Bennosuke
Joanna lays down, so she can only hear the door open a Brock gets out of the truck. His footfalls crunching on gravel echo loudly in her large pointed ears. Joanna can feel the man's eyes on her and if she looks up, she can see him standing about a yard away from the lip of the truck bed, staring wide eyed at the wolf-passenger. " Oh what the ****, " he growls loudly to himself. Then sternly he points a finger at Joanna and orders, " Go on, get out. Go! Out! " as if he could simply order a wolf like a domesticated house dog.

There is something odd about his smell, but not in the fishy New Bedford sort of way.

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

" Whoa, whoa, calm down man, " Knowlton says when Bear begins speaking without even a hello, " This is Bear with the Anchor Wolves... right? " He sighs when he gets the affirmative from Bear then says, " You sure the Pure are in your territory? ****, you sure; we didn't even get a sniff of them. How long they been there? You said there's three of them? Not a big pack, but the Pure are always trouble. You need backup or something? "

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

Kara chuckles at Blaze's reply. " The Molotov cocktail trick again? That worked pretty well on that nasty Plague Spirit. Guess we'll have to get a couple six packs of bottled beer then! "
Haval
Joanna is unaffected by Turner's attempts to shoo her away.  Go ahead and drive big man. If you tell them about this no one will ever believe you.  She'll make a show of yawning and will settle down with her head on her forelegs as if she was going to take a nap. She'll keep an eye on Turner in case he had a gun or something. Apparently getting shot was only mildly inconvenient now but she wasn't interested in finding out how it felt.

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

On the mercury,  'It's worth a try. I can't say I know that much about mercury. Don't want the glass breaking while I'm trying to throw it.'  Who could say how it might work when they crossed over.

To Jeremy,  'So we throw it and then run like hell. We probably have so much of the stuff now that if we mess up we can always have another go later.' 

To Kara,  'And it'd be a shame to waste all that beer.' 
Daishain
Bear sighs as his awkwardness gets in the way of things again,   "Yeah we're sure. Caught their trail a few days back and now they're staying at the local university. Way too many human eyes for us to confront them there so we're looking for another approach to get them out of our lands. Heh, you should see their totem, absolutely huge hellhound thing. Bane is mercury though, and we snagged a good bit of that stuff."

"Anyways, we're also getting actively attacked by the Idigam's minions. We're handling that pretty easily so far, but our attention is a bit divided at the moment as a result. Perfect timing right?"

"Not asking for backup at the moment. More just giving you a heads up, they may cause trouble for more than just us in the meantime. And well, when we do kick them off our turf they'll probably try to going through yours again. Might want to arrange for a welcoming party at that time."  
GKnightBC
{Moved}
    Originally Posted by  Thundercracker     
"They're plastic, it'll probably bounce off. Maybe we can transfer it to a few glass vials or bottles, that way they'll break easier and we get more than two shots, in case we screw it up," Blaze said.

"Let's hunt this thing down and then go with our spirits and kick those Pure off our territory," Blaze said, "then we can get the fishies to help us figure out what to do about the Idigam."

 
 
 "And the more we can throw   at   once, the better our chances of damaging the spirit? I like that plan! Those Pure need to be put in their place, before they start trying to kick US off!" Jeremy says, enthused. 
Bennosuke
Brock curses loudly stomping one foot when he sees that the wolf in his truck is going nowhere. " Well fine, " he says as if Joanna could understand, " I'm gonna go get my shotgun then! " He begins stomping off, and halfway to the house yells out, " Fin! Where's your shotgun? You'll never guess what's in the truck! "

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

Kara winks back at Joanna, replying with peak sarcasm, " Such a shame! "

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

Michael Knowton listens intently, but he whistles when Bear mentions the Pure pack's totem. " Be careful, " he says sternly, " the Pure can be evil sons of bitches. "

When Bear finishes discussing the situation with the Idigam he again speaks up, " If you really are facing an Idigam, you don't want to take **** lightly. There's only been a couple of occurrences of Idigam in the world, as far as I know, and each one of them have been major major problems. " He pauses for a moment and then adds, " It honestly sounds like you have two very very dangerous enemies in your territory Bear. You realize that, right? "

He chuckles at Bear's last comment, and replies, " Thanks for the heads up. " Then more sternly, " Keep us appraised, and let us know if you want any help. "
Haval
Joanna sighs internally and will take the opportunity to look over the gauntlet to see how Fin's house looked like on the other side. If there was something using Brock she'd like to see if she could see what it looked like. Once she has done that she'll retreat to a safe distance. As in outside of easy shotgun range but where she could still observe the pair of them.
Daishain
Bear chuckles a bit at the comment about powerful enemies,   "You're telling me, part of me's wonderin if this territory is cursed. Still, we found a way with the plague king, we intend to find a way with this too. And if not, well, I'll make sure the rest of my pack can fall back come hell or high water."  
Bennosuke
Joanna sighs as she allows her eyes to glaze over. Lupine vision was deficient in many ways compared to a man's, but something immediately catches Joanna's eyes; a strange smudge of heat and light floating in the direction that Brock was traveling, right before she cast her vision across the Gauntlet.

(OOC: Please give me Int + Occult +1)

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

Mitch chuckles, his voice deep but warm in the way you'd want a father's to be. " ****, maybe you're right, " he says, " but I have faith in you man. Fight the good fight Bear. The war may be never ending, but that doesn't mean we have to lose. Let me know if the Arrow Heads can be of any service. We're not too far away. "

(OOC: Assuming this conversation is ending, what is the pack looking to do now?)
Haval
Joanna doesn't know what she's expecting to see as she looks across the Gauntlet but she could always ask the others.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 
1 success in the ooc
 


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

After Bear finishes his phone call,  'Well. At least they answered. I'd hate to think there was somehow enough extra Pure out there that they could just roll over the Arrow Heads on the way here.' 

On the Totem,  'If we're going after the big wolf do we need to do any planning?'  Joanna asks uncertainly.  'Oakheart and the other two have to sleep sometime so maybe we can catch it alone.' 
Bennosuke
It isn't till the thing is almost out of sight that Joanna begins to realize what she is looking at. Recognition helps give form. It's not one spirit following Brock Turner, no, it's a spirit being birthed from Brock Turner. A red ball of glowing Essence ripping itself out of the man's shadow.
Haval
Joanna assumed that she could deal with the spirit by herself if she had the opportunity. The question was what that would do to Turner.  Is that just going to calm him down? Not a bad idea.  She'll retreat to a safe distance while remaining visible for whenever Turner came back. No one was that good with a shotgun, but she might as well see if he was willing to take a shot at her in the middle of the day.
Bennosuke
Casting her vision back into the world of Flesh, Joana leaps out of the truck bed, and begins trotting down the block. Her ears perk up at the sound of the door opening, and from down the street she watches Brock Turner clomp down the porch steps with shotgun in hand. He is followed by Fin who has an annoyed look on his round flabby face. " You see? There he is... the wolf I told you about. " Brock strides over to the truck, staring confidently at the wolf he has incorrectly gendered. Fin says nothing, staring at Joanna with a dubious look on his face. Brock grins, staring proudly, but he makes no attempt to level the weapon or threaten Joanna.
Haval
 He? Idiot. At least he didn't call me a dog.  As fun as it might be to watch the local police show up to respond to gun fire it was probably better for everyone that Turner had some self control. Having failed at stealth Joanna will slink off and find somewhere out of sight where she could listen to the pair until Turner decided to leave. She'd never yet tried to follow a car by sent alone and assumed it might be difficult. If she failed she could always come back another time. For starters she could bring something to **** up Turner's tires. Compared to the Pure and the Idigam, Turner was small fry, so until she worked out how to deal with him Joanna was content to mess with him a little.

 
 Spoiler 

Stealth to disapear if he follows her
Dex 2 + Stealth 2 + Urhan 2
 (6d10)[ 5 ][ 7 ][ 10 ][ 5 ][ 8 ][ 1 ](36) 
Any 9 or 10s
 (6d10)[ 4 ][ 3 ][ 3 ][ 10 ][ 2 ][ 9 ](31) 

Attempt to track Turner's truck assuming he leaves because I want to know what he's doing in the woods. I assume there's a penalty.
Wits 3 + Composure 3 + Urhan 4
 (10d10)[ 5 ][ 4 ][ 3 ][ 9 ][ 9 ][ 5 ][ 10 ][ 6 ][ 1 ][ 5 ](57) 
Any 10s
 (10d10)[ 3 ][ 4 ][ 5 ][ 8 ][ 3 ][ 4 ][ 2 ][ 5 ][ 8 ][ 6 ](48) 
 
Daishain
Bear contemplates the phone in his hand before stuffing it back in a pocket.   "Right then. Next order of business. Lets come up with a plan of attack for the totem spirit."

"Also, last calls for an alternative. Something feels off about the presence of this pack, it seems weird both that they're here at all and that they showed restraint towards us earlier. I think they're here for something specific and its not us."  
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Bear contemplates the phone in his hand before stuffing it back in a pocket.   "Right then. Next order of business. Lets come up with a plan of attack for the totem spirit."   
 

  
 'Unless the mercury works really well or really quickly I don't think we want to have to deal with the big wolf and the Pure at the same time. I think we should aim for trying something in the middle of the night or the early morning when they might be asleep or in town. Even if they're got some way of knowing we're there it doesn't mean they'll be able to get back quick enough.'  Who knows what the Pure might be capable of if they had their own Ithaeur.  'It'll be hard to be sneaky if we're going through the college library again. Could we find another locus? Or cross here even?' 

 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 "Also, last calls for an alternative. Something feels off about the presence of this pack, it seems weird both that they're here at all and that they showed restraint towards us earlier. I think they're here for something specific and its not us." 
 

   'Oakheart's an Oceanography Professor. We're dealing with a fish god and she chooses to come here now. Can't be a coincidence. Maybe she wants to talk to it.' 
Thundercracker
 Blaze 

“It doesn’t matter, they’re in our territory, we offered to talk and they threatened to kill us,” Blaze said, “the easiest way is to go on a hunt, cross over here, and travel by Gauntlet to wipe out their spirit first.  Then we can drive them off easier.  We should see which spirits we can convince to come with us, too.”
Haval
Joanna shrugs,  'It might matter if more of them are going to show up at some point. But I get that Oak doesn't want to talk to us. Maybe if we can get Corey Allen alone. He might be the least crazy of the three.' 

On getting spirit allies,  'If you think they'll help. Maybe they'd want the big wolf out of the way just on principle.' 
Daishain
Bear nods,   "Early in the morning sometime would likely work well. Need to get this handled sooner rather than later, I really do not want to be trying to defend our turf on two fronts."  
Bennosuke
" It's just some ****ing dog, " Fin says coldly, staring at Joanna sideways with his wide fishy eyes. He shrugs, ignoring the evil look Brock is giving his cousin and turns to head inside. The slumped bus driver takes about three steps before stopping. Half turning, and half speaking over his neckless shoulder, Fin says, " And what the hell were you doing with my truck anyways. " His feet shuffle as he turns fully around to glare at Brock, who still holding the shotgun, stares back at him with equal venom.

The stare down ends after a long moment when Fin shuffles around to the side of the car. The man is short and hunched, and has to push onto his tiptoes to see into the truck. With equal parts alarm and anger Fin yells at his cousin, " You were trying to hot wire my truck? God Damn It! " He begins to open the door, cussing, and leans across the passenger seat to begin fiddling with the tampered dashboard.

But Fin's rage distracts him from Brock's footsteps as he comes around the side car. Joanna watches with horror as Turner levels the shotgun, and silences Fin's stream of explatives with the roaring blast of the weapon discharging.

If Joanna casts her vision into the Shadow, she can see the steady stream of lesser anger and murder spirits prying themselves out of the spot where Brock Turner stands.

" God damn idiot, " Turner says shaking his head, without a hint of remorse.

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

Kara nods her head listening to the conversation in it's entirety, but adds, " We should probably consult with Reveler about all this. We'll want its help in battling their totem and may have some insights we don't have anyways. " It was well known amongst the elder pack members that Kara had one of the strongest connections with the Pack Totem, and had taken well to its more hedonistic influence.
Haval
Joanna can only roll her eyes at the dog comment before the shotgun going off puts all that out of her mind. What the hell should she do about this? She knew this wasn't the first person that Turner had killed but she was hesistant to just put him down. She didn't remember it clearly but she had already killed people during her first change and wasn't in a hurry to repeat the experience. Still she couldn't let this stand, even if the local police bothered to do something about this.  **** it. 

From behind the cover provided by whatever vehicles are parked on the road Joanna will take the time to switch to Urshul. She'll try to keep an eye on Turner while she was changing as he was presumably going to get Fin's keys. She didn't particularly want to kill him but anything short of that was only fair.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Going to try and regain some willpower with Monster. Going to try surprise him with this but that might not be possible given the size of Urshul
 
Thundercracker
 Blaze 

“Yeah, and king sky hunter, though that one will want something in exchange for helping us,” Blaze said.
GKnightBC
" What has King Sky Hunter wanted in the past?"  Jeremy asks, as they make plans and prepare for their own little war.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by GKnightBC 
 " What has King Sky Hunter wanted in the past?"  Jeremy asks, as they make plans and prepare for their own little war. 
 

“We assured him hunting rights in this area and geomancied the locus to be tasty for him,” Blaze replied, “not sure what he’ll want this time.”
Bennosuke
Joanna is able to remain hidden as her body tears itself apart and reshapes itself. As she shifts closer to war form, she can feel the desire for revenge growing within her. Despite her rational brain, she can feel the wild impulse in her to tear Brock Turner limb from limb, and can feel her mouth salivating at the possible chance to taste his flesh!

(OOC: What is Joanna's trigger again?)
Haval
Killing Turner would be so easy in this form. He was no threat to her, he was prey and probably deserved to be treated as such. However he had got like this, it might be better for everyone if she ended this now. Still, she could still remember waking up with the taste of someone else's blood in her mouth and she's just about rational enough to want to avoid crossing that line again.

Joanna will use any of the other parked vehicles on the street to cover her approach but she'll let out a low growl that could come from no simple dog as she gets closer. There was really no point in hiding but she wanted to draw this out. Let him hear that something larger then him was out here before she revealed herself.

 
 Spoiler 

Going to see if I can scare him for the Willpower. If she gets noticed anyway I suppose Turner has to deal with Lunacy

Dex 2 + Stealth 2 + Urshul 2
 (6d10)[ 8 ][ 1 ][ 6 ][ 8 ][ 7 ][ 6 ](36) 
Any 9 or 10s
 (6d10)[ 10 ][ 1 ][ 9 ][ 8 ][ 9 ][ 7 ](44) 
 
Bennosuke
Slowly, Jen begins to stalk her prey, muscles tensed as she hunches low and pads down the block sticking to the shadows. She can feel her fur going on end, her ears and tail pulling back as she growls low and slow, the threat vibrating from deep within her throat.

(OOC: Jen stays hidden, can I please have you roll Presence + Intimidation)
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Thundercracker 
 “We assured him hunting rights in this area and geomancied the locus to be tasty for him,” Blaze replied, “not sure what he’ll want this time.” 
 

 'Mice spirits? Though I wouldn't want to imply that he couldn't do his own hunting.' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
  'Mice spirits? Though I wouldn't want to imply that he couldn't do his own hunting.'  
 

“Probably best to ask him,” Blaze said, “we can try to convince him it’s a worthy foe.”
Bennosuke
 
 Originally Posted by Thundercracker 
 “Probably best to ask him,” Blaze said, “we can try to convince him it’s a worthy foe.” 
 

Blaze knows that King Sky Hunter is a proud spirit of hunting, and would probably not take kindly to being offered "free food"

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

Joanna's growl ripples across the dark yard. She would scare this crazed murderous offense of a man if she could. She paws closer, still out of sight. But to her frustration, she hears the clicking of Brock Turner racking the shotgun. Under his breath, in almost drunken slurred words she hears him say, " Come on ya son of a bitch! Come on. "
Daishain
Bear nods,   "Lets get Reveler in on this. Though I'm sure they've been listening."  
Haval
 You have no idea what you're dealing with.  Joanna has the urge to go after the truck. She's not spent enough time in Gauru to know what she could do there but tipping Turner's truck over sounded fun about now. Instead, once she's close enough she's going to break into a run to bowl Turner over. If the sight of a black wolf the size of a horse is not enough  to make him turn and run she'll try and knock his legs out from under him. If she can get him on the ground she'll put most of her weight on his arm to keep him from using the gun. She'll not trying to hurt Turner but if she breaks him a little here she can live with that.


 
 Spoiler: ooc 

So maybe Lunacy but he's crazy enough that he possibly doesn't care

Initiative if needed 5+2 Urshul +d10
[roll]7+1d10[/roll]
rolled 11 in the ooc

If needed
Defence 3 (goes up to 4 in Urshul)

Unarmed Combat to grapple
Str 2 + Brawl 1 + Urshul 2 - Turner's defence
 (5d10)[ 2 ][ 8 ][ 3 ][ 8 ][ 10 ](31) 
Any 10s
 (5d10)[ 8 ][ 6 ][ 2 ][ 2 ][ 6 ](24) 


If possible going to use Urshul to impose the Knock Down tilt but I may have to damage him first.
 
GKnightBC
 "Could we provide some kind of agile prey for Hunter to stalk, once in a while? Or arrange for such prey to come into his territory? Maybe Reveler has some resource we could use for that kind of thing."  ​Jeremy suggests.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by GKnightBC 
  "Could we provide some kind of agile prey for Hunter to stalk, once in a while? Or arrange for such prey to come into his territory? Maybe Reveler has some resource we could use for that kind of thing."  ​Jeremy suggests. 
 

“Yeah, good idea,” Blaze said, “but we should go ask him, assuming this is what we’re gonna do..  let’s have a chat with Reveler first and see how that goes.  Then maybe we can get a hunt going or talk to KSH, whatever.”

He nodded to Bear.
Bennosuke
With the pack finally o the same page, they decide to seek out Reveler. Though at times the spirit has been with the pack, close enough to listen in and cross the Gauntlet when invited, it appears that the Totem spirit is not immediately available. Without access to the Summoning rite (OOC: see pg 145 for Shadowcall), the pack are forced to cross the Gauntlet and seek their ally there.

Blaze and Bear lead the pack across the Gauntlet; Kara stays behind with the wolf-blooded to guard the pack's territory given everything that has transpired recently. Blaze indicates that the pack should start with the spirit winery, which is where they do find Reveler in the Vineyard. The spirit of wine and decadence is found stretching its tentacle vines deep into the soil between the towering rows of tree-like grape vines. Moan like sounds can be heard from the outskirts of the vineyard, which is what leads the pack to Reveler. As they approach, the spirit says, " Welcome Uratha, do you care for a drink? The grapes are sweet now, sweet and heady. "

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

Joanna is on the man before he even has chance to register the attack.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 Joanna goes first and gets one success after his defense, which assuming she's using claws is 2L damage or 3L if teeth (also counts as a grapple if you want). Please specify. Once per scene in Urshul an Uratha can us Weaken Prey per pg 97 to apply a condition such as knocked down; I assume you want to do this?
 
GKnightBC
 "Joyous Reveler, I'd be honoured to taste the fruit of your efforts, if you judge it ready."  Jeremy says, wanting to put himself into the Packs great ally's good graces. After that, he let's Blaze take the lead in the discussions.
Haval
 'I could go for a drink.'  How strong could spirit wine be anyway?

*******

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Let's go with claws for 2L damage and to impose the Knocked down condition. Not trying to kill Turner on purpose.
 
Daishain
Bear nods gratefully at the offer,   "You always make the best drinks reveler."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by GKnightBC 
  "Joyous Reveler, I'd be honoured to taste the fruit of your efforts, if you judge it ready."  Jeremy says, wanting to put himself into the Packs great ally's good graces. After that, he let's Blaze take the lead in the discussions. 
 

“Yeah man,” Blaze said before he happily took a large sip.

After everyone had drank their fill, Blaze stood up to address their totem.

“We’ve been good to each other, man, I hope you’ve been happy with our arrangement, we’re super stoked that you’re our totem,” Blaze said.
“We’ve got a problem though, these Pure have moved in our territory.  We tried to talk to them because we’re chill like that but no bueno.  So, we’re gonna declare a hunt and drive ‘em out, starting with their totem, a badass anger spirit.  We got it’s bane.  First of all, we’re totally open to any pearls of wisdom you might have, and second, what do you think, down to join up and hunt it down together?”
Bennosuke
Something in the Reveler's strange elongated form tenses, and two of its vine-like tentacles pull it closer to the ground. There is a shuddering like an earthquake, and the leaves of the massive grapevine trees rustle with the momentum. The totem spirit opens its mouth and low moaning sound fills the rows of the vineyard. The fist sized grape fruits hanging from the vines, many the color of dark plumbs, begin to shiver and shrink as the ground quakes settle.

The soft dirt at the feet of the Uratha begins mound and push aside as thin sucker covered tentacles of The Reveler break their way through. Each tentacle reaches up to an Anchor Wolf, the most distal suction cup expanding to take the form of a small chalice which begins to fill with a luminous dark liquid. The air is perfumed with the scent of fruit flowers, cherries and hard alcohol.

 
 Spoiler: OOC: TC 

 “We’ve been good to each other, man, I hope you’ve been happy with our arrangement, we’re super stoked that you’re our totem,” Blaze said.
“We’ve got a problem though, these Pure have moved in our territory. We tried to talk to them because we’re chill like that but no bueno. So, we’re gonna declare a hunt and drive ‘em out, starting with their totem, a badass anger spirit. We got it’s bane. First of all, we’re totally open to any pearls of wisdom you might have, and second, what do you think, down to join up and hunt it down together?” 

Let's safe this for after everyone drinks or doesn't.
 


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

Joanna's paw catches Brock in the back of the leg, just below the knee, her claws tearing out a clump of his calf. The man goes down with a scream. Landing hard on his back, Brock raises the gun and fires. No normal creature would be able to move fast enough to avoid a shotgun blast, but Joanna's powerful legs carry her out of harm's way.

(OOC: Brock Turner takes 2L damage and is prone)
Haval
The liquid smelled good enough that Joanna didn't really care where it came from. She'll lean closer to smell it better before she drinks.

*******

Once she's managed to avoid getting shot Joanna will turn around to capitalise on getting Turner on the ground. If possible she'll try to put the weight of one paw on the arm holding the gun and bat it away with the other.

