, still feeling extremely skeptical, "I'll see you tomorrow then."

If Bill didn't say anything else, she hung up an let her phone charge while she continued getting ready to go out. She made sure to put a change of clothing in her car, no sense in being unprepared.
Bennosuke
By the next morning, neither Frank nor Jen have any run ins or scares with The Wytch. Jen spends the night with Caitlyn, hopefully enjoying themselves, and Frank puts the girls to bed before eventually succumbing to slumber himself.

Presumably the two are able to coordinate before the next morning, and perhaps they will be driving together. Given how long it takes to get back out to Salem, the two will need to leave early.

Along with determining how the two are going back to Salem, I would like to hear:
-How was Jen's night? How late was she out, and how is she doing this morning?
-Since Frank has just picked up his daughters from his ex-wife and Neil, what is he doing with the girls while he is gone for the day?
Daishain
Frank is on the phone with his ex wife early in the morning. He hated doing this, for more reason than one, but if he was too dangerous to be around, he could deal with the fallout with his daughters later rather than have them end up like...

  "Yes, I know its sudden notice, and I'm sorry, but I don't have much of a choice. They said it was now or never, and I can't pass it up."   The lie he was telling was fairly simple, and not too unusual, his little welding business survived on building contracts, but thrived on emergency repair work. A company calling out of the blue waving a big check for immediate work was something that she would be familiar with.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

Jen woke up with a slight hangover.  She'd gotten fairly drunk the night before, and cut loose dancing at the club, but stopped herself before she got wasted and made sure she drank plenty of water before going to sleep.  What little headache she had would probably be mostly cured by the pot of coffee she was currently brewing.

She texted Frank: "What time do you want to leave?  I'll catch a ride to your place and we can head out from there."
Daishain
Frank texts back,   "Need to get the girls situated, I'll be ready to go as soon as they're taken care of."  
Bennosuke
Around the time Jen gets Frank's reply, she gets a second text from Caitlyn reading, " That was soooo much fun! Thank you for coming out with me last night. Was great celebrating with you. By the way, this guy Arthur gave me his number, asked me to give it to you. Apparently he was checking you out all night. Want it? "

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

On the phone, Clarissa is all frustration and self-superior satisfaction. " Really Frank? After making such a big deal about how you wanted the girls this weeks, now you are bailing? I mean, I can take them... Neil and I can take them, but think about how the girls are going to feel! "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Frank texts back,   "Need to get the girls situated, I'll be ready to go as soon as they're taken care of."   
 

“Ok maybe come pick me up when you’re ready then,” Jen replied.

Edit: Jen considered her reply to Caitlyn… then she typed out: “nah.” And sent it back. Then she followed up with: “yeah was a blast.  let’s hang out again soon.”

She didn’t have time for guys who didn’t have the guts to man up and ask for themselves.
Daishain
  "Oh believe me I know, I'm going to spend a long time making this up to them. But right now I don't have much of a choice. Just horrible timing."   His voice drops,   "It was so much easier when we could work together to deal with this sort of thing, and this sort of thing was just a short delay."  

After her response, he hangs up, and with a droop to his shoulders he goes to make breakfast for his daughters and explain things to them. He hated sending them away, even without the nagging feeling that this might be a rather more final goodbye than he was going to make it sound.

Meanwhile, a text to Jen goes out,   "That works"  

He had already written a letter addressed to his ex wife and left it in his room, where it wouldn't be discovered until long after he should be back here to tear it up if it wasn't needed.   "If you are reading this, then I am most likely dead. It is difficult to explain, but I accidentally angered someone very dangerous, who came after me. There was no work contract the other day. I am sorry for lying, but I had to send the girls away, to keep them safe while I tried to deal with things. Clarissa, we've had our problems, but please give them my love, and take care of them, help them grow into the lovely young ladies I know they will become."  
Bennosuke
Clarissa makes it very clear that  Frank  will " never " hear the end of asking this favor, and that it will almost certainly be coming back to bite him in the ass; but she would take the girls back, "just this one time".

Meanwhile while waiting for Frank to arrive,  Jen  gets a reply from her friend, " You sure? He was talking about wanting to go out for a motorcycle ride. He said he wanted to take you! " Had Jen mentioned anything about her plan to learn bike?

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

Later, much later and after a very quiet and very pensive car ride, Frank and Jen arrive back in Salem. It doesn't take Frank too much time to navigate the truck out to The Illuminated Church of Saint George. Towering over the abandoned storefronts on Main Street, the church is all washed grey stone, round arched windows and crimson sparkling stained glass.

This time there is no booming organ music, though a number of trucks and harleys are parked outside of the church on the otherwise abandoned street. It's entrance are three tall arched wooden doors, the middle of which has one red door stopped open. Voices can be heard from inside.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

Reply to Caitlyn: "Rule #3, don't go out with anyone who can't man up and ask for himself.  Tell him better luck next time.  *raspberry emoji*"

Jen made sure to bring her bloody boots with her to Salem.  If this thing was going to follow the scent of the blood on the boot, she wanted it to stop by the church where these folks were hanging out.

She recognized Frank was having a rough day, and knew well enough not to press the issue.  Once they arrived, she stepped out of the truck and stretched.
"Ready to see what these guys are all about?" she asked.

If Frank doesn't have any objections, she'll walk up to the front door and knock on the frame.
"Hello?" she called.
Daishain
Frank shakes his head in response to Jen's question,   "Not really, even knowing that something was out there doesn't make this bunch sound less like a bunch of crazy yahoo rednecks. But we don't really have a choice do we?"  

He stands nearby as she knocks, waiting on a response.
Bennosuke
"Fair enough," Caitlyn's text reads in reply.

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

At the church, the voices suddenly down when Jen calls out, falling to murmur and then silence. After a moment, Jen and Frank can hear footsteps coming from inside the church, growing louder, closer. A couple arrive before the doorway, a man and a woman.

The man is shorter, stocky to the point of almost being pudgy, a scraggly brown beard falling down to cover his chest, off of a tanned and lined face that had spent too much time laboring in the sun. The woman was taller, lean and athletic to the point of being androgynous, a look not helped by the military style crew cut of her salt and pepper hair. She too had the tanned look of a day laborer, and the two of them were dressed in a mix of military fatigues and working gear. " You two here to see Bill? " the woman asks, her voice hard and confrontational to the point of almost being accusatory. The two seemed on edge, and were clearly sizing Jen and Frank up.
Daishain
  "That's right, I'm guessing you're in on this little club of his?"  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
   "That's right, I'm guessing you're in on this little club of his?"   
 

Jen just nodded her agreement, nothing more to say at this point.
Bennosuke
It's actually the woman who reacts when Frank calls it a "little club". Her thin lips pull back in a snarl, and she actually takes a step toward Frank with a balled fist. But the man puts a hand on her shoulder and through clenched teeth growls, " Not worth it Allie. " The woman gives Frank one last quick death stare, but steps back. Then the man says to the two strangers, " Well I'm Arnold, and this is Alexandra. " It's clear that Arnold is trying his best to remain cordial, but he does not step back to invite the two in, instead looking at them expectantly.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

“I’m Jen and this is Frank,” Jen replied.

“Honestly, I wanted to do this over the phone, but Bill insisted we come down, so here we are,” Jen said.
Daishain
Frank is tempted to respond with a bit of anger of his own, if these were the people responsible for the half assed containment of that thing... but antagonizing them wouldn't solve anything, so instead he simply states,   "Frank, and Jen. I assume Bill is inside?"  
Bennosuke
" Nice to meet ya, " Arnold says, trying his best to tamp down his wary demeanor and show a hint of hospitality, then adding in reply, " Yep. Why don't ya follow Allie and me inside. "

Alexandra gives the two one last death-glare, before the two turn and lead Frank and Jen into the church. The entrance leads into a small lobby, with marble tiled floors and mint green painted walls. Hung up against the far wall, which separates the lobby from the main body of the church is a cheap looking American flag. Under this is pinned a strip of what looks like printer paper, and hand painted in read it reads, "God protect us!" A table rests underneath the flag and banner. On the table sit a used looking black bound Gideon's Bible, flanked on either side by figurines. One is a porcelain model of a knight's templar in shining silver armor. The second is a cheap plastic model of a cartoon witch, complete with black pointed hat and broomstick. The murmuring Jen and Frank heard earlier has begun again, and can be heard more loudly coming from the other side of the wall

The two follow Alexandra and Arnold through the lobby and into the main body of the church, opening up into a wide and high arched space. The nave is boarded on either side by an aisles of rows of empty moldering redwood benches.

Down the nave, standing before the pulpit between the aisles are a pair of three figures, also dressed like ex-military or at least wanna be ex-military. In the middle is a tall solid looking man build like a refrigerator. His square jaw is lines with grey stubble, and his receding hair is pulled back in silver pony tail. He steps forward as Arnold and Alexandra lead the two down the aisles. His familiar gravel voice echoes in the gallery, " Welcome, glad you two finally made it. " He gives Jen and Frank a **** eating grin that says he's surprised the two even showed.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

"Yeah well, I didn't have anything better to do today," Jen replied, "honestly if I hadn't just spent the night in the woods hiding out from something out of a horror movie I never would have called."

"But I did, and here I am," she added, "so what did you want to tell us that you couldn't tell us over the phone?"
Bennosuke
" Well, " Bill says in his packs a day voice, as he takes several steps closer, " I figure... given what you two had been through, that you deserved some answers. But given the nature of what you encountered with the Wytch, I thought it was darn prudent to meet in person. Never know if a telephone line is bugged  by the government and all. " He stops for a moment to give Jen and Frank a crooked yellow toothed grin. He nods back to the group behind him, then adds, " You see, my friends and I are kinda the leading experts on The Wytch... along with a number of other anomolies that seem to be plaguing Salem and Missouri at large. "
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs  

“Oh, the government, makes sense,” Jen said, “so uhh, why don’t we start with ‘what was it we saw in the woods’?”
Bennosuke
Jen's question causes the group as a whole to burst out in a nervous chuckle. One of the guys in the back looks like he's about to say something, but stifles and instead looks on at big Bill with uncertainty.

Bill takes a big sigh, then clucks his tongue against his teeth before speaking. " The Wytch, " he says dryly, with a spasmodic shoulder shrug, " Not certain exactly what you're looking for here. But as far as we know, it's always been in those woods. Don't know if it's some genetic offshoot of the proto-humans, or some primordial force, or what. We do know that the people of this town have gone to The Wytch for generations, leaving offerings in the hopes of dark favors being granted and the like. Even have some evidence that we's learned to do this from the old Native Americans who used to live in these parts. Means the Wytch is terribly old. " He pauses for a moment, bringing a gnarled and dirty hand up to scratch at his beard with a satisfied grin before adding, " Know she's hard to kill. Know she's a skin changer. And we believe she's a dream eater too. And well, it looks like you two had the bad fortunes of setting her free! "
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

Jen scratched her head, which turned into an all out rubbing of her scalp and running her fingers through her hair.

"Ugh, normally I'd say this is a bunch of crazy talk, but I know what I saw," she said, "and I know I'm not crazy because Frank saw it too.  I know it skinned someone and I know I shot it dead center which would have killed pretty much anyone, but it didn't even fall over.  So what do we do now?"
Bennosuke
" Well, that's where things get tough, isn't it, " Bill replies, using the same hand to stroke his scraggly beard once before finally leaving his facial hair alone. He turns back to look at the group gathered behind him and sighs before saying, " Look, we here are kind'a a  special organization,  see? And well, we're not exactly supposed to be talking to the uninitiated about this sort of thing. But well, I can't exactly just allow you two to get killed for your ignorance, and well, we can't exactly let The Wytch roam free. " He sighs again and shrugs before taking several steps forward so that he is within arms reach of Jen and Frank. " My thought was, if you're willing, we'll give you some information and supplies, kinda like bringing you in as potential recruits. But you gotta be willing to keep your mouth's shut, keep an open mind, and do exactly what we say. " He pauses here, uncomfortably sticking a hand out to shake before the two and adds, " That's the best I can offer, but you gotta be willing to take it, no more questions asked. " Bill studies Frank and Jen's response, somewhat anxiously awaiting their reply. You can see the others in the room are also watching nervously, shoulders tensed and brows furrowed.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

Jen thought about it for a second.

"Sure," she said, "not like I can tell anyone about what happened.  They'll think I'm nuts, or worse, that I had something to do with those people disappearing.  That thing killed and skinned a girl and if it's coming after me next, I'll take whatever help I can get."

She waited for Frank's response.  He had more obligations than she did, after all.
Daishain
Frank frowns as things proceed, but eventually nods,   "The first two requests are inevitable as far as I'm concerned, as for the third I'll do anything to keep my kids safe, if that means following your lead for now, so be it."

"But whatever else happens, if we can't kill this thing, I want you to promise we'll find a better means of imprisonment than an open area on public land with lots of visitors. I can appreciate you lot not wanting to risk moving this Wytch, but an incident like this was inevitable under the circumstances. Actually I rather suspect the only reason it hasn't happened already is others died before they found a way out."  
Bennosuke
" Very good, " Bill says with a satisfied grin. But he chuckles in reply to Frank's request, " ****, if we could reliably kill the Wytch we woulda done so by now. And to be quite honest, The old grandfather Oak is probably the best form of containment we got. The woods out there are weird, and most people can't even find their way to that tree. From what my nephew told me, you two were very lucky... or unlucky is probably more accurate. " He chuckles again, but seeing Frank and Jen's expressions gives a long sigh. " Look, we'll do everything we can to neutralize it, and any threat to you and your families. That's all I can promise. Fair? "

Again he sticks a hand out to shake.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

"Yeah," Jen said, shaking Bill's hand again, "this is probably a good time to tell you I have a bloody shoe from walking into one of the bodies of the people it skinned.  Does that matter?"
Bennosuke
Bill looks down at Jen's foot with curiosity. " You ain't still wearing it, are you? " he asks flatly before replying with a grin, " Well I'm pretty sure we can find some use for it. Give it to Arnold and we'll see what we can't do. "

Assuming Frank agrees (and in an attempt to keep things moving), Bill will invite the two guests to follow him. Bill and his group take the lead, with Arnold and Alexandra walking behind so that it almost feels like a prison march. The assembly walk down the aisle of the church, around the stage and past a string of faux-velvet curtains. In the dark hallway, Bill opens up a non-descript door and leads Frank and Jen into a darkly lit and painted room that looks like it was once used as an administrative office. However, the walls are covered with posters that read with things like "Jesus saves, but so dose my rifle", and "Blue Lives Matter". One strip of wall has been converted into a gun rack, sporting several pistols, and a few hunting rifles and shotguns. Over the rack are a "Blue Lives American Flag" next to a Confederate flag. A small desk is pushed into a corner of the room and is covered with a few dusty books and a large speckled diary that looks like it has been used for the longest running crafting project.

Once everyone is in the room, Alexandra closes the door. There is a moment's pause before Bill gives the two strangers a ****-eating grin and says, " Welcome to the office. "

 
 Spoiler: OOC: Content Warning? 
So I want to make something a little clear here, though I assume you both know me well enough that this should be obvious. We started this game with the intention of it slowly turning into a Hunter the Vigil game (the 2E book is finally out BTW) so that it would be easy to learn the rules while being exposed to a new CofD 2E setting.

While a major theme of Hunter is that the act of fighting the supernatural corrupts and alters you, I am intentionally portraying the NPCs here as "more than morally grey"... a group that you probably won't want long term affiliation with. They have the information that Jen and Frank need such that you will want to spend some time with them, but are repugnant enough that the two won't want to actually join their cause, allowing the two players to start their own Tier 1 group, rather than joining a larger compact and jumping into a lot of extra rules and fluff/setting.

So in other words, I do not condone anything these NPCs represent, and intentionally want them to be a little repellent.
 
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

"It's in the car," Jen replied, "I'd look pretty stupid carrying around a bloody boot, don't you think?"

Jen looked around the office.

"Okay, now what?" she asked.
Daishain
Frank looks around with a raised eyebrow at the choice of decoration, in a church no less, but says nothing until they are in the office.   "I think information is probably our best starting point. I don't suppose there are books containing what is known about these creatures?"  
Bennosuke
 "It's in the car," Jen replied, "I'd look pretty stupid carrying around a bloody boot, don't you think?" 

Bill shrugs and still grinning says, " Well if you can remember to bring that back to us. "

Once the door is sealed, and Frank and Jen have both spoken up, there is a nervous tension in the room. The motley assortment of hoosiers, looks from one to the other seeing who will speak first. Finally Bill steps forward, starting with a big sigh. " Well... The Office is where we meet to discuss our research, and what WE call our 'never ending hunt' or our 'vigil', " Bill says, actually using finger quotations. As he speaks, Bill's eyes dart back and forth from Jen to Frank, perhaps looking for any hint of judgement or disbelief. " We call ourselves the Brotherhood of Mather, " Bill says, raising both hands to his forehead, splaying his fingers out, and bringing the tips of his thumbs to touching. The symbol created in such a manner perhaps resembles a pair of wings, or given the placement on his forehead, a pair of stag's horns, or perhaps a "W" for Wytch. Bills followers repeat the gesture in kind, so that Jen and Frank are surrounded by a bunch of red necks holding their palms up to their heads. Lowering his hands, Bill continues, " Our... secret organization has existed in Missouri since our forefathers first interacted with the Native Americans, and has served in the shadows, working to keep our towns safe from the blasphemies of The Wytch. " The others nod their heads a this, a congregation in proud agreement. " The injuns taught our ancestors how to create wards against The Wytch, how she can't cross running water, and how she can wear the skin of her victims and feed on their dreams. Our brotherhood keeps vigil against The Wytch. Well, while we can't exactly bring you into our ranks, perhaps we can help arm you so that you can protect your families, and maybe if we work together, we can bring her back to the woods and trap her again. "
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

"I can go get it and bring it in anytime," Jen said, "want me to get it now?"

"Are you sure we can't kill it?" Jen asked, "it bled when I shot it.  I was thinking maybe we could use the boot or uhh, us... heheh... as bait."
Daishain
"If they knew of a way, I'm sure they'd mention it." Frank says dryly, "Lets learn what they know and then try to see if there's something they missed"
Bennosuke
In regards to the shoe, Bill shrugs and replies, " Why not go get it when we are done. " He allows a hasty glance towards the door. But in response to Jen's second question, a sad smile spreads across the man's jowls. " I just don't know, which would make the endeavor incredibly dangerous. " For a moment it looks like Bill has more to say. His mouth opens, but after a moment snaps shut. Then Frank speaks up and Bill just gives an affable nod of his head.

After another moment, Bill trundles over to the table where he rifles around through papers with his back turned, till he swings around with his prize. Clutched in one hand is a long and jagged piece of what looks like cut obsidian, wrapped on one end with cord to create a primitive looking knife tool. " We shall begin the initiation rite, " Bill says hastily, his eyes moving from Frank to Jen and back again, " Please give me your hands. "
Daishain
Frank eyes the knife,   "You just said you weren't bringing us into the ranks, so unless that serves some practical purpose...?"  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Frank eyes the knife,   "You just said you weren't bringing us into the ranks, so unless that serves some practical purpose...?"   
 

"Yeah, what changed?" Jen asked, "also, aren't you going to sterilize that?"
Bennosuke
Bill grins at Frank, an ugly mirthful grin. " Oh trust me, " he says in his deep gravely voice, " this is not the full initiation. " One of Bill's cronies chuckles behind you two, but by the time you turn around you can't tell who it was. " Look, we's got to know we can trust you two, " he says, again motioning for the two to put out their hands.

To Jen he shrugs and says, " Sure, we can sterilize real quickly for ya. " He reaches back to the table and grabs a half full bottle of cheap looking whiskey. He opens up the bottle and begins pouring a trickle of the whiskey over the black glassy knife, letting the excess patter on the floor and his boots. " Now hands please! "
Thundercracker
Jen sighed.

“This better be worth it,” she said, and held out her hand.
Bennosuke
Bill grabs hold of Jen's wrist, pulling her hand slightly towards him. By the time Jen fixes her posture, Bill is running the glassy knife's blade across her palm. It isn't till the blade has drawn crimson that the pain registers, hot and angry. " Don't wipe it yet, " Bill says as he begins to drench a rag with whiskey and then wipes it across the blade. Then Bill extends a hand out to Frank, waiting for the man to acquiesce.
Daishain
Frank sighs and decides to get it over with, holding his hand out. They had what he needed, so he would have to play along, even if this didn't serve any real purpose.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Bill grabs hold of Jen's wrist, pulling her hand slightly towards him. By the time Jen fixes her posture, Bill is running the glassy knife's blade across her palm. It isn't till the blade has drawn crimson that the pain registers, hot and angry. " Don't wipe it yet, " Bill says as he begins to drench a rag with whiskey and then wipes it across the blade. Then Bill extends a hand out to Frank, waiting for the man to acquiesce. 
 

"ow ow ow," Jen said, struggling against her instinct to put pressure on the wound, "what do you mean don't wipe it, I'm going to bleed all over the floor."
Bennosuke
Bill ignores Jenn's questions as he finishes recleaning the blade. Then turning to Frank, he performs the same ritual act, pressing the blade against Frank's palm and then running it across the flesh till it opens up like the rind of an overripe fruit.

Finished with the act, Bill looks up and points to one of the other gathered hosiers, who rushes forward and hands over a bundle of dry sticks tied together with twine. Neither Frank nor Jenn had seen the sticks before, and for a moment between the pain and the surroundings, there is a strange sense of unreality.

" I will ask you now to each hold this ******, " Bill says, clearly enjoying any discomfort he may have caused with the F-word. With his free hand Bill pulls a bronze zippo lighter from his pocket, and deftly flicks the lid back and produces a an impressive red flame.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Bill ignores Jenn's questions as he finishes recleaning the blade. Then turning to Frank, he performs the same ritual act, pressing the blade against Frank's palm and then running it across the flesh till it opens up like the rind of an overripe fruit.

Finished with the act, Bill looks up and points to one of the other gathered hosiers, who rushes forward and hands over a bundle of dry sticks tied together with twine. Neither Frank nor Jenn had seen the sticks before, and for a moment between the pain and the surroundings, there is a strange sense of unreality.

" I will ask you now to each hold this ******, " Bill says, clearly enjoying any discomfort he may have caused with the F-word. With his free hand Bill pulls a bronze zippo lighter from his pocket, and deftly flicks the lid back and produces a an impressive red flame. 
 

Jen picks up the bundle of sticks with her uninjured hand.  The whole thing was stupid and she would have noped right out of there long ago if it wasn’t for that smudge of blood on her boot.
Daishain
Frank eyes the bundle warily, "Right, what is that stuff, it doesn't feel right."
Bennosuke
When Jen reaches out for the tied collection of sticks, Bill pulls it back and says hastily, " With your bleeding hand please! " Perhaps he would have said as much without Frank's question, but he replies, " This is a symbolic gesture. The bundle represents the Wytch. You place your blood on the bundle and then we burn it. It represents your sacrifice in defeating the Wytch. " He speaks with a pedantic haughtiness, as if Frank and Jen had never heard of a metaphorical act before.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

Rather than pick up the bundle with her injured hand, Jen drips some blood onto to sticks.

“What, I don’t want to get an infection,” she said.
Bennosuke
Bill grins at this, but Jen can hear a couple of his gang behind her snigger. There was that Midwest hosier accent even in the way they laughed at her.

Bill looked to Frank, waiting for him to do the same, zippo at the ready.
Daishain
Frank sighs before squeezing his hand over the bundle, letting the blood drip down. He wanted this over with.
Bennosuke
Once both Frank and Jen have bled onto the collection of sticks, Bill pulls his arm back and raises the zippo. Orange flame kisses the bundle, spreading out over the grey branches and the perfume of wood smoke begins to fill the room. After only a few seconds, the sticks catch fire, going up as if they had been dowsed in kerosene as opposed to blood. The light catches and dances in Bill's eyes as he looks on with a wild satisfied grin. But as the sticks turn into a torch in his raised hand, the fire turns from a hot orange to a suddenly sickly green, and the room becomes filled with a rotten malodorous stench. The fire grows and grows, and when it has almost engulfed the entire bundle, Bill calmly lets go. The sticks tumble end over end, twisted skeletal rods caught fire, but when they hit the floor, they are nothing but ash.

When the magic trick is over, the locals gather around the pile of char and cinder, nodding their heads with satisfaction. " Very good, " Bill says, his gravely voice breaking the quiet, " the ritual is complete. Welcome to the Brotherhood, at least for now. " He steps forward to offer a hand to shake to both Jen and Frank, if they are willing.
Thundercracker
That was weird. Definitely something odd about that burning bundle of twigs.

Jen shakes with her non-bleeding hand.

"Thanks.  Uh, could I have a paper towel or something?" she asked, still dripping blood on the floor.
Daishain
Frank shakes the mans hand as briefly as he could without seeming insulting.   "If you don't mind, I'd like to start catching up on knowledge. Any chance of those books I was asking after?"  
Bennosuke
At Jen's request, Bill turns back to the table. He returns the zippo lighter, but comes back with a white dish towel that looks like it has been used to clean up too many spills. He hands it to Jen without a hint of malice and says, " Feel free to use this to put some pressure on it. I didn't cut too deep, but can get the first aid kit if you really like. "

Bill turns to Frank at his request, eyes narrowing slightly as his lips pull tight. Then he glances over at the desk, before saying, " Arnold, would you take The Journal and make some photocopies for our new  brethren ? " Arnold stiffens as if called to attention, before offering an 'alright' and then rushing around the room to get to the desk, then rushing back to the door with the speckled notebook held reverently in both hands. " He'll be right back with some of that, " Bill says, a hollow smile masking his face.

After a moment, Bill lets out a long sigh and nods his head with some form of inner satisfaction. " Very well, " he says, " now that you are at least partly one of us, we can get down to business and start talking about what we know... and well, what the two of you should start doing. May be best if we sit down. " Bill then trundles over to the only chair in the room, parked at the small work desk, and takes a seat, looking at Frank and Jen as if he expects them to sit on the ash covered floor.

Regardless of if they take his  kind  offer, Bill begins, " While we don't know much about how to hurt the Wytch, we do know there are some things that seem to  effect  it. As we mentioned before, The Wytch can't cross running water. It also seems to hate mirrors... that's a long story. " He chuckles at this, and a couple of the cultists still standing by the door join in. " My understanding is that the old Native Americans tied it to that big old tree... which is why some of the, uh, less educated locals, will go make offerings to it; leaving their daughter's pet cat, or a few trapped squirrels in the hopes of receiving magical blessings. But apparently, before The Wytch was bound to that tree, it roamed the forest and fed on dreams. In fact, we should give each of you a dream catcher! Clayton, go get each of these here two a dream catcher. "

Clayton, a ruddy faced man with a dirty nest of hair and heavy bags under basset hound eyes nods and says, " Yessir, " before turning and also exiting the room. But he returns almost an instant later carrying two identical dream catchers; each a woven loop of what might be straw, with an intricate pattern made of netting woven into the pupil, and feathers dangling on string. The two look like they might have been bought at a hot topic, or a bed bath and beyond, and meant to be hung up in some twelve year old's bedroom, next to a One Direction poster. Clayton dutifully, almost ceremoniously offers one to Frank and one to Jen.

" Hang that up over your bed, " Bill says, " and it might just protect ya. "
Daishain
Frank is increasingly disappointed, though he did his best not to express it as he takes the cheap knockoff. This lot were the experts? Really? He was doing his best to keep an open mind, but they were very low on solid information, high on ritual nonsense. Even everything stated was accurate, they seemed to be poor keepers of that knowledge to say the least. Hopefully that book was written by more thoughtful people.

Still, maybe there was some use for them.   "You stated before that the tree was the best bet for imprisonment. I suspect we'd be hard pressed to get her to willingly go back there, so what, if anything, can actually incapacitate this creature or limit its abilities?"  
Bennosuke
Bill throws both hands up, his face showing slight frustration. But he chuckles before he says, " Well, if we knew everything about it, we probably would have taken it out by ourselves already. To be honest, you two were pretty lucky to even have run into the Wytch. Try as we might, we can't always find our way to it... The Wytch seems to be able to do something weird to the forest... makes it hard to navigate. Only me and Alexandra and Arnold have even seen it. "
Daishain
Frank frowns,   "We'll have to work with the running water and mirros thing then I guess. The longer this thing is running around the more damage it will do. And if it catches up to the two of us before we have something ready, chances are you guys will lose your known bait."  
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs  

“Kinda funny if you think about it, since it won’t want to go
back, the safest place for us to be is in those damn woods,” Jen said.
Bennosuke
Bill chuckles, and like sycophants the others follow suite. As this dies down he says, " I'm glad you two came, and I'm sorry I don't have more to offer... ah hell. I wasn't gonna do this, but I've got one more thing to show you, and I think you are gonna like this. " The others in the group, if you turn around to check all go wide eyed and white as a sheet. They clearly know what Bill is getting at and either don't want him to share, or are simply surprised by his generosity.

 
 Spoiler: OOC: 
Alright, I'm gonna give you two beats here for moving towards the first two shared aspirations. We will also consider this the starting point at which Jen and Frank start their own Tier 1 compact. For becoming honorary members in the Brotherhood of Mather, both Jen and Frank gain Status (Brotherhood of Mather) 0, please add this to your character sheets. Thought the rule book says you will start with three preferred tactics, this will be when Bill teaches Frank and Jen their first Tactic.

I am going to let you two chose the tactic you want to take, as long as it would be reasonable for the two characters to learn it at this point. Please let me know in the discord if you haven't gotten your hands on the Hunter PDF yet.
 
Daishain
Frank raises an eyebrow, but nods for their host to continue.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Bill chuckles, and like sycophants the others follow suite. As this dies down he says, " I'm glad you two came, and I'm sorry I don't have more to offer... ah hell. I wasn't gonna do this, but I've got one more thing to show you, and I think you are gonna like this. " The others in the group, if you turn around to check all go wide eyed and white as a sheet. They clearly know what Bill is getting at and either don't want him to share, or are simply surprised by his generosity.

 
 Spoiler: OOC: 
Alright, I'm gonna give you two beats here for moving towards the first two shared aspirations. We will also consider this the starting point at which Jen and Frank start their own Tier 1 compact. For becoming honorary members in the Brotherhood of Mather, both Jen and Frank gain Status (Brotherhood of Mather) 0, please add this to your character sheets. Thought the rule book says you will start with three preferred tactics, this will be when Bill teaches Frank and Jen their first Tactic.

I am going to let you two chose the tactic you want to take, as long as it would be reasonable for the two characters to learn it at this point. Please let me know in the discord if you haven't gotten your hands on the Hunter PDF yet.
 
 
 

"Okay..." Jen said, "what is it?"
Now she was genuinely curious, given the reaction of the others.
Bennosuke
" Well, follow me, " Bill says in his strained sandpaper voice. He grins, but his eyes dart to the gang behind Frank and Jen, sharing something mirthful with the others. The motley crew of camo wearing hillbillies move aside as Bill leads the group out of the room and all the way down the hall. Bill retrieves a ring of keys to undo several locks. Through another door, Jen and Frank enter a slightly larger room. This one was clearly intended on being an office as well; same carpeted floor and corporate off white walls, but it had been converted into some sort of doomsday preppers Krav Maga training room. Punching mitts, practice weapons, and torn up heavy bags litter the floor. Looking up, you can see several scrapes in the wall where the practice weapons had likely accidently scraped open angry skid marks.

But Bill marches to the far end of the room where a BOB punching dummy rests. Makeshift arms have been fastened to the rubber torso, made of PVC, metal and foam padding, giving the dummy a scarecrow-esque appearance. Bill stops in front of the practice dummy, and turns to grin again at Frank and Jen. " I wanted to show you this, " he says proudly. Perhaps seeing the confusion or disappointment in the faces of the two new recruits, he frowns and puts up both hands. " Just you wait and see, " he says turning back to the wall to grab one of the leaning practice weapons. This one though, oddly, is what looks like a "real life" pitch fork. He grabs the wooden haft, and points the three metal prongs up to show Jen and Frank, grinning with excitement. The three tines of the pitchfork are each just under a foot apart. He gives a wink before turning to face the dummy. Over his shoulder Bill growls, " You saw the Wytch. It's got long gangly arms. Our thought was to try to take the damn things head off, but to do that, you probably got to hold it still. " He grunts, thrusting the weapon forward at an angle, catching the dummy's arms between the fork's prongs, then twists. There is a groan of metal as the joints of the thing's shoulders wrench in the wrong direction, and the Bob tilts sideways, spilling over. Bill thrusts the pitchfork down, pinning the thing's arms against the ground. " You get close enough to the thing, and one of you does this, " Bill says slightly out of breath, " and the other can go in for the kill. " He lifts the pitchfork up off of BOB, and thrusts the handle in the direction of Frank and Jen. " Here, one of you try, " he says, while Arnold rushes forward to lift the dummy back up on its stand.
Daishain
Frank looks to Jen, then shrugs before picking up the pitchfork, getting a feel for it before stabbing at the dummy.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
str+brawl  (5d10)[ 10 ][ 10 ][ 8 ][ 7 ][ 10 ](45) 
ten again  (5d10)[ 7 ][ 2 ][ 5 ][ 8 ][ 8 ](30) 
 
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

“We were pretty close to it last time,” Jen said, “you think it’ll hurt it more if we shoot it in the head?”
Daishain
  "Seems likely. Whatever else is going on with that freaky anatomy, I rather doubt a hole in the brain is going to make it any easier for it to function. I'd probably aim for the brain stem, cut off all signals to the body that way."   He sticks a finger in his mouth pointing at the upper back portion for emphasis.
Bennosuke
Frank is able to replicate the maneuver with surprising accuracy. Though the motion is unfamiliar, he is able to hook the tongs of the weapon around the dummy's contorted arms, and with a twist wrenches the BOB to the ground. Bill gives three slow claps of pleased approval.

Jen and Frank's discussion is interrupted by Bill, who steps forward to say, " That's assuming the Wytch even has a brainstem. It may look like a human, but I'm not convinced it has the anatomy of one. " He grins, a sick pleased grin and adds, " Honestly, if anything, I'd go for its crotch. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Frank is able to replicate the maneuver with surprising accuracy. Though the motion is unfamiliar, he is able to hook the tongs of the weapon around the dummy's contorted arms, and with a twist wrenches the BOB to the ground. Bill gives three slow claps of pleased approval.

Jen and Frank's discussion is interrupted by Bill, who steps forward to say, " That's assuming the Wytch even has a brainstem. It may look like a human, but I'm not convinced it has the anatomy of one. " He grins, a sick pleased grin and adds, " Honestly, if anything, I'd go for its crotch. " 
 

 Jen Gibbs 

“Uh.  I can’t tell if you’re joking,” Jen said.
Bennosuke
Bill's grin sours slightly. " I'm not, " he says flatly in his deep gravely voice, " The Natives talked about how how the Wytch would come to men in their dreams and try to mate with them. There's definitely a trend in the lore I've found regarding her... barrenness. If I had a crack at it, I'd go for the womb. "
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

That seemed insane, but given they were working with something out of a horror movie she was going to go with it.

“Okay, crotch it is,” Jen said, “so uhhh, what’s next?”
Bennosuke
The serious expression remains plastered on Bill's face. For a moment he shrugs as if he is not certain how to reply, then he says, " Well... I suppose that's as much as we can offer for ya now. I guess you two go back to your lives. I expect you'll deal with The Wytch whether you want to or not. But I'd like ya to keep us all in the loop as things progress. We can come down to where you two are if you need back up. You said you live in Saint Louis, right? "
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

“Okay then,” Jen said, “thanks for sharing what you could.”

She held up the dream catcher.

“I just hang this over my bed?” she asked.
Bennosuke
" Yer welcome, " Bill says hurriedly. He nods his head in reply to the question and adds, " Yep, that's where ya want it to be. " He holds one hand up, as if her were hoisting a dream catcher over his head. The others chuckle at this for a quick moment, but they silence quickly when Bill steps forward, offering a gnarled meaty hand to shake. " Welcome to the Brotherhood, " he says, grinning so wide you can see that some of his back teeth are green with a mossy substance.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

“Thanks for reaching out, I know you didn’t have to,” Jen said as she shook his hand.

“I’ll be in touch, let you know if I hear or see anything,” she added.
Bennosuke
" Sounds good, " Bill says, his grip overly firm, and somewhat clammy. The inside of his hand like sandpaper, just like his voice. He offers the same to Frank.
Daishain
Frank gives a simple nod of thanks, shakes the man's hand, and turns to leave. Once back to the truck and away from prying ears he turns to Jen,   "Well that didn't do as much as I'd hoped to convince me I'm not in a hospital with a massive brain tumor..."  

He shakes his head,   "Leaving that nihilistic possibility aside, I don't think they'll make trustworthy allies, and I certainly don't think its a good idea to join their ranks. I suggest we use them and move on. Maybe we can find better allies somewhere. If one group of supernatural secret organizations turns out to actually be real, maybe there are others?"  
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

“Yeah, there must be,” Jen said, “he talked about native Americans a lot, maybe some of them would know something?”
Bennosuke
The others simply wave, or offer a curt goodbye as Jen and Frank exit the church and move quickly back to their car.

(OOC: Can't tell if you two are still discussing or want things moved on? I assume the two want to discuss/plan more, but please let me know either here or in Discord)
Daishain
  "Worth a shot, how about we find out what specific tribe was involved here and see if we can't get in touch with some of their elders."   He sighs and puts his head down on the steering wheel,   "I was hoping they had a sure way to at least put that thing back in the forest in a hurry. I'm not going to be able to see my daughters again until this is over, can't put them in danger, and now it seems like that's going to be a long time."  
Thundercracker
[b]Jen Gibbs[/B

Jen nodded.

“I still think we can kill it,” Jen said, “I mean, it bled when I shot it.  Sooner we take care of it, the sooner we can go back to normal.”

She had no idea what to say about Frank’s kids, so she kept quiet about that.
Bennosuke
As part Jen's contracting job, she had purchased and picked up a large amount of wood from a group of Osage Native American farmers who lived on a reservation outside of Saint Louis. She didn't know any of them well, but it might be a place to start.

(OOC: I am going to be very careful here, as I don't know very much about the Osage and don't want to turn a marginalized group into a group of stereotypes.)
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

"So, they seemed to suggest the native americans knew a lot about this Wytch, and I did some work for some a while back," Jen said, "Maybe we could start there, see if anyone there knows anything."
Daishain
Frank nods, "Sounds like a good place to start to me." He gives the cheap trinkets they were given a dismissive flick, "And if dream catchers actually do anything at all, I'd be willing to bet the real thing is a lot more effective"
Bennosuke
Rather than drive home, Jen and Frank decide to drive out to Little Hope Farm, run by an Osage Nation family that Jen has worked with before, the Tallchiefs. The farm is located just outside of Saint Louis proper, in a town called Jefferson, though the farm is really out in the middle of nowhere.

Frank leads his truck off of the freeway and onto a well used but still bumpy dirt road, following Jen's directions. After about a half mile they pass under a sign for Little Hope Farm, marked with the seal of the Osage Nation, a yellow circle holding an arrowhead, a feather tassel, and a long smoking pipe. The road starts to pass a fenced in pasture, where a herd of sheep are lazily grazing. Frank is forced to keep the truck at a crawl given the uneven path, but the sheep barely seem to notice as the truck rolls by.

By now it's already early afternoon, and a hazy baking humidity has settled. Continuing down the path, Frank and Jen pass a small corn field before the road opens up to a small dirt lot boarded by a small cottage and what is likely a flimsy looking stable. A young woman, maybe just past her 18th birthday sits on the porch of the cottage, holding a baby to her chest. She has dark skin and darker hair, and she watches the truck pull up with a cool hardness in her eyes. Jen has never seen this woman before, but maybe she knew where Chance Tallchief or his brother Pat were.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

Jen got out of the truck and waved to the young woman as she approached.

“Good afternoon,” she said, “sorry to roll up unannounced, but would you happen to know if Chance Tallchief or Pat are around?”
Daishain
Frank steps out, but stays back for now, letting Jen handle the introductions
Bennosuke
The woman's hardened expression stays lined on her face. " Perhaps, " she says flatly, almost cautiously " and may I ask who you are and what you are doing on our farm? " She doesn't make a move to get up from her seat, neither approaching the two, nor trying to get away. You can see that she is seated in a rocking chair, and instead begins tilting the chair with her legs. The seat groans and creaks with the movement.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The woman's hardened expression stays lined on her face. " Perhaps, " she says flatly, almost cautiously " and may I ask who you are and what you are doing on our farm? " She doesn't make a move to get up from her seat, neither approaching the two, nor trying to get away. You can see that she is seated in a rocking chair, and instead begins tilting the chair with her legs. The seat groans and creaks with the movement. 
 

 Jen Gibbs 

“I did some work here last month, and now somethings happened and I was hoping I could get their advice,” Jen replied.

 
 Spoiler 
presence + persuasion:  (3d10)[ 2 ][ 6 ][ 3 ](11) 
10 again:  (3d10)[ 7 ][ 1 ][ 6 ](14) 
 
Bennosuke
The hard look only grows deeper, the lines in her brow and by her eyes furrowing. " I'm sorry, " she says between gritted teeth, " but I don't think they are here right now. I think you should go. " You can see her shoulders stiffen, and for just a moment, her eyes dart back to a field behind the rickety looking stable, as if she was checking to see if anyone were there.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The hard look only grows deeper, the lines in her brow and by her eyes furrowing. " I'm sorry, " she says between gritted teeth, " but I don't think they are here right now. I think you should go. " You can see her shoulders stiffen, and for just a moment, her eyes dart back to a field behind the rickety looking stable, as if she was checking to see if anyone were there. 
 

 Jen Gibbs 

“Alright, we’ll get out of your way,” Jen said.

She ignored the girl and started walking towards the field.
Bennosuke
The moment that Jen starts walking towards the field rather than the car, the young woman shoots out of her chair, arms still cradling her baby. " What do you think you are doing? " she yells, her dark lips pulling up into a snarl. Though she makes no move for it, you can now see the small black handgun resting on the seat of the rocking chair. Standing stiff as a flagpole she adds, " This is private property! You can't just go walking through it. "

(OOC: Upon thinking about this, it would stand to reason that Jen would have some proof of having worked with the Tallchiefs, whether it's an old email she can pull up on her phone, or even likely the contact information for one of someone that she had been communicating with)
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

“I’m in a life or death situation, so shoot me, help me, or stay out of it,” Jen replied without breaking stride.  She turned her back on the young mother and kept going.
Bennosuke
The woman's mask of anger falters at the statement, and her free hand opens and closes reflexively, as if considering reaching for the gun.

(OOC: Want to give me a Presence + Persuasion roll here)
Bennosuke
For a moment the woman just stands there, her body literally shivering, contempt growing across her face. " Fine, " she growls suddenly, " they're just as likely to shoot you as I am. " Then the baby begins to cry, and she shoots the two a look that says, "look at what you've done"!

Jen and Frank continue heading for the field, and the woman begins busying herself with quieting the child. They walk out towards a field of corn, fenced in by wood posts and chicken wire, where they catch the sound of a hammer and men dutifully working. Following the sound, they find the elder Chance Tallchief and his son Pat, nailing some of the fence wire back to a tired looking post. Pat, maybe in his late twenties, holds the wire up while his father works. Chance could be anywhere from his early forties to late sixties, his long hair gone almost a bleached white. Both men are wearing casual American work clothing, and Pat could just as easily be mistaken for an Italian American with a buzzcut as a Native American.

Chance looks up from his work, neither surprise nor distrust on his expressionless face. Possibly recognizing Jen he says, " I got nothing for you Mam. What are you doing here? "
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

“Not here for work,” Jen said, “I was hoping you could help us with something, or maybe point us in the direction of someone who can.”

“We uhh, inadvertently, let something out of the woods at Lytchwood park,” Jen said, “does that ring any bells?”
Bennosuke
Neither man says anything as Jen speaks. And her statement about Lytchwood only draws blank, slightly confused stares. After a moment the younger Tallchief replies with a flat, " Should it? "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Neither man says anything as Jen speaks. And her statement about Lytchwood only draws blank, slightly confused stares. After a moment the younger Tallchief replies with a flat, " Should it? " 
 

“I guess not,” Jen said disheartedly, “so, this might sound odd but hear me out.  We ran into something in Lytchwood, both of us did.  And… supposedly, you guys might have some stories that could help us out.  Have you ever heard of a Wytch?”
Bennosuke
The son Pat hastily replies, " A witch? You mean like pointed hat and broomsticks? " the question filled with confusion and a touch of concern. However, a flicker of what might be recognition crosses the older man's face for just a split second.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The son Pat hastily replies, " A witch? You mean like pointed hat and broomsticks? " the question filled with confusion and a touch of concern. However, a flicker of what might be recognition crosses the older man's face for just a split second. 
 

 Jen Gibbs 

“Umm, no,” Jen replied to Pat.
She shifted to look at the older man.
“More of a folklore, scary story evil spirit kind of thing, that lures people in and wears their skins and can’t cross running water,” she said, “I was hoping, kind of a shot in the dark really, that you might know something about it, or know someone who does.  I mean if you don’t want to get involved, that’s fine, I don’t blame you.”
Bennosuke
Now the older Tallchief does not even try to hide his recognition, staring at Jen with hard contemptuous eyes. He says something under his breath that sounds like "Mo-Tataklee", which turns the head of Pat and draws a look of concern.

Pat says something under his breath to the effect of, " Owl Witch? " but he sounds more confused than understanding. Chance does not avert his eyes from Jen, the same cold look on his face, perhaps not even hearing his son's question.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

“You know something, don’t you…” Jen said, “will you help us?  Frank has a wife and kids, and they need him.., and even though I’m single, I’d prefer to keep my skin  on  my body.”
Bennosuke
Now it is Chance's turn to look confused. He studies Jen for several long moments after she stops speaking, his eyes seeming to try to read deep inside her soul. Then the confusion gives way to maybe irritation or perhaps offense. " I cannot tell if you are joking... but you are not funny! " He rises from his kneeling position by the fence, and begins to take several lumbering steps towards Frank and Jen. " The Owl Witch is nothing but an old folk legend, a night monster made up to scare children straight and keep the white people away, " Chance Tallchief still says flatly, his eyes still searching the two for some answer as to what was happening.

(OOC: Can I suggest one of you roll to try to convince the Tallchief's that you are actually serious, probably Presence + Persuasion?)
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs  

“It’s not a joke!” Jen replied, “both of us saw it, and one more guy too, one of the forest rangers.  We were trapped in that place almost the entire night before we saw it… it was wearing her skin!”

As she started talking, the fear of what she’d seen started coming out, her eyes glazing over as she recalled the events of that evening.

“I shot it.  I shot it dead center and it didn’t bleed really, just laughed.  Then we ran, through the dark.  We pushed the tree to make a bridge to get across the river, and that’s how it got out,” she said, “it’s real.”

She looked at Chance again, realizing how crazy she probably sounded.

“If you don’t believe me, then there’s no harm in telling the story, and then we’re gone.  And if you do, then we need your help, please,” she said.

 
 Spoiler 
presence + persuasion + willpower:  (6d10)[ 2 ][ 7 ][ 3 ][ 3 ][ 7 ][ 7 ](29) 
10 again:  (6d10)[ 9 ][ 4 ][ 4 ][ 2 ][ 7 ][ 9 ](35) 
 
Bennosuke
" What are you talking about, " the old man starts to yell. He takes a step towards Jenn, hands trembling and balled up in fists. The heavy lines in his leathery face stretch and furrow with anger and he adds, " It's not real! None of it is real! "

(OOC: Daishain, do you want to take a crack? Jenn is down to 4/5 WP)
Daishain
*Frank holds up a hand in hopes of salvaging the situation,* "Sir, I understand your view, frankly in your shoes I would think the same. You don't have to believe us though. Just please point us to someone that knows those old stories like the back of their hand. You can decide if we're getting the help we need, or just getting out of your hair while making an elder's day on your own time."

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Presence+persuasion+willpower  (5d10)[ 8 ][ 1 ][ 1 ][ 2 ][ 2 ](14) 
 
Bennosuke
(Frank is down to 5/6 WP)

Pat starts to stride forward, moving past his father with a look that says he's gonna handle the two trouble makers, but he stops when he hears his father's deep tired sigh. Moments before Chance had been shouting, but now he was quiet, a queer look on his face. " And who are you? " the elder Tallchief asks of Frank, stepping forward to stand by his son. Even before either can answer he starts, " I still don't believe you two... but I suppose there is no harm in humoring you either. " However, there's something in the man's voice that hints at how he might just actually believe Frank and Jenn despite himself. He taps his son on the shoulder, willing Pat to stand down, the younger man standing a good head above his father,

After Frank's introduction Chance will say, " Mo-Tataklee, The Owl Witch... is a boogie man of sorts in Osage folklore. The Chickasaw and the Otoe peoples told of something similar too. She- or it was supposed to be a creature of the forest, a Honga or spirit that was deeply connected to the forest and which protected it from the evil parts of man. The Owl Witch was supposed to be a shape shifter, and a trickster; the sort of devil that would make promises of power to men, only to bring about their downfall in the end. In some stories the Owl Witch has no body, while in others it is described as something like a hybrid between a human woman and an Owl, with clawed feet and feathers. In some stories she is like the Greek Succubus, who would come to sleep with men by nights and steal their souls while they dreamed. " Chance Tallchief's voice trails off here. While he had spoken, his eyes had taken on a glassy far away look, but now they were hard and clear and focused. He adds, " But of course, the Mo-Tataklee is not real, just a legend nearly forgotten by a peoples who almost no longer truly exist. "

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I want to be very clear here that I am taking significant liberties here with Native American culture, combining several actual creatures from several tribe mythologies, to fit a creature that I originally came up with... inspired by the Scott Snyder comic series "Wytches". It is not my intention to  other  or manipulate any Native American culture, and I am hoping to be somewhat respectful of actual Folklore by trying to bend my original concept to fit within the architecture of some actual folk creatures.
 
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

Jen wanted to know how to defeat the witch, the stories must have explained that at some point, how it was outwitted by a hero or something… but she kept quiet since it seemed Frank had a better rapport with the men.
Daishain
  "My name is Frank, I'm a good friend of hers. We were out in those woods together for a hunting trip. It was supposed to be a relaxing vacation"   He chuckles, but there's no humor in it,   "A couple of the locals in Salem tried to warn us to keep away from the place. They were talking about ravines that visitors were falling into, Which is far as we could tell was bull**** so we just ignored them. Anyways, we get up there and the trip is going about as normal as can be until we see this black stag. A magnificent thing, never seen anything like it before."  

He keeps describing the events after that, excluding only the details that he was reasonably sure didn't have any relevance.   "Anyways, these rednecks seem crude and unreliable to say the least. They don't seem to actually know much, and what they do know we suspect is inaccurate to one degree or another. We're desperate enough that we will take their help if we have to, but we are really hoping that they are not the only help available. If nothing else, we are hoping to hear an unadulterated version of the original legend, in hopes that there is something to learn from it."
  
Bennosuke
The Tallchiefs listen intently as Frank speaks. After he is finished there is a long pause, then as if waking from a trance the younger Pat steps forward again and says, " Well it sounds like maybe those rednecks were playing a prank on you or something! " He crosses his arms, taking a confident and challenging posture.

Chance doesn't look away from Frank and Jen, and as his son finishes, the elder begins to speak. Almost speaking over Pat's last words, he says, " I'll tell you what I know; mostly just old stories my parents and grandparents used to tell. But that's all I'll be able to tell you. I'm not sure I believe the Owl Witch is real... no, I'm pretty certain it's not, but I can't see what harm there is in telling you two. "

He proceeds to tell a number of folk tales with familiar morals like "Greed is bad", and "Don't go out at night". The stories involve talking animals and a variety of brave and foolish mortals. But much of what Chance Tallchief describes is in line with what Frank and Jenn already know; how The Owl Witch can't cross running water, how she comes to mortals in their dreams to steal their energy, how she eats mortals and wears their skins. It is described as jealous of mothers and fathers; an impotent monstrosity unable to bare its own children, and that it will preferentially target the dreams of parents and eat their children. Fascinatingly, The Owl Witch is described as having a "Bloodless Moon", and how it can be defeated by removing its teets and impaling its womb.

Pat listens silently as his father weaves tale after tale. When the elder Tallchief is finished, his voice hoarse and his brow furrowed and slick with sweat, he says, " I don't know what good any of this will do you, but this is all I know. "
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

Jen sighed and looked around the field to think.  Impaling it in the womb kind of synced with what the red necks had told her earlier, shoot it in the crotch.  She stayed quiet and looked at Frank, silently asking for his thoughts.
Daishain
*Frank sighs,*   "Well that confirms a few things at least, if not exactly what to do about it. Is there anyone that knows the stories better than yourself sir?"  
Bennosuke
Pat looks quickly back and forth from Frank to his father then to Jen. His expression changes quickly from confusion to something like agitation. " Someone who knows the stories better? " he says in imitation of Frank, " we don't have time for this! "

But his father raises a hand and Pat stifles. " I... I'm sorry, " Chance says patiently, " but there isn't some Osage historian or storyteller. " He shrugs his shoulders and sighs slowly, " I suppose I can ask around, but well, I can't promise you anything. "
Daishain
Frank winces at the mention that there were no dedicated story tellers left,   "I'm sorry to hear that, and not just for our sake. Thank you for the time sir, we will find a way without disturbing you any further."  
Bennosuke
Frank's sincerity is not last on the elder Tallchief. He nods his head, but raises a hand towards the two and says, " I promise, I will see if I can find anything else. " His eyes study the two, as if perhaps trying to read their minds, his lips slightly pursed and his brow furrowed deep with age and concern.

(OOC: Assuming the two are leaving, I can move things on to the next scene unless the two want to discuss or there is a next step you want to take)
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Frank's sincerity is not last on the elder Tallchief. He nods his head, but raises a hand towards the two and says, " I promise, I will see if I can find anything else. " His eyes study the two, as if perhaps trying to read their minds, his lips slightly pursed and his brow furrowed deep with age and concern.

(OOC: Assuming the two are leaving, I can move things on to the next scene unless the two want to discuss or there is a next step you want to take) 
 

"Thank you," Jen said as they departed.

When they got back to the car, she turned to Frank.
"Now what?" she asked.
Daishain
"Well it is still possible that there is some other group connected to the tribes that knows more about this stuff. Assuming he follows through on his promise to poke into it a little further, chances seem relatively decent that they may hear about our situation and decide to make contact."

Frank sighs, "But we can't count on that happening, and I don't think we can sit around and wait to see if it does. So I suppose that means we're stuck with the rednecks for now. At least we did manage to confirm that their information largely fits with the stories."

"While we are on the reservation, let's see if we can pick up some genuine dreamcatchers rather than this bargain store bull****. After that how about we start working on a plan for an ambush, I am not going to spend the rest of my life on the run, waiting for her to try to mate with me in my dreams." He looks rather sick at that that thought.
Thundercracker
“Ah right, good idea on the dreamcatchers,” Jen said, “maybe we can pick up a few extra, just in case.”
Daishain
Frank nods as he pulls out his phone and looks for any relevant stores in the area known to be exclusively run by the natives.
Bennosuke
A quick search on his phone shows that about three miles away from the ranch is a more centralized network of streets that appear to have a handful of shops  and small businesses. Some of these are restaurants, hardware and feed stores and the like, though there does appear to be a few trinket and gift stores peppered in this "downtown" neighborhood. One place called "Authentic Osage" looks promising. There is also a place called the "The Center for Osage History and Culture", which has a website that makes it look like some sort of mash up between a town hall, a museum, and a library.
Daishain
Frank leans over to show Jen the results,   "Store looks promising, and this cultural center might be worth checking out. Even if there's nothing relevant to our immediate needs there is kind of feels right to learn a little more before leaving."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Frank leans over to show Jen the results,   "Store looks promising, and this cultural center might be worth checking out. Even if there's nothing relevant to our immediate needs there is kind of feels right to learn a little more before leaving."   
 

“Let’s hit the store first, then we can spend more time at the museum,”Jen said.
Bennosuke
By the time Frank and Jen get into the car to head "into town" on the reservation, the sun is already starting to sink. They had driven out that morning to the Church, nearly a three and a half hour long drive, then come to the reservation. Eventually Frank was going to have to get on the phone with his ex-wife; he had sent them back to her this morning with a lie about an out of the blue welding contract opportunity. Sooner or later she was going to be harassing him about when he was coming to pick the girls up!

But the drive to the shop was only a five minute navigation through winding dirt roads. The buildings here seemed even less well kept, and more abandoned than some of those in Salem! As opposed to the old brick buildings, most of the shops were two stories made out of wilting wood and makeshift tin roofs. Strangely, the most permanent looking structure, was an ice cream shop that stuck out like a sore thumb at the end of the block.

And the sky was turning into a dark blue bruise by the time Frank and Jen pull the truck up in front of "Authentic Osage". It's sheet wood walls had been painted a red which had now faded to the color of baked clay. A sign hung outside the building marking the store is a wooden plaque with the familiar symbol of an arrow head with a pipe and tassel. Despite the darkening sky, the door to the shop is still open. Inside, Authentic Osage is dark and cramped. A handful of round tables are set up to close together, cluttered with a variety of pamphlets and trinkets. Next to the entrance, a withered man with wiry off-white hear stands behind a glass counter. The room is filled with the peppery aroma of his half-used cigar. The case is filled with a variety of knives and arrow heads. He takes a puff of the cigar as Jen and Frank enter, staring with sunken rheumy eyes and with a reedy voice says in a rehearsed manner, " Welcome to Authentic Osage. Can I help you find anything? "
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs  

“Do you have any dreamcatchers?  Real ones I mean,” Jen asked.
Bennosuke
The man listens to Jenn, his face remaining an unreadable mask. It takes a moment before he replies, and for a second it appears as if he is debating how to reply. Then he begins nodding his head, as if he only just understood the question and responds, " Oh yeah. Real dreamcatchers; sure! Got plenty of them! " His voice is high pitched and reedy, but rough like sandpaper. The shop keeper begins to step around the counter, and tells Jenn and Frank to follow him. He walks to the back of the shop, to a table pushed up against the corner of the slanting building. He extends his arm to a table covered in a variety of nick knacks, like a magician revealing their next trick. Stacked on top of each other are a handful of round dreamcatchers, each one identical to the next. And he says, " These here are what you're looking for. Fifteen bucks a pop. " He looks up at the two potential customers, and gives a smile that shows the fleshy gap where his top incisors used to be.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The man listens to Jenn, his face remaining an unreadable mask. It takes a moment before he replies, and for a second it appears as if he is debating how to reply. Then he begins nodding his head, as if he only just understood the question and responds, " Oh yeah. Real dreamcatchers; sure! Got plenty of them! " His voice is high pitched and reedy, but rough like sandpaper. The shop keeper begins to step around the counter, and tells Jenn and Frank to follow him. He walks to the back of the shop, to a table pushed up against the corner of the slanting building. He extends his arm to a table covered in a variety of nick knacks, like a magician revealing their next trick. Stacked on top of each other are a handful of round dreamcatchers, each one identical to the next. And he says, " These here are what you're looking for. Fifteen bucks a pop. " He looks up at the two potential customers, and gives a smile that shows the fleshy gap where his top incisors used to be. 
 

Jen glanced at Frank.
“Do you think this is what we’re looking for?” she asked.
Daishain
Frank looks at her and shrugs,   "I'm hardly an expert. They look a little mass manufactured to me, but at least its probably closer to the mark?"  
Bennosuke
(OOC: A wits+Academics or Wits + Crafts roll can be used here to appraise the authenticity of the item. Either roll will be at a -2 as neither of you are familiar with traditional native american objects.)
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 (OOC: A wits+Academics or Wits + Crafts roll can be used here to appraise the authenticity of the item. Either roll will be at a -2 as neither of you are familiar with traditional native american objects.) 
 

Wits + Crafts -2:  (1d10)[ 3 ] 
Bennosuke
Jenn does not have a strong sense for the quality or authenticity of the items displayed in front of her. They seem a little homogenous, but who was she to say whether or not that was an indicator they were "the real deal".

(OOC: Always free to use a WP or take a dramatic failure)
Thundercracker
"Ehh, I have no idea," Jen said to Karl, "what do you think?"
Daishain
He shrugs, "Can't say I know for sure myself. Worth a shot at least." *He nods to the store keeper.* "We'll take 2 sir."
Bennosuke
" Sure, " the shopkeeper says. He gives Frank a grin that emphasizes his missing teeth, then bends forward to casually grab the two top dreamcatchers. He takes another puff of his cigar with his free hand, then leads Jenn and Frank to the cash register, where he says, " That will be thirty bucks. Anything else I can help you with today? "
Daishain
Frank shakes his head as he hands over a couple twenties,   "I think that's it for now. We were heading to the heritage center next."  
Bennosuke
" Very good, " the shopkeeper says, taking a puff of his cigar before stuffing the dream catchers into a brown paper gift bag.

The two exit the store and begin walking down the street towards the Center for Osage Heritage. Streetlights have come on now, the sun having fully set. The Center is a squat building, though large by the standards of the neighborhood. It's front are all tall glass windows. But before the two get to the door, Frank's phone begins to ring, shaking and buzzing like a nest of hornets. It's the number from Neil's house. Frank had left the girls with him and Clarissa all day, and they were probably wondering when he was coming to get them.
Thundercracker
Jen buys an extra dream catcher, just in case.

“So now what?” she asked.
Daishain
Frank stares at his phone for a while before stuffing it back in his pocket and letting voice mail take it. He wasn't... ready for that conversation.

  "Lets learn what we can, if there is anything relevant, and find a place to sleep tonight."  
Bennosuke
Frank stuffs his phone back into his pocket and he and Jen walk into the heritage center. As the two go through the relatively spotless glass door, Frank's phone begins to buzz again.

Assuming he ignores it for now, they find themselves in a fairly spacious open concept lobby with a granite colored desk. The receptionist could maybe be in her twenties, but her age is hidden behind about a hundred pounds of excess weight. She regards the two with well lashed dark eyes, rimmed by black plastic glasses. The ivory papered walls are festooned with a series of paintings, collages and homemade art, as if this were a small arts museum. The woman at the desk regards the two newcomers with slight suspicion, but she quickly puts on a broad smile and says, " Welcome to The Center of Osage Heritage. We will be closing in about a half hour. How can I help you? "
Daishain
Frank looks to her,   "Hello. We have something of a specific request, we're interesting in hearing about old folklore tales told by the Osage."  
Bennosuke
The woman's façade of a smile vanishes into a confused look. " Uh, I just work the front desk, " she says flatly, adding, " but if you want pay for a ticket we close in about a half hour. Room three is where we keep the collections on folk tradition and art... maybe it will have what you are looking for. " She glances down at a sign posted on the front of the desk listing ticket prices. General admission would be about $30 a person.

(OOC: We can treat this as an investigation roll if you would like with Int + Academics. I'd give you a +1 bonus as a Library merit for the museum but then would also apply -1 for the time limit. Rather than making this primary and secondary roller, we can just average the number of successes and round up to save time)
Daishain
He nods and pulls out his wallet. Once inside he looks to Jen,   "Right, lets make this fast, just skim through unless it seems related."  

He gets to the books and starts leafing through.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Wits+academics+1-1  (3d10)[ 8 ][ 6 ][ 3 ](17) 
 
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

“Uh, what?” Jen said.  She tried to catch up and figure out what she was supposed to do.

 
 Spoiler 
chance die (1d10)[ 5 ] 
 
Bennosuke
(OOC: Rounding up, that's one success)

The two begin frantically moving through the museum, scanning paintings, some modern and others in some form of a traditional arts style. There are sculptures and historical artifacts from the tribe's past. The two skim through a relatively modern looking book on Osage folk traditions that sits on a table in the center of the room.

But the only information that Jen and Frank find of any worth comes from an adjacent book on the same table. It's titled, "History and Culture of the Osage People". There is nothing about The Wytche in the book, but Frank uses the index to find a small paragraph on Dream Catchers in Osage tradition. The two are disappointed to read that Dream Catchers are not actually part of the Osage culture. They were an object of the Ojibwe culture that became popular in non Native culture, and were thus appropriated by other tribes for primarily selling to tourists and non-Natives.

As the two are starting to put the book down, the woman from the front desk's voice crackles over a dying PA system, " The Center will be closing in five minutes, please proceed to exit the building. Again, the Center is closing in five minutes. Time to go. "
Daishain
Frank rubs his eyes as he starts putting the books back in place,   "Right, I think I remember reading about that once... Well I'm going to go ahead and hang mine up tonight, but I don't exactly think we can count on them."  

He sighs a bit,   "Lets get out of here."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Frank rubs his eyes as he starts putting the books back in place,   "Right, I think I remember reading about that once... Well I'm going to go ahead and hang mine up tonight, but I don't exactly think we can count on them."  

He sighs a bit,   "Lets get out of here."   
 

“I’m about ready to call it a night,” Jen said, “definitively going to sleep with a weapon within reach tonight…”
Daishain
  "Same. By the way I was thinking, Since a kill shot seems fruitless at the moment, if she shows up before we're ready for her, it might be best to go for the main joints instead, slow her down for an escape."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
   "Same. By the way I was thinking, Since a kill shot seems fruitless at the moment, if she shows up before we're ready for her, it might be best to go for the main joints instead, slow her down for an escape."   
 

“That’s what I was thinking,” Jen replied, “…this is insane, by the way.”
Bennosuke
As the two are walking out of the back through the museum towards the exit, Frank's phone begins to ring again. And again it's the number from the house of Handsome Neil. Checking his phone, Frank also sees that it's now almost 6:30PM, and would be about a half hour trip back to Saint Louis if the two didn't speed. He had left the girls there all day!
Daishain
Frank looks down at the phone, letting it ring out again, though he'll be calling back soon. He looks to Jen,   "I'm heading back home. We've probably drawn her far enough away from there by now that one night back shouldn't be an issue."

"I at least need a break from this to process a bit. Early tomorrow morning I'm taking the girls to a waterpark, I can make things up to them while the running water keeps us safe from the wytch. Care to join us?"  
Bennosuke
By the time Frank finishes speaking, a second voicemail flag has popped up on his phone.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Frank looks down at the phone, letting it ring out again, though he'll be calling back soon. He looks to Jen,   "I'm heading back home. We've probably drawn her far enough away from there by now that one night back shouldn't be an issue."

"I at least need a break from this to process a bit. Early tomorrow morning I'm taking the girls to a waterpark, I can make things up to them while the running water keeps us safe from the wytch. Care to join us?"   
 

“Water park, I never would have thought of that,” Jen replied, “sure I guess.  Don’t expect much in the way of child interaction though.”
Daishain
  "Not looking for a babysitter, but an extra pair of eyes would be very nice, and we can plan our next move while they play."   Frank heads for the car, listening to the message that was left.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
   "Not looking for a babysitter, but an extra pair of eyes would be very nice, and we can plan our next move while they play."   Frank heads for the car, listening to the message that was left. 
 