 
 Spoiler 

Trying to disarm him, which I think means I have to roll again (p.167)

Edit  - Roll to grapple, contested roll in the ooc
Str 2 + Brawl 1 + Urshul 2 - Turner's defence
 (5d10)[ 7 ][ 4 ][ 8 ][ 1 ][ 3 ](23) 
Any 10s
 (5d10)[ 10 ][ 8 ][ 2 ][ 8 ][ 8 ](36) 
 
Daishain
Bear nods gratefully to Reveler before reaching out to bring the makeshift cup to his lips to drink with a grin. The spirit often had the best booze.
Bennosuke
The wine tastes deeply of fermented fruit mixed with the salty metallic tang of blood. The draught is potent, laced with Essence, but within only a few seconds of finishing the drink, you can feel your head begin to spin. Solids before you begin to blur and double, and noise takes on a vibrating and distant sort of echo. The Reveler appears almost instantly more powerful, more alluring. The vines seem to bend and bow around the spirit.

(OOC: Each Uratha gains one Essence, but also gains the Swooning (Reveler) condition. See pg 311 of Werewolf.
@TC: Now  may  be a good time to repost your prior IC post... though you may want to adjust/reconsider given current happenings.)

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

Joanna charges back in, planting a heavy paw on the scrambling man's chest so that he cannot immediately rise. With her free pay, she takes a powerful swipe at Turner's shotgun, claws snagging as she wrenches it from his grasp. It clatters between her legs, and fortunate does not discharge.
Haval
Joanna will drop to one knee as the drink hits her. She has a sudden urge to break out laughing but will only grin up at the Reveler. Any lingering doubt at the sheer oddness of the spirit's appearance is long gone from her mind.  Can't argue with anyone who makes me feel like that.   'Thanks man, I needed that. I don't suppose you have any more for Kara?' 

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

Joanna wonders how easy it would be to break the shotgun in half if she really had to. Now she'd got the gun off him she'll put the weight of both paws on Turner to stop him from wriggling away. If she can keep him there she'll regard him very closely so that her muzzle is virtually in Turners face. From here Joanna would like Turner to get a good look at her teeth and a set of jaws that might be capable of biting his whole head off. It would be so easy to bite down and finish this.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

So contested roll to keep the Grapple and hold him down
Str 2 + Brawl 1 + Urshul 2
 (5d10)[ 7 ][ 1 ][ 2 ][ 5 ][ 8 ](23) 
Any 10s
 (5d10)[ 6 ][ 2 ][ 10 ][ 2 ][ 6 ](26) 

Going to try Intimidate again under the circumstances. Will spend that point of Willpower and hopefully get one back for Monster
Presence 3 + Intimidate 0 + Wp 3
 (6d10)[ 6 ][ 2 ][ 2 ][ 4 ][ 1 ][ 2 ](17) 
Any 10s
 (6d10)[ 10 ][ 10 ][ 3 ][ 7 ][ 7 ][ 8 ](45) 
 
GKnightBC
Jeremy quaffs the offered potions, eagerly drinking down the potent spirit-sauce. When the effects hits him, he lets it's rush roil through his body and reels slightly. Empowered, he say " THIS is what the doctor ordered! What a rush!" 
Bennosuke
" Kara is always welcome to join, " The Reveler replies, his voice soft and comforting, " Now enjoy. You Uratha carry so many responsibilities. You deserve the opportunity to unwind... to make music... to celebrate. But you came to me for a reason, yes? "

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

Brock Turner looks up into the eyes of the terrible monster towering over him. His eyes go wide with terror, and he struggles to pull his face away from the growling menace that has him pinned hard to the ground.

(OOC: Save your WP and forget your roll. A Dire Wolf has disarmed him and pinned him and is baring his fangs. He's a mortal. He's ****ting himself at very best. Rolled for Lunacy but he passes, so Brock is not out of his mind with Lunacy, but he's absolutely terrified.)
Haval
Joanna will gaze disdainfully down at Brock. Beating him up was the first time she had really let loose like this on purpose and it felt good. The only problem with looking like this was that it wasn't as if she could threaten anyone properly.  Don't kill anyone else or I'm coming back?  Maybe it would work if she had terrified him enough, but whether he was being influenced by something on the other side or whether he was just a psycho it wasn't as if she could guarantee that. If she wasn't going to put him down now it meant she was obliged to let the police deal with it. Even the New Bedford police ought to be able to deal with a murder when there was this much evidence. All of this was going on in the middle of the day. What were the chances that after multiple gunshots there was no one watching from one of the other houses? With a last snarl Joanna is going to get off of Brock and go looking for somewhere without any bystanders where she can change back to human and be capable of phoning the police.

******

To the Reveler,  'Brand practice sounds pretty good about now, but I don't think this can wait. Do you ...fight? If you have to I mean.'  Joanna is well disposed towards the Reveler that she doesn't want to see it getting hurt.
Bennosuke
The shock in the man's eyes is enough for Joanna. Sure she could tear his throat out, and the animal part of her certainly wanted to; but she had had enough. Joanna allows one last growl to grow loud as she pulls her lips back to expose her impossibly large maw filled with curved pointed teeth. Turner winces, but by the time he opens his eyes, Joanna is slinking fast across the street, moving out of view.

As she rushes away, Joanna is forced to lap her tongue at a mouth filled with hungry saliva. She (or maybe just this wolf body) ached to taste the man's blood, maybe even to eat his meat and chew his bones. But the more human part of Joanna's brain was racing with satisfaction.

Turning a corner, Joanna hears the roar of the shotgun, only slightly distant, followed by a slew of obscenities hurled by Brock. He was out of sight, but Joanna could hear him cursing the wolf/dog that had attacked him; a deranged babbling series of curses. By the time Joanna has slipped into the shadows of a cluster of trees between properties to begin shifting, she hears the distant grumble of a truck coming to life followed by the screeching of tires as it peels out; all before the sound of police sirens begin to approach from afar.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Joanna recovers her one WP and is now up to 2. Joanna has decided not to kill. Brock Turner has escaped, and who knows what he will do now.
 


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

A rippling roaring noise fills the row of vines, emanating from The Reveler as something between laughter and the sound of crashing waves. " I have fought before along side your pack little pup, " the Totem spirit replies, the words forming in the air without the spirit moving its mouth, " But I allied myself with Anchor Wolves not because they are great warriors, but because of the music they make and the  emotions  that they inspire. All things are pressing, and you have neglected your responsibilities to me! " There is a low moaning sound, which also comes from somewhere outside the spirit, though was likely The Reveler's as well. " I grow weaker without your assistance; it is your actions that empower me Uratha. Though you don't need to perform for me now, I need you to play for the mortals, and soon, lest I grow weaker still and thus less capable of assisting you in your needs, " The Reveler finishes, and perhaps it was the act of creating the spirit wine, or maybe The Totem was speaking the truth, for its corpus did appear withered and dusky.

Somehow, The Reveler's words rung with truth. The Anchor Wolves had sworn to assist the Reveler just as he had to them, and all he had asked was that they continue to play, to inspire revelry and joy... and yet the pack had not played a show since before they had finished the plague spirit Obliterates!  Was it so much to ask? Didn't the Anchor Wolves also owe a responsibility to their band Cry Wolf? 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Part of taking on a Totem is taking their Ban and an Aspiration (see the OOC thread), of which most of the pack members have not indulged. The characters are also under the swooning condition, making The Reveler seem more amazing and making the characters wish to appease it; which will also result in resolution of the condition and a beat.
 
Haval
Joanna is going to lie down among the trees for a moment and get some air once she finishes shifting. She still remembered the aftermath of her first change and what it had felt like to wake up with the taste of flesh in her mouth. The trouble was it didn't entirely feel like a bad memory anymore. Was she going to find herself anticipating that feeling even when she wasn't wearing that form? The idea that Brock might be better off dead had occurred to her, and maybe she'd have to put him down herself, but as yet trying to get a second opinion might allow her to live with herself. If there was some spirit on the other side making Brock like this she'd have no trouble hunting it down.

For now she'll go back to Fin's house and wait for the police to show up. Technically this was still her job wasn't it? Better see if the local police could actually be useful to her.

*******

 'Before my time.'  Joanna mutters feeling oddly guilty. To the others,  'How long has it been anyway?' 
Thundercracker
 Blaze 

“Reveler’s got a point y’all, we should be playing more shows… but this is important,” Blaze said, “maybe we can kill two birds with one stone. We gotta get a hunt going before taking on their totem, any way we can turn that into an impromptu performance?”
Haval
 'I don't know. Can we do that ritual stuff in public?' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
  'I don't know. Can we do that ritual stuff in public?'  
 

“I mean, the way we do our rituals it’s just like an extended jam session, so… yeah I say let’s go for it man,” Blaze replied, “might be good publicity too, if we blow our fans’ minds.”
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Thundercracker 
 “I mean, the way we do our rituals it’s just like an extended jam session, so… yeah I say let’s go for it man,” Blaze replied, “might be good publicity too, if we blow our fans’ minds.” 
 

 'Heh, never done a secret show before. My old band never had that kind of profile. Should I call the  Pour House  or are we doing this outside somewhere?' 
Bennosuke
 For now she'll go back to Fin's house and wait for the police to show up. Technically this was still her job wasn't it? Better see if the local police could actually be useful to her. 

(OOC: In which form is Joanna returning in?)

Joanna stalks pas the decimated body of Fin on her way to the house. She moves up the steps to find the front door open, the house empty. With the sirens approaching, Joanna maybe has a few minutes to explore the house should she choose.

(OOC: Time enough for a Wits + Investigation -3 roll if you wish to pursue it)

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

Though the Reveler's face does not move, somehow it is possible to perceive a satisfied grin in the wide whale face, the black eyes. An image appears momentarily, created by a gathering of the surrounding fog; a face. Mitchell Sanders, one of the Pack's Wolf Blooded, and the band's manager. " Speak to your man, " The Reveler commands, his voice shaking the towering vines, " he shall help. "
Haval
Joanna has turned back to her human form for the moment. She'll take the opportunity to have a look around Fin's house before the police arrive.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Wits 3 + Investigation 2 - penalty 3
 (2d10)[ 3 ][ 5 ](8) 
Any 10s
 (2d10)[ 3 ][ 7 ](10) 
 
Bennosuke
Joanna quickly scavenges through the house. Her nose picks up the scent of rodent droppings first, though they are depressingly easy to discover scattered along the edges of the near barren kitchen floor. The house if sparsely furnished; a real middle aged bachelor's pad. The walls are scuffed, the furniture ancient and stained. But the cop sirens get too close for comfort too soon. Joanna barely has time to rifle through the bedroom, though she does have time to hurriedly grab a small key ring off of the bedside nightstand. As Joanna rushes down the stairs and out the back door (just as police cars pull up), she has time to study the ring with it's four keys. It looks like Fin's work ring, with the keys being for that Jeremy had ridden on, and the other three likely for the travel agency's storefront.
Haval
Joanna will hold onto the keys just in case one of them wasn't for the travel agency. Fin didn't seem like the type to have another place but Brock had to sleep somewhere if he wasn't coming back here.

As the police pull up Joanna will stand in the doorway and make sure her hands are visible. She didn't want any of them getting jumpy considering Fin's body was still lying there.
Bennosuke
Three cop cars come to a screeching halt at the curb in front of Fin's yard, sirens blazing. It's still bright out, but Joanna's lupine senses heighten the brightness of the flashing lights and the shrill volume of the sirens. A single officer explodes out of each car, three uniformed police, each drawing their pistols on Joanna who stands in the doorway with her arms raised. Despite this, the first officer out of the car, a heavy set man with a pock marked face and unruly grey stubble shouts, " Don't move, put your hands up! " His eyes go from the still carcass on the ground to Joanna, then back again.
Haval
This was the first time any police had pointed guns at her, but Joanna wasn't completely inexperienced at dealing with them. And just in case she was ever in this position, Dad had made sure she was prepared.   'Guys, my name is Joanna Sullivan. I'm a private investigator, and a witness. I saw the whole thing.'   It wasn't that difficult to sound calm if she compared this to some of the things she'd been dealing with lately.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Composure 3 + Persuasion 2 + Fame (Police) 1 + Striking Looks (Persuasion) 1
 (7d10)[ 5 ][ 5 ][ 10 ][ 7 ][ 8 ][ 4 ][ 3 ](42) 
Any 10s
 (7d10)[ 5 ][ 2 ][ 5 ][ 8 ][ 3 ][ 10 ][ 3 ](36) 
 


*****

Joanna will smile in delight as the image of Mitchell Sanders appears.  'That's a nice trick.'  Helping the Reveler out was a good idea anyway, but the idea of playing live again seemed like a nice distraction at the moment.  'I'd hoped to get a little more practice in before I had to play in front of people again.' 
Daishain
Bear grins,   "It will be good to play again for real. Lets kill several birds with one stone here. We were talking about a benefit concert anyways, Kara, where were we on that? Work a siskur dah into the music, and make it damn loud for the people to hear. We'll rock this town into the ground and then go hunt us a flaming totem spirit."  
Bennosuke
Though only one of the cops lowers their guns, the other two seem to soften a little. The expression on the lead officer with the pock marked face becomes that of bemused curiosity. No longer barking authoritatively, he replies coolly, " You got any proof you're a PI? You got your license, you can lower your hands to get it, but don't do nothing smart. " His accent is thick with New England drawl, and "smart" comes out comes out sounding like it rhymes with ****. He keeps his gun trained on Joanna, but the ease with which he holds the weapon is far less threatening.

(OOC: Jo gets two successes. I'm good with assuming she has her PI license on her if you want.)

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

The Reveler makes a noise that is somewhere between a hearty chuckle and the lapping of waves on sand. As the sound is still fading in the vines, the spirit says, " Now that sounds like a raucous jubilee. I look forward to hearing your performance, and basking in the Essence it inspires. "
Haval
 'Give me a second.'  Joanna will slowly get her licence out of her jacket so the lead cop could see it.  'The guy you're looking for is called Brock Turner. He already killed someone else in Boston and was hiding out here. The poor bastard over there is his cousin Fin.' 

****

 'A gig followed by a fight. **** it. Why not.'  Joanna relaxes into the idea.
Bennosuke
The greying officer nods to his fellow officers, who both keep their weapons trained on Joanna as he lowers his own and approaches, taking her license from her hand. Half skimming the paper, half listening, he cuts the Uratha off. " Whoa, whoa, " he says, eyes still on the paper document, " how do you know all this? Did you see what happened here? "
Haval
Joanna will slowly put her hands down,  'I followed him here. I get paid to find people like him. Just not quickly enough in this case. I spoke to one of you guys about it last week.'  She had made some enquiries with the local police before she ran into the Anchor Wolves but the man had been unhelpful.  'They were having a fight as I arrived. No idea what the dead guy said to deserve that. Got a description of the truck if you want it?'  She'll grin slightly at the cop at the end assuming the answer was obvious.
Bennosuke
The officer hands Joanna back her papers and nods to the other officers, who both lower their weapons. He gives an affirmative nod in reply, but says, " Uh yeah. We'll greatly appreciate it, but I'm sorry Ms. Sullivan, we're gonna need you to come down to the station to file a full report and answer questions. Standard procedure when there's been a murder, of course. " He speaks in an apologetic tone, and shrugs his shoulders raising his arms as if to say there's nothing he can do about it.
Haval
 'I know how it is. Lot of police in my family back home.'  Joanna is happy to accompany the police to give a statement.  'Do you think any of you guys would be able to give me a heads up if you find him again? I will obviously return the favour.' 
Bennosuke
" Miss, " the older cop replies with a chuckle, " you help us with this and we will be more than happy to keep you into the loop. " He pats Joanna on the shoulder, and begins turning her toward his cruiser. He adds, " Come on, I'll give you a ride. Where's your car? We can take ya back to it when we're done. " Again, his thick accent turns "car" into "caah".

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

Back on the other side of the Gauntlet, the Anchor Wolves return to the warehouse and fill Kara and the others in on their meeting with the Reveler. The word is still spinning a little, and Kara at one point pokes at Bear for slurring his words slightly. It isn't long till someone pulls out their phone to get Mitchell Sanders on speaker. " Kids? Long time no speak. Ya told me ta give you a few weeks, but oh boy do I got work for you if you want it. The Pour House has been begging me for another show, and there are a couple of larger venues I've been talking ta. " The Wolf Blooded manager speaks quickly, with an excited authority that makes it hard to get a word in.
Haval
 'Over by the  Sea Skipper  building if you know it. It's a bit of a walk so I'd appreciate a ride.' 

***

Joanna will try and ask a question,  'Bigger venues? Like what? 
Bennosuke
Joanna allows herself to be escorted to the officer's car, and driven to the station. Unless she chooses to cause problems, she is respected down at the station, and questioned for a little over an hour before being driven back to her car.

(OOC: Happy to end here unless there is something you wanna RP through or explore)

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

Sanders eyes Joanna curiously. He didn't know her well, though he'd heard she was one of the new replacement members. " Joanna, right? Well you guys have been invited to play at U Mass Dartmouth. Probably a crowd of about five hundred. Also got invited to perform at The Factory, which is a real concert venue, not just a dive bar with a stage. "
Haval
 
 Spoiler: ooc 
I'll leave it there. Just wanted to make some contacts.
 



****

Joanna will meet Sanders' gaze as this was the first time she had met him,  'Hey, I like dive bars, but that's great news. Is the Factory the biggest venue you guys have played in?'  The other news was less welcome,  'When's the Dartmouth gig? Just wondering if the Pure are going to be in the audience.' 
Bennosuke
 The other news was less welcome, 'When's the Dartmouth gig? Just wondering if the Pure are going to be in the audience.' 

" I was waiting to discuss it with you all, " Sanders replies, " but we can probably set it up for any of the upcoming weekends... though of course we wanna give it a few weeks so we can build interest and sell tickets. " He's excited, eager, maybe even hungry, and it shines like a light in his eyes.
Daishain
Bear considers,   "Probably best not to perform our Siskur Dah right in front of the pure. Even if the humans won't recognize it they will. As much fun as it would be to rub our intention to hunt them in their faces I doubt that would end well."

"So lets focus on this gig at the Factory, and maybe start hyping up for a big thing at Dartmouth later."  
Haval
 'They deserve it for the other day.  Joanna enjoys the notion of rubbing the Pure's collective noses in it.  'I think if we haven't dealt with the Pure within a week or so anyway we might have bigger problems.' 
Bennosuke
" I can set that up, " Sanders says clapping his hands together. He asks with a grin, " How soon do you want to set the date? Probably give it a couple of weeks to sell some tickets, right? "
Daishain
Bear shakes his head,   "No we need to deal with this soon, frankly I think even waiting a single week would be pushing it. How tough would it be to get the word out in just a few days?"  
Haval
 'How do you even promote a gig anyway?'  Joanna adds,  'If we're going to do it I'd hope people show up.' 
Bennosuke
The color drops from Sanders' face, and he drops his grubby hands. " Uh... of course we could get the gig booked that soon, " he blubbers, " but I don't know if we'd get nearly the same crowd. Less publicity, less money! " He speaks as if he is trying to convince a friend not to commit suicide, waving his hands in a desperate pleading manner. His gaze darts from Bear, to the other Uratha, hoping one of them will see reason.
Daishain
Bear sighs a little,   "Okay, breathe, hear me out. We need the next gig to happen fast. I know we need money, but timing is a little more important at the moment. So how about this. Use the thing at the Factory as advertisement. Get as many as you can on short notice, we rock the hell out of them, and leave them wanting more. Follow up with another performance at Dartmouth, and then another back at the Factory. We might not clear as much for the first gig, but for the next two we'll have proof in the puddin' word of mouth advertisement to fill every seat."  
Haval
Joanna nods in agreement,  'It's for the Reveler as much as for the Pure isn't it? We got to play somewhere soon.' 
Bennosuke
Mitchel Sanders opens his mouth as if he is about to protest, but then stops himself and only exhales deeply. " Fine. We'll book this thing for tomorrow night if we can, " he says throwing his hands up in defeat. But then a smug grin spreads across his portly face and he adds, " BUT, I'm booking the hell out of you guys from there. We're gonna start performing multiple nights a week, all sorts of gigs. I know you've gotten caught up in your Uratha duties, and that's noble and all, but don't forget, we also vowed to become the biggest god damn band in New England if not bigger! I believe in you guys, but you've gotta start putting in the stage time! I'll make the calls this morning and will text you all once I have this **** ironed out. "
Haval
 'That's the spirit.'  Joanna replies drily.  'Just as long as the world isn't actually ending.' 
Bennosuke
Sanders raises a brow and the comment about the apocalypse, but seems to ignore it. He shakes hands with the Uratha, promising to be in touch as soon as things have been decided, before saying his goodbyes and departing.

With Sanders gone, Kara from the back of the crowd speaks up. Her voice, clear and girlish, turns the heads of the others, bringing everyone's attention on her. " Well then, assuming we have another day and a half, do we prepare for our hunt against the Pure's Totem, or do we take some time to go after the Deep Ones and the Idigam? " she asks, standing with her hands on her hips, one head thrust to the side.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Sanders raises a brow and the comment about the apocalypse, but seems to ignore it. He shakes hands with the Uratha, promising to be in touch as soon as things have been decided, before saying his goodbyes and departing.

With Sanders gone, Kara from the back of the crowd speaks up. Her voice, clear and girlish, turns the heads of the others, bringing everyone's attention on her. " Well then, assuming we have another day and a half, do we prepare for our hunt against the Pure's Totem, or do we take some time to go after the Deep Ones and the Idigam? " she asks, standing with her hands on her hips, one head thrust to the side. 
 

"The Pure," Blaze said, "we can't leave our backs exposed while we go hunt down the Idigam."
Haval
 'Well in that case I believe there was talk of beer?'  Joanna replies referring to the need to create containers for the molotov cocktails.  'But what else can we do besides that? The younger two were drinking in town before. What are the chances they're overconfident enough to do that again. I'd still like to know what they're doing here and Oak isn't going to tell us.' 
Bennosuke
Kara nodded at Joanna's remarks. With a shrug she adds, " Could also try to talk to some of those students. Blaze, you got the contact info for those pothead hackey sack hippies, right? If that Oakheart is a professor, maybe we can learn more about her and her pack from the students? " Her gaze moves confidently over the other pack members, trying to judge their possible responses.
Haval
Joanna nods,  'I need to find out if she actually does any teaching. Should we meet them somewhere? Although I doubt they'll need much persuading to tell tales. There's probably more students from Dartmouth around in town somewhere if we visit the right bars.' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Kara nodded at Joanna's remarks. With a shrug she adds, " Could also try to talk to some of those students. Blaze, you got the contact info for those pothead hackey sack hippies, right? If that Oakheart is a professor, maybe we can learn more about her and her pack from the students? " Her gaze moves confidently over the other pack members, trying to judge their possible responses. 
 