Jen nodded and followed along.  She couldn’t bring a gun into the water park…
Bennosuke
Frank pulls out his phone and types into his voicemail. The first message is from a very frustrated Clarissa, calling to find out when Frank is coming to pick up his daughters, and to make sure that Frank knows her displeasure with his lack of communication. Though maybe it wasn't fair to say that Frank was used to this sort of treatment, he had heard her far angrier and using far coarser language directed at him in the last year or two.

However, the second call is probably closer to Clarissa at her worst. There is lots of slander, lots of insults and derogatory language. She sounds drunk in her disinhibition and vitriol. But an alarm bell goes off in Frank's head when she adds, " And by the way, if that is you standing outside our house like a creep, you aren't ****ing funny you pig. I haven't seen it but the girls keep running downstairs to say there's someone on the lawn. Don't know if it's you, but just in case it is, Neil has already loaded his shotgun. It's already too dark to see anything out there, so it ain't worth dying over some ****ing idiotic prank, you immature waste of ****. "
Daishain
Frank was already heading for the truck, but on hearing that message he starts running.   "**** **** **** ****! She was supposed to be after us?! What the **** is she doing stalking them?!"  

As soon as Jen's in the truck he starts driving while calling Clarissa back, whether she picks up or its voicemail he immediately says,   "That's not me out there, tell Niel to fire away if he sees something. I am on my way."  
Thundercracker
“I… have no idea, but let’s get over there,” Jen said.
Bennosuke
The phone picks up as Jen and Frank begin their race towards St. Louis, Clarissa's voice picking up over the speaker thanks to Bluetooth pairing. Her tone shifts immediately from anger to concern when she hears Frank talking. " What... what are you talking about? Frank? You sound like you know who is out there! What is going on? Are we in danger? What did you do?! "
Thundercracker
Jen checks her clip, and her spare, makes sure a round is chambered, and flips the safety off.
Daishain
  "I'm afraid I don't know is the answer to all three of those last questions. Look, it might be nothing, just be careful, I'll be there as soon as I can, probably in about half an hour."   Frank guns it, going as fast as he dares without attracting every cop in a 15 mile radius.
Bennosuke
Frank is blessed to make it all the way back into Saint Louis without a run-in with the police. He races through the suburbs, now lit only by street lamps to come to a screeching halt outside of Neil's home. All the lights are on inside the house, and neither Frank nor Jen see anyone in the front yard. Both Neil's sports car and Clarissa's minivan are parked in the driveway.
Daishain
Frank stands in front of the house, calling out,   "Niel? Clarissa? Its me!"  

He heads up towards the front door and knocks, hoping both that everyone was okay and that Niel wasn't panicking and trigger happy.
Thundercracker
Jen gets out of the car and stands between the door and the car itself, cursing as the interior light goes on automatically.  She turns it off and then looks around for the Wytch, hair prickling on the back of her neck.
Bennosuke
As Frank is halfway up the porch steps, the front door swings open. Neil is standing in the doorway, a long serrated bread knife clutched tightly in one hand. The hallway lights behind him hide his face, but his eyes are wide and white in the dark of his silhouette. " What took you so long Frank? " he says, his voice high and strained, " Where have you been? "

Jen can see no immediate sign of the Wytch, though she could begin stalking around the side to the back of the house to keep hunting if she wishes.
Thundercracker
Jen quietly stalks around the back, keeping her senses peeled.

 
 Spoiler 
dex + stealth:  (5d10)[ 7 ][ 2 ][ 1 ][ 5 ][ 7 ](22) 
10 again:  (5d10)[ 2 ][ 4 ][ 1 ][ 8 ][ 3 ](18) 
 
Daishain
  "I was in another county when I got Clarrissa's message. Is everyone okay? Are the girls safe?"   Frank looks to the knife and Niel's body language.   "****, you saw something didn't you?"  
Bennosuke
" Everyone is fine, " Neil says indignantly, as if the question were a challenge to his masculinity. He waves the bread knife angrily for emphasis. He remains defensive, but there is something hesitant when he adds, " I... I didn't see anything. But the girls are really freaked out. They keep swearing that a woman with owl eyes is watching them from the yard. "

Jen sneaks around the side of the house, squeezing herself to stay on a narrow strip of grass between a flower bed and the side of the house. But her foot falls on a twig which snaps loudly! In the dark, Jen hear something scurry away in the backyard... but maybe it was just a cat it moves so quickly!

" What was that, " Neil shrieks at the sound of the snapping twig, his voice moves up an octave.
Thundercracker
Jen moves towards the back yard.  She should probably return to the front, but she didn’t want to deal with Frank’s ex and her stupid new husband.  Pushing against her own self preservation, she followed along to where she heard something scurrying.

 
 Spoiler 
playing out the dumb move tilt I received earlier , forget what it’s called
 
Daishain
Frank eyes the knife,   "Right, if everything's all right, I'll just get the kids and we'll get out of your hair okay? One less thing for you to worry about. The girls are probably just seeing things."  
Bennosuke
(OOC: Jen's condition is spooked; you can always check your conditions in the OOC thread character box. Spooked means that after your encounter with the supernatural, you are scared enough to do something stupid that puts the group in danger. Jen gains a beat)

Jen charges deeper into the yard, perhaps despite her better judgement. A high pitched yip escapes her, an unintentional release of fear that she did not realize she was carrying, as she pushes into the back yard.

Coming around the back of the house, Jen finds herself passing a large wooden porch and a brand new (perhaps never used) gas grill. A child's play house has been set up in the yard, but there is nothing back there other than grass and a bed filled with flowers.

Neil is already in full panic mode, the extended hand holding the knife shaking violently. Frank begins talking, but his eyes are almost vacant. Jen's yell only seems to spook him more and the man comes charging down the stairs. " What the **** was that? " he repeats, coming closer the knife raised. The color has returned to Neil's face; he is turning beet red. Finishing the last stair he says, " Who was that? Did you bring someone with you? Have you been sneaking around with your friends trying to scare us? What the hell is wrong with you? " He strides straight towards Frank, shaking with rage, but stops within striking distance.
Daishain
Frank raises his hands and backs off a little,   "Calm down Neil. Its just my friend Jennifer, you remember her right? She was just walking the yard to see if she could find any traces that someone was actually here. Neither of us have been anywhere near this place till just now."  

He raises his voice a bit, hoping that yell wasn't ominous at all   "Jen?! How about you come on back up here?"  
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

Jen stands perfectly still for a second, straining her ears to hear if anything is scampering away.  Assuming she hears nothing:

“Alright, I’m coming around,” she said, “I definitely heard something back here, maybe it was just a cat.”

She backs out of the yard, keeping her eyes peeled.

When she gets to the front and can see Frank and Neil, she spots the knife.
“You don’t have a gun?” she asked incredulously.
Bennosuke
 Frank raises his hands and backs off a little, "Calm down Neil. Its just my friend Jennifer, you remember her right? She was just walking the yard to see if she could find any traces that someone was actually here. Neither of us have been anywhere near this place till just now." 

Frank watches as Neil very slowly processes his words. But even as he begins to understand, the anger does not leave his face. Instead a malicious crazed sort of grin stretches across his lips to show his pearly whites. " You've been with Jen all day? That's why left the girls? That's why you haven't been picking up the phone? " he cackles, his face red, a swollen vein bulging on his temple. Over his shoulder he half yells, " Wait till Clarissa hears! " But as he turns, he keeps the knife outstretched and it slash/slaps across Frank's face. Frank can feel the wet heat where it hits him, and at first can't tell if he's cut.

As Jen comes around the corner, she sees Neil and Frank standing in front of the house porch, watching with shock as he slashes him cross the face with his knife; oblivious of Jen's mocking question about not owning a gun.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Frank watches as Neil very slowly processes his words. But even as he begins to understand, the anger does not leave his face. Instead a malicious crazed sort of grin stretches across his lips to show his pearly whites. " You've been with Jen all day? That's why left the girls? That's why you haven't been picking up the phone? " he cackles, his face red, a swollen vein bulging on his temple. Over his shoulder he half yells, " Wait till Clarissa hears! " But as he turns, he keeps the knife outstretched and it slash/slaps across Frank's face. Frank can feel the wet heat where it hits him, and at first can't tell if he's cut.

As Jen comes around the corner, she sees Neil and Frank standing in front of the house porch, watching with shock as he slashes him cross the face with his knife; oblivious of Jen's mocking question about not owning a gun. 
 

Jen, already on edge, reacts on instinct, pulling up her gun and drawing a bead.

"Frank! Get down!" Jen shouted.

She aims at Neil, trying to get a clear shot.

"Drop the knife!  Drop it now!" Jen shouts.
Daishain
Frank slowly puts a hand up,   "Jen, it was an accident. Niel, you do need to put the knife down. You're putting yourself and others in danger with it. Look, you cut me just now."  
Bennosuke
Neil's eyes go wide when he catches sight of Jen with her gun drawn. " Whoa, " he shouts, throwing both hands up in the air and simultaneously letting go of the knife so that it goes flying backwards. His eyes dart back and forth from Jen to Frank and back again. " What the **** man, " he shouts, " put the gun away! What's going on? "

Whether or not Neil hears, the door opens, flooding yellow light over the porch and the front yard. Clarissa is standing at the door. Seeing the stand off on her front steps she shouts, " Frank? What is happening? " Behind her, Frank catches sight of his two daughters standing in the hallway, eyes wide with terror.
Daishain
Frank groans in his head, ****... First things first, gun down.

  "Jennifer, please, put it down. It was an accident, Neil didn't mean to cut me with the knife. We're all on edge here, lets not let something stupid happen, okay?"  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Frank groans in his head, ****... First things first, gun down.

  "Jennifer, please, put it down. It was an accident, Neil didn't mean to cut me with the knife. We're all on edge here, lets not let something stupid happen, okay?"   
 

Jen aims the gun at the ground.

“You sure? Looked like it was on purpose to me,” Jen replied.  Just in case Frank wanted to press charges.
“I’m not stupid, when I hit someone in the face, it’s on purpose,” Jen said.  Maybe it was a good thing Neil didn’t have a gun, otherwise frank might be picking his jaw up off the ground, or worse.

“I scared something off in the back yard, I think it was a cat or something,” she added.
Bennosuke
" It was an accident, " Neil shrieks, his face now bright red, stamping one foot like a raging goblin.

Behind him Clarissa's eyes go wide. Thinking fast, she quickly closes the girl behind her on the girls and strides down the steps towards her new significant other. " Hi Jen, " she says hastily, brushing past everything that has been transpiring in her yard. She places a hand on Neil's shoulder, stepping in front of him to address Frank. " Where have you been? " she shouts, her other hand coming to her hip, " you scared me and the girls half to death! You said it was just a short business thing, and we couldn't get a hold of you! "
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

“Keep your voice down,” Jen said quietly as she put her back to the house and started scanning the area.

She took a quick glance at Frank’s cut to try and determine if it would need stitches

 
 Spoiler 
int + medicine :  (3d10)[ 1 ][ 6 ][ 4 ](11) 
10 again:  (3d10)[ 9 ][ 9 ][ 5 ](23) 
 
Bennosuke
Both Clarissa and Neil's eyes go wide when Jen tells them to be quiet and begins scanning the area. Both their gazes follow hers across the yard, looking for any signs that Jen might be picking up.

" What do you see? " Clarissa asks under her breath.

There is a decent trickle of blood coming down Frank's cheek, though Jen can't make heads or tails of how bad the cut is.
Daishain
Frank waves Jennifer away,   "I'll be fine, doesn't even hurt, we'll worry about patching it up later."   Looking to Clarissa he answers the question with a partial truth,   "Things got complicated, and Jen and I have been running like hell the past few days to try and deal with it. Right now though I'd like to know what's been going on here. Neil said he hadn't seen anything, but he was spooked enough to be waving that knife around."   Frank mutters,   "Guess I should be glad it wasn't the shotgun."  
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

“Nothing, doesn’t mean that’s what’s there though,” Jen replied, “I scared something away in the back yard, maybe it’s a fox, maybe a cougar, who knows.”
Bennosuke
 Frank waves Jennifer away, "I'll be fine, doesn't even hurt, we'll worry about patching it up later." Looking to Clarissa he answers the question with a partial truth, "Things got complicated, and Jen and I have been running like hell the past few days to try and deal with it. Right now though I'd like to know what's been going on here. Neil said he hadn't seen anything, but he was spooked enough to be waving that knife around." Frank mutters, "Guess I should be glad it wasn't the shotgun." 

Clarissa crosses her arms defensively, stepping in front of Neil and giving her Ex a hard glare that he was likely intimately familiar with. " It was nothing, " she snaps, " the girls just spooked themselves, " though Frank can tell she too was scared and is likely covering something up. But Clarissa is wearing that expression that says she's putting her foot down and not budging one inch.


 “Nothing, doesn’t mean that’s what’s there though,” Jen replied, “I scared something away in the back yard, maybe it’s a fox, maybe a cougar, who knows.” 

Clarissa tilts her head and shrugs as if to say, "no big deal", though her eyes dart off towards the back yard nervously for one quick instant. " It was probably just a cat... like you said, " she replies. She casts her admonishing gaze from Frank to Jen, then back to Frank and says, " Anyways, aren't you here to get the girls? They were supposed to be with YOU today, and it was You who left them here, and YOU who is late to pick them up! " She brandishes this accusation like a sword of victory, ready to perform its coup de grace.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

Jen really wants to jump in and tell Clarissa to shut the hell up, but she’s learned to just stay out of it when her and Frank get into it.  She continues scanning for any potential threats.
Daishain
Frank had been considering telling Clarissa enough to get her on board with taking the girls on a vacation in hawaii or something, but if she was going to pull this ****, now of all times... No, he just couldn't count on her to be rational. There's a flat tone to his voice as he responds,   "I told you from the start that I wasn't sure how long the job was going to take, and that was before things went to hell and back. Look, thank you for your patience in waiting for me, I'll take the girls and get their fears sorted out. You won't have any more trouble on that front, I swear it."  
Bennosuke
Clarissa crosses her arms over her chest and rolls her eyes with vitriol. But at least her reply is under her breath, tempered rather than the out of control yelling that she had just been doing. " As if I haven't heard that a thousand times. I don't care what is going on, when it comes to the girls I have to be able to reach you, and you have to stick to your promises " she says. She gives Frank one last long death stare before huffing loudly, turning, and saying over her shoulder, " Well let's go get the girls' things. It's already been a long and ****ed up night for them. "

She marches back up the porch steps, not caring if Neil, Frank or Jen follow. Opening the door, you can see the girls sitting on the hallways steps behind Clarissa. " Have you two been listening this whole time? " she scolds, " Well the shows over girls. Go get your things. Daddy is  finally  here to take you home. " From inside you can hear the footsteps of the two girls as they hurry to go get their bags.
Thundercracker
“ I am SO glad I didn’t sign up for any of this ,” Jen thought.

She ignored what was going on behind her and simply scanned the area.
Daishain
Frank breathes a quiet sigh of relief. It seemed things would be okay for a little longer at least. Course now there was the question of where to go. Surely he couldn't actually take them home right now, it was too close.
Bennosuke
After several long minutes standing around in silence with Neil, the girls push through the door followed by their mother. They have their backpacks slung on their shoulders as they walk quietly down the porch steps. Rachel keeps her head bowed low, but Marissa is a little bolder. Her eyes are wide, and she looks with fascinated terror from Neil to Frank and Jen, and several times glances back at her mother. There is a look of fear, and something like annoyance on Marissa's face. The girls had seen their share of their parents fighting, but it had been a while and it was clearly affecting the two girls now.

Finishing her march, Marissa quickly hugs her father around the waist and mutters, " Hi Dad! " Rachel grabs him from the other side, simply burying her head into Frank's clothes, and it seems like she might break out into tears.
Daishain
Frank goes to one knee as he embraces his children, doing his best to avoid letting his own worries show.   "Its going to be all right you two."  

He wishes he could be certain of that, his and Jen's plans for dealing with this thing haven't gone much further than speculation and delaying any confrontation. Still, he had to find a way. As soon as the girls seem to be calming a little, he stands again and takes their hands.   "All right, lets get going."  
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

Jen watches the exchange, takes one last look around, takes one last look over her shoulder and follows Frank to the truck.

“You sure you don’t want to have someone look at that?” she asked as she watched the blood drip out of Frank’s face.
Bennosuke
Marissa nods her head at her father's reassurance but says nothing. Rachel squeezes Frank even more tightly. When she finally loosens her grip and pulls back she waves for her father to bend down and come closer. She whispers into his ear, " This was scary Dad, " before letting go and following her sister into the car.

In the car, Frank's cut stung a little, but had mostly stopped bleeding by now. In the back Marissa dutifully helps buckle her younger sister in, and you can hear the two whispering in hushed voices to each other.

(OOC: Where to now?)
Daishain
Frank takes a look at the cut in his rearview mirror and dabs at it with a couple of the napkins he keeps in the dash.   "I'll be fine Jen. See? I bet if it wasn't for the rain it'd have closed up already. I'll put a bandage and antiseptic on when we get a chance."  

As they're driving away Frank tells the girls,   "All right, I know mom didn't believe you, but I'd like to know exactly what you saw before."  
Bennosuke
Rachel looks up groggily from her seat in the back, turning to her sister to speak up. Seeing this, Marissa sighs with the exasperation reserved for a sibling and replies, " I don't know Dad. I think we were just being stupid. I'm sure it was nothing. " Finishing this, Marissa purses her lips for a second, clearly struggling with herself. After another moment she blurts, " It was... like a naked woman standing in the yard. She was just standing there and looking up at the window. She was a young woman I think, but it was just so weird. And you'd look away and she would be gone! Mom and Neil couldn't see her, but both Rachel and I did. "
Daishain
Frank glances at Jen, great, just great. The wytch wanted his kids, had gotten so close as to be watching them in person.   "If you ever see anything like that again, let me or Jen know right away okay? Don't be worried about us not believing you. Understand?"

"Well I have a little surprise anyways, we're going on a bit of a trip. It should be fun and get your mind off of the scary stuff. I need to make things up to you for the past few days anyways."  
Bennosuke
" We're not going home? " Rachel asks meekly. Her sister eyes her with irritation and and says with more curiosity, " Where? Where are we going? "
Daishain
  "We're headed up to Warsaw tonight. We'll shop for some new bathing suits in the morning, and then we'll get to have some fun at Jolly Mon. Doesn't that sound fun?"   Frank tries to keep his voice optimistic. This was basically a desperate rush to get the girls out of the wytch's reach, and he wasn't sure how long it would last.
Bennosuke
Rachel's eyes go wide, an excited grin spreading across her face. " Really? " she squeals softly. But Marissa's eyes narrow as she stares back at her father. In a stand-offish voice she replies, speaking over her sister, " Dad, that's almost four hours away. So what, you're like trying to make it up to us or something? "

(OOC: Very clever idea. But Warsaw is about 3.5 hours away.)
Daishain
"Yes, my observant young lady, I am hoping to make things up for you two." Inwardly Frank is wondering what they'd do next. Surely the girls would be safe surrounded by running water like that, but they couldn't hide up at the park forever, or even for very long. Soon enough Clarissa would be expecting them back.
Bennosuke
The doubtful tone lingers in Marissa's voice as she replies, " ... and Jen is coming with us? " She glances from her father to the woman sitting beside him, then asks dubiously before anyone can reply, " so what, you guys are dating now? "
Daishain
  "No, we're not dating. Unlike what your mom thinks we've always been just friends."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The doubtful tone lingers in Marissa's voice as she replies, " ... and Jen is coming with us? " She glances from her father to the woman sitting beside him, then asks dubiously before anyone can reply, " so what, you guys are dating now? " 
 

“F*** no,” Jen said.

“Uh, sorry,” she added.
Bennosuke
Rachel seems to already be asleep, or at least mostly out, but Marissa's eyes go wide and she grins widely when Jen swears. She chuckles and says playfully, " Maybe you and Jen should date Dad. "

(OOC: Happy to play this out more, or move on to "the next scene")
Daishain
Frank glances at Jen, it wasn't like he hadn't thought about it before, hell he'd even once made a pass at her while blind drunk shortly after the divorce. She was certainly a more companionable woman than Clarissa. But no, it just didn't feel right thinking of her like that.   "Sorry if this disappoints, but we're better off just staying friends. Get some sleep, we have a fair drive before we're going to stop."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
If its as late as I think it is, probably not going to try and drive all the way there in one swoop, but getting about two hours down the road before pulling into a brightly lit hotel seems appropriate.
 
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs  

“Not gonna happen, kid,” Jen said, “you should try to get some rest.”
Bennosuke
Rachel is too tired to protest, and doesn't even wake up as Frank carries her into the motel. Marissa huffs and puffs, but is out within minutes in the shared motel room, with the two twin beds and the rolled in futon mattress.

In the morning Jen and Frank are awoken by Rachel, who in her pajamas, has decided to parade up and down the tiny hotel room singing, " Water park, water park, we're going to the water park! Water park, water park! "

Fortunately no one had any nightmares, and there's no sign of The Wytch.

(OOC: So obviously traveling to Warsaw is a clever way to protect yourselves, but other than buying time, what is the plan here?)
Daishain
Frank grins at Rachel, his tired heart lifting a little. When he has a chance to say it without being overheard, he says to Jennifer,   "Hopefully this will give us a little time to breathe and think, rather than run from one thing to another."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Frank grins at Rachel, his tired heart lifting a little. When he has a chance to say it without being overheard, he says to Jennifer,   "Hopefully this will give us a little time to breathe and think, rather than run from one thing to another."   
 

"Yeah, we need to get rid of this thing, one way or the other," Jen replied.
Bennosuke
 Act 1 Scene iii 
 “The theologian Meric Casaubon argued—in his 1668 book, Of Credulity and Incredulity—that witches must exist because, after all, everyone believes in them. Anything that a large number of people believe must be true.”
-Carl Sagan, The Demon Haunted World

“I feel the darkness near me; I feel the light shining. And more keenly I feel the contrast between the two.”
― Anne Rice, The Witching Hour 

The girls were sound asleep. Two full days at the water park under the sun had put them into a deep coma, gathered together in the corner cot in the shared motel room. The girls had had a great couple of days, though the trip would be ending tomorrow and the adults would be driving them back to St. Louis. The lights were mostly off in the room, though the faces of both Jen and Frank were a glow from their separate laptops. The two were sitting near each other on their own twin beds, whispering as they planned their final showdown with The Wytch.

Frank had found an ideal location to set their trap, an empty warehouse North of Saint Louis in the quiet white-trash town called Spanish Lake. The town as conveniently wedged between the Mississippi River and the aptly named Spanish Lake. Though it was mostly a rural community, the warehouse had once been a papermill, and was thus named J.J. Papermill. Google images made it out to be a large one story rectangular building made of redstone brick. It was right on the river, and both Jen and Frank agreed it was the perfect place to set up an ambush for the Wytch.

Several tasks lay before them though, including surveying the warehouse and finding a way inside, gathering whatever weapons they could, and finally obtaining or manufacturing incendiaries. They had the best lead on the warehouse; a quick google search brought up the name of the property company that owned the warehouse and were actively trying to sell. Of course, they could always just break in and set up without going through the property company. The latter two would be more difficult, as neither Frank nor Jen had any contacts to procure serious firearms.
Thundercracker
“One thing I don’t get is, how are we going to lure her here?” Jen asked, “we were out and about and it showed up at your house.  What’s to say it won’t do that again while we’re camped out here?”
Daishain
  "I'm pretty sure she's more interested in us than the girls. I think the problem was we left the area completely and left them as the only related target in the place where she was. If I'm right, so long as we're pretty close to them, she'll come to us first. At least that's my hope."

"If not..."   *He shrugs,*   "I'm not sure what to do, it won't be easy to fight this thing in the suburbs, especially without others noticing, and Clarissa sure as heck isn't going to knowingly let me bring the girls to an abandoned warehouse for a sleepover."  
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

“I guess that makes sense,” Jen said, though she didn’t fully sound convinced, “anyway, what do you think we should do first to get this place set up?”
Daishain
  "Probably scope it out, see what kind of security is in the area. If there aren't any cameras or anything either there or adjacent, we could just break in and do what we need to do. If not, well, I guess we might be able to work something out with whoever officially owns the place, but I don't think either of us is exactly drowning in money."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
   "Probably scope it out, see what kind of security is in the area. If there aren't any cameras or anything either there or adjacent, we could just break in and do what we need to do. If not, well, I guess we might be able to work something out with whoever officially owns the place, but I don't think either of us is exactly drowning in money."   
 

“Got that right, I’m ehh, between jobs, at the moment,” Jen said, “okay, so after the girls are back, we can do this.”
Daishain
Frank nods,   "After that, probably get the firearms. Those won't be incredibly cheap either, but should be manageable. I don't think either of us will have a problem with the background checks."

"And then the incendiaries. Rust is real easy to get. Aluminum a little less so but its not rare. It'd be nice if we could get both already in powdered form, but if not that just adds a little bit to the effort involved. The thermite is actually pretty safe to handle long as you're not breathing it in or anything of that sort. Its a bit like red colored sand and doesn't actually ignite until you hit it with about 1,600 celsius. Luckily a welding torch does that just fine. I suggest loading it into buckets we can dump over her."  
Thundercracker
“Yeah, and we should probably stick together, just in case,” Jen added.
Bennosuke
A nasty metal noise comes from the girls' bed as Rachel turns over onto her side to face the two adults. Eyes still closed, she asks with groggy voice, " What are you two talking about? "

Frank of course would still have the girls with him for a few days before bringing them back to Clarissa. It was of course inconvenient right now, but he  had  fought for his equal custody. Fortunately, the girls would be going back to school tomorrow, so it would be possible to get things done during the day, and he could always sneak out at night when they were asleep, if he really desired.

(OOC: Should we move on to the next day, or do you two want to discuss further?)
Daishain
Frank grimaces, should've made sure they were more thoroughly asleep...   "Just a little project we're working on, don't worry about it pumpkin. Get some rest, you've got school in the morning."  
Bennosuke
The drive back to St. Louis goes smoothly the next day, and Frank drops Jen off by early afternoon. Mercifully, there are no Wytch sightings that night, and the next morning Frank is able to drop the girls off at school without incident.

About an hour later, Frank pulls up outside Jen's place to drive them up to Spanish Lake. The two will be reverse commuting and able to get to the lake without significant difficulty.

(OOC: Any gear you two want to bring? Any way you want to prep?)
Daishain
Frank keeps a watch out for any sort of cameras, guards, or anything else that might be a witness to the pair approaching or leaving the property. He wasn't expecting anything problematic at the warehouse itself, but something at one of the neighbors would be nearly as problematic whenever the police get called to investigate things. Push come to shove they could probably take a boat in rather than the truck to avoid any eyes, but that would make things a bit more complicated.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Probably got the hunting rifles and the like just because neither of them want to go unarmed right now, also would be taking binoculars, and anything else they think might be needed to get inside and get a proper look. Good quality gloves for both of them, bolt cutters, crowbar, etc.
 
Bennosuke
The town of Spanish Lake appears to be in the worst sort of financial recession, and the two pass rundown trailer after rundown trailer. You get the sense that there must be an epidemic of drug addiction, maybe opioids or crack or something. The few people you see, either driving on the street or walking on the sidewalk, appear unkempt and dead eyed. Things feel abandoned, and maybe a little dangerous.

But this makes getting to the paper mill rather easy and uneventful. The warehouse is just as it appeared on the google maps image; a large one story building of crumbling red brick, surrounded on three walls by an expansive and completely empty parking lot that would maybe fit thirty cars or so. The property is surrounded by a chain link fence, the swinging gate chained closed. Though they are out in the wide open, Frank and Jen see no cars or people in any direction. It might be possible to climb over the fence; it was tall, but not topped with razor wire or anything.
Daishain
Frank finds an inconspicuous place to park and grabs the tools.   "Hmm, Don't want to be advertising our entry with the big gate, and I'd rather not jump over the fence if we have to, let's cut a slit in the fence around back."   He grabs the boltcutters and asks Jen to stay on watch as he snips through the wire enough to easily step through.
Bennosuke
Frank pulls the bolt cutters from the trunk and hustles over to the swinging gate. The metal chain holding the gate closed looks rusted to the point of withered, and the bolt cutter goes through it with a crunch as if it were stale bread. The chain unfurls from around the fence and collapses in a pile on the ground and the chain-link fence gate creaks open about twenty degrees with a grating screech.

Up ahead, it looks like the double doors of the factory are also held closed by a double layer of snaked chain-link. The doors of the warehouse are also low enough that it would not be too hard to climb through one of them.

Jen is relieved that there is no one in sight.
Daishain
  "Hmmph, yeah, I think odds are pretty good no one's going to care what we're up to even if we're spotted, all right, lets see what we've got."   Frank moves on in, heading for the nearest door.
Bennosuke
Is Frank cutting off the chain for the front door then?
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
   "Hmmph, yeah, I think odds are pretty good no one's going to care what we're up to even if we're spotted, all right, lets see what we've got."   Frank moves on in, heading for the nearest door. 
 

"Let's check the warehouse first, probably the best place for this kind of stuff," Jen said.
Bennosuke
Frank and Jen start to walk around the side of the building, looking for other possible ways to get into the warehouse. They do indeed find a pair of loading docks, though the sliding metal doors both appear to be bolted (and rusted) shut. They come across a dangling fire-escape about three and a half feet overhead (OOC: With a Str+Athletics +1 roll it could be pulled down to climb), and it was very probably that the roof entrance could be unlocked.

Coming around to the back of the building, there is a pair of metal double doors that have been painted black. They are not chained together, so perhaps the lock could be picked, or maybe even the door could be pried open.
Daishain
Frank tries to pry open the back door with a prybar, figuring the lock was probably rusted like the rest of this place, and distrusting the ladder for the same reason.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Str+athletics  (5d10)[ 3 ][ 1 ][ 5 ][ 8 ][ 2 ](19) 
ten again  (5d10)[ 2 ][ 2 ][ 7 ][ 4 ][ 3 ](18) 
 
Bennosuke
There is the sound of metal tearing as Frank uses all his might to pull the two doors apart. It appears that they have been bolted into the ground with a drop-pin that had been pushed into a hole drilled into the concrete. The top corner of the doors are easier to pry apart, and the two sheets of metal warp apart with a terrible screech. After several exhausting minutes of fighting against the doors, Frank has pulled them apart just enough to squeeze through.

The smell inside is... terrible; stale air steeped heavily in the perfume of rodent feces. It is dark inside; apparently all of the windows have been tinted, and all of the lights are off, with the only real light being the small beam coming from the warped open door. But it is near impossible to see anything more than ten feet into the building.
Daishain
Frank turns on a flashlight as he carefully steps inside. First stop is a beeline for those docks, checking to see if any of them could be opened from the inside without too much effort. He wanted more air and light in here.
Bennosuke
First thing that Frank notices as he turns on his flashlight is the collections of moldering fuzz that seem to liter the warehouse floor. In the dark it looked like a collection of the world's largest dust bunnies. Was it rodent nesting, or or something that had decomposed? There was almost a layer of it across the ground.

Otherwise, the factory was mostly empty; a cavernous, wide open, black maw. Large iron pillars/cross beams shot to the ceiling every twenty yards or so, but it looked like all of the machinery, stock ect had been long since cleared out.

Frank makes his way towards the loading docks. It looks like the sliding vertical doors were bolted in place by forearm sized bars of metal that could be slid aside to, assuming their mechanisms were not to rusted. Frank takes the handle of one, and with a few tugs and a little grunting, the bolt slides free. A few moments later, he has both of the doors open, the morning air pouring into the factory and releasing some of the moldering smell from inside.
Thundercracker
“Gross,” Jen said, “so what do you think?”

She kicked at one of the dust bunnies.

“I really hate this, hopefully we can kill this thing and get back to normal.”

She looked around for a place to drop thermite on the Wytch.
Daishain
Frank looks around.   "Well, We definitely want to let it air out and get rid of that mess, whatever it is. I'm halfway tempted just to set it on fire and leave while it smoulders."

"But once that's done I think we could make this work. We'll need to get some stuff in here, but we have plenty of space to create a kill box. I remember her doing something with lightning before too. These pillars will help direct anything of the sort straight into the ground if she gets a shot off. Well, y'know, if it works at all like regular lightning."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Frank looks around.   "Well, We definitely want to let it air out and get rid of that mess, whatever it is. I'm halfway tempted just to set it on fire and leave while it smoulders."

"But once that's done I think we could make this work. We'll need to get some stuff in here, but we have plenty of space to create a kill box. I remember her doing something with lightning before too. These pillars will help direct anything of the sort straight into the ground if she gets a shot off. Well, y'know, if it works at all like regular lightning."   
 

“We definitely shouldn’t start a fire, someone might come looking,” Jen said, “let’s get some brooms and start sweeping this stuff up, don’t need to trip on something while we’re trying to kill this thing.  We might want to bring the camping gear in too, no idea how long it will be until it shows up… what about bear traps, think that might slow it down ?”
Daishain
He sighs a bit,   "Yeah, once we get things set we'll probably just camp in here. Bear traps are a good idea. If the bullet slowed it those should do something as well."   He gets a broom and starts working, shoveling the mess out of one of the bay doors.
Bennosuke
Frank and Jen get to work cleaning out the warehouse. They are left unobserved, and are able to sweep together most of the detritus. It appears that whatever leftover paper mulch, and god knows what else, has been turned into nesting for several scores of mice; they scurry and flee as the humans approach or as their homes get turned over. The fresh air from the open garage doors helps with the smell, but only so much. A little under two hours later, the place is mostly cleared out.

(OOC: Is the plan to just set up camp and wait for the Wytch? Frank is still responsible for picking up the kids from school later presumably. Otherwise, I think we can do an extended roll for preparing the warehouse for combat? Maybe Int + Wits?)
Bennosuke
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Just to consolidate from the prior Discord discussion, please both of you roll your Wits + Intelligence three times to represent your preparation for the final showdown. Every three successes the characters make jointly will count towards bonuses against The Wytch. I will move thins on to individual scenes with Touchstones and wrapping up a few odd ends before we move in to luring the Wytch to the final fight.
 
Thundercracker
 
 Spoiler 

wits + int:  (4d10)[ 2 ][ 10 ][ 8 ][ 6 ](26) 
wits + int:  (4d10)[ 4 ][ 7 ][ 8 ][ 1 ](20) 
wits + int:  (4d10)[ 9 ][ 2 ][ 7 ][ 7 ](25) 
 
Daishain
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Wits + Int 3 times
 (4d10)[ 7 ][ 7 ][ 1 ][ 10 ](25) 
 (4d10)[ 10 ][ 9 ][ 5 ][ 9 ](33) 
 (4d10)[ 3 ][ 2 ][ 2 ][ 9 ](16) 

ten again pool (4d10)[ 9 ][ 1 ][ 2 ][ 1 ](13) 
 
Bennosuke
Over the next few days, Frank and Jen work hard to prepare their killing floor for the eventual arrival of the Wytch.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Alright, that's a whopping 10 successes between both your rolls. As mentioned previously, I have a couple of small scenes I want to run before the final countdown... I mean showdown, but I want you guys to decide on allocating your successes, and that will effect the upcoming scenes.

We are going to assume that without allocating your rolls, the two characters will have their own hunting rifle, and a handful of light incendiary bombs; ie Molotov cocktails (1L Blast 3). For three successes you may gain one of the following:
-Weapons upgrade: One character will have access to an assault rifle, or both characters can pick up shotguns
-Incendiaries: For each purchase of this, you can purchase a single charge of a stronger explosive such as thermite (3L Blast 4)
-Shooting Gallery: You've set up a protected area with great line of site, giving the character 2+ to all Ballistics rolls, and an additional 1 defense, when in the gallery. Only one character can occupy the gallery at a time.

Tentative upcoming first scene would be each character with their Touchstone unless there is something you would rather RP through.
 
Bennosuke
Frank pulled up outside of the girls' elementary school, located in The Central West End in St. Louis. Frank and Jen had had a very productive first day up at the warehouse, but time had slipped away, and he had had to race back South to pick up his daughters. Fortunately, this time of the day, most people were leaving St. Louis for the county and traffic was light.

The Central West End was a uniquely liminal neighborhood in St. Louis; one last manicured, wealthy and white community before Northern St. Louis. The city was statistically the home of the highest gun crime and firearm related homicides in the country, though this was not something most (white) citizens did not have to fear. The Central West End was all protected tree lined streets with statuesque brick homes where the greatest danger was your dog escaping the leash in an attempt to chase squirrels. But most of the streets were gated or even walled off, and security patrol cars regularly rolled lazily up and down the streets of the Central West End. This was because of "the Delmar Divide". There was a general willful ignorance that the nightly drive by shootings, home invasions, and rapes were happening on another planet to an alien race, rather than only a few blocks away North of Delmar Boulevard.

And this was how a small wealthy and competitive private elementary school could be built just four blocks from a street of seedy bars literally known as "Murderer's Row". When Frank and Clarissa had been together, before she met Neil and moved out to the County, the two had fought tooth and nail to get their daughters accepted to The New School, desired for it's small class sizes, individualized education plans and impressively beautified school grounds.

Frank found himself pulling up to The New City School almost thirty minutes after the school day had ended; wasn't the first time and definitely would not be the last. Frank had a sick feeling in his stomach as he pulled up to the school, significantly worsened by the site of several stopped cop cars, their blue and red lights flashing. When Frank pulled up, the girls were standing with a concerned looking teacher, a young (and attractive) African American woman in a black pants suit. " Mr. Daughtridge, " she asked seriously, as Frank rolled down his window, " I just want to tell you that everything is okay. Your daughters are alright. "

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

Jen had been putting off seeing Caitlyn again since the camping trip. However, her best friend's series of insistent text messages were becoming more and more concerned, and Jen finally acquiesced to a meet up lest Caitlyn actually started to get concerned. So tonight Jen was meeting her friend at a cocktail bar called Brendan's in downtown St. Louis. The downtown area was on the East side of St. Louis, boarding the Mississippi River which separated Missouri from Illinois. It was the only part of St. Louis that felt like an actual city, with high rises and bustling traffic, like Manhattan or Chicago. Also like those cities, the downtown part of St. Louis was afflicted by a serious homelessness crisis, and crime was concerningly high here. But downtown was also home to some of the most expensive and exclusive night spots in the city, and so of course Caitlyn was dragging her best friend out there.

The two were still in line outside of Brendan's, waiting to get in. It was dark out and already getting cold. Caitlyn had squeezed herself into a tight little black number, which still did her body a few favors, though the two women were definitely on the older side of the would be female patrons. In fact, it seemed like the doorman was only letting in girls who looked to young to be drinking, and men about twice their age. But instead Caitlyn didn't seem to be agitated or in any hurry. She finishes typing some "important" text on her phone, stowing it away in her bag and looking up at Jen. " I was... waiting till we had gotten in and had a drink or two, " she says cautiously, studying Jen's reaction, " but you've got me a little worried Jen. I don't want to pry, but you've been a little  absent  lately. "
Daishain
Frank looks to the girls himself to gauge whether they were really okay before asking,   "What happened?"  
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

"Yeah you know, I've been busy," Jen replied, "I don't have a job and the money won't last forever, so I've been trying to find something to tide me over.  Hasn't been going so well.  What have you been up to?"
Bennosuke
Both Rachel and Marissa had wide eyes and pale drawn faces. Frank could read them both like a book and they were both afraid. Their eyes were on their dad, but neither one moved stuck frozen on the sidewalk. " There was... an incident, " the woman says cautiously picking their words. The same serious expression remains on the woman's face, then she adds, " I'm sorry, I'm Miss Castle, I'm Rachel's teacher. "

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

Caitlyn's eyes go wide at what Jen's words. " Oh my god, I'm so sorry, " she says, " I didn't realize! I... uh, we can go somewhere else. This place is kinda expensive, and I... well I don't want to make things harder. " She pauses, giving Jen her best puppy eyes before adding mischievously, " ...Or I can pay! I mean, I don't mind, and well I've been wanting to check this place out since it like first opened! " Jen can tell that her friend might be avoiding her question, but if she was, it was likely because she was doing well and didn't want to rub it in.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

“Nah it’s fine, you know that’s how it is with me anyway right?  Spend some time working, and then some time not.  I think I’d go crazy otherwise,” she replied.
Daishain
Frank gets out of the car and moves to hug the girls close, once they're at least a little reassured he gets them into the car before turning back to Miss Castle, keeping his face as smooth as he can manage,   "What kind of incident?"  
Bennosuke
" Sure, " Caitlyn says in reply, though she keeps a concerned look on her face that tells Jen she'll probably be going out of her way buy them rounds of drinks before Jen has any say. Miraculously, the two find themselves ushered up to the front of the line, when it turns out that the large group of already drunk and way too loud girls forgot to bring their fake IDs, or something like that.

The bouncer, gives the two a sideways glance as he checks their IDs, and starts almost pushing them inside, when Jen catches sight of something that turns her blood cold. Standing across the street with limp posture and dead eyes is Lydia, or something wearing Lydia's skin. It's black and purple died hair is all wild tangles. The thing is staring straight a Jen, a rictus of a smile on its peeled back lips.

But then Caitlyn is pulling Jen into the club and the door closes behind them, blocking Jen's view. Seeing that her friend has stopped, Caitlyn turns and says, " Jen, is something wrong? You're... acting really weird. "

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

The teacher makes no attempt to stop Frank from embracing his daughters and ushering them into his car. In fact, she waits for Frank to close the door on them before saying, " I don't mean to alarm you, but our office tried calling your wife and you several times, but could not get a hold of anyone. "

Frank had received no missed call, but it wasn't the first time something like that had happened; cellphones could be so unreliable, and maybe he had not had much service up at the factory.

Ms. Castle continues, " Anyways, one of the older students on campus was found to have a gun. She was apprehended before anything could happen, but apparently she had been planning on some sort of mass shooting. The authorities have been involved, and are performing further investigation, but we are planning on cancelling classes for tomorrow, just to be safe. " She says everything so matter-o-factly, in fact she sounds tired, maybe even exhausted.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

“Nothing, I swear I just saw someone I knew,” Jen said, “probably my mind just playing tricks on me.”

She lets herself be dragged into the club and tries to forget about what she saw outside.
Daishain
Frank shuts his eyes and takes several controlled breaths before responding, his voice tight as he chooses his words carefully,   "I was working in an area with poor reception today. I do not know why you could not contact their mother, but I will speak with her."

"Now, to say the least I have... concerns. But I am sure you're already looking forward to a string of hysterical parents yelling in your face so I will save my comments for after I see what is actually done in response to this mess. Is there anything else I absolutely need to know right now? Do you know of any connection between this girl and my daughters?"  
Bennosuke
Caitlyn drags her friend down the dark hallway, and up the stairs to Brendan's. Stepping through a red painted arch at the top of the steps, the bar is like another world. Soft minimal lighting keeps leather lined booths intimate and shines brightly on a sumptuous and luminous marble bar, where two identical looking bartenders in black tie attire work with a furious almost robotic precision. It would be almost easy for Jen to forget the strangeness of the recent siting, as she and Caitlyn are led by a beautiful hostess in a long black dress to a cozy table in the corner of the bar. Despite the fact that it is illegal to smoke in doors, the two pass a pair of men in expensive looking suits puffing cigars, on the way to their table. One, a man with a toad face, even gives the two his best smoky eyed grin as they pass.

" Wow, " Caitlyn says as the two reach their table, speaking over the softly played Coltrane coming a nearby speaker, " This place looks awesome. " She gives Jen an enthusiastic grin as the two sit down. " Can I get the first round of drinks? " she asks.

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

Frank's comment about the string of hysterical parents forces a grin from Ms. Castle, and with a soft chuckle she replies, " Thanks. " But his question about any connection with the girls forces a concerned look from the teacher, her eyes darting to the car window where Frank's daughters are sitting. She steps closer to Frank, enough so that he can smell her peppery perfume, and in a hushed voice says, " Well, no, not really, " But the way she says " not really " says there is more to the story, so Frank is not exactly surprised when she continues, " The student was several grades above your girls... but she was actually Marissa's big sister. It's a program we have where one of the fifth graders mentors one of the third graders. "
Daishain
Frank sighs,   "So yes, yes really, unless the time spent together was negligible."   He hands her his card.   "Look, just keep me apprised of anything relevant, my email is on there if my phone is out of service range again. I need to get these two some ice cream and a good distraction."  

He gets back in the car and sits for a moment before asking,   "Is there a movie in the theatres you would like to see?"  

After listening to their answer and anything else they have to say he calls Clarissa, then her boy toy if she doesn't pickup.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

“Sure what are you having?” Jen asked

She tried to put the Wytch out of her mind.  There was no way it was coming in here anyway.
Bennosuke
The teacher accepts Frank's card, though she shoots him an irritated glare. " Will be happy to do so, " she replies, in a tired and forced sort of pleasantness. She forces a smile (convincing) and waves to the girls as their father gets into the car. They wave back cheerily.

Inside the car, Rachel replies cheerily, requesting (nay demanding) the newest computer generated Disney Movie. It sounds vaguely familiar, something about a child vampire and her best mortal friend. But the older sister speaks up with a little attitude. She says, " You don't have to worry about us dad... and you don't have to protect us. We're okay. Nothing happened! "

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

Caitlyn describes the cocktail she's going to get, and forces an order out of Jen. The entirety of the time that her friend is at the bar, Jen can't stop checking her peripheral vision for any sign of Lydia, or the Wytch. Caitlyn returns with the two drinks, a her face slightly red. She says, putting Jen's order down in front of her, " Whew, sorry that took so long. Busier than it looks at the bar. " It did not look particularly busy. Jen had watched Caitlyn flirt at the bar for the last ten minutes almost, and was pretty certain why she was blushing.

Caitlyn avoids any judgmental stare, taking a long sip of her electric pink cocktail then asks casually, " So, are you and Frank going to see each other any time soon? "
Daishain
Karl decides not to argue with Rachel for now, simply nodding,   "If you say so, does that movie sound good to you though?"  
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

“Probably, there’s sort of a mini project we’re working on,” Jen said, “it’s really kind of a pain but has to be done.”

“What about you, any juicy stories?” Jen asked.
Bennosuke
 Frank  😉 is relieved when the older sister does not put up a fight.

As he drives to the theater, Frank calls his wife but gets no response no matter how many times he tries. Neil as well dos not pick up the phone. It would not be a long drive to the movie theater, which left Frank with the decision of rerouting or simply trying them later.

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

" Oh, this and that, " Caitlyn replies with a mischievous grin. She pauses to take another sip of her cocktail, eyeing Jen and enjoying the chance to have her anxiously waiting. Placing the glass down again she adds with a shrug, " I guess I can just say, it's  good  being single again. " She brings a hand to her mouth and chuckles playfully.

But to Jen's dismay, a familiar dead eyed figure comes into view over her friend's shoulder. The corpse of Lydia (or maybe something wearing her skin) pushes through the curtain entrance to the bar. She walks with a heavy step past the hostess too busy on her phone to look up, her gaze locked on Jen.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

Jen kept her eyes on the Wytch as she thought about where the nearest exits were.

“Hey, you see that chick over there staring at me?” she asked and nodded in the general direction of the Wytch.
Bennosuke
Caitlyn looks over her shoulder, then back at Jen. " Ya, that girl? " she asks casually, " Is she staring at you or something? How'd she even get in here? I can go talk to her for you if you'd like. " She seems overall unconcerned by the presence of the staring teenager.
Daishain
Frank calls the somewhat nosy neighbor across the street from Clarissa's,   "Good evening, Mrs Lee? This is Frank. I'm with the girls and trying to get in touch with their mom, but no answer, is she at home right now?"  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Caitlyn looks over her shoulder, then back at Jen. " Ya, that girl? " she asks casually, " Is she staring at you or something? How'd she even get in here? I can go talk to her for you if you'd like. " She seems overall unconcerned by the presence of the staring teenager. 
 

“She’s kinda creeping me out, maybe we should tell someone there’s a kid in here,” Jen said.
Bennosuke
Mrs. Lee was a well to do older Korean woman who lived a house over from Neil. As far as Frank had gathered, she had married a wealthy banker in St. Louis, but never taken his name. The girls had told him how she gave them Lindt chocolates whenever they came over. But she had managed to give Frank the twenty question interrogation every time she caught him waiting to pick up the girls in the driveway, and it seemed to him that neighborhood gossip was her favorite form of entertainment.

“ Oh hello Frank, ” she says kindly, her accent strong but unobstructive, “ how good to hear from you. I think the lights are on… but let me look. ” There is the sound of Mrs. Lee getting up and walking through her house for a moment and then she says, “ Oh yes. She is home. She and her new husband are just… just staring at their computer. Is everything alright? ” She sounds slightly confused.

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

Caitlyn chuckles at this, but seems to think than Jen is making a joke. She says, “ I know. They let children into the clubs these days, so long as they can show some cleavage… not that  she  is even dressed for a place like this. ”
Thundercracker
Jen keeps her eyes on the Wytch, worried that she would somehow disappear if she stopped watching her.
Daishain
Frank frowns, that was... odd. But he composes himself and reassures Mrs Lee,   "Oh, a few people have been trying to get in touch with them today with no answer, there's something they need to hear. Just checking in to see if they'd gone off on a trip or something without letting me know."

"Thank you. I guess I'll just show up and tell em myself later if they're not picking up."  
Bennosuke
The Wytch does not move from its spot. It stands under the dim light in the bar, arms hanging limply. At first there is an almost vacant expression on the Not-Lydia's face, but then the lips pull up into something like a smile as it stares back at Jen.

Caitlyn, still sitting in front of her friend says with concern, " Uh, do you know her or something? " She looks back and forth between Jen and the strange girl.

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

" Okay, " Mrs. Lee says, " have a good night Frank, and give your girls kisses for me. " She hangs up the phone.

Within moments, Marissa calls from the back seat, " We're still going to the movies now though, right Dad? "
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

“No, but she’s freaking me right the hell out.  I think she might be on something, look at her,” Jen replied, “think we should get a bouncer or someone to go check her ID?”
Bennosuke
Caitlyn looks back over her shoulder, and nodding her head replies, " Yeah, she looks pretty messed up. I can go get the bouncer. " Jen's friend rises from her chair, taking her attention away from the girl, but when she does, not-Lydia takes two deliberate and shuffling steps towards their table.
Daishain
Frank nods and smiles at her,   "Yeah, we'll just swing on by your mom's place and check in with them after the movie."  

As soon as he can do so safely, he sends Clarissa and Neil an identical text message just so neither could not say he hadn't tried. 'Tried to call, there was a serious incident at school today, but the girls are both safe and fine. We'll all be coming over there to briefly visit and talk about things after I get them calmed down.'

As he drives though he gets a gnawing feeling in his gut. The wytch didn't have any interest in them right? She also didn't have anything to do with computers as far as he knew so... But why weren't they responding? Neither of them were terrible with picking up usually.
Bennosuke
The girls seem appeased by this response. To Frank's chagrin, but perhaps not to his surprise, he gets no immediate text reply. In fact, it isn't till about half way through the movie that Frank's phone lights up with a response from Clarissa. The movie is just as insipid and vacuous as Frank expected, though the girls seem to be having a good time. The little girl vampire is an isolated loner until she meets an equally unpopular mortal boy, but she must balance her obsessive need for him with the risk of suffocating him and driving him away. The movie ends with the little vampire girl learning boundaries and self confidence, and the two decide to run away from their boring, colorless, judgmental town together.

Frank gets several critical glances from the adults in his isle when he checks his glowing cellphone. The text from Clarissa reads, " Sorry. Glad the girls are okay. No need to come by unless one of the girls forgot something. "
Daishain
Frank frowns again, that response too was unlike Clarissa. Normally she'd be demanding to know what was wrong... Once out of the theatre he gets the girls into the car and stands outside for a moment as he tries again to call her.

If there's still no response he'll get into the car and drive home, figuring he'd done what he could.
Thundercracker
Jen keeps her eye on the Wytch, but out of the corner of eye she makes sure she doesn’t let it corner her, and tries to remember where the exits are in case she has to run.

 
 Spoiler 
how close are the shady business guys that made a pass at us when we came in?
 
Bennosuke
Frank calls Clarissa, and the phone picks up after a couple of rings, though it is Neil on the other line. Though he still takes that familiar smug tone with Frank, there is a sleepy... almost far off sound to his voice, maybe like he were really high or something. " Oh hey Frank, " Neil says, " sorry we missed your calls earlier. We got a little... wrapped up in something. You're doing okay though, right? You don't need us to take the girls of your hands again? " Maybe he didn't mean it that way, but it almost seemed like a put down... or maybe even a threat. Frank knew Clarissa still deep down wanted full custody. He'd had to fight so hard to keep getting to see them regularly.

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

The not-Lydia thing was of course between them and the stairwell they had entered through. The two had walked deep into the club to their private table. Behind Jen, across the bar from the entrance as a small hallway for the bathrooms, though there was also an exit sign above that doorway. Otherwise, the only other door that Jen saw was a swinging door that appeared to go into the kitchen behind the bar.

Toad face and his buddy were still smoking cigars at the bar, and unless the Wytch started running, it was unlikely it would be able to intercept them in time.
Daishain
  "No, I have the girls just fine, but from your tone of voice you've missed the local news as well."   He takes a breath,   "There was a potential shooter at school today, though fortunately she was apprehended before anyone was hurt."

"What's more, the girl in question was Marissa's mentor, so there's a personal connection in play. I'll be talking with them about it as best I can, but you and Clarissa need to be ready to continue the conversation when it is time for me to hand them over.  
Bennosuke
" Oh well that's scary, " Neil replies, though his voice is distant and disconnected, " Well, I'm glad they are okay. "
Thundercracker
Jen stood up and, still keeping her eyes on the Wytch, slid over to the bar to put herself both nearer to the exit, the staff, and next to toad-face. She felt her heart start pounding as adrenaline spiked, but curiosity was getting the better of her.  Why hadn’t the Wytch attacked yet?  Was she somehow vulnerable when there were large groups of people around?
Bennosuke
 Caitlyn looks back over her shoulder, and nodding her head replies, "Yeah, she looks pretty messed up. I can go get the bouncer." Jen's friend rises from her chair, taking her attention away from the girl, but when she does, not-Lydia takes two deliberate and shuffling steps towards their table. 

Unaware of the thing's approach behind her, and with Jen saying nothing, Caitlyn pushes her chair in and turns. She catches the slack jawed thing taking a step towards their table, but The Wytch stops when Caitlyn approaches. The two eye each other. Jen can see the glare of suspicion on Caitlyn's face. Not-Lydia stands there, head tilted to the side, limp hair dyed black and purple hanging like a wet dishtowel. The stare-down proceeds till Caitlyn passes The Wytch, making sure to keep a wide berth.

Once Caitlyn is about halfway down the hall though, the not-Lydia thing starts lumbering forwards again, eyes locked on Jen, with the same vacant grin on its face. The thing moves slowly and steadily enough as not to really draw attention. If Jen walks over to the bar with Toad-Face and his buddy, it will begin following her there.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

Jen kept her eyes on the Wytch as the backed up to the bar and the two guys.  She waved to get the bartender’s attention.

“That girls underage, she shouldn’t be here,” Jen said, pointing at the Wytch, and hoping she got the two creeps’ attention as well.
Daishain
Frank frowns a bit, that was not even close to the expected response. Maybe there was something wrong with them after all...

He sighs and turns to get in the car. He couldn't worry about that now, dealing with the Wytch took priority over whatever other weirdness was going on. He starts driving home.   "Time to get some rest girls, what do you two want to do tomorrow? Since there's no school."  
Bennosuke
It is clear that the either the bartender can't hear Jen, or is trying to ignore her. He actually turns away and starts walking down towards the other end of the bar, engrossed in drying a glass coup with a dishtowel.

Toad face turns from his friend to Jen, placing a rough yet uncomfortably moist hand on her wrist. He has slicked back silver hair, and a gold chain around his neck that is very visible thanks to a button-down that has one too many buttons undone. He gives Jen a yellow toothed grin and when he speaks Jen can taste the cigar ash on his breath, " I'm sure the bouncer checked when she came in. What's it to you dear? I don't think you need to worry about a girl like  her , " He indicates Not-Lydia with a wave of his cigar, and his smile broadens. He adds, " You are much much prettier than she is. "

The Wytch stops her approach, tilting her head forward and sideways like a dog confused by its owner's last command.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
@Daishain: Do you want to stop here? I think TC's scene should be wrapping up soon. My next scene will include both characters... so I suppose otherwise I can start that scene as well and just run both simultaneously.
 
Bennosuke
 
 Spoiler: @TC 
Please don't forget that we are going to finish your other scene simultaneously
 


It was late in the afternoon on their third (and final) trip to the warehouse. Frank and Jen had been back once before, when they had finished cleaning, and built a number of makeshift shrapnel grenades. In the interim, the two had managed to get their hands on decently maintained M16, which they would be bringing up to Spanish Lake today.

Today had been Frank's last day of parenting responsibilities. He had dropped the girls off at school and Clarissa and Neil would be picking them up (maybe already had). It was still early summer (the girls only had a few more weeks of school left), so despite the hour, it was still quiet bright out as the two exited the freeway into the barren town of Spanish Lake. Driving together, the two pass empty strip malls, tightly packed trailer parks, and a number of rundown industrial buildings on their way to the paper mill.

But even from fifty yards away the two catch sight of the lone cop car parked within the lot. The swinging gates, which had previously been held together by a padlock and chain (till Frank took his bolt cutter to it), were left open. From this distance, there was no cop in sight. Maybe he was inside the warehouse; and if so, there could be big problems if he found their (somewhat hidden) stash of explosives.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 It is clear that the either the bartender can't hear Jen, or is trying to ignore her. He actually turns away and starts walking down towards the other end of the bar, engrossed in drying a glass coup with a dishtowel.

Toad face turns from his friend to Jen, placing a rough yet uncomfortably moist hand on her wrist. He has slicked back silver hair, and a gold chain around his neck that is very visible thanks to a button-down that has one too many buttons undone. He gives Jen a yellow toothed grin and when he speaks Jen can taste the cigar ash on his breath, " I'm sure the bouncer checked when she came in. What's it to you dear? I don't think you need to worry about a girl like  her , " He indicates Not-Lydia with a wave of his cigar, and his smile broadens. He adds, " You are much much prettier than she is. "

The Wytch stops her approach, tilting her head forward and sideways like a dog confused by its owner's last command.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
@Daishain: Do you want to stop here? I think TC's scene should be wrapping up soon. My next scene will include both characters... so I suppose otherwise I can start that scene as well and just run both simultaneously.
 
 
 

"Yeah but she's actually  in  to you, she can't stop staring, look," Jen replied to toad-face.   She started backing up to put toad-face between her and the Wytch.

 At the warehouse 

"Oh... crap," Jen said as she spotted the cop car, "should we talk to him or wait for him to leave?"
Daishain
Frank frowns,   "Crap is right, and nah, lets just keep moving. We talk to them, and at minimum we get connected to a break in, let alone whatever they'll assume if they find the thermite."

"On the plus side even if they do find that stuff, they might not know its something significant, I mean it just looks like red dust. I really really hope this doesn't mean we have to scrap our plans here."  
Bennosuke
Toad face looks from Jen, to the strange girl, then back again. His stained grin widens, and right before stuffing his cigar between his teeth his grasp tightens to give Jen a momentary and moist squeeze. " Sure, " he says, pausing to puff at the cigar, making sure to blow the smoke away from Jen, " but that's too bad for her. See, she ain't the one I'm interested in. " He raises a bushy eye brow, as if it were necessary to get across his implication. He continues to grin his sleazy grin at Jen, seeming completely disinterested in The Wytch.

Across the hall, The Wytch again tilts its head to the side as if contemplating the scene. But its dull black eyes never stray from Jen.

Checking down by the entrance, still no sign of Caitlyn returning.

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

(OOC: In the other scene, do the two want to at least find a place to watch or anything, or are you just fleeing, and if so, what is the plan?)
Thundercracker
 Jen 

Bar:
“Oh? What is it you want with me?” Jen asked, while staring at the Wytch.
Bennosuke
Despite Jen's distracted attention, the man smiles to himself, pleased by how things are turning. " Well, " he says with the cigar clenched between his teeth, " I suppose to get to know you. Would it be too forward to start with an introduction. This is my friend Bill, and I'm Scott. " If Jen takes a moment to look, Bill offers Jen an equally hungry smile. He has thinning sand colored hair that looks like it was once held in a military buzz, and a pudgy rectangular face. He's got way too much jewelry on, but looks like he might be sweating rivers under the multiple layers of turtleneck, and three piece suit.

The Wytch lifts a hand to point at Jen, still grinning, head still loping to one side.
Bennosuke
(OOC: Again TC don't forget the other scene)

Seeing the parked cop car, Jen and Frank decide to split and come back later. By the time they return, the sun is just starting to set, turning the sky a fiery orange, and washing the pavement in shadow and blues. The cop car is empty, and there is no sing of the police.

However, as the two pull up, they can see that a new chain and padlock has been placed on the front gate.
Daishain
Frank drives straight on past the warehouse at first, urging Anna to watch carefully for any observers, then if there's no sign of any watchers of any sort, pulls around again and in.

  "Chances are they'd still be investigating if they had any hint of what we were up to. They probably thought some hoodlums just broke in to have some fun or something. At least I hope that's the case. Looks like someone noticed the cut gate chain and called it in."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
My original intent was to cut the fence itself in an out of the way corner rather than the chain/lock on the gate. More time consuming, but also easier to hide. Didn't contest it back then, but I'll push for it now.
 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Despite Jen's distracted attention, the man smiles to himself, pleased by how things are turning. " Well, " he says with the cigar clenched between his teeth, " I suppose to get to know you. Would it be too forward to start with an introduction. This is my friend Bill, and I'm Scott. " If Jen takes a moment to look, Bill offers Jen an equally hungry smile. He has thinning sand colored hair that looks like it was once held in a military buzz, and a pudgy rectangular face. He's got way too much jewelry on, but looks like he might be sweating rivers under the multiple layers of turtleneck, and three piece suit.

The Wytch lifts a hand to point at Jen, still grinning, head still loping to one side. 
 

"Oh yeah, nice to meet you, I'm Jen," Jen said, still staring at the Wytch.  Jen smiled on reflex as she replied to the men.

She mentally urged Caitlyn to hurry up, as she looked for any sign of injury where she'd shot the thing a few nights ago.
"So what do you guys do?" Jen asked.
Bennosuke
Doing a lap around the warehouse grounds, you can see that yellow police tape has been placed up over back door that Frank had pried open with a crow bar. But otherwise there are no signs of police or any form of additional security.

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

The two still don't seem to notice, or care about Jen's distraction. Scott the toad face continues his yellow toothed grin and says, " Pleasure to meet you Jen. " His hand finds her wrist again and gives it a squeeze. He replies, " We're both corporate. Work for Purina, you know, the dog food company. " He says this proudly. Purina was a national if not international pet food brand, and so it was reasonable to assume he and Bill were as rich as they were presenting themselves to be.

Down the hallway entrance, there is a commotion, and Jen can just barely see Caitlyn leading a bouncer into the club.
Daishain
Frank sighs, puts gloves on, and if he can, enters the door without disturbing the tape.    "All right, lets see if they messed with anything."   
Bennosuke
Frank finds a part of the chain-link away from the chained entrance and takes the wire cutters to them. Moments later he and Jen are marching across the lot to the back doors that have been fenced with yellow police tape. It is fortunately possible to pull the tape aside and step through without ripping anything. The back doors screech familiarly as Frank and Jen push them open.

Inside, it looks like most everything has been left relatively undisturbed. Some of the barriers left to create the firing zone have been moved around, but most importantly the hand bombs appear to have been left undisturbed in their hiding place.
Daishain
Frank looks around and gives a sigh of relief,   "All right, looks like they figured it was just some hooligans messing around. Any objections to just not touching this for now and coming in a little earlier than planned to fix it all on the big night? Might reduce the odds of someone realizing we came back that way."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Doing a lap around the warehouse grounds, you can see that yellow police tape has been placed up over back door that Frank had pried open with a crow bar. But otherwise there are no signs of police or any form of additional security.

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

The two still don't seem to notice, or care about Jen's distraction. Scott the toad face continues his yellow toothed grin and says, " Pleasure to meet you Jen. " His hand finds her wrist again and gives it a squeeze. He replies, " We're both corporate. Work for Purina, you know, the dog food company. " He says this proudly. Purina was a national if not international pet food brand, and so it was reasonable to assume he and Bill were as rich as they were presenting themselves to be.

Down the hallway entrance, there is a commotion, and Jen can just barely see Caitlyn leading a bouncer into the club. 
 

"Dog food... really?" Jen said.  She felt kind of grossed out and didn't bother to hide it on her face.  She kept staring at the Wytch though while she waited for Caitlyn to arrive.


Warehouse:
"Yeah ok... but how are we going to get it in here?" Jen asked, "it doesn't seem to follow us directly, just kind of... pops up and vanishes again."
Bennosuke
(OOC: This was not how I had intended this to go... but, well this should be interesting.)



 "Dog food... really?" Jen said. She felt kind of grossed out and didn't bother to hide it on her face. She kept staring at the Wytch though while she waited for Caitlyn to arrive. 

The man chuckles, though there is an annoyance in the act. " Well it's not like I make the food, " he explains, " As I'm I said before, we're corporate; business managers, you know? " He studies Jen, trying to make sure she understands his  status. 

But before Jen can reply, Caitlyn comes marching down the hall, followed by the oversized bouncer who had let them in. The Wytch turns, or actually its head turns, swiveling on its neck 180 degrees like an owl's. When it turns back, it's eyes are round and glowing orange, like too moons, and Jen has immediate flashbacks to being back in the woods. It opens up its maw and lets out a low moan-like noise, almost like a long "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO", but somehow strangled and wrong sounding. Jen can't tell fi the noise is being made through an inhale or an exhale.

And then Not-Lydia throws both arms up and charges at Jen!

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Let's have an initiative here please. Rolling for The Wytch  (1d10)[ 4 ](4)  +4
 
Thundercracker
Bar:

“Whoa!” Jen said.

If there Wytch is between her and Caitlyn, Jen puts the men between her and the Wytch.  “Look out!” she said.

If the Wytch is not between her and Caitlyn, Jen takes off running for her friend and the bouncer, intending to grab Caitlyn’s hand and lead her out of the club.
Daishain
Frank sighs,   "I know. Its kinda weak. best I can figure is we make ourselves tempting targets long enough and she'll take it. She's got to... right?"   The man's voice trails off weakly.   "If that doesn't work, then I have no idea what else to do."  
Bennosuke
 Bar:

“Whoa!” Jen said.

If there Wytch is between her and Caitlyn, Jen puts the men between her and the Wytch. “Look out!” she said.

If the Wytch is not between her and Caitlyn, Jen takes off running for her friend and the bouncer, intending to grab Caitlyn’s hand and lead her out of the club. 

(OOC: Going to kinda handwave this a little and help wrap it up).

Jen has plenty of space to move when Not-Lydia begins rushing towards her. Rushing out of her chair, she moves to the other side of the two men, half-pushing Scott in front of her. The toad faced man gives a rather un-masculine shriek at the sudden situation he finds himself in, as his stool wobbles out in front of him and he falls into the arms of The Wytch.

Lydia's dead orange go wide with rage as it struggles to unhand and get around the trembling man. The two tussle and struggle, though both appear to be trying to escape the other. And by the time the Wytch has thrown Scott to the ground, the bouncer has finished crossing the room.

But the second he touches the supposed young girl, he recoils. It's unclear which happens first, but the same time the bouncer draws back with a revulsed look on his face, The Wytch opens up its mouth, jaw dropping like a puppet's, and lets out an animal noise, again shrieking "NO". Then the world seems to lose its shape, and the lights strobe on and off, and the room is filled with the sound of glass shattering and tables turning over. Someone screams "Earthquake!", and screams can be heard throughout the room.

When the world comes to, Jen finds herself on the ground, along with most everyone else in the room. Tables have been thrown over. The bouncer is rubbing his forehead and Scott lies near Jen, huddled in the fetal position and whimpering. Though Jen can't see her, somewhere Caitlyn is crying.

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

(OOC: Main scene, can I get either or both of you to roll Int + Occult)
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

“Caitlyn!” Jen said as she looked around for her friend, “where are you?”

She had to get her and get out of here.
Bennosuke
Caitlyn's sobbing stops for a second and her voice comes from down the hall, " Jenn? " As Jenn struggles to her feet she can see her friend collapsed on the floor about fifteen feet away by the entrance. The room is a complete mess and almost everyone is either still on the ground or struggling to their feet. The patrons all appear for the most part confused, though the word "earthquake" keeps getting passed around.
Bennosuke
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Both characters are taking a dramatic failure, and are therefore taking a beat. Both character boxes updated. This should be... very interesting 😉

Side note @TC: I guess still waiting for you to reply to my post right above this in Jenn's personal scene?
 


It doesn't take too long for Jenn and Frank to get the warehouse re-set up. Then the uncomfortable subject comes up as to how to truly lure the Wytch into their trap. (OOC: Unless you feel strongly otherwise) Jenn updates her friend on everything that happened at the bar with the Wytch showing up wearing Lydia's skin. They discuss everything they have learned about this monster and its behaviors, concluding that it must be nocturnal and seems to be drawn to the two of them. Without many other ideas, the two agree that the best thing they can do is hunker down at the warehouse, trying to stay up all night, and sleeping during the day.

With four days before Frank becomes responsible for the girls again, the two begin a long week of exhausting and ultimately boring waiting around. Frustration and anxieties rise as night after night, the Wytch does not show. Fortunately and yet somehow not surprisingly, the police never return. It gets harder, and harder, and harder to stay awake every night, as neither individual is able to get much rest during the day, and the sleep deficit begins to accrue.

It is at the very end of the very last night of their vigil, just as the sun is beginning to rise, that neither Frank nor Jen can stay awake any longer. With lids heavy and heads nodding, the warehouse around them begins to change. Concrete floors become slowly flooded with dirt and earth covered in unfortunately familiar milk-white mushrooms and thousands of vermin skeletons. The open killing zone of the warehouse slowly becomes filled with a forest of wicked bent and gnarled trees, each one festooned with evil looking poppets. Jenn and Frank awaken back on the impossible island, deep within the heart of Lytchwood forest, and somewhere in the dark is the Wytch's animal shrieking voice, " Hello? Hellooooo? Won't you help me? "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Caitlyn's sobbing stops for a second and her voice comes from down the hall, " Jenn? " As Jenn struggles to her feet she can see her friend collapsed on the floor about fifteen feet away by the entrance. The room is a complete mess and almost everyone is either still on the ground or struggling to their feet. The patrons all appear for the most part confused, though the word "earthquake" keeps getting passed around. 
 

Jen forced herself up, to stumble to her friend.
“We’ve got to go, get up,” Jen said as she tugged on Caitlyn’s arm.  If she can’t stand, Jen will drag her from under her arms, backwards out the exit of the club.  She didn’t see the Wytch anywhere, but that didn’t mean she wouldn’t stop looking for her.
Bennosuke
Jenn struggles to her feet, her legs like jelly under her. Stumbling over to Caitlyn, she begins to pull her friend up. There is a smear of dark red blood in her dyed blonde hair, disappearing into her roots from a shallow gash over her right brow. " What... happened? " she asked, a hand reflexively going up to the wound on her head.

(OOC: Don't forget the other part of this thread)
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Jenn struggles to her feet, her legs like jelly under her. Stumbling over to Caitlyn, she begins to pull her friend up. There is a smear of dark red blood in her dyed blonde hair, disappearing into her roots from a shallow gash over her right brow. " What... happened? " she asked, a hand reflexively going up to the wound on her head.

(OOC: Don't forget the other part of this thread) 
 

"Earthquake I think, the building doesn't look stable," Jen said, "we have to go, come on!"
Jen half helps, half carries Caitlyn to her feet and pulls / drags her towards the exit.

Warehouse:
Jen checked to see whether she had her weapon with her.
"We're back on that island," she said, "it might be some kind of trick, but I'm pretty sure that thing is in here somewhere.  Let's go find it."
She tries to discern where the sound is coming from.
Bennosuke
Caitlyn looks slightly confused at the mention of an earthquake, pausing her sobs for a moment, but says nothing further. She allows herself to be dragged out of the club.

(OOC: Happy to end this scene here, unless there is something more you want out of it)

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

Jenn is perhaps not surprised to find that their brace of weapons is not on them. In fact, both Jenn and Frank are in the same clothes they had been wearing on their camping trip... only this time, neither of them have any shoes. There is a certain dreamlike logic to this, as the two stand in this unreal forest, their voices the only sound of noise in an otherwise dead silence.
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

“Oh man…” Jen said as she looked around, “I… think we might be in over our heads.”

She looked around for a rock or something she could use as a weapon.
Bennosuke
It is not hard to find a few baseball-sized rocks around the forest floor; though impossibly, these are all slick with some sort of mold. The disease comes off on Jenn's hand red like the color of a berry jam, but slick like oil. Simply touching the rocks makes something knot up inside Jenn's abdomen.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 It is not hard to find a few baseball-sized rocks around the forest floor; though impossibly, these are all slick with some sort of mold. The disease comes off on Jenn's hand red like the color of a berry jam, but slick like oil. Simply touching the rocks makes something knot up inside Jenn's abdomen. 
 

"Eww, gross," Jen said.  She tried to scrape the mold off on the bark of a nearby tree.
Daishain
Frank looks around with disgust,   "****ing great, so much for dealing with her on our own terms. Any ideas?"  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Frank looks around with disgust,   "****ing great, so much for dealing with her on our own terms. Any ideas?"   
 

“We have get out of here like we did before,” Jen said, “let’s start walking and keep our eyes open for anything that looks out of place.”
Bennosuke
(OOC: Going to let Daishain reply before assuming you are just going to go marching off, but will add this)

Every way you look, the forest seems the same; dark woods with gnarled hunched over trees, all festooned with wooden poppets hanging on strings. As you look around, it almost becomes overwhelming how similar everything looks, and with no frame of reference for where anything might be, any direction seems as good as the next.
Daishain
Frank sighs and nods.   "Lets at least try not to be predictable shall we? Voice came from that way right?"   He points towards the direction he heard the sound from, then points to the left, a direction ninety degrees from the first heading.   "I suggest going that way. Not sure if it'll help at all in a place like this, and I dunno if the witch is trying to draw us in or scare us off, but I'd rather not comply with either."  
Bennosuke
Frank's voice cuts the otherwise impossible silence of the dream forest. He leads the way, marching through the soft earth and tryin to pick a path around the densest patches of mushrooms. The hike takes the the two through an endless sea of looming hunched trees. As the two go, the forest seems to get thicker, the branches low to the ground as if they are reaching out to grab and scratch the two trespassers. The poppets sway on their strings, though no wind disturbs the branches.

After what seems like an endless march, the silence of the forest is interrupted by a cacophonous laugh. The Wytche's eruption is somewhere between the belly laughter of a sodden drunkard, and the screech of an aggressive crow, and it seems to grow till it has filled the entire forest. It comes from all directions, rising to a volume that is near painful, and a gust of wind picks up behind the two travelers. But just as quickly as the offense begins, it cuts off into an almost deafening silence.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Frank's voice cuts the otherwise impossible silence of the dream forest. He leads the way, marching through the soft earth and tryin to pick a path around the densest patches of mushrooms. The hike takes the the two through an endless sea of looming hunched trees. As the two go, the forest seems to get thicker, the branches low to the ground as if they are reaching out to grab and scratch the two trespassers. The poppets sway on their strings, though no wind disturbs the branches.

After what seems like an endless march, the silence of the forest is interrupted by a cacophonous laugh. The Wytche's eruption is somewhere between the belly laughter of a sodden drunkard, and the screech of an aggressive crow, and it seems to grow till it has filled the entire forest. It comes from all directions, rising to a volume that is near painful, and a gust of wind picks up behind the two travelers. But just as quickly as the offense begins, it cuts off into an almost deafening silence. 
 

"There's got to be a way out of here," Jen said.  She tried to find anything outside of the forest, like the sun or clouds, or anything in the forest that looks out of the ordinary, like it wouldn't belong in a forest.
Bennosuke
The trees in this forest are all stooped wicked things, with nearly barren branches save for the blasphemous dolls tied on strings. As Jenn peers around, she glances a tall, majestic tree towering above the forest canopy. Though the grandfather oak tree had not been on The Wytche's island, there was no doubt that this was The Crone, which Jenn had seen in Lytchwood state park. It also seemed like Frank had been leading the two directly towards the massive tree.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The trees in this forest are all stooped wicked things, with nearly barren branches save for the blasphemous dolls tied on strings. As Jenn peers around, she glances a tall, majestic tree towering above the forest canopy. Though the grandfather oak tree had not been on The Wytche's island, there was no doubt that this was The Crone, which Jenn had seen in Lytchwood state park. It also seemed like Frank had been leading the two directly towards the massive tree. 
 

“There’s that big tree,” Jen said, “let’s check it out, maybe tberes a way out of here.”

She led the way towards the Crone, keeping an eye open for the Wytch to make an appearance.
Daishain
Frank grimaces as he recognizes the thing,   "Why do I get the feeling the direction we went didn't actually matter much?"

"All right, lets see what we can manage to figure out."  
Bennosuke
This time as the two begin to move through the unreal forest, the trees begin to thin as Jenn and Frank enter a clearing round the massive grandfather oak tree. The Crone stands towering over the rest of the forest, roots the size of a child's torso clawing into the ground, and trunk as wide as some small houses. Its bark is a gnarled and knotted ash grey, and its canopy casts a massive shadow over the entire clearing as its branches blot out the sky. Unlike before, its branches are not covered in mass of black crows, instead ripe with dark green leaves. The forest floor however is  still  littered with a bed of shiny black feathers and a sea of naked bleached animal bones.

(OOC: From here, Frank and Jenn's experiences are going to begin to... diverge. I am separating the two's perception with spoiler boxes. You are welcome to read the other character's, but understand that each PC is going to experience something very different, and won't really be able to help/interact with the other's reality)

 
 Spoiler: Jenn 
There is the sudden jarring sound of something being repeatedly struck, which interrupts the prior silence. It might be the sound of a woodpecker, though this is somehow lower and more rapid. Jenn's eyes are drawn to the base of the tree, where the sound had just come from. Though she could swear there had been nothing there a second ago, Jenn now sees a brown owl perched atop the corpse of a great and familiar looking stag. The flank of the deer's unnatural charcoal pelt has been torn open, exposing a red and pink mass of meat and blood and viscera. The owl sits triumphantly over the wound, the feathers of its round head slick and black with the stag's innards. It's plume is spoiled in blood, down to its neck, and it opens its wings, flapping them at Jenn and hooting as if in warning, before stepping forward to bow it's head deep into deer's open wound. The attack causes the stag's body to spasm and it suddenly becomes clear that he wounded animal is still breathing. The owl comes up for air from it's feast, a loop of bowel stuck in its hooked beak.

It is only then that Jenn discovers the old hunting rifle in her hands.
 

 
 Spoiler: Frank 
As Frank's eyes descend down from The Crone's canopy, his eyes fall upon a woman lying serenely at the base of the tree. She is wearing a long green dress that almost blends with the colors of the night's forest, but her skin is pale and iridescent in the low light.

For one crazy second, Frank is certain the woman is Clarissa, his ex-wife. She has the same long brown hair, pale skin and round face. The woman raises her head from her slumber, slowly waking as her eyes fall on Frank. Her face is so similar, but this woman is younger, the features somehow just slightly off, and she is smiling at him. For a moment, it feels like Frank is seeing double. This woman  is  and  is not  his ex-wife, and the broken thought unbiddenly enters his brain that maybe this is who Clarissa WAS SUPPOSED to be. The woman tilts her head as she stares at Frank, still smiling, and there is something in her gaze that seems to bid the man come join her on the forest floor.

(OOC: Please give me a Resolve + Composure roll to help Frank avoid temptation)
 
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

“Frank,” Jen whispered as she tapped him with the back of her hand, “Frank, I have my gun back.”

She checked the action, safety, and the bullets, then looked at the owl and the stag, and tried to make sense of what she was seeing.
Bennosuke
To Jenn's surprise, when she turns to her companion, Frank is not there! She is alone in the forest, except for this owl and its prey.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 To Jenn's surprise, when she turns to her companion, Frank is not there! She is alone in the forest, except for this owl and its prey. 
 

Jen turns a full circle, looking for frank.  When she doesn’t see him, she calls out his name.  Assuming he doesn’t answer, she assumes it is some kind of Wytch trick.

Without much else to do in the immediate, Jen picks up a rock and chucks it at the owl to try and frighten it off.
Daishain
Frank grits his teeth, forcing himself to remember what he'd been told about what the wytch wanted from men like him. This was all an illusion...He calls out,   "Let us go. Leave us all alone. We're not going to give you whatever it is you want."  
Bennosuke
No matter where she looks, or how hard Jenn calls, Frank just isn't there. The only reply she gets is from the evil looking owl. It opens its hooked beak, though the sound that comes out is more like distorted the caws of a raven that he hoots of an owl.

(OOC: Please give me Str + Athletics -1)

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

Frank actually finds himself stepping towards the woman before he gets a hold of himself, his arms baboonishly outstretched as if to try to embrace the supine woman.

(OOC: Frank gets 1 success)


 Frank grits his teeth, forcing himself to remember what he'd been told about what the wytch wanted from men like him. This was all an illusion...He calls out, "Let us go. Leave us all alone. We're not going to give you whatever it is you want." 

The expression on the woman's face changes from serene interest to one of immediate disdain. Her face becomes lined with hatred, till the flesh is furrowed and aged looking, and she bares her teeth at Frank like a feral animal. She pushes herself to her feet, and it is then that Frank recognizes her lower extremities are the scaled and talon hooked legs of a bird. The monster, still a few yards away, begins to lumbar towards Frank, pure malice in its lined face, its eyes now glowing yellow orbs.
Daishain
Frank turns and dashes off to the side, hoping to get some distance between him and the thing.
Bennosuke
Jenn retrieves a moss covered rock from between the jaws of an impossibly sized rodent's skull. The rock is round and smooth, just a little smaller than a baseball. Again the mold comes off red and slick on Jenn's hands when she picks it up.

She throws the object at the owl, still feasting on the deer. Noticing the incoming missile, it bobs its head up and begins to flap it's wings, but is struck in the side before it is able to take flight. The owl shrieks, again the noise completely inappropriate for the bird. It's body jolted sideways, the owl pushes off of the deer and wings up and into the air. It shrieks again as its massive wings beat against the sky, it's head reaching forward towards its new foe, round eyes shining a bright yellow, like a pair of headlights.

Try as Jenn might to escape, the owl is on her too quickly. It's long black talons tear at her hair and her face, creating gashes or red hot pain.

And then Jenn wakes up...

(OOC: See below)

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

Frank dashes sideways, hoping to get away from the thing that is clearly The Wytch. Like a movie monster, it stretches both arms forward, reaching desperately for him as it gives chase. From over his shoulder, Frank hears the thing shriek and howl, a cacophony of garbled animal noises. When Frank dares to look over his shoulder, he can see that the beautiful woman has transformed fully into The Wytch. Its face is a mess of feathers and mud tangled hair, from which in his terror Frank can only see the two moon-like eyes peering out. Its long and flaccid breasts swing pendulously as it gives chase.

Frank returns his attention to his flight, but his foot catches on something hard and heavy. Despite himself, Frank feels himself going over and over and down as he swings his arms out to catch his fall. He hits the ground hard and within moments the Wytch is on him biting and scratching and screaming.

And then Frank wakes up...

(OOC: See below)

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

The nightmare fades away as both Frank and Jenn wake up back in the warehouse. The forest floor gives way again to hard and dusty concrete. With violet sunlight just starting to trickle in through the Eastern walls of the factory, the two Hunters awaken, struggling to shake the sleep from their eyes. However, both are horrified to recognize the deep scratches have followed them from their dreams into reality, as has The Wytch. It sits in the middle of the room crouched on all fours like a toad, moonbeam eyes darting between its two prey.

(OOC: Both characters awaken with one aggravated damage. I have updated your character box. Please roll initiative.  (1d10)[ 6 ](6) )
Daishain
Frank awakes with a start, eyes wide as he looks around and tries to get his bearings. He scrabbles for his gun, yelling.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 (1d10)[ 2 ] 
 
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

Jen snapped awake and, upon seeing the Wytch out in the open in the warehouse, training took over.  She snapped her pistol out of its holster, flipping the safety off as she drew, and started unloading on it, the discharge echoing around the warehouse.

 
 Spoiler 
covering fire: dex + firearms  (8d10)[ 6 ][ 3 ][ 6 ][ 10 ][ 8 ][ 10 ][ 10 ][ 3 ](56) 
10 again:  (8d10)[ 7 ][ 10 ][ 2 ][ 1 ][ 9 ][ 2 ][ 5 ][ 3 ](39) 
pistol = +1 damage
Wytch needs to drop prone or take cover (within its movement) or take damage as rolled.  8 rounds remaining.
 
Bennosuke
The assault rifle thunders into life, pulsing hard against Jenn's shoulder. Though the two had spent hours cleaning up the warehouse floor, the weapon's fire explodes a cloud of dust and pulped concrete into the air. The Wytch lets out a shriek, though the noise is somewhere closer to a toad's croak. And like a toad, the abomination throws itself onto its own belly, arms and legs bending at odd angles as if it were preparing to hop on all fours.

(OOC: The Wytch goes prone to avoid the damage... crazy roll)

Still crouched like a toad, the Wytch's head turns up and around to lock eyes with Jenn, its neck craning at an impossible angle with too many degrees, like an owl's. It shrieks again, and air within the factory seems to suddenly shift.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
The Wytch is spending 1WP and activating Hex, in an attempt to blind Jenn. TC, please roll your Stamina. While the tilt is technically supposed to last the scene, we'll say it lasts the difference in successes between the Wytch and Jenn's contested roll. The Wytch rolls  (4d10)[ 5 ][ 9 ][ 8 ][ 3 ](25) 

It is otherwise Frank's turn.
 
Bennosuke
To Jenn's ears only, the shriek because the cacophony of a brood of cawing ravens. The sounds somehow take over Jenn's vision, and for a second, everything is shimmering black feathers and ossified red-tipped beaks. The flock of birds gives way, and suddenly Jen finds herself standing back in the dream forest. Or not really. It is like a curtain containing the details of the forest have been dropped over her eyes. She can barely make out what is happening in the factory, and after a second, she realizes that her hearing is still located in reality, her foot falls echoing in the warehouse.
Thundercracker
Jen put a hand in front of her eyes, then tried to rub them.  Panic set in and then she realized her eyes were in the forest but the rest of her was still in the warehouse.  It was disorienting too say the least. She shook her head and blinked to try and clear whatever it was, then moved behind cover (assuming she remembers where some is) or drops prone if she can’t remember where it is or if it is not close.

“Frank, I can’t see!” she said.
Daishain
Frank goes scrambling after the rifle, and swings it around to bear on the wytch, firing at the ugly thing.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
dex+firearms+riflespecialty (5d10)[ 6 ][ 9 ][ 2 ][ 8 ][ 8 ](33) 
ten again  (5d10)[ 9 ][ 2 ][ 2 ][ 7 ][ 7 ](27) 
 
Bennosuke
(OOC: Jeezus The hunting rifle is +4 damage. That's 7 bashing damage all together!)

The hunting rifle kicks hard against Frank's shoulder, roaring to life almost at the same time that the Wytch's whole body get's thrown sideways. There is an gout of black blood that explodes almost like a cloud from the wrinkled abomination, but the thing again lands back on all fours.

Frank can hear Jenn's shouts from across the factory.

(OOC: Back to Jenn, first round of being blinded)
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 (OOC: Jeezus The hunting rifle is +4 damage. That's 7 bashing damage all together!)

The hunting rifle kicks hard against Frank's shoulder, roaring to life almost at the same time that the Wytch's whole body get's thrown sideways. There is an gout of black blood that explodes almost like a cloud from the wrinkled abomination, but the thing again lands back on all fours.

Frank can hear Jenn's shouts from across the factory.

(OOC: Back to Jenn, first round of being blinded) 
 

Jen continues to rub her eyes.  If she is not behind cover she tries to crawl to some, dragging the assault rifle with her.
Bennosuke
Safe behind cover, Jenn brings her hands to her eyes as if to wipe away the illusion. To her dismay, if not horror, she can't even see her hands in front of her face. Without the visual feedback, she rubs to hard at first, and Jenn's skull explodes with pain, her vision faltering to pops of white and green light. But as this subsides, the horrible vision of the forest returns, filling Jenn's sight.

On the killing floor, The Wytch rises from it's animal squat, one hand to the wound in its flabby side. As it finishes standing, the wound begins to close; finger-like tendrils of flesh moving to knot together and close the gaping hole. The Wytch's eyes fall on Frank, and again it shrieks and again the fabric of reality within the warehouse shudders.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
The Wytch spends two more WP, one to heal, one to cast Hex on Frank, again going for blinded. Daishain, please roll your stamina. The difference between the two rolls will determine if and how long the hex lasts.

The Wytch rolls  (4d10)[ 4 ][ 3 ][ 9 ][ 1 ](17) 

It will otherwise be Frank's turn. Don't forget some of the other tools at your disposal
 
Daishain
Frank shakes his head, dispelling the shadows that threatened to steal his vision,   "Come on Jen! Snap out of it! I need you!"  

He aims and fires once more

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Wanting to keep up the pressure for now, I'll go for the thermite when Jen's back in action.
second shot  (5d10)[ 6 ][ 6 ][ 6 ][ 2 ][ 3 ](23) 
ten again  (5d10)[ 4 ][ 1 ][ 9 ][ 6 ][ 3 ](23) 
 
Thundercracker
Jen popped up from behind cover and leveled her assault rifle, but unable to see, she didn't fire for fear of being tricked by the Wytch and shooting at Frank instead.
Bennosuke
Frank rises from his spot and after aiming for a moment, fires again. The rifle kicks again, but this time The Wytch does not flinch as the bullet goes wide. The air is now filled with the smoke of gunfire, acrid  and metallic.

Jenn still can't see.

Shrieking again, the Wytch charges Frank, moving in an almost simian loping gait. The animal noise from the creature again triggers the same shuddering of reality, causing the space within the warehouse to ripple under the weight of its will.

As the Wytch bares down on Frank, the impossible vision of the forest begins to clear from Jenn's vision

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
The Wytch will try to blind Frank one last time as it closes the gap on him. Again, Daishain, please roll stamina.

 (4d10)[ 3 ][ 1 ][ 9 ][ 8 ](21) 

It will next be Jenn's turn and she will no longer be blind.
 
Thundercracker
Jen's sight clears just as she sees the Wytch charging Frank.  She aims for a leg to try and holds her finger on the trigger as several rounds rattle off, to try and keep it from moving around too much.

 
 Spoiler 
firearms + dex, medium burst +2 aim leg -2:  (8d10)[ 5 ][ 10 ][ 8 ][ 6 ][ 3 ][ 1 ][ 4 ][ 2 ](39) 
10 again:  (8d10)[ 6 ][ 2 ][ 3 ][ 6 ][ 5 ][ 10 ][ 9 ][ 9 ](50) 
2 successes + 3 damage for assault rifle, hopefully that does it for a leg wrack.
 
Daishain
Frank is just about to pull back for another shot when his vision blurs, carefully removing his finger from the trigger, he keeps a hold on his rifle and shakes his head, trying to dispel the illusions

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Not so lucky this time, blind for 2 rounds.
 
Bennosuke
The world warps and closes in on Frank as it had on Jenn. Rather than blackening, his vision is filled with the dark and claustrophobic forest, the ground festooned with the carcasses of rodents, the canopy above filled with black shining wriggling crows.

But as her companion's vision clouds, Jenn's clears. The factory reappearing around her, Jenn sights the Wytch beginning to close in on Frank. She raises the assault rifle to her shoulder, and craning her eye to the sight, squeezes the trigger. The sudden crackle of repetitive gunfire fills her Jenn's ears, and each burst vibrates through her.

A trail of bullets rip across the warehouse floor before tearing into the Wytch's sinewy leg, buckling it. Though the Wytch does not topple, it's ruined limb is clearly not functioning properly and it stumbles its way over to Frank.

Though Frank cannot see the Wytch, he can feel it near; foul smelling hot breath, ragged wheezing breathes.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
The Wytch takes 5 bashing, and takes Leg Wracked. It's speed is -1 and it takes -2 to all movement based rolls. It spends it's turn hobbling over to Frank, and is now technically in close combat range, which will be a problem with shooting at it.

However, it is now Frank's turn. Blind tilt applies if Frank is going to try to attack.
 
Daishain
Clutching his weapon, Frank does his best to scurry away from the foul presence, without stumbling over the various obstacles in the warehouse. This was definitely not going to plan...

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Wits+composure  (5d10)[ 5 ][ 4 ][ 3 ][ 2 ][ 8 ](22) 
ten again  (5d10)[ 9 ][ 3 ][ 1 ][ 10 ][ 9 ](32) 
 
Bennosuke
Frank scrambles back from the Wytch. He back pedals and fumbles, his arms flailing to help him keep his balance. But somehow he manages not to trip over anything as he just barely escapes the grasp of the Wytch.

He goes back and back, till he hits the wall hard, thankfully managing not to smack the back of his head and knock himself out.

(OOC: It is now Jenn's turn and thanks to Frank's roll, The Wytch is wide open)
Thundercracker
Jen takes aim and squeezes the trigger again, once again aiming for the Wytch’s legs, hoping to do enough damage to immobilize it.

 
 Spoiler 
short burst:  (7d10)[ 6 ][ 2 ][ 6 ][ 10 ][ 9 ][ 6 ][ 6 ](45) 
10 again:  (7d10)[ 4 ][ 4 ][ 4 ][ 7 ][ 8 ][ 4 ][ 6 ](37) 
 
Bennosuke
As Frank pulls free from the limping Wytch, Jenn lightly squeezes the trigger. The assault rifle kicks for only an instant as it ejects a string of bullets, one or two of which find their target. Shuddering with the impact, The Wytch continues to pull itself forward with a single minded fury, till it is within nearly arms reach of Frank.

(OOC: Frank's turn again, one more round of being blind. Wytch takes 5 bashing but is still not dead.)
Daishain
Breathing hard, Frank listens as well as he can and tries to duck off to the side until his vision clears.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
wits+composure  (5d10)[ 6 ][ 9 ][ 7 ][ 4 ][ 1 ](27) 
ten again  (5d10)[ 4 ][ 1 ][ 8 ][ 2 ][ 1 ](16) 
 
Bennosuke
Using the wall, Frank scrabbles away from the Wytch, his leading hand practically scraping itself raw. His hearing, dulled by the prior explosion of gunfire, Frank can hear ragged breathing but can't tell if it is his own, or the Wytch following him. It was still dark forest all around him. The earth was scattered with dull black feathers and stones and the crushed skulls of small animals. Frank stumbles across the wall till his hand hits something hard and metal.

(OOC: Back to Jenn)
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Using the wall, Frank scrabbles away from the Wytch, his leading hand practically scraping itself raw. His hearing, dulled by the prior explosion of gunfire, Frank can hear ragged breathing but can't tell if it is his own, or the Wytch following him. It was still dark forest all around him. The earth was scattered with dull black feathers and stones and the crushed skulls of small animals. Frank stumbles across the wall till his hand hits something hard and metal.

(OOC: Back to Jenn) 
 

As she started to run low on bullets in the magazine, Jen fired a single shot at the Wytch, again going for the legs.

 
 Spoiler 
dex + firearms -2:  (6d10)[ 3 ][ 1 ][ 5 ][ 5 ][ 2 ][ 5 ](21) 
10 again:  (6d10)[ 7 ][ 7 ][ 5 ][ 3 ][ 9 ][ 6 ](37) 
 
Bennosuke
Jenn's shot hits the floor about a half foot wide of its target, kicking up a small cloud of dust.

The Wytch continues to lumber towards Frank, dragging its mangled leg till it is nearly within grasping distance of the man, whose eyes finally clear. The forest apparition dissolves before Frank's eyes. As his vision clears, he finds himself staring down The Wytch, wide yellow eyes filled with hate and hunger as it shambles towards him awkwardly, arms extended out for his neck. Frank finds himself almost pinioned between a large rusted machine (maybe a press of some sort) and the charging Wytch; the wall on his left, and open warehouse to the right.



(OOC: Frank's turn. Wytch is technically in close combat distance now)
Daishain
Shaking his head, Frank dodges off to the side, moving out towards the warehouse and towards where they'd stashed the thermite. They needed to end this quick, before either of them got blinded or caught up in those nasty claws...
Thundercracker
Jen drew a bead again on the Wytch and the assault rifle thundered.  If she could immobilize it, it would be a sitting duck for the thermite.

 
 Spoiler 
aiming for legs again, medium burst:  (8d10)[ 5 ][ 9 ][ 9 ][ 9 ][ 7 ][ 1 ][ 4 ][ 1 ](45) 
10 again:  (8d10)[ 1 ][ 10 ][ 4 ][ 9 ][ 2 ][ 7 ][ 8 ][ 6 ](47) 
Edit: that should do for the 2nd leg wrack
 
Bennosuke
(OOC: Sorry, I don't know why I missed this yesterday!)

The Wytch is moving so slowly now that the moment Frank pulls away, it almost feels like shooting fish in a barrel. The assault rifle kicks to life, and within a moment the Wytch is collapsing to the floor, both legs fully bucking out from under. The monster struggles to stand, shrieking in a tongue of animal sounds that echoes through the factory as the rapport of the automatic weapon fades away. The Wytch gets about halfway up on it's avian feet, before its knees buckle and it again topples over.

(OOC: Back to Frank. We can assume Frank is able to reach the thermite with another half action, meaning he still has time to use his instant action)
Thundercracker
“Frank! It’s down and can’t move, burn it now!” Jen yelled to be heard over the ringing in her ears.
Daishain
Frank grabs the pvc pipe he'd spent the other day carefully filling with the flammable red powder and lights the little fuse, turning to roll it towards the Wytch's shattered feet, yelling out,   "Eyes!"   Even as he covers his own and drops to the floor.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
dex+athletics+WP  (7d10)[ 9 ][ 1 ][ 8 ][ 7 ][ 1 ][ 10 ][ 7 ](43) 
ten again  (7d10)[ 9 ][ 4 ][ 9 ][ 1 ][ 7 ][ 10 ][ 8 ](48) 
 
Bennosuke
The bomb explodes nearly on impact, as it thwaps against The Wytch's shoulder, bursting in a dazzling shower of flame that seems to immediately spread over the monster's body. The factory is suddenly filled with a shriek so loud that it drowns out all other sound; so impossibly loud that both Jen and Frank cannot help but covering their ears. The Wytch's agony seems to cause the entire warehouse space to shift and warp. The temperature in the warehouse rises as if the entire building were turned into an oven, and heat waves begin to distort the vision. The heat, and the shriek and the agony, all one growing. This goes on and on, growing hotter and hotter and louder and louder, the warehouse becoming some terrible imagination of hell, crescendo as the Wytch topples over in a mass of blackening fire.

Maybe the event causes Jen and Frank to black out... or maybe reality just corrects itself; but when the two regain their faculties, the horror is over. The paper factory is nothing more than a paper factory, not an oven filled with a hellish nightmare scream. The bonfire that was The Wytch has gone out, leaving a burned mass on the factory floor.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The bomb explodes nearly on impact, as it thwaps against The Wytch's shoulder, bursting in a dazzling shower of flame that seems to immediately spread over the monster's body. The factory is suddenly filled with a shriek so loud that it drowns out all other sound; so impossibly loud that both Jen and Frank cannot help but covering their ears. The Wytch's agony seems to cause the entire warehouse space to shift and warp. The temperature in the warehouse rises as if the entire building were turned into an oven, and heat waves begin to distort the vision. The heat, and the shriek and the agony, all one growing. This goes on and on, growing hotter and hotter and louder and louder, the warehouse becoming some terrible imagination of hell, crescendo as the Wytch topples over in a mass of blackening fire.

Maybe the event causes Jen and Frank to black out... or maybe reality just corrects itself; but when the two regain their faculties, the horror is over. The paper factory is nothing more than a paper factory, not an oven filled with a hellish nightmare scream. The bonfire that was The Wytch has gone out, leaving a burned mass on the factory floor. 
 

Jen sighted in on where the Wytch had lain, then she slowly crept closer, carefully looking for signs of life even after all that.
"Do you think we got it?" she asked.
Bennosuke
As she creeps closer, Jen sees that all that is left is a deflated leathery hide of charred skin and feathers, absent of all bones. The smell coming from the corpse is atrocious; an acrid mix of sulfuric combustible chemicals and burned flesh.
Daishain
Frank slowly gets up and grabs a long rod, doing his best to keep his rifle on the thing one handed as he pokes at the mess with the length in his other hand.   "Sure looks dead."   He then frowns,    "Why is there skin and feathers here but not the bones?"   

Shaking his head he looks at Jen, fighting against a smile,   "Whatever. Don't think we can relax quite yet, but it looks like it might be over."  
Bennosuke
To Frank's relief, nothing wriggles or squirms when he prods the emptied corpse.
Daishain
  "We should probably clean up, and clear out. Someone might have heard something and reported the noise. I doubt the cops will be in a hurry to come back out here, but we ought to leave little trace if they do."   Frank grabs some plastic trash bags and starts scraping what was left of the Wytch into one of them, careful not to touch it even with gloved hands
Bennosuke
The two begin cleaning up, though of course eventually all that's left is the remnants of The Wytch's corpse; the flaccid pile of skin and feathers, leaving the two with the question of what they are going to do with the remains.

Just as the two are left with this question, the sound of police sirens begins to grow somewhere in the distance.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The two begin cleaning up, though of course eventually all that's left is the remnants of The Wytch's corpse; the flaccid pile of skin and feathers, leaving the two with the question of what they are going to do with the remains.

Just as the two are left with this question, the sound of police sirens begins to grow somewhere in the distance. 
 

"Damn," Jen said, "what do you say we get the rest of the thermite and burn what's left?"
Daishain
Frank nods hurriedly,   "Grab the rest of our stuff, and lets get the hell out of here."   He takes the bucket they'd mixed the thermite in and pours it over the Wytch's remains, setting it on fire he turns and moves to help Jen hustle the rest of it out the back way. He did NOT want to have to explain this to the cops.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Frank nods hurriedly,   "Grab the rest of our stuff, and lets get the hell out of here."   He takes the bucket they'd mixed the thermite in and pours it over the Wytch's remains, setting it on fire he turns and moves to help Jen hustle the rest of it out the back way. He did NOT want to have to explain this to the cops. 
 

While Frank burns what’s left, Jen tries to pick up as many shell casings as she can, so it’s not immediately obvious someone unloaded an entire magazine in the warehouse.
Bennosuke
 Act 2 Scene i 
 “The fallen angel becomes a malignant devil. Yet even that enemy of God and man had friends and associates in his desolation; I am alone.”
― Mary Shelley, Frankenstein

"I sometimes think if we knew all, we should be more glad to get away.”
-Robert Louis Stevenson, The Strange Case of Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde 

There had been several oddities and frustrations in the coming weeks after what had been one of the mast exciting and dangerous moments in Jen and Frank's lives. For Jen, she had begun receiving text messages from a blocked number. She had received about a text or two a day, and the messages generally included the two main thoughts; gratitude (though it was never clear for what), and the need of help.

 How has Jen replied to these?  

For Frank, Clarissa and Neil continued to be behaving... oddly. They were hard to get a hold of, and Frank had received text messages from his daughter, noting concern that "mom wasn't acting right".

 How does Frank address this problem? 

Otherwise, Jen had gotten a hold of The Brotherhood of Mather after a number of days. Bill, their leader, had been very excited initially, but then began insisting that the two come up to Salem to "prove it", and tell him more in person about what happened. Though Jen had a date with Caitlyn that night, and Frank would be picking up the girls that night, the two agreed to get there by midday, given it was a few hours' drive.

The town of Salem was as quiet during the day as it was at night. The streets were practically empty and most of the buildings were boarded up. Parking was easy on Main Street, and standing outside the Church of Saint George, they could see the doors were open, and several cars had parked in front.
Daishain
Frank would spend some time getting a little more details about the changes in Clarissa's behavior, wanting to keep an eye on things, but if it didn't seem threatening he'd otherwise focus on helping his girls. Things had gotten heated enough the last time he'd confronted them, no need to poke that bear again if it wasn't needed.

In Salem he sighs as he turns the truck engine off.   "Gotta say, I'd kind of hoped not to deal with these bozos again. But I suppose we do at least owe them an accounting of things."  
Bennosuke
(OOC: Please give me a Wits + Empathy roll to get a sense of Clarissa's behaviors without "poking the bear")
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

Jen ignores the number at first, and then after a few days she tries to text back and say they've got the wrong number.

She looked out at the town as they drove up to meet the Brotherhood.

"We owe them this at least, if it wasn't for them we'd probably be dead," Jen said, "after this though I think I'm done with them."
Bennosuke
When Jen replies to the strange text messages, she gets an almost immediate reply. The text reads, " Lol. I know who you are Jen, and you know me. I helped you recently, now I'm just asking for a little favor. " This is followed by a second message, " I don't trust texts or cellphones. Could be bugged. Call... " The text includes a phone number with a 000 area code.

(OOC: Waiting for you guys to say you are going into the church, as I know you don't want me to make assumptions about your characters' actions)
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 When Jen replies to the strange text messages, she gets an almost immediate reply. The text reads, " Lol. I know who you are Jen, and you know me. I helped you recently, now I'm just asking for a little favor. " This is followed by a second message, " I don't trust texts or cellphones. Could be bugged. Call... " The text includes a phone number with a 000 area code.

(OOC: Waiting for you guys to say you are going into the church, as I know you don't want me to make assumptions about your characters' actions) 
 

Jen folded her phone.  She’s call the mysterious texter later, after they left the town.

“Ready to head in?  Why do I feel like I’m headed into a timeshare pitch?” Jen asked.

Assuming Frank doesn’t say anything to cause her to wait, she’ll head up to the door of the church and knock (or walk in if the door is open).
Bennosuke
As Jen and Frank ascend the stairs to the church, they see Arnold and Alexandra in the Nave. Based on their posture and expressions it looks like they are arguing under their breath, until the catch sight of the two approaching. Wearing the face of people caught with their pants down, Alexandra says, " I see you two finally came. " She's wearing forest colored overalls over a hole-filled white work shirt.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 As Jen and Frank ascend the stairs to the church, they see Arnold and Alexandra in the Nave. Based on their posture and expressions it looks like they are arguing under their breath, until the catch sight of the two approaching. Wearing the face of people caught with their pants down, Alexandra says, " I see you two finally came. " She's wearing forest colored overalls over a hole-filled white work shirt. 
 

“Yeah, just wanted to say thank you for everything and answer any more questions y’all might have,” Jen said, “seems kind of surreal now, but we won’t forget what you did for us.”
Bennosuke
Ignoring the show of gratitude, Alexandra says, " Father Bill's been waiting for you. We're all looking forward to hearing about how you... did what you claim to have done. " It's clear by her tone that she might be skeptical that the Wytch was defeated by Jen and Frank.

" Come on, " Arnold says with a nod of his head, gesturing for the others to follow, perhaps attempting to intervene on any potential conflict. Assuming the two come willingly, he leads the group through the nave to a row of benches by the alter where Bill and some of the other members of The Brotherhood of Mather are congregated. They all rise in advance of the approaching group, and as they get near, Bill rushes forward to greet Frank and Jen. He offers the two a meaty and rough hand to shake, though he seems to direct his attention towards Frank. " Welcome, welcome back, " he says with a grin, and pauses to let the others gathered mumble their hellos. He clasps his hands together and says eagerly, " So, I hear you might have some exciting news for us? If what you claim is true, you two have made an amazing accomplishment! "
Daishain
  "Pretty sure we'd be dead by now if we failed"   Frank says dryly.   "At the very least, if that thing somehow survived being reduced to ash, she's been leaving us alone ever since, and I didn't get the impression that they're the live and let live sort."

"Might be worth checking out the Crone tree. If there's any part that persisted, its probably there."  
Bennosuke
Bill and the others listen raptly to Karl. After he mentions "live and let live sort", Bill interjects. " So what happened exactly? Tell us everything! " he says excitedly, though there might be a hint of skepticism in his voice.

When Karl mentions going back to the Grandfather tree, the members of The Brotherhood cast nervous and furtive glances at each other.
Daishain
Frank scratches his chin,   "Well we spent a good week or so running around, took a trip out to the reservation to try and track down more about the original legends. Unfortunately that was more interesting than useful, it seems the tribe's lost the last of their story keepers who might have known more."

"Anyways, we had a couple of thoughts on trapping or otherwise dealing with it, but none of them seemed very likely to work. I mean, there was this thing with an iron box, but we were stuck figuring out how to get her into it. Anyways, we eventually decided that, since it did bleed, even if it did ignore a couple of bullets here and there, it was worth trying a lot more direct force. We figured that whatever was tried before, it seemed unlikely that whoever tried it had heavy firearms and thermite, which we could get. Jen knows a gun guy, and I work with thermite in my job."

"Found an old warehouse, set it up nicely, and then camped out there until she came for us. Bitch tried to get me to lay with her in a dream, I'm still having nightmares about that bit."

"Anyways when we got out of the dreams, Jen had the machine gun and kept laying down the fire. Amazing shooting, she tore that bitch's legs to shreds. Then when she could hardly move, I set the thermite bomb off on top of her. That stuff burns at over three thousand degrees Celsius, wasn't much left when the smoke cleared. Finished burning the remaining scraps and legged it before the cops showed. Not much more to tell, spent the week after that laying low and watching out for any signs that what we did wasn't enough."  
Bennosuke
The members of the Brotherhood listen raptly to Frank's telling of the battle with wide eyes and an almost comically innocent credulity. Both Jen and Frank got the sense they could say just about anything and the others would believe it. Only Alexandra seems unimpressed or skeptical, her eyebrow raised and eyes rolling every so often during the telling. When Frank is finished, before anyone else can speak up, she crosses her arms over her chest and spits out a sarcastic, " Cool, " before her voice hardens and she says, " Do you have any proof? "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The members of the Brotherhood listen raptly to Frank's telling of the battle with wide eyes and an almost comically innocent credulity. Both Jen and Frank got the sense they could say just about anything and the others would believe it. Only Alexandra seems unimpressed or skeptical, her eyebrow raised and eyes rolling every so often during the telling. When Frank is finished, before anyone else can speak up, she crosses her arms over her chest and spits out a sarcastic, " Cool, " before her voice hardens and she says, " Do you have any proof? " 
 

Jen thought about it for a few seconds.

“Don’t think so,” she replied, “there might be something on camera at a club where the Wytch ambushed me, I didn’t bother to check.  We beat it from the cops and haven’t been back to the warehouse since, and I’m not trying to get arrested.”

She turned to Frank.
“Might be a good idea to check the tree though, in case it like… regenerates or something,” Jen said.
Bennosuke
Scowling, Alexandra steps forward, but Bill steps in front of her and interjects before she can protest. " I understand your skepticism, " he says to his companion, but turning to Frank and Jen says, " though of course some proof would have been preferred. " Extending his arms to the entire group and with an excited grin says, " Perhaps we can all go to the tree together. I'm sure you will want the closure, and if there was any sign that The Wytch's powers were ended... well that would be a GREAT sign. " He looks to the two guests expectantly.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Scowling, Alexandra steps forward, but Bill steps in front of her and interjects before she can protest. " I understand your skepticism, " he says to his companion, but turning to Frank and Jen says, " though of course some proof would have been preferred. " Extending his arms to the entire group and with an excited grin says, " Perhaps we can all go to the tree together. I'm sure you will want the closure, and if there was any sign that The Wytch's powers were ended... well that would be a GREAT sign. " He looks to the two guests expectantly. 
 

Jen looked over at Frank.

“I don’t have any plans…” she said.
Daishain
Frank sighs,   "Honestly I'd hoped never to get anywhere near that place again, but I suppose it beats wondering if she could come back at some point."  
Bennosuke
" I mean, I didn't mean we had to go now, " Bill says, but something about his grin and the look in his eyes says otherwise, " though I imagine it would be a pain for you two to have to drive all the way back here another night. It's not even a half hour drive to the park. " Bill let's his voice trail off, clearly inviting the two to agree with his suggestion.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " I mean, I didn't mean we had to go now, " Bill says, but something about his grin and the look in his eyes says otherwise, " though I imagine it would be a pain for you two to have to drive all the way back here another night. It's not even a half hour drive to the park. " Bill let's his voice trail off, clearly inviting the two to agree with his suggestion. 
 

"Honestly I'd rather go with all y'all than by myself, let's do it," Jen said.
Daishain
Frank reluctantly nods,   "If we're doing this, best to get it over with."  
Bennosuke
" Great, " says Bill with a satisfied grin. Turning to his "congregation" he says, " Let's get our gear and head out. Bring everything. Let's go, fast as we can. " The brotherhood members begin a hurried preparation, hustling to and fro from a series of offices and closets and creating a pile of disparate large duffle bags at the foot of the dais.

Once brought forth, Bill and another member inspect the contents of each bag, whispering to each other and nodding with approval. Looking up from his work, Bill says to Jen and Frank, " We can meet you there if you want. You know the park's main parking lot, right? It's gonna take us another ten to fifteen to get all our gear ready. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " Great, " says Bill with a satisfied grin. Turning to his "congregation" he says, " Let's get our gear and head out. Bring everything. Let's go, fast as we can. " The brotherhood members begin a hurried preparation, hustling to and fro from a series of offices and closets and creating a pile of disparate large duffle bags at the foot of the dais.

Once brought forth, Bill and another member inspect the contents of each bag, whispering to each other and nodding with approval. Looking up from his work, Bill says to Jen and Frank, " We can meet you there if you want. You know the park's main parking lot, right? It's gonna take us another ten to fifteen to get all our gear ready. " 
 

“Sure, meet you there,” Jen said.  She didn’t plan on returning here once they verified nothing odd was happening at the park.
Bennosuke
(OOC: Unless Daishain has anything else)

Frank and Jen head back to their car, and take the drive back to Lytchwood Park. The Eastern parking lot is respectably full. Families pulling up with their bratty kids to go camping, young couples arrived for a hike with their dog; people going about their lives without any sense that something could be terribly wrong.

It takes a moment to find a parking spot. Next to the dirt path entering into the park is the familiar big green sign with yellow/gold lettering that reads "WELCOME TO LYCHWOOD PARK". However, the paint has faded and peeled away since last time they were here. Looks like Ranger Mitch hasn't been back much.

With the bit of time before the Brotherhood members get here, Jen and Frank are free to prepare however they would like for their trip out to The Crone. Or they can simply wait for the rednecks to arrive.
Daishain
Frank gets his hunting rifle out. Its already loaded. In normal times the weapon stayed unloaded in a dry storage space in his workshop unless he was actually hunting, but things hadn't been normal since the last time he had wandered out this way.

He looks to Jen and mutters apologetically as he pulls out a bit of red ochre, wetting the powder and dipping a thin stick into the mudlike mix,   "Just um... in case. Can I see your hand?"   *If she agrees he mutters a few words as he carefully sketches a pair of arrows facing each other, with a dot in between, on the back of her hand, before doing the same on his own.   "Its a symbol supposed to ward against evil spirits. Who knows if it actually works, but I'm a bit past assuming there's nothing real behind these traditions. Don't worry if it starts flaking off, the color will stay for this trip at least."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I figure as part of that occult learning Frank focused a little on Native American wards and rituals given the nature of the first foe. Thought it would be a good detail. Apologies if I'm butchering anything.
 
Thundercracker
“Yeah, I have garlic on windowsills at my house now, so…” Jen said as she accepted the drawing.

“What do you think is taking them so long?” she asked.
Bennosuke
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
To be honest, not only am I okay with it, but I love the idea. Just in case it's useful, can I have you roll for Karl Presence + Occult?

I'm going to actually let the two characters interact for a moment, since we haven't really allowed that... though I assume we were hinting at having the Brotherhood show up now. You know, encourage some roleplaying ect.
 
Daishain
Frank shrugs,   "Might be gathering up more of their people, I wouldn't be surprised if they wanted all hands on deck for this. We might have half the town coming this way."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Presence+occult  (2d10)[ 7 ][ 3 ](10) 
 
Bennosuke
Soon enough a train of beat up vehicles; mud splashed pick-ups, rusted GM sedans, and even a Nissan SUV. Most of them are decorated with Blue Lives and NRA bumper stickers, and one particularly rustic pick-up even has a large Confederate flag painted along the side. The train of cars meander into the lot, parking here and there, mostly clustering next to each other when possible.

The Brotherhood members file out of the cars. Frank and Jen don't recognize anyone new. While a few wave at or acknowledge Jen and Frank, most of them busy themselves unloading their trucks. Along with a number of boxes and duffle bags, they unload a series of black hard-shell rifle cases; enough to arm a small militia. A few even unload pitch forks. Bill trots up to  Frank and Jen, a three pronged pitch fork thrown over his shoulder. " Sorry it took so long, " he says with a grin, proudly watching the Brotherhood members unloading their impressive armory, " are you two ready? "
Thundercracker
“Jeez,” Jen said as they unloaded the weapons, “I guess you guys take the ‘better have it and not need it’ saying pretty seriously.”

“I’m ready when y’all are,” she said.
Bennosuke
Bill chuckles and in reply says, " It's not just weapons. We've got some of our tracking technologies and the like. We've built quite a collection of gear. " He grins proudly at this. " Alright, let's go, " he says, both to Jen and Frank and to the rest of his crew. Most of the Brotherhood members have made no effort to blend in or hide what they are doing. Turning back to the two outsiders, he says, " We can lead, unless there's any reason you want to. "

The the Brotherhood members begin to make their way to the park's entrance, several of them pull out contraptions; some rather mundane like compasses and maps, and others more strange. Allison pulls out a Y-shaped wooden stick, festooned with string hung white feathers. With dead serious, she holds it out in front of her like a dowsing rod. Another member, this one less familiar looking, pulls out a contraption that looks like a cheap purple plastic dust-buster attached to a tablet screen via a number of monitors. Others strap rifles across their backs, many military grade weapons that are clearly for more than just hunting. They march through the park in the middle of the day without any concern for alarming the public. Sure enough, things are spread out enough that rarely does the group even come across other hikers, and when they do, the mob of armed occultists are given a wide berth and some concerned glances.

Bill's associates lead Frank and Jen out towards the old grandfather oak tree. The surroundings get more and more familiar, and as the group approaches the brotherhood members grow silent. Tension strings its way through the group. Several of the occultists even get a little jumpy. As the forest floor slowly becomes blanketed with the familiar black crow's feathers that both Jen and Frank had seen the last time they had come, Bill stops, holding up his fist in a mock-military gesture for the group to stop and be silent. His heavy brown eyebrows knitting together, he says in a hushed voice, " Hear that? "

If Jen and Frank listen they will hear little sound. It takes a moment to register. The last time they had come to The Crone, they had been greeted by a terrible chorus of screeches and crow caws. Every branch of The Crone had been covered in the black birds, and they could be heard from almost a half mile out- before the Crone even became visible. But now, there was nothing.
Thundercracker
“I… don’t hear anything,” Jen said, “no crows.”

She walked around the base of the tree to see if she noticed anything.
Daishain
Frank eyes the arsenal askance, choosing not to say anything. They could've definitely used that kind of gear... he still remembers how close things had gotten. Instead he just waves for them to go ahead when they ask about taking the lead.

Near the crone, he takes a breath and sighs with some relief. He'd been tense the whole way up here.   "Well that sure sounds like a good sign to me."  
Bennosuke
Jen leads the way the next half mile or so to the base of the tree. As before, the tree line thins out to a massive clearing as the grandfather tree comes into view. Though the forest floor is still covered in black feathers and milky white bird droppings, there is not a single crow to be seen. Before, the tree's bark had been covered in thick sheets of fuzzy dark green moss, but it appears that much of this has died and begun falling off in big clumps, now rotting at the base of the tree. Dirty white streaks run through the denuded areas along the tree's surface, and without the murder of birds, the branches droop naked and leafless. Several branches thicker than a man's thigh have crashed to the ground around the tree, their cores soft and maggot infested. " Well ****, " Bill says, breaking the silence as he strokes his receding hairline and grey ponytail.

Other members of the Brotherhood begin circling the tree. Those with their strange devices waving them around or bending over to study or collect samples.
Daishain
  "You'll forgive me if I don't get any closer to that thing, but it looks to me like the only threat that tree poses now is falling on somebody."   Frank looks around to Jen, then the others, checking to see if they harbored any concerns.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
   "You'll forgive me if I don't get any closer to that thing, but it looks to me like the only threat that tree poses now is falling on somebody."   Frank looks around to Jen, then the others, checking to see if they harbored any concerns. 
 

"What are those?" Jen asked as she pointed to the devices the Brotherhood were using.

Regarding the tree: "Looks dead to me, and all the crows are gone," Jen said, "only question for me is should we leave it standing or cut it down?"
Bennosuke
Bill turns to Frank and in reply says, " Well I guess I don't blame ya! " He slaps the man on the back and chuckles. " Though I guess there's no sign of the Wytch and all... maybe no reason to get superstitious now. "

He yells over to one of the brotherhood members with the vacuum-like device, a wiry man with sand colored hair the same tone as his skin, " What ya getting there Sam? "

The man turns to Bill and gives him a grin filled with crooked yellow teeth, and hollers back, " Reading no activity! Ding dong man, ding dong! "

Bill turns back to Frank and Jen and says, " I think you two really did it. Amazing! "

To Jen he replies with a hint of pride, " They're ectoplasm readers. Designed the first one myself! " To her other remark he says, " Probably wouldn't be able to get away with cutting it down. But we'll core some samples to study for sure. "
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

“Ectoplasm huh.., does it really work?” Jen asked.

She looked around for signs of the hanging symbols that used to be everywhere, or any indication of where the crows might have gone.
Bennosuke
Bill replies, " It's getting no reading now, right? " his grin widening at his own joke.

Looking around, Jen finds no overt signs of change, other than the wilted nature of the tree and the lack of crows. The ground is still littered with feathers, and small bones, and bird droppings. If there is any unease, it is the natural response to the novel silence, rather than the gut twisting surreal feeling that Jen had experienced when she had been trapped on that impossible island with The Wytch.
Thundercracker
Jen kicked at some of the animal bones with the toe of her boot.

"So uhh.., now what?" she asked Bill.
Bennosuke
Bill grins at this and excitedly replies, " Well, we will take as many samples as we can and document our findings. We've brought a couple of motion activated ground cams, which we'll set up around the tree. We did this before but they kept short circuiting... the Wytch obviously. I suspect if we don't have that problem, that would be a good sign as well. We'll keep watch and keep our fingers crossed and hopefully you two did accomplish the impossible! " He actually crosses his fingers on both hands, holding them up for Jen and Frank to see. " And of course, if there's anything you want to check, or if you want to suggest anything, I'm all ears, " he says earnestly.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Bill grins at this and excitedly replies, " Well, we will take as many samples as we can and document our findings. We've brought a couple of motion activated ground cams, which we'll set up around the tree. We did this before but they kept short circuiting... the Wytch obviously. I suspect if we don't have that problem, that would be a good sign as well. We'll keep watch and keep our fingers crossed and hopefully you two did accomplish the impossible! " He actually crosses his fingers on both hands, holding them up for Jen and Frank to see. " And of course, if there's anything you want to check, or if you want to suggest anything, I'm all ears, " he says earnestly. 
 

"I'm new at this," Jen replied, "...oh wait, I've been receiving these weird text messages, do you know anything about this?"
Jen showed the messages to Bill.
Bennosuke
Bill does not seem too surprised about Jen's reply. But when he takes a look at Jen's phone, he gives her a baffled look, his eyebrows raising and his lips pulling tight. With a shrug he says, " Secret admirer? "
Daishain
Frank watches the others scurry around with some interest. When Bill asks for suggestions he shrugs and states,   "Perhaps it would help if you encouraged the growth of other, healthier plant life? Bury what's here beneath healthy forest, and do what you can to dissuade locals from doing those sacrifices."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Bill does not seem too surprised about Jen's reply. But when he takes a look at Jen's phone, he gives her a baffled look, his eyebrows raising and his lips pulling tight. With a shrug he says, " Secret admirer? " 
 

"Yeah, apparently," Jen said.  She frowned and tucked her phone away.

She nodded at Frank's suggestion; honestly the thought of fixing up the area hadn't even crossed her mind.
Bennosuke
Frank's comment seems to make Bill a little uncomfortable. He takes a deep breath out before replying, his fists clenching then unclenching. " Eh, I know you're not from around here... so maybe you don't understand... but the folks around here are real insular, real secretive. I uh, I don't think anyone's gonna convince them to stop their offerings... no one would even admit they're doing it around here. Though hopefully, if the Wytch is dead, then the practice will just die out, since it should just stop working. " He gives an uncomfortable chuckle and adds, " Also... we aren't exactly the most popular church around, if you know what I mean. "

(OOC: Very happy to continue this conversation, but please let me know if/when you want to move on)
Daishain
Frank nods,   "Yeah, I guess that makes sense. Just figured if anything might bring her back in spite of it all it might be further sacrifice."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I'm good to move on if you are
 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Frank nods,   "Yeah, I guess that makes sense. Just figured if anything might bring her back in spite of it all it might be further sacrifice."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I'm good to move on if you are
 
 
 

Jen nodded her agreement.
"I feel like ice cream, does anyone want ice cream?" she said.

 
 Spoiler 
Also ready to move on.
 
Bennosuke
Bill chuckles at Jen's suggestion and replies, " There's actually no ice cream shop in Salem. There was a Baskin Robins but it closed down. I suppose we can pick something up at the Schnucks, but... " and it's clear he might not be too enthusiastic about this either.

They watch for a little while longer as the brotherhood members enthusiastically finish collecting data. The energy among the group is still high as they make their way back through the woods. The trek is uneventful, though chatter remains high among the party as brotherhood members excitedly posit what this all might mean.

Back at the parking lot, Bill takes a moment to pull Jen and Frank aside. There is a serious expression on his face, his bushy eyebrows knit together, though he is still smiling. " This is all really great. You two have accomplished something we as a group have been struggling with for a long time, " he says in a hushed voice, offering a handshake again to each. " To be honest, " he says, voice still hushed though now his expression becomes almost pained, " I'm not really sure what we're gonna do if it turns out you guys succeeded. Our whole purpose was in monitoring and combating the Wytch. " He sighs, his eyes drifting off to where the rest of his associates are loading up their vans. Turning back to Frank and Jen he says, " Anyways, I'll let you know what we end up finding from everything we gathered today. Um... I feel like I should offer it again. After everything accomplished, you two should fully join our ranks. We'd love to have you as full members of the Brotherhood of Mather. " He scans Jen and Frank, nervous of how they may take his offer.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Bill chuckles at Jen's suggestion and replies, " There's actually no ice cream shop in Salem. There was a Baskin Robins but it closed down. I suppose we can pick something up at the Schnucks, but... " and it's clear he might not be too enthusiastic about this either.

They watch for a little while longer as the brotherhood members enthusiastically finish collecting data. The energy among the group is still high as they make their way back through the woods. The trek is uneventful, though chatter remains high among the party as brotherhood members excitedly posit what this all might mean.

Back at the parking lot, Bill takes a moment to pull Jen and Frank aside. There is a serious expression on his face, his bushy eyebrows knit together, though he is still smiling. " This is all really great. You two have accomplished something we as a group have been struggling with for a long time, " he says in a hushed voice, offering a handshake again to each. " To be honest, " he says, voice still hushed though now his expression becomes almost pained, " I'm not really sure what we're gonna do if it turns out you guys succeeded. Our whole purpose was in monitoring and combating the Wytch. " He sighs, his eyes drifting off to where the rest of his associates are loading up their vans. Turning back to Frank and Jen he says, " Anyways, I'll let you know what we end up finding from everything we gathered today. Um... I feel like I should offer it again. After everything accomplished, you two should fully join our ranks. We'd love to have you as full members of the Brotherhood of Mather. " He scans Jen and Frank, nervous of how they may take his offer. 
 

"Hey look... like we said before, we never would have been able to do it without your help," Jen said.
"Ehh, can I think about it?" Jen replied to the request to join, "I like to sleep on things like this."
Bennosuke
" Sure, no problem, " Bill says with a nod of his head, though his expression betrays a hint of disappointment. He turns to Frank and says, " And you? I assume you two aren't like a obligatory couple or something? " The question has little optimism in it.
Daishain
Frank gives a mild smirk at that,   "We're good friends but not a couple. Still, I'd been hoping to be done with this sort of stuff so I'll have to think on that as well."  

His expression turns serious again,   "That said, I don't think any of us can decide to be complacent, at least not yet. Even if the wytch is truly gone forever, what else is out there? How about that be the focus for your group for a while, finding out what other cryptids might actually exist as a threat. Member or not I'm willing to help with such efforts."

"Come to think of it, it seems very unlikely that this group is unique, it might actually be faster to try and make contact with other organizations and share information."  
Bennosuke
 His expression turns serious again, "That said, I don't think any of us can decide to be complacent, at least not yet. Even if the wytch is truly gone forever, what else is out there? How about that be the focus for your group for a while, finding out what other cryptids might actually exist as a threat. Member or not I'm willing to help with such efforts." 

Still failing to hide his disappointment, Bill replies, " Yeah, sure. That... sounds fine. " But when Frank mentions making contact with other organizations, his countenance darkens. Between clenched teeth Bill says, " You've found out about Them. " The remark part accusation, part question.
Daishain
Frank blinks at the display,   "We haven't found out about anything along those lines, I was just making a guess, looks like I was right. I take it you do know of at least one such group but are not on friendly terms?"  
Bennosuke
Bill's eyebrows raise for just a moment, a look of distrust or maybe disbelief. He runs his tongue across his yellow teeth, then replies almost hesitantly, " Yeah, there's a group out your way in St. Louis. Not members of the Brotherhood of Mather, but something similar... well kinda. They're, well they're kinda pretentious *******s. " There's no humor in his words.
Daishain
  "I see. We haven't heard from them. Either they didn't catch wind of our exploits or they decided to stay hands off. Pretentious or not, I would like to learn more about what information they have if that can be arranged. I don't want to get in trouble stumbling into the wrong place again."  
Bennosuke
Bill grimaces, and it is clear he does not appreciate Frank's response, but he says, " They call themselves The Lodge, I believe. " He takes a deep breath in and out and scratches his beard. " I don't have any of their contacts... but if you really want, I can give you the address of their headquarters. "

Assuming Frank asks for this, Bill provides the address. A quick check of the map shows that The Lodge are located in a residential part of the Central West End; looks like a wealthy part of the neighborhood as well.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Bill grimaces, and it is clear he does not appreciate Frank's response, but he says, " They call themselves The Lodge, I believe. " He takes a deep breath in and out and scratches his beard. " I don't have any of their contacts... but if you really want, I can give you the address of their headquarters. "

Assuming Frank asks for this, Bill provides the address. A quick check of the map shows that The Lodge are located in a residential part of the Central West End; looks like a wealthy part of the neighborhood as well. 
 

Jen wasn't even sure she wanted to keep in touch with the brotherhood of Mather, much less get entangled with another weird cult-militia, but obviously Frank wanted to figure something out so she kept quiet.
Daishain
Frank nods,   "Thanks."  

He looks around at the scene,   "If that's all, I'd like to get home and try to put this whole mess behind me."  
Bennosuke
Jen and Frank say their final goodbyes to Bill and the others, before getting into their car and hopefully putting Salem and Lytchwood behind themselves for good.

About fifteen minutes out from the park, when Jen's phone apparently regains reception, it lights up with a series of texts. Jen immediately recognizes the unfamiliar number from the strange messages she had been receiving lately. They read, " I need your help Jen, " " I know you've read these, " " You have helped me before. I can't tell you who this is, but can we please just meet in person? "

(OOC: Outside of this, I leave it up to you two if the characters want to discuss other things further in game, or if you want to skip to being back in St. Louis. If you want to move forward to being back in St. Louis, please tell me what you will be doing when you get back)
Daishain
Frank is grinning a bit as they get back in the truck, more than glad to have this confirmation that the Wytch really was gone. He glances over at Jen as she checks her phone,   "More messages from your secret admirer?"  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Frank is grinning a bit as they get back in the truck, more than glad to have this confirmation that the Wytch really was gone. He glances over at Jen as she checks her phone,   "More messages from your secret admirer?"   
 

“Yeah,” Jen replied, “I’m gonna get them to call me.”

“Call me first.” Jen replied.
Bennosuke
About a minute passes before a text comes from a different unidentified number. This one reads, " It might not be safe. " Then another message comes from a third number, " Be careful what you say. "

Moments after Jenn has finished reading this text, her phone starts to ring, but something about the ringtone is off, as if her phone were starting to malfunction. The message on the screen simply reads, " Unknown Number "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 About a minute passes before a text comes from a different unidentified number. This one reads, " It might not be safe. " Then another message comes from a third number, " Be careful what you say. "

Moments after Jenn has finished reading this text, her phone starts to ring, but something about the ringtone is off, as if her phone were starting to malfunction. The message on the screen simply reads, " Unknown Number " 
 

“Hello.” Jen said as she picked up.  She motioned for Frank to drive.
Bennosuke
" Jenn? " A male voice asks. It's familiar, but Jenn can't immediately place it, and there's something strange about the way the man says her name. Not waiting for a response, the voice says, " It might not be safe to talk here for long. Can you meet? Maybe tonight? "

(@TC: Feel free to give me a Wits + Composure (perception) roll)
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " Jenn? " A male voice asks. It's familiar, but Jenn can't immediately place it, and there's something strange about the way the man says her name. Not waiting for a response, the voice says, " It might not be safe to talk here for long. Can you meet? Maybe tonight? "

(@TC: Feel free to give me a Wits + Composure (perception) roll) 
 

"Should be okay," Jen replied, "I wasn't sure if I should respond... just out of curiosity, what was your plan if I didn't?"