“I dunno, I don’t know those guys too well,” Blaze replied, “I guess I could try to set up a meeting with them, we’d need to scrape the cash together to buy something first thought.”
Haval
 'This is for the good weed isn't it? I've got money. If it's really good stuff it'll be worth it.' 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 
Joanna has Resources 2 if it matters
 
Bennosuke
Kara scoffs and says, " They're college kids Blaze. I mean, I know you've got a refined palate when it comes to pot, but something tells me they aren't selling the greatest stuff... no matter what they told you. " She gives Blaze her best combative punk sneer, very Billy Idol, before blowing her companion a conciliatory kiss.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
  'This is for the good weed isn't it? I've got money. If it's really good stuff it'll be worth it.' 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 
Joanna has Resources 2 if it matters
 
 
 

“Sold, I’ll give ‘em a call,” Blaze said.
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Kara scoffs and says, " They're college kids Blaze. I mean, I know you've got a refined palate when it comes to pot, but something tells me they aren't selling the greatest stuff... no matter what they told you. " She gives Blaze her best combative punk sneer, very Billy Idol, before blowing her companion a conciliatory kiss. 
 

 'Maybe we could ask to sample it first? But it's a means to an end isn't it? As long as they're not cutting their stuff with something else.' 
GKnightBC
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
  'Maybe we could ask to sample it first? But it's a means to an end isn't it? As long as they're not cutting their stuff with something else.'  
 

"Yeah, I don't think what ever we buy matters, since our goal isn't the goods - it's the info. And who knows, maybe one of them is a willing servant of the Pure pack."
Bennosuke
(OOC: I'm just going to take the liberty here to keep things moving, based on TC's last post)

Blaze takes his phone out and rings the Phis loving college kid they met at UMass Dartmouth. It rings and rings, and after four or five chimes, he finally picks up. " Yo, this is Tyler, " the voice on the other end of the line says, " I'm sorry man, I forgot your name. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 (OOC: I'm just going to take the liberty here to keep things moving, based on TC's last post)

Blaze takes his phone out and rings the Phis loving college kid they met at UMass Dartmouth. It rings and rings, and after four or five chimes, he finally picks up. " Yo, this is Tyler, " the voice on the other end of the line says, " I'm sorry man, I forgot your name. " 
 

“Blaze man, Blaze,” Blaze replied, “how could you forget that?  you said you had some good stock, still have some?”

Blaze tries to set up a meeting to purchase, preferably off campus.
Daishain
Bear simply has a seat nearby and rests a bit while Blaze talks to the college kids. He wasn't sure they'd provide much of use, but one rarely ever knew for certain.
Haval
Joanna will stay close enough that she can listen to the other end of Blaze's phonecall.
Bennosuke
" Oh yeah, that's right, " the kid says with a chuckle, adding, " My bad man. Anyways, yeah, I can help you out man. How much are you looking to buy? " He waits for Blaze to reply then says, ". Uh, why don't we meet at Roast Beef and Pizzeria. You know where that is, right? It's right off campus, near the mall." Perhaps Blaze did, or maybe he did not know where "Roast Beef and Pizzeria was", but he at least knew the area between U-Mass Dartmouth and the Dartmouth Mall. A quick google search would suffice to get there otherwise. The kid adds, " We can meet in the parking lot. It's behind the building away from the street. " He chuckles foolishly (was he already high?) then adds, " And if you want, you can try a little of it out, then get some pizza, if you know what I mean. "

(OOC: Sorry, I had to. There is a place called Roast Beef and Pizzeria in Dartmouth, and for some reason it cracks me up every time I pass by.)
Thundercracker
“Hey, that sounds good, see you in about half an hour?” Blaze asked.
Haval
After Blaze hangs up,  'Roast beef? Is that like those people who put banana on their pizza.'  she asks drily.  'I'll come along.' 
Bennosuke
The reply to Blaze comes back about a minute later. It reads, " Yeah, sure. See you in a half hour. "

(OOC: See Discord)
Haval
If there was room for everyone who wanted to come along Joanna will offer to drive.
Bennosuke
It was less then a ten minute drive to The Roast Beef and Pizzeria. After waiting an appropriate amount of time, Joanna drives herself, Jeremy and Blaze away from the factory and the run down moldering houses of New Bedford and back into North Dartmouth. Clustered shotgun houses and grimy liquor stores give way to homes with spacious yards, fenced in properties, and a picturesque suburbia in about five minutes on the road. The rough cobblestone road gives way to a more "normal" paved street.

The restaurant is a small one story house that has been converted to look like a NYC pizzeria. Joanna pulls into the back lot, empty except for two cars at the end of the lot parked in spots reserved for employees. The Uratha are left to wait, and about ten minutes later than promised, a beat up Toyota Prius pulls into the lot, bumping music at a volume far harder than it's speakers can handle. The car rolls up slowly to where Joanna parked, and the window rolls down. Phis sweater is wearing the exact same hoody, and he grins at the group from the passenger seat. " Yo, " he half-yells over the speakers grinning, " looks like a party! "

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

Left behind by the other Uratha, Bear finds himself surrounded by a pack of eager Wolf-Blooded. It was strange finding himself in the role of pack Alpha, and the non-Uratha seemed most eager to fall in line. James King gives Bear a playful military salute and says, " You said you wanted to start prepping for some ritual? We are at your service. Where do you want us to start? " He's wearing a black leather jacket that would be more appropriate on a hog-riding biker than a military brat, but still somehow comes off as "on duty".
Haval
On the way.  'Blaze, you'd be the guy to speak to if I have spirit problems wouldn't you? I'm not sure if this even makes sense as a question. I realise we've got other things to deal with at the moment.' 

In the parking lot Joanna will keep an eye out for anyone else who might want to park here. She wasn't expecting to run into the Pure at  The Roast Beef and Pizzeria , but she wasn't going to rule out the possibility either. She'll call back to Phis sweater when he arrives,  'Maybe. I need to relax. Any chance you could help me with that?' 
GKnightBC
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 It was less then a ten minute drive to The Roast Beef and Pizzeria. After waiting an appropriate amount of time, Joanna drives herself, Jeremy and Blaze away from the factory and the run down moldering houses of New Bedford and back into North Dartmouth. Clustered shotgun houses and grimy liquor stores give way to homes with spacious yards, fenced in properties, and a picturesque suburbia in about five minutes on the road. The rough cobblestone road gives way to a more "normal" paved street.

The restaurant is a small one story house that has been converted to look like a NYC pizzeria. Joanna pulls into the back lot, empty except for two cars at the end of the lot parked in spots reserved for employees. The Uratha are left to wait, and about ten minutes later than promised, a beat up Toyota Prius pulls into the lot, bumping music at a volume far harder than it's speakers can handle. The car rolls up slowly to where Joanna parked, and the window rolls down. Phis sweater is wearing the exact same hoody, and he grins at the group from the passenger seat. " Yo, " he half-yells over the speakers grinning, " looks like a party! "
* 
 

 "It's not a good party until it has somewhere to happen, but we're starting here!"  Jeremy calls back, " Just need to get all the fixins!" 
Daishain
Bear grins,   "A ritual and a show all in one. We're gonna want to incorporate the sigils into the speakers and other gear, make em look like decorations. Lets get all the instruments and junk out and set up, and see what we have to do to make it work."

"The venue's probably not gonna want to let us scribble all over their floor, so how about we get a big ass rug and mark that up, roll it out on stage."  
Thundercracker
 Blaze 

“Yeah man,” Blaze said, “hey, we got a couple of gigs comin up, if you guys are interested.”

Blaze will chit chat a little bit before making the purchase.

“Hey by the way…”

He mentions Professor pure (her name escapes me) and asks whether they know anything about her.

 
 Spoiler 
sorry I really don’t have time to scroll back, maybe put her on the list of notable npc’s?
 
Bennosuke
The kid chuckles at the groups enthusiasm, nodding his before clapping his hands together and giving his best McConaughey impression, " Alright, alright, alright. " The driver kills the car's engine, still parked in front of the group, and Phish shirt and the driver get out. The driver is another college kid, but he's got a shaved head, and a Celtics jersey, and a scowl that is probably meant to indicate that he's the heavy and he means business. Phis shoves both his hands into the pouch pocket of his hoodie and with a self-conscious stare at the ground says, " So, uh, just have to ask again; you guys aren't cops, right? "

Once reassured, he asks, " Well, then, how much are you looking to get? "

To Blaze's question he replies, " Oh, what? Why are you asking about Professor Oakheart? "

 
 Spoiler: OOC@TC 
Make sure to go back, Haval's character Joanna was asking Blaze something.
 


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

" Sure, " King says eagerly, though there might be the slightest hint of disappointment, " we can help with that. "

 
 Spoiler: OOC@Daishain 
 I'd like to turn this into a chance to work towards Bear's second Aspiration of encouraging pack unity and teamwork. I think the task will get done one way or the other, but this roll will more determine how the Wolf Blooded view Bear as a leader and how enthusiastically they work towards this goal. Please roll Presence + Expression +1
 
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
  So, uh, just have to ask again; you guys aren't cops, right? " 
 

Joanna grins as she gets out of her car.  'Do I look like a cop? But if you want to roll me something I wouldn't say no. Just in case it's as good as you say.'  She's ok to pay for whatever Blaze wants to negotiate as he seemed the type to know his weed.

On Oakheart,  'My friend goes here. Said there was a new Professor who seemed a bit of a hard ass. What do you guys study anyway?' 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Trying to reassure them
Presence 3 + Persuasion 2 + Striking Looks (Persuasion) 1
 (6d10)[ 5 ][ 7 ][ 9 ][ 5 ][ 1 ][ 3 ](30) 
Any 10s
 (6d10)[ 3 ][ 6 ][ 9 ][ 3 ][ 2 ][ 8 ](31) 
 
Daishain
Bear stretches a bit,   "We're going to be hunting down the biggest ass flaming wolf spirit I've ever seen in a few days, and we're gonna get ready by rocking the hell out of an audience and declaring our intent to hunt right in front of them. Not that they'll really understand..."   he grins again,   "But I bet that they'll feel that energy regardless. That urge for the chase, to move and leap. Its gonna get roudy. Lets make this show legendary."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

going ahead and using willpower here
Presence+expression+WP  (9d10)[ 10 ][ 3 ][ 1 ][ 7 ][ 1 ][ 10 ][ 7 ][ 1 ][ 4 ](44) 
ten again  (9d10)[ 10 ][ 1 ][ 2 ][ 5 ][ 5 ][ 4 ][ 10 ][ 5 ][ 10 ](52) 
 
Bennosuke
The kid chuckles nervously when Joanna challenges him about being a cop. With both hands held up as if in defense he replies, " Eh, ya never know. Better safe than sorry, right? " But the anxiety softens slightly when Joanna asks him to roll her a spliff. " Let's see how much you guys buy, then I'll happily roll you up something, " he says with a grin, though his eyes dart to Blaze, clearly trying to get his point across that he wants to know he's getting paid.

He seems to be unsurprised when Joanna mentions having a friend at the university. He shrugs and in reply says, " Eh, ya I'm an English Lit major, so I don't really take any science classes... unless they're supposed to be an easy A. " He grins at his own joke and pauses to let others react positively, then continues, " But my roommate is in a class of hers. He's kinda' a stress ball, but apparently she's a major hard ass. The class is supposed to be crazy, they go out on a boat in the bay and study the ocean or something, but my roommate makes her sound like a raging b... bicycle. " He blushes.

(OOC: 1 success)

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

(OOC: Bear gets 3 successes and gains 1 beat. He is down to 3/5 WP. With three successes I'll let Bear either take a +1 on his Siskur Dah roll, or will give him a +2 with his next roll to influence the wolf-blooded or other pack members)

Bear's words seem to genuinely motivate the gathered pack. Eyes focus on him as he describes the plan, and several of the wolf blooded shake their head with agreement. When he is finished, Bear gets the sense that the group might start clapping, and Pine even looses a rather canine sounding whoop of excitement.
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
  He seems to be unsurprised when Joanna mentions having a friend at the university. He shrugs and in reply says, " Eh, ya I'm an English Lit major, so I don't really take any science classes... unless they're supposed to be an easy A. " He grins at his own joke and pauses to let others react positively, then continues, " But my roommate is in a class of hers. He's kinda' a stress ball, but apparently she's a major hard ass. The class is supposed to be crazy, they go out on a boat in the bay and study the ocean or something, but my roommate makes her sound like a raging b... bicycle. " He blushes. 
 

 Oh she's a total bicycle alright.  Joanna will give him a significant look to show that she'd noticed his slip but will not otherwise comment. 'Always did like English, but going out on the sea to look at whales sounds pretty cool as well. Do you happen to know where their boat is? Maybe they have rooom for a few more out there.'  Once she was at the harbour she could probably find the boat eventually if she put her mind to it, but maybe it would come in handy.  'Does your roommate know Corey Allen by any chance?' 
Thundercracker
 Blaze 

Blaze had been looking forward to buying some weed so much that he'd completely forgotten exactly why they were there in the first place.  Luckily Joanna remembered.

"Man, that woulda been embarassing," he thought.

"We got a few hundred man, not trying to short change you, we're legit," Blaze said, "we'll start with a little bit and if the stuff is worth it, we'll come back for more for sure."

The topic switched to Oakheart.
"What, they go out there every day? The hell are they studying, how to get seasick?" Blaze said.
Bennosuke
The kid shrugs at Joanna's first question about the boat's location. " I could ask my roommate, " he says with a hint of disinterest, clearly not sure what Joanna was getting at. It clearly not being a priority, he makes no attempt to get his phone out and call or text the roommate.

(OOC: Wanna give me a Persuasion roll to get him to do it?)

His answer is almost disdainful when Joanna asks about Cory Allen. " I'm sorry, but it's a big school. I've never heard of him, and I have no idea who my roommate knows... he's a bit of a... well he's not that social, if you know what I mean. "

He chuckles at Blaze's question about going out every day, and he replies, " No idea man. Not exactly my kinda thing, if you know what I mean. "

When Blaze responds about the money his eyes go wide for a moment, a hint of greedy excitement. " It's 50 bucks for a 3G baggie, " he replies, leaning in and half whispering to Blaze.
Daishain
Bear works with the wolfblooded on getting something set up that would be functional both for the sake of actually playing music and doubling as the symbology needed for the siskur dah ritual. He's grinning as they get things done, glad to be making progress.
Haval
 'Could you?'  Joanna asks  'Help me out and I'll definitely come find you the next time I need to buy weed.' 

On Cory Allen,  'I think he's a student of Oakheart's. Maybe a postgrad. My friend's into him if you get me. She'd like to check he's not seeing anyone before she makes a move. Should I be talking to your roommate?' 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Presence 3 + Persuasion 2 + Striking Looks (Persuasion) 1
 (6d10)[ 7 ][ 10 ][ 1 ][ 3 ][ 7 ][ 1 ](29) 
Any 10s
 (6d10)[ 4 ][ 6 ][ 10 ][ 3 ][ 1 ][ 6 ](30) 
 
Bennosuke
At Bear's recommendation, the Wolf Blooded round up their performance gear; their speakers, amplifiers, instrument cases, and drum kit, and begin painting the gear with various First Tongue sigils. The band's logo, an angular and minimalistic picture of a wolf's head crying blood over artistic lettering, "Cry Wolf" (originally designed by Kara) is already printed or painted on most of this gear. So the symbols are artistically drawn around this logo. Symbols of power, and territory, and duty are chained together to create a sort of mandala or halo around the band logo on all of the band's gear. The effect is very "later Led Zepplin".

(OOC: Bear will receive an extra dice on his Siskur Dah roll)

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

Something about Joanna's request makes the kid soften. He grins a little at the Uratha, and with a nod says, " Yeah, sure. Not a problem. " He blushes a little and adds, " Happy to help. "
GKnightBC
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 At Bear's recommendation, the Wolf Blooded round up their performance gear; their speakers, amplifiers, instrument cases, and drum kit, and begin painting the gear with various First Tongue sigils. The band's logo, an angular and minimalistic picture of a wolf's head crying blood over artistic lettering, "Cry Wolf" (originally designed by Kara) is already printed or painted on most of this gear. So the symbols are artistically drawn around this logo. Symbols of power, and territory, and duty are chained together to create a sort of mandala or halo around the band logo on all of the band's gear. The effect is very "later Led Zepplin".

(OOC: Bear will receive an extra dice on his Siskur Dah roll)

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

Something about Joanna's request makes the kid soften. He grins a little at the Uratha, and with a nod says, " Yeah, sure. Not a problem. " He blushes a little and adds, " Happy to help. " 
 

Jeremy feigns interest in the product offered, easing up to the group as the conversations evolve. "Get me one of those baggies, chum." He asks Blaze. "Just need a high end party to enjoy it fully. Any ideas?" He adds, turning to the kid.
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Something about Joanna's request makes the kid soften. He grins a little at the Uratha, and with a nod says, " Yeah, sure. Not a problem. " He blushes a little and adds, " Happy to help. " 
 

 'Thanks'  Joanna replies.  'I'm Jo by the way. I can give you my number if you hear anything on either.'  She'll get her phone out after paying for the weed. 'Or I suppose come see me after the gig if you're in town then.' 

To Jeremy,  'I'm game if you are. Long as we have time.' 
Bennosuke
The kid nods, looking slightly uncomfortable about the idea of inviting the Anchor Wolves to a party. But when Joanna mentions their upcoming gig, he looks a little more excited, a little more relaxed. " Oh yeah, " he replies, " when is your next performance by the way? We could definitely come support. "

He looks from Joanna to the trunk of his car, then to Blaze. He says a little hastily, " So, uh, how much do you want then? "
Haval
Joanna looks to Blaze,  'Bear said tomorrow night didn't he? Which means we need enough for everyone to get relaxed afterwards.' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
 Joanna looks to Blaze,  'Bear said tomorrow night didn't he? Which means we need enough for everyone to get relaxed afterwards.'  
 

“Gimme that, and that,” Blaze said, pointing to two of the baggies, “should be enough for everyone.”

 
 Spoiler 
Blaze will make sure not to go over budget
 
Bennosuke
Blaze picks out four baggies filled with the pungent green bramble, and surreptitiously hands the kid a wad of cash. He asks if anyone wants to grab a sandwich or slice of pizza inside, and eyes Joanna with a touch of excitement.

(OOC: Regardless of whether or not you are grabbing a bite with him I assume we are nearing or are at the end of this scene?)
Haval
Joanna wasn't opposed but didn't feel like they had the time to waste at the moment.  'Well I do want to see what that pizza tastes like, but I need to go practice. Maybe after the gig.' 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Nothing more to add at the moment. I don't think finding the boat will be that difficult.
 
Thundercracker
 Blaze 

After collecting the weed and the information, Blaze returned to the warehouse to report back to Bear and the others.

“So that’s it man,” Blaze said, “she’s out on the water a lot during the day.  Maybe they’re working with the Idigam or maybe not.  I figure we got two choices…”

He held up a finger at each point.

“We wait until she’s on the water to attack, or we try to find out more of what they’re doing, just in case they’re also trying to fight the Idigam,” Blaze said, “whatever we’re gonna do we gotta figure it out quick, our gig’s comin up soon.”
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Thundercracker 
 “We wait until she’s on the water to attack, or we try to find out more of what they’re doing, just in case they’re also trying to fight the Idigam,” Blaze said, “whatever we’re gonna do we gotta figure it out quick, our gig’s comin up soon.” 
 

 'Never hurts to have more information. If we have the time I think we should go look for their boat. Worse case is that there's nothing interesting there to find, but then we have all the fun of imagining how mad they'll be when they smell us as having been there.'  Joanna replies with a smile.

 'Plus there's always the chance that if we find their boat we can find someone who works round there who maybe knows Oakheart and her people to see. Like, someone at their job...someone in the next boat over...I'll take a homeless guy if I can find someone who'll talk to me. I just need anyone who I can talk into calling me whenever Oakheart is actually going out on the water. Ideally I like to know where those three are at all times until we can kick them out of New Bedford.' 
Daishain
Bear rubs his face,   "I wish we could just ignore that. And it sure sounds like their interest is the idigam."

"Course, even if we were sure of that, they may not intend to fight it. The things are known to make bargains right? I wouldn't put it past the pure to try that."

"I think we're going to have to keep the plans to attack their totem in place, but can you think of any means to find out more before then?"  
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Bear rubs his face,   "I wish we could just ignore that. And it sure sounds like their interest is the idigam."

"Course, even if we were sure of that, they may not intend to fight it. The things are known to make bargains right? I wouldn't put it past the pure to try that."   
 

 'Bargaining with it sounds like a terrible idea, but Oakheart seemed like someone who was arrogant enough to try.' 

 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
   "
"I think we're going to have to keep the plans to attack their totem in place, but can you think of any means to find out more before then?"   
 

 'I think our friend the local dealer might be into me enough fo want to be helpful. Either he gets back to me quickly enough to tell me where Oakheart keeps her boat or we go down there ourselves and follow our noses. I don't know if we'll find anything good on there but I think it's worth knowing where they park it at least.' 
Bennosuke
Kara's eyes go wide when Joanna mentions the dealer being into her, and pinching her shoulder grins and whispers, " Flirt! " playfully.

But to the group she says, " I think both of our current enemies are dangerous enough that splitting up over and over may be a bad idea. We have time enough to deal with something before the concert tomorrow? Do we want to focus on the boat? Maybe we can put some sort of tracking device on it or somethin? "

(OOC: TC, would you please give me an Int + Occult +2 roll)
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Kara's eyes go wide when Joanna mentions the dealer being into her, and pinching her shoulder grins and whispers, " Flirt! " playfully. 
 

Joanna tries to looks innocent before breaking into a grin.  'Wasn't like I was encouraging him.' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Kara's eyes go wide when Joanna mentions the dealer being into her, and pinching her shoulder grins and whispers, " Flirt! " playfully.

But to the group she says, " I think both of our current enemies are dangerous enough that splitting up over and over may be a bad idea. We have time enough to deal with something before the concert tomorrow? Do we want to focus on the boat? Maybe we can put some sort of tracking device on it or somethin? "

(OOC: TC, would you please give me an Int + Occult +2 roll) 
 

Blaze seems to get some kind of brain spark…
 
 Spoiler 
int + occult +2:  (10d10)[ 10 ][ 7 ][ 7 ][ 1 ][ 10 ][ 10 ][ 10 ][ 5 ][ 3 ][ 10 ](73) 
9 again:  (10d10)[ 4 ][ 2 ][ 1 ][ 7 ][ 9 ][ 7 ][ 1 ][ 6 ][ 10 ][ 1 ](48) 
 
Daishain
Bear nods   "Tracking the boat is probably a good idea. At the least that'll tell us when they're out on the water and might point us to more exactly where the points of interest are with this thing. Lets get that done."  
Bennosuke
Something Bear says trigger's a thought for Blaze:


 "Course, even if we were sure of that, they may not intend to fight it. The things are known to make bargains right? I wouldn't put it past the pure to try that." 