 
 Spoiler 
wits + composure:  (5d10)[ 10 ][ 6 ][ 9 ][ 10 ][ 10 ](45) 
10 again:  (5d10)[ 7 ][ 2 ][ 2 ][ 1 ][ 6 ](18) 
 
Bennosuke
It takes a moment, but then Jenn places the voice. Seth Rogers. An image flashes in Jenn's minds eye of a greasy skinny man with a greasy long pony tail and a thin mustache  over yellowing buck teeth. He was known by an acquaintance of a friend, and it had been through him that Jenn had managed to purchase the assault rifle used in the fight against The Wytch. Fortunately, the interaction with Seth had been short, but he had still managed to make Jenn's skin crawl. She barely knew him, but wouldn't be surprised if he turned out to be a pedophile, or a drug addict, or maybe a neon nazi.

But something was off about his voice, it was flat and mechanical, like a computer program mimicking him or something. He doesn't answer Jenn's question only hastily replying to her affirmation. " Where we met last? 6:30? " They had met in the parking lot outside a Walgreens North of Delmar, where Seth and she had been the two whitest people in the neighborhood that time of night.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 It takes a moment, but then Jenn places the voice. Seth Rogers. An image flashes in Jenn's minds eye of a greasy skinny man with a greasy long pony tail and a thin mustache  over yellowing buck teeth. He was known by an acquaintance of a friend, and it had been through him that Jenn had managed to purchase the assault rifle used in the fight against The Wytch. Fortunately, the interaction with Seth had been short, but he had still managed to make Jenn's skin crawl. She barely knew him, but wouldn't be surprised if he turned out to be a pedophile, or a drug addict, or maybe a neon nazi.

But something was off about his voice, it was flat and mechanical, like a computer program mimicking him or something. He doesn't answer Jenn's question only hastily replying to her affirmation. " Where we met last? 6:30? " They had met in the parking lot outside a Walgreens North of Delmar, where Seth and she had been the two whitest people in the neighborhood that time of night. 
 

“We’re not meeting at the same spot, that’s just lazy,” Jen said, “call me at 620.”

She will use the intervening time to find a place to meet in Delmar, either a diner or a Starbucks.

After the call, she turned to Frank: “busy tonight?”
Bennosuke
Before Jenn can hang up, the man on the other end says, " Okay, but you can't say the location, or text it! They might be listening. That's why I suggested... our prior meeting spot. "
Daishain
  "Pretty sure I can clear my schedule. So who is this guy anyways? I take it you've met him before if you're talking about a previous meeting point."   Frank keeps his eyes on the road, but he's more than a little curious as to what was going on.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
   "Pretty sure I can clear my schedule. So who is this guy anyways? I take it you've met him before if you're talking about a previous meeting point."   Frank keeps his eyes on the road, but he's more than a little curious as to what was going on. 
 

“He’s the guy I bought the rifle from,” Jen replied, “says he needs some help.  Shady guy though, obviously.  I don’t trust him.”
Daishain
Frank winces,   "Great, just what we need, a gun runner taking an interest..."

"Well he certainly could cause trouble for us, so I doubt its a great idea to blow him off, but we definitely need to be careful. You want me actually there for this meet or just nearby?"  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Frank winces,   "Great, just what we need, a gun runner taking an interest..."

"Well he certainly could cause trouble for us, so I doubt its a great idea to blow him off, but we definitely need to be careful. You want me actually there for this meet or just nearby?"   
 

“Nearby should be good,” Jen said.

 
 Spoiler 
im ok to move on actually, unless there’s something else that needs doing.
 
Bennosuke
Fortunately, when Jen had first been in touch with Seth, they had discussed a place known as the King's Diner, an so she was able to bring this up without naming the location. Despite his protestation, she is able to convince Seth to meet there that evening.

The King's Diner was a rather popular spot in the Central West End. Unbeknown to most everyone except avid chess fans, St. Louis (and the CWE specifically) was the home of the World Chess Hall of Fame. The King's Diner was an affiliated chess-themed restaurant, across the street from the Hall of Fame and the National Chess Museum. It served over-large family style portions that could mostly be described either as a "heart attack on a plate" or "diabetes on a plate". Despite it's over-indulgent dishes and niche theme, The King's Diner was still wildly popular, even for dinner it was noisy enough to allow for private conversation.

Seth was outside the diner when Jen and Frank got there. He was tall, but wiry thin, and he stood with a stooped neck that probably lowered his height by a half a foot and give him a near hunch-back. He had pale malnourished skin, a long greasy pony tail, and a very outdated pencil mustache. But something was off about the man, compared to when they had last met. He stood with a rigid discomfort, eyes rheumy and staring. It takes a moment for Seth to recognize his approaching companions. With a rather blank face he says, " Glad to see you. I checked us in. " He does not lift a hand to wave or shake hands, and does not yet move to go in.
Thundercracker
 Jen 
 
 Spoiler 
I had wanted to get there first and then tell him to meet us there but I suppose this works
 


Jen stops when she realizes somethings wrong with Seth.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” she asked.
She’s jumpy and worried about an ambush.
Bennosuke
" Let's talk inside, " the man says flatly. There doesn't seem to be any nervousness in the man's expression. He moves to the door and opens it for Frank and Jen to enter.

Looking through the glass wall, Jen can see that the diner is relatively filled. It is mostly families or couples, though at one table sit a pair of cops, and at another four people in scrubs; maybe some nurses after a shift.
Thundercracker
Jen entered, looked around, and asked for a table that wasn’t next to the cops.

“Table for three please, could we have that one?” she said.
Bennosuke
When Seth joins the two, the hostess says, " Mr. Rogers, your party is here? I will show you to your table. "

To Jen's relief, they are taken to another part of the restaurant away from the cops, surrounded by mostly families and locals. The hostess passes out menus as the group sits, and says a waiter will be by shortly.

" Thanks for coming, " Seth repeats himself, his voice still devoid of the previously present slimy personality.
Daishain
Frank glances at Jen after sitting before looking to the slippery man before them,   "All right, we're here. Fair warning, if this mess you're in involves legal troubles, we'd rather not get involved ourselves."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 When Seth joins the two, the hostess says, " Mr. Rogers, your party is here? I will show you to your table. "

To Jen's relief, they are taken to another part of the restaurant away from the cops, surrounded by mostly families and locals. The hostess passes out menus as the group sits, and says a waiter will be by shortly.

" Thanks for coming, " Seth repeats himself, his voice still devoid of the previously present slimy personality. 
 

“No problem.  Let’s be quick, I don’t want to be seen together any more than necessary,” Jen said.
Bennosuke
 “No problem. Let’s be quick, I don’t want to be seen together any more than necessary,” Jen said. 

" Sure, " the man replies flatly, seemingly unphased by Jen's short impatience. He checks around the room, making sure no one is listening. Satisfied of their privacy, he leans forward and says, " I need your help, as I told you. I'm in trouble. I didn't know else to turn to... but there's  something  after me. " Seth pauses for a moment, his expressionless face studying Jen and Frank's. " Now I can defend myself, but I need a place to hide, " he says.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " Sure, " the man replies flatly, seemingly unphased by Jen's short impatience. He checks around the room, making sure no one is listening. Satisfied of their privacy, he leans forward and says, " I need your help, as I told you. I'm in trouble. I didn't know else to turn to... but there's  something  after me. " Seth pauses for a moment, his expressionless face studying Jen and Frank's. " Now I can defend myself, but I need a place to hide, " he says. 
 

“Well… that depends, how do you know something’s after you?” Jen asked.
Bennosuke
Seth stares at Jen with the same blank expression on his face, his eyes remaining unblinking for several seconds. Then he says in a low voice, " Because of what I did. And because I have seen them with my own eyes. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Seth stares at Jen with the same blank expression on his face, his eyes remaining unblinking for several seconds. Then he says in a low voice, " Because of what I did. And because I have seen them with my own eyes. " 
 

“Seem who?” Jen asked.  She didn’t have time to waste on riddles.
Bennosuke
" I... " the man starts, but let's his voice trail off. He closes his mouth and clenches his jaw before replying, " It doesn't matter. They're no one you know. An organization that... that has it out for me. I just, I was hoping you could maybe help me. They don't know I know you, they won't know where to look for me if you guys help me hide. " Desperation only just colors Seth's words, though his eyes are wide and pleading.
Daishain
Frank rubs his chin,   "Well, I doubt we could hide you ourselves very effectively, but there is a group out the way of Salem who owe us a few favors, and definitely know how to keep a secret. I have little doubts that they could manage it. Chances are though at some point they'll be asking what you can do to make it worth their while."  
Bennosuke
" Salem that's... " Seth starts, his voice trailing off with shock and disapproval, but then he continues, " that would be perfect. " He brings a hand to his face and scratches, the act leaving angry red marks across his cheek. After a moment's thought his eyes dart around the room again, then he says, " How soon can you have it set up? We can't take my car, because they can track it. I'll probably need to pack a few things, but can be ready within an hour or so. "
Daishain
  "I mean, we could call them right now and see if they're willing. They will want to know what you're hiding from though, I don't think they'll take a vague answer on that. What should I tell them?"  
Bennosuke
Seth raises an eyebrow at this. He raises a hand to Frank and says, " The sooner the better... I truly am in danger. But the less they know the better. And it would be wise to be careful what you say over the phone. My enemies... they make allies out of technology. " The statement is worded so strangely, but Seth speaks as if it were the most natural thing to say.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Seth raises an eyebrow at this. He raises a hand to Frank and says, " The sooner the better... I truly am in danger. But the less they know the better. And it would be wise to be careful what you say over the phone. My enemies... they make allies out of technology. " The statement is worded so strangely, but Seth speaks as if it were the most natural thing to say. 
 

“I guess I can call them, tell them we’re in…” Jen said as she looked at Frank.

She turned back to Seth.
“do you have anything you could bring them to help give them a boost?  You know, as a trade for helping you hide out?”
Bennosuke
Seth shrugs. " I have guns... if they would want them, " he replies flatly.

Before anyone can reply, a rosy cheeked and rotund waitress steps up to the table. " How are you all doing, " she asks with a little too much enthusiasm, flashing a wide and friendly grin, " y'all ready to order some drinks maybe? We've got some really excellent cocktails on the menu if you haven't had a chance to look yet. "

Seth doesn't even bother looking up at her and simply mutters, " I'm okay. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Seth shrugs. " I have guns... if they would want them, " he replies flatly.

Before anyone can reply, a rosy cheeked and rotund waitress steps up to the table. " How are you all doing, " she asks with a little too much enthusiasm, flashing a wide and friendly grin, " y'all ready to order some drinks maybe? We've got some really excellent cocktails on the menu if you haven't had a chance to look yet. "

Seth doesn't even bother looking up at her and simply mutters, " I'm okay. " 
 

"Just a water for now," Jen said to the waitress, "I'm still looking through the menu."

"Alright, so I'll call them and let them know we're in, but they have to do us a favor and hide Seth, who will bring whatever weapons he can in exchange," Jen said.
She looked at Frank questioningly.
Daishain
  "I'll have an iced tea for now."  

Frank looks to Jen after the waitress leaves,   "Pretty sure they already owe us that much of a favor at least without us agreeing to take their offer, especially since I'd bet they'll eagerly take what Seth has to offer. We pulled off what they couldn't after all. Though I guess we could tease that we're still considering it if that makes a difference."  
Bennosuke
" Great, well I'll be right back with those drink orders, " the waitress says with the same enthusiastic smile, adding, " and when I get back maybe we'll be ready to order food? " She steps away, allowing the three their privacy.

Listening to the two discuss, Seth asks flatly, " Is this a special club or something? "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " Great, well I'll be right back with those drink orders, " the waitress says with the same enthusiastic smile, adding, " and when I get back maybe we'll be ready to order food? " She steps away, allowing the three their privacy.

Listening to the two discuss, Seth asks flatly, " Is this a special club or something? " 
 

“Yeah something like that,” Jen replied, “they know about some weird stuff and also helped out with our most recent… ‘problem’, the same one you did.  They can be a little touchy so assuming they agree, try not to make any waves.”
Bennosuke
“ I can do that, ” Seth replies flatly.

(Ooc: assuming the players are gonna message the brotherhood now, or will you do it later)
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 “ I can do that, ” Seth replies flatly.

(Ooc: assuming the players are gonna message the brotherhood now, or will you do it later) 
 

Once they leave the diner, Jen will message the Brotherhood.
"I'm in.  Frank is going to hold off for now.  What happens next?"
Bennosuke
(OOC: Going to let Daishain confirm that he two is okay ending the scene in the diner)

Moments after Jen sends her text, her phone starts to ring. It's Bill, the leader of the Brotherhood. Assuming she picks up, he says, " Hi Jen. Great news. So so glad you reconsidered. " His words fall on top of each other, and Jen can see him smiling in her mind's eye. " I think the first step would be to have you up here for the full induction ceremony. It's nothing too serious, but it's required, if you know what I mean. "
Daishain
Frank glances at Jen, still a little surprised she was apparently diving right into binding herself with the brotherhood.   "Right, um, okay. Hope that works for you Jen."  

He takes a breath and a sip of his tea as he waits for the conversation to unfold.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I'm fine with ending the scene yes
 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 (OOC: Going to let Daishain confirm that he two is okay ending the scene in the diner)

Moments after Jen sends her text, her phone starts to ring. It's Bill, the leader of the Brotherhood. Assuming she picks up, he says, " Hi Jen. Great news. So so glad you reconsidered. " His words fall on top of each other, and Jen can see him smiling in her mind's eye. " I think the first step would be to have you up here for the full induction ceremony. It's nothing too serious, but it's required, if you know what I mean. " 
 

"Sure no problem," Jen replied, "also, I found something interesting, seems like it might be up our alley.  I'll tell you about it when we meet.  Can we do it tonight?"
Bennosuke
" Tonight? " Bill asks, surprise coloring his voice on the other line, " Sure, why not! " He tells Jen to come to the Church at that they would have everything set up around 9PM, which would give her plenty of time to prepare herself however necessary. After a moment's pause he adds, " Uh, the ritual is kinda... secret. I hope it's okay that Frank isn't invited. "

This of course left the questions as to what Frank is going to do, and of course if Jen was going to bring up Seth and their request.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " Tonight? " Bill asks, surprise coloring his voice on the other line, " Sure, why not! " He tells Jen to come to the Church at that they would have everything set up around 9PM, which would give her plenty of time to prepare herself however necessary. After a moment's pause he adds, " Uh, the ritual is kinda... secret. I hope it's okay that Frank isn't invited. "

This of course left the questions as to what Frank is going to do, and of course if Jen was going to bring up Seth and their request. 
 

“Sure, how long does it take?” Jen asked.

She looked for Seth, hopefully he hadn’t departed yet.

“I’m gonna join their club, then I should be able to get you in,” she told him, “you’ll have to wait, like, in the car outside their place until it’s done.  They’re touchy about that kind of stuff.”
Bennosuke
There is a pause on the other line before Bill replies, " Eh, the ceremony will take a couple of hours... but you should probably plan on spending the night. " He chuckles uncomfortably for a moment.

Seth has not yet departed (OOC: I guess), so he nods and watches as Jenn continues her conversation with Bill.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 There is a pause on the other line before Bill replies, " Eh, the ceremony will take a couple of hours... but you should probably plan on spending the night. " He chuckles uncomfortably for a moment.

Seth has not yet departed (OOC: I guess), so he nods and watches as Jenn continues her conversation with Bill. 
 

“Hours? You’re not selling this very well,” Jen replied, “ok, how about we do the ceremony tomorrow.  I’m bringing someone else with me too, uhh, not for the ceremony, but you’re going to want to meet him after.”

After the call, she jogs over to Seth.
“Alright, change of plans, you get your stuff together, crash at my place tonight, and then tomorrow we head over, sound good?” she asked.
Bennosuke
Bill quickly replies to Jen's impatience, his voice stern. " This is a major commitment, Jen. We are a sacred order, not just some little social club. Initiation is a big deal, and you... you got to respect that Jen. " He adds in reply to her additional question, " Sure, I suppose we can do tomorrow night instead. "

To Jen's remark about bringing an additional someone, his voice perks up a little. " Who is it, " Bill asks, " a possible initiate? " His voice darkens a little as he adds, " We'd love another initiate, but... as I said, the ritual is kind of a big secret, so until we've had a chance to meet them and well, figure them out, they aren't going to be able to join for the initiation. "

Seth sounds rather surprised by Jen's proposal. Perhaps exposing the first emotion that she's seen on his face. " Oh, okay. Uh, I guess you are gonna have to give me your address then, " he says flatly, despite the look of shock on his face.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Bill quickly replies to Jen's impatience, his voice stern. " This is a major commitment, Jen. We are a sacred order, not just some little social club. Initiation is a big deal, and you... you got to respect that Jen. " He adds in reply to her additional question, " Sure, I suppose we can do tomorrow night instead. "

To Jen's remark about bringing an additional someone, his voice perks up a little. " Who is it, " Bill asks, " a possible initiate? " His voice darkens a little as he adds, " We'd love another initiate, but... as I said, the ritual is kind of a big secret, so until we've had a chance to meet them and well, figure them out, they aren't going to be able to join for the initiation. "

Seth sounds rather surprised by Jen's proposal. Perhaps exposing the first emotion that she's seen on his face. " Oh, okay. Uh, I guess you are gonna have to give me your address then, " he says flatly, despite the look of shock on his face. 
 

Commitment?  That set off a red flag for Jen.
“Wait… what do I have to do after initiation?” Jen asked.

“Not an initiate, well, not yet, I wouldn’t suggest that without bringing him to see you first at least,” Jen said, “can we do the initiation during the day?”
Bennosuke
Bill's voice only sounds more distressed as he replies. " Well, we have meetings, and there are vows of secrecy.. and well, I don't know because to be honest, we were pretty focused on The Wytch, " he says. To the second question he says, " No, it kinda has to be at night. Witching hour and all. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Bill's voice only sounds more distressed as he replies. " Well, we have meetings, and there are vows of secrecy.. and well, I don't know because to be honest, we were pretty focused on The Wytch, " he says. To the second question he says, " No, it kinda has to be at night. Witching hour and all. " 
 

“Alright, screw it, we’ll do it tonight,” Jen said.

Later, to Seth: “get your stuff, we’re heading over there now”
Bennosuke
" Great, " Bill replies with excitement, " we'll get everything ready. " There's a pause before he adds, " Uh, maybe bring a change of clothes. "

Seth replies flatly, " Alright. I can do that. I will meet you in an hour. "

As Seth walks away, Jen is left with the question as to what she wants to bring, or prepare before going back up to Salem.

In the meantime, Frank will also have time to take care of any of his own interests.
Daishain
Frank looks to Jen,   "You uh, you want me to head up there with you? This seems a little risky."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Frank looks to Jen,   "You uh, you want me to head up there with you? This seems a little risky."   
 

“If you’re not doing anything else,” Jen said.

She will pack an overnight bag and bring her pistol and assault rifle.
Bennosuke
Frank drives, picking up Jen and Seth, though he makes it clear he wants to spend as little time up in Salem as possible, especially if he's not allowed to join in on whatever is going to happen in the church. He also privately makes it clear to Jen that he's not at all too thrilled to be left alone with Seth.

It is dark out, an orange crescent moon visible in the night's sky through a heavy curtain of charcoal clouds. The air is cold and crisp, almost autumnal, despite the time of year, and Salem as always, appears almost dead except for the rare care driving up or down Main Street. Frank pulls the car up across the street from the church. Built of ancient and pocked looking brick in a rather gothic style of architecture, The Illuminated Church of Saint George is one of the tallest buildings in Salem. It's skeletal and spiny red clock tower looms almost crookedly over its nave, the yellow eye of the clock face staring down at Frank's truck. Suppressing a shudder, Jen's companion says, " Are you sure you want to do this? I can go in with you if you like. Don't give a damn what Bill or the others say. "

Seth remains in the back of the car, silent and unmoving.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Frank drives, picking up Jen and Seth, though he makes it clear he wants to spend as little time up in Salem as possible, especially if he's not allowed to join in on whatever is going to happen in the church. He also privately makes it clear to Jen that he's not at all too thrilled to be left alone with Seth.

It is dark out, an orange crescent moon visible in the night's sky through a heavy curtain of charcoal clouds. The air is cold and crisp, almost autumnal, despite the time of year, and Salem as always, appears almost dead except for the rare care driving up or down Main Street. Frank pulls the car up across the street from the church. Built of ancient and pocked looking brick in a rather gothic style of architecture, The Illuminated Church of Saint George is one of the tallest buildings in Salem. It's skeletal and spiny red clock tower looms almost crookedly over its nave, the yellow eye of the clock face staring down at Frank's truck. Suppressing a shudder, Jen's companion says, " Are you sure you want to do this? I can go in with you if you like. Don't give a damn what Bill or the others say. "

Seth remains in the back of the car, silent and unmoving. 
 

"Yeah, they helped us out when we didn't know a thing, I feel like I kind of owe them," Jen replied.
"Keep alert... I'm worried whatever's after him might come looking," Jen said.

She twisted around to look at Seth.
"What kind of supplies did you manage to pull together?" she asked.
Bennosuke
Frank nods his head to Jen, then shrugs. " Maybe we should get out of the car and go somewhere... we've got limited visibility or ability to do anything if...  something  comes after us, " he replies, his head turning on a swivel to study the area outside. Satisfied with his momentary surveillance, Frank says with a sigh, " Not that there's so many places to go here. "

In the back, face shrouded in dark, Seth remains a silent observer till he is spoken to. When finally addressed, he replies, " I brought a sleeping bag and a couple of days of clothing. I brought these, " and shuffling in the dark, retrieves a pair of semiautomatic pistols; one in each hand. There is more shuffling has he returns them, presumably into body holsters. Then he adds coldly, " And I brought three M4 carbines, for your friends... as you had requested. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Frank nods his head to Jen, then shrugs. " Maybe we should get out of the car and go somewhere... we've got limited visibility or ability to do anything if...  something  comes after us, " he replies, his head turning on a swivel to study the area outside. Satisfied with his momentary surveillance, Frank says with a sigh, " Not that there's so many places to go here. "

In the back, face shrouded in dark, Seth remains a silent observer till he is spoken to. When finally addressed, he replies, " I brought a sleeping bag and a couple of days of clothing. I brought these, " and shuffling in the dark, retrieves a pair of semiautomatic pistols; one in each hand. There is more shuffling has he returns them, presumably into body holsters. Then he adds coldly, " And I brought three M4 carbines, for your friends... as you had requested. " 
 

"Well, maybe you won't need to trade all of them, we'll see how it goes," Jen said to Seth, "the good thing about holing up here is these guys aren't spooked by weird stuff, and they'll be able to put those M4's to good use if it comes down to it."

Once everything is settled, she heads inside.
Bennosuke
Seth remains silent in the back seat, though in the shadow Jen thinks she sees his silhouette shrug. Just as Jen is starting to turn, his monotone voice breaks the silence. " I'll be waiting here, " he says flatly.

Jen makes her way across the street and up the steps to the church. As Jen approaches, she can start to hear the soft murmur of people inside. But when she gets to the closed double doors of the church, they open outward with a groan. Arnold greets her in the entrance. He is robed in black and white, garb that looks like it might have been based on those worn by the pope, or cardinals, or some other catholic priest. He crosses his arms at he stares at Jen, standing almost a half a head shorter so that she can look down on Arnold's balding pudgy head. " Welcome Jen, " he says, though his face is hard and unwelcoming, " I'm going to have to check you, before you can come in. "

(OOC: If Arnold is going to search Jen's body, is anything concealed, or does she give anything up before he searches her?)
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Seth remains silent in the back seat, though in the shadow Jen thinks she sees his silhouette shrug. Just as Jen is starting to turn, his monotone voice breaks the silence. " I'll be waiting here, " he says flatly.

Jen makes her way across the street and up the steps to the church. As Jen approaches, she can start to hear the soft murmur of people inside. But when she gets to the closed double doors of the church, they open outward with a groan. Arnold greets her in the entrance. He is robed in black and white, garb that looks like it might have been based on those worn by the pope, or cardinals, or some other catholic priest. He crosses his arms at he stares at Jen, standing almost a half a head shorter so that she can look down on Arnold's balding pudgy head. " Welcome Jen, " he says, though his face is hard and unwelcoming, " I'm going to have to check you, before you can come in. "

(OOC: If Arnold is going to search Jen's body, is anything concealed, or does she give anything up before he searches her?) 
 

Jen pulled her Glock out and handed it over.  She wanted to get through this without any hiccups.

“Can I keep my keys and wallet and stuff?” she asked.
Bennosuke
Arnold takes the pistol dutifully. To Jen's question he replies, " Yeah sure... but I'm still gonna have to check you. " If he is allowed, Arnold will perform a quick though functional shake down in a practiced manner. " You're good, " he says when finished, " follow me. " Stepping back, he invites Jen to follow him back into the church.

Once entering the church proper, Jen sees that the rows of pews have small white candles glowing despite the yellow overhead electric light. Standing before the stage and alter, Bill and his group stand in a circle, awaiting their new sister. Like Arnold, Bill and the others of the Brotherhood are all dressed in dark ceremonial robes, and the leader is clutching a large, familiar looking leather bound book to his chest. " Welcome Jen, " he says with a smile as Arnold leads her down the long aisle of the Nave towards the others. The group stands like they having been waiting in this arrangement just for Jen to arrive. " We welcome you with open arms, " Bill adds, and as a chorus the others repeat this.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Arnold takes the pistol dutifully. To Jen's question he replies, " Yeah sure... but I'm still gonna have to check you. " If he is allowed, Arnold will perform a quick though functional shake down in a practiced manner. " You're good, " he says when finished, " follow me. " Stepping back, he invites Jen to follow him back into the church.

Once entering the church proper, Jen sees that the rows of pews have small white candles glowing despite the yellow overhead electric light. Standing before the stage and alter, Bill and his group stand in a circle, awaiting their new sister. Like Arnold, Bill and the others of the Brotherhood are all dressed in dark ceremonial robes, and the leader is clutching a large, familiar looking leather bound book to his chest. " Welcome Jen, " he says with a smile as Arnold leads her down the long aisle of the Nave towards the others. The group stands like they having been waiting in this arrangement just for Jen to arrive. " We welcome you with open arms, " Bill adds, and as a chorus the others repeat this. 
 

“Umm.. hi,” Jen said, “happy to be here.”

This was a bit more than she expected,  but whatever.
Bennosuke
Bill seems oblivious to Jen's feelings, or is perhaps choosing not to acknowledge her hesitancy. Arnold stops at the first row of benches, and motions for Jen to do the same. Bill steps forward and says with dead seriousness, " Jennifer Gibbs, you have been invited today to be considered for induction into our Brotherhood, and to join us in our midnight vigil against the darkness. I cannot tell you what trials you may face tonight; I cannot even promise you will survive. We ask you to consider your choices very seriously, for this is not a commitment that can be backed out of. Once seen, certain horrors can never be unseen. So if you have any doubt now, or any questions, ask now, for soon there will be no turning back. "

The others watch on from behind Bill with the same unflinching solemnity.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Bill seems oblivious to Jen's feelings, or is perhaps choosing not to acknowledge her hesitancy. Arnold stops at the first row of benches, and motions for Jen to do the same. Bill steps forward and says with dead seriousness, " Jennifer Gibbs, you have been invited today to be considered for induction into our Brotherhood, and to join us in our midnight vigil against the darkness. I cannot tell you what trials you may face tonight; I cannot even promise you will survive. We ask you to consider your choices very seriously, for this is not a commitment that can be backed out of. Once seen, certain horrors can never be unseen. So if you have any doubt now, or any questions, ask now, for soon there will be no turning back. "

The others watch on from behind Bill with the same unflinching solemnity. 
 

" Better get serious, " Jen thought.  She might think this was a bit over the top with the theatrics, but everyone else was taking it seriously and she didn't want to be rude.

"Yes, I understand," Jen replied.
Bennosuke
" Very well, " Bill says solemnly. He nods to one of his companions, who rushes to the wall, and flips a switch which kills the overhead lights. The congregation are left in a room lit only by the many small orange flames of the candles that had been set out throughout the church. Bill's silhouette approaches Jen, his dark robes making him appear almost as a floating head. He presses into Jen's hand a ceramic bowl, that appears to be filled with some liquid. In the dark, there are no colors, so it looks like the bowl might be filled with oil, or black blood, though the scent is more like some sort of hearty stew. " Drink this, " Bill says, almost tenderly, his eyes fixed on Jen and her next move.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " Very well, " Bill says solemnly. He nods to one of his companions, who rushes to the wall, and flips a switch which kills the overhead lights. The congregation are left in a room lit only by the many small orange flames of the candles that had been set out throughout the church. Bill's silhouette approaches Jen, his dark robes making him appear almost as a floating head. He presses into Jen's hand a ceramic bowl, that appears to be filled with some liquid. In the dark, there are no colors, so it looks like the bowl might be filled with oil, or black blood, though the scent is more like some sort of hearty stew. " Drink this, " Bill says, almost tenderly, his eyes fixed on Jen and her next move. 
 

" Nothing ventured, nothing gained, " Jen thought.  She was a little bit worried there'd be some kind of weird drug or something in there, but she figured if they wanted to hurt her, they could have done so on any number of occasions.  She takes the bowl with both hands, holds her breath, and drinks it all.
Bennosuke
The liquid is thick and sticky, coating Jen's mouth like honey. It tastes like honey too, but mixed with lip puckering vinegar. Mixed into is the bitter taste of rosemary and eucalyptus. Thick as it is, the poultice sticks in the back of Jen's mouth, the flavors somehow stronger and more rank, forcing her to gag. The cult members gathered around Jen watch anxiously as she struggles with the mixture, but finally forces it down.

If Jen is expecting some form of intoxication or hallucinations, it does not come immediately. Bill takes the chalice back, and hands it off to a robed underling. He then opens the book, placing a large but damp hand on Jen's forehead. He begins to read from the book, in what sounds like Latin, pausing every few sentences to allow the congregation to respond with an "Amen". The prayer seems to go on and on, the gathered brothers and sisters showing an endless patience as Bill drones on and on in his long dead language.

Finally, Bill removes his moist hand from Jen's brow. As he steps back, Arnold and Alexandra step forward ( wasn't Arnold just standing behind her ), holding robes for Jen to change into. Bill purses his lip, and raises a hand to uncomfortably gesture towards Jen. " You must disrobe, and join us in the garments of our order, " he says. No one moves, no one attempts to show Jen some place to change in privacy. They simply stand there, watching expectantly.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The liquid is thick and sticky, coating Jen's mouth like honey. It tastes like honey too, but mixed with lip puckering vinegar. Mixed into is the bitter taste of rosemary and eucalyptus. Thick as it is, the poultice sticks in the back of Jen's mouth, the flavors somehow stronger and more rank, forcing her to gag. The cult members gathered around Jen watch anxiously as she struggles with the mixture, but finally forces it down.

If Jen is expecting some form of intoxication or hallucinations, it does not come immediately. Bill takes the chalice back, and hands it off to a robed underling. He then opens the book, placing a large but damp hand on Jen's forehead. He begins to read from the book, in what sounds like Latin, pausing every few sentences to allow the congregation to respond with an "Amen". The prayer seems to go on and on, the gathered brothers and sisters showing an endless patience as Bill drones on and on in his long dead language.

Finally, Bill removes his moist hand from Jen's brow. As he steps back, Arnold and Alexandra step forward ( wasn't Arnold just standing behind her ), holding robes for Jen to change into. Bill purses his lip, and raises a hand to uncomfortably gesture towards Jen. " You must disrobe, and join us in the garments of our order, " he says. No one moves, no one attempts to show Jen some place to change in privacy. They simply stand there, watching expectantly. 
 

“These jerks…” Jen thought.

She grabs the robes.

“Should have told me that beforehand,” she mutters to him.

She’ll loosen her clothes first then throw the robes on and turn her back to the group to change, to reveal as little as possible.
Bennosuke
Jen finds the action of taking the robes and changing to be a sudden challenge. Her head feels heavy and floaty, and she finds her legs struggling with the ground as she moves around to doff her old clothing and don the robes. She fights the intoxicated feeling, forcing her eyes to focus with a couple of blinks and a headshake. The others are still watching expectantly, though no one seems to react to her public wardrobe change.

When she is done, Bill will nod his head and step forward again. " You already look more like one of us, " he says, his smile either an attempt at reassurance or an attempt to suppress what he is really thinking. Now in his hand, where the tome had once been, is a small bowl of either glass or maybe Pyrex. A dark liquid sloshes inside this as well, maybe the same as the potion she had just drunk. But rather than offer the bowl to Jen to drink, he dips two fingers into the sludge. If Jen does not protest, he will step forward and paint on her forehead, once vertically and once horizontally in the sign of the cross, while saying, " I bless you initiate in the name of St. George, and St. Mather, and in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. "

" Amen, " the congregation repeats in unison, their voices seeming to fill the entirety of the church.

The liquid is cool on Jen's forehead. Bill steps back and says, " Now Jennifer Gibbs, there is one last test before your induction into our order. Do you swear to commit yourself to our cause; to fighting against The Wytch and the Demon, and all that is dark and unnatural and opposes the will of God? "
Thundercracker
“ this is weird, but came this far, might as well keep going ,” Jen thought.

“Yes,” she replied.
Bennosuke
" Very well, " Bill says... or maybe he said, " very good. " But now Jen's head is really swimming. Whatever it was that she had drunk was really starting to take over now. Bill's words had sounded far away, or had maybe just been hard to attend to. As Jen is struggling with this thought, she realizes Bill has started to walk away. The others are staring at her, and Jen can't read any of their faces; are they waiting, or watching ruefully, or staring on in utter excitement. Like with Bill's words, it was getting hard to focus on any one person's face, getting hard for Jen to organize her thoughts. Bill's voice breaks through the confusion, commanding, " Follow me. " But Jen had not seen Bill's lips move. He hadn't stopped to wait for her either and was now halfway down the transept, walking past the stage with its pulpit and into a rounded hallway that seemed to disappear behind the congregation.

Despite her growing anxiety, Jen follows. Even if she does not want to, she finds her feet disobeying, dragging her unsteadily after Bill. He leads her down the hallway, never looking back. Through a door, the two find themselves in a room without any windows. The same candles that had lit the congregation have been scattered along the floor; a hundred little orange blossoms filling the dark room with light. Though Jen can't place why, there is something specific about the arrangement of the candles on the floor, something organized though she can't appreciate the pattern.

The room would otherwise be empty were it not for a large porcelain bathtub in the center of the room. It looks like an antique; ornately curved like the shape of a boat, and held above the ground with brass legs molded in the shapes of lion's paws. The tub is filled with water, as if a bath had been prepared for Jen, it's dark mirror surface gently shimmering with the yellow and orange light from the candles. " Baptize yourself, " Bill commands, his voice echoing through the room, " you may leave your robes on if you choose. " For a moment, Jen could swear he were holding a large ornate knife in his hands, but the weapon is gone when her eyes refocus.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " Very well, " Bill says... or maybe he said, " very good. " But now Jen's head is really swimming. Whatever it was that she had drunk was really starting to take over now. Bill's words had sounded far away, or had maybe just been hard to attend to. As Jen is struggling with this thought, she realizes Bill has started to walk away. The others are staring at her, and Jen can't read any of their faces; are they waiting, or watching ruefully, or staring on in utter excitement. Like with Bill's words, it was getting hard to focus on any one person's face, getting hard for Jen to organize her thoughts. Bill's voice breaks through the confusion, commanding, " Follow me. " But Jen had not seen Bill's lips move. He hadn't stopped to wait for her either and was now halfway down the transept, walking past the stage with its pulpit and into a rounded hallway that seemed to disappear behind the congregation.

Despite her growing anxiety, Jen follows. Even if she does not want to, she finds her feet disobeying, dragging her unsteadily after Bill. He leads her down the hallway, never looking back. Through a door, the two find themselves in a room without any windows. The same candles that had lit the congregation have been scattered along the floor; a hundred little orange blossoms filling the dark room with light. Though Jen can't place why, there is something specific about the arrangement of the candles on the floor, something organized though she can't appreciate the pattern.

The room would otherwise be empty were it not for a large porcelain bathtub in the center of the room. It looks like an antique; ornately curved like the shape of a boat, and held above the ground with brass legs molded in the shapes of lion's paws. The tub is filled with water, as if a bath had been prepared for Jen, it's dark mirror surface gently shimmering with the yellow and orange light from the candles. " Baptize yourself, " Bill commands, his voice echoing through the room, " you may leave your robes on if you choose. " For a moment, Jen could swear he were holding a large ornate knife in his hands, but the weapon is gone when her eyes refocus. 
 

Addled as her brain is, Jen isn’t really listening to Bill, at least not consciously.  She kneels down in front of the tub and dunks her face in, water dripping down onto the robe as she lifts up.
Bennosuke
The water in the bath is perfectly warm. For a moment while her head is under, she catches sight of something far far away; an impossible hallucination even if her eyes are closed.  The woods . Jen's face flushes with cold as she brings her head out from the warm bath water. There is the soft patter of water dripping onto the floor and onto Jen's robes, and the act seems to have brought the world back into a sharper focus.

Behind her, Jen can here Bill say, " I'm uh... you will need to get all the way into the water for the ritual to be complete. It is simply how it is done. "  Did Bill know what Jen had seen? Is that why he was asking her to climb into the tub? 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The water in the bath is perfectly warm. For a moment while her head is under, she catches sight of something far far away; an impossible hallucination even if her eyes are closed.  The woods . Jen's face flushes with cold as she brings her head out from the warm bath water. There is the soft patter of water dripping onto the floor and onto Jen's robes, and the act seems to have brought the world back into a sharper focus.

Behind her, Jen can here Bill say, " I'm uh... you will need to get all the way into the water for the ritual to be complete. It is simply how it is done. "  Did Bill know what Jen had seen? Is that why he was asking her to climb into the tub?  
 

Curious about what she’d seen when she put her head under for that brief second, Jen turned her back and dropped her robe to the ground, then climbed into the tub and ducked her head under to submerge completely.
Bennosuke
For a moment, the warm water surrounds Jen. The heat is invigorating, and she reflexively closes her eyes as she finishes submerging her entire body, head dropping below the surface of the dark water.

But when Jen opens her eyes, she finds that she is no longer under the water in the tub. In fact, she finds that not only is she standing back out in the woods, but that standing on her naked feet, dripping warm water in the cool night's air. She is in an all too familiar clearing, dark woods surrounding her in every direction. Scattered in the rough grasses is a blanket of black bird's feathers, sprinkled with the tiny white bones and skulls of long since decayed vermin. The great grandfather tree known as The Crone looms over Jen. When she had last visited, only a day or so ago, the space had been empty, and the Crone itself had seemed sapped of vitality. But somehow  this  Crone seemed shockingly alive, there was almost a heat emanating from it's surface.

As Jen comes to grasps with her surroundings, she also realizes that there is a certain impossible silence hanging over the area. This feels more like being on The Wytche's island where its black magic twisted reality itself. Somewhere off in the distance, Jen thinks she hears laughter, and a strange scuffling noise, though both might be coming from deep within the tree.
Thundercracker
Jen shuddered and tried to convince herself it was just some hallucination caused by whatever she drank.  She took a step towards the tree, as that seemed to be the focal point of this vision.

If nothing happens, she continues walking until she’s right up in front of it.
Bennosuke
As Jen refocuses her eyes, she sees that The Wytch is actually  in  the tree. Dark rough bark grew around the creature, covering it from the waist down, so that the Wytch's torso and were suspended in the air about fifteen feet off of the ground. Big round yellow eyes glowed, staring down at Jen from behind a long hooked nose. " Did you think I was dead, " the thing shrieks, speaking in a cadence that was too natural, too human, " Did you really think  you  could hurt me? " It pointed a long finger with gnarled and curling nail down at Jen, as it mocked her.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 As Jen refocuses her eyes, she sees that The Wytch is actually  in  the tree. Dark rough bark grew around the creature, covering it from the waist down, so that the Wytch's torso and were suspended in the air about fifteen feet off of the ground. Big round yellow eyes glowed, staring down at Jen from behind a long hooked nose. " Did you think I was dead, " the thing shrieks, speaking in a cadence that was too natural, too human, " Did you really think  you  could hurt me? " It pointed a long finger with gnarled and curling nail down at Jen, as it mocked her. 
 

“Yeah,” Jen replied.  She cast her gaze about looking for something to attack the Wytch or the tree with, even a large rock would do.
Bennosuke
A cackle echoes throughout the clearing, though it does not seem to come from the Wytch specifically. However, the haggard impossible thing opens it mouth and replies in a creaking animal voice, " My kind are deathless. I roamed these woods before the settlers, before the dark skinned natives, before the rabbits and deer walked through this land. " The bark of The Crone seemed to be climbing up the pale flesh of The Wytch, pulling the creature with its pallid skin and hanging withered breasts into the tree.

The forest floor is littered with small skulls and desiccated bones, though most of them look rather light and unlikely to have much "stopping power". Jen could perchance go rummaging through the scattered feather for the likes of a large stone, but that might mean taking her eyes off of the Wytch for an extended period.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 A cackle echoes throughout the clearing, though it does not seem to come from the Wytch specifically. However, the haggard impossible thing opens it mouth and replies in a creaking animal voice, " My kind are deathless. I roamed these woods before the settlers, before the dark skinned natives, before the rabbits and deer walked through this land. " The bark of The Crone seemed to be climbing up the pale flesh of The Wytch, pulling the creature with its pallid skin and hanging withered breasts into the tree.

The forest floor is littered with small skulls and desiccated bones, though most of them look rather light and unlikely to have much "stopping power". Jen could perchance go rummaging through the scattered feather for the likes of a large stone, but that might mean taking her eyes off of the Wytch for an extended period. 
 

“Before the deer and the rabbits?  Where the hell did you come from?” Jen asked.
She stopped looking for a weapon momentarily, as her interest was piqued.
Bennosuke
" That is a good question, " The Wytch replies, throwing back its head to cackle. This time the noise does come from the creature, and although not deafeningly loud, the peels of crazed laughter seem to fill the entire clearing. Returning its attention to Jen, The Wytch says, " So you wish to join my Hunters? Do they understand that they can never truly win? Do they see I will never truly die? "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " That is a good question, " The Wytch replies, throwing back its head to cackle. This time the noise does come from the creature, and although not deafeningly loud, the peels of crazed laughter seem to fill the entire clearing. Returning its attention to Jen, The Wytch says, " So you wish to join my Hunters? Do they understand that they can never truly win? Do they see I will never truly die? " 
 

"If you're alive, that means you can die," Jen said as she resumed her search for a weapon, "there's always a first time, after all.  And even if I can't kill you, I'll settle for imprisoning you until the end of time."
Bennosuke
" Your mortal understanding of existence is... pathetic, " the Wytch sneers. Its eyes glowed round and bright and yellow under the dark starless sky, turning the clearing the color of urine. As the thing mocks Jen, she continues to scan the are for anything that could be turned into a weapon. She was relying on the light from its eyes. But when Jen looked back up at the thing, she saw that now more of its body was pulled into the tree. It has sunk past its abdomen so that now only its upper torso, arms and head were free. There was something frantic in The Wytch's gestures. Though she could not see it actively happening, she got the sense that The Wytch was somehow being pulled deeper and deeper inside the tree.

(OOC: Wanna give me Wits + Survival)
Bennosuke
The process of sublimation appears to move faster and faster, the Wytch suddenly being pulled back and down as its body sinks into the tree. Tendrils of bark and fingerlike vines stretch out over the monster's arms as it suddenly shrieks in horror, the noise akin to the yowl of some feral cat. Soon, there is little more than the Wytch's face visible behind the growing bark, as if the thing were looking through an owl's hollow. Yellow eyes stare at Jen with terror.

As the last bits of tree plaster over The Wytch, Jen is suddenly struck by sudden cold. There is the splash of water as Jen's face, neck, then torso crest through the water of the tub. Her eyes open to reveal the room, much as she had left it before the vision; though perhaps the world was in slightly sharper focus.

Bill is standing by the door, turned away from Jen as if for once respecting her nakedness. Without turning he says, " The vision I assume you had; it was for you, and you alone. " The air in the room is frigid against Jen's wet skin. The candles still flicker all over the floor, like a reverse starry sky.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The process of sublimation appears to move faster and faster, the Wytch suddenly being pulled back and down as its body sinks into the tree. Tendrils of bark and fingerlike vines stretch out over the monster's arms as it suddenly shrieks in horror, the noise akin to the yowl of some feral cat. Soon, there is little more than the Wytch's face visible behind the growing bark, as if the thing were looking through an owl's hollow. Yellow eyes stare at Jen with terror.

As the last bits of tree plaster over The Wytch, Jen is suddenly struck by sudden cold. There is the splash of water as Jen's face, neck, then torso crest through the water of the tub. Her eyes open to reveal the room, much as she had left it before the vision; though perhaps the world was in slightly sharper focus.

Bill is standing by the door, turned away from Jen as if for once respecting her nakedness. Without turning he says, " The vision I assume you had; it was for you, and you alone. " The air in the room is frigid against Jen's wet skin. The candles still flicker all over the floor, like a reverse starry sky. 
 

Jen, eager to be out of the tub and get as far away from the vision as quickly as possible, all but leaps out and throws her robe back on, dragging it over wet skin and ignoring the water dripping down her back.

“That was messed up,” she said, “what happens next?”

“ Should I go back and destroy that tree? ” she thought.
Bennosuke
Bill twists his neck around to look over his shoulder. Confirming that Jen has her robe back on he points uncomfortably over to the wall, where a dirty looking bath towel hangs unevenly. He turns all the way around to answer. " Well, that's basically it, " he says with a shrug, " finish drying yourself up, and I will bring you out to the group as our newest Sister. " He tilts his head slightly to the side, and scratching at his neck-beard, says with concern, " How are you feeling? "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Bill twists his neck around to look over his shoulder. Confirming that Jen has her robe back on he points uncomfortably over to the wall, where a dirty looking bath towel hangs unevenly. He turns all the way around to answer. " Well, that's basically it, " he says with a shrug, " finish drying yourself up, and I will bring you out to the group as our newest Sister. " He tilts his head slightly to the side, and scratching at his neck-beard, says with concern, " How are you feeling? " 
 

"Really, really weird.  What the hell was in that drink you gave me?" she asked.
Bennosuke
Jen's reply brings a grin to Bill's face. " Honestly, you don't want to know, " he says with a chuckle, clearly relaxing now that Jen is no longer naked, and seems to relatively cogent. He takes a step closer, careful not to knock over any of the meticulously placed candles. In a hushed voice he says, " Well, that's basically it. We're gonna go back out their and you'll be one of us. I'm so glad you came around. I hope that maybe Frank will reconsider. " He pauses for a moment, perhaps hoping Jen will give him some good news on this front. Regardless of if she replies, he will add, " Anything else you want to ask before we go back out there? It's basically gonna be a party the rest of the night. Hope you are feeling up to it. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Jen's reply brings a grin to Bill's face. " Honestly, you don't want to know, " he says with a chuckle, clearly relaxing now that Jen is no longer naked, and seems to relatively cogent. He takes a step closer, careful not to knock over any of the meticulously placed candles. In a hushed voice he says, " Well, that's basically it. We're gonna go back out their and you'll be one of us. I'm so glad you came around. I hope that maybe Frank will reconsider. " He pauses for a moment, perhaps hoping Jen will give him some good news on this front. Regardless of if she replies, he will add, " Anything else you want to ask before we go back out there? It's basically gonna be a party the rest of the night. Hope you are feeling up to it. " 
 

“Ehhh… now that you mention it, there is something,” Jen replied, “a guy who helped out against the Wytch says something is after him.  Something unnatural.  He needs a place to hole up for a while.  I’m thinking he can crash here and tell us his story… maybe we can help figure out what it is and or kill it.  He’s agreed to trade some weapons, so it’s not like it’s charity.  Plus we never would have gotten the Wytch if it wasn’t for him, so…”
Bennosuke
Bill frowns, his chubby lips pursing as if he had sucked a lemon. " Well that's a big ask, " he says, pausing to take a long sigh. His hand comes up reflexively to scratch at his beard, and he sighs a second time before replying. After he finishes the exhale he says, " To be honest, I'm not sure it's a good idea your friend stays... here at the church. It's kind of where we keep a lot of the secrets of our Brotherhood... but if it means a lot to you, I'm sure we can find him a place to stay. I mean, I've got an extra couch at my place, but I guess I gotta know what he thinks is after him. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Bill frowns, his chubby lips pursing as if he had sucked a lemon. " Well that's a big ask, " he says, pausing to take a long sigh. His hand comes up reflexively to scratch at his beard, and he sighs a second time before replying. After he finishes the exhale he says, " To be honest, I'm not sure it's a good idea your friend stays... here at the church. It's kind of where we keep a lot of the secrets of our Brotherhood... but if it means a lot to you, I'm sure we can find him a place to stay. I mean, I've got an extra couch at my place, but I guess I gotta know what he thinks is after him. " 
 

"Okay, seems fair.  Let's talk to him first and figure out what to do next," Jen replied, "sound good?"
Bennosuke
" Sounds good, " Bill replies. He gives Jen a moment longer to finish drying off, and preparing however she needs, then offers to lead her back out of the room. When the two get back to the sept, the rest of the Brotherhood cheer and greet Jen as if it were a surprise birthday party. She is offered hugs and handshakes and someone drops a pair of cold Bud Lights into her hands, whether or not she really wants them. Despite their prior conversation, neither Bill nor anyone else seems willing to let Jen out to go get Seth or Frank.

(OOC: Happy to let you RP out anything during the party you might like, otherwise moving things on)

Only after an hour of real redneck celebrations do things start to die down. Bill has gone from pale and flabby to flushed and sweaty. He throws an arm around Jen's shoulder as if she were "one of the boys", so that she can smell all of his smells (and feel them setting into her skin), and hollers over the blasting country music, " Do you want to go talk to your friend now? You said you left him outside somewhere? "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " Sounds good, " Bill replies. He gives Jen a moment longer to finish drying off, and preparing however she needs, then offers to lead her back out of the room. When the two get back to the sept, the rest of the Brotherhood cheer and greet Jen as if it were a surprise birthday party. She is offered hugs and handshakes and someone drops a pair of cold Bud Lights into her hands, whether or not she really wants them. Despite their prior conversation, neither Bill nor anyone else seems willing to let Jen out to go get Seth or Frank.

(OOC: Happy to let you RP out anything during the party you might like, otherwise moving things on)

Only after an hour of real redneck celebrations do things start to die down. Bill has gone from pale and flabby to flushed and sweaty. He throws an arm around Jen's shoulder as if she were "one of the boys", so that she can smell all of his smells (and feel them setting into her skin), and hollers over the blasting country music, " Do you want to go talk to your friend now? You said you left him outside somewhere? " 
 

Jen, still wearing the robe, has one beer out of politeness and hangs out for a bit until Bill suggests getting the others.

“I think we should tell everyone first,” Jen said.

She heads over to where the music is playing and makes a motion that she wants to speak.
“Thank you everyone, for having me, I’m looking forward ti learning more. If it wasn’t for y’all, that witch would still be running around, so.. thank you,” she said.
She waits for any reaction to die down.
“things are moving now.  There was someone else who helped us out, and he says something unnatural is after him.  I owe him one because if it wasn’t for his connections, the Wytch would have killed us.  He’s just outside now, I’d like to invite him in so we can hear his story, and maybe see if we can help him out, or at least figure out what’s going on.”
Bennosuke
No one pays much attention to the fact that Jen's taking it slow with the beer. That said, something in the very very light beer, seems to send pulses of poison she had drunk back to her head every now and then; not when she immediately takes a sip, but still, the intoxication lingers.

Bill looks hesitant when Jen says she wants to tell everyone, and even opens his mouth; though nothing comes out.

The conversation between the members of the Brotherhood dies down when Jen gets up and begins speaking, all eyes slowly drawn to her. There is some low chatter and someone even hoots when Jen thanks everyone, but they all quickly become silent as she keeps speaking. The crowd remains silent, even confused looking after Jen finishes. The gathered cult members begin to look around, trying to gauge how to react based on everyone else. Finally, Alexandra steps forward and with a stern glare says, " What do you mean? Other supernatural? There's only the Wytch, and we killed it. What other supernatural? "

Others murmur in agreement.
Thundercracker
“That’s what I want to find out,” Jen replied, “should we talk to him, or leave him outside?”
Bennosuke
The gathered cult members break into a low uncoordinated chatter at this, and at first no one replies to Jen's question. Many don't dare look at her, and there are hints of disdain and disapproval in their whispered tones. Finally Bill steps forward, offering a weak smile. " Why don't you and I go. I don't think it's a good idea to bring him in here, especially tonight. "

Mumbled words of affirmation roll over Bill and Jen at this, and he loops an arm around Jen's to begin leading her down the rows of pews towards the lobby. When they are all the way down the congregation Bill says in just above a whisper, " Sorry. Despite everyone's willingness to believe in the Wytch, we're really a group of skeptics. Probably better to get some more information before making a big deal of this. " His words are a little forced, perhaps even a little annoyed.

Pushing through the lobby, Bill opens the door and a cold rush of air floods into the lobby. Outside, the sky is near starless, and the street is empty, except for Frank and his car. Jen's friend is seated on the hood of his car, looking cold an uncomfortable. Even from across the street, Jen can see that Seth is still in the back of the car. Frank looks up from his phone, a confused look on his pale and tired face.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The gathered cult members break into a low uncoordinated chatter at this, and at first no one replies to Jen's question. Many don't dare look at her, and there are hints of disdain and disapproval in their whispered tones. Finally Bill steps forward, offering a weak smile. " Why don't you and I go. I don't think it's a good idea to bring him in here, especially tonight. "

Mumbled words of affirmation roll over Bill and Jen at this, and he loops an arm around Jen's to begin leading her down the rows of pews towards the lobby. When they are all the way down the congregation Bill says in just above a whisper, " Sorry. Despite everyone's willingness to believe in the Wytch, we're really a group of skeptics. Probably better to get some more information before making a big deal of this. " His words are a little forced, perhaps even a little annoyed.

Pushing through the lobby, Bill opens the door and a cold rush of air floods into the lobby. Outside, the sky is near starless, and the street is empty, except for Frank and his car. Jen's friend is seated on the hood of his car, looking cold an uncomfortable. Even from across the street, Jen can see that Seth is still in the back of the car. Frank looks up from his phone, a confused look on his pale and tired face. 
 

Jen walked up to the car.
“Bill wants to hear your story, why don’t you tell all of us at once and then we can figure out what comes next,” Jen said.
Bennosuke
Bill follows Jen up to the car. With the introduction he puts on a smile, thought its tight and forced and he says, " Uh, hey. Bill. Nice ta meet ya. " He leans over the side of the car where Seth is sitting. " Jen told me you might need protection, and that something... strange has been happening to you? " he says, his voice rising up in a question as he tries not to sound judgmental.

" I don't. I need a place to hide, " Seth replies from inside the car, his bloodshot eyes staring up at Bill, " There is... something after me. " He leans over and pushes the door open. Bill steps back to let Seth out of the car. Bill was a big guy, both in height and in girth, but Seth was almost a half-head taller. He adds, " I can defend myself, but I'd rather not have to, and hopefully it doesn't know I'm here. "

" I see, " Bill says slowly, shooting Jen a questioning, maybe even nervous glance.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Bill follows Jen up to the car. With the introduction he puts on a smile, thought its tight and forced and he says, " Uh, hey. Bill. Nice ta meet ya. " He leans over the side of the car where Seth is sitting. " Jen told me you might need protection, and that something... strange has been happening to you? " he says, his voice rising up in a question as he tries not to sound judgmental.

" I don't. I need a place to hide, " Seth replies from inside the car, his bloodshot eyes staring up at Bill, " There is... something after me. " He leans over and pushes the door open. Bill steps back to let Seth out of the car. Bill was a big guy, both in height and in girth, but Seth was almost a half-head taller. He adds, " I can defend myself, but I'd rather not have to, and hopefully it doesn't know I'm here. "

" I see, " Bill says slowly, shooting Jen a questioning, maybe even nervous glance. 
 

"Can you tell us anything about what's after you, how it got stirred up in the first place, and how you know it's after you?" she asked, "even if it sounds crazy.. we're uhh, used to that kind of thing."
Bennosuke
Seth gives Jen a blank stare, and replies, " I don't think you'll believe me. " He turns to Bill and adds, " But I'm willing to pay, so even if you don't, it hopefully shouldn't matter. "

(OOC: Wanna give me an appropriate roll to get Seth to spill the beans. We'll use his Composure as a -3 modifier)
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Seth gives Jen a blank stare, and replies, " I don't think you'll believe me. " He turns to Bill and adds, " But I'm willing to pay, so even if you don't, it hopefully shouldn't matter. "

(OOC: Wanna give me an appropriate roll to get Seth to spill the beans. We'll use his Composure as a -3 modifier) 
 

"We killed a tree spirit that wore people's skins as clothing by shooting its legs out and then dumping flaming thermite on it," Jen said, "at this point anything goes."

 
 Spoiler 
down to a chance die, unless I can use composure and then it's a single d10:
 (1d10)[ 9 ] 
10 again:  (1d10)[ 2 ] 
 
Bennosuke
(OOC: So close, if that was a chance dice)

Seth's expression remains blank; unimpressed by Jen's " tale ". His eyes shift to Bill's then back to Jen's and he replies, " Let's just say... there's a  Devil  in St. Louis, and on the internet... and it's after me. " He says this all matter o'factly, as if he doesn't care to explain any further.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 (OOC: So close, if that was a chance dice)

Seth's expression remains blank; unimpressed by Jen's " tale ". His eyes shift to Bill's then back to Jen's and he replies, " Let's just say... there's a  Devil  in St. Louis, and on the internet... and it's after me. " He says this all matter o'factly, as if he doesn't care to explain any further. 
 

"Look, you're going to have to give us more than that," Jen said, "otherwise no dice."
Bennosuke
" How so, " Seth retorts flatly. He turns his gaze to Bill and adds, " And at this point, isn't it his decision anyways? What does it matter, as long as I am safe? It's not like you will believe me anyways, and it doesn't matter. "

Bill's eyes turn from Jen to Seth and back again. His face turns slightly flushed and he shrugs saying, " I uh, guess I see his point. " But he glances back to Jen, eyes saying "help".
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " How so, " Seth retorts flatly. He turns his gaze to Bill and adds, " And at this point, isn't it his decision anyways? What does it matter, as long as I am safe? It's not like you will believe me anyways, and it doesn't matter. "

Bill's eyes turn from Jen to Seth and back again. His face turns slightly flushed and he shrugs saying, " I uh, guess I see his point. " But he glances back to Jen, eyes saying "help". 
 

"If it doesn't matter, then you can tell us.  But you know what, you're right, it's not my call, it's his," Jen said as she turned to Bill, "he supplied the some of the weapons we used to kill the Wytch.  I don't know why he's being such a **** about this new thing but if it wasn't for him Frank and I would be dead and the Wytch would be out there running around skinning people.  Honestly I want to go kill this thing that's hunting him, but I can't do that if he doesn't even tell us what it is or how to find it."

She shrugged helplessly.
Bennosuke
Jen's comment draws another small smirk from Seth. Bill returns the helpless shrug. Before Bill can even reply, Seth says, " Well I'm glad we're decided then. " The smirk fades, and his original flattened demeanor returns. " For what it is worth, I suppose you should know who to... look out for, " he says to Jen, pulling out his phone. When he has finally found what he is looking for, Seth holds the phone up to show them both a grainy picture of a strong jawed man with sandy hair going grey, and pale blue eyes heavy with bags. He says, " He goes by Rory McEvoy, or at least that was the name of his skin. " He directs the next to Jen, " Stay away from him. This is not an invitation to do some sleuthing. He's dangerous; not human. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Jen's comment draws another small smirk from Seth. Bill returns the helpless shrug. Before Bill can even reply, Seth says, " Well I'm glad we're decided then. " The smirk fades, and his original flattened demeanor returns. " For what it is worth, I suppose you should know who to... look out for, " he says to Jen, pulling out his phone. When he has finally found what he is looking for, Seth holds the phone up to show them both a grainy picture of a strong jawed man with sandy hair going grey, and pale blue eyes heavy with bags. He says, " He goes by Rory McEvoy, or at least that was the name of his skin. " He directs the next to Jen, " Stay away from him. This is not an invitation to do some sleuthing. He's dangerous; not human. " 
 

" Finally, now we're getting somewhere, " Jen thought.
"Dangerous how?" she asked.
Bennosuke
" Dangerous enough to be hunting me. Dangerous enough for me to need to go into hiding, " Seth replies flatly, though there is a dead seriousness in his eyes and words. He adds sternly, " Again, if you are wise, you won't go looking for trouble. " He casts the stern look first to Jen but gives Bill the same look as well.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " Dangerous enough to be hunting me. Dangerous enough for me to need to go into hiding, " Seth replies flatly, though there is a dead seriousness in his eyes and words. He adds sternly, " Again, if you are wise, you won't go looking for trouble. " He casts the stern look first to Jen but gives Bill the same look as well. 
 

Jen alternately looked to Bill and Frank.

“Weird right?  What do you think?” she asked.
Bennosuke
Bill shrugs and replies, " I mean, if you want us to help, I don't see the harm in having Seth stay here. We can do our best to keep him safe. "

Frank, who was sitting on the hood of the car, behind Seth's shoulder pulls out his phone and mutters, " Yep, sounds good. " His fingers fly back and forth over his phone and a moment later Jen gets the text, " Sounds like we should read up on this Rory M ;) "

Seth ignores it if Jen checks her phone and says, " Well? "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Bill shrugs and replies, " I mean, if you want us to help, I don't see the harm in having Seth stay here. We can do our best to keep him safe. "

Frank, who was sitting on the hood of the car, behind Seth's shoulder pulls out his phone and mutters, " Yep, sounds good. " His fingers fly back and forth over his phone and a moment later Jen gets the text, " Sounds like we should read up on this Rory M ;) "

Seth ignores it if Jen checks her phone and says, " Well? " 
 

"Thanks Bill, really appreciate it," Jen said, "Seth, why don't you show him what you brought, see if Bill knows a good place to keep it for the time being."

Jen glanced at her phone and nodded to Frank.
"Think we can head back inside and finish the party?" she asked.  She was still wearing the robes.
Bennosuke
Seth shrugs at Jen's suggestion. He turns to Frank and says, " If you'll open the trunk. " Frank gets up from his place on the hood of the car and shuffles around the side to the trunk. In the dark are three black hard-shelled cases, each about the length and width of a small writing desk. " These are three M4 carbines, all currently deconstructed, but all in box condition. These are for you and your friends while I stay with you, " he says to Bill, adding flatly, " and I've got a couple of semi-automatic pistols with my luggage. "

Bill's eyes go wide, and his face twitches, as if he's not sure rather to grin or be excited. " Well... awesome, " he replies. He shuffles over and adds, " I guess I can help you bring your stuff in, if you like. "

Frank grins at Jen's acknowledgement.

To Jen's request, Bill replies, " Yeah, uh sure. I guess we may as well bring your friend in. Probably will have to start wrapping the party up soon anyways. " He looks down at his own robes and chuckles.
Daishain
Frank grins and shrugs at the invitation. He still wasn't sure about this thing, but mingling beat standing out here much longer. Besides, maybe he'd get a chance to learn a bit more about this thing Seth was running from. The man had been annoyingly tight lipped the entire time they'd been alone together...
Bennosuke
The group follows Bill, who is now carrying the hard cases, back into the Church. Seth shuffles at the rear as he awkwardly struggles with his bags. But the party inside has already started to die down. Over produced modern country music still blares from the speakers, but most of the cult members are seated in small groups, either on the floor or among the pews, speaking in hushed tones. Arnold has even passed out by himself on one of the benches, one arm hanging limp over the side.

Most of the hushed conversations stop, as all eyes fall on Bill and the others. The leader does his best to grin, and turning to Jen and Frank says, " Well, do you guys wanna introduce your new friend? "
Daishain
Frank nods,   "This fellow is Seth, an arms dealer who doesn't like to talk much but whose supplies helped us take down the Wytch. Seth, this is the brotherhood of Mather. We burned their entire reason for existing to ash a little while ago, but under the circumstances they seem to have forgiven us."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Frank nods,   "This fellow is Seth, an arms dealer who doesn't like to talk much but whose supplies helped us take down the Wytch. Seth, this is the brotherhood of Mather. We burned their entire reason for existing to ash a little while ago, but under the circumstances they seem to have forgiven us."   
 

Jen winced, and waited to see the reaction of the group.
Bennosuke
Jen has the right of it, and the tension in the room is suddenly palpable. Several members rise from where they are seated. Hard glaring eyes are cast upon Seth and Frank, both "uninvited" crashes of this initiation party.

But before anyone can speak, Bill steps in. " It was my idea to bring them in, " he says with both hands holding the cases up, " Seth is going to stay with me for a little bit till he's safe. And look what he is lending us... these should be pretty... fun. "

" What's in the boxes, " someone calls from the gathering crowd.

Bill replies with a grin, " Rifles. M Mother ****ing 4s! " This draws some excitement from the cult members who gather around Bill, rather than Seth and Frank. Bill puts one of the boxes on a nearby pew and invites the group to start opening it up; the scene reminiscent of kids at Christmas. With the group distracted Bill nods gives a nod inviting Seth and Frank to come farther in. Over the din of excitement, he calls, " Well, uh, make yourself at home Seth. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Jen has the right of it, and the tension in the room is suddenly palpable. Several members rise from where they are seated. Hard glaring eyes are cast upon Seth and Frank, both "uninvited" crashes of this initiation party.

But before anyone can speak, Bill steps in. " It was my idea to bring them in, " he says with both hands holding the cases up, " Seth is going to stay with me for a little bit till he's safe. And look what he is lending us... these should be pretty... fun. "

" What's in the boxes, " someone calls from the gathering crowd.

Bill replies with a grin, " Rifles. M Mother ****ing 4s! " This draws some excitement from the cult members who gather around Bill, rather than Seth and Frank. Bill puts one of the boxes on a nearby pew and invites the group to start opening it up; the scene reminiscent of kids at Christmas. With the group distracted Bill nods gives a nod inviting Seth and Frank to come farther in. Over the din of excitement, he calls, " Well, uh, make yourself at home Seth. " 
 

Jen nudges Frank.
"What the heck was that?" she asked quietly.
Daishain
Frank sighs and shakes his head, quietly responding so only Jen could hear,   "Sorry, been a long night, for some reason I'd thought they'd have better humor about their situation. I mean, they've already stated they're not even interested in anything other than the Wytch, so what are they going to do after this?"  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Frank sighs and shakes his head, quietly responding so only Jen could hear,   "Sorry, been a long night, for some reason I'd thought they'd have better humor about their situation. I mean, they've already stated they're not even interested in anything other than the Wytch, so what are they going to do after this?"   
 

"I'll figure something out," Jen whispered, "if Seth's story turns out to be true, then I'm going to try to convince them to help us with whatever that is, too.  Because really, what are they going to do otherwise?"
She smirked at that.
Daishain
Frank scratches his chin a bit,   "All right, just be careful okay? These guys creep me out a bit. I was a bit surprised when you decided to join them."

"In case you're busy, I'm planning on looking into this other bunch that was mentioned, if nothing else with any luck they'll be a better source of information."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Frank scratches his chin a bit,   "All right, just be careful okay? These guys creep me out a bit. I was a bit surprised when you decided to join them."

"In case you're busy, I'm planning on looking into this other bunch that was mentioned, if nothing else with any luck they'll be a better source of information."   
 

"Sure, do you want me to come with you?" Jen asked.
Daishain
  "Of course if you can, but uh, it might be best not to mention joining the brotherhood right off, from the sound of it the groups don't really like each other."   Frank looks around at the gathering,   "It sounds like they might be more secretive bureaucratic types than undergound sorta cult, just getting through the door with them might be a challenge."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
   "Of course if you can, but uh, it might be best not to mention joining the brotherhood right off, from the sound of it the groups don't really like each other."   Frank looks around at the gathering,   "It sounds like they might be more secretive bureaucratic types than undergound sorta cult, just getting through the door with them might be a challenge."   
 

“Ok, let me get changed,” Jen said.

She sought out Bill.

“Am I supposed to stay the night?” she asked, “and I think I’m going to find my clothes…. That sounded wrong.

Did you want to talk to Seth tonight?”
Bennosuke
Bill grins at Jen's approach. He shrugs but doesn't seem too disappointed by the question. " Eh, as long as you're feeling better. I think things are winding down here anyways. " He looks over at Seth, who is standing by the pulpit, staring up at the crucified Jesus hanging on the wall. " He's a strange one, " Bill replies with a shake of his head, " I'll... talk to him more tomorrow I guess. " He looks over at the stack of weapons cases to cheer himself and shrugs again.

Before Jen can leave he'll add, " You're obviously welcome back any time. Our next meeting is three weeks from tonight, I'd suggest not missing it as a new initiate. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Bill grins at Jen's approach. He shrugs but doesn't seem too disappointed by the question. " Eh, as long as you're feeling better. I think things are winding down here anyways. " He looks over at Seth, who is standing by the pulpit, staring up at the crucified Jesus hanging on the wall. " He's a strange one, " Bill replies with a shake of his head, " I'll... talk to him more tomorrow I guess. " He looks over at the stack of weapons cases to cheer himself and shrugs again.

Before Jen can leave he'll add, " You're obviously welcome back any time. Our next meeting is three weeks from tonight, I'd suggest not missing it as a new initiate. " 
 

“Okay, I’ll be here,” Jen said.  She made a note in her phone’s calendar.

“Let me know what you can find out,” Jen said.

“we want to keep this thing going, right?” She asked, referring to the brotherhood.

Later, she’ll approach Frank.
“Ready to go?” she asked.
Before she leaves, she’ll try to find Seth and maybe give him a thumbs up or something to try and reassure him.
Bennosuke
 Later, she’ll approach Frank.
“Ready to go?” she asked.
Before she leaves, she’ll try to find Seth and maybe give him a thumbs up or something to try and reassure him. 

Seth is not hard to find. In fact, for however long the two have stayed, he has remained glued to the same spot with eyes still focused on the carving of the crucifixion. Perhaps he has ignored anyone who attempted to converse with him, or perhaps those of the brotherhood have simply chosen to stay away.

When Jen comes by, he nods his head in response, never turning from his study, never bothering to say more than a half-muttered, "Sure, sure. See you later."

(OOC: Assuming we are moving on now, what do you want me to move on to? Do you want to use downtime to do some investigating? Do you want me to move to a specific scene? Feel free to let me know in Discord)
Bennosuke
The next morning, Frank and Jen meet up to investigate The Lodge, another organization like The Brotherhood of Mather, which Bill had described as "pretentious". He had provided Frank with their address, located in a wealthy residential neighborhood in the city proper, known as the Central West End, or CWE for short. It was where Frank's daughters went to school (where the gun scare had just recently happened).

Of course it would be easy enough to simply drive to the address and knock on the door... though perhaps there were other ways to gather information, maybe checking the local library or something similar. To come to some decisions, the two had again met at the King's Diner, located in the heart of the CWE, to discuss. They had already been sat at a table, and it was early enough that fortunately the place was pretty empty. Plenty of space to discuss.
Daishain
Frank taps his fingers a bit, thinking,   "So, any thoughts on how to approach this? I have half a mind to just walk up there, but that could backfire pretty quick. It'd be better if we could get them to approach us, but I have no idea on how to do that."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Frank taps his fingers a bit, thinking,   "So, any thoughts on how to approach this? I have half a mind to just walk up there, but that could backfire pretty quick. It'd be better if we could get them to approach us, but I have no idea on how to do that."   
 


"Yeah... we should definitely look them up first, see if they have a webpage or something, research stories or histories at the library," Jen said, "doesn't matter if we try to make contact today or tomorrow or the day after, so learning what we can first is probably the best bet.  We might even figure out who some of the members are."
Daishain
Frank nods,   "Yeah, sounds worth checking. Kinda doubt they have a regular website openly talking about what they actually do, but they've got to communicate somehow, and there's probably some sort of cover business or club we could poke at."  
Bennosuke
After a cup of coffee, and a little more talking, the two walk a few blocks down to the St. Louis Public Library (Schlafly location). It was a regal, semi-modern looking building, though there always seemed to be a few homeless individual sleeping under its awnings against the windows.

Though not empty, there are only a few high school students and the odd elderly individual roaming its vast stacks and expansive work areas.

(OOC: Let's start then with either an Int + Computers or Int + Academics, unless there's another roll you think makes more sense in this context)
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 After a cup of coffee, and a little more talking, the two walk a few blocks down to the St. Louis Public Library (Schlafly location). It was a regal, semi-modern looking building, though there always seemed to be a few homeless individual sleeping under its awnings against the windows.

Though not empty, there are only a few high school students and the odd elderly individual roaming its vast stacks and expansive work areas.

(OOC: Let's start then with either an Int + Computers or Int + Academics, unless there's another roll you think makes more sense in this context) 
 

Jen didn't know the first thing about researching, so she let Frank lead.
Daishain
Frank takes a seat, taking a few moments to try and decide how to approach things on the search, it wouldn't do to get bogged down in a sea of unrelated results... "All right, lets see what we can sniff out."

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Int+computers  (4d10)[ 4 ][ 4 ][ 1 ][ 6 ](15) 
ten again  (4d10)[ 3 ][ 4 ][ 3 ][ 6 ](16) 
extra dice in case Jen can add anything via assist (4d10)[ 5 ][ 1 ][ 6 ][ 5 ](17) 
 
Daishain
Frank frowns as somehow or another he ends up in some kind of horror fan fiction site with a hunter's lodge setting. He tries again to refocus.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
WP roll  (3d10)[ 10 ][ 2 ][ 9 ](21) 
 
Bennosuke
(OOC: Frank is down to 5/6 WP... love the improv. That's two successes)

After about an hour of research on the internet, Frank is pretty sure he's tapped every source of information he could. He had managed to pick up bits and pieces about the Lodge through his work, though much still remained esoteric. It appears that the Lodge had purchased their mansion in the CWE in 1923, and so were likely at least around 100 years old. There were newspaper articles (maybe tabloids) from that time accusing them of being a satanic cult, though no police or other official investigation was ever performed. They had also apparently donated large amounts of money to the local public library of all things, and based on this and the mansion, were likely a well funded organization.

Lastly, it appeared that their leader, and the only member that Frank could find by name, was one Julius Levi. A picture from only a few years back depicted the man as a stout and hunched man, his thinning hair covered in a fedora, blue eyes rounded with wire-rim spectacles, and full lips by a trim grey beard. In the photo Julius had a stern expression on his face, and wore a dark grey pinstripe suit that looked like it would be better suited for the 1930s.
Daishain
Frank pushes back from the computer.   "That might be all we get today. Least we know a couple of things, they've been around for at least a century, and they've had a fair amount of money all that time. That's promising as far as them being capable of helping us. Don't know about willing though. This doesn't seem like the kind of business that fosters quick trust."  

He takes another look at the picture.   "I think we might want to dress up for a first meeting at the least. This guy practically screams old fashioned formal."

"Might actually be worth asking the senior staff around here a bit. If they're donating to the library they might have some other connection to it."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Frank pushes back from the computer.   "That might be all we get today. Least we know a couple of things, they've been around for at least a century, and they've had a fair amount of money all that time. That's promising as far as them being capable of helping us. Don't know about willing though. This doesn't seem like the kind of business that fosters quick trust."  

He takes another look at the picture.   "I think we might want to dress up for a first meeting at the least. This guy practically screams old fashioned formal."

"Might actually be worth asking the senior staff around here a bit. If they're donating to the library they might have some other connection to it."   
 

"Hmm, yeah, good idea," Jen said, "I'll have to buy something, I didn't bring anything nice with me."
Bennosuke
 "Might actually be worth asking the senior staff around here a bit. If they're donating to the library they might have some other connection to it." 

Bear's gaze falls on the Help Desk, where a dumpy looking librarian with a wild nest of greying hair and denim overalls sits in front of a computer, knitting what appears to be a novelty cap in rainbow colors.

(OOC: Not sure if you are still discussing or want to move things on or what, as per Discord message, but in case you wanted to pursue this)
Daishain
Frank heads up to the older librarian, keeping his voice relatively low as he asks,   "Greetings sir, I had a few questions about one of your major donors. Would you happen to be the person to answer them?"  
Bennosuke
The librarian looks genuinely surprised at Frank's approach, as if no one had bothered him at work for a number of days. An elated grin appears on the man's face, as he puts his knitting down to run a hand through his wild hair. When he speaks, Frank is hit with a hot rush of tuna breath. " One of our donors, " he asks is a whisper, which somehow seems to intensify the odor, " well, I don't think it would be me, but I'm happy to help young man. What exactly do you want to know? "
Daishain
Frank gives a nod,   "Julius Levi, or perhaps you would know the group called the Lodge, I believe they've made a fair amount of donations over the years. They seem to have a fair amount of history in this community, but hardly anyone knows much about them. We were hoping to learn a bit."  
Bennosuke
" Hmmmm, " the librarian says in a drawn out whisper, " honestly, I can't say I've ever heard of them. " He gives Frank a friendly unabashed grin. With a shrug he says, " I'll admit though, I don't know too much about donors, or library funds, or anything like that. I'm just a stacks monkey. " The grin widens. The air around Frank is now just a cloud of tuna stench. " But I'd bet our manager knows. If you don't mind, I'll get him. " Assuming Frank does not protest, the librarian will pull his massive body up out of his seat, and will stroll away.

A little under 10 minutes later, he returns with a tall and thin Asian man, maybe in his late thirties. The manager is dressed in a form fitting button-down collar shirt, tucked into a sharply creased pair of slacks, looking all too sharp compared to the librarian. Hands clasped behind his back, the manager reminds Frank of a matre d' at a fine dining restaurant. He introduces himself as Peter Cho, and asks how he can be of service to Frank. When Frank brings up The Lodge, he will reply sharply, " They are of little interest. A small social club of old men, who like to sit around and smoke cigars, nothing more. " He will eye Frank suspiciously, clearly not doing a good job of masking that he knows more than he is telling.
Daishain
Frank gives a grin,   "Ah, but such clubs always have excellent taste in cigars, and usually fine spirits as well. That alone interests me."   He waits for the unnamed librarian to get out of earshot before continuing.   "But I'm afraid we're past the point where that cover story will suffice I'm afraid. It seems you know at least a little of who they are. I was just hoping to get enough information to work out how to make a polite approach."

"Not to worry, we're not part of any investigative body, official or otherwise, just a couple of concerned citizens who have seen and done a little too much not to seek out a little wisdom from a few respected elders. We have a story of our own to share in exchange, one that I think may be welcome at the fireplace."  
Bennosuke
Peter Cho's face remains a cold mask, despite Frank's attempts at levity. But Frank's bluntness regarding "what is really going on", causes a sudden crack in his cold demeanor. " Cover story? " he asks, quickly returning the expression of disinterest to his face, " I don't know what you mean. "

(OOC: I think I'm going to need some sort of roll here, depending on how you want to get the info out of the manager)
Daishain
Frank gives a knowing smile,   "Of course you don't. Just as I'm sure your friends at the lodge won't want to hear about an old Osage legend come to life. Like I said, I'm just hoping for an introduction and a chance to share stories."  
Daishain
Frank steals a glance at Jen as he waits for the response

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Sorry, could've sworn I included the roll
manip+persuade  (3d10)[ 10 ][ 4 ][ 6 ](20) 
ten again  (3d10)[ 10 ][ 5 ][ 9 ](24) 
 
Bennosuke
Peter Cho is unable to hide his piqued interest. An eyebrow raises for just a moment, his head tilting just so. Both hands ball into fists and relax as he studies Frank for a long silent moment. With a scowl, he turns to the librarian. A head taller, Cho literally looks down on the man and says sternly, " Would you leave us for a moment. "

The librarian opens his mouth, eyes filled with curiosity. But thinking better of it, he stifles and turns to Frank to give the stranger a jovial shrug. " Sure, " he says before turning or walking away.

Peter Cho watches as the librarian walk away. Once they are alone, the manager will bring both hands up to fix his collar and then smooth out the front of his pressed shirt. " Let's just say I have any idea what we are talking about, " he says to Frank in a forced whisper, " the best I can probably do right now is pass on a message. If you have something they want to know more about,  we  can let you know. "

(OOC: Two successes with three dice, nice)
Daishain
  "That would be much appreciated sir. Honestly we came here to learn a little about what was in the public domain, and had not expected to stumble across an actual contact."  

Frank hands over a business card with his name and number on it,   "I hope to hear from you soon."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
   "That would be much appreciated sir. Honestly we came here to learn a little about what was in the public domain, and had not expected to stumble across an actual contact."  

Frank hands over a business card with his name and number on it,   "I hope to hear from you soon."   
 

Jen nods her agreement.  Frank was doing well and she didn't want to open her mouth and screw it up.
Bennosuke
The man seems uninterested in Frank's short exposition. When he is offered the business card, he takes it and hastily stows it in his pocket as if the card was scalding hot. Peter makes no attempt to provide his contact. Instead, he locks both hands behind his back and with a curt nod at Frank's remark of hoping to be contacted soon, says, " We shall see. "

Unless he is interrupted, Peter will turn and walk back into the depths of the library, leaving Frank and Jen alone.
Daishain
Frank nods respectfully as the enigmatic man leaves.

Once he's gone he grins at Jen,   "That went well I think. No guarantees we'll hear from them, but I'm pretty sure we'll soon have their interest at least."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Frank nods respectfully as the enigmatic man leaves.

Once he's gone he grins at Jen,   "That went well I think. No guarantees we'll hear from them, but I'm pretty sure we'll soon have their interest at least."   
 

"Seems that way.  Is there anything else we should be doing while we're here?  Did you want to have a look around town a bit?" she asked.
Daishain
Frank scratches his chin a bit,   "Not sure, there's probably more we could learn from here, but I don't know what to look for at the moment. Could have a look at the lodge, but we probably don't want to seem like stalkers if spotted. Main other thing I can think of is maybe some new clothing, its been a while since I've had a formal meeting of any sort, but that's something for me to handle on my own time. Can you think of anything?"  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Frank scratches his chin a bit,   "Not sure, there's probably more we could learn from here, but I don't know what to look for at the moment. Could have a look at the lodge, but we probably don't want to seem like stalkers if spotted. Main other thing I can think of is maybe some new clothing, its been a while since I've had a formal meeting of any sort, but that's something for me to handle on my own time. Can you think of anything?"   
 

"Maybe check out if there are any monuments or anything, local history, that kind of thing?" Jen replied.
Daishain
  "Worth a shot, and beats just waiting around. Shall we?"   Frank waves back towards the main part of the library.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
   "Worth a shot, and beats just waiting around. Shall we?"   Frank waves back towards the main part of the library. 
 

Jen nods and follows along.
Bennosuke
To search for any recent supernatural incursions over the internet, please give me a resolve +academics/computer roll.
Daishain
Frank settles in in front of a computer, seeking out hints at weird events.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
resolve+computers  (5d10)[ 1 ][ 5 ][ 9 ][ 8 ][ 6 ](29) 
ten again  (5d10)[ 7 ][ 1 ][ 8 ][ 9 ][ 9 ](34) 
 
Bennosuke
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
2 successes counted.
 


Frank and Jen sit back down at the computer station of the library, and spend about an hour working diligently. Jen had never been one for computers, and for her the time drags on as she quickly loses interest or becomes easily frustrated by a lack of success.

Though nothing overtly supernatural comes up, while trying to back-door the search by looking up neighborhood concerns, Frank comes upon a discussion on a neighborhood watch forum about the growing popularity of a  self help, biohacking, NFT guru and website , that was reportedly becoming popular in West County (where all the wealthy new and old money live... including Handsome Neil). Calling itself The Connection, it was reportedly an “exclusive” social media platform that invites individuals to invest and join as a means for self improvement and financial development.

However, several  locals  on the forum detailed concern over how strange some of their neighbors who had gotten hooked on The Connection were acting. There were posts discussing how new initiates would lock themselves in their house all day, lose track of time, and just sort of disconnect from their life and day-to-day responsibilities. There was off handed rumors that maybe The Connection was some sort of cult. But what niggled in the back of Frank's mind was how this had been the behavior recently of his ex-wife Clarissa, and of course of Neil as well.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
  
 Spoiler: OOC 
2 successes counted.
 


Frank and Jen sit back down at the computer station of the library, and spend about an hour working diligently. Jen had never been one for computers, and for her the time drags on as she quickly loses interest or becomes easily frustrated by a lack of success.

Though nothing overtly supernatural comes up, while trying to back-door the search by looking up neighborhood concerns, Frank comes upon a discussion on a neighborhood watch forum about the growing popularity of a  self help, biohacking, NFT guru and website , that was reportedly becoming popular in West County (where all the wealthy new and old money live... including Handsome Neil). Calling itself The Connection, it was reportedly an “exclusive” social media platform that invites individuals to invest and join as a means for self improvement and financial development.

However, several  locals  on the forum detailed concern over how strange some of their neighbors who had gotten hooked on The Connection were acting. There were posts discussing how new initiates would lock themselves in their house all day, lose track of time, and just sort of disconnect from their life and day-to-day responsibilities. There was off handed rumors that maybe The Connection was some sort of cult. But what niggled in the back of Frank's mind was how this had been the behavior recently of his ex-wife Clarissa, and of course of Neil as well. 
 

"What'd you find?" Jen asked.
Daishain
Frank is frowning at the screen.   "Dunno if its actually a supernatural thing, but it sounds like there's some sort of cult growing in our area, and its members are acting weird, instant shut ins cutting themselves off from the world sort of weird."

"Clarissa and Neil have been acting like that lately, I might need to see if they've gotten caught up in that mess, make sure they're okay."  
Bennosuke
 Act 2 Scene ii 
 "The moral of the story is; I chose a half-measure when I should have gone all the way. I'll never make that mistake again. No more half-measures..."
-Breaking Bad


“Did I request thee, Maker, from my clay
To mould me man? Did I solicit thee
From darkness to promote me?”
― John Milton, Paradise Lost 

The two parted ways after the library.  Frank  had gone home and at some point late in the night, had decided to do a little further research on The Lodge and their leader, Julius Levi. Though he hadn't drunk nearly enough to effect his sobriety, it was hard to remember how Frank had stumbled upon the business page of Andrew Black, a wealthy "entrepreneur" who lived out in West County. The strangest thing was that on Mr. Black's business page, were several photos of him shaking hands with, or smoking a cigar with old Julius Levi. Fortuitously enough, Black seemed to be primarily involved in chemical and civil engineering projects, and a little more research had convinced Frank that the man might just need a company with professional welders specializing in high pressure pipes! Based on the little background information Frank could scrounge, Black came from Midwest old-money. His pictures showed a rosy cheeked clean shaven man who might have been blond before going grey, with a rotund figure, and always wearing expensive suits. Perhaps due to the late hour, or to the excitement, Frank had used the "Contact Me" page to send him a communication that very night.

When he woke in the morning, the entire endeavor was almost like a dream to Frank, but he was surprised to see a response email from Andrew Black upon doing his routine inbox check. The email read:

" Hello Mr. Daughtridge,

Thank you for reaching out. I am pleased to say that your line of work and your company is exactly the sort of business I am looking to work with! I apologize for the late notice, but is there any chance you would be able to meet today? I have a flight to New York City tomorrow, and would love to learn more about your company before I go. No pressure to prepare any sort of presentation. Perhaps we can meet for coffee and have a casual conversation, if you would have time for me today?

I look forward to it.

Sincerely,


Andrew J. Black III "


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

The two parted ways after the library.  Jen  had gone home, glad to get away from the prior night's events, and the research into secret societies. She reached out to Caitlyn and thought about doing some research into driving lessons. However, Jen's "freedom" was unfortunately short lived. Later that evening, long after she had eaten dinner, Jen's cellphone began ringing. It was almost 11PM, and normally Jen wouldn't even pick up the phone at this hour, but the call came from Bill's contact. When Jen picks up the phone, he sounds nervous on the other line, his voice hushed and cautious. But worst of all, Bill sounded a little scared. " Hey, uh sorry to bother you, " he started, " but we need to talk... about your friend. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
  Act 2 Scene ii 
 "The moral of the story is; I chose a half-measure when I should have gone all the way. I'll never make that mistake again. No more half-measures..."
-Breaking Bad


“Did I request thee, Maker, from my clay
To mould me man? Did I solicit thee
From darkness to promote me?”
― John Milton, Paradise Lost 

The two parted ways after the library.  Frank  had gone home and at some point late in the night, had decided to do a little further research on The Lodge and their leader, Julius Levi. Though he hadn't drunk nearly enough to effect his sobriety, it was hard to remember how Frank had stumbled upon the business page of Andrew Black, a wealthy "entrepreneur" who lived out in West County. The strangest thing was that on Mr. Black's business page, were several photos of him shaking hands with, or smoking a cigar with old Julius Levi. Fortuitously enough, Black seemed to be primarily involved in chemical and civil engineering projects, and a little more research had convinced Frank that the man might just need a company with professional welders specializing in high pressure pipes! Based on the little background information Frank could scrounge, Black came from Midwest old-money. His pictures showed a rosy cheeked clean shaven man who might have been blond before going grey, with a rotund figure, and always wearing expensive suits. Perhaps due to the late hour, or to the excitement, Frank had used the "Contact Me" page to send him a communication that very night.

When he woke in the morning, the entire endeavor was almost like a dream to Frank, but he was surprised to see a response email from Andrew Black upon doing his routine inbox check. The email read:

" Hello Mr. Daughtridge,

Thank you for reaching out. I am pleased to say that your line of work and your company is exactly the sort of business I am looking to work with! I apologize for the late notice, but is there any chance you would be able to meet today? I have a flight to New York City tomorrow, and would love to learn more about your company before I go. No pressure to prepare any sort of presentation. Perhaps we can meet for coffee and have a casual conversation, if you would have time for me today?

I look forward to it.

Sincerely,


Andrew J. Black III "


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

The two parted ways after the library.  Jen  had gone home, glad to get away from the prior night's events, and the research into secret societies. She reached out to Caitlyn and thought about doing some research into driving lessons. However, Jen's "freedom" was unfortunately short lived. Later that evening, long after she had eaten dinner, Jen's cellphone began ringing. It was almost 11PM, and normally Jen wouldn't even pick up the phone at this hour, but the call came from Bill's contact. When Jen picks up the phone, he sounds nervous on the other line, his voice hushed and cautious. But worst of all, Bill sounded a little scared. " Hey, uh sorry to bother you, " he started, " but we need to talk... about your friend. " 
 

“It’s ok,” Jen said as she stifled a yawn, “what’s happened?”
Bennosuke
" Are you alone, " Bill asks, a certain anxiety tightening his voice. Assuming Jen answers in the affirmative, he will continue, " Uh, where did you meet Seth? He's making me and some of the others a little concerned. " It is clear by the pauses that Bill is taking, that he is being cautious; carefully choosing his words. As if he has a lot more to say, but is possibly afraid to say it.
Daishain
Frank blinks a little and reads over the message multiple times, something about this felt weird. Was this the lodge's way of  making contact? Eventually he shrugs and decides this would be interesting regardless. He takes a moment to think of a reply before typing out,

  "Greetings Mr Black,

It is always good to hear from someone who takes a personal touch in business. Would a meeting at two suit your schedule?"  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " Are you alone, " Bill asks, a certain anxiety tightening his voice. Assuming Jen answers in the affirmative, he will continue, " Uh, where did you meet Seth? He's making me and some of the others a little concerned. " It is clear by the pauses that Bill is taking, that he is being cautious; carefully choosing his words. As if he has a lot more to say, but is possibly afraid to say it. 
 

“I met him at a diner,” Jen replied, “and you’re starting to sound like him.  What’s he doing that’s so odd?”
Bennosuke
It takes about 20 minutes before Andrew Black's email comes back. Frank's phone pings with the message's arrival. The email reads;

" Mr. Daughtridge,

I am glad to hear from you so soon. 2PM will be cutting it a little close, but I will be happy to see you then, if you think our first meeting can be a little hasty. For simplicity's sake, I will be happy to have you over at my estate, if that would be easiest. Please let me know if you have any food allergies, and I can have my staff prepare us a late lunch.

I look forward to making your acquaintance in person.

Sincerely,


Andy "

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

There is a pause before Bill replies, and his voice remains hushed and nervous, " You found him at a diner? I mean... well he is just behaving very oddly. I don't want to sound alarmist, but well, I don't know. " There is another pause as Bill composes himself. " He's either incredibly autistic, " Bill says, taking a deep and audible breath in and out, " ... or well, he's ah, not behaving  like a human.  " There is another moment's pause, then Bill continues, " I swear he didn't sleep last night, and didn't really eat anything this morning. He's staying in the guestroom at my place, and I've found him just sitting on the bed, staring at the TV. It was off. He was just staring at the blank space. He didn't even register I'd open the door. And when I let him know I was there, he didn't seem surprised or whatever, he didn't act like it wasn't normal to just stare at a blank TV. He just sat there stroking a revolver. And... and I don't think I've seen him blink once. " Bill's words were pouring out of him now, and he was losing the hushed control of his voice.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 It takes about 20 minutes before Andrew Black's email comes back. Frank's phone pings with the message's arrival. The email reads;

" Mr. Daughtridge,

I am glad to hear from you so soon. 2PM will be cutting it a little close, but I will be happy to see you then, if you think our first meeting can be a little hasty. For simplicity's sake, I will be happy to have you over at my estate, if that would be easiest. Please let me know if you have any food allergies, and I can have my staff prepare us a late lunch.

I look forward to making your acquaintance in person.

Sincerely,


Andy "

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

There is a pause before Bill replies, and his voice remains hushed and nervous, " You found him at a diner? I mean... well he is just behaving very oddly. I don't want to sound alarmist, but well, I don't know. " There is another pause as Bill composes himself. " He's either incredibly autistic, " Bill says, taking a deep and audible breath in and out, " ... or well, he's ah, not behaving  like a human.  " There is another moment's pause, then Bill continues, " I swear he didn't sleep last night, and didn't really eat anything this morning. He's staying in the guestroom at my place, and I've found him just sitting on the bed, staring at the TV. It was off. He was just staring at the blank space. He didn't even register I'd open the door. And when I let him know I was there, he didn't seem surprised or whatever, he didn't act like it wasn't normal to just stare at a blank TV. He just sat there stroking a revolver. And... and I don't think I've seen him blink once. " Bill's words were pouring out of him now, and he was losing the hushed control of his voice. 
 

“That’s.. definitely not normal, he’s usually super paranoid but not like that,” Jen said, “sorry for dropping him on you like that, I swear he was a normal guy even as recently as yesterday.  It’s your call what you want to do… drop him off at a hospital or whatever.”
Bennosuke
" I... " Bill hesitates, as if he were stifling a whine, or perhaps just considering Jen's suggestion, before continuing, " I said I would keep him safe, as a favor for you, and I will. I guess he's just freaking me out a bit. And well I just want to know if he's... you know, like safe. " There is another pause, then Bill's voice drops to a whisper. He says, " If I didn't know any better, I'd say he's behaving like The Wytch. I mean, I don't think they're related... you know. And I don't know if you experienced this, but The Wytch could shapeshift. Once I spent an entire night with The Wytch harassing me. She...  IT  wore the skin of my dead wife and stood scratching at my windows and knocking at my doors. But you could see in the eyes that it wasn't human, like it was literally wearing Libby's skin! "
Daishain
Frank responds,   "Very well sir, I shall be there shortly."  

He loads a few sample pieces and a project display portfolio into the truck, just in case this meeting actually ever involved checking on the quality of the work, then dresses up in his rarely used business outfit. Chances are it wouldn't impress this man by a long shot, but it seemed prudent not to look too blue collar.

When the time comes he sets out, driving towards the estate. A test message is also sent Jen's way, just to let her know of the current shenanigans.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " I... " Bill hesitates, as if he were stifling a whine, or perhaps just considering Jen's suggestion, before continuing, " I said I would keep him safe, as a favor for you, and I will. I guess he's just freaking me out a bit. And well I just want to know if he's... you know, like safe. " There is another pause, then Bill's voice drops to a whisper. He says, " If I didn't know any better, I'd say he's behaving like The Wytch. I mean, I don't think they're related... you know. And I don't know if you experienced this, but The Wytch could shapeshift. Once I spent an entire night with The Wytch harassing me. She...  IT  wore the skin of my dead wife and stood scratching at my windows and knocking at my doors. But you could see in the eyes that it wasn't human, like it was literally wearing Libby's skin! " 
 

Jen shuddered.

"Yeah I know, it did the same thing to me, at a bar," she said, "I've never seen him act like that, so I couldn't say if he's safe right now.  If you want to drop him off at a hospital, I won't blame you.  At all.  You're there and I'm not, so it's your call."
Bennosuke
After all of his preparation, Frank drives out to West County. Freeways allow him to bypass the more commercial part of the suburbs, and when he finally exits into a residential neighborhood, it's all massive and impressive homes on massive plots of land, separated by large fences and gardens. It's the sort of neighborhood that's housed and hidden the old money of St. Louis; the city's last bastion of slaver descendants, familial lawyers with a penchant for nepotism, and ex-mafioso too wealthy to be arrested for anything serious. Every house Frank passes is so artificially perfect, so over manicured and lavishly decorated, that it feels like a movie set or maybe a foreign country. Despite the wide open (empty) roads, and picturesque suburban mansions, every block Frank drives feels more unwelcoming then the next. Following his GPS, Frank drives around winding roads with names like "Oxford Avenue" and "Triumph Way", till his GPS directs him to take a turn off on an unlabeled street that seems to lead into the heart of a forest, marked by a sign that reads "Dead End".

Surrounded by thick trees, the "Dead End" street, goes on and on, seeming to never end... until finally the wall of branches give way to an open field, and a picturesque house that appears to be lined on all sides by a covered porch. The dead end street gives way to a dirt driveway, where a black sedan limo is parked. Beside the limo, a stairway leads up to the porch, where Andrew J. Black the Third sits on a rocking chair. His face is rudy and all jowls, and he rocks back and forth with an expression on his face that says, "I've been expecting you". His hay colored tweed jacket looks expensively tailored, though its a little like the saying about a silk purse for a sow's ear; his corpulent abdomen protruding beyond and pushing open the jacket.

When Frank finally pulls up, Andrew Black will push himself (with some effort) to his feet, and with a smile says, " Well you must be Frank Daughtridge. Thank you for coming. " He will make no attempt to leave the porch, but if Frank approaches, he will offer a handshake with a damp hand and a vice-like grip.

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

" Yeah, I don't think all have to, " Bill says, his voice dropping low again. " He ain't know Wytch, and it ain't like I feel in danger or nothing, " he'll add after a pause, " ... its's just sort of the same behavior. Like he's something  playing  at being human, or something. Anyway, he already hinted that he's in some sort of supernatural danger or whatever... so maybe I just have whiskers on end or something. "

Bill pauses again here for a second, though this time it feels like he is building to something. When he speaks, there is suddenly a little excitement in his voice, " Say, how much did you believe all of that he was saying anyways?  "

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

The next day Jen gets a text from Frank, informing her that he's got a business opportunity and is on his way to meet with an Andrew Black, regarding their professional welding company. he also mentions in the text that Black might have connections to The Lodge.
Daishain
Frank can't help but be impressed by the surroundings as he drives up the long path.

At the porch, he gives the man a nod and a simple smile as he steps up and returns the handshake.   "Its good to meet you sir."

"I know you said a presentation is not expected, but I do have samples of my work on hand if you wish to see. Of course, if you'd like to discuss other things we can leave those in the truck."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 After all of his preparation, Frank drives out to West County. Freeways allow him to bypass the more commercial part of the suburbs, and when he finally exits into a residential neighborhood, it's all massive and impressive homes on massive plots of land, separated by large fences and gardens. It's the sort of neighborhood that's housed and hidden the old money of St. Louis; the city's last bastion of slaver descendants, familial lawyers with a penchant for nepotism, and ex-mafioso too wealthy to be arrested for anything serious. Every house Frank passes is so artificially perfect, so over manicured and lavishly decorated, that it feels like a movie set or maybe a foreign country. Despite the wide open (empty) roads, and picturesque suburban mansions, every block Frank drives feels more unwelcoming then the next. Following his GPS, Frank drives around winding roads with names like "Oxford Avenue" and "Triumph Way", till his GPS directs him to take a turn off on an unlabeled street that seems to lead into the heart of a forest, marked by a sign that reads "Dead End".

Surrounded by thick trees, the "Dead End" street, goes on and on, seeming to never end... until finally the wall of branches give way to an open field, and a picturesque house that appears to be lined on all sides by a covered porch. The dead end street gives way to a dirt driveway, where a black sedan limo is parked. Beside the limo, a stairway leads up to the porch, where Andrew J. Black the Third sits on a rocking chair. His face is rudy and all jowls, and he rocks back and forth with an expression on his face that says, "I've been expecting you". His hay colored tweed jacket looks expensively tailored, though its a little like the saying about a silk purse for a sow's ear; his corpulent abdomen protruding beyond and pushing open the jacket.

When Frank finally pulls up, Andrew Black will push himself (with some effort) to his feet, and with a smile says, " Well you must be Frank Daughtridge. Thank you for coming. " He will make no attempt to leave the porch, but if Frank approaches, he will offer a handshake with a damp hand and a vice-like grip.

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

" Yeah, I don't think all have to, " Bill says, his voice dropping low again. " He ain't know Wytch, and it ain't like I feel in danger or nothing, " he'll add after a pause, " ... its's just sort of the same behavior. Like he's something  playing  at being human, or something. Anyway, he already hinted that he's in some sort of supernatural danger or whatever... so maybe I just have whiskers on end or something. "

Bill pauses again here for a second, though this time it feels like he is building to something. When he speaks, there is suddenly a little excitement in his voice, " Say, how much did you believe all of that he was saying anyways?  "

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

The next day Jen gets a text from Frank, informing her that he's got a business opportunity and is on his way to meet with an Andrew Black, regarding their professional welding company. he also mentions in the text that Black might have connections to The Lodge. 
 

"About fifty percent," Jen replied, "I'm out right now, trying to find out more, I'll keep you posted.  If you need to do anything with Seth, it goes without saying you don't need to check with me first.  We never would have beat that Wytch without you, so I trust you; however things play out, I'll understand."

Jen responds that she will join Frank.
Bennosuke
 At the porch, he gives the man a nod and a simple smile as he steps up and returns the handshake. "Its good to meet you sir."

"I know you said a presentation is not expected, but I do have samples of my work on hand if you wish to see. Of course, if you'd like to discuss other things we can leave those in the truck." 

Andrew Black nods his head, and with a grin that shows slightly crooked teeth says, " Well please, whatever's easiest. Why don't you just have a seat over there, and we can talk all about it. " The grin turns to a broad smile and he adds, " Just don't take too long, since I've still got that flight. "

(OOC: I think I'm going to call for a Presence +Persuasion/Performance here, and spare you RPing through the pitch.)

Just before Frank sits down, he gets a reply from Jen offering to join him for the presentation (OOC: See TC's last post)

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

Bill pauses before replying. "  Yeah, will do, " he says. Jen hears him take a big breath in and out, then he adds, " If you can though, do me a favor as well. Try to figure out what the hell he thinks is after him. Seth had me half scared, and if there is something more than just him being...  weird , well I should probably know what I'm up against. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Andrew Black nods his head, and with a grin that shows slightly crooked teeth says, " Well please, whatever's easiest. Why don't you just have a seat over there, and we can talk all about it. " The grin turns to a broad smile and he adds, " Just don't take too long, since I've still got that flight. "

(OOC: I think I'm going to call for a Presence +Persuasion/Performance here, and spare you RPing through the pitch.)

Just before Frank sits down, he gets a reply from Jen offering to join him for the presentation (OOC: See TC's last post)

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

Bill pauses before replying. "  Yeah, will do, " he says. Jen hears him take a big breath in and out, then he adds, " If you can though, do me a favor as well. Try to figure out what the hell he thinks is after him. Seth had me half scared, and if there is something more than just him being...  weird , well I should probably know what I'm up against. " 
 

“I will,” Jen said.  She didn’t elaborate but hoped the meeting Frank had arranged could shed some light on the situation.
Daishain
  "Well sir one of the things I pride myself on is meticulous prep work. Every job is unique in its own way and..."   Frank goes into a short spiel about his approach to welding jobs and some of the more difficult challenges he's tackled, but he soon starts asking questions about the sort of work this eccentric man needed.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Presence+persuasion+willpower  (5d10)[ 7 ][ 5 ][ 4 ][ 9 ][ 8 ](33) 
ten again  (5d10)[ 8 ][ 3 ][ 7 ][ 4 ][ 9 ](31) 
 
Bennosuke
" Good, " Bill says in reply, sounding satisfied with Jen's promise. He adds, " And uh, hopefully don't take too long. I suppose the shorter Seth's stay is the better, " though this is said with far less anxiety in his voice, like he were making a casual joke.

(OOC: We can hold here as Dai's scene should be just about done, unless you want to keep the conversation going or do something else quickly)

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

Frank's conversation goes overall very well. He keeps Mr. Black engaged and interested, and the snaggle toothed grin stays on his face almost the whole time. When Frank finishes up, the man replies, " Well Mr. Daughtridge, this all sounds pretty good to me. I'll need a little more information, which my office can reach you for, but I think we might be looking at the start of a business venture. " The grin becomes a broad smile, and he offers Frank a hand to shake. Andrew Black rises from his chair, working a little harder then he should and says, " Well, I suppose I should be seeing you off, so that I can get to the airport. "

(OOC: Now would be Frank's chance to bring up The Lodge, or Julius Levi, or anything else before he departs)
Daishain
Frank gives a short cough,   "Just, uh, one more thing sir, in the interest of full disclosure."

"I stumbled across you and the needs of your business while looking into the Lodge, a group I have another sort of business with. This meeting was in earnest mind, I have every intention of doing good work for you if that is still to your liking. I just thought it would be dishonest of me to leave the other interest I have in you entirely unspoken of."  
Bennosuke
Andrew Black's eyes go wide for just a moment, as he opens his mouth to say something almost reflexively. But he stifles the reaction almost immediately, eyes narrowing down to slits. For a moment the gesture reminds Frank of a cunning looking frog. " The Lodge, " he asks dispassionately, " and what is it you know about The Lodge? " Black takes a single step back, turning his head ever so slightly as he scrutinizes Frank in a new light.
Daishain
  "Know? Next to nothing. But given the shared reactions between you and your friend Mr Cho to me asking about it, I'm fairly sure what I suspect is at least not far off the mark."   

Frank pauses a bit,   "I do not wish to hold you from your flight sir, so the short version is that myself and a friend of mine survived something that defies what most would consider reasonable logic. We thought to look for groups that knew more on such subjects than ourselves, and that led us to you."

"I do apologize for any discomfort I have caused by poking around a sensitive subject, but I'm afraid that if there is a formal protocol for making contact with the Lodge I am unfamiliar with it."  
Bennosuke
Andrew Black stares down at Frank with narrowed eyes, his lips pulled tightly and sharply down at the end. Any semblance of welcoming civility gone, Frank watched as his nostrils flared in and out with each breath, and could imagine he could hear the grind of his crooked teeth. " I haven't the... " Black begins to say, but his voice simply dies off, caught in his throat.

(OOC: Give me a Presence + Persuasion-1 roll please)
Daishain
  "It seems I have ruined the mood of our chat. I deeply apologize."   Frank raises a hand,   "Please rest assured I'm no journalist, investigator, or otherwise a potential problem for you and yours. I'm not even looking for answers or confirmation of anything at the moment. I only mentioned it because I did not wish for you to find out more about me later and think I was holding something back. I would invite you to think of this as a potential opportunity though."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Starting to think maybe I should've made frank more of a conversationalist... :P Keep having to burn WP to have a chance at these
presence+persuasion-1+willpower  (4d10)[ 8 ][ 9 ][ 9 ][ 10 ](36) 
ten again  (4d10)[ 3 ][ 1 ][ 3 ][ 5 ](12) 

Edit: or maybe not... where did that luck come from?
 
Bennosuke
(OOC: I count 4 successes. Frank is now down to 4/6 WP. At least you have a lot of WP)

The more Frank talks, the more the guarded furtive expression melts from Andrew Black's face. Allowing himself to grin, Mr. Black takes a step back towards Frank, and gives him a firm and friendly pat on the shoulder. " No no no. I didn't mean to be so cold, " he says almost gently. Black flashes a warm grin and adds, " It's just, well what's the point of a secret society if you can't keep it a secret. " He chuckles at this, and pats Frank on the shoulder again. He shrugs casually and says, " What is it you are trying to find out now? "
Daishain
  "My goal at the moment is to learn at least enough to avoid bringing home threats to my family, again. I have two daughters to protect, and the last time through ignorance I stumbled across something paranormal their lives, not just mine, ended up on the line. We dealt with that problem, but surely there are others."  

He shrugs a little,   "Beyond that, I cannot say just yet. I do not know what I do not know, and I strongly suspect I'm in for a number of revelations that could greatly shift my priorities."

"That's a long conversation though, and I know you are busy. So instead perhaps you could answer this one question for now? What role does the Lodge take on in regards to these phenomenon?"  
Bennosuke
" Paranormal, " Black asks, interest clearly piqued more by this than Frank's concerns about his family.

He tilts his head a little at Frank's question, and purses his lips for a moment as he mulls it over. With a nod of his head he replies, " Well,  if  the Lodge believed in... said phenomenon, their role would be in investigating, and researching, and even chronicling knowledge about said phenomenon. I suppose you have heard the phrase, 'Know thy enemy?' You might say the Lodge are a group of... scholars, whose area of interest and expertise is very  focused.  " Andrew Black sighs at this, a small grin creeping across his face. " Does that suffice? " he asks gently.
Daishain
Frank nods,   "Well that certainly sounds like a group I am hypothetically interested in having a few long chats with, and maybe respectfully raiding the library of."

"As for my story, its a long one, and I'm sure you have some due diligence to perform, so perhaps we should arrange to meet again whenever you are ready?"  
Bennosuke
Black nods his head slowly, thinking things over, then says, " Sure, sure. " He runs his tongue across his crooked teeth, before flashing a grin. He says, " How 'bout this? You like cigars? My wife won't let me smoke them here. I'll be back in a couple of days. How abouts we meet at Brennan's for a smoke, and you and I can... talk more. " Brennans was a popular lounge and cocktail bar in the Central West End, where Frank's daughters went to school... and where The Lodge's compound seemed to be. If he had any interest, he'd know that it had a rather exclusive cigar lounge on its second floor; the sort of place you had to pay a lot of money to have access to.
Daishain
Frank nods again,   "I don't partake very often, but that sounds like a plan. Please let me know if you or your friends need anything else, and whether or not you want my friend to join us."  
Bennosuke
" Great, " Mr. Black says with a satisfied nod. " We can plan for it on ***day after I get back. " He gives Frank one more shake of the hand, then ushers him back to his car.

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

The next day, Frank and Jen agree to meet up at their office so that Frank can update her on his meeting with Andrew White. He had hopefully good news, both regarding their small business, and with is progress with The Lodge.  Soon they would get some more information , but lets start by describing their office. We said that they had a small engineering business. I imagine the office is maybe a small building or rented space in Downtown St. Louis, near some of the old industrial complexes, but lets start be having the Players describe the space a little and give me a snipped of their conversation please.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " Great, " Mr. Black says with a satisfied nod. " We can plan for it on ***day after I get back. " He gives Frank one more shake of the hand, then ushers him back to his car.

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

The next day, Frank and Jen agree to meet up at their office so that Frank can update her on his meeting with Andrew White. He had hopefully good news, both regarding their small business, and with is progress with The Lodge.  Soon they would get some more information , but lets start by describing their office. We said that they had a small engineering business. I imagine the office is maybe a small building or rented space in Downtown St. Louis, near some of the old industrial complexes, but lets start be having the Players describe the space a little and give me a snipped of their conversation please. 
 

Jen stepped out of the taxi and up to the business address.  Located in a small industrial park in the shadow of the much larger chemical plants nearby, they had rented a small space adjoining a warehouse.  The warehouse was currently disused and blocked off, except for a small section to allow passage from the front office, which was little more than two rooms that could sit three comfortably or four if they squeezed, and the two back rooms, one of which currently doubled as a pantry, and the other which served as a workshop.  The walls were cracked in places, and the carpet, once a golden yellow, had worn to gray in places and was threadbare in others, revealing the concrete beneath.  Windows looked out into the parking lot, where weeds grew in the asphalt of the warehouse loading bays; apparently it had not been used in some time.

A pair of desks sat in the front office, and the former owner's office was the only one with a door that had a working lock.  An old leather rolling chair, worn to the point of near falling apart, still sat in the head office.  The desks also remained, though they had long since been cleaned out, except for an empty stapler and several push pins, essentially useless without a cork board to press them into.
Bennosuke
As Jen and Frank converse, where are they positioned in the room. And as Frank tells Jen about his meeting, what are her feelings on the business, and on Frank's lead with The Lodge?
Daishain
Frank glances around, they really ought to renovate this place, if only for the sake of appearances. It just hadn't been a priority before since most meetings were done on site or at a client's location, and then of course recent happenings gave a whole new set of priorities...

He's seated at a simple desk chair, toying with an odd metal piece, a steel ball in a cage. It had been a test project back when he was learning finesse, and he'd kept it on his desk ever since.   "...Anyways, I seem to have impressed him, both as contractors, and in terms of being people he wants to keep in touch with on certain secrets. He all but told me they have detailed records on various phenomena. If we can get our hands on those, we'll be much less in the dark."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Frank glances around, they really ought to renovate this place, if only for the sake of appearances. It just hadn't been a priority before since most meetings were done on site or at a client's location, and then of course recent happenings gave a whole new set of priorities...

He's seated at a simple desk chair, toying with an odd metal piece, a steel ball in a cage. It had been a test project back when he was learning finesse, and he'd kept it on his desk ever since.   "...Anyways, I seem to have impressed him, both as contractors, and in terms of being people he wants to keep in touch with on certain secrets. He all but told me they have detailed records on various phenomena. If we can get our hands on those, we'll be much less in the dark."   
 

"Okay... so... how do we do that?" Jen asked, "Seth seems to be acting weird, so I don't know how much time we have."
Daishain
  "I'm pretty sure our story is a good bargaining chip. If these guys are as avid collectors of knowledge as they seem, if nothing else we should be able to trade in testimony of our experiences with the Wytch to get a few answers about some other things that go bump in the night."   Frank rubs his chin a bit,   "I'm hoping we can work out something a little more long term than that, but probably best not to get too far ahead of ourselves."

"Anyways, he agreed to meet up again later for a longer term discussion, and he'll probably be talking things over with the rest of the lodge in the meantime. I asked him to let me know if he wanted you there, haven't heard back on that part just yet."

"As for Seth..."   He sighs,   "Yeah, I don't think we can count on getting answers from the lodge in time to make a difference there. Has he actually done something or is he just being squirrely? If its the latter I'm not sure how much to be worried, I mean, we were acting really weird for a while after facing her for the first time."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
   "I'm pretty sure our story is a good bargaining chip. If these guys are as avid collectors of knowledge as they seem, if nothing else we should be able to trade in testimony of our experiences with the Wytch to get a few answers about some other things that go bump in the night."   Frank rubs his chin a bit,   "I'm hoping we can work out something a little more long term than that, but probably best not to get too far ahead of ourselves."

"Anyways, he agreed to meet up again later for a longer term discussion, and he'll probably be talking things over with the rest of the lodge in the meantime. I asked him to let me know if he wanted you there, haven't heard back on that part just yet."

"As for Seth..."   He sighs,   "Yeah, I don't think we can count on getting answers from the lodge in time to make a difference there. Has he actually done something or is he just being squirrely? If its the latter I'm not sure how much to be worried, I mean, we were acting really weird for a while after facing her for the first time."   
 

“Yeah but not that weird, it’s like he’s possessed or something, according to what they’re saying,” Jen said, “I kind of feel bad, considering I sort of coerced them into taking him in.  I left it up to them what they want to do with him, so…. We’ll see.”
Daishain
  "Right, I guess so. Think we ought to go up and check it out ourselves sometime soon? I'm sure the brotherhood can handle him if things go really bad, but still."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
   "Right, I guess so. Think we ought to go up and check it out ourselves sometime soon? I'm sure the brotherhood can handle him if things go really bad, but still."   
 

“I do, but I don’t want to miss this with the Lodge either,” Jen said, “I mean we’re here already. Worst case you can meet them alone while I deal with Seth…”

It was obvious from her body language that Jen did not relish this thought.
Bennosuke
Interrupting Frank and Jen's conversation is a sudden and forceful rapping at the door. Three knocks, each one sharp and loud like the explosion of gunfire. This is followed by a voice from the other side of the voice, confident, cool, cutting. " Jennifer Gibbs? Frank Dughtridge? Are you in? The lights are on! "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Interrupting Frank and Jen's conversation is a sudden and forceful rapping at the door. Three knocks, each one sharp and loud like the explosion of gunfire. This is followed by a voice from the other side of the voice, confident, cool, cutting. " Jennifer Gibbs? Frank Dughtridge? Are you in? The lights are on! " 
 

Jen drew her sidearm in a practiced motion.

“Who wants to know?” she asked as she stepped to the side of the door.
Bennosuke
" My name is John Keen, " the voice says confidently, " though most of my associates call me Mr. Keen. I only need a little bit of your time, if you are willing. I just have some questions. May I come in? "

Fortunately the office door has a view hole, and if used, you will see a man in maybe his late thirties with an almost military buzz cut to his sandy hair. Dressed in a dark grey suit, white shirt and black tie, he looks reminiscent of a character from "Men in Black", standing with a stiff attentive posture.
Daishain
Frank takes a breath and gives Jen a somewhat nervous smile. He steps up to where Jen could easily keep the gun hidden behind his body until she decided whether or not this one presented a threat and opens the door about halfway, nodding to the newcomer without yet giving him space to come in.   "Greetings Mr Keen. Something tells me you're not here for advice on a welding project. Might I first ask what this is about?"  
Bennosuke
John Keen makes no sudden attempts to enter when Frank cracks the door open, but a mirthful grin spreads across his face. He had handsome features, but something about his smile made him appear monstrous or at least ugly. " That's a fair assumption, " Keen says, and he casually raises both hands to show he is not grasping a weapon. Still grinning he says sharply, " I was wondering if you could give me some information on... an old friend. I know you have had some association recently with a man named Seth Rogers. I was hoping you could help me find him. "
Daishain
Feeling something was off here, Frank briefly considers denying the association, but figured that would likely backlash,   "Well I can tell you he's not here, haven't seen him in a bit. He didn't seem especially interested in dealing with old friends I'm afraid. Perhaps I could hold onto a message for you in case he shows up again?"  
Bennosuke
" I know he's not here, " Keen says with a derisive chuckle, " and I mean you no harm. I simply want to know if you have any idea where he might be. Is there any chance that we can speak without this door between us? "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " I know he's not here, " Keen says with a derisive chuckle, " and I mean you no harm. I simply want to know if you have any idea where he might be. Is there any chance that we can speak without this door between us? " 
 

“That depends, who are you with, and how did you get this address?” Jen asked.
Bennosuke
" This address is listed on your website, " Keen says innocently, " I hope that is okay. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " This address is listed on your website, " Keen says innocently, " I hope that is okay. " 
 

"We have a website?" Jen whispered to Frank.

Edit: She cleared her throat.

"Okay... but how did you know us?" Jen asked, "I mean, I barely know the guy.  Does he owe you money or something?"
Bennosuke
Mr. Keen will sigh and take a step back. Still speaking through the crack in the door he will shrug and say apathetically, " I don't know you. I've just been trying to keep track of our friend Seth. Unfortunately, it appears he's in a bit of trouble; don't know if he told you. How about this, if I step back to the edge of the porch, and I don't know, keep my hands above my head, will you open the door? I swear I just wanna talk. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Mr. Keen will sigh and take a step back. Still speaking through the crack in the door he will shrug and say apathetically, " I don't know you. I've just been trying to keep track of our friend Seth. Unfortunately, it appears he's in a bit of trouble; don't know if he told you. How about this, if I step back to the edge of the porch, and I don't know, keep my hands above my head, will you open the door? I swear I just wanna talk. " 
 

Jen looked at Frank and shrugged.
“Alright, but you’ve gotta tell us who you’re with, too,” Jen replied.
Bennosuke
Keen chuckles again and says, " I'm afraid you wouldn't believe me if I told you. " He keeps both hands up, as if he were under arrest, though there was still something confident if not downright imposing about the man. " Let's just say... I work for The Church, " he says with a nonchalant shrug.
Daishain
Frank glances back at Jennifer, then opens the door and steps aside. This guy seemed like if he was going to be a threat the door would be mostly useless as a barrier anyways...   "My apologies sir, Seth told us just enough that we're on edge at the moment, and a stranger who carries himself like a warrior showing up out of the blue..."

"So, you work for the Vatican, or at least a group sort of adjacent to them, handle things that most wouldn't believe in if told straight up, and you're chasing after Seth, who's in hiding from monsters that have something to do with the internet. Honestly I'm torn between sending you Seth's way and washing my hands of the affair and grilling you for more details."  
Bennosuke
Frank opens the door, and Mr. Keen makes no attempt to enter. He keeps his hands raised, showing that he means the two no harm. He adds a, " Thank you, " for good measure.

" Hmmm... he told you  that,  did he? " Keen asks, lip curling up into a smirk again. He adds in a somewhat mocking tone, " Monsters from the internet? " He shakes his head and says with the least sincere concern, " It sounds like Mr. Rogers has become more disturbed than I thought. I hope he is not a danger to anyone. You know he has been dealing weapons on the black market, don't you? "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Frank opens the door, and Mr. Keen makes no attempt to enter. He keeps his hands raised, showing that he means the two no harm. He adds a, " Thank you, " for good measure.

" Hmmm... he told you  that,  did he? " Keen asks, lip curling up into a smirk again. He adds in a somewhat mocking tone, " Monsters from the internet? " He shakes his head and says with the least sincere concern, " It sounds like Mr. Rogers has become more disturbed than I thought. I hope he is not a danger to anyone. You know he has been dealing weapons on the black market, don't you? " 
 

"Everyone's a danger, I learned that the hard way," Jen said, "Pff.  How much does he owe?"
Bennosuke
Jen's question causes Mr. Keen to chuckle again. " Owe me? Nothing, " he says with a grin, " He's more of an... ex-colleague. The boss is worried about him, and sent me to find out what's going on. Sounds like there might be a good reason to be worried. " He shrugs, and then with a questioning turn of his head, will start lowering his hands, but will return them up if he notices either Jen or Frank reacts negatively. Regardless he will continue, " If I promise that no physical harm will come to him, will you let me know where you last saw him? "
Daishain
Frank gives Jen a questioning look, and if she doesn't object, he turns back to Mr Keen,   "That still leaves other forms of harm open. Which I suppose means you'll be doing something else to the man."   He rubs his face,   "I doubt you can promise no harm at all, so look, make that a promise we won't feel like monsters for helping you if we ever learn of his fate and you've got a deal."

"We'll also need a promise that no harm will come to those he's currently hiding with. We owed him a small favor so when he showed up running from... whatever it is he's running from, we put him in touch with a group out in the boonies. They're pretty well armed and no stranger to weirdness."

"But lately he's apparently been freaking even them out, we were just discussing how to handle him when you showed up actually."  
Bennosuke
 Frank gives Jen a questioning look, and if she doesn't object, he turns back to Mr Keen, "That still leaves other forms of harm open. Which I suppose means you'll be doing something else to the man." He rubs his face, "I doubt you can promise no harm at all, so look, make that a promise we won't feel like monsters for helping you if we ever learn of his fate and you've got a deal." 

" Man, we  are  a little paranoid, aren't we? " Keen replies in his now familiar mocking tone. He raises both hands in a gesture of innocence and says, " Put it this way, you will be doing The Lord's work. If anything should... befall him, it will be his own fault. "


 "We'll also need a promise that no harm will come to those he's currently hiding with. We owed him a small favor so when he showed up running from... whatever it is he's running from, we put him in touch with a group out in the boonies. They're pretty well armed and no stranger to weirdness." 

Keen nods his head and placing a hand over his heart says, " As long as they don't do anything too stupid, I see no reason any harm should befall any of them. It's sad to think that Seth's own actions could be putting others in danger. " He shakes his head as if truly judging Seth in the wrong for this.


 "But lately he's apparently been freaking even them out, we were just discussing how to handle him when you showed up actually." 

" That's why I've been tasked with finding him, " Keen replies earnestly, " he's not right. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " Man, we  are  a little paranoid, aren't we? " Keen replies in his now familiar mocking tone. He raises both hands in a gesture of innocence and says, " Put it this way, you will be doing The Lord's work. If anything should... befall him, it will be his own fault. "



Keen nods his head and placing a hand over his heart says, " As long as they don't do anything too stupid, I see no reason any harm should befall any of them. It's sad to think that Seth's own actions could be putting others in danger. " He shakes his head as if truly judging Seth in the wrong for this.



" That's why I've been tasked with finding him, " Keen replies earnestly, " he's not right. " 
 

“Do you have a card or something?  Why don’t we call you if we hear anything,” Jen said.
Bennosuke
Keen's grin fades as his expression darkens. " Do I have permission to reach into my jacket and get my cards, " he asks cynically, hand still in the air. If given permission, he will reach into his suit jacket and remove a chromed and expensive looking card holder. Before handing over a business card though, he will glare directly into Jen and then Frank's eyes and ask, " So what you are saying is that  you don't  know where Seth Rogers might be? "

(OOC: I'm going to need a subterfuge roll here if you are going to lie to him)
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Keen's grin fades as his expression darkens. " Do I have permission to reach into my jacket and get my cards, " he asks cynically, hand still in the air. If given permission, he will reach into his suit jacket and remove a chromed and expensive looking card holder. Before handing over a business card though, he will glare directly into Jen and then Frank's eyes and ask, " So what you are saying is that  you don't  know where Seth Rogers might be? "

(OOC: I'm going to need a subterfuge roll here if you are going to lie to him) 
 

“I know a few places he might be,” Jen replied, “but I’m not in the habit of leveraging my personal relationships to help out people I don’t know.  Especially if they show up unannounced trying to hunt someone down.”
Bennosuke
Keen scowls at the reply. His brow knits together, his eyes narrowing into pinpricks. He opens his mouth to speak, but then stifles and turns it into a long sigh. He turns his attention to Frank and asks, " You feel the same? "
Daishain
  "Not quite, but,"   Frank nods towards Jen,   "I'm deferring to her on this one. I guess you could say I'm not in the habit of going against my friends when they want to protect someone."

"listen though, I already mentioned we were talking about what to do with Seth, maybe I said too much, but you just gave us a new option. If you have a message or something that might convince him to agree to go with you, leaving it with us may help."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
   "Not quite, but,"   Frank nods towards Jen,   "I'm deferring to her on this one. I guess you could say I'm not in the habit of going against my friends when they want to protect someone."

"listen though, I already mentioned we were talking about what to do with Seth, maybe I said too much, but you just gave us a new option. If you have a message or something that might convince him to agree to go with you, leaving it with us may help."   
 

“He’d have to give us contact information to pass a message,” Jen said, “we have no way of verifying he is who he says he is.”

She glanced at Keen.
“No offense,” she added, “you’re not exactly inspiring trust and confidence.”
Bennosuke
 "Not quite, but," Frank nods towards Jen, "I'm deferring to her on this one. I guess you could say I'm not in the habit of going against my friends when they want to protect someone." 

Keen's lips tighten, as he fixes Frank, then Jen with a cold glare. " Very well, " he says after a sigh. He listens to Frank a little further, none too pleased perhaps with Frank's admission that they did know where Seth was. To Frank's offer, he seems to mull it over for a few seconds. Then Keen replies, " How about you let him know I came by. You can even give him one of my cards. Tell him I'm looking for him, and want to take him home. " Keen fishes out a second card to hand to Frank and Jen. For a second that mirthful grin creeps over Keen's lips, before quickly vanishing.

He ignores or at least pretends to ignore any discussion between the two, as well as Jen's remark about not inspiring trust. After another sigh, Keen will shrug and say, " Well, I guess that's it then, " after another thought, " you let me know if Seth starts really concerning you.  Nice  to meet you both. " He'll offer a hand to shake, and unless either have any more questions for him, will trot back to his car, an old and remarkably unremarkable looking Queen Victoria.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Keen's lips tighten, as he fixes Frank, then Jen with a cold glare. " Very well, " he says after a sigh. He listens to Frank a little further, none too pleased perhaps with Frank's admission that they did know where Seth was. To Frank's offer, he seems to mull it over for a few seconds. Then Keen replies, " How about you let him know I came by. You can even give him one of my cards. Tell him I'm looking for him, and want to take him home. " Keen fishes out a second card to hand to Frank and Jen. For a second that mirthful grin creeps over Keen's lips, before quickly vanishing.

He ignores or at least pretends to ignore any discussion between the two, as well as Jen's remark about not inspiring trust. After another sigh, Keen will shrug and say, " Well, I guess that's it then, " after another thought, " you let me know if Seth starts really concerning you.  Nice  to meet you both. " He'll offer a hand to shake, and unless either have any more questions for him, will trot back to his car, an old and remarkably unremarkable looking Queen Victoria. 
 

Jen watched out the window as he left and made sure to take down the license plate number of Keen’s car.

“I don’t like him,” Jen said, “how did he even find us?”
Daishain
  "Tough to say, but if they've got people following and watching Seth, they might have spotted him meeting with us, then lost him again when we took him out of town."

"Can't say I like him either, but from the sound of it he has a better idea of what's going on with Seth than we do, and he certainly seems to have resources at his disposal. Handing him over might be the better path. Its probably the safer one for the two of us at the least, it'll keep us out of the way of whatever weirdness is going on with him."  

He sighs before continuing,   "But I can't say I'm sure I could live with just turning him in either given we have little idea what they'll do with the man. I hate not knowing enough about a choice to make a proper decision."  
Bennosuke
Jen makes sure to take down the license plate. It's not hard to remember, "MRKEEN".

(OOC: Are the players waiting for me, or want to discuss anything further?)
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
   "Tough to say, but if they've got people following and watching Seth, they might have spotted him meeting with us, then lost him again when we took him out of town."

"Can't say I like him either, but from the sound of it he has a better idea of what's going on with Seth than we do, and he certainly seems to have resources at his disposal. Handing him over might be the better path. Its probably the safer one for the two of us at the least, it'll keep us out of the way of whatever weirdness is going on with him."  

He sighs before continuing,   "But I can't say I'm sure I could live with just turning him in either given we have little idea what they'll do with the man. I hate not knowing enough about a choice to make a proper decision."   
 

“It sounds like he wants him pretty bad,” Jen said, “maybe we can get something out of it, like more information.”
Daishain
  "I thought of that too. Wring some useful info out of him in exchange."

"But that could be a double edged sword. If this guy's group is attached to the church as they claim, they definitely know how to keep a secret. Right now I'm pretty sure this guy sees us as nobodies caught on the edge of something we don't understand and safe to ignore as soon as he gets what he wants. But if we get his attention as something more than that, maybe he'll be hunting us after he's done with Seth."  

Frank gives a chuckle,   "Or maybe I've been reading too many spy thrillers lately and need to stop overthinking things. Still, maybe we could try asking my new friend at the lodge if they have any advice on dealing with Mr Keen's ilk?"  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
   "I thought of that too. Wring some useful info out of him in exchange."

"But that could be a double edged sword. If this guy's group is attached to the church as they claim, they definitely know how to keep a secret. Right now I'm pretty sure this guy sees us as nobodies caught on the edge of something we don't understand and safe to ignore as soon as he gets what he wants. But if we get his attention as something more than that, maybe he'll be hunting us after he's done with Seth."  

Frank gives a chuckle,   "Or maybe I've been reading too many spy thrillers lately and need to stop overthinking things. Still, maybe we could try asking my new friend at the lodge if they have any advice on dealing with Mr Keen's ilk?"   
 

“That’s a good idea,” Jen said, “damn, I should have thought of that… do you want to call him.”
Daishain
  "Guess we might as well give it a go."  

Frank pulls his phone out and dials Mr Black.
Bennosuke
The phone rings and rings, and just when Frank thinks it will go to voicemail, the line picks up. Andrew Black's voice is a little more gruff then when Frank had last seen him. " Frank? Why are you calling me? Didn't we agree to meet again when I got back? " he asks with impatience.
Daishain
  "We did, and I do apologize for disturbing you, but something has come up that is somewhat time sensitive."  

Frank considers for a moment before continuing,   "Hypothetically speaking, if we have an Agent Smith wannabe sniffing around and claiming to be connected to the church, how concerned do we need to be?"  
Bennosuke
" I'm not sure I follow, " Black says hastily, irritation painted across his voice, " Is there a reason you are calling me about this? What, are you being audited by the IRA or something? "
Daishain
Frank frowns, apparently he was burning goodwill by the second here,   "I'm talking about a well funded and connected investigator poking into matters we don't want to be discussing over the phone sir. I was hoping you might have some idea of who he was with and how to deal with them. But if not, I apologize for taking up your time sir."  
Bennosuke
" Sorry Frank, " Andrew Black's voice comes back flat and without much sympathy, " I'm not sure I can help you. Not sure what you're talking about to be honest. If it's something I can help with though, let's talk about it when I get back, and just don't do anything to... bold till then. " He pauses, and faintly you can hear another voice in the background. Then, when the voice is gone, Black sighs and says quickly, " Frank, I'm going to have to get off the line now. Sorry. " Then as an afterthought he adds, " Just... check all your technology. The enemy has allies in the machines. " And with that cryptic message, Black cuts the line.
Daishain
Frank frowns as he stuffs the phone back in his pocket.   "Well it seems the gambit didn't pay off, and I might've irritated him."

"That bit about the machines though? First Seth, now Mr Black. Think it might be tied to that internet cult thing we stumbled across before?"  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Frank frowns as he stuffs the phone back in his pocket.   "Well it seems the gambit didn't pay off, and I might've irritated him."

"That bit about the machines though? First Seth, now Mr Black. Think it might be tied to that internet cult thing we stumbled across before?"   
 