Blaze had taken all the information about the Idigam he could get from Solomon, which admittedly was not a whole lot. However, what Blaze had learned was suddenly clicking in his brain. Unlike what Bear had said, The Idigam were even more primitive and primal than regular spirits. They did not bargain or scheme, as far as Blaze was aware. In fact, the behaviors of the spirits that had encountered the Idigam, those fish spirits that the Pack had sheltered, had made it sound like it was a monster that they were terrified of.

Furthermore, Oakheart had seemed not to believe the Anchor Wolves when they told her about the Idigam. And The Pure were even more fanatical about keeping order within the spirit world than the Forsaken. Blaze could only imagine, but more likely than not, if Oakheart and her pack of Pure knew about the Idigam, they would be opposed to the thing. Not that this meant that they would be able to create a truce, or even a pact with Oakheart, but Blaze was certain that it was unlikely they were working together. In fact, perhaps if The Anchor Wolves could pit the Pure against the Idigam, at least one of their two problems might take care of the other!

(OOC: God Damn! 6 successes with 5 10s right out of the gate)
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Bear nods   "Tracking the boat is probably a good idea. At the least that'll tell us when they're out on the water and might point us to more exactly where the points of interest are with this thing. Lets get that done."   
 

Joanna nods,  'Never tried to track a boat before but I have a gps tracker in the back of the car. We find somewhere good to hide it and we should be able to see exactly where they're at.' 
GKnightBC
Jeremy offers " We could also just drop a burner phone with the right apps and added battery on it, to track and listen in on their conversations, too. If they aren't allies with the Idigam, why the Hell would they be going out in the heart of it's disturbance, regularly? Would it take much to shake the Idigam up, just when they are out on the water?" 
Thundercracker
 Blaze 

“You know what man, maybe this is the weed talking, but I don’t think they’re working together,” Blaze said, “the Pure are like radical fundamentalists, they’d definitely be opposed to Idigam…, and the Idigam is ancient.  It don’t bargain or compromise, it just is.”

“I bet Oakheart thought we were full of poop about the Idigam, but if we could get them to run into each other, they’d be the ones throwing themselves against it instead of us,” Blaze said, “then we can mop up the leftovers instead of the other way around.”
Haval
 'I want more information to be sure either way. Maybe I shouldn't judge someone based on a single conversation where she threatened to kill us, but she seemed like just the kind of person who might be a dumbass even as she thinks she knows what she's doing. All for letting them take each other out though.'  
Bennosuke
Kara turns her attention first to Blaze, and then to Bear and chuckles. She'd gotten the sense that one was looking to the other to take the lead. She  was  the lead singer, but she knew she wasn't the pack alpha, and so she said to Bear, " Okay boss, what's the plan? "
Daishain
  "Yeah, if we can get ears on that boat and find out what they're up to, maybe it'll be enough to change plans, maybe it'll just make the rest of things easier, either way I'm not seeing a downside in trying. Is a burner phone the best way to do that? What else do you need to pull it off Jeremy?"  
Bennosuke
While the group is talking, Joanna gets a text message from the weed dealer, whose name is Chaz (OOC: I swear I already gave him a name, but now I can't find it. I can't keep calling him Phish Sweater, so now he's Chaz). He gives Joanna the location of the boat, provided by his roommate, and it turns out to be at one of the docks not far from the cannery; in fact it would be walking distance. He also tells Joanna he can't wait to see the show, and asks if he can buy her a drink after.
Thundercracker
Blaze decides to smoke some of the weed they acquired to see if it’s any good.

“ Priorities ,” he thought.
Haval
Joanna will text Chaz back,  'Thanks, I appreciate it. We will see about that drink :)'  Chaz's taste in music aside she wasn't opposed to working out a little tension, and since she met the Reveler she felt the need to relax.

She'll also pass on the location of the boat.  'Chaz came through. Google says it's not that far even.'  An unwelcome thought had occurred to her.  'Doesn't that mean that the Pure might have been close to here at some point.' 
GKnightBC
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
   "Yeah, if we can get ears on that boat and find out what they're up to, maybe it'll be enough to change plans, maybe it'll just make the rest of things easier, either way I'm not seeing a downside in trying. Is a burner phone the best way to do that? What else do you need to pull it off Jeremy?"   
 

He nods, saying " Yeah, we drop a remoting app on that sucker and open it's mic and video when we want to. Burner basic phone with an internet data plan and no phone number- as long as they are near shore, they'll get a signal and we can eavesdrop. Max would be about 30 miles. I'll put on a self-destruct as well to toast it if they find it. Bleach-wipe it to kill our scents, too, or maybe put some fishface's stink on it to redirect their suspicions. Just got to tuck it on the boat, somewhere useful like the pilot house." 
Bennosuke
The pack finishes putting together the necessary hardware for their "makeshift" tracking device, and by the time they set off for the dock it is about mid-afternoon. Despite the sun being out wit few clouds in the sky, this close to the water it is still rather cool and the pack is harassed by regular gusts of wind. The streets are as always rather empty in this part of New Bedford, though there is always that still uneasy sense of being watched; of distant eyes staring from behind boarded up windows. The dock is less than a ten minute walk away, and is almost next to the ferry company. It is little more than a small parking lot in front of a stucco shed large enough to house a boat. Its swinging doors chained shut with a sign reading, "Private property of the U-Mass Dartmouth". Around the back of the shed are a second pair of swinging doors, also chained, though these don't reach the rafters of the building, such that you can see the top of the rather plain looking motorized vessel about the size of a private sail boat, clearly raised up onto a palate. There is a small path from the back of the shed that leads directly down a ramp and into the water.

There does not seem to be anyone around, though there are security cameras hung over the front and back of the porch.
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by GKnightBC 
  Bleach-wipe it to kill our scents, too, or maybe put some fishface's stink on it to redirect their suspicions. Just got to tuck it on the boat, somewhere useful like the pilot house."  
 

 'If you think that'll work. I don't want to make it easy for them to find this place.' 


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

Joanna points out the cameras,  'No reason to think that there's anyone watching the feed live, but if I'm wrong maybe we shouldn't stick around.'  She's on the look out for anything that looks like a security office, but otherwise will rely on her nose to tell her if there was anyone else around who might object to their breaking in. She'll take Chaz's word for it that this was the boat, but she's also alert to any lingering scent of other Uratha to indicate that the Pure had been here recently.

 'Everybody try to look like they're here on purpose.'  Joanna will take a hair clip and go round to the back of the building where she can attempt to pick the lock.


 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Using a point of willpower

Dex 2+ Larceny 2 + Lockpick specialty 1 + Willpower 3
 (8d10)[ 10 ][ 9 ][ 1 ][ 8 ][ 6 ][ 3 ][ 7 ][ 2 ](46) 
Any 10s
 (8d10)[ 1 ][ 7 ][ 2 ][ 7 ][ 6 ][ 5 ][ 7 ][ 8 ](43) 

Checking to see if there's anyone else close by

Wits 3 + Composure 3 + Hishu 1
 (7d10)[ 7 ][ 5 ][ 8 ][ 10 ][ 1 ][ 8 ][ 8 ](47) 
Any 10s
 (7d10)[ 7 ][ 4 ][ 1 ][ 8 ][ 3 ][ 5 ][ 3 ](31) 
Exceptional success for three successes with honed senses
 
GKnightBC
Jeremy will try to locate any security feed lines he can tap into or subtly disrupt, leveraging his previous experience as a security systems installer. If he locates something useful, he'll try to create either a loop or pause the feed until they finish. Adding to his attempt to remain undetected, his scent fades away completely (Feet of Mist). Working quickly, and slightly in competition with Joanna's lock-picking, he wants to succeed before they are able to enter.

 
 Spoiler 
Crafts (Traps) + INT + Subterfuge ?
 (9d10)[ 5 ][ 6 ][ 1 ][ 2 ][ 4 ][ 9 ][ 8 ][ 9 ][ 8 ](52)  plus tens  (9d10)[ 1 ][ 9 ][ 8 ][ 9 ][ 3 ][ 4 ][ 9 ][ 3 ][ 1 ](47)  Spent 1 Essence for Gift.
 


 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
  'If you think that'll work. I don't want to make it easy for them to find this place.' 

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

Joanna points out the cameras,  'No reason to think that there's anyone watching the feed live, but if I'm wrong maybe we shouldn't stick around.'  She's on the look out for anything that looks like a security office, but otherwise will rely on her nose to tell her if there was anyone else around who might object to their breaking in. She'll take Chaz's word for it that this was the boat, but she's also alert to any lingering scent of other Uratha to indicate that the Pure had been here recently.

 'Everybody try to look like they're here on purpose.'  Joanna will take a hair clip and go round to the back of the building where she can attempt to pick the lock.


 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Using a point of willpower

Dex 2+ Larceny 2 + Lockpick specialty 1 + Willpower 3
 (9d10)[ 5 ][ 6 ][ 1 ][ 2 ][ 4 ][ 9 ][ 8 ][ 9 ][ 8 ](52) 
Any 10s
 (9d10)[ 1 ][ 9 ][ 8 ][ 9 ][ 3 ][ 4 ][ 9 ][ 3 ][ 1 ](47) 

Checking to see if there's anyone else close by

Wits 3 + Composure 3 + Hishu 1
[roll2]
Any 10s
[roll3]
Exceptional success for three successes with honed senses
 
 
 
Bennosuke
Jeremy quickly examines the security system. Joanna is right, this is definitely not a live feed, and the two cameras seem to run into a black box memory system attached to the wall inside. There wasn't really anything to "tap" into, but once inside the memory system would be easy to remove, damage, or manipulate.

Joanna gets the back door to shed open in a matter of seconds, and to her best scanning of the area, there is no one actually around who could be watching.

Once inside, someone could try to tamper with the security system's memory (Int/Wits + Computer), or the group could decide to outright damage or remove the box, which would leave evidence of the break in, but leave security clueless as to whom.

(OOC: Joanna is down to 1/5 WP)
Haval
 'Jeremy, can you do something about that? I feel like ripping it off the wall might give us away.'  Joanna will look for a way onto the boat.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
  'Jeremy, can you do something about that? I feel like ripping it off the wall might give us away.'  Joanna will look for a way onto the boat. 
 

 Blaze 

Blaze took a look at the camera.

“Actually, I think I can hack into this thing,” he said, “then we could remote view and show pretty much whatever we want… make it look like we were never here.”

He pulled out his laptop and attempted to access the camera’s software.

 
 Spoiler 
 (9d10)[ 7 ][ 7 ][ 5 ][ 1 ][ 10 ][ 1 ][ 4 ][ 4 ][ 9 ](48) 
 (9d10)[ 3 ][ 3 ][ 7 ][ 3 ][ 6 ][ 1 ][ 5 ][ 8 ][ 4 ](40) 
 
Bennosuke
(OOC: One success after the -2 modifier)

After a good bit of tinkering and struggling with the black box attached to the camera, Blaze is able to set up a very basic video loop. The workmanship of the hack was pretty shoddy; most of the wires and circuits of the thing were badly corroded and almost a decade outdated. It wouldn't be too hard to catch that the security camera was playing back a loop, but that wouldn't happen till someone went back and watched the footage. It would at least keep their images from appearing on camera.
Haval
Joanna doesn't know anything about boats but assumes there might be a ladder or a rope around here somewhere that will help her get aboard.
Bennosuke
There is a small ladder on the side of the boat that hangs about halfway down the bow. I decent jump would probably be enough to grab hold of one of the lower rungs and pull yourself in.

(OOC: I don't see a point in forcing an athletics roll for that)
Haval
 'Hey, one of you give me a boost.'  Joanna will get one of the taller pack members to lift her up to the ladder so that she can lower it for the others.
Bennosuke
With a quick boost, Joanna is pulling herself into the boat. The deck is lined with a white plastic, and there is still small puddles of ocean water gathered here and there inside the boat. It smells strongly of the ocean, but the boat is also littered with the stench of Uratha; or one werewolf in particular, presumably Oakheart.

A quick walk around the deck and into the cockpit reveals nothing particularly occult or concerning. There's an ice chest that is empty, and on a bench in the cockpit are a handful of nets, fishing lines, and plastic equipment that looks like it is used for taking scientific samples and the like.
Haval
 'Everyone else smell that.'  Joanna will give the boat a once over to check that she hadn't missed anything before finding a decent place to stash their bug in the cockpit.  Didn't boats this big have a below decks?   'Jeremy, you got any more of that bleach? I don't want to make it easy for them to know we were here.' 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 

In case she missed anything. And in case there's a lower level

Int 3 + Investigation 2
 (5d10)[ 6 ][ 4 ][ 10 ][ 5 ][ 8 ](33) 
Any 10s
 (5d10)[ 10 ][ 7 ][ 3 ][ 7 ][ 2 ](29) 
 
Bennosuke
(OOC: I count a solid 3 successes there)

Joanna quickly does a once over of the boat. There is indeed a lower deck, which houses little more than a work desk covered in a handful of books. Included in the pile is a small canvas bound log, which appears to document the days and locations of the vessel's various trips. It appears the boat is taken out twice a week, once on Wednesdays and once on Saturdays. Today, was of course Friday, with the band performing tonight.

A second book, one of those black and white speckled notebooks, appeared to be documenting tide or wave patterns on various days and in various locations around the bay. It looked like they were studying the effects of the moon on the tidal patterns in various areas of the bay... or something like that...

(OOC: Welcome to make an Int + Science roll here)
Haval
Joanna will get her phone out to take some pictures of the books and the log. Ideally she could have a record of where the boat had been recently as well as where it was due to go if they were planning anything. She'll do her best not to disturb anything too much.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

One success in the ooc
 
Bennosuke
Joanna is able to take snaps of everything on her phone to show the group. Unfortunately, beyond what was previously described, she can't make heads or tails of the logs.

(OOC: Unfortunately being untrained in a mental skill such as science applies a -3 penalty, which turned the roll into a chance dice. Fortunatley you rolled a 2 and not a one or you would have had a dramatic failure on your hands. Still welcome to take the dramatic failure as a beat or spend WP)
GKnightBC
Climbing up to the deck, and keeping his obscurement active, he examines the logs, trying to see what the Pure are observing and how it may relate to the foe they face. Handing off the bleach to Joanne, he hums to himself as he pages through the documents.
 
 Spoiler: Science attempt 

Int+Science  (4d10)[ 9 ][ 8 ][ 2 ][ 5 ](24) 
Tens  (4d10)[ 8 ][ 6 ][ 4 ][ 3 ](21) 
(If this could be considered an extended action, add 2d10 for Patient)  (2d10)[ 1 ][ 10 ](11) 
 
Bennosuke
Jeremy does his best to quickly peruse the black speckled notebook. Interestingly, closer evaluation reveals not that they were studying the effects of the moon on the tides, but instead the effects of the different tides on the surrounding environment, and on all things, on the moon itself. This was a ludicrous concept to anyone with any science background; you couldn't effect the moon... but consistently, it appeared that the tides were the independent variable on which they were studying everything else dependently. Somehow, given the Pure's known hatred for Mother Luna, this was not all that surprising. It also looked like there were plans to try to start altering the tides, potentially, though this seemed more nebulous.
Thundercracker
While the others inspect the boat, Blaze shifts his sight over to the Hisil, to see what he can see of the spirits in the area.
Haval
After planting the bug in the cockpit, Joanna will do her best to clean up behind them to mask their scents. Ideally they could at least mask the fact that other Uratha had been here. On hearing Jeremy's explanation,  'How does that even make sense? Is Oakheart a wizard?' 
GKnightBC
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
 After planting the bug in the cockpit, Joanna will do her best to clean up behind them to mask their scents. Ideally they could at least mask the fact that other Uratha had been here. On hearing Jeremy's explanation,  'How does that even make sense? Is Oakheart a wizard?'  
 

 "I have no idea."  Jeremy says, the concept of someone even thinking of changing Mother Moon bothering him profoundly,  "The hubris of these Pure may be beyond the pale. We need far more information to stop this blasphemy!"  And then he makes ready to depart.
Haval
 In that case.  Joanna will go looking for their Ithaeur once she'd climbed down from the boat.  'Hey Blaze take a look at this.'  She'll explain what they'd seen.  'I want to say that if the Moon affects the tides maybe it works in the other direction...?' 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Going to ask someone who might understand what Oakheart is up to.
 
Bennosuke
Blaze's vision momentarily blurs as he casts his sights across the Gauntlet to gaze into The Shadow. Here the small boat shed has been replaced by a rocky and unstable bit of shore. Violent waves of near black water smash and clutch at the rocks like the fists of the gods, shooting sea-spray and foam into the air, and the sky is darkened by a cover of ominous clouds.

A single developed spirit stands out from the small flocks of lesser Hisil fauna; a thing with an elongated and sleek body made of metal and wood. The thing's figure is most comparable to that of a hammerhead shark, but with a tail that tapers instead into a motorboat's engine, complete with slowly spinning propeller blades. It floats idlily, rising and falling with the churning waves, lazily chomping at nearby water spirits. It's gills look like exhaust grates and spew oily black clouds. This is likely the spirit of the boat that the group has come to inspect. On this side of the Gauntlet, the spirit is completely unaware that it is being watched.

Blaze's studies though are jarred by the questions being asked of him by his packmates.

(OOC: Going to let Blaze reply to the questions being answered of him; though anyone whose a Blood Talon can take a +2 to any knowledge based roll to answer Jeremy's question)
Thundercracker
Blaze is obviously distracted, his eyes glazed over as he peers into the Hisil.

"No man, the tides can't affect the moon, that's beyond dumb," he replied on autopilot.  Then he started to think about what they might be up to, while he also inspects the spirit for anything out of the ordinary.

 
 Spoiler 
moon &amp; tides and possible rituals and stuff:
int + occult:  (8d10)[ 4 ][ 6 ][ 3 ][ 8 ][ 1 ][ 5 ][ 3 ][ 1 ](31) 
9 again:  (8d10)[ 9 ][ 5 ][ 9 ][ 5 ][ 5 ][ 1 ][ 2 ][ 3 ](39) 

anything weird going on with the spirit, and general information about it:
int + occult:  (9d10)[ 3 ][ 4 ][ 2 ][ 3 ][ 2 ][ 8 ][ 1 ][ 1 ][ 10 ](34) 
9 again:  (9d10)[ 9 ][ 4 ][ 5 ][ 9 ][ 8 ][ 10 ][ 2 ][ 3 ][ 2 ](52) 
 
Bennosuke
Blaze mulls it over for a moment. He can't think of a specific Ritual or Gift that might specifically alter the tides, nor the moon specifically. However, he does know that the Pure have access to completely separate Gifts and powers, and who knows what someone as old and powerful as Oakheart might be capable of. And while Blaze knows that the tides don't effect the moon in real life, that sort of thing might totally have power or consequences in the Hisil! In fact, it was almost ingenious logic in the context of The Shadow.

Blaze's study of the Hisil in this area raises no specific red flags. This part of the Spirit realm looks relatively healthy, and the Gauntlet seemed thick enough. The boat spirit was no Magath, and was clearly well fed on appropriate Essence, enough so to have begun forming an identity of sorts. The only useful conclusion that Blaze is able to draw from this, is that Oakheart and her students were likely using the boat regularly enough, and probably taking decent care of it.
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Thundercracker 
 Blaze is obviously distracted, his eyes glazed over as he peers into the Hisil.

"No man, the tides can't affect the moon, that's beyond dumb," he replied on autopilot.  Then he started to think about what they might be up to, while he also inspects the spirit for anything out of the ordinary. 
 

 'Well they're doing something.'  Joanna doesn't take offence.  'I don't know enough to know what the rules are here. It doesn't affect like gravity, but it does something on the otherside. But if that's true then what the hell is the goal?' 
Thundercracker
 Blaze 

“You know what, now that I think about it, there might be something to what they’re doing on the Hisil side,” Blaze said, “we’d need to look into it more to be sure….  Or we could just lead those Idigam fishies to the Pure and let them duke it out.”
Bennosuke
Kara, who has been on her cellphone the entire while that Jeremy and Joanna were up in the boat, "comes up for air" and says, " Uh, guys, we're blowing up on instagram. The concert tomorrow... it looks like we are getting a lot of attention. This is gonna be huge! " She squeals a little with excitement.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Kara, who has been on her cellphone the entire while that Jeremy and Joanna were up in the boat, "comes up for air" and says, " Uh, guys, we're blowing up on instagram. The concert tomorrow... it looks like we are getting a lot of attention. This is gonna be huge! " She squeals a little with excitement. 
 

“Whoa, that’s awesome,” Blaze said, “so uhh are we done here?  Let me know if there’s anything else otherwise I’m gonna put this camera back the way it was.”
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Thundercracker 
  Blaze 

“You know what, now that I think about it, there might be something to what they’re doing on the Hisil side,” Blaze said, “we’d need to look into it more to be sure….  Or we could just lead those Idigam fishies to the Pure and let them duke it out.” 
 

 'So would that mean we need to catch one of the Pure alone to find out? Or does Oakheart keep what she's doing to herself? Letting them fight only works if there isn't horrible consequences for everyone else.' 

 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Kara, who has been on her cellphone the entire while that Jeremy and Joanna were up in the boat, "comes up for air" and says, " Uh, guys, we're blowing up on instagram. The concert tomorrow... it looks like we are getting a lot of attention. This is gonna be huge! " She squeals a little with excitement. 
 

 'Seriously?'  Joanna looks sceptical.  'Never had a gig that people were actually excited for before.' 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 

I think we're done here. Unless we need a roll for bugging the boat and hiding the bug properly.
 
GKnightBC
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Kara, who has been on her cellphone the entire while that Jeremy and Joanna were up in the boat, "comes up for air" and says, " Uh, guys, we're blowing up on instagram. The concert tomorrow... it looks like we are getting a lot of attention. This is gonna be huge! " She squeals a little with excitement. 
 

Hearing that, Jeremy is momentarily distracted from his ire of the Pure's activities and feels the slight edge of nervousness at a possibly huge crowd awaiting their performance.
GKnightBC
 
 Originally Posted by Thundercracker 
  Blaze 

“You know what, now that I think about it, there might be something to what they’re doing on the Hisil side,” Blaze said, “we’d need to look into it more to be sure….  Or we could just lead those Idigam fishies to the Pure and let them duke it out.” 
 

"That gets MY vote, for sure! Especially if we get to watch the fireworks and step in for clean up afterwards." Jeremy offers.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by GKnightBC 
 "That gets MY vote, for sure! Especially if we get to watch the fireworks and step in for clean up afterwards." Jeremy offers. 
 

“Better than us fighting one of them first and getting cleaned up by the other,” Blaze said.
Bennosuke
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Going to assume this scene is wrapping up, though feel free to continue discussing in scene if you wish! I'm going to resolve Haval's roll. Feel free if anyone else wishes to roll as discussed in Discord. Will also start a "the next scene" that will take place the next afternoon, after anyone's downtime rolls would have occured
 


Joanna spends a bit of time perusing websites on upgrading wifi and connectivity. They are mostly "techy" sites and most of them use jargon that is frustratingly over her head. Despite spending a better part of the morning trying to figure out what she could do, Joanna steps away from her computer with no more knowledge than when she had started!

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

The next evening's performance is scheduled to occur at Winery Enoteca, a smaller winery located directly within Dartmouth. The winery's vineyard must be located elsewhere, because the winery itself looks like it has been converted from a very large barn, where inside is a long bar, and a number of both steel and oak barrels are being stored and aging. Though there is an outside patio in front of the winery, all of the tables and chairs have been cleared out of the inside customer's space to create decent sized stage and a standing audience space where maybe about a hundred or so patrons could watch.

The concert is supposed to start at 8, but Cry Wolf and the pack get in closer to around 6:30 to start setting up. The sun is just starting to set, and Windery Enoteca seems already pretty busy. A crowd of families and younger locals are gathered around sitting at benches on the patio outside. Eyes follow the band as they begin hauling their equipment inside, and a buzz of excitement begins to grow among the patrons.

The members of Cry Wolf and their supposed roadies are greeted excitedly by a scruffy man in maybe his early thirties, wearing an oversized green button down and brown chinos. " Awesome, " he says as the group begins to file in, " Welcome welcome. I'm Micah, I and my buddy Kevin are the owners of Winery Enoteca. We are so glad to have you guys performing tonight! " He indicates Kevin working the bar, a handsome strong jawed man whose navy T-shirt is tight enough to show off bulging muscles. Kevin waves to the group and grins. Micah continues, " Mr. Sanders said you would be coming around now. Right no time. "
Haval
 'There's not enough time in the day to learn how to do this from scratch.'  Joanna hoped that Databolt would appreciate the effort at least.  'If anyone knows what kit he needs maybe I can look into picking it up.' 

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

The venue was not the sort of place that Joanna had expected. Were most of the audience here to see the band? As long as the Reveler was happy though maybe it didn't matter. She will briefly scan the audience as they come in to see if she recognised anyone.

As she was living out of her car at the moment she's not exactly prepared to be on stage, but for the ocasion she's borrowed some clothes from Kara.
Thundercracker
 Blaze 

Blaze will attempt to chat with databolt to find out what he’s looking for.

“Hey there Databolt, it’s been a while, how are you doing?” Blaze typed, “I heard some people were asking for help, how much of a debt have they racked up?  What do you need to get back to your happy place?”

 
 Spoiler 
figure out minimum databolt needs to keep it placated, computer + int :  (8d10)[ 7 ][ 7 ][ 6 ][ 6 ][ 5 ][ 7 ][ 6 ][ 6 ](50) 
10 again:  (8d10)[ 7 ][ 7 ][ 9 ][ 9 ][ 10 ][ 4 ][ 2 ][ 9 ](57) 
 
Bennosuke
(OOC: Terrible rolls TC, that was like my kind of luck)

Databolt is rather forthright with Blaze. Both Bear and Joanna had asked Data for favors. The spirit is awaiting upgrades to the Wifi, and the production of new servers that Data can use to grow its power within the domain.
Thundercracker
 Blaze 


“Guys databolt is being stubborn, we’re gonna have to bite the bullet and get him the upgrades he’s looking for,” Blaze said, “what did you ask him to do for you anyway?  You do know you have a certified genius hacker in the pack right?”
Haval
To Blaze,  'Thought I'd try going right to the source first. I need help keeping tabs on someone. Thought that something that lives on the internet might be of some help.' 

-----------


 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Micah continues, " Mr. Sanders said you would be coming around now. Right no time. " 
 

 'Good to meet you Micah.'  Joanna nods  'Is it always this busy?'  
GKnightBC
 
 Originally Posted by Thundercracker 
  Blaze 


“Guys databolt is being stubborn, we’re gonna have to bite the bullet and get him the upgrades he’s looking for,” Blaze said, “what did you ask him to do for you anyway?  You do know you have a certified genius hacker in the pack right?” 
 

"If you'd like , I can try and find you stuff on eBay that he can grow into? Lots of server gear and such available cheaper than market. I've built systems for clients that way, before." Jeremy offers to Blaze.
 
 Spoiler 
What would I roll for that kind of thing? Computers+INT or something? If it helps, he could take a few hours for the extended action bonus.
 
GKnightBC
 
 Originally Posted by GKnightBC 
 "If you'd like , I can try and find you stuff on eBay that he can grow into? Lots of server gear and such available cheaper than market. I've built systems for clients that way, before." Jeremy offers to Blaze.
 
 Spoiler 
What would I roll for that kind of thing? Computers+INT or something? If it helps, he could take a few hours for the extended action bonus.
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler: Upgrading extended action 
Computers+INT+Patient  (7d10)[ 9 ][ 3 ][ 8 ][ 7 ][ 8 ][ 10 ][ 3 ](48)  Any tens?  (7d10)[ 1 ][ 10 ][ 2 ][ 2 ][ 4 ][ 1 ][ 5 ](25) 
 
Daishain
Bear scratches his chin as Databolt comes up, before the group goes back to talk to him,   "Yeah, I promised good broadband and that they could hog 70% of it uncontested for 2 weeks straight. I figured it would be easier to pay them in access more easily and cheaply than further hardware upgrades."

"Meant to take care of that a long while back, but thing after thing kept coming up. Past time to make sure it happens"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
int+computers (3d10)[ 8 ][ 8 ][ 7 ](23) 
ten again  (3d10)[ 10 ][ 6 ][ 4 ](20) 
 
Bennosuke
(OOC: Well now technically, since everyone is joining in, I should make this an assisted roll, which would mean only one person is a primary, and everyone else's successes just add dice to their pool... but I'm feeling too nice right now for that. I count 6/8 successes now)

Fortunately for Joanna, Bear and especially Jeremy join in. Jeremy seems to know right away what needs to be done, and helps lay out schematics and a list of supplies that will be needed to upgrade everything as promised! He shares the list and a few websites that the group can search for the listed supplies, and pretty soon, most everything needed has been identified and ordered. Parts will need to come in and be assembled, but then the group should be good to go!

(OOC: I'm going to cut off other players from rolling here, since the point of an extended action is that it should take time, and because I don't think the group will be able to source all the hardware locally. What we'll say is that all the parts will have come by the next bit of downtime, and we can have someone roll for assembly for the last two successes)

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


 'Good to meet you Micah.' Joanna nods 'Is it always this busy?' 

The man looks Joanna over quizzically for a moment then says, " Well, I mean we do decently, but I think there is a decent crowd building already to see you guys perform. " He chuckles uncomfortably then adds to Joanna, and also eyeing Jeremy, " And you are? I don't think I recognize you from the last time the band performed. "
Haval
 'Thanks Jeremy. I was thinking about finding an Amazon warehouse to visit after hours but maybe I shouldn't push my luck.' 

--‐-------

To Micah to mollify him.  'Sorry, I'm new here. And to New Bedford even. I think I was expecting a smaller bar, but this is pretty cool.'  She'll offer her hand.  'The guys needed a bassist. I'm Joanna.'  She didn't particularly want to talk about why the band needed a new bassist.
Bennosuke
The guy's eyes kind of light up when Joanna mentions she is with the band. " Oh no, no need to apologize, " he says, " I just didn't recognize you. " He offers a self-conscious hand to shake. To the entire group he says, " Well let me know if you need any help getting set up. We've got some staff here who can help... and uh, well the drinks are on us tonight! "
Haval
 'Thanks Micah. I think we'll take you up on that.'  Joanna felt that she was probably too busy to drink much tonight but the wolf blooded would probably appreciate it. She'll will help carry any gear into the venue.
GKnightBC
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The guy's eyes kind of light up when Joanna mentions she is with the band. " Oh no, no need to apologize, " he says, " I just didn't recognize you. " He offers a self-conscious hand to shake. To the entire group he says, " Well let me know if you need any help getting set up. We've got some staff here who can help... and uh, well the drinks are on us tonight! " 
 

A bit excited at the prospect of playing 'professionally' with the band, for the first time, he remains relatively quiet as they set and tune up.  "Hope my practice pays off. I may need those free drinks afterwards."  He says to Joanna after Micah leaves.
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by GKnightBC 
 A bit excited at the prospect of playing 'professionally' with the band, for the first time, he remains relatively quiet as they set and tune up.  "Hope my practice pays off. I may need those free drinks afterwards."  He says to Joanna after Micah leaves. 
 

Quietly,  'Aren't we hunting tomorrow though? How are we with hangovers anyway?' 
Thundercracker
 Blaze 

"We need to decide if we're going to do a ritual with this gig or not," Blaze said, "'cuz that was the original plan, but now I dunno.  I'm thinkin' we should hold off for the time being until we learn some more.  Plus we don't know if one of them are gonna be in the crowd.  If they are, we'll tip our hand by having the ritual out in the open like that."
Haval
 'I'd like to think between all of us we should be able to smell one of them if they show up tonight, but I'm open to persuasion. The ritual stuff is your call though.' 
Bennosuke
Hopefully no one notices the way Joanna lifts her head to the sky and begins snuffling. She is relieved that she cannot pick up the slightest scent of other werewolves in the building!  However,  there is the faintest rotted fishy odor distinct to many of the New Bedford locals who carry the stranger, fishier characteristics. This smell is faint; Joanna does not get the sense that there are any fish-frog men lumbering nearby, but maybe a few of the locals here carry the taint of the Idigam.
Haval
Joanna isn't going to make a habit of doing this in front of people, but she's not that worried about what it might look like.

 'Nothing but fish.' 
GKnightBC
" Perhaps the Reveller's influence will wipe away some of the fishy-ness and save these people from the Idigam. It's worth a try, right?" 
Daishain
Bear laughs at that, patting Jeremy on the back,   "Don't know about that, but we'll definitely wake them up a bit. People in this town seem half asleep a lot of the time."  
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by GKnightBC 
 " Perhaps the Reveller's influence will wipe away some of the fishy-ness and save these people from the Idigam. It's worth a try, right?"  
 

 'The Reveller smells better anyway.' 

Joanna is mostly focused on remembering the band's songs, but will take the opportunity to take a few photos of the venue where she can. She was going to put off telling Beth about joining another band until there was she actually had a gig to report.
Bennosuke
The pack continues with setting up their equipment; plugging in amps and microphones, checking sound levels, and tuning strings. As they prepare, the indoor space gets more and more crowded filling with a mostly younger crowd of college students and locals. Chaz even shows up with a good sized group of friends, many of whom are familiar to the group. There's also a good population from the local Punk scene, many of whom have been at the band's prior concerts.

Micah comes back regularly to check in on the group and offer them water, wine, and anything else they can think of. He's polite, if not a little eager, but also makes sure to give the band and their "roadies" adequate space.

Soon enough, an hour or-so has gone by, and it's time to perform. Micah gets up on stage it introduce Cry Wolf, and though he looks rather out of place standing among the leather clad punk Uratha, manages to whip the crowd into an uproar of applause as Kara steps up to her microphone as lead singer.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Alright, I think there is enough time before the performance begins, in case any of you change your mind; may I remind you about the Pack's Bane:


 Each Uratha must perform one hedonistic act per month, giving into their vices and throwing caution to the wind. This can include a particularly debased stage act, that a conservative public member may consider "inappropriate or pornographic". 

Which as far as I have documented, not anyone has completed yet... though please speak up if I missed something!!! If you do want to attempt something, we can either resolve it with a simple roll, or run a parallel scene as appropriate.

Otherwise, let's roll for tonight's performance, and more specifically for the Hunting Rite. I am going to have everyone roll either Dex/Presence + Expression (plus any skill specialty if specific to performing or playing your instrument). Goal is 10 successes. I will roll for Kara.  (9d10)[ 9 ][ 8 ][ 6 ][ 9 ][ 5 ][ 9 ][ 3 ][ 8 ][ 3 ](60) 

EDIT: Well there's 5/10 of your successes right there!

As always, can I please have you describe your character's performance with/after your roll. Special bonus for the player with the most successes.

I am going to nominate Blaze, Rite Master here, not that it matters, however, the pack needs to finalize whom/what this Hunting Rite is targetting.
 
Haval
Joanna is professional enough not to want to get hammered before a gig. This wasn't the seventies after all, but she will take a little wine while they were all setting up. It felt weird to be going on first,  'Maybe we could get a support band for next time. Assuming there's anyone around here that's any good.' 

She'll nod and grin at Chaz if she has the opportunity to make eye contact. If Joanna has the opportunity to see him before the gig she'll try to meet him in the crowd.  'Hey, you made it.' 

Before they're announced she'll take a quick picture of the audience from an angle that shows that she was on a stage. She'll send this on in a text to Beth,  'So, I have a gig. Long story.' 

When they started it was easy to relax into it. Joanna's job as the bassist was really the easiest. She just needed to keep up with the others and focus on the tune. Normally in this situation she concentrated on her playing and on watching the audience's reaction but here, it was hard not to get caught up with watching Kara, whose attitude was infectious.


 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Beth is Joanna's touchstone in Boston and former bandmate.

Presence 3 + Expression 3 + Bass 1
 (7d10)[ 4 ][ 1 ][ 4 ][ 5 ][ 6 ][ 5 ][ 6 ](31) 

Any 10s
 (7d10)[ 10 ][ 9 ][ 5 ][ 2 ][ 5 ][ 7 ][ 10 ](48) 
 
GKnightBC
Jeremy sticks to water, regardless of his previous statement, and lets the music flow into his fingers as they dance across the instrument. Taking his lead from Blaze as they play, he feels the Reveler's spirit join the weave and grins less nervously. A sudden hunger grips him, and his eyes scan the crowd, a thread of hunting prey twining into his music.
 
 Spoiler: Music making 
Dex+Expression+Keyboard  (6d10)[ 10 ][ 4 ][ 6 ][ 1 ][ 9 ][ 8 ](38)  any tens?  (6d10)[ 2 ][ 3 ][ 3 ][ 5 ][ 6 ][ 8 ](27) 
 
Thundercracker
 Blaze 

They hadn't played a gig this large... ever, and Blaze basked in the energy of the crowd, using it to fuel his drumwork.

 
 Spoiler 
I don't know the first thing about music...
Drums: presence + expression + drums specialty:  (8d10)[ 1 ][ 2 ][ 6 ][ 5 ][ 10 ][ 7 ][ 10 ][ 4 ](45) 
10 again:  (8d10)[ 2 ][ 3 ][ 8 ][ 2 ][ 4 ][ 7 ][ 2 ][ 2 ](30) 
 
Daishain
Bear throws himself into his guitar, sliding through the riffs they'd worked out as they go from one song to the next, working the steps and gestures of the Siskur Dah into the performance. He can feel the energy of it all, and the thrill of it all drove him on. He'd missed this, badly, and the anticipation of the hunt only added to it all.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
pres+express+guitarspec (7d10)[ 5 ][ 1 ][ 9 ][ 5 ][ 6 ][ 1 ][ 6 ](33) 
ten again (7d10)[ 6 ][ 6 ][ 4 ][ 2 ][ 9 ][ 9 ][ 9 ](45) 
 
Bennosuke
The band open up with a cover of The Sex Pistols, a familiar song that almost everyone and their mother has heard, to get the crowd's attention and interest right away. After what has seemed like months of Kara being a shadow of herself, the young Uratha really comes alive in front of the crowd. The audience seem to lock in as one the moment she hits her first note, rising high and rough into an almost howl. She struts the stage, locking eyes with people in the audience one after the other, winking and pouting and sneering at each member of the crowd; the consummate performer.

The band then goes into a few of their classic songs, before Blaze takes the group into Sister Daas, the band's instrumental number meant to symbolically represent the sacred hunt. This time, the song stars with a rhythmic drum piece that sounds like the steady gallop of racing feet... or paws. Bear's guitar joins in, slashing chords that sound like the growls and howls of a pack of wolves. Kara's vocals join in; guttural noises in a call and response to Karl's guitar. He is playing the pack, she is playing the chased Pure. Joanna's base thrums along steadily, and Jeremy plays staccato fills on his keyboard, filling in the spaces between Bear and Kara. The song builds and builds and builds as the song takes shape around the harrying, cornering, and killing of a mighty foe. At the end of the performance, not only is the crowd cheering, but the pack can feel the ethereal unity amongst them, created by the completion of the rite. Like a web of Essence, the Anchor Wolves could feel the mystical singular desire to hunt and an unnamable certainty in their victory over The Pure.

But, as the applause dies down  Joanna  catches sight of a familiar figure;  THE ENEMY . One of the Pure, the young man with the shaggy brown hair is standing up against the lip of the stage, a curious smile on his face. He is dressed in a pristine black leather jacket that looks expensive and perhaps worn for the first time, and a pair of dark blue designer jeans. He catches Joanna's gaze, and the smile broadens.

(OOC: Rolled a 1d4 to decide who would catch this

 EDIT: With the rite completed I have updated everyone's character boxes with the "Siskur Dah (The Pure)" condition. )
Haval
Joanna is rusty and knows it. Her playing might best be described as enthusiastic. Thankfully, with Kara and the others here all she has to do is not **** up too much. She'll relax in to the effects of the ritual and start to enjoy herself.

At least until she saw the Allen kid in the front row. She'll only nudge Bear to get his attention before checking the crowd for the rest of the Pure.
Daishain
Bear subtly nods and keeps playing, unconcerned for now. It was a little late to focus on the watcher. Either there'd be trouble later or there wouldn't. Job now was to pull this gig, and the ritual, off well. They could chase down the intruder afterwards.
Bennosuke
With this interaction, the other band members are able to pick up on what is going on with Bear and Joanna, catching site of the Pure werewolf in the crowd standing there rather unabashed.

(OOC: Will give the other players a chance to decide if they want to do anything, and otherwise will just move things to after the performance. @TC and GK, please let me know in Discord if you don't want to do anything and don't have anything you want to post so I can go forward with this)
Haval
Once she's alerted Bear Joanna is going to watch Corey closely while she's playing. She's perturbed by the fact that he made it in here without any of them noticing but the idea that a Uratha could do something unexpected wasn't exactly surprising. Whatever he's here for Joanna isn't sure it could wait till after the gig.

In the break between songs she'll go looking for any of the Wolf Blooded who might be backstage. James King would be ideal. 'You see that boy in the front row? He's one of the Pure.'  There's was no way the wolf-blooded weren't aware of the general situation.  'Everybody keep an eye out, but if someone wants to get in his way if he tries to leave. Do  not  start anything though. I don't even know what he wants.' 

There wasn't really time to have a conversation. Joanna will return to retrieve her bass but will squat down in front of Corey so they could be close enough to exchange words even if they were playing.  'Enjoying the show Corey?'  She'll use his name just to see how he reacts.
Bennosuke
James King is indeed one of the Wolf-Blooded hanging "backstage"; in this case standing behind one of the curtains drawn up on either side of the makeshift plywood stage. He nods dutifully before poking his head around the curtain to identify his target, eyes narrowing into a hard glare. He exits around the far side of the curtain before coming around to the side of the building, where he might have easy access to the crowd closest to the stage.


 There wasn't really time to have a conversation. Joanna will return to retrieve her bass but will squat down in front of Corey so they could be close enough to exchange words even if they were playing. 'Enjoying the show Corey?' She'll use his name just to see how he reacts. 

The werewolf stays in his spot as Joanna comes to him at the lip of the stage. He keeps eye contact with the bassist, a bemused grin on his face. The question doesn't seem to faze him, and he earnestly replies, " Yeah, this is great! I mean, it's not really my scene... more into EDM, but you guys really rock! " He practically has to yell to be heard over the applause of the crowd between songs, and now most of the front row are at least watching the interaction between Corey and Joanna, the closes with a fair bit of curiosity on their faces as far as Joanna can see. But the strange thing is that Corey seems sincere, there is no threat, malice or irony in his words, and he's smiling up at Joanna.
Haval
Joanna looks sceptical,  'Is blondie here?'  she said, referring to the unnamed third member of the Pure pack.  'I can't see this being something that the Professor would be into.' 
Bennosuke
The question causes Cory to grin; a handsome charming grin. With a wink he says, " They don't know I'm here. " He shoves both hand in his pocket and shrugs, very smug and pleased with himself. He nods back up at the stage and says, " I think they are waiting for you to start again. But wait, what's your name? You already know mine. "
Haval
Joanna is unfazed by his charm.  'Stick around until after and maybe I'll tell you.'  She'll get back to playing.
Bennosuke
The rest of the performance goes well overall, though there is at least among some a sense of unease with the Anshega watching from his spot at the lip of the stage. When the band finishes their last song, the crowd erupts with applause, and Cory joins in with them, though it's clear to everyone on stage that he has his eyes now focused on Joanna.

When he catches her eye, he gives a warm grin, then nods his head towards the exit. Even with the audience on their feet, he seems to move effortlessly through the sea of people, and exits the building. James King comes rushing up to Joanna, offering to take her bass and says, " Do you... do you want me to follow him? "
Haval
Joanna enjoys the response of the crowd but it was difficult to relax when she was being watched. It wasn't as if Corey was going to try anything here but she couldn't help but be suspicious of whatever he was here for.

She'll hand her bass to James,  'Yeah. But I'm coming with you. He said he's alone but I don't trust him.'  To the others,  'Be right back.'  She's dressed for the gig, but at least has her phone on her.
Bennosuke
James sighs, and says , " Okay, hold on one second. " He takes the bass guitar from Joanna and rushes it off stage to its black carrying case. He rushes back to join Joanna and follow her off the stage. It takes an extended period to get through the audience, with locals rushing to crowd around Joanna and tell her how great the show was.

(OOC: I think other players can follow Joanna if they want to...)

The two finally make it to the exit. There are plenty of attendees outside now too, and at first it seems like Cory has fled. But with a little bit of looking and a little additional sniffing, Joanna spots him on the far side of the terraced yard. Cory is leaned up against the fence, puffing leisurely on a cigarette, with a fancy looking flask in his free hand. He catches Joanna's eye and gives her an excited grin, making no move to escape.
Haval
Joanna notices James' sigh.  'I'll make it up to you.'  She'll make appropriately appreciative noises as she moved through the audience but is focused on catching up to Cory.

Outside she can only roll her eyes at Cory for playing games. To James,  'Keep an eye out.'  She'll go and lean on the fence next to Cory and put her hand out,  'Give me one of those.'  If he gives her a cigarette she'll lean over so he can light it.  'Just remember that I'm pretty sure I can call your Dad. Now...you aren't what I was expecting but tell me what you're doing here?' 
Bennosuke
James sighs again, and stays back while maintaining clear line of sight with his packmate and potential enemy.