“Uhh, internet cult thing?” Jen asked, with a somewhat oblivious look on her face.

 
 Spoiler 
no really, I forgot ooc.  What’s that about?
 
Daishain
  "That new age self help group on a private social media platform. Called themselves the Connection I think. Supposed to help people reinvent themselves, but there were reports that people who subscribed were all too often cutting themselves off from the world and acting strangely."

"If there's some sort of threat that worked via the internet and machines, it could be a recruitment tactic."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
   "That new age self help group on a private social media platform. Called themselves the Connection I think. Supposed to help people reinvent themselves, but there were reports that people who subscribed were all too often cutting themselves off from the world and acting strangely."

"If there's some sort of threat that worked via the internet and machines, it could be a recruitment tactic."   
 

"So... what do you think, should we subscribe?" Jen asked.
Daishain
  "Under a fake profile and on someone else's computer maybe. If this thing really is a supernatural threat I don't think we want our devices anywhere near it."   Frank glances down at the pocket with his phone,

  "But as for Seth, what are we gonna do with him? If he's gone far enough that even the brotherhood is wigging out, are we even capable of handling the situation?"  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
   "Under a fake profile and on someone else's computer maybe. If this thing really is a supernatural threat I don't think we want our devices anywhere near it."   Frank glances down at the pocket with his phone,

  "But as for Seth, what are we gonna do with him? If he's gone far enough that even the brotherhood is wigging out, are we even capable of handling the situation?"   
 

“I dunno? You think we should hand him over to this church guy, commander keen or whatever his name is?” Jen asked.
Daishain
  "If I knew we could trust the guy I'd say yeah with little hesitation. He seems to know what's going on with Seth, and likewise seems to have the resources to handle it."

"Its that trust bit that's the issue for both of us I think. Maybe its really the best for all involved, and maybe what he's not telling us would give us nightmares."  

Frank raises his hands in a gesture of uncertainty,   "It seems to me like its a gamble either way, and I have no idea which option has the better odds on things turning out well. Handing him over is probably safer for us though, just because we don't know what kind of threat Seth poses right now, AND we probably don't want Keen as an enemy."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
   "If I knew we could trust the guy I'd say yeah with little hesitation. He seems to know what's going on with Seth, and likewise seems to have the resources to handle it."

"Its that trust bit that's the issue for both of us I think. Maybe its really the best for all involved, and maybe what he's not telling us would give us nightmares."  

Frank raises his hands in a gesture of uncertainty,   "It seems to me like its a gamble either way, and I have no idea which option has the better odds on things turning out well. Handing him over is probably safer for us though, just because we don't know what kind of threat Seth poses right now, AND we probably don't want Keen as an enemy."   
 

“Hmm, yeah ok, but I don’t want to compromise the group,” Jen said, “not sure how we can do that without revealing them to Keen.”
Daishain
  "Maybe we could go pick Seth up and tell Keen ahead of time to rendezvous with us nearby. Brotherhood never gets involved if things go right, and if things get out of hand with Seth Keen will be nearby."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
   "Maybe we could go pick Seth up and tell Keen ahead of time to rendezvous with us nearby. Brotherhood never gets involved if things go right, and if things get out of hand with Seth Keen will be nearby."   
 

"Yeah okay, sounds like a plan," Jen said.  She went to call the Brotherhood and tell them they were going to pick Seth up.
Bennosuke
Jen gets Bill on the phone, calling him from their office phone and putting it on speaker. It takes a couple of rings before he picks up, and when he does, his voice is a little hushed, " Hey Jen. I'm at work, what's up? "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Jen gets Bill on the phone, calling him from their office phone and putting it on speaker. It takes a couple of rings before he picks up, and when he does, his voice is a little hushed, " Hey Jen. I'm at work, what's up? " 
 

“Hey, we’re going to come pick Seth up, take him off your hands,” Jen said, “who’s he with now? What’s their number so we can let them know?”
Bennosuke
" Oh, how far away are you? " Bill whispers in reply, " I'll be off in another couple of hours. " To Jen's question he replies, " He's alone to be honest. He's just stayed in his room, hasn't moved from his spot on the bed. As I said, he's uh, not normal. "

(OOC: Can I get a perception check, Wits + Composure)
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " Oh, how far away are you? " Bill whispers in reply, " I'll be off in another couple of hours. " To Jen's question he replies, " He's alone to be honest. He's just stayed in his room, hasn't moved from his spot on the bed. As I said, he's uh, not normal. "

(OOC: Can I get a perception check, Wits + Composure) 
 

"I'll meet you there when you get off," Jen replied.

She hung up and nodded to Frank.
"Anything we need to do before we head over?" she asked.
Bennosuke
" Alright then, " Bill says right before Jen hangs up on him.

Frank shrugs, " Maybe a weapon or something? " He seemed a little anxious about the whole thing, though who could blame him? Despite everything that happened, it wasn't normal for some suit to come to their business and press them for information. With a nervous chuckle Frank adds, " At this rate, we should probably just move to Salem, given how often we go back and forth. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " Alright then, " Bill says right before Jen hangs up on him.

Frank shrugs, " Maybe a weapon or something? " He seemed a little anxious about the whole thing, though who could blame him? Despite everything that happened, it wasn't normal for some suit to come to their business and press them for information. With a nervous chuckle Frank adds, " At this rate, we should probably just move to Salem, given how often we go back and forth. " 
 

“Got one,” Jen said as she holstered her pistol, “let’s go.”
Bennosuke
Frank shrugs, and follows Jen to the car, making sure to lock the office up. It's early in the afternoon when the two get on the road and traffic is starting to pick up as they drive out of St. Louis and make the long drive to Salem.

(OOC: Please give me a perception Wits + Composure roll)
Thundercracker
 
 Spoiler 
wits +composure :  (5d10)[ 5 ][ 8 ][ 9 ][ 1 ][ 8 ](31) 
10 again:  (5d10)[ 3 ][ 5 ][ 8 ][ 6 ][ 9 ](31) 
 
Bennosuke
At first Jen thinks its just the traffic, but not long after they first get on the freeway driving West, Jen notices that they are being followed by a black Ford sedan. It's an older model, but in nearly pristine condition, as if it had just been driven off the lot. The car's windows are tinted, so Jen can't see the driver, though she has a bad feeling as to who it might be. The sedan makes sure to stay about two cars behind them, but changes lanes when they do, and follows them to every exit or direction change. It takes Jen about twenty minutes of driving to be absolutely certain this is not coincidence, but now she's sure it is not.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 At first Jen thinks its just the traffic, but not long after they first get on the freeway driving West, Jen notices that they are being followed by a black Ford sedan. It's an older model, but in nearly pristine condition, as if it had just been driven off the lot. The car's windows are tinted, so Jen can't see the driver, though she has a bad feeling as to who it might be. The sedan makes sure to stay about two cars behind them, but changes lanes when they do, and follows them to every exit or direction change. It takes Jen about twenty minutes of driving to be absolutely certain this is not coincidence, but now she's sure it is not. 
 

“Hey, we’re being followed,” Jen said, “that black sedan back there.”

 
 Spoiler 
Jen doesn’t have drive so it must be Frank in the driver’s seat.
 
Daishain
  "Mr Keen probably, or someone working with him. We were planning on letting him know anyways, want to get him on the phone?"  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
   "Mr Keen probably, or someone working with him. We were planning on letting him know anyways, want to get him on the phone?"   
 

“I was gonna stop and shoot out their tires but I guess I can try calling him,” Jen said.

She dialed the number Keen left for them.

“Hey, we’re going to bring Seth to you,” Jen said, “so you can stop following us.”
Bennosuke
(OOC: As Daishain mentioned, you don't need skill points in drive to actually drive a car, just to start doing hard things in a car. But I am fine assuming Frank is driving regardless)

Jen pulls out the card that Mr. Keen had left them, and punches the number into her cellphone. It rings about four times before the line picks up. " Jen? " he asks, his voice distorted just slightly in a way that gives away he is on speaker phone. Ignoring her statement initially, Keen continues, " Long time no speak, " and then following a rhetorical pause adds, " what made you change your mind? "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 (OOC: As Daishain mentioned, you don't need skill points in drive to actually drive a car, just to start doing hard things in a car. But I am fine assuming Frank is driving regardless)

Jen pulls out the card that Mr. Keen had left them, and punches the number into her cellphone. It rings about four times before the line picks up. " Jen? " he asks, his voice distorted just slightly in a way that gives away he is on speaker phone. Ignoring her statement initially, Keen continues, " Long time no speak, " and then following a rhetorical pause adds, " what made you change your mind? " 
 

"Well he's kind of being a pain in the ass, but really why I called is because I need to know if it's you following us, because if it's not, things might get a little ugly," Jen replied.
Bennosuke
Keen chuckles, his voice harsh and almost electronic sounding given the car speaker and reception. After a moment's pause he replies, " I guess the game is up there. Yes. Well done on spotting me. Where and when should I meet you then, or should I just keep following you? "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Keen chuckles, his voice harsh and almost electronic sounding given the car speaker and reception. After a moment's pause he replies, " I guess the game is up there. Yes. Well done on spotting me. Where and when should I meet you then, or should I just keep following you? " 
 

Somehow, she was disappointed she wouldn't get to shoot out the black-tinted car's tires.
" That's definitely not healthy, " she thought.

"There's a large wal-mart at the edge of town, we'll meet you at the back of the parking lot in a few hours; it's never even half-full.  I'll text you the address," Jen said.

 
 Spoiler 
I'm assuming there's a town with a walmart with too many parking spaces nearby, because there's always a walmart with too many parking spaces.
 
Bennosuke
(OOC: That's fine.)

There is a pause before Keen replies, " Very well. I will meet you there. " There is a pause, but then he adds, " How do I know you will be there and aren't just using this to shake me? " His voice was cold the accusation sharp like a knife. Anna can see his car is still behind them, separated by another car.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 (OOC: That's fine.)

There is a pause before Keen replies, " Very well. I will meet you there. " There is a pause, but then he adds, " How do I know you will be there and aren't just using this to shake me? " His voice was cold the accusation sharp like a knife. Anna can see his car is still behind them, separated by another car. 
 

"You're just going to have to trust us," Jen said, "but you found us once, I'm sure you can find us again.  Think of this as a don't-be-a-jerk test.  I'll call you when we're on our way."

She hung up the phone.

"Jerk," she muttered.
Bennosuke
To the best of Jen's perception, the sedan that was following backs off as it changes over to the right hand lane, exiting at the next opportunity. Her phone buzzes with a text that reads, " I'll be waiting. "

It is still another couple of hours, and by the time they are getting close, the sun has started to set, turning the sky crimson and orange. Jen follows the directions to Bill's apartment, heading into Salem though veering away from Main Street and the downtown area. They drive into a rather quiet residential area, with simple two story cottages on small plots, separated mostly by chain link fences. Many of the houses are in poor repair, with sagging ceilings and exposed wooden paneling. The car jostles repeatedly over small cracks and pot holes in the pavement, and the sidewalks are cracked and rolled. There are few pedestrians out and about, and those rare spotted are anemic looking, moving with hunched posture and rushed steps.

Bill's house is reached as the street terminates in a cul-de-sac, with three houses that were all clearly built at the same time, though Bill's (the last in the circle) is in the best shape. The chain link fence opens on a flagstone walkway that passes a small garden of bushes and grasses and wild flowers, leading to stairs and a small front porch that slants just slightly. The front yard also appears to be infested with a variety of weeds and a gang of what appears to be feral cats of every color lazing in the sun. The exterior is mostly a beige, though the storm shutters are a dark grey, painted to match the roof's shingles. An old flatbed truck is parked in the single car driveway.

There is ample space to park along the sidewalk, though of course, the two could choose to park farther away.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 To the best of Jen's perception, the sedan that was following backs off as it changes over to the right hand lane, exiting at the next opportunity. Her phone buzzes with a text that reads, " I'll be waiting. "

It is still another couple of hours, and by the time they are getting close, the sun has started to set, turning the sky crimson and orange. Jen follows the directions to Bill's apartment, heading into Salem though veering away from Main Street and the downtown area. They drive into a rather quiet residential area, with simple two story cottages on small plots, separated mostly by chain link fences. Many of the houses are in poor repair, with sagging ceilings and exposed wooden paneling. The car jostles repeatedly over small cracks and pot holes in the pavement, and the sidewalks are cracked and rolled. There are few pedestrians out and about, and those rare spotted are anemic looking, moving with hunched posture and rushed steps.

Bill's house is reached as the street terminates in a cul-de-sac, with three houses that were all clearly built at the same time, though Bill's (the last in the circle) is in the best shape. The chain link fence opens on a flagstone walkway that passes a small garden of bushes and grasses and wild flowers, leading to stairs and a small front porch that slants just slightly. The front yard also appears to be infested with a variety of weeds and a gang of what appears to be feral cats of every color lazing in the sun. The exterior is mostly a beige, though the storm shutters are a dark grey, painted to match the roof's shingles. An old flatbed truck is parked in the single car driveway.

There is ample space to park along the sidewalk, though of course, the two could choose to park farther away. 
 

Jen calls Bill.

"Hey, we're here, how do you want to do this?" she asked.
Bennosuke
" Hey, I'm home, " Bill replies after picking up the phone. He pauses at her question before saying flatly, " I mean, I figured you would talk to him. You know, I said I'd help keep him safe... but he's your  friend , and I figure you will want to talk to him about where he's going next. "
Daishain
  "Friend's a strong word, but yeah, we'll talk to him."   Frank pulls up near the sidewalk, there didn't seem to be an overt need for subtlety here. Getting out, he stretches and looks to see that Jen was with him before walking up to the door.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
   "Friend's a strong word, but yeah, we'll talk to him."   Frank pulls up near the sidewalk, there didn't seem to be an overt need for subtlety here. Getting out, he stretches and looks to see that Jen was with him before walking up to the door. 
 

"Well, I don't want to get into specifics, but yes, I'll talk to him," Jen said.
Bennosuke
" Great, will be right there, " Bill replies. About a minute later, the door to the house opens halfway. The head of a massive brown mastiff, all wrinkles and floppy ears pokes its head through the door. Seeing Jen and Frank, it's brows pull back and lips curl to reveal a maw of massive fangs as it growls and moves to rush them. But before it can pass the door frame, Bill's hand grabs it by the collar and holds it back. The pack of cats in the yard go fleeing, disappearing into the bushes and crawling under the chain link fence. Bill sticks his balding head through the crack in the door and with a look of embarrassment calls, " Sorry. This is Bella. She's... mostly friendly. " But Bella doesn't seem friendly, instead continuing to growl and pull against her owner's restraint.

If the two approach, Bill will fight Bella back from the entrance to allow the two in. Under his voice he will say, " He's upstairs, " and jerk his head by a narrow staircase sitting to the right of the door. Whether it's being near the dog, or the scent of the house, the air is filled with the stench of wet animal.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " Great, will be right there, " Bill replies. About a minute later, the door to the house opens halfway. The head of a massive brown mastiff, all wrinkles and floppy ears pokes its head through the door. Seeing Jen and Frank, it's brows pull back and lips curl to reveal a maw of massive fangs as it growls and moves to rush them. But before it can pass the door frame, Bill's hand grabs it by the collar and holds it back. The pack of cats in the yard go fleeing, disappearing into the bushes and crawling under the chain link fence. Bill sticks his balding head through the crack in the door and with a look of embarrassment calls, " Sorry. This is Bella. She's... mostly friendly. " But Bella doesn't seem friendly, instead continuing to growl and pull against her owner's restraint.

If the two approach, Bill will fight Bella back from the entrance to allow the two in. Under his voice he will say, " He's upstairs, " and jerk his head by a narrow staircase sitting to the right of the door. Whether it's being near the dog, or the scent of the house, the air is filled with the stench of wet animal. 
 

Jen carefully avoided wrinkling her nose in distaste as she headed up the steps to try and find Seth.
Daishain
Frank suppresses the urge to get onto a knee and try to tame the big pup as he follows.
Bennosuke
Rather than following the two, Bill remains at the entrance, struggling against the pull of the giant mastiff. He watches the two ascend, each step groaning and creaking with their progress. The upstairs hall is sparsely decorated, with four separate doors. However, one at the end of the hall is left cracked open, and the reek of unwashed human leads Frank and Jen's attention toward it, where Seth likely remains seated. Even before they get to the door, Seth's voice comes from the room. " So you are back already? " his voice echoes flatly in the hall.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Rather than following the two, Bill remains at the entrance, struggling against the pull of the giant mastiff. He watches the two ascend, each step groaning and creaking with their progress. The upstairs hall is sparsely decorated, with four separate doors. However, one at the end of the hall is left cracked open, and the reek of unwashed human leads Frank and Jen's attention toward it, where Seth likely remains seated. Even before they get to the door, Seth's voice comes from the room. " So you are back already? " his voice echoes flatly in the hall. 
 

“Already?” Jen replied, “it’s been days.  Figured you’d be getting antsy by now.”

She sniffed and wrinkled her nose in disgust.

“Jesus, you stink, have you showered?” she asked.
Bennosuke
From down the hall and behind nearly shut door, Seth replies, " A few days? Huh, I hadn't noticed. " There is a pause where you can hear him take a deep breath in and out, then Seth adds, " Sorry, I guess I've just been more worried about being found. " With that, the door to Seth's room creaks open. He stands in the frame, wearing the exact same clothing you had last seen him in, his hair slick with grease, heavy bags hanging under his eyes.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 From down the hall and behind nearly shut door, Seth replies, " A few days? Huh, I hadn't noticed. " There is a pause where you can hear him take a deep breath in and out, then Seth adds, " Sorry, I guess I've just been more worried about being found. " With that, the door to Seth's room creaks open. He stands in the frame, wearing the exact same clothing you had last seen him in, his hair slick with grease, heavy bags hanging under his eyes. 
 

"Yeah, we're gonna move," Jen said, "do you want to shower first?"
Bennosuke
" I'm okay, " Seth says flatly. His chin and cheeks are covered with a coarse stubble, his eyes are bloodshot and rimmed with fatigue. He adds in reply, " Moving? Where to? " Seth stays in the doorframe, the muscles of his face tensing as he studies Jen and Frank's faces for any information.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " I'm okay, " Seth says flatly. His chin and cheeks are covered with a coarse stubble, his eyes are bloodshot and rimmed with fatigue. He adds in reply, " Moving? Where to? " Seth stays in the doorframe, the muscles of his face tensing as he studies Jen and Frank's faces for any information. 
 

"Hopefully someplace safe, can't stay in one spot too long," Jen replied.
She glanced over her shoulder.

"I'd just as soon not say anything out loud," she added, "Anything else you need to take with you?"
Bennosuke
Seth nods his head as if in acceptance. But then his eyes go wide, and his loops pull back as his mouth opens just slightly. Taking a step back from Jen, he says, " I... I think I'm okay here actually. " Seth's eyes study Frank and Jen with desperation. " It hasn't been so bad here. " The room suddenly feels charged with electricity. The drawn curtains suddenly rustle, as if a gust of wind were summoned by Seth's growing concerns.
Daishain
Frank sighs,   "Right, time to come clean Seth. You're clearly running from something. If you want to be sure we're not leading you back to it we need to know what that is."  
Bennosuke
Seth's entire body bristles, and all of a sudden the wind blows so hard it almost slams the door shut in front of him. Holding the door open with an extended hand, Seth scowls, real emotion on the man's face for maybe the firs time that you've seen. " I trusted you! " he hisses, and the wind keeps blowing, throwing his long greasy hair about his face. But at the sound of Bill's steps coming up the creaking wooden stairs, Seth says, " I will tell you, but not here. Not with the oaf, " clearly referring to Bill, " Give me one moment and I will be ready ".  The wind immediately quells, as Seth walks back into the room to grab his luggage as Bill makes it up to the top of the stairs.

" What's going on? " Bill asks, his face red with exertion and lined with concern.

Seth walks down the hall, passing Frank and Jen if they don't lead the way, and passing Bill without making eye contact. " We're leaving, " he says, his tone returned its flat robotic cadence.

Bill gives a look to Frank and Jen that says " what the hell was that ?"
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Seth's entire body bristles, and all of a sudden the wind blows so hard it almost slams the door shut in front of him. Holding the door open with an extended hand, Seth scowls, real emotion on the man's face for maybe the firs time that you've seen. " I trusted you! " he hisses, and the wind keeps blowing, throwing his long greasy hair about his face. But at the sound of Bill's steps coming up the creaking wooden stairs, Seth says, " I will tell you, but not here. Not with the oaf, " clearly referring to Bill, " Give me one moment and I will be ready ".  The wind immediately quells, as Seth walks back into the room to grab his luggage as Bill makes it up to the top of the stairs.

" What's going on? " Bill asks, his face red with exertion and lined with concern.

Seth walks down the hall, passing Frank and Jen if they don't lead the way, and passing Bill without making eye contact. " We're leaving, " he says, his tone returned its flat robotic cadence.

Bill gives a look to Frank and Jen that says " what the hell was that ?" 
 

Jen stops to speak quietly with Bill.  That was definitely odd but now she wanted more than ever to meet up with Keen.  She let Seth head down first as she spoke and texted on the phone at the same time.

“It’s okay, we know he couldn’t stay with you forever, so thank you for coming through when you did,” Jen said, “if there’s any way I can repay you, let me know.”


Text to Keen: “We’re on our way, be safe.”
Bennosuke
Moments later Jen gets a notification on a reply from Keen. It's simply a thumbs up emoji.

Seth leads the way down the stairs. Bella backs away from the man, whimpering, her tail between her legs as he passes. He steps out of the door and walks to the car, stopping outside of the shotgun seat, waiting for the door to be unlocked.

Bill will rush down the stairs to hold Bella back as she begins growling at Jen and Frank the moment Seth is out the door.

Outside, Seth says, " We talk in the car, so no one is listening. No driving till I say so. " He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a cheap black ink pen, the sort of plastic pen that goes for five bucks for a pack of twenty.
Daishain
Frank hesitates for a moment, something about Seth's demeanor made him wary. But they needed to get this over with... He unlocks the truck and gets in, glad Seth was apparently calling shotgun. It'd be easier to keep an eye on him there than in the back.
Bennosuke
Assuming Jen does not protest, this puts her in the back seat. Seth sits down in the front passenger, his bags piled in his lap. The inside of the truck is quickly filled with the stench of unwashed man, but Seth insists on keeping the windows up for privacy. Dark bags hang heavy under his eyes, which appear dull and almost bovine in appearance. His gaze remains fixed out in front of him, sitting upright and unmoving like a statue of a man at attention. After a deep breath in and out, Seth will say, " I don't know why you have changed your mind, but it is clear I may not be able to trust you further if you won't trust me. So I'll try to explain this, but I need you to, well keep an open mind. " He speaks in his familiar monotone, words pronounced clearly and flatly. " As I said before, I am being hunted. I was... part of  an organization  that bestowed upon me great power, and great responsibility. However, one day I... I woke up. I came to realize that the organization I worked for was run by a great evil. I saw clearly for the first time in my life, and I fled. Leaving the organization changed me. It took some of my power, but gave me others... and it gave me freedom. I've promised to do all that I can to take down this power, though I am just one being. " Patrick stops here, his gaze still fixed out at the empty cul-de-sac. Then slowly, he turns his head to look at Frank. He says, " Has someone come to you looking for me? Perhaps a man by the name of Mr. Keen, or maybe Ms. Sharp? "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Assuming Jen does not protest, this puts her in the back seat. Seth sits down in the front passenger, his bags piled in his lap. The inside of the truck is quickly filled with the stench of unwashed man, but Seth insists on keeping the windows up for privacy. Dark bags hang heavy under his eyes, which appear dull and almost bovine in appearance. His gaze remains fixed out in front of him, sitting upright and unmoving like a statue of a man at attention. After a deep breath in and out, Seth will say, " I don't know why you have changed your mind, but it is clear I may not be able to trust you further if you won't trust me. So I'll try to explain this, but I need you to, well keep an open mind. " He speaks in his familiar monotone, words pronounced clearly and flatly. " As I said before, I am being hunted. I was... part of  an organization  that bestowed upon me great power, and great responsibility. However, one day I... I woke up. I came to realize that the organization I worked for was run by a great evil. I saw clearly for the first time in my life, and I fled. Leaving the organization changed me. It took some of my power, but gave me others... and it gave me freedom. I've promised to do all that I can to take down this power, though I am just one being. " Patrick stops here, his gaze still fixed out at the empty cul-de-sac. Then slowly, he turns his head to look at Frank. He says, " Has someone come to you looking for me? Perhaps a man by the name of Mr. Keen, or maybe Ms. Sharp? " 
 

"Yeah, Keen, but we told him to go F himself," Jen said, "you didn't say anything about being in an organization before.  I've already gone out on a limb for you, so if you want any more help, you're going to have to level with us.  Completely.  I want to know everything."
Bennosuke
Seth's face darkens and his normally mask-like face breaks into a perturbed glower. Lines crack across his forehead, and his lips pull back slightly to show yellowed teeth. His normally cold blue eyes seem to catch the light, burning with an internal energy that is normally absent. " You saw Mr. Keen, " he growls, anger splitting question and statement. He shakes his head, ignorant to Jen's statement, " You must be very careful. Keen is dangerous. " The last word drops from anger to something like fear. " He can't be trusted either, " Seth adds, " he will... disappear you. He... he is the dangerous thing I told you was hunting me! " Seth's face has gone pale, except for a flush that seemed to be breaking out across his forehead and on his neck.

There is a pause as Seth takes a deep breath in and out, attempting to compose himself. The breath comes out almost as a wheeze, but afterwards his unnatural coolness has returned. With a steadier voice Seth says, " You want truth? I... I am afraid you won't be able to handle... everything. But if you can believe me, Mr. Keen is not human. Neither are the others like him. I... I was like him once, but I turned away, and that is why I am hunted. " He pauses to study Frank and Jen's faces, looking for their reactions. " If you want, I can prove it. And if you help me, I can... well I can make it very worth your while. "
Daishain
Frank takes a deep breath,   "Part of that's about what we suspected, and most of the rest isn't much of a surprise either. Our problem at the moment is that Keen is here, he showed up already well aware we were the ones responsible for hiding you, and you were about to lose the Brotherhood's protection anyways."   He waves a hand at the darkness in front of the truck,   "As for making it worth our while I think the biggest thing we need right now is him off of our backs for good, and that's going to be tough if he has any suspicion we're helping you. If you have ideas I'd love to hear it."  
Bennosuke
Seth shakes his head. " The one thing I can't do is make Mr. Keen go away, " he says, " but if you promise to help keep me safe, maybe I can give you the tools you need to defeat him. If you name pretty much any piece of equipment, I could probably get it for you. " He pats the chest pocket of his dirty button down shirt, as if there was something in the pocket that would be of use.
Daishain
  "Defeat him?"   Frank glances back at Jen, concern in his eyes.   "Not quite human or not, we didn't exactly sign up for murder. And wouldn't that make things worse anyways? He represents an organization, surely they'd just send others after us."  
Thundercracker
Jen nodded.  What Frank was saying made sense, though... they did have a perfect opportunity ambush Keen, since they knew where he was going to be.
Bennosuke
Seth shakes his head. His eyes darken as he sucks air through his teeth. " I don't think you have much choice one way or the other, " he says, eyes locked on Frank, " the gears of the machine have already begun to turn. I don't like that I've involved you, but the most dangerous thing you could do is allow yourself to become a tool of Mr. Keen and what he represents. " Seth turns his gaze to Jen then, attempting to study both of their faces for any signs of consideration. There is a pause before Seth says, " And I wouldn't really consider it murder, at least no more a murder than shutting down a computer. "

With greater urgency, he will add, " And there must be something I can help you get. Something that would make this worth your while. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Seth shakes his head. His eyes darken as he sucks air through his teeth. " I don't think you have much choice one way or the other, " he says, eyes locked on Frank, " the gears of the machine have already begun to turn. I don't like that I've involved you, but the most dangerous thing you could do is allow yourself to become a tool of Mr. Keen and what he represents. " Seth turns his gaze to Jen then, attempting to study both of their faces for any signs of consideration. There is a pause before Seth says, " And I wouldn't really consider it murder, at least no more a murder than shutting down a computer. "

With greater urgency, he will add, " And there must be something I can help you get. Something that would make this worth your while. " 
 

“I don’t think we have time… we’re scheduled to bring you to him now, so we know where he’s gonna be,” Jen said, “what do you want to do?  Should we tell him to suck eggs?  Or tell him you got paranoid and gave us the slip?”
Bennosuke
" Does he have your home addresses, or something? " Seth asks flatly, the smell of his stale breath starting to fill the room. Before a reply can be offered, he will add, " Is there a reason you have to show? Just leave him holding his balls. " For the first time, Seth cracks a smile, his lips pulling back to show yellowed teeth, " Otherwise, we take out his car so that he can't follow. He won't risk going loud in public. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " Does he have your home addresses, or something? " Seth asks flatly, the smell of his stale breath starting to fill the room. Before a reply can be offered, he will add, " Is there a reason you have to show? Just leave him holding his balls. " For the first time, Seth cracks a smile, his lips pulling back to show yellowed teeth, " Otherwise, we take out his car so that he can't follow. He won't risk going loud in public. " 
 

"He found us at a registered business, probably wouldn't be too hard to find our houses, it's not like I've been living in secret or anything," Jen replied, "funny... I was going to do that before.  If we do that though he's definitely going to want to come after us, right?  No offense, you helped us out against the Wytch and all and I appreciate that, but if this guy is half as scary as you say, it's not worth pissing him off.."
Bennosuke
Seth's grin fades and a sour expression replaces it on his countenance. He is silent for a long moment, and then an idea seems to occur to him. His eyes go wide and he raises a single finger in exclamation. " Very well, " he says, " I have a better idea. Tell him you lost me, like you mentioned before. One of you meets him, whomever is better at lying. The other, plants this on his car... " Seth reaches into his pant pocket and after shifting around for a moment pulls out a small circular metal disc; clearly a GPS tracker. " Just remove the paper on this side and it will stick pretty well, " Seth says, turning the disco over to show the sticky side. He adds, " This way you can track him and will know if he is following you. " However, Seth doesn't hand over the tracker yet. Instead he says sternly, " I know I am asking a lot, but I can help you in exchange, and the more I know I can trust you, the more explicit I can be.  If  you promise to help keep me hidden, I can show you a place in St. Louis that will prove everything I am saying to you, and if you can handle that, I promise I will also tell you more about what I am up against. " His gaze sets first on Jen, then on Frank and he asks dead seriously, " Do we have a deal? "
Daishain
Frank rubs his face,   "I think he's more likely to buy the story if we give him a solid lead. You have a burner phone? Something he could track? If we give him the number for that he might go chasing after it without thinking about us any further. And if you just happen to have dropped it on a bus heading the wrong way or something, oh well, not our fault."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Frank rubs his face,   "I think he's more likely to buy the story if we give him a solid lead. You have a burner phone? Something he could track? If we give him the number for that he might go chasing after it without thinking about us any further. And if you just happen to have dropped it on a bus heading the wrong way or something, oh well, not our fault."   
 

"That sounds like a better idea," Jen said.
Bennosuke
Seth nods his head at Frank's questions. " How do you think we've been messaging, " he says with a proud grin, again uncharacteristic for his usual robotic nature. He adds, " I suppose I can find some place to put it, though we'll also have to decide where you are picking me up. "

Hearing Jen's assent, Seth's expression again becomes serious. His voice suddenly heavy with weight, he says, " Are we ready to make a deal then? " As he asks, he drops one hand back into the pocket that had held the tracking device.
Daishain
Frank looks at Jen for assent before responding,   "Well I've got to say I still really don't like this, but I guess so. Lets figure out where to drop you off, and quick, we take too long and Keen's likely to come looking for us."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Seth nods his head at Frank's questions. " How do you think we've been messaging, " he says with a proud grin, again uncharacteristic for his usual robotic nature. He adds, " I suppose I can find some place to put it, though we'll also have to decide where you are picking me up. "

Hearing Jen's assent, Seth's expression again becomes serious. His voice suddenly heavy with weight, he says, " Are we ready to make a deal then? " As he asks, he drops one hand back into the pocket that had held the tracking device. 
 

"Pick you up?  No way, Keen's going to be watching us," Jen said, "he's already tried to follow our car once.   It's probably best if you head the opposite direction of the phone and lay low for a while, go no contact for a little while.  We should come up with a password though so we know it's you when you try to reach us later."
Bennosuke
Seth nods his head, that same mirthful grin on his face. He reaches into his pocket, the same pocket from which he retrieved the tracking device, and pulls out a folded up piece of paper. Working with practiced speed, he unfolds the paper to reveal an actual legal document. " There's a motel back in Salem, " he says in response to Jen's remark, " I'll go there after planting my phone. I should be able to pay for my stay. You can come get me when you think it's safe, though I'll be without my burner. "

He hands the document over to Jen and Frank. With an actual chuckle he says, " Do either of you have a pen to sign with? " The paper is appears to be a legitimate legal contract, with the letterhead of a possibly real attorney's office. There is fine print and everything, but a brief peruse of the document appears to state that Jen and Frank agree to keep Seth protected to the best of their ability, with the promise of equipment and services from Seth for as long as said protection is provided. Seth is positively beaming as the two look at the surprise document, with the textbook definition of a ****-eating-grin on his face.
Daishain
Frank looks over the document, then back at Jen, then at Seth again,   "Yeah I'm not signing that. Even if I didn't suspect I need a lawyer to go over this thing with a fine tooth comb, the only thing I'm interested in agreeing to right now is working to get Keen off of our collective trail. You want to try and talk us into a longer term arrangement, wait until things are stable and we're not too rushed to negotiate."  
Thundercracker
 Jen Gibbs 

"You're joking, right?  You can't really think we'd sign a contract you had pre-printed with our names on it, did you?  What are you really up to here?" Jen asked.

" Maybe we really should just turn him over, " she thought.  She kept it to herself though; she wanted to hear Seth's response first.
Bennosuke
Seth's expression darkens. He swallows, his stubble covered adams apple bobbing up and down on his scrawny neck. " Very well, " he says, " do you at least want to keep it to look over? You will see I am not... trying to scam you. " He waits for an answer, and waits to see if the two will still help him, studying the two Hunter's with anxious anticipation, lines drawn hard into his forehead and at the corners of his mouth.
Daishain
"Yeah we can take a look at the thing later, lets get through the night without any knives thrown or whatever this Keen uses, and we can talk about what comes next. Fair enough?"
Bennosuke
Under his breath, Seth says something like " You'll be lucky if its knives Keen uses. " He shakes his head, and then looks up at Frank. Maybe sensing that the man is more sympathetic to his situation, he focuses his please on Frank. " So you will at least tell him I gave you the slip? I'll get rid of my burner and will hole up in Salem. " There is real fear in the man's eyes; terrible, terrible fear, and maybe something akin to sorrow.
Daishain
Frank starts flipping through google maps, looking for a good place to drop Seth off more or less on the way to Keen where the fugitive could grab other transport,   "That was the plan was it not? Its in our interest as well as yours to have Keen too busy chasing off on a wild goose chase to give us a second thought. Its just the contract we're wary of, we've already made mistakes blundering through this kind of stuff and we are not eager to do it again."   After a moment he asks,   "Come to think of it how's your right hook? Might look better if I'm reporting in with a nice new bruise on my face."  
Bennosuke
Relief washes over Seth with Frank's reassurance, and he allows himself a small mirthful smirk at Frank's question. " I've never been much with my fists, " he says with a shrug. He studies Frank's face for a moment before adding, " Though if push comes to shove, I can sometimes make myself useful in a firefight. If you really want, I can hit you. Though Jen might have a better chance of giving you a black eye than me. "
Daishain
"If you're not known for that stuff, might be best to skip it after all. Shall we get going?"
Bennosuke
Seth nods in agreement. " Yeah man, let's get this over with. " It doesn't take long to look up nearby bus stops and routes. The group drop Seth off at a stop that will take him out towards Salem, before the bus then travels another 30 miles to the next nearest podunk town.

At the bus stop, Seth will slowly pull himself out of the car, leaning back in to grab his bag. Before he pulls his head out, he says, " Thanks for everything guys. I know I'm asking a lot, but I really trust you. " Despite the vote of confidence, it's clear Seth is speaking more as a plea. His eyes scan both Frank and Jen's searching for reassurance. Then he'll lean back out of the car, and tap the hood before closing the door. As he trundles over to the bench under the stop's awning, the smell in the car quickly improves. Soon the two have pulled away and are heading for the freeway.

(OOC: Offering to give the two PCs a moment to discuss, but otherwise can move us to meeting with Keen)
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Seth nods in agreement. " Yeah man, let's get this over with. " It doesn't take long to look up nearby bus stops and routes. The group drop Seth off at a stop that will take him out towards Salem, before the bus then travels another 30 miles to the next nearest podunk town.

At the bus stop, Seth will slowly pull himself out of the car, leaning back in to grab his bag. Before he pulls his head out, he says, " Thanks for everything guys. I know I'm asking a lot, but I really trust you. " Despite the vote of confidence, it's clear Seth is speaking more as a plea. His eyes scan both Frank and Jen's searching for reassurance. Then he'll lean back out of the car, and tap the hood before closing the door. As he trundles over to the bench under the stop's awning, the smell in the car quickly improves. Soon the two have pulled away and are heading for the freeway.

(OOC: Offering to give the two PCs a moment to discuss, but otherwise can move us to meeting with Keen) 
 

Jen waits until they pull away.

"I don't trust him at all," Jen said, "I'm about two seconds from turning him over to Keen for that stunt he tried to pull with the contract.  Plus if Keen's as powerful as he says, we might be screwing ourselves by annoying him."
Daishain
  "I get it, but I trust Keen even less, I think he's going to be a potential problem even if we do everything he wants. He might actually be a bigger threat if we make ourselves useful to him just because he might not want to let us go... At least this way he'll have something more important to chase after rather than dealing with us."   Frank rubs his temples, feeling a growing headache.

  "I think this is probably the right move, but I wouldn't put any money on the bet if I had an option to just not play. What do you think? We still have the opportunity to serve Seth up on a platter if need be."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
   "I get it, but I trust Keen even less, I think he's going to be a potential problem even if we do everything he wants. He might actually be a bigger threat if we make ourselves useful to him just because he might not want to let us go... At least this way he'll have something more important to chase after rather than dealing with us."   Frank rubs his temples, feeling a growing headache.

  "I think this is probably the right move, but I wouldn't put any money on the bet if I had an option to just not play. What do you think? We still have the opportunity to serve Seth up on a platter if need be."   
 

“You know, when you put it that way, being completely incompetent is probably the best way to go…” Jen said, “let’s stick with the plan, we’ll tell Keen we lost him and where.”
Bennosuke
It's a good twenty plus minutes of freeway driving when the two get to the parking lot that they had agreed to meet Keen at. Keen's sedan is parked in a half empty parking lot of a Straub's grocery store, far enough from the building that there aren't many other parked cars nearby. When the two pull up, he is leaning against the passenger side of his car, looking impatient and smoking a cigarette. When the two get out he says through grit teeth, " What took you so long, " the question almost an accusation. He practically throws the cigarette butt on the ground, grinding it out with one of his polished black leather shoes, the toe box pointed like a spear's tip.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 It's a good twenty plus minutes of freeway driving when the two get to the parking lot that they had agreed to meet Keen at. Keen's sedan is parked in a half empty parking lot of a Straub's grocery store, far enough from the building that there aren't many other parked cars nearby. When the two pull up, he is leaning against the passenger side of his car, looking impatient and smoking a cigarette. When the two get out he says through grit teeth, " What took you so long, " the question almost an accusation. He practically throws the cigarette butt on the ground, grinding it out with one of his polished black leather shoes, the toe box pointed like a spear's tip. 
 

Jen would have preferred calling Keen to tell him that Seth had run, but it was too late for that now.
“He knew something was up and took off at a red light,” Jen said, “we tried to chase him but it was like he vanished into thin air.”
She gave the location to Keen.
Bennosuke
Keen lowers his head toward Jen at this, the gesture seemingly a threat though you can't see his eyes behind the sunglasses. But before he can say anything, Frank blurts out, " He got on a bus before we could get to him. " He pauses, taking the moment to shrug. " But he did have his cellphone on him. It might have been a burner, " Frank adds excitedly, acting like he had just thought of it, " I have his number if you know of some way to track it. "

" I see, " Keen says flatly, his lips pursed as if he had just sucked on a lemon. He takes the number from Frank and plugs it into his phone. Then he takes a deep breath in and out. His hands close and open in and out of fists. Then he asks, " And how do I know you didn't help him escape? "

Frank opens his mouth, his eyes wide. Jen can see him scrambling for an answer, but all he can manage is, " Well... " He looks to Jen desperately for help.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Keen lowers his head toward Jen at this, the gesture seemingly a threat though you can't see his eyes behind the sunglasses. But before he can say anything, Frank blurts out, " He got on a bus before we could get to him. " He pauses, taking the moment to shrug. " But he did have his cellphone on him. It might have been a burner, " Frank adds excitedly, acting like he had just thought of it, " I have his number if you know of some way to track it. "

" I see, " Keen says flatly, his lips pursed as if he had just sucked on a lemon. He takes the number from Frank and plugs it into his phone. Then he takes a deep breath in and out. His hands close and open in and out of fists. Then he asks, " And how do I know you didn't help him escape? "

Frank opens his mouth, his eyes wide. Jen can see him scrambling for an answer, but all he can manage is, " Well... " He looks to Jen desperately for help. 
 

“Are you kidding?  I want this to be done.  I don’t want anything to do with.. whatever it is you two are involved in,” Jen replied, “bringing him here would have been the end of it.”

She shoves her hands in her pockets and mumbles something unintelligible.
Bennosuke
" I see, " Keen says flatly, his entire demeanor expressing how little he believes the two. He clicks his tongue then says, " Well I suppose you will have to give me that number. " He pauses, an eyebrow raising behind his sunglasses, then adds, " but just remember, if I can track Seth's phone with a number, I can also track yours. " He pulls his cell out of his pocket, ready to take down the number to Seth's burner.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " I see, " Keen says flatly, his entire demeanor expressing how little he believes the two. He clicks his tongue then says, " Well I suppose you will have to give me that number. " He pauses, an eyebrow raising behind his sunglasses, then adds, " but just remember, if I can track Seth's phone with a number, I can also track yours. " He pulls his cell out of his pocket, ready to take down the number to Seth's burner. 
 

“Good, if I see him, I’ll ping you and you can come straight to my location,” Jen said, “I catch you anywhere near my house though and I’m calling the cops.”
Bennosuke
Jen's statement draws a smirk from Keen that is cold as ice and sharp like a sword. " You do that, " he says.

Ignoring the potential threat, Frank steps forward and hastily hands over the number to Seth's burner. " We good, " he asks hastily, staring wide eyed at Keen.

Keen studies him from behind his sunglasses. " Yeah, " he replies flatly, " It's probably better I get to tracking Seth down again anyways. " He allows his gaze to linger on Frank, then it floats to Jen. " Very well then. I hope this works, " he says, extending a hand to slap Frank on the shoulder in a rather patronizing gesture, before turning and slamming his car door. The engine to his sedan growls to life and tires screech as it roars away.

Frank's face is pale, his eyes wide. Sheepishly he mumbles, " I... I don't like this. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Jen's statement draws a smirk from Keen that is cold as ice and sharp like a sword. " You do that, " he says.

Ignoring the potential threat, Frank steps forward and hastily hands over the number to Seth's burner. " We good, " he asks hastily, staring wide eyed at Keen.

Keen studies him from behind his sunglasses. " Yeah, " he replies flatly, " It's probably better I get to tracking Seth down again anyways. " He allows his gaze to linger on Frank, then it floats to Jen. " Very well then. I hope this works, " he says, extending a hand to slap Frank on the shoulder in a rather patronizing gesture, before turning and slamming his car door. The engine to his sedan growls to life and tires screech as it roars away.

Frank's face is pale, his eyes wide. Sheepishly he mumbles, " I... I don't like this. " 
 

“Me either, but what was the alternative, shoot him in the face?” Jen asked.
Bennosuke
Frank shrugs. " I'm not sure we win either way, " he says with a shake of his head, " but maybe Seth being an alley is a better outcome than simply helping Keen. I don't get the sense he would ever...  be on our side , if you know what I mean. " Frank pauses, pursing his lips in though, then shakes his head again. With a sigh he will say, " Well, do we go pick Seth up then? "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Frank shrugs. " I'm not sure we win either way, " he says with a shake of his head, " but maybe Seth being an alley is a better outcome than simply helping Keen. I don't get the sense he would ever...  be on our side , if you know what I mean. " Frank pauses, pursing his lips in though, then shakes his head again. With a sigh he will say, " Well, do we go pick Seth up then? " 
 

Jen paused.
"How would we do that, we don't know where he is," she said.

 
 Spoiler 
thought the plan was for him to lay low for a little while?
 
Bennosuke
Frank shrugs, " He said he'd be staying at a motel in Salem, and told us to come get him when the coast was clear. I suppose we don't have to go get him now, but now Keen is hopefully off chasing a burner on a bus. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Frank shrugs, " He said he'd be staying at a motel in Salem, and told us to come get him when the coast was clear. I suppose we don't have to go get him now, but now Keen is hopefully off chasing a burner on a bus. " 
 

“Could always just… leave him there,” Jen said.
Bennosuke
Frank shakes his head, making a tisking noise with his tongue. " Both Seth and Keen have our contacts, and at least Keen knows where we work. If we are going to get in a bunch of grief for this, we may as well get something out of it as well. " He sighs and shrugs his shoulders, before saying, " I won't force you to if you absolutely agree, but I don't think we can try to stay neutral at this point. If we pick a side, at least we can get something out of it. " Despite his confidence, it is clear that Frank is waiting to hear Jen's thoughts. He wasn't putting his foot down, just trying to discuss the matter.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Frank shakes his head, making a tisking noise with his tongue. " Both Seth and Keen have our contacts, and at least Keen knows where we work. If we are going to get in a bunch of grief for this, we may as well get something out of it as well. " He sighs and shrugs his shoulders, before saying, " I won't force you to if you absolutely agree, but I don't think we can try to stay neutral at this point. If we pick a side, at least we can get something out of it. " Despite his confidence, it is clear that Frank is waiting to hear Jen's thoughts. He wasn't putting his foot down, just trying to discuss the matter. 
 

Jen sighed heavily.

“Alright fine, but what’s the plan then… we pick him up and then… do what with him?  We can’t go back to the mathers,” Jen said, “and he’s sure as hell not staying with one of us.”
Bennosuke
Frank shakes his head. " I'm not sure, " he says with a sigh. Thinking it over Frank adds, " I mean, it's probably not a good idea for him to stay with us. If he has money for a hotel in Salem, you think he has money for a hotel in St. Louis? 

He looks down at his pocket and reaching a hand in, pulls out the contract that Seth had given him. He holds it up to Jen, pinching it at the corner, asking, " And what do you think about this? "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Frank shakes his head. " I'm not sure, " he says with a sigh. Thinking it over Frank adds, " I mean, it's probably not a good idea for him to stay with us. If he has money for a hotel in Salem, you think he has money for a hotel in St. Louis? 

He looks down at his pocket and reaching a hand in, pulls out the contract that Seth had given him. He holds it up to Jen, pinching it at the corner, asking, " And what do you think about this? " 
 

"It's a trap, pretty obvious one," Jen replied, "let's leave it for now, I guess if we really really get into a bind, we'll have the option.  I didn't see an expiration date on it, so...."

"As for Seth, I guess we can go see him now, since we know Keen is occupied," she added.
Bennosuke
Frank nods his head and starts to get back into the truck. But he doesn't seem to be ready to let the conversation go. " What do you think of everything Seth was saying? " he asks, eyes ahead rather than looking back at Jen, " Do you think they are really part of something... well  weird ? Like I doubt this is some Wytch ****, but it seems like everywhere we step there's something, I don't know, supernatural to run into. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Frank nods his head and starts to get back into the truck. But he doesn't seem to be ready to let the conversation go. " What do you think of everything Seth was saying? " he asks, eyes ahead rather than looking back at Jen, " Do you think they are really part of something... well  weird ? Like I doubt this is some Wytch ****, but it seems like everywhere we step there's something, I don't know, supernatural to run into. " 
 

"Definitely seems like it," Jen replied, "he's talking about powers and things like that, plus who walks around with a contract like this?  Seems like some kind of weird devil thing.  I'll be honest, I'm not too enthused about getting involved in... whatever it is that's going on between Seth and Keen.  That Wytch woulda turned us into a coat if she could, who knows what Keen is capable of."
Bennosuke
Frank nods his head and lets out a noise, something like a groan. " Just what we need, " he says shaking his head, allowing his face to show his exhaustion and frustration. He runs a hand through his hair in a familiar gesture and says, " Maybe that's more of a reason to get to know Black and his... secret society or whatever. " Frank shrugs, but keeps his eye on the road.

(OOC: Happy to move things along or allow this conversation to continue depending on how interesting it is or if/how you want to explore it. Unless you really want to RP it, I think we can skip RPing picking Seth back up and bringing him to St. Louis, but up to you about what you want to do next.)
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Frank nods his head and lets out a noise, something like a groan. " Just what we need, " he says shaking his head, allowing his face to show his exhaustion and frustration. He runs a hand through his hair in a familiar gesture and says, " Maybe that's more of a reason to get to know Black and his... secret society or whatever. " Frank shrugs, but keeps his eye on the road.

(OOC: Happy to move things along or allow this conversation to continue depending on how interesting it is or if/how you want to explore it. Unless you really want to RP it, I think we can skip RPing picking Seth back up and bringing him to St. Louis, but up to you about what you want to do next.) 
 

“Sure but that might be more of a you thing.  I have a feeling my initiation might be an issue for them,” Jen replied.

 
 Spoiler 
ok to skip.
 
Bennosuke
 “Sure but that might be more of a you thing. I have a feeling my initiation might be an issue for them,” Jen replied. 

Frank shrugs, keeping both hands on the wheel. " Let me deal with that, " he says, his voice heavy with exhaustion.

The two proceed back to Salem to pick up Seth, eventually driving back to St. Louis and depositing him at a local motel in the affordable but very rough neighborhood North of Del Mar. Seth seems unperturbed by the run down and impoverished neighborhood; the motel of a similar maltreated quality. After this, the two part ways after Frank drops Jen back at her car.

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

There are no messages from Keen, or Seth, or anyone else overnight, and Jen is mercifully able to get some rest that evening. She hadn't made any immediate plans with Frank for the day, it was the weekend, meaning she didn't need to come into the office. For once, Jen had a little downtime for herself, to be used however she saw fit.

(OOC: I think we can basically wrap up the scene and put out some beats, but I figure we can give Jen the opportunity for a solo scene, maybe to pursue one of her Aspirations we haven't gotten to, so we will run one last scene... and maybe Daishain will be able to join us around the time it is wrapping up)
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Frank shrugs, keeping both hands on the wheel. " Let me deal with that, " he says, his voice heavy with exhaustion.

The two proceed back to Salem to pick up Seth, eventually driving back to St. Louis and depositing him at a local motel in the affordable but very rough neighborhood North of Del Mar. Seth seems unperturbed by the run down and impoverished neighborhood; the motel of a similar maltreated quality. After this, the two part ways after Frank drops Jen back at her car.

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

There are no messages from Keen, or Seth, or anyone else overnight, and Jen is mercifully able to get some rest that evening. She hadn't made any immediate plans with Frank for the day, it was the weekend, meaning she didn't need to come into the office. For once, Jen had a little downtime for herself, to be used however she saw fit.

(OOC: I think we can basically wrap up the scene and put out some beats, but I figure we can give Jen the opportunity for a solo scene, maybe to pursue one of her Aspirations we haven't gotten to, so we will run one last scene... and maybe Daishain will be able to join us around the time it is wrapping up) 
 

With the Seth situation finally resolved, if only temporarily, Jen takes the opportunity to sleep in the following morning.  After breakfast, she reaches out to Caitlyn to see what she's up to, and then to her contact (Bill?) at the Brotherhood of Mather to see if anyone is going to be at the church today.  If she can't reach any of them, she'll passively scroll through wanted ads to see if she can find some contracting work.
Bennosuke
Caitlyn replies, explaining how she was out late partying the night before and is currently struggling with a hangover, recovering from the night before. She's up to get brunch, or hang out, as long as Jen doesn't have anything too "exciting" planned for the day.

Bill replies that there are Saturday services this morning, but that some members of the Brotherhood will be "hanging out" in the afternoon. He invites Jen to come by if she is interested, but admits that attendance and interest has been a little low since The Wytch was defeated. He also asks Jen how things went with Seth, making a comment about how glad he is to see the man gone.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Caitlyn replies, explaining how she was out late partying the night before and is currently struggling with a hangover, recovering from the night before. She's up to get brunch, or hang out, as long as Jen doesn't have anything too "exciting" planned for the day.

Bill replies that there are Saturday services this morning, but that some members of the Brotherhood will be "hanging out" in the afternoon. He invites Jen to come by if she is interested, but admits that attendance and interest has been a little low since The Wytch was defeated. He also asks Jen how things went with Seth, making a comment about how glad he is to see the man gone. 
 

Jen decides to meet up with Caitlyn, heavens knew she could use a lazy Saturday morning.  She texted her back, then responds to Bill to let him know that the Seth situation is more or less resolved for now, and she'll fill him in later that afternoon.  Then she showers and gets ready for brunch with her friend.
Bennosuke
Caitlyn tells Jen to meet her at City Loafers, a shop on the South side of St. Louis that started as a bakery, but has become popular for its pizzas and sandwiches. They recently started serving brunch and Caitlyn explains she's been wanting to check it out since she heard about it. Bill responds saying he'll be looking forward to it.

After washing up and taking care of her morning rituals, Jen drives over to City Loafers. It's a small, no frills place with minimalistic decoration and just a few more than 5 tables. Caitlyn is already there, waiting in a line leading up to the cash register, a mimosa in hand. She gives Jen a hug as she approaches and says, " They say it will be about 30 minutes before we're seated. You can pull a menu up on your phone. Someone will come by if you want to order a drink while we wait. " She takes a sip of her mimosa and grins. " Thanks for coming, " she says, " how have you been? I started the new job. So far so good! " She gives a girlish squeal of excitement.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Caitlyn tells Jen to meet her at City Loafers, a shop on the South side of St. Louis that started as a bakery, but has become popular for its pizzas and sandwiches. They recently started serving brunch and Caitlyn explains she's been wanting to check it out since she heard about it. Bill responds saying he'll be looking forward to it.

After washing up and taking care of her morning rituals, Jen drives over to City Loafers. It's a small, no frills place with minimalistic decoration and just a few more than 5 tables. Caitlyn is already there, waiting in a line leading up to the cash register, a mimosa in hand. She gives Jen a hug as she approaches and says, " They say it will be about 30 minutes before we're seated. You can pull a menu up on your phone. Someone will come by if you want to order a drink while we wait. " She takes a sip of her mimosa and grins. " Thanks for coming, " she says, " how have you been? I started the new job. So far so good! " She gives a girlish squeal of excitement. 
 

"I really needed this," Jen said as she took her first sip.

"I'm starting to look for another gig," she said, then took a few bites of food, "oh, you started finally?  You'll have to tell me everything."

It was nice to get a dose of normalcy after the total weird her life had become.
Bennosuke
Caitlyn raises an eyebrow and asks, " New gig? Things aren't going well with the engineering job? What's going on? "

Later, in reply to Jen's interest, Caitlyn will explain how she completed training, how she likes her new boss and how she kind of thinks that he might be interested in her,  in more way that one . She goes on to say how she'll mostly be operating in the greater Missouri/Southern Illinois area, but that she'll be making trips every once in a while farther out to Chicago and Nashville, and a couple of other places. She seems genuinely enthusiastic about her job, and the longer Caitlyn talks, the more the young girl who Jen befriended pours through.

(OOC: Is there anything in particular you want to try to accomplish with this scene? Let's not end it yet, and don't let me forget to give you back a WP for it)
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Caitlyn raises an eyebrow and asks, " New gig? Things aren't going well with the engineering job? What's going on? "

Later, in reply to Jen's interest, Caitlyn will explain how she completed training, how she likes her new boss and how she kind of thinks that he might be interested in her,  in more way that one . She goes on to say how she'll mostly be operating in the greater Missouri/Southern Illinois area, but that she'll be making trips every once in a while farther out to Chicago and Nashville, and a couple of other places. She seems genuinely enthusiastic about her job, and the longer Caitlyn talks, the more the young girl who Jen befriended pours through.

(OOC: Is there anything in particular you want to try to accomplish with this scene? Let's not end it yet, and don't let me forget to give you back a WP for it) 
 

Jen laughs.
"That engineering job ended like three months ago... Guess this means we need to catch up more often," she replied, "Are you really going to try to sleep with your boss?  You know there's about a million ways that can go bad."

 
 Spoiler 

(I'm ok to run concurrently with the cult scene.  We can wrap up whenever Daishain finishes his stuff.
 
Bennosuke
Caitlyn chuckles, and coyly replies, " Well not yet. " She takes a sip of her rose and shrugs. " I mean, right now it's just good to... feel wanted again, " she says with a chuckle. Then Caitlyn will lean forward, lowering her voice a little and say, " I know romance isn't really your thing Jen, but really, what's going on? There has to be more to your life then work, right? "

Jen knew this side of Caitlyn, just like she knew Jen. Her best friend wasn't accusing her of being boring, but was accusing Jen of holding back, of not telling her whatever was  really  going on.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Caitlyn chuckles, and coyly replies, " Well not yet. " She takes a sip of her rose and shrugs. " I mean, right now it's just good to... feel wanted again, " she says with a chuckle. Then Caitlyn will lean forward, lowering her voice a little and say, " I know romance isn't really your thing Jen, but really, what's going on? There has to be more to your life then work, right? "

Jen knew this side of Caitlyn, just like she knew Jen. Her best friend wasn't accusing her of being boring, but was accusing Jen of holding back, of not telling her whatever was  really  going on. 
 

"I've been doing some shooting, some exploring," Jen replied, "thinking about finally getting my driver's license.  Though unless I find some work soon it might be a better idea to get a motorcycle license."
She laughed at her own joke.
Bennosuke
Frank awakens the next morning to a voice message. The message is linked to his business phone, and is from Peter Cho, the well dressed librarian from the other day. The message states that his colleague, presumably a member of The Lodge, would like to meet Frank. Cho doesn't provide a name or any further information, but leaves Frank a number to call.

Assuming Frank calls the number, a man's voice picks up on the other line; wizened and deep and creaking like a warped door. " Mr. Daughtridge I presume, " the voice asks, " You're name has passed my way several times recently. "

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

Caitlyn shrugs. " I can teach you how to drive, if you're interested, " she says, then takes another sip. Then that coy grin again, " And I still have that friend who can teach you how to drive a motorcycle. The one I told you about. He  is  cute. "
Daishain
Frank keeps his tone relatively formal as he responds,   "Yes sir. I do hope I have not caused too much of a disturbance with my inquiries, if there is a proper protocol to making contact, I'm afraid I'm not familiar with it. Mr Cho tells me that you wished to meet?"  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Frank awakens the next morning to a voice message. The message is linked to his business phone, and is from Peter Cho, the well dressed librarian from the other day. The message states that his colleague, presumably a member of The Lodge, would like to meet Frank. Cho doesn't provide a name or any further information, but leaves Frank a number to call.

Assuming Frank calls the number, a man's voice picks up on the other line; wizened and deep and creaking like a warped door. " Mr. Daughtridge I presume, " the voice asks, " You're name has passed my way several times recently. "

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

Caitlyn shrugs. " I can teach you how to drive, if you're interested, " she says, then takes another sip. Then that coy grin again, " And I still have that friend who can teach you how to drive a motorcycle. The one I told you about. He  is  cute. " 
 

"Ha, okay now i definitely need to get a license," Jen replied.

 
 Spoiler 
not much to do here, can continue roleplaying forever but maybe we should move over to the brotherhood.  I think Jen wants to find out more about occult stuff now that there's a second happening
 
Bennosuke
There is a pause on the line, before the man replies to Frank. " Mr. Cho told me that  you  wanted to meet. So did Mr. Black, " the man says gruffly, " even though I am sure that you are aware that the very nature of the relationship between me and my colleagues is one that... thrives on privacy. " Frank can hear him take a deep breath in and out. Then after another pause he says slowly, " However, I suppose it would be best to arrange a face-to-face. Since you are live locally, why don't we meet somewhere public that offers a little bit of privacy. Have you ever been to Brendan's? "

Though Frank had likely never been, he was likely aware of the cocktail bar. It was an expensive joint in Downtown St. Louis, that had a reputation for servicing the wealthy business men who worked corporate and financial jobs in that neighborhood. From what Frank heard, there was actually a bouncer who kept less desirable would be attendees out, though that sounded a little outrageous if not downright illegal.

(OOC: Jen has been to Brendan's if you want to look that part of the game up)

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

Jen raises an eyebrow, and grins " So... is that a yes to me, or my  friend . " There was a devilish look in Caitlyn's eye, and it was clear she was hoping for the opportunity to play matchmaker and stir up some drama. She grabs her phone and starts swiping through it, adding with excitement, " I can show you pictures of him if you like. "

(OOC: Let's just resolve this so I know how to set up a subsequent scene)
Daishain
Frank takes a breath, trying to figure out how to phrase this properly,   "I understand sir, please know that I would not be nearly so intrusive under normal circumstances, and I have no intention of compromising your privacy as far as others are concerned."

"In any case, I do know the place. My schedule is flexible enough I can be there almost any time, when would you care to meet?"  
Bennosuke
The man makes a noise at Frank's promise; perhaps a chuckle or perhaps a guffaw. He replies to Frank, " Do you like oysters? We can meet ofr lunch if that works. " Lunch would be in a few hours. Now as an aside, oysters in the Midwest are generally freshwater, larger more muscular pieces of mucous without the salty brine of their smaller saltwater cousins. These generally have to grilled or fried, or covered in herbs and spices.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 There is a pause on the line, before the man replies to Frank. " Mr. Cho told me that  you  wanted to meet. So did Mr. Black, " the man says gruffly, " even though I am sure that you are aware that the very nature of the relationship between me and my colleagues is one that... thrives on privacy. " Frank can hear him take a deep breath in and out. Then after another pause he says slowly, " However, I suppose it would be best to arrange a face-to-face. Since you are live locally, why don't we meet somewhere public that offers a little bit of privacy. Have you ever been to Brendan's? "

Though Frank had likely never been, he was likely aware of the cocktail bar. It was an expensive joint in Downtown St. Louis, that had a reputation for servicing the wealthy business men who worked corporate and financial jobs in that neighborhood. From what Frank heard, there was actually a bouncer who kept less desirable would be attendees out, though that sounded a little outrageous if not downright illegal.

(OOC: Jen has been to Brendan's if you want to look that part of the game up)

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

Jen raises an eyebrow, and grins " So... is that a yes to me, or my  friend . " There was a devilish look in Caitlyn's eye, and it was clear she was hoping for the opportunity to play matchmaker and stir up some drama. She grabs her phone and starts swiping through it, adding with excitement, " I can show you pictures of him if you like. "

(OOC: Let's just resolve this so I know how to set up a subsequent scene) 
 

 Jen 

"Ah yeah, sure, I'll take a look," Jen replied, "no promises though."
If he was decent looking she'd allow Caitlyn to suggest he add her on Facebook.
Bennosuke
Turning her phone around, Caitlyn shows her friend a series of pictures of a guy in his late 20s. " His name is Carter, " she says, which agrees with the facebook account. He looks fit, has a couple of tattoos and straight hair that's so dark it's almost black. He's handsome enough, though looks a little extreme-sportsy. Caitlyn pulls up the account of his business, "West County Riding Training and Safety", which looks professional enough. With growing excitement, she adds, " He's a lot of fun... and at the least you could learn a thing or two about riding a bike. I know you've been thinking about it for a while. "
Daishain
Frank blinks at the man's apparent amusement concerning the possibility of him talking. Great, sounds like these guys also had active measures in place to keep their secrets...

  "Lunch sounds like a great idea sir, I hope it will be productive."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Turning her phone around, Caitlyn shows her friend a series of pictures of a guy in his late 20s. " His name is Carter, " she says, which agrees with the facebook account. He looks fit, has a couple of tattoos and straight hair that's so dark it's almost black. He's handsome enough, though looks a little extreme-sportsy. Caitlyn pulls up the account of his business, "West County Riding Training and Safety", which looks professional enough. With growing excitement, she adds, " He's a lot of fun... and at the least you could learn a thing or two about riding a bike. I know you've been thinking about it for a while. " 
 

"Oh, does he actually own the school?" Jen asked.  That might be worth looking into.

She added biker-tattoo guy.
Bennosuke
There is a pause after Frank's reply. Then the man mutters something along the line of "sure, sure", before the line goes dead.

Frank had a few hours to get ready, or get other things done before his lunch date. But eventually he makes his way to Brendan's. The downtown area of St. Louis brought the term "urban rot" to Frank's mind. Wide open streets were lined with towering high rise buildings for corporations and luxury apartments, but many of the street level facades sported shattered glass windows or were simply boarded up. The pavement was cracked, and the sidewalks were littered with trash. Few pedestrians were out on the street, other than an upsetting number of homeless who camped under awnings, or shuffled up and down the blocks. Whatever new world shine had once radiated from the streets of the downtown area had long since tarnished, and now only the most calcified wealthy chose to come if they had a choice.

(OOC: Not really hyperbolic World of Darkness descriptions either)

When Frank gets to Brendan's he is greeted at the front entrance by a bouncer; a man with a black leather jacket and a few too many facial tattoos. " You have a reservation? " the man asks Frank suspiciously.

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

The fact that Jen continued to show interest was only fueling Caitlyn's excitement. " Yeah, it's his business, " she says with an ear to ear grin. She also gives Carter's personal cellphone and adds, " I'd be happy to introduce you two, if you're interested, " her voice filled with both excitement and mischief, " He's cute, don't you think? "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 There is a pause after Frank's reply. Then the man mutters something along the line of "sure, sure", before the line goes dead.

Frank had a few hours to get ready, or get other things done before his lunch date. But eventually he makes his way to Brendan's. The downtown area of St. Louis brought the term "urban rot" to Frank's mind. Wide open streets were lined with towering high rise buildings for corporations and luxury apartments, but many of the street level facades sported shattered glass windows or were simply boarded up. The pavement was cracked, and the sidewalks were littered with trash. Few pedestrians were out on the street, other than an upsetting number of homeless who camped under awnings, or shuffled up and down the blocks. Whatever new world shine had once radiated from the streets of the downtown area had long since tarnished, and now only the most calcified wealthy chose to come if they had a choice.

(OOC: Not really hyperbolic World of Darkness descriptions either)

When Frank gets to Brendan's he is greeted at the front entrance by a bouncer; a man with a black leather jacket and a few too many facial tattoos. " You have a reservation? " the man asks Frank suspiciously.

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

The fact that Jen continued to show interest was only fueling Caitlyn's excitement. " Yeah, it's his business, " she says with an ear to ear grin. She also gives Carter's personal cellphone and adds, " I'd be happy to introduce you two, if you're interested, " her voice filled with both excitement and mischief, " He's cute, don't you think? " 
 

"He's okay," Jen replied, "I'll have to see what he looks like in real life.  How did you meet him, anyway?"
Bennosuke
Caitlyn shrugs, mischief pouring from her smile and in the twinkle of her eyes. She leans in and says, " A friend of an old boyfriend. Sam and I are no longer talking, but Carter's a good guy. " She chuckles and takes a sip of her wine. " Jen, when was the last time you dated, " she asks playfully.
Daishain
Frank is dressed in his best business attire, a decent looking suit. It didn't see much use, but there were always a few clients that seemed more interested in appearances than anything else.

He gives the bouncer a nod,   "I was to meet someone else here, might you already be expecting a Frank Daughtridge?"  
Bennosuke
For a moment it appears the bouncer is about to wave Frank away. But the moment he says his name, the man in the black leather jacket's eyes open wide. " Oh, you're here to see Mr. Levi, " he says, half asking. The name immediately triggers memories of researching in the library. Frank had discovered that the leader of The Lodge was a man named Julius Levi. He had seen pictures of the man, stout and hunched and severe. Something about the man's appearance in those photos had reminded Frank of Winston Churchill, or maybe The Penguin from the Batman comic books. The bouncer opens the door for Frank and says, " Just head up the stairs. Tell Jess when you get to the top that you are here to see Mr. Levi. "

Frank follows the stairs up, noting the fine dark wooden paneling along the walls and the framed black and white photographs of St. Louis from what must have been practically a century ago. At the top, the hostess Jess is a woman with wild curly hair and tattoos up and down her exposed arms and shoulders. She seems equally impressed when Frank tells her who he's there to see. " Right this way, " she says in a husky voice, and leads Frank over to a booth at the back of the club.

Julius Levi sits at the booth alone, his attention drawn to an open newspaper that's half folded over the table. He's dressed in an old and fuzzy looking pinstripe suit, and though the lower half of his face is hidden by the newspaper, Frank can see his blue eyes framed by wire-rim spectacles.  He looks up from the newspaper, but does not lower it. " Mr. Daughtridge? " he asks in his now familiar voice, " have a seat. "

There is tension in the man's voice, and Jess catches it. She offers to let Frank get settled and says she'll come back in a bit.
Daishain
Frank will offer to shake Mr Levi's hand if the man seems open to it, otherwise he'll simply have a seat.   "Its good to meet you sir. I want to thank you for hearing me out, I think your... you and your friends might have the sort of information I need right now."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Caitlyn shrugs, mischief pouring from her smile and in the twinkle of her eyes. She leans in and says, " A friend of an old boyfriend. Sam and I are no longer talking, but Carter's a good guy. " She chuckles and takes a sip of her wine. " Jen, when was the last time you dated, " she asks playfully. 
 

"What, like seriously, and not just a fling?  Like... years, probably?" she replied, "we'll see how long it takes me to drive this one off too."
Bennosuke
Julius Levi stares at Frank's extended hand for a long second, before making a big fuss of folding and removing his newspaper, standing up, and shaking Frank's hand. " You too, " he grumbles as he slowly lowers himself back into the booth with a groan. He motions for Frank to sit, seeming to ignore the rest of what he has to say. Once Frank has sat down, Levi laces his hands on the table and leans forward. Finally he says, " Yes, yes. Well I hear you have been asking around about the Lodge. " His breath is sour and smoky as if he's been drinking curdled milk while toking a pipe. " Now what exactly is it that you are... that you  think  you are looking for? " He raises an eyebrow at Frank, cold blue eyes staring deep into Frank's.

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

Still grinning mischievously, Caitlyn replies, " Hopefully long enough to get a few rides in! " She takes another sip of her drink, watching Jen's reaction coyly. After a moment, she will add more sincerely, " Anyways, let me know if you want me to help introduce you guys, or if you wanna like do a double date, or something. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Julius Levi stares at Frank's extended hand for a long second, before making a big fuss of folding and removing his newspaper, standing up, and shaking Frank's hand. " You too, " he grumbles as he slowly lowers himself back into the booth with a groan. He motions for Frank to sit, seeming to ignore the rest of what he has to say. Once Frank has sat down, Levi laces his hands on the table and leans forward. Finally he says, " Yes, yes. Well I hear you have been asking around about the Lodge. " His breath is sour and smoky as if he's been drinking curdled milk while toking a pipe. " Now what exactly is it that you are... that you  think  you are looking for? " He raises an eyebrow at Frank, cold blue eyes staring deep into Frank's.

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

Still grinning mischievously, Caitlyn replies, " Hopefully long enough to get a few rides in! " She takes another sip of her drink, watching Jen's reaction coyly. After a moment, she will add more sincerely, " Anyways, let me know if you want me to help introduce you guys, or if you wanna like do a double date, or something. " 
 

“Why don’t we do a double? That sounds like fun,” Jen replied.  Of course, it meant she couldn’t bail as easily if the guy was less than suitable.  Worst case, maybe she could finally get her license.
Daishain
  "Put simply, a while back my friend and I stumbled across something that according to all prior experience shouldn't exist, and accidentally set it loose while escaping. We managed to scrape something together and deal with that particular problem, but not before it directly threatened my family."   Frank's countenance is firm as he remembers.   "I have two young daughters sir, they are my life, and I brought death to their doorstep by stumbling around in the dark. I refuse to allow that to happen again. We have since been given ample hints that our experiences represent but the tip of the iceberg in this regard, meaning I have a lot to learn."

"That is why I sought out the lodge, what I've been able to glean strongly suggests that you have the information I need, or at least more of it than anyone else I have been able to uncover. As for what I can offer in turn, I was hoping that a good start would be offering to add to your own knowledge with a detailed accounting of our experiences with Mo-Tataklee, or at least something that seemed to fit that legend."  
Bennosuke
" It's a date, " Caitlyn says with near ecstatic glee, " I'll try to get something set up based on what works for... everyone. Next weekend work for you? " She's got her phone out and has both thumbs working over time.

(OOC: Okay to end this here, unless there's more you want to explore. Next would be heading to Salem to see the Brotherhood?)

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

As Frank talks about his experience with The Wytch the man raises an eyebrow, his hard expression meant to portray skepticism. This softens only a little as he talks about his family. As Frank finishes, Levi responds with a long 'hmmmm'. He takes a long breath in and then replies, " Mo-Tataklee? I'm not sure I am familiar. " However, something about the man's reply makes that hard to believe. Mr. Levi continues, " And what is it you believe The Lodge can help you with? What is it that you think  we  are? "

(OOC: Maybe a social roll of some kind might be useful here)
Daishain
  "Honestly sir I do not have a full picture on that. The exact nature of the Lodge is well hidden. I am reasonably certain that you are a collector of... unusual stories and information, but to what end is less clear."   Frank pauses a moment to choose his words, one hand under the table rubbing itself with anxiety.

  "I might ask after assistance in ensuring that those I care for are safe, but if information that may leave me better equipped to do it myself is all that is on the table, that chance alone was enough to bring me to you."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Presence+persuasion  (4d10)[ 10 ][ 4 ][ 5 ][ 3 ](22) 
ten again  (4d10)[ 2 ][ 9 ][ 6 ][ 3 ](20) 
 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " It's a date, " Caitlyn says with near ecstatic glee, " I'll try to get something set up based on what works for... everyone. Next weekend work for you? " She's got her phone out and has both thumbs working over time.

(OOC: Okay to end this here, unless there's more you want to explore. Next would be heading to Salem to see the Brotherhood?)

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

As Frank talks about his experience with The Wytch the man raises an eyebrow, his hard expression meant to portray skepticism. This softens only a little as he talks about his family. As Frank finishes, Levi responds with a long 'hmmmm'. He takes a long breath in and then replies, " Mo-Tataklee? I'm not sure I am familiar. " However, something about the man's reply makes that hard to believe. Mr. Levi continues, " And what is it you believe The Lodge can help you with? What is it that you think  we  are? "

(OOC: Maybe a social roll of some kind might be useful here) 
 

"Sure, Saturday should be okay," Jen replied.
 
 Spoiler 
yes, to see the brotherhood of mather.
 
Bennosuke
Frank's description of The Lodge seems to tickle Levi, who begrudgingly responds with a small chuckle. He studies Frank for a long second, and then nods as if deciding something to himself. But rather than speak to Frank, the man raises a hand and calls over a waitress. " Two dozen raw please, " he says flatly to the woman, adding, " and get me an ashtray if you would dear. " Then with a wave of his hand, he excuses the waitress who has never had the opportunity to speak. As she walks away, he says, " Sorry, I'm starting to get hungry. Hope you like oysters. They ship these all the way from Massachusetts and such. The real deal if you know what I mean. "

He reaches into the coat of his pocket and removes a cigar, eying Frank again. Rolling the stick in his hand, he takes a deep breath in and sighs. " So then, what is it that you are afraid of. What is it that is threatening your family, that you think we can help you with? " Levi raises a bushy grey eyebrow. His expression is still hard, full of skepticism.

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

Jen finishes up her meal with Caitlyn; surprisingly good. They set a tentative time and place for the double date and Caitlyn leaves still buzzing with excitement. Leaving the bakery, Jen is hit with the wet humidity of the day and the grey almost smoggy sky. She heads to her car and begins the drive out to Salem.

By the time she gets into town, a light rain is painting the streets. Pulling up to the church, Jen can see a decent collection of familiar pick up trucks parked along the street. Main street is still pretty empty, and even from where Jen's parked across the street, she can hear music playing from inside the church. Out on the steps though are Alexandra and Arnold. The two are (as always) dressed in camo and workwear, huddled together under an umbrella, sharing a cigarette and a can of Miller. They note Jen and Arnold waves to here. " What brings you up today, " he calls, a friendly grin on his face.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Frank's description of The Lodge seems to tickle Levi, who begrudgingly responds with a small chuckle. He studies Frank for a long second, and then nods as if deciding something to himself. But rather than speak to Frank, the man raises a hand and calls over a waitress. " Two dozen raw please, " he says flatly to the woman, adding, " and get me an ashtray if you would dear. " Then with a wave of his hand, he excuses the waitress who has never had the opportunity to speak. As she walks away, he says, " Sorry, I'm starting to get hungry. Hope you like oysters. They ship these all the way from Massachusetts and such. The real deal if you know what I mean. "

He reaches into the coat of his pocket and removes a cigar, eying Frank again. Rolling the stick in his hand, he takes a deep breath in and sighs. " So then, what is it that you are afraid of. What is it that is threatening your family, that you think we can help you with? " Levi raises a bushy grey eyebrow. His expression is still hard, full of skepticism.

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

Jen finishes up her meal with Caitlyn; surprisingly good. They set a tentative time and place for the double date and Caitlyn leaves still buzzing with excitement. Leaving the bakery, Jen is hit with the wet humidity of the day and the grey almost smoggy sky. She heads to her car and begins the drive out to Salem.

By the time she gets into town, a light rain is painting the streets. Pulling up to the church, Jen can see a decent collection of familiar pick up trucks parked along the street. Main street is still pretty empty, and even from where Jen's parked across the street, she can hear music playing from inside the church. Out on the steps though are Alexandra and Arnold. The two are (as always) dressed in camo and workwear, huddled together under an umbrella, sharing a cigarette and a can of Miller. They note Jen and Arnold waves to here. " What brings you up today, " he calls, a friendly grin on his face. 
 

"Hey, got any more?" Jen asked, "had some time today and figured I would stop by, hang out a bit, swap some stories, and maybe look around at what y'all have been able to collect over the years.  Must be some interesting books or reports or something, right?"
Bennosuke
Passing the cigarette to her companion, Alexandra replies, " There's more inside, unless you mean a smoke. "

Arnold takes a puff and nods. He taps some ash away then says, " Oh we got plenty of stuff. Bill's got quiet the collection. " He offers the cigarette to Jen. " Still no sign of the Wytch, " he adds, grinning proudly.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Passing the cigarette to her companion, Alexandra replies, " There's more inside, unless you mean a smoke. "

Arnold takes a puff and nods. He taps some ash away then says, " Oh we got plenty of stuff. Bill's got quiet the collection. " He offers the cigarette to Jen. " Still no sign of the Wytch, " he adds, grinning proudly. 
 

"Nah, maybe later.  I only smoke when I drink," Jen said, "yeah I'd like to take a look at it.  Haha, I don't think that damn thing is coming back anytime soon, but can't hurt to keep an eye out.  That's one thing we definitely don't want catching us with our pants down."
Daishain
Frank raises a hand,   "As cliche as it is I suppose it boils down to being afraid of the unknown. The one threat that I now know for certain exists is possibly gone for good, though I'm not going to stop keeping an eye out for signs of her anytime soon. She... left an impression."

"But assuming she won't be back, my problem now is that I'm sure she was merely the tip of the iceberg, with ample other things that bump in the night having some truth to them. The existence of groups like yours sir is in and of itself a sort of proof of that. Do I need to worry about my kids running into a vampire at night? or redcaps in the park when there's a bit of fog? In the absence of solid information, either of those possibilities seem just as likely as stumbling across a native American witch bound to a tree."

"As I said, I'm principally asking for information, whether that's speaking with an expert, or spending a few nights studying in a library. More direct help would certainly be appreciated, but I understand if that is not on the table."  
Bennosuke
Arnold shrugs and passes the cigarette back to Alexandra. He nods his head in agreement with her comment about the Wytch coming back and says with enthusiasm, " Agreed. " He clicks his teeth, then the short man adds, " It's an odd time man. I mean, I'm glad the Wytch is gone and I hope she never comes back. " But then he leans in close to Jen and in a whisper he says, " But like, what are we supposed to do now? You can feel it among the Brotherhood; that question. Some people are already losing their enthusiasm. "

Alexandra glares at her husband. Recognizing the glance, Arnold shuts his mouth and gives her an apologetic shoulder shrug.

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


 Frank raises a hand, "As cliche as it is I suppose it boils down to being afraid of the unknown. The one threat that I now know for certain exists is possibly gone for good, though I'm not going to stop keeping an eye out for signs of her anytime soon. She... left an impression." 

Levi raises a bushy eyebrow at this, and leans forward. " Her? She? And what exactly was this thing that you refer to? " He waves away Frank's further ramblings, seemingly uninterested in conversation about vampires and things that go bump in the night. Shaking his head he says, " Let's pretend I have any knowledge about such fantastical things that you talk about. First, I think you need to tell me about what you have SEEN! " Eyes narrowing, a stern look on Julius Levi's face, the man looks like he might be trying to intimidate Frank, or maybe just pass gas.
Thundercracker
 Jen 

“It’s like being in a combat zone,” Jen said, “98% of the time it’s mind numbing boredom, but you gotta keep alert, because you know that other 2% gonna blow up all around you sooner or later.”

“Meanwhile, gonna do some reading,” Jen added.
Daishain
Frank suppresses an urge to startle back as Mr Levi gets more intense. He sighs internally, this story was a bargaining chip, and it seemed he had to spend it just to get to the table...

He leans back a little as he starts talking.   "The locals of Salem just called her the Wytch, Osagee natives we spoke to responded with the name Mo-Tataklee when we described her. For us it all started when my friend and I got lost in the woods in Lytchwood park."   Frank starts describing the events he and Jennifer experienced as the Wytch escaped her containment and began stalking them.
Bennosuke
Arnold speaks up again, despite himself and his wife's glare. " But the two percent, " he asks, " what are we waiting for... if the Wytch is gone? "

(OOC: Outside of wrapping this conversation up, happy to move things on. I think your goal is to do some investigative book reading, so I'm happy to skip past further conversations with other NPCs and allow you to do some "research", which will likely revolve around a Resolve + Academics roll. So along with closing up the above, what do you want Jen specifically reading into?)

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

Frank's reply creates an immediate and palpable shift in his companion's demeanor. As the story continues, the color drains from Levi's face, and though his expression barely shifts, all his casual levity turns to stone. In the pauses between the story, Frank can hear the almost wheezing heavy breathing as he passes air with slow breaths in and out of his flaring nostrils. Frank almost gets the sense that Julius Levi is going to reach across the table and slap him, as Frank keeps talking.

Then the waitress comes with the oysters, setting them down, oblivious to the tension. The plate of ice and shell fish almost sparkles in the dim light. With a bored rote tone, she names each of the oysters and where they are from, in where they are along the rim of the plate. Levi doesn't look up, his eyes glued to Frank. He raises a quavering hand and waves her away.

Still staring at Frank, the man reaches to the plate, and with a meaty hand, clutches up an oyster. Without any ceremony and without anything to dress it, Levi slurps the thing down in one go, and places the shell on the table cloth in front of him. " And what happened to The Wytch? You are talking about this all as if there is an end to your story... but here you are  alive.  "
Daishain
Frank keeps quiet while the waitress was there, he was fairly sure this man wouldn't pick a place with prying ears for a conversation like this, but there was no point in pushing it,   "As far as we can tell the thing is dead. Jen and I knew it wasn't going to let up until it had us. We couldn't run forever, and there was no telling how far it would go after it was done with us. So we set a trap, with ourselves as the bait. Drew it into a killbox with heavy weaponry, well, heavy as civilian arms go at any rate. Finished her off with some thermite I made myself. There was nothing left but ashes when we were done."  

*He rubs his head and sighs,*   "Honestly we weren't sure that was the end of it. I mean the dreams ended with her but it seemed foolish to just assume that a simple thing like burning to ash would be enough. That is until we went back to her tree. The murder of crows was gone, the maze of illusions vanished, the tree itself was dead and decaying, and the entire... feel of the place was so much cleaner and less oppressive I almost couldn't recognize it. I don't know if I'll ever stop keeping an eye out for her, but at least I'm not jumping at every half seen motion in the corner of my eye these days."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Arnold speaks up again, despite himself and his wife's glare. " But the two percent, " he asks, " what are we waiting for... if the Wytch is gone? "

(OOC: Outside of wrapping this conversation up, happy to move things on. I think your goal is to do some investigative book reading, so I'm happy to skip past further conversations with other NPCs and allow you to do some "research", which will likely revolve around a Resolve + Academics roll. So along with closing up the above, what do you want Jen specifically reading into?)

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

Frank's reply creates an immediate and palpable shift in his companion's demeanor. As the story continues, the color drains from Levi's face, and though his expression barely shifts, all his casual levity turns to stone. In the pauses between the story, Frank can hear the almost wheezing heavy breathing as he passes air with slow breaths in and out of his flaring nostrils. Frank almost gets the sense that Julius Levi is going to reach across the table and slap him, as Frank keeps talking.

Then the waitress comes with the oysters, setting them down, oblivious to the tension. The plate of ice and shell fish almost sparkles in the dim light. With a bored rote tone, she names each of the oysters and where they are from, in where they are along the rim of the plate. Levi doesn't look up, his eyes glued to Frank. He raises a quavering hand and waves her away.

Still staring at Frank, the man reaches to the plate, and with a meaty hand, clutches up an oyster. Without any ceremony and without anything to dress it, Levi slurps the thing down in one go, and places the shell on the table cloth in front of him. " And what happened to The Wytch? You are talking about this all as if there is an end to your story... but here you are  alive.  " 
 

Jen wants to try to see if there's anything in addition to the Wytch they have in their 'archives', and also see if she can piece together some of the history of the Brotherhood, its origins, past leaders, etc.
 
 Spoiler 
this is a chance die:  (1d10)[ 9 ] 
 
Bennosuke
Julius Levi's expression shifts as Frank speaks, often times belying awe and something like jealousy. But as he finishes, Levi's countenance hardens, and his eyes narrow with the study of suspicion. " I see, " he says slowly, " that is very interesting. " He pauses to drink a little water, still measuring Frank with his eyes. Placing the glass down, he asks, " Do you have any proof of all this, " though it is clear that the man already believes Frank.

But before Frank can answer, Levi gestures to the plate of oysters. " Have one, " he says flatly, adding, " otherwise I will feel bad for eating them all before you can get to them. "

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

(OOC: So close, but a chance dice means you need a 10 for a success)

Jen walks inside, greeting the others and making pleasantries as necessary, before she is able to get Bill to show her his library. Most of what he shows her are books Jen has already seen before, leaving her to wonder if maybe Bill had an additional stash he wasn't sharing, or a trove of knowledge in some other form.

She spends about an hour reviewing things, but it's mostly all old news when it comes to The Wytch. The small leather bound booklet he shows her on The Brotherhood Of Mather is almost less impressive. Much of what's in the book are generalities and platitudes. According to the book, the group was founded by Father Mather, a catholic priest and witch hunter who came up from the South soon after the Louisiana Purchase. He and his congregation reportedly learned from the "heathen red men" how to live off the land, and about the secrets of The Wytch.

Interestingly, the book does refer to there being multiple Wytches, of course referred to as a "Coven", though most every other text refers to a singular "The Wytch".
Daishain
Frank reaches out and slurps down one of the oysters,   "As in empirical evidence? Fraid not. We were pretty careful to leave as few traces as possible actually. Aside from feeling a need to be thorough with her, if law enforcement caught wind of our little trap night the one part of the affair that might exonerate us is also the part they'd never believe. I could show you what's left of the tree, but that's not especially impressive either now."  

Frank scratches his chin a bit,   "You could ask the Brotherhood of Mather about it, they've been monitoring that thing for generations and confirmed her disappearance themselves. I'll... let you judge their suitability at witnesses for yourself."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Julius Levi's expression shifts as Frank speaks, often times belying awe and something like jealousy. But as he finishes, Levi's countenance hardens, and his eyes narrow with the study of suspicion. " I see, " he says slowly, " that is very interesting. " He pauses to drink a little water, still measuring Frank with his eyes. Placing the glass down, he asks, " Do you have any proof of all this, " though it is clear that the man already believes Frank.

But before Frank can answer, Levi gestures to the plate of oysters. " Have one, " he says flatly, adding, " otherwise I will feel bad for eating them all before you can get to them. "

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

(OOC: So close, but a chance dice means you need a 10 for a success)

Jen walks inside, greeting the others and making pleasantries as necessary, before she is able to get Bill to show her his library. Most of what he shows her are books Jen has already seen before, leaving her to wonder if maybe Bill had an additional stash he wasn't sharing, or a trove of knowledge in some other form.

She spends about an hour reviewing things, but it's mostly all old news when it comes to The Wytch. The small leather bound booklet he shows her on The Brotherhood Of Mather is almost less impressive. Much of what's in the book are generalities and platitudes. According to the book, the group was founded by Father Mather, a catholic priest and witch hunter who came up from the South soon after the Louisiana Purchase. He and his congregation reportedly learned from the "heathen red men" how to live off the land, and about the secrets of The Wytch.

Interestingly, the book does refer to there being multiple Wytches, of course referred to as a "Coven", though most every other text refers to a singular "The Wytch". 
 

"Oh, great," Jen said, filing the notes about a Coven in the back of her mind.  It wasn't what she was looking for, but it might come in handy one day.  She'll spend the rest of the day hanging out with the Brotherhood, getting to know them and whether there were any combat vets among them, which she would then have in common with.
Bennosuke
 Frank reaches out and slurps down one of the oysters, "As in empirical evidence? Fraid not. We were pretty careful to leave as few traces as possible actually. Aside from feeling a need to be thorough with her, if law enforcement caught wind of our little trap night the one part of the affair that might exonerate us is also the part they'd never believe. I could show you what's left of the tree, but that's not especially impressive either now." 

The oyster is good, briny without being cloying, though I leave it up to you if oysters are something Frank likes.

Julius Levi scowls at all of this, but waves it away with a hand and mumbles, " Very well. " He studies Frank for a moment longer, then reaches over and scoops up a second oyster with a meaty paw. This time he spoons the oyster out and drowns it in mignonette, before taking it down lustily. He then watches Frank impatiently, waiting for Frank to have one so that he can have another.


 Frank scratches his chin a bit, "You could ask the Brotherhood of Mather about it, they've been monitoring that thing for generations and confirmed her disappearance themselves. I'll... let you judge their suitability at witnesses for yourself." 

This rouses Levi, his eyes going wide, his face turning flush. " The Brotherhood? " he asks (OOC: We'll assume Frank had not brought them up yet during his telling of the story, " You've met them already? " He reaches over for his glass and drains it, practically slamming it back down on the table. Julius Levi raises his eyebrow at Frank and again leans closer. He manages to compose himself, lowering the sound and tone of his voice. He says, " You've seen more than I expected then. The fact that you've seen... and  combated  The Wytch! I suppose it  would  be useful for you to know more. " He nods his head slowly, and purses his lips. " How can we help you then? I take it you haven't... joined those hicks out in Salem, " he asks, referring to The Brotherhood of Mather.

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

Many of the Brotherhood are ex-military, and some are active police force.

(OOC: Wanna make a social roll, maybe Presence/Manipulation + Socialize/persuasion to start the task of "Helping the brotherhood find a new purpose, with a view towards becoming a more influential member.")
Daishain
Frank consumes another as subtly prompted, they were indeed really good, but he had things other than food on his mind at the moment. He shakes his head in response to the question,   "They contacted us shortly after we stumbled out of those woods. Helped us figure out a few things and gave a little bit of support, but then they basically left us to fend for ourselves in actually fighting her, in spite of dealing with the Wytch being their self appointed responsibility."

"They offered to bring us in afterwards, but I declined. Among other problems the only thing they seemed to have any useful knowledge about was the Wytch. So when it became clear she wasn't the only problem to worry about I started looking for other more... reliable groups in the know. That hunt is what led me to the Lodge."   Frank sighs,   "My friend Jen though was of a different mindset. She joined them. Seems to think she can take over and whip them into shape, give them new purpose now that the Wytch appears to be gone. Who knows, she's a veteran so has a chance of relating to them that way, and if she can succeed, well I have to admit a bunch of well armed hicks serving as fire support could very much come in handy if there's ever another tough scrap like that."  

He raises a hand,   "Honestly I feel a little guilty not helping her with that, but firepower's often useless without the right information. That is exactly what I'm hoping you can help me with. I want to learn everything I can from you. There is very little I would not do to ensure my daughters grow up happy and safe from all of this. So I suppose my question is what would you ask from me in turn?"  
Bennosuke
Julius Levi watches Frank take another oyster with a grin. He manages to hold out for almost a minute while listening to Frank before going in for his next. Something has changed in the last few minutes as Frank has told his story. The haughty indifference is gone from Levi's face as he listens. As Frank talks about the Brotherhood, he nods with approval, his eyes bright and attentive. Levi grins and it is almost friendly. " I see, " he says when Frank is done speaking, clasping his hands together on the table, " I must admit, I had not... expected this today. I was not prepared to believe you, to be honest. " He clears his throat. " Anyways, as I do believe what you are saying, I must admit that I am quiet impressed. We had been aware of The Wytch for quiet some time... and well, had considered her dangerous enough that we had chosen to watch and wait. You and your friend... Jen was it? You've made quiet an accomplishment for someone uninitiated. "

Levi pauses and takes another drink again noisily clearing his throat. " Anyways, " he continues, " you have the right of The Brotherhood. They aren't much more than a bunch of rednecks with guns and a few half-useful tomes. " He leans in again, his expression shifting to something cold and stern. When Julius Levi speaks, his voice is barely audible above a whisper as he says, " Most people are completely unaware of just how many things prey upon our society and our people. If they knew how many old wives tales had some truth to the, there would likely be panic in the streets. There is much to know... and probably much that we could share. But I an my associates, we don't share that information openly, and for good reason. But, perhaps we could come to an agreement, if you are willing. "
Daishain
Frank nods,   "I figured as much. It shouldn't be too difficult to obtain empirical evidence of these creatures, and with that you could bludgeon through the skepticism. For all her power the Wytch was a flesh and blood creature that could be studied. It follows then that there must be some solid reason the knowledge is kept quiet rather than shouted from the rooftops."  

He takes his time with the next oyster, he didn't like the idea of keeping secrets this deadly from the public. But there was no way in hell he was the first to stumble across this stuff who had the same sort of reservations, which made the silence rather ominous...   "What manner of arrangement did you have in mind sir?"  
Bennosuke
Jen spends much of the afternoon with the members of The Brotherhood, mostly interacting with those with military backgrounds. She uses the time to build further rapport, knowing that this will be needed if she was to one day influence them towards a new path. She was still the newest initiate, but having been responsible for bringing the Wytch down, she finds that people aren't completely closed off to her.

Jen's actions do seem to please Bill, who watches from a distance with the anxious approval of a father chaperoning his teenager's school party.

(OOC: We'll give Jen one beat towards her aspiration for the single success. Probably not worth a point in status or similar merit yet, but with a little more time and maybe 2 more successes I think this would be fair.)

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

Julius Levi listens to Frank's thoughts, nodding with agreement. His defenses seem to finally be lowered. To Frank's question he replies, " I suppose it would be reasonable to introduce you to the rest of The Lodge. Not necessarily as a potential member, but I am sure the others would be interested in hearing about your experiences. " Despite what Levi was saying, Frank got the sense that this was exactly to consider him as a potential member.

Levi takes another oyster, since Frank had, and downs it just as lustily as the others. With a grin he adds, " No chance you've had  other  run in's with anything else? "
Daishain
  "Maybe, maybe not. At the least there has yet to be anything anywhere near as overt as she was. I've been wired and jumpy so I have to assume there's a chance the rest has just been an overly paranoid mind at work. But I've been seeing things suggesting some sort of weird machine cult in the area, in more than the new age scam sense. Also had a run in with a pair of sketchy individuals lately. Ordinary people at first glance, but both were... off I suppose is the best word for it. One of them felt like a predator, and by that I mean Jen's most intimidating soldier buddies felt like kittens by comparison, he claimed to work for the church. Which church he conveniently failed to specify."   Frank has another oyster, closing his eyes and savoring this one since it felt like the main challenge of this meeting was out of the way.

  "The other, a rather weaselly man, was on the run from the first and behaving oddly enough to freak out even the Brotherhood. At one point he produced a detailed contract specific to the situation out of nowhere. Seemed deeply disappointed when Jen and I refused to sign the thing. At the time I had the distinct impression that agreement would've been enforced by something other than the sort of court system I'm familiar with."

"In any case, I would be glad to meet with the others for introductions. Did you have a rough time frame for that in mind?"  
Bennosuke
Julius Levi listens to Frank, his prior incredulous scowl returning to his face. He nods regardless and says, " Without more information, it is hard for me to judge. " However, in regards to Frank's question, he allows himself a faint smile. With a shrug Levi replies, " Probably in about a week. My colleagues are all busy men. I will message you once I have spoken to them. " He nods and gestures to the last of the oysters. " Let's finish this, " he says, " Do you want a drink or anything else? "

(OOC: Happy to end IC here, unless there is anything more you want to pursue)
Daishain
  "Perhaps one drink. I do not wish to keep you for long, but I do hope to keep getting better acquainted."   Frank pauses a moment before continuing,

  "By the way, did you wish to hear at all from Jen? I understand if you wish to limit contact given her new ties, but she would certainly have her own insights on our experiences that may be of interest to you."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
The above question is the last I can think of for this particular scene, so by all means wrap
 
Bennosuke
The man calls one of the waitresses over to order drinks. After his bourbon on the rocks has been ordered Levi will reply to Frank's question. " It is sometimes best to keep things simple, " Julius Levi says slowly, " and it was you who reached out to us. It was you at the library, and it was you who reached out to Andy, if I am not mistaken. We are a rather private group as well, and normally don't consider new members, let alone multiple. " His voice trails off for a moment before he adds, " And, well it appears she has made her allegiances, so to speak. "
Bennosuke
Frank eventually wraps up his lunch with Julius Levi, and at some point messages Jen for a meet up. Because Jen is out it Salem, she offers to meet him for drinks in the evening that night.

The two meet at a hole in the wall bar near the university hospital; a real local's joint known as Cherrie's. It's the sort of place where everyone's drinking Budweiser, even if other beers are available, and is regularly filled with a shuffling cast of alcoholics who all know each other's business and drinking preferences, even though everyone keeps to themselves. It's the sort of place with two TVs, both playing the same channel, and somehow there is always some live local sporting event to root for.

Frank's there first, Jen arriving by public transportation a little later. By now the sky's dark, the wind's are howling, and the sky is heavy and humid and threatening to pour open with rain.
Daishain
Frank nods to Jen as she enters, sliding a drink her way,   "So, how did it go? Think you can get those guys to do what you need?"  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Frank nods to Jen as she enters, sliding a drink her way,   "So, how did it go? Think you can get those guys to do what you need?"   
 

"It went fine, as for getting them to do what we need, I'm not really sure what that is," Jen said.  She took a long swig.
"They're kind of aimless at the moment, and I was hoping to find something in their archives to give them something to head towards before people start dropping out, but no luck.  Were you able to come up with anything?" she asked.
Daishain
Frank nods,   "The Lodge's leader, Mr Levi, seems to have been impressed by our exploits. From the sound of it they've been collecting exactly the sort of information we've been looking for for quite some time. They'll be setting up a meeting in a week or so, I'm fairly sure its meant to be an initiation."  

He raises a hand,   "If the brotherhood doesn't end up having anything of their own, I'm pretty sure we can find something for them to focus on from the lodge. We'll need to be careful about that though, they seem rather reluctant to share information, and are quite dismissive of the brotherhood. We'd have to make a good case I think."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Frank nods,   "The Lodge's leader, Mr Levi, seems to have been impressed by our exploits. From the sound of it they've been collecting exactly the sort of information we've been looking for for quite some time. They'll be setting up a meeting in a week or so, I'm fairly sure its meant to be an initiation."  

He raises a hand,   "If the brotherhood doesn't end up having anything of their own, I'm pretty sure we can find something for them to focus on from the lodge. We'll need to be careful about that though, they seem rather reluctant to share information, and are quite dismissive of the brotherhood. We'd have to make a good case I think."   
 

"Well, I'm hoping I can give them some direction and eventually take over as leader," Jen said, "not that I have anything against them now, just... better to have a squad of guys ready to roll up with guns than not."
Daishain
  "Yeah, kinda figured that's where you were heading. Not sure if they'll let you, but if you can pull it off, that could be really handy."  

Frank takes a pull from his beer,   "We should probably get some actual work done this week while its quiet. I mean, it feels kind of strange worrying about that after this mess, but those bills don't stop just because of wierdness."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
   "Yeah, kinda figured that's where you were heading. Not sure if they'll let you, but if you can pull it off, that could be really handy."  

Frank takes a pull from his beer,   "We should probably get some actual work done this week while its quiet. I mean, it feels kind of strange worrying about that after this mess, but those bills don't stop just because of wierdness."   
 

“I doubt anyone else will be able to give them any kind of direction in the ‘weird, shouldn’t exist’ kind of direction,” Jen said, “we’ll see how it goes.  Yeah, my money won’t last forever, did you have something in mind?”
Daishain
  "I'll have to look into it. I've been turning down requests lately, but I bet a few of those are still available if I call 'em back."  

He grins,   "Heh, this mess sounds like it might actually work, funny as it is. Identify the problems, then point the brotherhood at them to clean it up. This area could end up owing us a lot and never know it."  
Bennosuke
With a couple of days before the double date, and with work in a little bit of a nadir, Jen decided to do some digging on Seth. The Range was an indoor gun club well South of downtown St. Louis. It was maybe not the biggest, and it was not in the best part of town (as if there were many good parts of town in St. Louis), but it was the easiest for Jen to get to by public transportation. In another rotting neighborhood originally built up around booming industry, The Range was not much more than a renovated warehouse; its walls lined with sound proof foam, it's blacked out windows protected with a shell of iron bars.

This was not the sort of place college students or tech bros went to take pictures and live out a power fantasy. The Range was for a niche breed of locals. Men with long dirty beards and bleary eyes. Locals who bled red, who stitched Police Lives Matter patches onto their flannel jackets, and who went to the same dive bar every afternoon till they couldn't stand. It was an insular little gun club. You had to own your own weapon, though they'd store it for you, and no questions were asked about what you were packing, or if you had a license. Jen went regularly enough that she knew the names of many of the locals, and they knew well enough to give Jen her space. The good ol' boys were always hesitant around the young blond woman anyways. Some of these ol' boys had introduced Jen to Seth, when she'd asked around for help picking up a new piece with a little more firepower.

So without much to lose, some time to spare, and the desire to fire a few clips anyways, Jen took the bus out to The Range one afternoon. Checking in, Jen was greeted by Berny, a man with a shaved bald head and streaks of grey in his goatee. He was a decent guy, mostly kept to himself and kept the punks and posers out of the range. As Jen stepped up to the registration booth, from behind the plexiglass screen he says, " Hey boss, long time no see. Much new? "

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

It was another day before Frank got the much awaited contact from Levi. He had said it might take a week. The Lodge had an invitation for Frank to join them for a casual cocktail hour in a few days. He gave Frank an address; it was the address for the mansion in the Central West End that Frank had discovered in connection with The Lodge. Levi made it sound like most of the big wigs in The Lodge would be there, and Frank was encouraged to dress "appropriately", whatever that meant.

The night before the get-together though, Frank got a text from his eldest daughter Marissa, that read, " Hey Dad, do you have a moment to talk? " The girl was normally quiet outgoing, usually a real sharp shooter. It wasn't like her to send such a serious but vague text. The girls had been spending the last week or two with their mom and  Neil . It had been nice to be without the parental responsibilities, though admittedly Clarissa had been acting a little strange lately, and Neil was always so smug. Frank would be getting the girls back next week, and at the same time as he was enjoying his freedom, Frank couldn't wait to be their dad again.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 With a couple of days before the double date, and with work in a little bit of a nadir, Jen decided to do some digging on Seth. The Range was an indoor gun club well South of downtown St. Louis. It was maybe not the biggest, and it was not in the best part of town (as if there were many good parts of town in St. Louis), but it was the easiest for Jen to get to by public transportation. In another rotting neighborhood originally built up around booming industry, The Range was not much more than a renovated warehouse; its walls lined with sound proof foam, it's blacked out windows protected with a shell of iron bars.

This was not the sort of place college students or tech bros went to take pictures and live out a power fantasy. The Range was for a niche breed of locals. Men with long dirty beards and bleary eyes. Locals who bled red, who stitched Police Lives Matter patches onto their flannel jackets, and who went to the same dive bar every afternoon till they couldn't stand. It was an insular little gun club. You had to own your own weapon, though they'd store it for you, and no questions were asked about what you were packing, or if you had a license. Jen went regularly enough that she knew the names of many of the locals, and they knew well enough to give Jen her space. The good ol' boys were always hesitant around the young blond woman anyways. Some of these ol' boys had introduced Jen to Seth, when she'd asked around for help picking up a new piece with a little more firepower.

So without much to lose, some time to spare, and the desire to fire a few clips anyways, Jen took the bus out to The Range one afternoon. Checking in, Jen was greeted by Berny, a man with a shaved bald head and streaks of grey in his goatee. He was a decent guy, mostly kept to himself and kept the punks and posers out of the range. As Jen stepped up to the registration booth, from behind the plexiglass screen he says, " Hey boss, long time no see. Much new? "

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

It was another day before Frank got the much awaited contact from Levi. He had said it might take a week. The Lodge had an invitation for Frank to join them for a casual cocktail hour in a few days. He gave Frank an address; it was the address for the mansion in the Central West End that Frank had discovered in connection with The Lodge. Levi made it sound like most of the big wigs in The Lodge would be there, and Frank was encouraged to dress "appropriately", whatever that meant.

The night before the get-together though, Frank got a text from his eldest daughter Marissa, that read, " Hey Dad, do you have a moment to talk? " The girl was normally quiet outgoing, usually a real sharp shooter. It wasn't like her to send such a serious but vague text. The girls had been spending the last week or two with their mom and  Neil . It had been nice to be without the parental responsibilities, though admittedly Clarissa had been acting a little strange lately, and Neil was always so smug. Frank would be getting the girls back next week, and at the same time as he was enjoying his freedom, Frank couldn't wait to be their dad again. 
 

"Boss?  Haven't heard that one in a while," Jen said, "I'll be honest, it could be better.  Figured I'd keep the skills sharp in the meantime."
She booked a shooting booth and paid for a hundred rounds.  While Berny got things together, Jen continued talking.
"Remember a couple weeks back I was looking for a guy.  Anyone I talked to around today?" she asked.
Bennosuke
Berny nods his head in silent acknowledgement at Jen's desire to fire off a few rounds, not prying further about how it could be better.

He lifts his head up from ringing Jen up, at the question. " You mean Seth, " he asks, the name coming out as if it were slimy and covered in ants, " I remember him. Hasn't been around in a couple of weeks. Why you asking? I thought he... hooked you up already. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Berny nods his head in silent acknowledgement at Jen's desire to fire off a few rounds, not prying further about how it could be better.

He lifts his head up from ringing Jen up, at the question. " You mean Seth, " he asks, the name coming out as if it were slimy and covered in ants, " I remember him. Hasn't been around in a couple of weeks. Why you asking? I thought he... hooked you up already. " 
 

"Yeah he did, but he's mixed up in something and asked for help.  I'm not too excited about jumping in blind, buuut, he did do me a favor.  I'm looking to find more people who know him, see if his story checks out first, you know?" Jen replied.
Bennosuke
Berny purses his lips as he runs his tongue over his top teeth. He shrugs and then says, " People who know him? Dude's a spook, a real loner. I never seen anyone talk to him unless they needed something. " The harsh scowl on his face softens and he grins at Jen. " He's a real greasy mother. I hear he's useful, but even chatting with him here at the desk leaves me feeling... slimy, " he says, and it's clear he's trying not to sound like's he's judging Jen for having associated with him. Then Berny sighs, his eyes wandering around the room to make sure the two were alone. Then leaning in close so that Jen can smell the stale chew on his breath, he says furtively, " But if it helps, I know Simon Good has... dealt with him before. I think Simon's on the range now. " Good was a a real "good old boy", the sort of man whose complaints about the power of the government were as long as his beard. He had a sharp intelligent mind and a sharper tongue. He wasn't the sort of man to tolerate a woman at the gun club, but he'd always seemed to have some sort of tacit respect for Jen.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Berny purses his lips as he runs his tongue over his top teeth. He shrugs and then says, " People who know him? Dude's a spook, a real loner. I never seen anyone talk to him unless they needed something. " The harsh scowl on his face softens and he grins at Jen. " He's a real greasy mother. I hear he's useful, but even chatting with him here at the desk leaves me feeling... slimy, " he says, and it's clear he's trying not to sound like's he's judging Jen for having associated with him. Then Berny sighs, his eyes wandering around the room to make sure the two were alone. Then leaning in close so that Jen can smell the stale chew on his breath, he says furtively, " But if it helps, I know Simon Good has... dealt with him before. I think Simon's on the range now. " Good was a a real "good old boy", the sort of man whose complaints about the power of the government were as long as his beard. He had a sharp intelligent mind and a sharper tongue. He wasn't the sort of man to tolerate a woman at the gun club, but he'd always seemed to have some sort of tacit respect for Jen. 
 

 Jen Gibbs 

"You don't have to tell me twice, the guy's shady as hell and half the time he stinks to high heaven but..." she said, then shrugged as if to say 'what are you gonna do?'.
"That's for the heads up," she said.

She headed over to the range to find Simon Good.  If he's in the middle of a set, she'll watch for a bit and see if he notices her.

If he doesn't she'll pipe up as he resets his target.
"Simon?  Got a moment?  I've got a... situation, could use your expertise, if you're not too busy," she said.
Bennosuke
Simon is all the way down the long aisle of the range, busy taking slow and steady shots with both hands on a black Glock G19. As Jen gets closer she can see that the gun's been modified. It's got a high capacity magazine; something illegal in most states including Missouri. The man as got his military brown earmuffs on over a red trucker hat. A small bit of his gut peaks out from his open flannel shirt and his stained wife beater.

He doesn't notice Jen, firing off round after round with a practiced stance and concentration. Even with Jen calling him, the man seems not be be able to hear with his noise cancelers. In fact, it's only when Simon finishes his clip and finally turns around to reload the magazine that he sees her. The man pulls his earmuffs down around his neck and scowls at Jen. " How long you been watching me, " he asks, yelling to be heard over the sound of others practicing in the range.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Simon is all the way down the long aisle of the range, busy taking slow and steady shots with both hands on a black Glock G19. As Jen gets closer she can see that the gun's been modified. It's got a high capacity magazine; something illegal in most states including Missouri. The man as got his military brown earmuffs on over a red trucker hat. A small bit of his gut peaks out from his open flannel shirt and his stained wife beater.

He doesn't notice Jen, firing off round after round with a practiced stance and concentration. Even with Jen calling him, the man seems not be be able to hear with his noise cancelers. In fact, it's only when Simon finishes his clip and finally turns around to reload the magazine that he sees her. The man pulls his earmuffs down around his neck and scowls at Jen. " How long you been watching me, " he asks, yelling to be heard over the sound of others practicing in the range. 
 

"Only the last mag.  If you're ready for a break, I'll buy you a beer?" Jen asked, "got something I want to talk about."
Bennosuke
Simon raises a bushy eyebrow and says, " You wanna talk? " He studies Jen's face for a long moment, then hollers, " I got a cooler, " pointing to a small blue and black camo print igloo on the table behind his lane. He ejects his magazine dutifully, pointing the empty and disarmed weapon down to the ground purposefully before approaching. Placing the pistol and it's separated clip down on the table he invites Jen over, and opens up the igloo to hand her a tall blue light beer can. He cracks one open for himself and takes a long sip, wiping the sudds from his scraggly mustache. " You wanna talk, " he asks again.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Simon raises a bushy eyebrow and says, " You wanna talk? " He studies Jen's face for a long moment, then hollers, " I got a cooler, " pointing to a small blue and black camo print igloo on the table behind his lane. He ejects his magazine dutifully, pointing the empty and disarmed weapon down to the ground purposefully before approaching. Placing the pistol and it's separated clip down on the table he invites Jen over, and opens up the igloo to hand her a tall blue light beer can. He cracks one open for himself and takes a long sip, wiping the sudds from his scraggly mustache. " You wanna talk, " he asks again. 
 

 Jen 

"Yeah," Jen said as she accepted the beer and cracked hers open, "thanks.  Remember Seth?  Thanks for linking us up, he was able to help me out.  Now he's asking me for a favor, and I wanted to look into it a little bit before I committed, you understand... he's a weird guy."
Daishain
For once in his life Frank finds himself agonizing over, of all things, clothing. His business attire was well kept and fitted by his own standards, but Mr Levi had made him feel a bit like a hayseed bumpkin by comparison, and the prospect of getting judged by a room full of people with a similar social standing did not sit well...

It was rather a relief to be distracted from that particular issue by a text, he responds fairly quickly.   "Hey kiddo, what's on your mind?"  
Bennosuke
Simon listens with intent to Jen, and takes a slow loud slurp of his beer. " Seth? Yeah, he is a... strange one, " the man agrees before taking a deep breath in and out. He shrugs then adds, " I can't say I know him all that well, other than to say he's strange, but he's useful. I don't know what  resources  Seth helped you with, but it seemed like for the right price he could get his hands on anything. " Simon was being intentionally vague, even though no one was listening in, and the frequent gunfire made it even harder to be heard. " Now I ain't one for snoopin' or invading another man's privacy, but I even tried to do a little  research  on Seth, " he says, almost making finger quotations when he says 'research', " but there really ain't much on him, that I could find anyways. " Simon takes another sip of his beer, narrows his brow and asks, " So what is it you wanted to know about him? "

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

Frank's phone starts ringing a few moments after he sends his text. When he picks up, Marissa says, " Hey Dad. I hope I'm not bothering you. You have a minute, right? "
Daishain
Frank has a seat,   "I'm glad to hear from you, and I certainly do have a minute. Is everything all right?"  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Simon listens with intent to Jen, and takes a slow loud slurp of his beer. " Seth? Yeah, he is a... strange one, " the man agrees before taking a deep breath in and out. He shrugs then adds, " I can't say I know him all that well, other than to say he's strange, but he's useful. I don't know what  resources  Seth helped you with, but it seemed like for the right price he could get his hands on anything. " Simon was being intentionally vague, even though no one was listening in, and the frequent gunfire made it even harder to be heard. " Now I ain't one for snoopin' or invading another man's privacy, but I even tried to do a little  research  on Seth, " he says, almost making finger quotations when he says 'research', " but there really ain't much on him, that I could find anyways. " Simon takes another sip of his beer, narrows his brow and asks, " So what is it you wanted to know about him? "

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

Frank's phone starts ringing a few moments after he sends his text. When he picks up, Marissa says, " Hey Dad. I hope I'm not bothering you. You have a minute, right? " 
 

 Jen 

"Yeah, I get that he's kind of a black box, that's why I'm trying to find out more, so I don't end up pissing off the wrong person or getting in over my head.  How'd you end up meeting him?  Someone introduced you to him or vice versa?" Jen asked.
Bennosuke
Marissa pauses for a long moment before replying. " Promise you won't be upset, " she asks, hesitation and desperation balancing on a knife's edge in her voice. Once Frank reassures her, Marissa continues, " Well... Mom has been acting really strange. Like...  really  strange. I think it has to do with this Connection thing. Have you heard about it? " It's not pain in the girl's voice, but something similar... fear maybe. To Frank's ear, this was the first time his daughter has sounded so... adult.

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

Simon shrugs. " He was just kinda there..., " the man says flatly, pausing to take another noisy swig of his beer.  He stops and scratches at something under his eye, then continues, " Like here, at the range. He just kinda walked up to me, like he knew I needed somethin'. " He shrugs again, puts the beer down, and studies Jen's face. " Some ****, " he adds.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Marissa pauses for a long moment before replying. " Promise you won't be upset, " she asks, hesitation and desperation balancing on a knife's edge in her voice. Once Frank reassures her, Marissa continues, " Well... Mom has been acting really strange. Like...  really  strange. I think it has to do with this Connection thing. Have you heard about it? " It's not pain in the girl's voice, but something similar... fear maybe. To Frank's ear, this was the first time his daughter has sounded so... adult.

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

Simon shrugs. " He was just kinda there..., " the man says flatly, pausing to take another noisy swig of his beer.  He stops and scratches at something under his eye, then continues, " Like here, at the range. He just kinda walked up to me, like he knew I needed somethin'. " He shrugs again, puts the beer down, and studies Jen's face. " Some ****, " he adds. 
 

“Yeah, kinda weird, right? The guy creeps me out and normally I’d walk away… but he did help me out.  Know anyone else around here that knows him?” Jen asked.
Bennosuke
Simon shakes his head. " I don't think anyone really  knows  him, " the man says with a grimace. The man pauses, takes another swig of beer then says, " He take you to his apartment? Creepy place. "

Jen had not seen Seth's apartment. They had met in the parking lot of a Straub's when Seth had sold her the weapons, and then when they had met later on he had clearly abandoned his old home.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Simon shakes his head. " I don't think anyone really  knows  him, " the man says with a grimace. The man pauses, takes another swig of beer then says, " He take you to his apartment? Creepy place. "

Jen had not seen Seth's apartment. They had met in the parking lot of a Straub's when Seth had sold her the weapons, and then when they had met later on he had clearly abandoned his old home. 
 

"No, no, he was kind of on the lam, hiding out," Jen replied, "paranoid as hell.  You know where he used to live?  Creepy like how?"
Bennosuke
The man's eyes narrow as he studies Jen's face. " On the lam, " he asks, pausing to take another sip of beer, " from the law? "

Simon shakes his head at Jen's question, and purses his lips into a scowl. He shrugs, taking a long moment before replying, " Who knows. Maybe it was just in my head. " It's clear by the way Simon replies, that he doesn't want to say, perhaps embarrassed. Instead he hastily says, " I can give you that address though... if you want and it helps. " He takes another long swig of beer, his adams apple bobbing under his beard as he swallows.
Daishain
  "I've heard about it, yes, but I can't say I know what it is."   Frank tries to keep his tone even, not wanting to either scare Marissa further or make her think he wasn't taking her seriously.

  "What is going on that has you worried hon? And how is this connection thing related?"  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The man's eyes narrow as he studies Jen's face. " On the lam, " he asks, pausing to take another sip of beer, " from the law? "

Simon shakes his head at Jen's question, and purses his lips into a scowl. He shrugs, taking a long moment before replying, " Who knows. Maybe it was just in my head. " It's clear by the way Simon replies, that he doesn't want to say, perhaps embarrassed. Instead he hastily says, " I can give you that address though... if you want and it helps. " He takes another long swig of beer, his adams apple bobbing under his beard as he swallows. 
 

"Won't say no to that," Jen replied, "and no, not from the law.  I got the distinct impression that it was... something else after him."

Jen writes down the address.

"Thanks for this, I won't forget it," Jen said, "do you want me to keep you in the loop with whatever I find there?"
Bennosuke
Marissa sounds hesitant at first to reply, but soon the words are pouring faster and faster out of her mouth. " Well, her and Neil, they, they seem to be really obsessed with it. Mom seems to want to talk about almost nothing else. And like, she keeps forgetting to do things that she would normally remember. Like, she was supposed to pick us up from school yesterday. But she never came. And like, she didn't pick up the phone when I called. So... so we just walked home, me and Rachel; and I know I should have called you, but I didn't want to scare Rachel, so we just walked. And like, when we got home, Mom and Neil were just home, like watching their computer. But like, hypnotized, like it took them both a long moment to realize we were even home, and Mom was like, like she didn't know what time it was. And well, that was the worst of it, but like I don't know why she has gotten so focused on the computer lately, and is acting really weird. " By the end, it sounds like Marissa is almost fighting off tears, but she's old enough that she knows she has to be brave, has to be a "big kid".

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


 "Won't say no to that," Jen replied, "and no, not from the law. I got the distinct impression that it was... something else after him." 

This causes Simon to narrow his eyes. He mutters, "something else", under his breath then glares at Jen. " You're not getting yourself involved in no trouble, right, " he asks, his tone almost scolding, " drugs or gangs or somethin'. "

Regardless of Jen's answer, to her follow up question, he will reply, " I suppose it's best you do. Do you know where Seth is right now? "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Marissa sounds hesitant at first to reply, but soon the words are pouring faster and faster out of her mouth. " Well, her and Neil, they, they seem to be really obsessed with it. Mom seems to want to talk about almost nothing else. And like, she keeps forgetting to do things that she would normally remember. Like, she was supposed to pick us up from school yesterday. But she never came. And like, she didn't pick up the phone when I called. So... so we just walked home, me and Rachel; and I know I should have called you, but I didn't want to scare Rachel, so we just walked. And like, when we got home, Mom and Neil were just home, like watching their computer. But like, hypnotized, like it took them both a long moment to realize we were even home, and Mom was like, like she didn't know what time it was. And well, that was the worst of it, but like I don't know why she has gotten so focused on the computer lately, and is acting really weird. " By the end, it sounds like Marissa is almost fighting off tears, but she's old enough that she knows she has to be brave, has to be a "big kid".

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



This causes Simon to narrow his eyes. He mutters, "something else", under his breath then glares at Jen. " You're not getting yourself involved in no trouble, right, " he asks, his tone almost scolding, " drugs or gangs or somethin'. "

Regardless of Jen's answer, to her follow up question, he will reply, " I suppose it's best you do. Do you know where Seth is right now? " 
 

“No I don’t think it’s anything like that.  If anything it feels political, but that’s just my gut,” Jen replied, “and no, I have no idea where he is right now.  He just kind of… shows up, you know?  Kind of freaks me out.”
Bennosuke
" Political, " the man asks in the same stony reserved voice. He takes one last gulp from his beer can, places it on the table, and crunches it in one hand. After Simon finishes swallowing, he says with a nod, " Yeah, I guess I know. "

He lets Jen go, though she gets the sense that Simon is studying her whenever she turns away.

(OOC: Sounds like you are ready to end it here. Let me know if Jen is going to Seth's old apartment now, or if you want to wait for Daishain to wrap his scene)
Thundercracker
After shooting a few targets (she was already here after all), Jen packed up and left the range.  Once safely away in an uber or on the bus, and mindful of what she typed into her phone, she texted Frank: "Hey, call me when you get a chance."
Daishain
Frank frowns, he'd been focused on the Lodge and assuming the Connection weirdness could wait until he could properly talk with them about it. Apparently that wasn't the case.

His immediate thought was that taking in the girls for a while seemed best, but if the ex regained her senses long enough to notice what happened that could cause serious legal troubles. Best save that for a last resort.   "Thank you Marissa, for letting me know, and for taking care of Rachel. I'll try to find out what's going on with those two."

"In the meantime, if it happens again, or if you need anything else, don't hesitate to contact me next time. I'll have a talk with the neighbors, see if we can't get them to help in case you can't reach me either."

"Right now though, are you two okay? How can I help right now?"  

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

Later, Frank gets the text message from Jen, then takes out his phone again and calls,   "Hey there, I was just about to call anyways. How are you?"  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Frank frowns, he'd been focused on the Lodge and assuming the Connection weirdness could wait until he could properly talk with them about it. Apparently that wasn't the case.

His immediate thought was that taking in the girls for a while seemed best, but if the ex regained her senses long enough to notice what happened that could cause serious legal troubles. Best save that for a last resort.   "Thank you Marissa, for letting me know, and for taking care of Rachel. I'll try to find out what's going on with those two."

"In the meantime, if it happens again, or if you need anything else, don't hesitate to contact me next time. I'll have a talk with the neighbors, see if we can't get them to help in case you can't reach me either."

"Right now though, are you two okay? How can I help right now?"  

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

Later, Frank gets the text message from Jen, then takes out his phone again and calls,   "Hey there, I was just about to call anyways. How are you?"   
 

"I'm okay, where do you want to meet?" she asked.
Bennosuke
 Frank frowns, he'd been focused on the Lodge and assuming the Connection weirdness could wait until he could properly talk with them about it. Apparently that wasn't the case.

His immediate thought was that taking in the girls for a while seemed best, but if the ex regained her senses long enough to notice what happened that could cause serious legal troubles. Best save that for a last resort. "Thank you Marissa, for letting me know, and for taking care of Rachel. I'll try to find out what's going on with those two."

"In the meantime, if it happens again, or if you need anything else, don't hesitate to contact me next time. I'll have a talk with the neighbors, see if we can't get them to help in case you can't reach me either."

"Right now though, are you two okay? How can I help right now?" 

" I'm scared dad, " Marissa blubbers, still not allowing herself to cry, " I... we're fine, but like, someone needs to talk to Mom. This doesn't make any sense. It's not... it's not drugs, right? "
Daishain
  "How about I come pick you up. I need to do something of a welfare check, and we can talk along the way there."   Frank sighs, wondering how this latest mess will play out.

..................................................  ..............

  "No hon, I'm quite sure its not drugs."   Frank rubs his chin a bit, considering his words,   "I'll know more soon, but right now I think its something like this. You know how easy it is to lose track of time when playing a game? Sometimes people can get obsessed with something and just forget about everything else. Sometimes that can happen a lot stronger than usual, and not always with fun stuff."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
   "How about I come pick you up. I need to do something of a welfare check, and we can talk along the way there."   Frank sighs, wondering how this latest mess will play out.

..................................................  ..............

  "No hon, I'm quite sure its not drugs."   Frank rubs his chin a bit, considering his words,   "I'll know more soon, but right now I think its something like this. You know how easy it is to lose track of time when playing a game? Sometimes people can get obsessed with something and just forget about everything else. Sometimes that can happen a lot stronger than usual, and not always with fun stuff."   
 

"Alright, I'm at home, can you pick me up there?" she asked.
Bennosuke
 "No hon, I'm quite sure its not drugs." Frank rubs his chin a bit, considering his words, "I'll know more soon, but right now I think its something like this. You know how easy it is to lose track of time when playing a game? Sometimes people can get obsessed with something and just forget about everything else. Sometimes that can happen a lot stronger than usual, and not always with fun stuff." 

" Oh, " Marissa blubbers, though Frank can hear the choked noise in her throat soften. " Oh, " she repeats again, " yeah, I guess that kind of makes sense. " And now the fear has started to melt, her tone instead betraying a new almost curiosity. She pauses for another moment as if in thought and then asks, " So you think Mom is like, into a new game or something? "

The question is practically absurd, but asked with the greatest sincerity that could only come from the mouth of a child.
Daishain
  "That works, see you soon,"   Frank grabs his keys on the way out.

..................................................  ..................

  "I don't know if that's exactly it either, but something like that could explain a few things. I'll be there to have a talk with mom soon okay? We'll figure things out as much as we can."  
Bennosuke
Frank picks Jen up at the shooting range. The sky is grey and the air is muggy. It feels like it may start raining and the scent of ozone is thick on the breeze.

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

" Okay Dad, " Marissa responds. There is a quick pause, then almost in a panic she says, " When? Like tonight? Should I go get Rach ready? "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Frank picks Jen up at the shooting range. The sky is grey and the air is muggy. It feels like it may start raining and the scent of ozone is thick on the breeze.

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

" Okay Dad, " Marissa responds. There is a quick pause, then almost in a panic she says, " When? Like tonight? Should I go get Rach ready? " 
 

"Hey," Jen said as she hopped into the car, "let's find a coffee shop."
Once there and settled Jen informed Frank about what she'd found.

"The guy said this is where his apartment is.  I figured we should check it out together, just in case," she said.
Daishain
Frank tenses at the renewed panic in Marissa's voice, carefully he says,   "Hon? Is there more to it you haven't said? I get the feeling you're hoping to get away as soon as you can."  

..................................................  ................................

With Jen he nods,   "Worth a shot, we'll need to be careful though. No need to attract local law enforcement."  

Then he shares his other concerns.   "This Connection thing, something really doesn't feel right about it. Maybe not the same sort of feeling as with the Wytch, but I can't shake the idea there's more to it than just some internet cult. I need to go have a chat with those two tonight, and maybe take the girls with me early. I'm torn between whether or not I'd rather have you there. Part of me wants the backup, the other part... well, as much as he deserved it, I'm sure Neil still remembers that gun in his face and really doesn't want to see you again."  
Bennosuke
" No! " Marissa replies almost defensively, " there's nothing else. It's just been very... weird. I mean Rachel's more freaked out than I am, but like, Mom's never acted like this before! It's scary! " She takes a deep breath in and out, and Frank can tell that she is sincere. Then Marissa adds more calmly, " I guess I want things to go back to the way they were before. And I do kinda want to get out of here, given how weird Mom is being... I just, I don't want her to be upset. You know? "

(OOC: Going to let Frank and Jen continue chatting in the other scene)
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Frank tenses at the renewed panic in Marissa's voice, carefully he says,   "Hon? Is there more to it you haven't said? I get the feeling you're hoping to get away as soon as you can."  

..................................................  ................................

With Jen he nods,   "Worth a shot, we'll need to be careful though. No need to attract local law enforcement."  

Then he shares his other concerns.   "This Connection thing, something really doesn't feel right about it. Maybe not the same sort of feeling as with the Wytch, but I can't shake the idea there's more to it than just some internet cult. I need to go have a chat with those two tonight, and maybe take the girls with me early. I'm torn between whether or not I'd rather have you there. Part of me wants the backup, the other part... well, as much as he deserved it, I'm sure Neil still remembers that gun in his face and really doesn't want to see you again."   
 

Jen blinked.

"On a scale of one to ten, how much do you care about what Neil thinks?" Jen asked.
Daishain
  "Directly? Maybe a 2 at best on a good day. My real concern there is he might kick up a fuss and make it impossible to talk about the actually important stuff."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
   "Directly? Maybe a 2 at best on a good day. My real concern there is he might kick up a fuss and make it impossible to talk about the actually important stuff."   
 

"I could wait in the car.  He doesn't even have to know I'm there," Jen replied.
Daishain
  "That could work, if you don't mind it. Sorry for dragging you into this, there's just too much going and you're the only one I can both trust and confide in on this stuff."   Frank rubs his face,   "So where's this apartment? Is it in town?"  

..................................................  ..................................................  .......

On the phone Frank breathes just a little easier,   "All right hon, I'll be there. I need to sort a few things, but one way or another it will be soon. So just hold on a bit okay?"  
Bennosuke
" Okay, " Marissa says after a moment's hesitation, " Okay Daddy. I'll see you soon. " She blows Frank a kiss and then hangs up the phone.

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

Rather than heading to a cafe, Frank retrieves Jen and they drive out to West County where Clarissa and Neil lived. Their home was in a shady little suburb; clean sidewalks wrapping around massive properties, and gaited communities. It was another world compared to the crime and grime of the city proper. It was the sort of neighborhood where households judged each other by the size of their front lawn and outcompeted each other for the newest model Tesla.

But even driving up to Neil's house, Frank could see something was  off.  The normally trimmed grass was overgrown and already getting spotty with yellow, and strewn with browning leaves. The lights were all on in the house, but it somehow felt like the house was empty.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " Okay, " Marissa says after a moment's hesitation, " Okay Daddy. I'll see you soon. " She blows Frank a kiss and then hangs up the phone.

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

Rather than heading to a cafe, Frank retrieves Jen and they drive out to West County where Clarissa and Neil lived. Their home was in a shady little suburb; clean sidewalks wrapping around massive properties, and gaited communities. It was another world compared to the crime and grime of the city proper. It was the sort of neighborhood where households judged each other by the size of their front lawn and outcompeted each other for the newest model Tesla.

But even driving up to Neil's house, Frank could see something was  off.  The normally trimmed grass was overgrown and already getting spotty with yellow, and strewn with browning leaves. The lights were all on in the house, but it somehow felt like the house was empty. 
 

"Does it always look like this?" Jen asked.
Daishain
Frank frowns, looking at the yard,   "Never, Clarissa would be yelling my ear off I let the grass grow more than a week or two past her ideal, and from what I've seen Niel either kept to those demands strictly or frequently hired help, probably the latter. I don't like this."  

He parks and takes a deep breath before getting out, his jaw firming. If that woman had hurt his girls because of this obsession...
Thundercracker
Jen cracks the window so she can hear any loud noises, then leans back to stay more or less out of sight.
Bennosuke
Dried straw-like grass practically crackles under Frank's feet as he steps out onto the lawn. He checks the windows but finds no one watching him. He could go straight to the door, or perhaps survey the house a bit more.
Daishain
Frank grimaces and glances at Jen, getting the feeling Rachel had indeed been underselling the problem.

Taking a deep breath he walks up to the door and knocks.
Bennosuke
Frank knocks at the door, and at first there isn't any sign of a reply. Then a light goes on in one of the upstairs rooms. If Frank remembers correctly, it's where the girls stay when they are at Neil and their Mom's house. Then there is the sound of footsteps, slowly coming towards the door. They stop on the other side of the entrance, but there is a long pause before the door finally swings open. Neil pokes his head through the doorway, and for once he is not the picture of idyllic wealth and composure. A heavy shadow of scruff has gone untended on the man's jaw, cheeks and neck, and his tanned skin is shiny as if he has gone days without a wash. He squints at Frank and with an uncomfortable chuckle and says, " Hey Frank. Uh, we weren't expecting you for another couple of days. What's with the... unexpected visit? " He gives Frank a smile, and though Neil was always the model of feigned niceties, this was even less sincere than usual.