Cory pulls a beat up carton of cigarettes out of his pocket, and after a practiced series of taps, hands her one. Returning it to his pocket, he removes a zippo and asks Joanna to lean forward so he can light it for her. To Joanna's first statement he turns his head to the side, eyebrows slightly furrowed. But with a devilish grin he replies, " You can call me Daddy? I'm sorry, but I don't think we're there just yet. " His cheeks flush just a little.

Regardless of Joanna's reaction, to her question he replies with a shrug, " I wanted to see you guys perform. " He takes a hard puff of his cigarette and sighs, as a cloud of grey smoke exits his nose and mouth. " Honestly, I haven't met a lot of other... of our kind. Outside of my pack, you're kinda' my first. " His cheeks flush a little harder at this.
Haval
Joanna snorts in amusement at the innuendo. 'Normally you'd need to buy me dinner first.'  She's not embarrassed in the slightest.

She'll listen to Cory's explanation with interest, but breaks into a grin at Cory's flush.  'I get that. I've met a few others besides this lot but it's not like I've known about all this for that long.'  Joanna will take a quick drag to consider the wisdom of telling him her name.  'I'm Joanna by the way. That's all you're getting for the moment. How long have you been with the Professor? Will she be mad at you for sneaking out?' 
Bennosuke
When Joanna introduces herself, Cory replies, " Nice to meet you. " But rather than offer a hand to shake, he offers Joanna his flask and says, " It's whiskey. Not sure if you like, but I haven't really developed a taste for wine yet. "

To Joanna's first question he replies, " Less than a year, " and in a near whispered First Tongue adds, " I'm still a pup. " Cory grins at this, pleased to see his companion follow his change of language. " Eh, probably, " Cory says with a shrug in reply to the second question, though the gesture seems to imply that he's pretty nervous about the whole thing.
Haval
 'Whisky's good.'  Joanna will take a sip to taste followed by a longer swig.  'If I have to, I can drink whatever.' 

She'll roll her eyes a little at the pup comment.  'I'm about the same, but I'm wondering when I grow out of that pup thing. Maybe there's going to be a test.'  On the professor,  'Might as well come hang out for a while then. I mean, if she's already mad. Feel like I should ask though. Aren't you guys supposed to be some kind of scary cult?' 
Bennosuke
It's definitely bourbon in the flask. If Joanna has any palette for the stuff, she might pick up on the fact that it is rather smooth, a little sweet with hints of peanut butter and caramel, probably something good quality.

Cory smirks and says, " Hopefully, she doesn't even realize it yet. " This is followed by a look of uncertainty and a shrug. " Hopefully she won't... " he adds, his voice trailing off at the end. To her last point he shrugs again and says in a whispered First Tongue, " Honestly, I've heard all about you Forsaken, and the crimes you've committed. You have definitely not been painted in the best light. But... well you look pretty similar to me, and you smell pretty similar to me. I don't know, I guess I find it hard holding a grudge over something that happened a millennia ago when I only heard about it a few months ago. " His eyes focus on Joanna. Dark brown eyes. Maybe slightly scared eyes.

 
 Spoiler: OOC@All 
Do any of the other players want to do anything inside the joint if they are not joining Joanna outside??? I think there are plenty of opportunities for Roleplay here.
 
Haval
Joanna does not have a taste for the whiskey, but enjoys it enough to take another swig before handing it back.

She assumes that Oakheart finding out would mean nothing good for Cory.  'Well **** her then.'  Joanna will smile at the boy in sympathy.  'If you don't want to hang out with us for a while what's to stop you going back to California? Or like, Mexico if you feel like it. I've got people besides this lot, but it's not like the thought hasn't occurred to me.' 
 
 Spoiler 


Taking this out because of Bennos post below

Then Joanna will lean closer to respond in more hesistent First Tongue. It wasn't like she'd had much experience using it.  'I've heard the stories, but I can't say I know what to believe. I didn't do anything. There are some people that used to blame women for the Garden of Eden so maybe it's all bull**** here as well.' 
 
Bennosuke
Joanna's words about escaping seem to bother Cory. He curls his lip back and barely stifles a warning growl. Joanna can smell the sudden anger escaping his skin with alcohol infused sweat and the quickening of his heart. " Careful what you say about Oakheart, " he says in whispered First Tongue, " I don't  want  to escape! I'm not a captive or anything. " He takes the flask back and takes a long pull, throwing his head back as he does. Wiping his mouth with his sleeve, Cory's eyes are narrowed and distrustful all of a sudden.

(OOC: I imagine this would stop Joanna from saying the second half of your post?)
GKnightBC
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
  
 Spoiler: OOC@All 
Do any of the other players want to do anything inside the joint if they are not joining Joanna outside??? I think there are plenty of opportunities for Roleplay here.
 
 
 

Jeremy will follow moments after she leaves, slipping through crowd and terrain alike with subtle ease after putting a nondescript jacket on. Hanging nearby, he may or may not be able to hear the conversation, but he keeps a sharp eye on the body language for risks. When he sees the way Corey is reacting to Joanna, the obvious attraction makes him grin slightly as he guards.
 
 Spoiler: Actions 
Jeremy will have Slip Away (pg 120) active to keep a low profile. -1 Essence.
 
Haval
Joanna finds herself suppressing a growl of her own in response to the implicit challenge. She feels like she's stepped in something she doesn't quite understand. Her eyes narrow for a moment but she's good at composing herself.  That did sound like something a person in a cult would say. 

Aloud, she'll a long drag on the cigarette before she responds.  'Never said you were Cory. I just think it's nice to have options.'  Joanna will lean forward and touch him on the arm.  'We're all friends here. If you want to hang out tonight we can. The owner guy did promise me free wine if you want to help me drink it.' 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Manipulate 1 + Persuasion 2 + Striking Looks (Persuasion)
 (4d10)[ 3 ][ 6 ][ 7 ][ 4 ](20) 
Any 10s
 (4d10)[ 10 ][ 8 ][ 9 ][ 1 ](28) 
 
Bennosuke
Jeremy slips into the crowd standing around the terrace outside the winery, making his way towards where Joanna is talking with the Pure pup. From his viewpoint, she seems to be awfully friendly with him. They are both smoking cigarettes and chatting like old friends. She even leans in towards him, as if he might be more than just a friend...

 
 Spoiler: OOC@GK and Haval 
Jeremy is down to 8 Essence. Now I consider that Joanna might notice and recognize him. The gift does not make Jeremy unrecognizable or invisible, just hard to remember (at least how I read it). But even if Joanna does notice her pack mate, she really won't take much notice of it and might forget she even saw her.

@Haval: What exactly is Joanna trying to achieve with that persuasion roll, and do you want to take a WP or a dramatic failure?
 
Bennosuke
Cory steps back from Joanna's advance, shrugging away her extended hand. His eyes are wide, perhaps with shock, but they narrow as he says through clenched bared teeth, " I think I'm okay. " He puts a hand up between him and Joanna (the one with the cigarette), and says in English, " Look, maybe this was a mistake coming here tonight. I was hoping to meet some others...  like me , but no offense... but it seems like you're trying to convert me or something. " Cory keeps his arm extended out between himself and Joanna, making it clear he doesn't want her coming a step closer. His hackles are up, and though it does not seem like Cory is stepping towards Lunacy, it seems that any good will Joanna had been gaining with him were not GONE.

From the shadows, Jeremy watches this exchange as the situation grows more and more tense...
Haval
Joanna sees Jeremy but doesn't react to his presence. Something about what he was doing meant that her mind slid right off the sight of him.

After Cory's responce she'll step back and put her own hand up to show that she wasn't a threat. 'I didn't mean it like that. Sorry.'  She'll finish her cigarette as she considers what he said.  'You know about that thing in the occean? So when we went over to the college to talk about it Oakheart told us to get out.'  She'll switch to First Tongue briefly to be mindful of anyone who might be in earshot.  'Did sound at the time like she might have tried to kill us if we stayed. Am I wrong?'  It's a rhetorical question but she'll pause a second to see if Cory had a response.

 'So, leaving aside whatever you lot are doing here, what would you do if you managed to catch one of us alone? Or if you all decided to come visit us in the middle of the night?'  Joanna is thinking of the wolf blooded and especially Ciara and it makes her a little heated.  'Unless you're a really good liar you seem like a decent guy, and ...you're super nice to look at.'  Joanna wasn't immune.  'But Oakheart comes across as kinda dangerous, and all I know about blondie is that she seems angry all the time. Getting to know more about all of you would frankly make me feel better.' 
GKnightBC
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Cory steps back from Joanna's advance, shrugging away her extended hand. His eyes are wide, perhaps with shock, but they narrow as he says through clenched bared teeth, " I think I'm okay. " He puts a hand up between him and Joanna (the one with the cigarette), and says in English, " Look, maybe this was a mistake coming here tonight. I was hoping to meet some others...  like me , but no offense... but it seems like you're trying to convert me or something. " Cory keeps his arm extended out between himself and Joanna, making it clear he doesn't want her coming a step closer. His hackles are up, and though it does not seem like Cory is stepping towards Lunacy, it seems that any good will Joanna had been gaining with him were not GONE.

From the shadows, Jeremy watches this exchange as the situation grows more and more tense... 
 

Leaning forward as the aura of emotion is almost visible, he gets ready to rush to her defense if he shows aggression.
Bennosuke
 After Cory's responce she'll step back and put her own hand up to show that she wasn't a threat. 'I didn't mean it like that. Sorry.' She'll finish her cigarette as she considers what he said. 'You know about that thing in the occean? So when we went over to the college to talk about it Oakheart told us to get out.' She'll switch to First Tongue briefly to be mindful of anyone who might be in earshot. 'Did sound at the time like she might have tried to kill us if we stayed. Am I wrong?' It's a rhetorical question but she'll pause a second to see if Cory had a response. 

Through still gritted teeth he replies in a snarling first tongue, " You are Forsaken. You are oath breakers. You are unpure. " These things he says as statement, though based on their prior interaction, it is hard to say how much Cory had (at least until now) truly believed it. However, as he continues, he sounds less convinced, " She sees your pack as an inconvenience something to be dealt with eventually, unless you get in our way. "

To her series of questions Cory replies, " I came here out of curiosity. I wasn't expecting you to insult my pack or my leader. " He throws his spent butt underfoot and grinds it out with his heel. " You know NOTHING about Oakheart, " he says in First Tongue, his voice rising loud enough for others around to hear his lupine growl. And in fact, a few heads turn in their direction, marked with surprise and slight confusion. The prior buzz of conversation around Cory and Joanna goes silent, as the onlookers start to direct their attention to the possible drama.
Haval
 Unpure?  Joanna thinks incredulously. She was surprised that someone who was roughly her age would use that word aloud.

 'You're right... I don't know her.'  she said in reply. She's sad about how this conversation was going but was getting irritated at his inability to meet her halfway.  'But how am I going to learn if none of you want to talk about what you're doing here. Who knows, maybe I'll agree with you.'  

Joanna looked increasingly tense, and has unconsciously adopted a stance more suited for a fight if she suddenly found herself in one. She didn't like to back down even before she knew what she was.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Long shot social roll
Presence 3 + Persuasion 2 + Striking Looks 1 - penalty 3
 (3d10)[ 7 ][ 3 ][ 10 ](20) 
Any 10s
 (3d10)[ 4 ][ 8 ][ 2 ](14) 
 
Bennosuke
(OOC@Haval: Out of curiosity, is Joanna continuing in English or First Tongue, now that everyone is listening?)

Cory starts to turn to go, but something in Joanna's words clatter him across the back of the head. His shoulder twitches, and he just... stops. Wordlessly, the man turns around to stare back at Joanna silently. Seemingly aware of the eyes on him, he replies in low nearly whispered English, " Perhaps you could consider that you might be making assumptions about US as well. " It's a statement, almost an accusation, but something Joanna said has seemed to strike a nerve. Perhaps he  was  sincerely trying to make friends.
Haval
ooc - Speaking English. Just trying to dip into First Tongue when discussing anything strange.

Joanna finally registers the bystanders, but has little more to say.  'Maybe...come find me if you ever want to talk about it.'  Perhaps he had a point. Everything she knew about the Pure was based on second hand information. On the other hand she was already confident of the kind of person Oakheart was.

If Cory has nothing more to say, she'll let him go.
Bennosuke
He nods his head slowly at Joanna's offer, his blue eyes fixated on her. Cory's nose even twitched a little, as if he was trying to sniff something out of her. He moistens his lips with his tongue, then finally replies, " Sure. " He goes to take another swig from his flask, but stops before he even has the top unscrewed. Then Cory turns and simply walks away.
Haval
 ****.  Joanna will watch Cory leave before wiping her eyes. The thought had occurred to her during the conversation that she was due to help hunt down the totem of Cory's pack. Perhaps his leaving made things easier, but then again there was every chance that she'd have to kill this boy at some point. She could imagine just how she would do it as well.

She'll ignore the bystanders unless anyone actually wanted to talk to her. If James was still here she'll go up to him,  'If you ever see him around again let me know will you?'  And because she needed it,  'You want a drink?'  She will take the opportunity to pass on the gist of her conversation with Cory to any of the other Uratha that she ran into.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Joanna is going to take the opportunity to drink too much and maybe resolve the pack ban.
 
Daishain
Bear watches the boy go, his hackles raised. Negotiations were not his forte, and it was difficult to see the pup as anything other than the enemy, especially after that ritual.

Shaking his head, he returns to the afterparty, raising up a mug of ale and cheering the crowd on as he pulls Ciara in for a deep and quite lewd kiss.
Bennosuke
James nods his head cautiously, and says, " Sure. " His cold eyes were inquisitive, maybe even judgmental, but he said nothing more than to gratefully accept Joanna's offer for a drink.

Inside the winery, music was blasting over the speakers (The Ramones), the lights were bright, and the crowd was full of energy. No one paid attention to Joanna's mood, most didn't even notice her enter, except maybe the rest of the pack; always attune to each other. She's even met by Bear at the door.  Was he watching from inside? 

(OOC: Let's do a Presence/Composure + Socialize roll to see how crazy Joanna goes?)
Haval
Joanna doesn't feel the need to explain herself unless James actually asked about it. The music and the sight of Bear and Ciara does make her smile a little. Sometimes it was nice to see other people happy. Before she goes to the bar she'll briefly address Bear in First Tongue,  'Felt like I was talking to a kidnap victim.' 

At the bar she'll go looking for that wine she had been promised and buy James whatever he wanted. She's mostly looking for someone to drink with and has given up on the idea of being responsible for the evening. Her tolerance as a Uratha was pretty high wasn't it? She will take the opportunity to get to know James and find out how he ended up with the Anchor Wolves. She didn't know any of the Wolf Blooded that well.

 
 Spoiler 

Presence 3 + Socialise 2
 (5d10)[ 4 ][ 8 ][ 5 ][ 7 ][ 3 ](27) 
Any 10s
 (5d10)[ 3 ][ 9 ][ 5 ][ 10 ][ 7 ](34) 
 
Bennosuke
The crowd reacts joyously to Bear and Ciara's kiss, the latter now quiet pregnant. One kid even brings her a shot to do, which she politely declines.

Joanna bursts into the crowd and orders herself and those next to her a round of drinks. There are some concerned glances, but after she takes down an entire glass of wine in one long gulp, she is pulled in and embraced by the crowd of party goers. Her antics further encourage some of the locals to buy a few bottles.

At some point in the night, Kara swings an arm around both Jeremy and Joanna's shoulders, kisses one and then the other on the cheek, and then says, " Welcome to the pack you two! "

(OOC: Not sure if there is anything else you guys want to do in this scene. Let me know if you want to move on

Joanna fulfills her Pack Bane.)
GKnightBC
Still watching from his vantage point, Jeremy stays inconspicuous until Corey is out of sight, curious at his sudden, almost commanded departure.  *He looks like he got chastised mentally. *  he thinks, before heading back into the party and hopefully less threat. Finding Joanna, he mentions the curious thing " The way he suddenly clammed up and left, after you spoke to him last - did that seem rather abrupt to you? It's almost as if he got orders from someone to leave." 
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 At some point in the night, Kara swings an arm around both Jeremy and Joanna's shoulders, kisses one and then the other on the cheek, and then says, " Welcome to the pack you two! " 
 

Joanna is drunk enough by this point to return the hug with enthusiasm. She will get Kara a drink if she doesn't have anything.


 
 Originally Posted by GKnightBC 
 Still watching from his vantage point, Jeremy stays inconspicuous until Corey is out of sight, curious at his sudden, almost commanded departure.  *He looks like he got chastised mentally. *  he thinks, before heading back into the party and hopefully less threat. Finding Joanna, he mentions the curious thing " The way he suddenly clammed up and left, after you spoke to him last - did that seem rather abrupt to you? It's almost as if he got orders from someone to leave."  
 

 'If that's a thing no one's told me about it.'  Joanna shrugged.  'Cory claimed to have snuck out without telling his packmates. Oakheart doesn't seem like the type to have been ok with letting him come here tonight so I believe him. I think he's conflicted. He's been told some bad stuff about us. Maybe he's new enough at this not to totally believe it, but he's loyal enough to Oakheart that he didn't like me **** talking her.'  Joanna looks sad.  'Felt like I could have handled that better.' 
Bennosuke
 Chapter 2 Act II Scene iii 
 “It will have blood, they say: blood will have blood.”
Macbeth, Shakespeare 

It was late morning when the pack had managed to regroup from the night's revelries. Some were in better shape than others. But the coffee had been made, passed around and drunk. More had been made too. And Pine had whipped up whole platters of eggs and bacon and potatoes for those in need. The decision had been made previously that today the pack would go after The Pure's Totem. They had gathered barrels of mercury, and made a pact to hunt down the monstrous spirit, though perhaps there was more to discuss, or things to take care of.

The Wolf Blooded stirred around the periphery of the great folding table that had been set up for breakfast. They watched and listened intently, deferring to the Uratha leaders.
Thundercracker
Blaze headed to the basement to check on the deep sea spirits, to make sure they still had enough essence to eat.  The last thing they needed was a bunch of spirits going crazy right in the middle of their hideout.
Haval
Before passing out last night Joanna had made some initial efforts to get her **** together through internet research on her phone. Once she was finally up she's focused on her phone as she drinks a lot of coffee.

As she presumably has the number of the cop who tried to arrest her, she'll send him a text now it was daylight and see if she could get an update into the investigation into Finn's murder. Sometimes her family connections could persuade members of the police to tell her things they otherwise wouldn't.

Otherwise Joanna is going to look into the most evangelical seeming local churchs according to their social media presance. If she was really lucky she could find a picture of the priest who had bothered them. If not, she could at least familiarise herself with a list of churches that she could investigate later.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Joanna has Allies (Police) 1 if that's enough for an update by itself

Roll for googling and social media searches
Intellegence 3 + Investigation 2
 (5d10)[ 6 ][ 1 ][ 1 ][ 4 ][ 6 ](18) 
Any 10s
 (5d10)[ 8 ][ 6 ][ 6 ][ 8 ][ 2 ](30) 
 
Bennosuke
(OOC: Assuming Blaze is still in the Flesh, going down to the basement and casting his gaze across the Gauntlet, meaning he can't interact with the spirits and they can't see him.)

Down in the basement, Blaze casts his vision to the small well of Essence they had created for the Deep Sea Spirits. The concern that they had left the spirits too long, had been nagging Blaze lately. Sure enough, Blaze finds a number of listless and grey spirits floating around an empty well of Essence. There numbers had dwindled a little; mostly the lesser spirits were gone, leaving only the more formed of the chorus, most of which were wasted and fading.

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

Before falling asleep, Joanna struggles to keep her vision focused as she scrolls her phone looking for updates. Her fingers won't obey her half the time, making each typed search a real struggle. Despite the coffee, after less than an hour, Joanna is asleep despite herself, even managing to leave her phone uncharged overnight.

In the morning, her head is pounding and even sitting up is a bit of a struggle. She shoots a text to Officer Daltrey, the younger of the three police that she had met the other day. He was neither the pock marked fat one, nor the older grey officer who had been in charge, but instead had been the one to drive Joanna to the station and after the craziness of the incident, had been relatively friendly to Jo.

He replies to her inquiry, " Nothing major... most of the locals aren't really complying... though we have a reason to believe he's hiding somewhere in Downtown New Bedford. " The Warehouse where the pack lived was in downtown as well. However, Daltrey shoots Joanna a second text that basically tells her that he can't be feeding her information on an active investigation.

(OOC: Technically, Contacts should get you information, not allies, though I'll give it to you here)
Daishain
Bear looks around the room,   "Right then, where are we at in gathering information on the pure? Any reason to delay matters? What did that pup last night say?"  
Thundercracker
Blaze shook his head and headed back upstairs.

“Yo guys, I know there’s a lot going on but we gotta take care of those fish in the basement, or they’re all gonna die, or we’re gonna have a bunch of crazy fish spirits in our den,”
Blaze said.
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 He replies to her inquiry, " Nothing major... most of the locals aren't really complying... though we have a reason to believe he's hiding somewhere in Downtown New Bedford. " The Warehouse where the pack lived was in downtown as well. However, Daltrey shoots Joanna a second text that basically tells her that he can't be feeding her information on an active investigation. 
 

To Officer Daltry,  'Yeah, I know the drill. But it's not like I'm going to tell anyone.'  Joanna wasn't counting the rest of the pack here.  'And if we keep in touch maybe we can help each other out. If I find him again I'll be sure to call you :)'  With no small amount of swearing she will make a point of getting her phone charger from the car while she was eating breakfast.

To Bear,  'He said he wanted to meet other Uratha. Maybe that means the other Pure aren't that great to be around and he wanted to meet someone normal.'  At this point Joanna barely wants to talk about it.  'He didn't seem like a bad guy all things considered, but he didn't like me bad mouthing Oakheart. Said we were unpure of all the bloody things. Someone told him that.'  And getting to the point,  'I'd say if we're going to go after the big wolf we should do it soon. I don't want any of them showing up here while we're out.' 

To Blaze,  'So we get more essence. Can we do the ritual again? Maybe we could get a rota set up to go with washing the dishes.' 
Haval
 Jeremy 

At some, perhaps when she was still drunk the night before, Joanna will go looking for Jeremy.  'Thought maybe I'd ask you first as you're the next 'youngest'.'  Joanna will idly make the quote gesture with one hand.  'You're in a tribe aren't you? What exactly do you have to do to join?' 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 
Leaving this here for whenever GK sees it.

I need to try and get Joanna in a tribe at some point and it might double for GK's aspiration about increasing the pack's standing.
 

 Now 

If no one adds anything.  'There's no reason for them to know for certain that we're coming, but they're probably going to expect it. Is that enough of a reason to hold back?' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
 To Officer Daltry,  'Yeah, I know the drill. But it's not like I'm going to tell anyone.'  Joanna wasn't counting the rest of the pack here.  'And if we keep in touch maybe we can help each other out. If I find him again I'll be sure to call you :)'  With no small amount of swearing she will make a point of getting her phone charger from the car while she was eating breakfast.

To Bear,  'He said he wanted to meet other Uratha. Maybe that means the other Pure aren't that great to be around and he wanted to meet someone normal.'  At this point Joanna barely wants to talk about it.  'He didn't seem like a bad guy all things considered, but he didn't like me bad mouthing Oakheart. Said we were unpure of all the bloody things. Someone told him that.'  And getting to the point,  'I'd say if we're going to go after the big wolf we should do it soon. I don't want any of them showing up here while we're out.' 

To Blaze,  'So we get more essence. Can we do the ritual again? Maybe we could get a rota set up to go with washing the dishes.'  
 

"Yeah, we need to take care of them, play another set down there to get the Essence they need to survive," Blaze said, "not only did we promise to help them out, they're going to show us where the Idigam Lair is, once we address the Pure.  They can't do that if they're dead or insane."
GKnightBC
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
  Jeremy 

At some, perhaps when she was still drunk the night before, Joanna will go looking for Jeremy.  'Thought maybe I'd ask you first as you're the next 'youngest'.'  Joanna will idly make the quote gesture with one hand.  'You're in a tribe aren't you? What exactly do you have to do to join?'  
 

Nodding, Jeremy answers,   "I'm a young member of the Iron Masters tribe. We're urban hunters, open to change and progress as it helps us. When I was initiated, we were sent on an all-night hunt through the city - underground, over rooftops, through offices - those that found the prey and brought it back were accepted into the Tribe. We stay in touch through the Internet mainly, but I was sent here when our Pack started gaining renown, to provide what help I could."  
Haval
 Earlier 

 
 Originally Posted by GKnightBC 
 Nodding, Jeremy answers,   "I'm a young member of the Iron Masters tribe. We're urban hunters, open to change and progress as it helps us. When I was initiated, we were sent on an all-night hunt through the city - underground, over rooftops, through offices - those that found the prey and brought it back were accepted into the Tribe. We stay in touch through the Internet mainly, but I was sent here when our Pack started gaining renown, to provide what help I could."   
 

 'So no living out in the country? I can get behind that. And the hunting is what I do for work anyway. Just with less..'  Joanna makes a claw motion with her hand.  'So what do I need to hunt? Or is it more about the process then the target?' 
 Now 

 
 Originally Posted by Thundercracker 
 "Yeah, we need to take care of them, play another set down there to get the Essence they need to survive," Blaze said, "not only did we promise to help them out, they're going to show us where the Idigam Lair is, once we address the Pure.  They can't do that if they're dead or insane." 
 

 'Well alright then. I don't want anyone starved on my account.' 
Bennosuke
The pack crosses over, using the monolith gauntlet out on the dock to make their way over to the Hisil. Following the shore down, they make their way to the small Essence well they had created less than a week ago. The scene is as Blaze had recently seen; the chorus of Deep Sea spirits has more than halved, leaving only a handful of the more developed spirits. Those that remain, long scaley fish things with bulbous milky eyes and long hooked underbites, appear emaciated and dull. Though at first they float listlessly about the empty well, the spirits begin to stir and moan as the pack of Werewolves approach. " Uratha, " they howl in The First Tongue, swimming faster and faster in tight circles to the border of the well's Essence circumference, trapped like goldfish in a bowl. They are agitated and angry, but is easy to see they are powerless and of no threat, despite any enmity they might hold.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The pack crosses over, using the monolith gauntlet out on the dock to make their way over to the Hisil. Following the shore down, they make their way to the small Essence well they had created less than a week ago. The scene is as Blaze had recently seen; the chorus of Deep Sea spirits has more than halved, leaving only a handful of the more developed spirits. Those that remain, long scaley fish things with bulbous milky eyes and long hooked underbites, appear emaciated and dull. Though at first they float listlessly about the empty well, the spirits begin to stir and moan as the pack of Werewolves approach. " Uratha, " they howl in The First Tongue, swimming faster and faster in tight circles to the border of the well's Essence circumference, trapped like goldfish in a bowl. They are agitated and angry, but is easy to see they are powerless and of no threat, despite any enmity they might hold. 
 

“Greetings, we promised to provide Essence, and we will,” Blaze replied, “let me gather the pack.”

He turned to the others.
“Guys, we promised to feed them, we’ve gotta keep our word,” he said.
Haval
Joanna looks guilty at the state of the spirits,  'Then let's get to it, and I'll try to pay attention this time. Maybe I can have a go at this myself at some point.'  
Daishain
Bear simply nods in agreement and moves to his place in Blaze's ritual. It felt like the pack was juggling too many balls these days. Too many obligations to fulfill all at once. Still, these things were necessary.
Bennosuke
The Deep Sea Spirits gather in the grotto around the Uratha, curious to see if they will be provided with more Essence food. As they swim/float around the pack, several of the smaller spirits moan and whimper, desperate for more food.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Alright, so the last time the pack did this they were actually in the Flesh and played music as part of the rite... see the 2nd IC thread around page 31-32. But seeing how I messed that up and had the pack cross over to see the deep sea spirits.... well I'm just going to expand onto our prior rules.

So the pack has two options here. They can simply just drop some Essence, each character choosing to literally vomit up some Essence to fill the Well. Alternatively, the pack can return to the Flesh and perform the rite again. The rite will require each character to roll Presence/Dex + Expression, and I will need 5 Essence from the group as a whole, however you want to distribute that. If the pack can get another 13 successes and give the 5 Essence, they can turn this Well into a true and permanent locus
 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The Deep Sea Spirits gather in the grotto around the Uratha, curious to see if they will be provided with more Essence food. As they swim/float around the pack, several of the smaller spirits moan and whimper, desperate for more food.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Alright, so the last time the pack did this they were actually in the Flesh and played music as part of the rite... see the 2nd IC thread around page 31-32. But seeing how I messed that up and had the pack cross over to see the deep sea spirits.... well I'm just going to expand onto our prior rules.

So the pack has two options here. They can simply just drop some Essence, each character choosing to literally vomit up some Essence to fill the Well. Alternatively, the pack can return to the Flesh and perform the rite again. The rite will require each character to roll Presence/Dex + Expression, and I will need 5 Essence from the group as a whole, however you want to distribute that. If the pack can get another 13 successes and give the 5 Essence, they can turn this Well into a true and permanent locus
 
 
 

 Blaze 

“Greetings Deep Ones,” Blaze said, “we are here to fulfill our end of the bargain.  We will conduct a ritual to turn this into a permanent locus you may feed from.  If you can assist us in this, it will help all of us.  If not, please do not interfere.”

With that, Blaze started setting up his kit and making sure the various objects and furniture in the room so not cause the energy flows to oppose one another.

 
 Spoiler 
presence + expression +2  (10d10)[ 7 ][ 4 ][ 7 ][ 2 ][ 6 ][ 7 ][ 2 ][ 9 ][ 10 ][ 2 ](56) 
10 again:  (10d10)[ 2 ][ 9 ][ 4 ][ 7 ][ 5 ][ 9 ][ 8 ][ 10 ][ 9 ][ 9 ](72) 
 
Haval
Joanna will do what she can to assist Blaze.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Presence 3 + Expression 3 + Expression (Bass) 1?
 (7d10)[ 1 ][ 3 ][ 10 ][ 3 ][ 3 ][ 4 ][ 5 ](29) 
Any 10s
 (7d10)[ 7 ][ 1 ][ 3 ][ 1 ][ 8 ][ 7 ][ 3 ](30) 
 
Daishain
Bear lends his own efforts, pushing large amounts of spiritual energy for Blaze to guide where it needed to be.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Presence+expression  (6d10)[ 4 ][ 2 ][ 4 ][ 3 ][ 8 ][ 5 ](26) 
ten again  (6d10)[ 5 ][ 5 ][ 5 ][ 7 ][ 2 ][ 1 ](25) 
 
GKnightBC
Jeremy lends his efforts to the mix, putting some of his own energies deep into the ritual to help bolster their carving out a new locus for the spirits.
 
 Spoiler: Ritual music 

He'll put in 2 Essence as well
Presence+ Expression(Keyboard) :  (4d10)[ 10 ][ 4 ][ 10 ][ 10 ](34) 
If Patient helps   (2d10)[ 4 ][ 9 ](13) 
Any tens:  (6d10)[ 10 ][ 10 ][ 7 ][ 10 ][ 7 ][ 3 ](47) 
 
Bennosuke
Though somewhat improvised, the song the pack plays is familiar enough, and this time comes more easily. During the performance of the Rite, Jeremy seems to find a groove that most musicians only dream of attaining, a completely in-the-moment zen state, his fingers playing across the keys to produce an auditory allusion of waves crashing on the beach and deep things lurking underwater. It is a virtuoso performance perhaps similar to Manzarek's in Riders on the Storm, and as Jeremy plays, he can feel the growing loci almost tune itself to his frequency.

When the rite is done, the basement is filled with the smell of deep and stagnant salt water, and the temperature seems to have dropped by a good twenty degrees. The walls of the basement are wet, and the floor is puddled in brackish dark puddles. The tank itself is now filled with black waters that seem to suck up light like a black hole. Fingers of kelp float deep within the tank, occasionally rubbing ominously against its walls.

(OOC: Congratulations, the pack has now built a level one loci in their basement)
Daishain
Bear nods,   "Well done everyone."   He claps a hand on Jeremy's back,   "Especially you, really getting the hang of this eh?"  

He looks to the newly created locus,   "That's one promise handled. It will be interesting to see how much fallout there will be from it."  
GKnightBC
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Bear nods,   "Well done everyone."   He claps a hand on Jeremy's back,   "Especially you, really getting the hang of this eh?"  

He looks to the newly created locus,   "That's one promise handled. It will be interesting to see how much fallout there will be from it."   
 

Still a bit stunned by the smoothness of the music he produced, he nods weakly,  "It was like someone put their hands on mine and showed me  how  to play perfectly. I could almost see and scent each chord as it wove into the ritual, twining Essence like threads into a tapestry of sound and power. Glorious! Even now, I feel the node's pulse in my bones. I need a drink."  He staggers a little as heads upstairs to get something grounding.
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 He looks to the newly created locus,   "That's one promise handled. It will be interesting to see how much fallout there will be from it."   
 

 'We'll work that out if anyone gets mad at us. We just have to find out what they want.' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Bear nods,   "Well done everyone."   He claps a hand on Jeremy's back,   "Especially you, really getting the hang of this eh?"  

He looks to the newly created locus,   "That's one promise handled. It will be interesting to see how much fallout there will be from it."   
 

“Right now I’m planning to tell anyone who complains that the Deep Ones made a trade, and gave up a lot, and if other spirits want a locus to feed from, they need to agree to do something just as big for us,” Blaze said, “there are a few loci in the area we could shape to feed specific types of spirits too, if anyone comes up with a payment big enough to warrant us doing it.”
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Thundercracker 
 “Right now I’m planning to tell anyone who complains that the Deep Ones made a trade, and gave up a lot, and if other spirits want a locus to feed from, they need to agree to do something just as big for us,” Blaze said, “there are a few loci in the area we could shape to feed specific types of spirits too, if anyone comes up with a payment big enough to warrant us doing it.” 
 

 'I suppose the question is, if someone is pissed off at us for this, are they going to compain about it to our faces? Maybe it'd be worth hanging out over there ocasionally to see if anyone's wants to talk to us.' 

----

Joanna will take some time later in the day to look at local churches online. Ideally she would like to know where the priest who had led the demonstration was based. Perhaps his photo was online somewhere. If not, she work out a list of all the local churches so she could visit them if neccessary.

 
 Spoiler 

So the balding priest was from here. Joanna missed when he came to the warehouse in person but she's seen his face

 https://forums.giantitp.com/showsing...&amp;postcount=944 

If there's actually a Church of Daigon on Google Maps maybe it'll be easy to find.

Int 3 + Investigation 2
 (5d10)[ 10 ][ 10 ][ 1 ][ 10 ][ 10 ](41) 
Any 10s
 (5d10)[ 1 ][ 6 ][ 5 ][ 4 ][ 8 ](24) 
 
Thundercracker
 Blaze 

“Worse comes to worst, we could always conduct a supplication ritual,” Blaze said, “I’d want to get something in exchange for that though, we can just be giving them out like candy.  Same with the loci.”
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Thundercracker 
  Blaze 

“Worse comes to worst, we could always conduct a supplication ritual,” Blaze said, “I’d want to get something in exchange for that though, we can just be giving them out like candy.  Same with the loci.” 
 

 'Fair enough. I feel like the less people who are mad at us at the moment the better.' 

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

At some point during the morning Joanna will tie her hair back and change into the set of clothes she wears when she's trying to look like someone else. In this case someone who might plausibly be a student at the college. It was unlikely that anyone involved with the church had been at the gig last night but it was possible that someone had seen her with the others from a distance.

Since the angry mob had shown up at the warehouse she had intended to get a closer look at their church even if they don't react well to her being there. She won't hide where she's going just in case but won't object if anyone else wants to come along.
Bennosuke
Joanna (and anyone who decides to join her) marches out of the factory and down the cobblestone street towards the Church of Saint Daigon. Following Google Maps, she finds herself winding through the older parts of the downtown New Bedford away from the more downtrodden residential apartments and towards the hilly neighborhood of larger old brick and stone colonial buildings. As she goes, the clean scent of salty sea breeze gives way to something familiar; noxious and fishy and rotten. The smell grows stronger and stronger as Joanna follows the GPS and gets closer to her "destination".

Arriving at The Church, Joanna stands before an old gothic style church made of large blocks of grey stone with pointed arched windows and three red doors to enter. The building seems to be undergoing active construction, as an additional wing of the church is surrounded by steel gaffing and covered in tarp. Now that Joanna is standing directly in front of the building, studying it, there is a strange and uncomfortable sensation in her gut as if there is something very wrong. The fishy odor has built to a near intolerable volume, overwhelming his nostrils and shoving itself down his throat till Joanna's eyes water.

The doors to the building are closed, and only Joanna's heightened hearing would allow her to hear any movement from inside.
Haval
Joanna is forced to work hard to prevent her disgust at the smell from showing on her face. Before looking for a local or a way in she'll take the opportunity to see what the Church looked like on the other side of the Gauntlet.

 
 Spoiler 

Can Joanna hear anyone inside?
Wits 3 + Composure 3 + Hishu 1
 (7d10)[ 4 ][ 8 ][ 5 ][ 9 ][ 2 ][ 5 ][ 1 ](34) 
Any 10s
 (7d10)[ 4 ][ 10 ][ 8 ][ 5 ][ 4 ][ 3 ][ 5 ](39) 
 
Bennosuke
Her sense of smell overwhelmed by the pungent odor of sea-rot, Joanna pushes her heightened ability to hear.  Foot falls. Heavy and lumbering. Maybe two... or three pairs. Not the same as the sea abominations that attacked, but similar 

Shifting her attention, Joanna then casts her sight across the Gauntlet. She finds herself looking around a strange part of the spirit scape. Though this is not a barren, there seems to be a significant lack of spirits floating around these parts. Despite the available coagulated Essence that sticks to the ground and some of the nearby buildings, it is as if the spirits are actively avoiding this area. Around Joanna are a series of decrepit and toppling stone buildings with cyclopean architectural design. These are the common structures of New Bedford in the Hisil, though these buildings are spread farther apart and appear particularly ancient. They are gathered in an almost spiral pattern moving out from the structure that is obviously the Shadow-version of the Church. It appears as a towering building of an obsidian-like black stone with skeletal pointed towers and bulbous domes. The Church is of an incredible size, appearing more like a medieval castle, and staring for too long at it's massive structure begins to make Joanna dizzy and her head throb as if she were being choked unconscious.
Haval
 Let's stop looking at that.  Given what the Church apparently worshipped it was only appropriate for it to look like that, but it didn't seem actively threatening. Joanna will wait till the sound of anyone moving about didn't seem actively close and then will try the main door.
Bennosuke
Joanna finds the giant arched red doors unlocked. But they threaten to groan and creak at the slightest touch, their hinges obviously weathered and rusted.
Haval
Joanna will look for a quieter way in. Maybe there was a side door or a window around her somewhere.
Bennosuke
Please give me Wits + Larceny to find a better way in.
Bennosuke
Checking first that the street was still empty, Joanna slides along the side of the building, which goes almost about a hundred yards back. Near the far end of the church, Joanna comes across window looking into some kind of office. The window is at about head height, but has been opened about a third of the way. There doesn't appear to be anyone in the room, and Joanna should be able to climb in without too much difficulty.

She comes around to the back of the building, which contains a small fenced in garden courtyard. Water burbles from a small fountain in the middle of the courtyard. This door is locked, but perhaps Joanna could pick it if she wanted.
Haval
The office seemed like the kind of place Joanna wanted to snoop in if she was going to do this. After doing what she could to make sure the room was empty, Joanna will ease the window open and slip inside.
Bennosuke
Joanna lets herself into the office relatively noiselessly, helped by the fact that the floors are carpeted. It's a cozy little office space, with a luxurious dark wood desk and a towering wall of stuffed bookshelves. The stench that hung over the church had clearly been fermenting inside; it is almost suffocating. It hangs heavy around Joanna and she can feel it seeping quickly into her hair and clothes. On the desk is a computer, an ancient looking leather bound book, and a handful of elaborately decorated gold paper weights.

The people Joanna had heard in the Church must be nearby, because she can hear voices on the other side of the door, muffled by the barrier.
Haval
Joanna is very alert to the voices outiside getting louder or the handle of the door starting to turn but she's come this far. She will get closer to the desk to flick through the old looking book.

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

At some point after Joanna returns from her excursion.  'Guys, are we doing this? I don't know if there's a good time to be hunting a giant wolf spirit but if it's got to be done.' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
 Joanna is very alert to the voices outiside getting louder or the handle of the door starting to turn but she's come this far. She will get closer to the desk to flick through the old looking book.

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

At some point after Joanna returns from her excursion.  'Guys, are we doing this? I don't know if there's a good time to be hunting a giant wolf spirit but if it's got to be done.'  
 

“Are we all set with the mercury?” Blaze asked, “we can’t let them stay on our territory, that’s for sure.  How are we gonna do this, charge in Hisil overnight and wipe it out while they’re sleeping?”
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Thundercracker 
 “Are we all set with the mercury?” Blaze asked, “we can’t let them stay on our territory, that’s for sure.  How are we gonna do this, charge in Hisil overnight and wipe it out while they’re sleeping?” 
 

 'Well we don't want to be fighting them at the same time. My only question would be what do we do if one of the Pure is there with it? Or if Oakheart is capable of knowing that we're there?' 
Bennosuke
There's no immediate sign that anyone will be intruding on Joanna's snooping. Walking over to the desk, she finds next to the desktop monitor is a framed picture of a rather homely looking woman in black and white. She's got a heavy touch of the distinctive New Bedford look, including a rather bulbous and neckless head with a receding and thinning hairline, round rheumy eyes and a wide fishy mouth. The book on the desk is an old and worn article, with the spine of the book cracked and falling apart. Written in gilded letters across the front of the tome is "Scriptures from Saint Daigon". The book's paper is yellowed and brittle, and there are strips of tanned leather sticking out throughout the chapters to bookmark sections.

Flipping through the book are a mix of prayers and stories, none of which Joanna is familiar with. But before Joanna can begin studying the text in more depth, her attention is drawn to the door, where the voices have suddenly grown louder and more clear. A man's voice on the other side says, " We appreciate your patronage. Thank you for coming by today, and for everything you do. "

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

Kara frowns and says, " I don't think it necessarily matters what time it is. They might be in The Hisil anytime of day... though I suppose if Oakheart is a professor, maybe she'd be busy teaching during the day. " She pauses for a moment before adding, " Maybe one or more of us should go out and scout on the Pure werewolves... or maybe even make some sort of distraction to make sure they don't get involved? "
Haval
Joanna will take the book and move towards the wall with the door in it. If possible she'll take cover against the edge of one of the bookshelves or stand in the darkest corner of the room. That she wouldn't be noticed anyway seemed unlikely, but she was Irraka wasn't she?

 
 Spoiler 

Going to spend 1 essance on shadow pelt anyway just to see what happens. This roll counts as rote.

Dex 2 + Stealth 2
 (4d10)[ 2 ][ 6 ][ 2 ][ 2 ](12) 
Rote reroll for anything that isn't 8-10
 (4d10)[ 9 ][ 8 ][ 10 ][ 6 ](33) 
9 or 10 again for Moon Kissed Stealth
 (4d10)[ 7 ][ 7 ][ 5 ][ 6 ](25) 
 


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

To Kara,  'Not a bad idea. I suppose I'm worried about some Uratha trick that I don't even know about that means they'll know we're there.'  Joanna assumed the others would know for sure.  'If someone's actively trying to distract the Pure over here maybe it's enough to be somewhere with witnesses. Or does anyone think Oakheart might try anything when she's out in public anyway?' 
Bennosuke
The door to the office opens inward, with Joanna staying up against the behind a protuberant bookshelf. Padded foot steps as a hunched toad-like man in a grey approximation of priest's robes waddles into the room.  His back turned to Joanna, she is allowed just enough time to either duck behind the desk before the man sees, or perhaps through the door before it closes .

The call the priest toad-like, is maybe too polite a description. His bald skull is more flat like an amphibian's, the cartilage of his ears almost vestigial nubbins. He walks with a slumped almost shambling posture, bent over at the hips and crouched at the knees, reminding Joanna more of the creatures that had attacked the warehouse than of a healthy normal man. In fact, he looked more like the offspring of such an abomination, had it mated with a human, or perhaps like a man on his way transforming into one of the abominations!

Though his hands were rather large, his fingers appeared short, due to the thick webbing that spread between them, and in one hand he clutched a comically large check. Though Joanna could not make out much, there sure were a lot of zeros on it!

(OOC: Joanna is down to 8 Essence. Three successes. She keeps the book)

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

Kara looks to Blaze and Bear, her fellow seniors in the pack to weigh in on this.
Thundercracker
 Blaze 

“You don’t think they sleep at night?” Blaze asked.
Haval
Joanna didn't want to think about what might have happened to produce someone who looked like that. Even if it happened a few generations back. She'll go through the door before it closed.