Looking past Neil into the house, Frank can see that the lights are off. The place doesn't look specifically like a mess, but somehow Frank got the impression of inattention and disregard.
Daishain
  "Hey Neil, mostly just checking in. I had a few things to discuss. May I come in?"   Frank stands firmly in front of the door, trying his best to be diplomatic and not let his concern show. Neil hiding the house and whichever of the girls had come to the door had him even more on edge.
Bennosuke
For just an instant, Neil's eyes narrow. Something like raw anger flashes, but then it is gone, and he smiles at Frank. " You know, now's not really the best time, " he says, doing his best to find that easy confident tone. He makes no effort to step aside or let Frank in. Instead, he steps out onto the porch and closes the door, eyes narrowing as if with invested concern. " What is it you wanted to discuss buddy, " Neil asks. He places a friendly hand on Frank's shoulder, as if they were old pals. He smells of some strong, Italian cologne, but under it is something ripe and sour.
Daishain
  "Well, there've been some problems. A few things have come to my attention, chief among them being the girls getting stuck without rides because you've been... busy."   Frank subtly takes a step back away from the smell,   "Now, I don't know what's going on with you and Clarissa, and up to a point, its none of my business. But once it affects the girls that changes. What's going on?"  
Bennosuke
Neil's eyes go wide for a moment, and it's hard to say whether it's from shock or sudden frustration. " Oh, " he says, sounding like the boy who has been caught by their teacher with a hard math question, while daydreaming in class. He raises a hand to scratch at his stubbled chin, pausing for a long moment before saying, " Well, yeah. You see, Clarissa's come down with... something. We were, well... we were trying not to scare the girls. " He raises both hands as if to give Frank pause before he can reply. " Now it's nothing to be concerned about. But I guess I got caught up in taking care of her, and completely forgot about the girl's school. " Neil studies Frank's face from behind his glasses.

(OOC: Give me a Composure + Empathy/subterfuge roll at +1)
Bennosuke
Frank can tell clearly that Neil is lying through his teeth, though he still does not have a sense as to why!
Daishain
Frank sighs,   "Now come on Neil, why would you lie to my face about that? I won't claim to know exactly what's going on with the two of you, but I already knew its not just some cold, and that its not over. And if your goal was to not scare the kids, I'm sorry but you failed on that front."  

He holds out a hand in a conciliatory gesture,   "Look, like I said, up to a point its none of my business. Right now you're going through something, it happens. I would honestly rather not be standing here talking about it at all let alone poke my nose in any further, and I assume you don't want me to either. So how about this, let me take the girls off your hands and out of your hair for a little while. That way I don't have any reason to ask any questions, the girls can get a break, and you two have some extra time to get your **** together. If Rachel and Marissa get to relax a bit, then come back and see that everything's just fine with Mommy and Neil after all, I'll just forget that anything happened and everything can go back to normal. Sound fair?"  
Bennosuke
For a moment Neil's eyes go wide with surprise as Frank calls his bluff. Then his lids narrow and his lips pull back in a scowl. " Hey man, things are fine. I don't know what you are talking about, " he says defensively, the words empty of any conviction. He studies Frank's face for a moment, still glowering, then says, " Look. Take the girls if they're a little nervous. But I swear everything's fine... and  you  have no right to come barging in here making ****ing accusations! " Neil's use of the f-word was very out of character, as was the way he pointed at Frank's chest as if he were threatening with a knife. Before Frank can reply, turns to pull the door open just a fraction so that he can peer inside. He holds up a hand to Frank as if to silence the man. " Hey girls, " he calls, opening the door more, " your Dad is here. He says he wants to take you for a few days... if you want! Why don't you get your things! " There is silence for just a second, then the sound of movement from inside the house. Neil closes the door again, and silently stares, displeasure written into the sweat glossed lines of his face.
Daishain
Frank's face twitches as he bites back a retort. He'd never liked this man, and this new face he was showing was somehow even worse than usual. But arguing wouldn't help right now, he needed to get the girls out, worry about the rest later. He simply stands there waiting, trying not to let the tension get to him as the girls moved around inside.
Bennosuke
The two stand outside in relative silence. Neil's body remains stiff with tension, but his eyelids go almost half-mast, as if the man had decided to take a short nap standing up. After about five minutes, Neil startles at the sound of the girls' feet coming down the stairs inside, and he pulls the doors open.

Frank's eldest daughter is well packed, his youngest has clearly just stuffed a bunch of her clothes helter skelter into her duffle. The two are practically giddy when they seen their Dad. But the girls are interrupted by Neil who makes them both give him a hug goodbye (given half-heartedly by the girls), before they can both embrace their father. " Have a good time girls, " Neil says, almost hasty to get back inside, closing the door before Frank has escorted his daughters all the way off the porch. By now the sun was nearly set, the sky a darkish blue. The evening was humid, but walking away from Neil's house was like walking into a fresh autumn breeze. The girls follow Frank back to the car, greeting Jen without surprise or concern, as they were clearly used to the two business partners always being together.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The two stand outside in relative silence. Neil's body remains stiff with tension, but his eyelids go almost half-mast, as if the man had decided to take a short nap standing up. After about five minutes, Neil startles at the sound of the girls' feet coming down the stairs inside, and he pulls the doors open.

Frank's eldest daughter is well packed, his youngest has clearly just stuffed a bunch of her clothes helter skelter into her duffle. The two are practically giddy when they seen their Dad. But the girls are interrupted by Neil who makes them both give him a hug goodbye (given half-heartedly by the girls), before they can both embrace their father. " Have a good time girls, " Neil says, almost hasty to get back inside, closing the door before Frank has escorted his daughters all the way off the porch. By now the sun was nearly set, the sky a darkish blue. The evening was humid, but walking away from Neil's house was like walking into a fresh autumn breeze. The girls follow Frank back to the car, greeting Jen without surprise or concern, as they were clearly used to the two business partners always being together. 
 

"You want to talk now, or later?" Jen asked.
Daishain
Frank breathes a sigh of relief as they get clear. In response to Jen's question he says,   "Later, they don't need to hear it. I don't know exactly what's going on inside of that house, but its not good. I think I'm going to come back and check on things again, before bringing them anywhere near."  

Checking on Marissa's seatbelt he gives the pair a comforting smile,   "Hey you two, did you manage to get everything you need?"  
Bennosuke
Rachel beams at her father. " Yep, " she says, before her eyes narrow and her face softens. Frank gets the sense that she is studying him for any information as to how to feel about things.

" I think we got everything, " Marissa says, her voice heavy with a tired that is out of sorts for a girl her age. She tilts her head to the side and asks, " Where are we going now? "
Daishain
  "Home for now, lets get you two some dinner and settled in. How does some Chinese takeout sound?"   Glancing at Jen he asks,   "Under the circumstances, it might be best to table the other thing till tomorrow morning. For now would you like to eat with us?  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
   "Home for now, lets get you two some dinner and settled in. How does some Chinese takeout sound?"   Glancing at Jen he asks,   "Under the circumstances, it might be best to table the other thing till tomorrow morning. For now would you like to eat with us?   
 

“Yeah sure.  I could use some concentrated msg, too,” Jen replied.
Bennosuke
" Ooh, I want Chow Mein, " Marissa announces proudly and with excitement. Her sister instead almost whispers, " scallion pancakes! "

Now the Midwest was not known for it's authentic Chinese food, though the city is littered with a million mom-and-pop takeout places. That said, the city was one of many that was famous in the 20s for its Chop Sui and Tea houses; a staple of the the jazz and flapper culture. Industrious and brave Chinese Americans would run essentially speakeasies; where beer and alcohol could be ordered as "cold tea", and where men, women and non-whites could all mingle and listen to jazz music. While these glory days were long gone, Chinese food thus has a rich and important cultural history within the city of St. Louis. It was also worth noting that for those in the know, there were a number of authentic and rather delicious restaurants that catered to international college students, mostly run by Taiwanese and Hong Kong ex-pats.

(OOC: Sorry for waxing poetic, but the above is all true and to me, rather fascinating. When we were in St. Louis we were really glad to find authentic places to get dim sum, and Taiwanese beef noodle soups. I think for fun, let's have one of you roll Int + Streetwise to see if Jen and Frank know where to get good Chinese food. And on a more serious note, what is the characters' next step, assumedly starting the next day. And remember, you will have to keep the girls with you or somehow otherwise occupied and safe)
Daishain
Frank grins, an easy genuine smile. It felt good to be doing something so normal.   "All right girls, lets go."  

Listening to Jen's suggestion for a lesser known locale, he turns the truck in that direction.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Next steps presumably are to get the girls off to school in the morning, then rendezvous and check out this apartment. Though I'm not sure how much we'll be able to do there.
 
Bennosuke
Jen takes them to one of the better Chinese American places. Maybe not the best meal anyone in the car has had, but they do the basics well, and the girls are happy after getting home and everyone has emptied out of the white cube cartons.

Jen leaves Frank and the girls that night. Frank is kept up somewhat by the sounds of fitful sleep coming from his daughters in their shared guest bedroom. The next morning, he's got a bit of a headache, but as always this is soothed by the smiles on both of the girls' faces when he wakes them up the next morning.

After shuttling his daughters to school, Frank meets back up with Jen, picking her up at her place. They had discussed swinging by Seth's apartment, but I will pause here in case they need to discuss or plan anything.
Daishain
Frank looks to Jen as soon as they're alone,    "Right, so, this apartment. I kind of doubt we'll learn anything just observing from the outside, and oddly I'd rather not get arrested on B&amp;E charges today. Did you have an idea?"  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Frank looks to Jen as soon as they're alone,    "Right, so, this apartment. I kind of doubt we'll learn anything just observing from the outside, and oddly I'd rather not get arrested on B&amp;E charges today. Did you have an idea?"   
 

"We can at least scope it out, see what kind of neighborhood it's in," Jen replied.
Daishain
  "All right, sure, we can certainly do that. I wish I'd been able to get something useful on Mr Keen and Seth from the Lodge, but maybe they're just not prepared to share it yet."   He turns the truck off in the direction his gps was showing,   "I... don't suppose you have any ideas on how to handle Clarissa and Neil. Given what I saw, and smelled, I could probably make a claim with child services and get at least temporary custody. But those disputes are ugly as hell, they'd break the little one's hearts, and I can't exactly claim to be a perfect guardian either right now, not with all this running around and dealing with spooky sh**."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
   "All right, sure, we can certainly do that. I wish I'd been able to get something useful on Mr Keen and Seth from the Lodge, but maybe they're just not prepared to share it yet."   He turns the truck off in the direction his gps was showing,   "I... don't suppose you have any ideas on how to handle Clarissa and Neil. Given what I saw, and smelled, I could probably make a claim with child services and get at least temporary custody. But those disputes are ugly as hell, they'd break the little one's hearts, and I can't exactly claim to be a perfect guardian either right now, not with all this running around and dealing with spooky sh**."   
 

"Tough to say.  We don't know what's going on over there.  You think it's anything related to this Seth stuff?" Jen asked.
Daishain
  "Maybe, but I think its too convenient to assume every weird thing we come across is connected. Like I said before I'll have to poke at that problem a little more. I'm certainly not sending the girls back there without knowing its safe."   He sighs,   "Which is honestly a bit of a complication. Not all that long ago I'd have loved for those two to be with me full time, but now its going to be tough shielding them from everything else that's going on."  

Shaking his head, he gives Jen a weak grin,   "All right, enough of that I think, lets get to this place."  
Bennosuke
(OOC: Just a quick summary of the IC timeline for everyone to keep in mind. This is my best estimate, but tell me if something seems very off.

-Frank's cocktail hour with The Lodge is tonight; per my IC post he got the call from the girls the day before the meeting
-Jen's double date is tomorrow night
-The girls have three more days of school, then it is the weekend. Before picking them up, the plan had been they would be staying with him the following week)

Jen gives Frank the address for Seth's old apartment. To his displeasure (but perhaps, not to his surprise), the place is located North of Delmar. This was fortunately close to the girls' school, but was definitely one of the less safe neighborhoods in the city. Delmar Boulevard, ran East-West through Northern St. Louis, and served as an unofficial landmark separating the poor and mostly black neighborhoods from a relatively wealthy and suburban neighborhood of mostly whites. The rates of practically every form of crime went way up the moment you crossed North of Delmar, and at night many of the wealthy individuals living South of Delmar would close their ears to the sound of gunfire, pretending that it was only fireworks.

(OOC: Very real thing.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delmar_Divide )

That Seth had lived North of Delmar was not surprising in a way. Rents went way down, and it was probably easier to live a hermits life that far North. However, he probably stuck out like a sore thumb. As the two drive north, the number of boarded up, or even collapsing buildings, grows exponentially. Weather had a nasty way of warping and destroying the old wooden houses; one of the reason brick and stone was so preferred. They passed houses marred with graffiti and naked with pealing paint. Cars parked on the street were often missing windows, or even jacked of all tires. This time of day though, the two would likely be safe. Few people were out on the street, and you got the sense it was not really a pedestrian friendly neighborhood.

After winding slowly Northeast, the directions app leads them outside a three story brick building with windows protected by iron bars. The sign outside read, "Heavenly Condos", and one had to imagine that it was named with a sense of irony. Jen had been told he had been in apartment E. From outside, it looked like the building's entrance had a basic bolt-and-key lock system, rather than something electronic.
Daishain
Frank frowns as he circles the building, trying to be nonchalant as he sizes the place up.   "Welp, not sure what this means for the odds of cops being a problem, but the neighbors could be a whole different sort of complication."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Frank frowns as he circles the building, trying to be nonchalant as he sizes the place up.   "Welp, not sure what this means for the odds of cops being a problem, but the neighbors could be a whole different sort of complication."   
 

“It’s not like we’re not going to be packing, but yeah, let’s not walk through a group of people if we don’t have to…” Jen said. “Any idea how we’re gonna get past that lock?”
Daishain
  "No good ones. I could break in with the tools in the truck easy enough, but then it'll be really obvious something's up, and there's probably at least one working camera around here. A smooth talker could probably trick a resident into getting us in, but neither of us are great at that. Best chance of being discrete might just be to hang around the entry until someone leaves and catch the door, but that leaves us exposed for a good while, neighbors will definitely spot us, so we'd have to hope they don't care."  

Frank glances at Jen,   "Which means I need to ask, do you think this is something worth the risk? I dunno, it feels like the odds of getting anything worthwhile out of this are pretty low."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
   "No good ones. I could break in with the tools in the truck easy enough, but then it'll be really obvious something's up, and there's probably at least one working camera around here. A smooth talker could probably trick a resident into getting us in, but neither of us are great at that. Best chance of being discrete might just be to hang around the entry until someone leaves and catch the door, but that leaves us exposed for a good while, neighbors will definitely spot us, so we'd have to hope they don't care."  

Frank glances at Jen,   "Which means I need to ask, do you think this is something worth the risk? I dunno, it feels like the odds of getting anything worthwhile out of this are pretty low."   
 

“Not like we have a whole lot of leads going on.  Do you think k we can afford to ignore it?” Jen asked.
Daishain
  "Well as I see it either we're working with Seth, at least in terms of continuing to keep him out of Keen's sights. Or we're distancing ourselves from Seth's particular mess. If its that first one we could probably get a lot further by just asking him about things. If we're cutting off though we probably ought to really do that, we do have other things to worry about."  

He keeps slowly driving around the block,   "As for leads in general, don't forget I'm probably going to be getting access to the lodge tonight, or at least closer to it. Unless I'm deeply mistaken we should soon have too much information to quickly digest."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
   "Well as I see it either we're working with Seth, at least in terms of continuing to keep him out of Keen's sights. Or we're distancing ourselves from Seth's particular mess. If its that first one we could probably get a lot further by just asking him about things. If we're cutting off though we probably ought to really do that, we do have other things to worry about."  

He keeps slowly driving around the block,   "As for leads in general, don't forget I'm probably going to be getting access to the lodge tonight, or at least closer to it. Unless I'm deeply mistaken we should soon have too much information to quickly digest."   
 

“Alright well… at least we know where it is,” Jen said.
Bennosuke
(OOC: is the group leaving then? No desire to even get out and look around?)
Daishain
Frank nods,   "All right then, lets get moving."   He pulls the truck away, maneuvering towards the main street heading south again.
Bennosuke
Frank and Jen depart, and later split up.

That night is Frank's meeting with The Lodge. Thinking about the gathering made Frank nervous. Should he arrive early, or would that appear too desperate? It was like getting ready for a first date. What should he wear? Should he... bring a weapon?

(OOC: Let me know how you see Frank preparing)

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

The next night (OOC: I am sure somehow Frank will want to meet with Jen after seeing the Lodge, but let's give Jen something to do), Jen is in a similar situation. She has a double date to get ready for. Caitlyn had offered to pick her up, but was running late as always, giving Jen even more time to stew over how she is going to dress, and worry about how things might go.

(OOC: Just give me a quick description of how Jen is going out and how she might be feeling about the whole situation)
Daishain
Frank fusses over his tie. He had eventually decided on a simple business look for his attire. These people seemed more likely into tailored suits for formal gatherings, but he felt like any suit he could come up with on his budget both wouldn't be nearly up to their standards and make it look like he was trying too hard, better to stick with what he knew looked good on him.

Not knowing what the evening would entail, Frank loaded up his truck with a few sets of spare clothing, some of the things he'd picked up since the weirdness had started including part of the Wytch's tree, and the tools and weapons he'd used in the fight against the Wytch. Those last were carefully stowed of course.

Eventually, he shakes his head and sets off for the meeting, aiming to be about 20 minutes early.
Bennosuke
Frank drives back to the Central West End. The mansion is located Southwest of the school his daughters attend, kept behind a series of closed off and back cutting streets which made the block a veritable gated community. The street could only be accessed from one side, and at that cross street, the block literally had a massive pair of wrought iron gaits; though they always remained open. White barked sycamores and greyish oak trees lined the block, the latter stretching up tall enough to create a canopy that shaded the massive street.

The mansion was at the far end of the block, taking up a massive plot of land for the neighborhood. It was three stories of  brown brick, buttressed with rectangular columns of green marble. Its windows were laced with decorative wrought iron, and the front door, easily 15 feet high were a pair of studded rectangles of black metal. Weeping stone busts (were they Greek Gods with their helmets) stared down from under each of the top windows, and cherubs were carved into the dark marble columns.

Though Frank had arrived early, the driveway was already stuffed with four sedans, and most of the block in front of the house had parked cars as well. Though it would be easy enough to find parking on the block, there were signs every twenty feet that warned that the curb was reserved for residents. Despite this, the street was practically dead; not a soul was out walking their dog, or going for a stroll.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Frank and Jen depart, and later split up.

That night is Frank's meeting with The Lodge. Thinking about the gathering made Frank nervous. Should he arrive early, or would that appear too desperate? It was like getting ready for a first date. What should he wear? Should he... bring a weapon?

(OOC: Let me know how you see Frank preparing)

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

The next night (OOC: I am sure somehow Frank will want to meet with Jen after seeing the Lodge, but let's give Jen something to do), Jen is in a similar situation. She has a double date to get ready for. Caitlyn had offered to pick her up, but was running late as always, giving Jen even more time to stew over how she is going to dress, and worry about how things might go.

(OOC: Just give me a quick description of how Jen is going out and how she might be feeling about the whole situation) 
 

On the one hand, Jen felt this whole thing was a waste of time.  She was involved in some weird stuff and it wasn't something that could be easily explained to just anyone.  On the other, it was probably a good idea to do something 'normal' from time to time just to keep herself grounded.  With that in mind, she threw on a t-shirt and jeans and, considering she was going to see a motorcycle instructor, her leather jacket over the top.  After a quick glance in the mirror, she swapped her t-shirt out for a green polo.  Then it was time to sit around and wait for Caitlyn to pick her up.
Daishain
Frank takes a deep breath, feeling increasingly out of place as the difference in wealth became all the more apparent. Maybe this wasn't the best idea after all...

Steeling himself, he finds a place to park, snuggling his truck in among the cars. Getting out, he picks up a small box with the chunk of wood from the Wytch's tree inside, and walks up to the door. He figured that some physical token of the conflict would be appreciated.
Bennosuke
Late as usual, it's about ten minutes after she said she would arrive, that Jen gets Caitlyn's text saying she's outside. Hoping into the passenger seat of Caitlyn's brand new SUV, she is greeted by her friend in an outfit that probably should still have been embarrassingly revealing back in college! The whole car is filled with the heavy application of an expensive perfume. However, it is Caitlyn who seems to be judging Jen's choices. " That's what you chose, " she asks incredulously, taking advantage of their friendship, " not even any makeup? " She reaches toward Jen to fuss with her hair. " At least let me give you some eyeliner babe. " She retracts her hand but begins digging into her purse for some makeup.


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

Frank approaches the massive black double doors. They were made out of some kind of metal, but not pure iron. To his frustration, but perhaps not surprise, there was no doorbell on either side of the door. After a moment of deliberating whether or not he should knock, the doors begin to open outward.

To his surprise, it is Peter Cho, the library manager who opens the door. He is dressed in his best impression of wealth; a mahogany velvet smoking jacket and black pants. The sun is still up, and despite the grandeur of the building, he looks a little like he is cosplaying a cheap Hugh Hefner. His fists clench and unclench at his sides and he says with clear frustration, " I see you are early then. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Late as usual, it's about ten minutes after she said she would arrive, that Jen gets Caitlyn's text saying she's outside. Hoping into the passenger seat of Caitlyn's brand new SUV, she is greeted by her friend in an outfit that probably should still have been embarrassingly revealing back in college! The whole car is filled with the heavy application of an expensive perfume. However, it is Caitlyn who seems to be judging Jen's choices. " That's what you chose, " she asks incredulously, taking advantage of their friendship, " not even any makeup? " She reaches toward Jen to fuss with her hair. " At least let me give you some eyeliner babe. " She retracts her hand but begins digging into her purse for some makeup.


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

Frank approaches the massive black double doors. They were made out of some kind of metal, but not pure iron. To his frustration, but perhaps not surprise, there was no doorbell on either side of the door. After a moment of deliberating whether or not he should knock, the doors begin to open outward.

To his surprise, it is Peter Cho, the library manager who opens the door. He is dressed in his best impression of wealth; a mahogany velvet smoking jacket and black pants. The sun is still up, and despite the grandeur of the building, he looks a little like he is cosplaying a cheap Hugh Hefner. His fists clench and unclench at his sides and he says with clear frustration, " I see you are early then. " 
 

"He's a motorcycle instructor, why are you making such a big fuss?" Jen said, but she holds still as Caitlyn does her thing.
Daishain
Not being sure what the frustration was about, Frank decides not to comment on it,   "Ah, yes, especially under the circumstances it did not seem like a good idea for me to keep anyone waiting."  
Bennosuke
" It's a date, " Caitlyn practically shrieks in reply. She begins stabbing with the little black pencils around Jen's eyes. Despite Jen's best efforts, she grumbles, " Hold still! I'm not going to poke your eye out, just hold still. " Finishing the left eye, after what seems like five minutes of torcher, she she pulls back and says, " Maybe he's just a motorcycle instructor, or whatever, but it's not like you have to marry him. It's a date, who knows, maybe you'll like him... and would that really be such a bad thing? " Caitlyn uses a tone like she were explaining the birds and the bees to child. Then she goes back in for Jen's right eye and grumbles again, " Now hold still. "

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

Cho raises an eyebrow at Frank's reply. " Well not everyone is here yet, " he says flatly, " so you don't have to worry about keeping people waiting. " He stands in the doorway, hands crossed over his chest, studying Frank. Rather than step aside, or invite Frank in, he points to the box in Frank's hand and asks, " What's that? "
Daishain
Frank suppresses a frown, had he personally irritated Cho before?   "A trophy, of sorts. Its not much to look at, but I thought it best to have at least a few physical items to present from my earlier experiences."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " It's a date, " Caitlyn practically shrieks in reply. She begins stabbing with the little black pencils around Jen's eyes. Despite Jen's best efforts, she grumbles, " Hold still! I'm not going to poke your eye out, just hold still. " Finishing the left eye, after what seems like five minutes of torcher, she she pulls back and says, " Maybe he's just a motorcycle instructor, or whatever, but it's not like you have to marry him. It's a date, who knows, maybe you'll like him... and would that really be such a bad thing? " Caitlyn uses a tone like she were explaining the birds and the bees to child. Then she goes back in for Jen's right eye and grumbles again, " Now hold still. "

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

Cho raises an eyebrow at Frank's reply. " Well not everyone is here yet, " he says flatly, " so you don't have to worry about keeping people waiting. " He stands in the doorway, hands crossed over his chest, studying Frank. Rather than step aside, or invite Frank in, he points to the box in Frank's hand and asks, " What's that? " 
 

Jen resisted the urge to roll her eyes.
"It depends," Jen replied.
Bennosuke
" I see, " Peter Cho replies, the tone of his voice heavy with doubt and inflected to imply a sense of boredom. He takes a deep sigh, gives Frank a look over that implies disapproval of the new man's outfit, and says, " Well, I guess I can't just leave you outside, even if you  are  early. " Pausing to look back inside the house, Peter shrugs and invites Frank to follow him inside.

Stepping through the threshold, Frank finds himself walking into a short hallway lined with dark wood paneling. Near the door is an expensive-looking mahogany wardrobe, clearly meant for hanging up coats. Peter Cho makes no offer to take Frank's, not that he was planning on removing his sport coat. The two step out of the hallway into an unbelievably spacious living room. Frank had not studied the building too scrupulously from the outside, but this living room was massive, at least a thousand square feet. The space was decorated with a hodge podge of modern furniture from a variety of decades and art styles, as well as a number of towering marble busts and statues. It was as if the head of some museum had designed a living room. A variety of paintings, masks, and prints from an equally various number of cultures hung on the walls.

Far down the hall, the living room merged into an open concept kitchen, where a group of uniformed individuals were making a small din of their preparations. Peter Cho doesn't invite Frank any farther than the living room, though he offers to let the guest sit. " I can also get you a drink if you like, " he adds unenthusiastically, " since the caterers are probably not finished setting up yet. "

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

Caitlyn rolls her eyes, then proceeds to finish her work dolling up her friend. The results are not completely objectionable, though it was far more makeup than Jen was likely comfortable wearing. Unless Jen had anything else to say or delay, Caitlyn will then gun the engine, and drive them to their date.

They had chosen a time in the early evening, so the sun was not down, though the sky was starting to turn red. Perhaps in light of the time she had spent on Jen's makeup, Caitlyn drove like she were racing; cutting between cars, and speeding on every length of open road she could, driving toward downtown. They park in a lot outside a new development called The Foundry (OOC: exists IRL). Previously a strip of industrial space, The Foundry had been turned into what some might call an "adult playground"; a long street lined with wine bars, posh tapas spots, and expensive specialty gyms. It was the sort of place only the young and wealthy would frequent regularly, and a slap in the face of those struggling to find housing in the area. The parking lot itself looked less than safe. It wasn't well lit, and Jen got the sense it wouldn't be surprising to find a used needle, or maybe a used condom (whichever was worse) on their exodus out of the lot.

Car parked, Caitlyn pauses before getting out. " Sorry if I hadn't mentioned it, " she says in a playful sort of way that implies she is not at all sorry, " but tonight we are meeting up at The Puttshack. " Jen may not have heard of the Foundry, but is less likely to know about The Puttshack; but a quick google search will show that it is essentially an indoor put-put golf course for adults; relying a bit too heavily on unnecessary technology and an overpriced bar. Before Jen can protest, or say anything really, she adds, " Just to review... your date is Carter, though I'm sure you've been stalking his social media and looking at his pictures every day. And tonight you'll be meeting my Jason Schwimmer. Any questions? "
Daishain
Frank tries not to gawk at his surroundings, feeling even more out of place. Taking a breath to settle himself he turns back to Peter,   "In lieu of a drink, perhaps you could help me in another way? It seems I have misstepped, and I do not want to do so again. If you could tell me a little of the etiquette expected of me, I would be deeply grateful sir."  
Bennosuke
Frank's question seems to draw a mirthful smirk from his companion, who nods his head slowly. " Well, " he starts, pausing to choose his words, " normally a night like tonight would just be a social gathering. I mean, we do more than throw neat house parties, but that's what nights like tonight are normally. However, " and he pauses again here, studying Frank's face, " tonight's event has been held in your honor. Or should I say, tonight is a chance for the others to get to know you... to consider if you have something you can offer our... fraternity. It's quiet an honor, honestly. I had to fight tooth and nail for the opportunity that you have now. " The obvious implication is of course that Peter Cho feels his companion did not  earn  the opportunity. " So the best you can do is sit there and smile and answer whatever questions the group has for you, to the best of your ability. "

(OOC: Let me know if/when you want to fast forward)
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " I see, " Peter Cho replies, the tone of his voice heavy with doubt and inflected to imply a sense of boredom. He takes a deep sigh, gives Frank a look over that implies disapproval of the new man's outfit, and says, " Well, I guess I can't just leave you outside, even if you  are  early. " Pausing to look back inside the house, Peter shrugs and invites Frank to follow him inside.

Stepping through the threshold, Frank finds himself walking into a short hallway lined with dark wood paneling. Near the door is an expensive-looking mahogany wardrobe, clearly meant for hanging up coats. Peter Cho makes no offer to take Frank's, not that he was planning on removing his sport coat. The two step out of the hallway into an unbelievably spacious living room. Frank had not studied the building too scrupulously from the outside, but this living room was massive, at least a thousand square feet. The space was decorated with a hodge podge of modern furniture from a variety of decades and art styles, as well as a number of towering marble busts and statues. It was as if the head of some museum had designed a living room. A variety of paintings, masks, and prints from an equally various number of cultures hung on the walls.

Far down the hall, the living room merged into an open concept kitchen, where a group of uniformed individuals were making a small din of their preparations. Peter Cho doesn't invite Frank any farther than the living room, though he offers to let the guest sit. " I can also get you a drink if you like, " he adds unenthusiastically, " since the caterers are probably not finished setting up yet. "

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

Caitlyn rolls her eyes, then proceeds to finish her work dolling up her friend. The results are not completely objectionable, though it was far more makeup than Jen was likely comfortable wearing. Unless Jen had anything else to say or delay, Caitlyn will then gun the engine, and drive them to their date.

They had chosen a time in the early evening, so the sun was not down, though the sky was starting to turn red. Perhaps in light of the time she had spent on Jen's makeup, Caitlyn drove like she were racing; cutting between cars, and speeding on every length of open road she could, driving toward downtown. They park in a lot outside a new development called The Foundry (OOC: exists IRL). Previously a strip of industrial space, The Foundry had been turned into what some might call an "adult playground"; a long street lined with wine bars, posh tapas spots, and expensive specialty gyms. It was the sort of place only the young and wealthy would frequent regularly, and a slap in the face of those struggling to find housing in the area. The parking lot itself looked less than safe. It wasn't well lit, and Jen got the sense it wouldn't be surprising to find a used needle, or maybe a used condom (whichever was worse) on their exodus out of the lot.

Car parked, Caitlyn pauses before getting out. " Sorry if I hadn't mentioned it, " she says in a playful sort of way that implies she is not at all sorry, " but tonight we are meeting up at The Puttshack. " Jen may not have heard of the Foundry, but is less likely to know about The Puttshack; but a quick google search will show that it is essentially an indoor put-put golf course for adults; relying a bit too heavily on unnecessary technology and an overpriced bar. Before Jen can protest, or say anything really, she adds, " Just to review... your date is Carter, though I'm sure you've been stalking his social media and looking at his pictures every day. And tonight you'll be meeting my Jason Schwimmer. Any questions? " 
 

"Yeah, yeah, copy that," Jen said, "anything I should know about either of them? Topics to avoid?"
Bennosuke
Caitlyn raises an eyebrow and cautiously whispers, " Maybe avoid bringing up how Jason is my new boss. " Her voice goes up at the end, as if it were a question, and a smug grin spreads across her lips.
Daishain
So that was the issue. Well he'd have to show Cho the invitation wasn't on a whim. Not now though, that wouldn't help anything. Instead Frank merely nods,   "Thank you for the insight Mr Cho. Rest assured I never had any intention of taking this honor lightly."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I think Frank would mostly sit quietly for the time being. He'll make polite conversation with anyone interested, but unless something comes up he'll save the substantial details for the actual meeting.
 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Caitlyn raises an eyebrow and cautiously whispers, " Maybe avoid bringing up how Jason is my new boss. " Her voice goes up at the end, as if it were a question, and a smug grin spreads across her lips. 
 

"Wait.  You're meeting your boss for a double date?"  Jen asked.  "I'm not sure whether to roll my eyes or congratulate you..."
Bennosuke
" Yeah, sure, " Peter replies, doing little to hide the continued envy mixed with disdain, adding, " I'm going to go help out. I'll be back in a bit. " He didn't come back till much later.

Frank sits for the next fifteen to twenty minutes, simply waiting. Slowly, others begin trickling in; all men who are well dressed. Each nods to  Frank, studying him with curiosity, before wandering into the building to go find a drink or a familiar face. After the fourth stranger, Andrew J. Black III enters. He's dressed in a dark grey pinstripe, and flawless white button down, a blue and yellow ascot tied around his neck under the collar. A toothy grin spreads on his ruddy bulldog face as he eyes Frank, an with a wave begins to approach. " Welcome Mr. Daughtridge, " he says, drawing close enough to offer a hand to shake, " good to see you. "

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

Caitlyn's cheeks turn red, and she chuckles. " I thought I told you, " she says without much sincerity. She shrugs and grins, and adds, " It just sort of happened. But it's going well... and there are certainly perks at work, if you know what I mean. Anyways, as I was saying, let's not bring it up. " She chuckles again and gives her friend a coy wink.
Daishain
Frank stands and returns the smile as he gives Mr Black a firm handshake.   "Greetings sir, and to you. Might I ask how many more we are expecting tonight?"  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " Yeah, sure, " Peter replies, doing little to hide the continued envy mixed with disdain, adding, " I'm going to go help out. I'll be back in a bit. " He didn't come back till much later.

Frank sits for the next fifteen to twenty minutes, simply waiting. Slowly, others begin trickling in; all men who are well dressed. Each nods to  Frank, studying him with curiosity, before wandering into the building to go find a drink or a familiar face. After the fourth stranger, Andrew J. Black III enters. He's dressed in a dark grey pinstripe, and flawless white button down, a blue and yellow ascot tied around his neck under the collar. A toothy grin spreads on his ruddy bulldog face as he eyes Frank, an with a wave begins to approach. " Welcome Mr. Daughtridge, " he says, drawing close enough to offer a hand to shake, " good to see you. "

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

Caitlyn's cheeks turn red, and she chuckles. " I thought I told you, " she says without much sincerity. She shrugs and grins, and adds, " It just sort of happened. But it's going well... and there are certainly perks at work, if you know what I mean. Anyways, as I was saying, let's not bring it up. " She chuckles again and gives her friend a coy wink. 
 

"Perks AT work?  In the office?  Tsk," Jen said with a grin.  "Won't bring it up while on the date, but this sounds like something we should bring up later, so you can spill all the dirty details."
Bennosuke
Andrew Black pauses to look around the room quickly. He shrugs and replies, " Maybe another four or so men. " This time Frank gets a good whiff of the man's breath; sour with old tobacco and maybe even older alcohol. He raises an eyebrow at Frank and grins playfully, showing his yellowed teeth. " You must be a bit nervous, " he says, pleasantly, adding before Frank can reply, " Don't worry. It's totally normal. I remember when I was in your shoes. " He wistfully adds, " It was a long time ago. "

Mr. Black looks back toward the kitchen and raises an eyebrow again. " You must be thirsty, " he says with the same playful grin, " can I get you a drink? "

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

Caitlyn chuckles gleefully. " Very fair, very fair. I'll catch you up on everything later, " she says, opening the door to her car.

The two walk through the impressively distasteful garage, and out to the Foundry. They pass groups of young twenty somethings sitting outside of wine bars, and roaming up and down the well lit and manicured promenade. Caitlyn seems to feed off of the energy of the crowd, grinning gleefully, despite the fact that she was a good half decade older than everyone else around them.

As the two get near the Puttshack, Caitlyn points out a man who sticks out like a sore thumb, saying, " That's him! " Jason Schwimmer is generously in his early forties; a man in a too tight button down and jeans, neither of which was doing his figure any favors. He had a mop of curly hair, and a thick pair of glasses on. It was warm out, but Jason seemed to be sweating a little bit too much for the weather. When he sees Caitlyn though, a genuine smie spreads across his face. " Hey babe, " he calls, throwing his phone in his pocket and walking towards the two approaching women. Caitlyn replies in kind and rushes into his arms. He gives her a deep bear hug, and a warm peck on the cheek, before releasing with one arm to offer Jen a handshake. " Hi, I'm Jason, " he says warmly, " nice to meet you. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Andrew Black pauses to look around the room quickly. He shrugs and replies, " Maybe another four or so men. " This time Frank gets a good whiff of the man's breath; sour with old tobacco and maybe even older alcohol. He raises an eyebrow at Frank and grins playfully, showing his yellowed teeth. " You must be a bit nervous, " he says, pleasantly, adding before Frank can reply, " Don't worry. It's totally normal. I remember when I was in your shoes. " He wistfully adds, " It was a long time ago. "

Mr. Black looks back toward the kitchen and raises an eyebrow again. " You must be thirsty, " he says with the same playful grin, " can I get you a drink? "

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

Caitlyn chuckles gleefully. " Very fair, very fair. I'll catch you up on everything later, " she says, opening the door to her car.

The two walk through the impressively distasteful garage, and out to the Foundry. They pass groups of young twenty somethings sitting outside of wine bars, and roaming up and down the well lit and manicured promenade. Caitlyn seems to feed off of the energy of the crowd, grinning gleefully, despite the fact that she was a good half decade older than everyone else around them.

As the two get near the Puttshack, Caitlyn points out a man who sticks out like a sore thumb, saying, " That's him! " Jason Schwimmer is generously in his early forties; a man in a too tight button down and jeans, neither of which was doing his figure any favors. He had a mop of curly hair, and a thick pair of glasses on. It was warm out, but Jason seemed to be sweating a little bit too much for the weather. When he sees Caitlyn though, a genuine smie spreads across his face. " Hey babe, " he calls, throwing his phone in his pocket and walking towards the two approaching women. Caitlyn replies in kind and rushes into his arms. He gives her a deep bear hug, and a warm peck on the cheek, before releasing with one arm to offer Jen a handshake. " Hi, I'm Jason, " he says warmly, " nice to meet you. " 
 

"Hi, I'm Caitlyn's slightly less socially adaptable friend, Jen," Jen said as she shook the guy's hand.  "Nice to meet you too.  Been here before?"
Bennosuke
Jason's hand is unfortunately warm and wet as he shake's Jen's. " I've heard so much about you Jen, " he says warmly, " and I'm so glad we finally get to meet. " His smile may not be handsome, but it seems sincere. He was not the kind of guy Caitlyn normally went for. In reply to Jen's question, he looks back over his shoulder at the Puttshack and replies, " No, I've never been. This was Caitlyn's idea. " Something in his voice bellies that maybe the Puttshack was not "his scene", but he adds anyways, " I'm sure we'll have a great time though. " He gives Caitlyn one more squeeze before conscientiously letting her go, before saying to Jen, " I thought you were bringing another...  friend. ? "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Jason's hand is unfortunately warm and wet as he shake's Jen's. " I've heard so much about you Jen, " he says warmly, " and I'm so glad we finally get to meet. " His smile may not be handsome, but it seems sincere. He was not the kind of guy Caitlyn normally went for. In reply to Jen's question, he looks back over his shoulder at the Puttshack and replies, " No, I've never been. This was Caitlyn's idea. " Something in his voice bellies that maybe the Puttshack was not "his scene", but he adds anyways, " I'm sure we'll have a great time though. " He gives Caitlyn one more squeeze before conscientiously letting her go, before saying to Jen, " I thought you were bringing another...  friend. ? " 
 

"Oh it's one of Caitlyn's friends actually.  I'm sure he's around here somewhere," Jen said as she glanced around.
Bennosuke
" Oh, " Jason says with slight surprise. He too begins to look over his shoulder, as if he knows who to look for.

As if on cue, when Jen turns to start looking, she recognizes the man striding towards them. Carter is wearing a dark sued jacket over a trim loosely buttoned Henley, his darker hair slicked back. As he approaches, Jen notes some of the younger women on the promenade turning their attention his way. Yet he waves a little sheepishly when he catches Jen's eye, his smile friendly but not cocksure. Carter's eyes linger on Jen, before he turns his attention to her friend. " Hi Caitlyn, " he says warmly, giving her a curt hug, before immediately offering a hand to shake to Jason. To his fellow man he says, " I'm Carter. Great to meet you. Jason? Caitlyn and I go back a ways, but I've never heard her talk so excitedly about another guy as she has about you. " This makes Jason blush.

Finally, Carter turns back to Jen. It's clear he is struggling to read her body langue and decide on whether to go for a hug or a handshake. " Hi, nice to meet you, " he says, his voice slightly softer.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " Oh, " Jason says with slight surprise. He too begins to look over his shoulder, as if he knows who to look for.

As if on cue, when Jen turns to start looking, she recognizes the man striding towards them. Carter is wearing a dark sued jacket over a trim loosely buttoned Henley, his darker hair slicked back. As he approaches, Jen notes some of the younger women on the promenade turning their attention his way. Yet he waves a little sheepishly when he catches Jen's eye, his smile friendly but not cocksure. Carter's eyes linger on Jen, before he turns his attention to her friend. " Hi Caitlyn, " he says warmly, giving her a curt hug, before immediately offering a hand to shake to Jason. To his fellow man he says, " I'm Carter. Great to meet you. Jason? Caitlyn and I go back a ways, but I've never heard her talk so excitedly about another guy as she has about you. " This makes Jason blush.

Finally, Carter turns back to Jen. It's clear he is struggling to read her body langue and decide on whether to go for a hug or a handshake. " Hi, nice to meet you, " he says, his voice slightly softer. 
 

"Hi, I'm Jen," Jen replied, settling for a small wave. "I hope Caitlyn hasn't spilled all the beans on me yet."
Daishain
  "Ah, well, yes sir, I do. Can't recall any time in my adult life where I felt more out of place to be honest."   Frank glances around,   "If you don't mind me asking, just how long has this organization been around? I get the impression the few records I dug up really didn't do it justice."  

In response to the offer of a drink, he'll simply nod in thanks, accepting whatever Mr Black brings gladly.
Bennosuke
" Carter, " he replies, mimicking Jen's wave and grinning sheepishly at the gesture. He chuckles and responds, " No, not yet. I've heard only good things. " He turns to Caitlyn and gives an exaggerated playful wink.

" I've been good, " Caitlyn says in mock innocence, " I swear. " This gets a smile out of both Carter and Jason.

Carter turns back to Jen. He has a darn good smile. He raises a hand to rub the back of his neck and says, " Anyways, uh, thanks for meeting me. Caitlyn has told me a little about you. She mentioned you're interested in motorcycles? "

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

Frank's question seems to draw a little bit of the humor from Andrew's face. The smile fades as his lips draw tight, and it is a long few beats before he replies, " Well... we've been around in  various forms  for a very very long time. Though I suppose it depends on how you look at it. You might say we are one of the oldest fraternal organizations in the state, if not the oldest. " It was clear that Mr. Black was picking his words with some caution. With the still dower look on his face, he adds, " If you don't mind me saying, be cautious with your questions. All information will be provided in due time, and the others will be... assessing your eligibility, if you know what I mean. Information is highly prized within our group, you see, and every society must keep it's secrets. So access to information is viewed as privilege that must be earned. " He stares Frank in the eyes, as if to day 'do you get my message'.
Daishain
  "I... see"   Frank slowly responds,   "Then I shall simply have to earn the answers I need as well as I can. I do hope to be an asset here."

"Right now though, I suppose I have a room full of people to impress."   He takes a deep breath and straightens himself.
Bennosuke
Mr. Black nods, the grimace still etched across his face. " Just... put on a smile, and be honest when the brothers ask you questions, " he says flatly, patting Frank on the shoulder. He turns and begins to wander away, appearing slightly older and frailer.

Moments later, Mr. Levin walks through the door. His eyes catch Frank's near immediately. He gives a grin, but instead turns to start talking to another man, unfamiliar to Frank.

Also nearby, are a group of younger looking members; a pair who seem to be whispering and nodding towards Frank.

I leave it to you as to what Frank decides to do next.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " Carter, " he replies, mimicking Jen's wave and grinning sheepishly at the gesture. He chuckles and responds, " No, not yet. I've heard only good things. " He turns to Caitlyn and gives an exaggerated playful wink.

" I've been good, " Caitlyn says in mock innocence, " I swear. " This gets a smile out of both Carter and Jason.

Carter turns back to Jen. He has a darn good smile. He raises a hand to rub the back of his neck and says, " Anyways, uh, thanks for meeting me. Caitlyn has told me a little about you. She mentioned you're interested in motorcycles? "

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

Frank's question seems to draw a little bit of the humor from Andrew's face. The smile fades as his lips draw tight, and it is a long few beats before he replies, " Well... we've been around in  various forms  for a very very long time. Though I suppose it depends on how you look at it. You might say we are one of the oldest fraternal organizations in the state, if not the oldest. " It was clear that Mr. Black was picking his words with some caution. With the still dower look on his face, he adds, " If you don't mind me saying, be cautious with your questions. All information will be provided in due time, and the others will be... assessing your eligibility, if you know what I mean. Information is highly prized within our group, you see, and every society must keep it's secrets. So access to information is viewed as privilege that must be earned. " He stares Frank in the eyes, as if to day 'do you get my message'. 
 

 Jen Gibbs 

"I mean, I've been thinking about getting a drivers license for a long time, but then I'd have to buy a car and it seems like a motorcycle would be easier.  I already know how to ride a bicycle, so, how hard could it be?" Jen replied.  Then she grinned.
Bennosuke
" With a motorcycle, at least you don't have to peddle, " Carter says, matching her grin. He shrugs and coyly adds, " Though I suppose a spill on a bicycle might not be nearly as exciting. " He chuckles a little, then lets the levity pass, then a little more somberly Carter adds, " No pressure, and let's see how this goes, but I'd be happy to show you the ropes sometime. "

Before Jen can reply, Caitlyn steps in, speaking with the flourish of one who spent way too much time in theater programs, " Alright you two love birds. Why don't we go inside, and you two can get to know each other a little more. There's no point in us all standing around and watching you two flirt. "

Carter gives a playful glare, then actually sticks his tongue out at her.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " With a motorcycle, at least you don't have to peddle, " Carter says, matching her grin. He shrugs and coyly adds, " Though I suppose a spill on a bicycle might not be nearly as exciting. " He chuckles a little, then lets the levity pass, then a little more somberly Carter adds, " No pressure, and let's see how this goes, but I'd be happy to show you the ropes sometime. "

Before Jen can reply, Caitlyn steps in, speaking with the flourish of one who spent way too much time in theater programs, " Alright you two love birds. Why don't we go inside, and you two can get to know each other a little more. There's no point in us all standing around and watching you two flirt. "

Carter gives a playful glare, then actually sticks his tongue out at her. 
 

"Okay."
Jen followed Caitlyn inside.
"How'd you get into motorcycles, anyway?" Jen asked.
Bennosuke
Inside, the Puttshack is a strange mix of a nightclub, and a mini-golf course on acid. The space is massive and dimly lit, except for the series of cartoonish golf holes garishly lit with bright neon lights. Popular music plays loud enough to force near-screaming conversation, and most of the patrons are young twenty somethings carrying drinks in plastic cups in one hand, their club in the other. Signs hang over the start of each course, signaling the next player at the hole "Next Up: Trevor B".

Carter leads Jen up to the registration desk and offers to pay for Jen. As he deals with the clerk, he replies at a near yell, " To be honest, it was my big brother. " He gives Jen a sheepish grin. " You see, when I was a kid, my older brother was way cooler than I was, and I was always trying to impress him. He got into pokemon; I was going to play every version of the video game. He got into motorcycles, and well, when I was old enough, I just had to learn. " Something sad crosses over his face for just a moment, then Carter asks, " How about you? I mean, why not just learn to drive a car? "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Inside, the Puttshack is a strange mix of a nightclub, and a mini-golf course on acid. The space is massive and dimly lit, except for the series of cartoonish golf holes garishly lit with bright neon lights. Popular music plays loud enough to force near-screaming conversation, and most of the patrons are young twenty somethings carrying drinks in plastic cups in one hand, their club in the other. Signs hang over the start of each course, signaling the next player at the hole "Next Up: Trevor B".

Carter leads Jen up to the registration desk and offers to pay for Jen. As he deals with the clerk, he replies at a near yell, " To be honest, it was my big brother. " He gives Jen a sheepish grin. " You see, when I was a kid, my older brother was way cooler than I was, and I was always trying to impress him. He got into pokemon; I was going to play every version of the video game. He got into motorcycles, and well, when I was old enough, I just had to learn. " Something sad crosses over his face for just a moment, then Carter asks, " How about you? I mean, why not just learn to drive a car? " 
 

"Cars are boring.  Everyone drives a car," Jen replied, "Bikes are cooler.  You drive a car to get somewhere, but you ride a bike to have fun."
Daishain
Frank decides to approach the younger whispering pair, offering a hand,   "Hey there, Frank Daughtridge, not sure how much you've been told, but I'm glad to make your acquaintance."  
Bennosuke
Carter nods his head. " True that, " he says with a grin. After paying for their entry fees, he hands Jen her club. The two step aside while James and Caitlyn register and pay. He grins and adds, " It is fun! And it definitely gets you better gas mileage. ". Running a hand through his hair, Carter says, " Uh, do you want to grab a drink? No pressure. " He puts up both hands in front of himself, as if to show he means no harm.

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

The two stiffen immediately as Frank approaches, hastily terminating their hushed conversation. " Oh, hi, " one of them says, giving Frank an award winning smile. He's dressed in a rather fitted navy jacket that shows off an impressive physique, his fading black hair perfectly coifed. The man somehow reminds Frank of handsome Neil, and his handshake is equally firm in an almost aggressive grip. " Hank, " he says, " and this is Clark. Nice to meet ya. Heard a bit about you. " He lets go so that Frank can shake Clark's hand. The latter is thinner, and overall less imposing. If Hank was near Frank's age, Clark was maybe a half decade older, his formerly brown hair now mostly a mottled grey, with a far more receded hairline. Clark leans in and in the gesture of a whisper says, " Is it true what I've heard, that you've... seen a monster? " He says the word with complete sincerity, his words filled with the interest of a man studying a talking dog.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Carter nods his head. " True that, " he says with a grin. After paying for their entry fees, he hands Jen her club. The two step aside while James and Caitlyn register and pay. He grins and adds, " It is fun! And it definitely gets you better gas mileage. ". Running a hand through his hair, Carter says, " Uh, do you want to grab a drink? No pressure. " He puts up both hands in front of himself, as if to show he means no harm.

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

The two stiffen immediately as Frank approaches, hastily terminating their hushed conversation. " Oh, hi, " one of them says, giving Frank an award winning smile. He's dressed in a rather fitted navy jacket that shows off an impressive physique, his fading black hair perfectly coifed. The man somehow reminds Frank of handsome Neil, and his handshake is equally firm in an almost aggressive grip. " Hank, " he says, " and this is Clark. Nice to meet ya. Heard a bit about you. " He lets go so that Frank can shake Clark's hand. The latter is thinner, and overall less imposing. If Hank was near Frank's age, Clark was maybe a half decade older, his formerly brown hair now mostly a mottled grey, with a far more receded hairline. Clark leans in and in the gesture of a whisper says, " Is it true what I've heard, that you've... seen a monster? " He says the word with complete sincerity, his words filled with the interest of a man studying a talking dog. 
 

“I guess we’re kind of supposed to, right?  Maybe one or two,” Jen replied.
Bennosuke
" Supposed to? " Carter asks, raising and eyebrow and offering a sheepish grin, " Like I said, no pressure. I mean, I won't speak for you, but... ya know, first dates, or whatever this is, " and with that he puts both hands up defensively, " can be a little tense.  I  don't mind a beer in... situations like this. But that doesn't mean you have to. " It is clear that he is waiting, studying Jen for her response.
Daishain
  "Depends on the definition of monster, think she might've been in a grey area..."   Frank trails off and shakes his head,   "Nevermind, the short answer is yes. Its a long story though, and I'm pretty sure telling it is going to be one of tonight's focal points."  
Bennosuke
Frank's reply seems to bring a grin to the taller man's face, and he nods his head a little. The other man's eyes go wide, then narrow as if he trying to read Frank for a lie. It's Hank who replies. " You're probably right, " he says with that same grin, " I'm sure we will all be interested to hear. But, I don't think you need to expect to be put up on a podium to give a speech, or anything like that. I think we will all just want to hear about what happened. " The man shrugs and adds, " And yeah, it's never easy to decide what to call  them , but most of us are pretty comfortable calling them what they are; monsters! "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " Supposed to? " Carter asks, raising and eyebrow and offering a sheepish grin, " Like I said, no pressure. I mean, I won't speak for you, but... ya know, first dates, or whatever this is, " and with that he puts both hands up defensively, " can be a little tense.  I  don't mind a beer in... situations like this. But that doesn't mean you have to. " It is clear that he is waiting, studying Jen for her response. 
 

Jen paused.  She coul dmake this difficult for him but then that would be kind of rude to Caitlyn.
"Let's have one to start and see how it goes," Jen said.
Bennosuke
" Deal, " he says, suddenly self conscious, perhaps picking up on Jen's judgement. He orders Jen whatever kind of drink she wants, ordering himself a craft IPA from one of the city's many local breweries. When the two have their drinks, Carter will lift his glass to Jen and say, " Cheers... uh, to golf I guess. " He'll smirk a little and then add, " I forgot to warn you, I am  not  a golf guy. Not even good at putting. Uh, I'll try not to embarrass myself too much though. "
Daishain
  "Good to hear. My life's been a little crazy lately,"   Frank looks around,   "Honestly starting to wonder what normal will end up looking like, only thing I'm sure of it won't be the same as before."  
Bennosuke
The two men nod amiably at Frank's reply. But when the skinnier man replies, his voice is flat and expectant. " Sure, sure, " he says, " So, uh, tell us about what happened. " He flashes Frank a grin, but the smile isn't friendly. Instead the expression on his face is almost one of hunger, like a shark's toothy maw as it cruises for prey.
Daishain
Frank holds up a hand,   "Patience please. Like I said, long story. I'd rather not repeat it over and over again, and I think we're still waiting on a few people to get here."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " Deal, " he says, suddenly self conscious, perhaps picking up on Jen's judgement. He orders Jen whatever kind of drink she wants, ordering himself a craft IPA from one of the city's many local breweries. When the two have their drinks, Carter will lift his glass to Jen and say, " Cheers... uh, to golf I guess. " He'll smirk a little and then add, " I forgot to warn you, I am  not  a golf guy. Not even good at putting. Uh, I'll try not to embarrass myself too much though. " 
 

"Yeah, I've never done this before either; it should be fun," Jen replied.
Bennosuke
The shorter man scowls, and it's clear that he's about to protest, but his companion Hank stops him. " Of course, " he says, flashing a winning smile that again somehow reminds of Neil, " that's totally reasonable. "

At just that moment, Julius Levi walks through the door and into the entry way, near where Frank and the two others are standing. He's wearing a heavy grey overcoat, that's probably meant for weather at least twenty degrees colder. Clark, the shorter man, departs from their group without a word, rushing to Levi's side to help him with the outer garment. Levi is wearing dark grey suit under the coat that looks almost black in the light. He offers Clark a "thanks", and then walks down the hall to where Frank and Hank (OOC: great 😛) are standing. " Gentlemen, " he says to the two, offering a firm handshake to both. He adds a, " Good to see you son, " to Hank, though it's unclear if there is an actual familial connection there from the tone of his voice. Then Levi turns to Frank and says, " Welcome, welcome! Glad we could get this put together, and glad you could make it Mr. Daughteridge. I hope you have been enjoying our hospitality so far. "

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

" We'll see, " Carter replies, and he honestly looks a little nervous.

Caitlyn and her new man arrive at the bar then to join their friends. Caitlyn immediately gets the bartender's attention and orders drinks for her and Jason. She then turns back to the group, and gives Jen a very not-furtive grin, before saying, " Soooo, I was thinking it would be fun if we did a two-on-two. One couple versus the other. What do you guys say? " She asks the group, but somehow it's clear she's really asking Jen.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The shorter man scowls, and it's clear that he's about to protest, but his companion Hank stops him. " Of course, " he says, flashing a winning smile that again somehow reminds of Neil, " that's totally reasonable. "

At just that moment, Julius Levi walks through the door and into the entry way, near where Frank and the two others are standing. He's wearing a heavy grey overcoat, that's probably meant for weather at least twenty degrees colder. Clark, the shorter man, departs from their group without a word, rushing to Levi's side to help him with the outer garment. Levi is wearing dark grey suit under the coat that looks almost black in the light. He offers Clark a "thanks", and then walks down the hall to where Frank and Hank (OOC: great 😛) are standing. " Gentlemen, " he says to the two, offering a firm handshake to both. He adds a, " Good to see you son, " to Hank, though it's unclear if there is an actual familial connection there from the tone of his voice. Then Levi turns to Frank and says, " Welcome, welcome! Glad we could get this put together, and glad you could make it Mr. Daughteridge. I hope you have been enjoying our hospitality so far. "

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

" We'll see, " Carter replies, and he honestly looks a little nervous.

Caitlyn and her new man arrive at the bar then to join their friends. Caitlyn immediately gets the bartender's attention and orders drinks for her and Jason. She then turns back to the group, and gives Jen a very not-furtive grin, before saying, " Soooo, I was thinking it would be fun if we did a two-on-two. One couple versus the other. What do you guys say? " She asks the group, but somehow it's clear she's really asking Jen. 
 

"Bold of you to assume we're already a couple," Jen said.  "But okay, sure."
Daishain
Frank smiles and nods,   "Good to see you as well sir. People have been quite accommodating. This looks to be a very interesting night."  
Bennosuke
Caitlyn throws her friend a pouty face that playfully says, "don't be such a downer" rather than showing any real apology. Carter nods his head in good spirit, and the four walk out to the center of the building where the "golfing" is supposed to take place.

(OOC: For fun do you want to make a Dex + athletic roll to see how Jen does?)

Jen's friends overall are not a group of professional golfers, though no one seems to be too focused on their scores. The mood remains overall light, though Caitlyn is at times a little shameless in her public display of affection, something that maybe even makes Jason a little uncomfortable. Carter is overall a good sport, is pleasant to be around, and gives off no obvious red flags, though it is up to Jen as to how far she scrutinizes him through the night.

(OOC: Let me know if there is anywhere in particular you want to take this, or if you'd want to move towards wrapping things up)

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

Levi nods his head casually and in an almost off handed way replies, " I'm not surprised. " He instead seems to look to the faces of Hank and Clark, perhaps trying to read their impression of how things are going. Betraying little, he adds, " I am sure we are all looking forward to... getting to know about your experiences more. And I am sure you might have some questions of your own, yes? "
Daishain
  "Only a few hundred to start."   Frank smiles a bit to emphasize the joke before becoming a bit more serious,   "I'll have to figure out pretty quickly which can be asked without overstepping."

"As for the rest, I'll do my best to provide the details needed."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Caitlyn throws her friend a pouty face that playfully says, "don't be such a downer" rather than showing any real apology. Carter nods his head in good spirit, and the four walk out to the center of the building where the "golfing" is supposed to take place.

(OOC: For fun do you want to make a Dex + athletic roll to see how Jen does?)

Jen's friends overall are not a group of professional golfers, though no one seems to be too focused on their scores. The mood remains overall light, though Caitlyn is at times a little shameless in her public display of affection, something that maybe even makes Jason a little uncomfortable. Carter is overall a good sport, is pleasant to be around, and gives off no obvious red flags, though it is up to Jen as to how far she scrutinizes him through the night.

(OOC: Let me know if there is anywhere in particular you want to take this, or if you'd want to move towards wrapping things up)

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

Levi nods his head casually and in an almost off handed way replies, " I'm not surprised. " He instead seems to look to the faces of Hank and Clark, perhaps trying to read their impression of how things are going. Betraying little, he adds, " I am sure we are all looking forward to... getting to know about your experiences more. And I am sure you might have some questions of your own, yes? " 
 

Jen laughs along with the others and plays passably.  At the end of the round, she asks if the others want to get one more drink.

 
 Spoiler 
ready to wrap this up.  Just wanted to catch up with Caitlyn is all, and get the guy’s number for riding lessons later.
 
Bennosuke
Frank's reply causes Julius Levi to actually chuckle. He nods his head and says, " Fair, very fair, " before reaching out to pat Frank on the shoulder. Levi grins at the new recruit, before turning to look down the hall at the bar longingly. " I'd like to get a drink soon, but before I go, why don't you ask one of your hundreds of questions, " Levi says amiably.

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

Jen's putting game isn't bad. It wasn't really her sport, but she does about as good as Jason, who seems to be the best golfer in the group.

As the night is winding down, Carter reaches out and cautiously places a hand on Jen's arm. " This was a great time, " he says, offering a rather stunning smile, " Do you want to chat for a moment before we call it a night. " He points to an area of the bar, away from the golfing area with a little more privacy and away from the loudest section of the building. It's still well lit; not the sort of place you'd go to snog, but clearly a chance to talk in private.

Though this was meant to be a private offer, Caitlyn near buy catches the interaction and locks eyes with her friend, grinning with giddy pride.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Frank's reply causes Julius Levi to actually chuckle. He nods his head and says, " Fair, very fair, " before reaching out to pat Frank on the shoulder. Levi grins at the new recruit, before turning to look down the hall at the bar longingly. " I'd like to get a drink soon, but before I go, why don't you ask one of your hundreds of questions, " Levi says amiably.

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

Jen's putting game isn't bad. It wasn't really her sport, but she does about as good as Jason, who seems to be the best golfer in the group.

As the night is winding down, Carter reaches out and cautiously places a hand on Jen's arm. " This was a great time, " he says, offering a rather stunning smile, " Do you want to chat for a moment before we call it a night. " He points to an area of the bar, away from the golfing area with a little more privacy and away from the loudest section of the building. It's still well lit; not the sort of place you'd go to snog, but clearly a chance to talk in private.

Though this was meant to be a private offer, Caitlyn near buy catches the interaction and locks eyes with her friend, grinning with giddy pride. 
 

“Yeah alright,” Jen replied and she followed up over to the bar.
Bennosuke
" Don't sound so excited, " he replies, his tone and grin indicating that he is needling Jen a little.

The two walk over toward the bar, where it is a little less necessary to yell. Once there, Carter does his best to appear casual, propping an elbow against the bar, and leaning back nonchalantly. Still, by the redness in his face and the tension in the man's eyes, it's clear he's nervous. " This was fun, " Carter says, pausing for a moment to study Jen's face and reply. He adds, " I uh, I hope we can meet up again... for a date, or just as friends for a motorcycle lesson; whatever. " It's clear there's something the man isn't saying, or maybe wants to say. He makes no attempt to go in for a hug, or initiate any form of physical intimacy, instead just seeming to study Jen and wait for her reply.
Daishain
Frank considers for a moment, much of what he wanted to ask felt too prying or would require answers that might be annoyingly lengthy for Mr Levi at the moment, deciding he softly nods to himself,   "Right then, any chance you could tell me a little about the Lodge's philosophy in dealing with unusual creatures and events? I don't mean the actual techniques, just what is considered important to you."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " Don't sound so excited, " he replies, his tone and grin indicating that he is needling Jen a little.

The two walk over toward the bar, where it is a little less necessary to yell. Once there, Carter does his best to appear casual, propping an elbow against the bar, and leaning back nonchalantly. Still, by the redness in his face and the tension in the man's eyes, it's clear he's nervous. " This was fun, " Carter says, pausing for a moment to study Jen's face and reply. He adds, " I uh, I hope we can meet up again... for a date, or just as friends for a motorcycle lesson; whatever. " It's clear there's something the man isn't saying, or maybe wants to say. He makes no attempt to go in for a hug, or initiate any form of physical intimacy, instead just seeming to study Jen and wait for her reply. 
 

“Sure why not,” Jen said.  “Here’s my number, we can figure it out later.”

She passed her mobile number over to him.
Bennosuke
Levi chuckles at the term "unusual creatures", but nods his head cordially. " Our approach, " he starts, " is primarily to study. We watch, we gather data, and we learn. " The other two seem to suddenly be hanging on Levi's words, like he were a favorite professor, or a revered priest. He continues, " There are not many...  unusual creatures  in St. Louis, but there are a few. And while knowledge is not always power, we know that the best way for us to survive, the best way for us to win is for us to know everything we can. The best way for us to beat the enemy, is to know everything about them, and to be prepared. "

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

" Great, " Carter says with a grin. He types Jen's number into his phone, and then a few moments later sends her a text that says, "Hi. Carter".
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Levi chuckles at the term "unusual creatures", but nods his head cordially. " Our approach, " he starts, " is primarily to study. We watch, we gather data, and we learn. " The other two seem to suddenly be hanging on Levi's words, like he were a favorite professor, or a revered priest. He continues, " There are not many...  unusual creatures  in St. Louis, but there are a few. And while knowledge is not always power, we know that the best way for us to survive, the best way for us to win is for us to know everything we can. The best way for us to beat the enemy, is to know everything about them, and to be prepared. "

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

" Great, " Carter says with a grin. He types Jen's number into his phone, and then a few moments later sends her a text that says, "Hi. Carter". 
 

“Hi. Jen,” Jen tapped back.
Bennosuke
The reply causes Carter to smirk, his cheeks turning just a little flushed, in a not-unhandsome, maybe a boyish sort of way. " Cool, " he says through his grin.

Caitlyn and her boy-toy arrive at that moment. She comes in to throw her arms around Jen, clearly aware that they are interrupting something. Jason's face is full of a playful embarrassment. " Hope we aren't interrupting anything, " Caitlyn says coyly, nodding to Jen's phone as if to say, "I saw you two exchange numbers". She plants a quick peck on Jen's cheek and says, " Unfortunately, I'm this one's ride, until Carter you teach her how to drive! " She winks at Carter. Then with an almost teasing glee Caitlyn adds, " Unless the two of you are going to... go off on your own. "

This turns Carter's face even more flushed. Trying to hide his embarrassment, he replies, " We hadn't really talked about it... but I wouldn't want to be too... presumptuous. " His eyes fall on Jen.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The reply causes Carter to smirk, his cheeks turning just a little flushed, in a not-unhandsome, maybe a boyish sort of way. " Cool, " he says through his grin.

Caitlyn and her boy-toy arrive at that moment. She comes in to throw her arms around Jen, clearly aware that they are interrupting something. Jason's face is full of a playful embarrassment. " Hope we aren't interrupting anything, " Caitlyn says coyly, nodding to Jen's phone as if to say, "I saw you two exchange numbers". She plants a quick peck on Jen's cheek and says, " Unfortunately, I'm this one's ride, until Carter you teach her how to drive! " She winks at Carter. Then with an almost teasing glee Caitlyn adds, " Unless the two of you are going to... go off on your own. "

This turns Carter's face even more flushed. Trying to hide his embarrassment, he replies, " We hadn't really talked about it... but I wouldn't want to be too... presumptuous. " His eyes fall on Jen. 
 

"Ha ha.  I need to get back home tonight though," Jen said.