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

 'Sure they sleep. Do you think there's any chance that one of them might stay up late just in case one of us decides to snoop around the college?'  Joanna shrugs  'But if you're not worried I'm not worried.' 
Bennosuke
Kara shrugs, her expression meant to communicate their uncertainty. " They're Werewolves, " she says hesitantly, " aren't we designed for nocturnal activity? I feel like we'd at least want to be sure they were asleep before we started a fight with their Totem. "

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

Joanna rushes through the door before it swings shut behind her, still clutching the book. She finds herself standing in a spacious hallway that is probably behind the alter. Lining the curving walls are series of framed paintings and photos. Down the hallway, a couple are walking away; probably whomever the Priest had been talking to, and who provided him with the impressive check. Based on their frames and their gait, the man and woman are likely close to elderly. They don't seem to notice Joanna as she rushes out into the hallway.
Haval
 'So we get someone to do the scouting. I'll do it I have to. The rest of you actually have experience fighting when it matters.' 

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

With the book under one arm Joanna will follow the elderly couple. She will slow down a little and try to act like she belongs here. Perhaps the pair were heading to an exit, but Joanna is open to more snooping if she finds something interesting before that.
Bennosuke
Again, Kara turns to Blaze and Bear for their opinions.

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

Joann follows the elderly couple out of the hallway and into the main aisle of the congregation between the rows of pews. Quickly glancing around, Joanna sees that despite the impressive architecture and well maintained wood of the pews, the church is overall austerely decorated. Other than a few gilded ivory crosses, was minimal Christian iconography. There were also some occult looking sigils that were not specifically meaningful to Joanna, though studying them made her immediately uneasy. Despite some burning incense, the reek of fetid ocean detritus was still heavy here.

Joanna would have to stop and turn around to study the alter... though of course sticking around could be dangerous.
Haval
Joanna doesn't know what to make of the sigils but will take a few pictures of them with her phone while she was here. She will also take a closer look at the alter.
Thundercracker
 Blaze 

“More info can’t hurt man, I can find out Oakheart’s schedule, we can go when she’s teaching or out on the ocean,” Blaze said.
GKnightBC
Jeremy adds   "We haven't had a result from our planted 'bug' yet, so we may just have to wait. Maybe we can stir the pot a bit and disturb those fish-folk at prayers."  
Bennosuke
Kara raises an eyebrow at Blaze and says, " Knowing Oakhearts' schedule is a good idea, but that only takes care of one of the three... unless the other two are like her TA's or something. "

(OOC: Assume Blaze is gonna hack the school network to find out Oakheart's teaching schedule? Wits + Computers -1)

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

Joanna takes a moment to snap a few pictures with her phone. After the third or fourth, she hears the door to the office she had just left open.
Haval
 'Oakheart's obviously out on the water for reasons that have nothing to do with teaching. If Corey and the other one aren't TA's there's a chance they're in the class just to have an excuse to be out there.'  Joanna mused.  'But you're right and it would be nice to know for certain.' 

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

Joanna isn't especially worried about being found by one of these people, as being Uratha had made her blasé about the possibility of threats to her personally. Not being seen was still tidier though so she will find a place to hide. If she's not hiding behind the alter she will move herself to the wall by the door that she had used to enter the room. She just had to be quiet.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Can't use Shadow Pelt again

Dex 2 + Stealth 2
 (4d10)[ 6 ][ 10 ][ 7 ][ 2 ](25) 
Any 9 or 10s for Moon Kissed
 (4d10)[ 5 ][ 1 ][ 7 ][ 10 ](23) 
 
Thundercracker
Unable to find out what Oakheart's schedule is, Blaze decides to roll a joint and smoke it until he feels some kind of inspiration to try again.

 
 Spoiler 
Can Blaze try to code up a tool to assist him here?
 
Bennosuke
Joanna decides to act just a little two slowly. She was just a little bit too far down the aisle away from the stage. Hearing the priest's footfalls now growing louder down the corridor, and with the stolen book still in hand, she instead dives into a row of pews, hiding behind the bench.

From there she watches as the Priest wanders into the arched hallway. He shuffles up to the alter, pausing for a moment, a look of disgust crossing his flattened bulbous face. He actually sniffs at the air...  was he sniffing for her  Dissatisfied, he begins arranging things behind the alter. He begins to go about a series of chores; lighting votive candles and cleaning wax off of holders and the like. It seems like he is going to be at his duty for a little bit. But as he does, he keeps sniffing at the air, seemingly perturbed by some scent he keeps catching.

(OOC: Joanna remains hidden but probably shouldn't stick around. She can escape the church now without having to roll again, but if she wants to stay and do anything, you'll have to roll for it.)

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

After about an hour of messing around in the back walls of the University's server, Blaze is still not able to discover Professor Oakheart's schedule. He can continue working at it, though with each attempt he will spend another hour, and each subsequent roll will be at a further -1 modifier.
Haval
Joanna has the urge to tap the priest on the shoulder just to see his reaction but will elect to leave without being seen. Hopefully the book was actually important to them.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Can I have Wp for Lone Wolf?
 


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

Back with the others Joanna will spend some time flicking through the book to see how much of the content she actually understood.
Bennosuke
After a second hour of banging his head against the computer, Blaze is able to finally gain full access into the U-Mass server's scheduling system. By now it is early afternoon. In general, it looks like on some days Oakheart teaches some classes in the morning, other days she teaches in the afternoon. She takes administrative time otherwise, and on Fridays, she takes her advanced classes out on the water for a full day of teaching and research.

As it happens, she IS teaching class this afternoon, and tomorrow will be Friday as it happens. However, that says little about what the other two Pure are doing.

This information is quickly shared with the other Anchor Wolves, unless Blaze has a reason to keep it to himself.

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

Joanna is able to stay low and exit the church without anyone noticing. She keeps the book tucked under her shoulder, held tight like a sacred present.

(OOC: Very fair. Updated Joanna's character box, she is up to 2/5 WP)

The book itself is rather dense, filled with a number of ledgers, and hand written scribbles that are hard to decipher. Worse, some of the pages and many of the margin notes are written in a stylized cursive that looks eerily similar to First Tongue sigils, but is not immediately decipherable.

(OOC: A Resolve + Academics/Occult roll will be needed to gain information after an hour of researching the tomb)
Haval
Joanna will spend some time with the book.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Resolve 2 + Academics 1
 (3d10)[ 5 ][ 7 ][ 9 ](21) 
Any 10s
 (3d10)[ 6 ][ 6 ][ 3 ](15) 
 
GKnightBC
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
 Joanna will spend some time with the book. 
 

Jeremy offers to help out, curious as to the encoded notes (Presuming this is back at the den).
 
 Spoiler: Bookish Work 

Resolve + Academics  (4d10)[ 5 ][ 4 ][ 5 ][ 1 ](15)  Tens  (4d10)[ 3 ][ 8 ][ 9 ][ 9 ](29) 
 
Bennosuke
Together, Jeremy and Joanna spend about an hour together (though Jeremy is not particularly helpful). The unavoidable discovery is the continued references to Diagon... also occasionally spelled Dagon. Though the book had been stolen from "The Church of Saint Daigon", the priest's book seemed to mostly refer to Diagon as some sort of monster, or even a god under the sea. Other names that seemed to be synonymous with Daigon were "The Drowned One, The Slumbering God, The Eternal Hunger".
Haval
Joanna will have told Jeremy everything about where she'd been.  'The good news is that their security is ****ty. I think the head guy could smell me but it wouldn't be that hard to get back inside there if you ever wanted to take a look around.'  On the book,  'Why in the hell would you want to worship something like that?' 

She will also make Blaze aware of the book.  'So, I had a look around their church while I was out, and I think I stole a copy of their bible. I think we might have better things to do then read through this properly right now but how are you at reading First Tongue?' 
Daishain
Bear rubs his forehead, getting a headache   "Okay, so we're pretty sure they're doing something with the tides? We were worried about having them at our flank, but if they're focused on the idigam rather than us maybe their threat is less immediate than we thought. This proto spirit is the larger threat after all. We might even be able to exploit them and their efforts. Any thoughts on confirming exactly what they're trying?"  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Bear rubs his forehead, getting a headache   "Okay, so we're pretty sure they're doing something with the tides? We were worried about having them at our flank, but if they're focused on the idigam rather than us maybe their threat is less immediate than we thought. This proto spirit is the larger threat after all. We might even be able to exploit them and their efforts. Any thoughts on confirming exactly what they're trying?"   
 

"I'm gonna ask around the spirit world and see if I can figure it out," Blaze said, "we might have to smooth over some of the locals too.  After creating the new locus, they might get jealous, so... I guess that's what I'll be doing the next couple of days at least."
Haval
 'Can't say I'm not happy to be going into battle right this moment, but we probably should keep a look out just in case any of them decide to show up here. Feel like understanding what the hell they're doing is Blaze's department.' 
Bennosuke
Kara chuckles and says, " Well that was a reversal of plan! Right, so Blaze, you want me to come with you? I can... uh, help with making a good impression? " She turns to the others and says, " Otherwise, maybe some of us should go back to the campus and see if we can't find out more information about some of the other pack members or something? "
Haval
 'I can do that. Just call me if you need me. You want in on this Jeremy?' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Kara chuckles and says, " Well that was a reversal of plan! Right, so Blaze, you want me to come with you? I can... uh, help with making a good impression? " She turns to the others and says, " Otherwise, maybe some of us should go back to the campus and see if we can't find out more information about some of the other pack members or something? " 
 

“Yeah sounds good,” Blaze replied.
Bennosuke
Kara gives Jeremy a moment to speak, and checks Bear for his approval, saying almost questioningly, " Well then I guess it's settled. I'll work with Blaze in the Hisil and the pups will go check out the campus to find out more information about the other Pure Uratha. Bear? "
GKnightBC
"Definitely!" Jeremy replies, "Can't wait to put these mangy Pure down a notch or three."
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by GKnightBC 
 "Definitely!" Jeremy replies, "Can't wait to put these mangy Pure down a notch or three." 
 

 'Maybe.'  Joanna replies carefully.  'Ideally I'd like them to have no idea we were even there.' 
Daishain
Bear nods,   "Sounds like a plan. I'd better head for the campus as well. I want to be there if things turn ugly after all."  
Bennosuke
Bear departs with Jeremy and Joanna for the U-Mass Dartmouth campus to learn more about the younger Pure, while Blaze and Kara split to cross into the Hisil, intent on finding out more about what the Pure Werewolves were doing messing with the tides.

As Bear and the pups reach the campus, the sky is filled with fire as the sun begins its great escape towards the horizon. The group has multiple options as to how they might begin their investigation. They could simply ask around, using their social skills to start up conversations with random college students and see if they might learn something. They could also use their contacts with Chaz and the other hackysack players, reaching out directly to students they know... didn't one of them say their roommate was in Oakheart's class? Alternatively, the group could use stealth and their enhanced senses to try to track down the other Pure. Joanna had recently spent ample time with Cory; perhaps she knew his scent well enough to try to track down his regular haunts on campus... Or perhaps there was another way the group could accomplish their task?

***

Kara follows Blaze across the Hisil, the two Reaching at the monolith locus out on the dock. Unlike the cool bright weather on the other side, it is pouring icy rain in The Shadow. The winds whip violently across the ghost beach. The usual flocks of lesser spirits that gather around the Locus have mostly fled, seeking shelter from the inhospitable weather. Letting Blaze lead, Kara suggests that they might have several options, including seeking out some of the more powerful spirits that they have created relationships with. Perhaps the Deep Sea spirits would be a good group to ask first, though maybe King Sky Hunter will have some insights gained from its many hunts. Otherwise, perhaps they could go out on the water and look for other sea spirits that have witnessed something.
Thundercracker
 Blaze  

“Let’s start close to home,” Blaze said.

He looked around for King Sky Hunter, if he can locate the spirit he will approach, otherwise he’ll head towards the locus where the Deep Sea Spirits feed from.
Bennosuke
King Sky Hunter is not in the immediate vicinity, and Blaze has not yet developed the Gifts or Rites needed to summon a spirit to his location. He could try to track the great spirit (OOC: Wits + Survival +2) which would take time and could take him and Kara deeper into the shadow.

The Deep Sea spirits would be likely a more immediate place to start, if that was Blaze's primary concern.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 King Sky Hunter is not in the immediate vicinity, and Blaze has not yet developed the Gifts or Rites needed to summon a spirit to his location. He could try to track the great spirit (OOC: Wits + Survival +2) which would take time and could take him and Kara deeper into the shadow.

The Deep Sea spirits would be likely a more immediate place to start, if that was Blaze's primary concern. 
 

Blaze decides to start with the Deep Sea Spirits, because King Sky Hunter might show himself later, when they're done talking with the first group.
Haval
Joanna will refrain from tracking down Corey as she couldn't guarantee that she could meet him alone. Instead she will text Chaz.  'Hey, you around? I need a favour :). Can we meet somewhere and I'll buy you a coffee.'  There was bound to be a cafe on campus somewhere.

To Bear and Jeremy,  'I could make something up or be honest about that whole thing with Corey's dad. Maybe a rich guy out in California decided to hire me to hunt down his kid and find out who he's been spending time with. It wouldn't be that much of a stretch actually. I have my licence and my dad's business card to prove I do this for a living.'  Joanna wondered if that was still true since her First Change but is trying not to dwell on it.
Bennosuke
Kara follows Blaze, shifting into the form of a giant white wolf as they descend down the side of the beach, to the Well created for the Deep Sea Spirits. Wind and freezing water pelt the two Uratha as they approach. The depleted chorus float round and round in the suspended chamber of glowing dark waters, fed on the very Essence that holds the existence of the Well in place. This close to the shore, the sound of the roaring tides and the shrieking wind silence the footfalls of the two Werewolves, but even so, the surviving Deep Sea spirits begin to gather at the edge of Well. The smaller less formed spirits make way for the larger more powerful ones, who watch with anxious eyes as the two Uratha approach. Some of the braver ones even push out from the Well to gather around the Uratha and usher them forward towards the body of the chorus. One of the leaders, a bulbous thing with barnacle crusted black scales and eyeless sockets speaks though its mouth never moves. " Uratha, have you finally come to be shown the layer of the impossible? Your shelter and the sustenance you have provided is appreciated. We are ready to return our part of our bargain, so that we may depart, and find a new home! "

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

Joanna gets a reply about five minutes later. The text is filled with typos, that makes her wonder about Chaz' sobriety. It reads, " Yooooo! Sup? We partyonhbatm! U wanns join? "
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Joanna gets a reply about five minutes later. The text is filled with typos, that makes her wonder about Chaz' sobriety. It reads, " Yooooo! Sup? We partyonhbatm! U wanns join? " 
 

Joanna will roll her eyes and show the message to the others.  'I assume that roommate he mentioned might be there. Anyone want to get a drink?' 

She will message Chaz back,  'Sure. Where you at? I don't know the campus that well.' 
GKnightBC
 "This should be fun."  Jeremy says.  "Drunk and hopefully easy to work with. I'll stay in the background until you need me. What's our first goal? " 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Kara follows Blaze, shifting into the form of a giant white wolf as they descend down the side of the beach, to the Well created for the Deep Sea Spirits. Wind and freezing water pelt the two Uratha as they approach. The depleted chorus float round and round in the suspended chamber of glowing dark waters, fed on the very Essence that holds the existence of the Well in place. This close to the shore, the sound of the roaring tides and the shrieking wind silence the footfalls of the two Werewolves, but even so, the surviving Deep Sea spirits begin to gather at the edge of Well. The smaller less formed spirits make way for the larger more powerful ones, who watch with anxious eyes as the two Uratha approach. Some of the braver ones even push out from the Well to gather around the Uratha and usher them forward towards the body of the chorus. One of the leaders, a bulbous thing with barnacle crusted black scales and eyeless sockets speaks though its mouth never moves. " Uratha, have you finally come to be shown the layer of the impossible? Your shelter and the sustenance you have provided is appreciated. We are ready to return our part of our bargain, so that we may depart, and find a new home! "

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

 Blaze 

"Unfortunately no, our flank is weak and we need to shore it up first before we can complete our arrangement," Blaze said, "I hope the essence is to your liking.  Before you left the deep, did you notice any other Uratha on the sea, a different pack from we who have sheltered you?"
Bennosuke
Chaz's first reply is, " Oh shut. You're in campus,??? " He asks Joanna where she is, and when she tells him, he replies that they will come pick her up.

About fifteen minutes go by before a familiar beat up green sedan pulls up. The passenger side window rolls down and Chaz' red face grins out, a blue hoodie pulled up over his wild hair. " Sup bitches, " he says with excitement, " Oh ****, I didn't realize you were bringing friends. Not sure we got room for you all back here. "

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

There is a rumble of chittering spirit noises through the chorus, like the rising of wind through a cavern. The eyeless spirit bares its crooked needle teeth and again without its mouth moving, says, " We cannot stay here forever Uratha. We are ready to uphold our end of our bargain. We are not your captives, and your inattentativeness has already led to the depletion of our numbers. Many gafflings passed from starvation before you had replenished this Well. While your protection and your provisions are appreciated, we are ready to pay our debts so that we can be released! " The spirit's voice booms through the space, rising above the wind and the rain, its anger causing its corpus to grow brighter in the storm.

Kara eyes Blaze nervously, tilting her head as if to say, "let me know if you want me to step in".
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by GKnightBC 
  "This should be fun."  Jeremy says.  "Drunk and hopefully easy to work with. I'll stay in the background until you need me. What's our first goal? "  
 

Before the car arrives.  'Hopefully if I find this roommate he can tell us something useful. Otherwise keep an eye out for the Pure. I don't think they're going to try anything but they'd be dumb not to come looking if they smell us.' 

When Chaz arrives,  'Yeah, Bear is pretty big, but I'm not. I can squeeze if you've got space. Where are you partying anyway?' 
Bennosuke
Someone opens the rear door, and a wave of marijuana smoke pours into the parking lot. There are two college students in the back seat. Up front, Chaz chuckles and says, " Shoot, are you just gonna leave your two friends? " clearly not concerned by whatever Joanna's reply will be.

In answer to her question he says, " Oh, we were just at a dorm, but we can go out to the soccer fields. They're normally a good place to chill, and campo never really come by there... as long as we don't make too much noise or anything. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Chaz's first reply is, " Oh shut. You're in campus,??? " He asks Joanna where she is, and when she tells him, he replies that they will come pick her up.

About fifteen minutes go by before a familiar beat up green sedan pulls up. The passenger side window rolls down and Chaz' red face grins out, a blue hoodie pulled up over his wild hair. " Sup bitches, " he says with excitement, " Oh ****, I didn't realize you were bringing friends. Not sure we got room for you all back here. "

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

There is a rumble of chittering spirit noises through the chorus, like the rising of wind through a cavern. The eyeless spirit bares its crooked needle teeth and again without its mouth moving, says, " We cannot stay here forever Uratha. We are ready to uphold our end of our bargain. We are not your captives, and your inattentativeness has already led to the depletion of our numbers. Many gafflings passed from starvation before you had replenished this Well. While your protection and your provisions are appreciated, we are ready to pay our debts so that we can be released! " The spirit's voice booms through the space, rising above the wind and the rain, its anger causing its corpus to grow brighter in the storm.

Kara eyes Blaze nervously, tilting her head as if to say, "let me know if you want me to step in". 
 

Blaze nods at Kara.  If she wanted to try calming the spirits down, he was more than willing to let her.
Haval
Joanna has to wonder how much the marijuana smoke would mask their scents.  'Alright maybe there's not enough room. I don't want to sit on anyone's knee or anything.'  Joanna will get closer,  'Chaz I need a favour. You remember what I said before? Is there any chance you could introduce me to your roommate?'  She'll gesture to the other college students in the car,  'It's not one of these guys is it?' 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Presence 3 + Persuasion 2 + Striking Looks (Persuasion) 1
 (6d10)[ 4 ][ 4 ][ 7 ][ 2 ][ 1 ][ 3 ](21) 
Any 10s
 (6d10)[ 9 ][ 6 ][ 9 ][ 7 ][ 5 ][ 1 ](37) 

Spent Wp to get a 9 in the ooc
 
Bennosuke
Kara trots forward, standing on all fours between Blaze and the chorus of Deep Sea Spirits. Raising her muzzle to the sky, she howls out in First Tongue, the language formed easily by her more lupine tongue. " Deep Sea Spirits, we mean you no offense and apologize for monopolizing you so! Our duties have kept us overly busy, and we are harried by many enemies, who wish us and your kind harm! We ask for your patience just a little longer so that we may better protect these lands. We ask for your understanding that we need to fulfill our promises and our duties to all, and that we swear to fulfill our promise to you! "

Kara finishes, leaving the empty space filled with chaos noise of the storm. After a long moment, the lead spirit replies, " We shall wait one more day. One more moon and then we leave! " The chorus of spirits shake and chitter in agreement. Kara turns her head around on her long shaggy neck, her eyes catching the light from the Well, shining with the light of Essence.

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

The grin that was quickly growing on Chaz' face quickly disappears when Joanna makes her request. " You want to meet Ned? " he asks, his voice filled with disbelief and disappointment.

" Cold blooded, " someone calls out from the backseat.

Chaz shakes his head and says, " Nah, he's not with us. He's... he's kinda' a straight edge loser. Why you wanna meet him? We could have so much more fun somewhere else. " His voice is pleading, but when he sees Joanna's expression, he says, " Look. Can I just give you his number or something? I mean, we can go back to my dorm... but that's not really what you wanna do tonight, is it? "
Haval
Joanna flashes a grin at whoever had commented on her in the back. She'll hold her hand up to Chaz,  'It's not like that. I didn't even know the guy's name until a second ago. But you said he's in Professor Oakheart's class didn't you? I got some questions.'  To everyone in the car,  'There might be money in it if you can believe it. Unless the rest of you guys can help me out? We can always have fun later.' 
Bennosuke
" Yeah, Ned's not exactly much fun, " Chaz says, a look of relief on his face.

Though a kid in the far back of the car, wearing a leather jacket and sunglasses despite the dim calls to Joanna, " Money? Yo, you swear you're not a narc', right? "
Haval
 'If I was a narc would I have brought that weed from Chaz the other day?'   Maybe don't answer that.   'My Dad's a private investigator back in Boston. I work for him sometimes when I'm not being a bassist. There's this guy from California who has class here. He's got a rich Dad who'd like to check up on him.' 
Bennosuke
" Oh, okay, " Chaz says in response to the explanation, his voice sounding disappointed and defeated. There's a moments pause, where no one in the car speaks up. Chaz sighs, refusing to look up at Joanna as he stares out the front windshield. He says, " Well, if you want to follow us, we can take you up to the dorms and I can introduce you to my roommate. We'll go off and enjoy ourselves, and well, you guys can get whatever work done you need. " He still doesn't look up at Joanna.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Kara trots forward, standing on all fours between Blaze and the chorus of Deep Sea Spirits. Raising her muzzle to the sky, she howls out in First Tongue, the language formed easily by her more lupine tongue. " Deep Sea Spirits, we mean you no offense and apologize for monopolizing you so! Our duties have kept us overly busy, and we are harried by many enemies, who wish us and your kind harm! We ask for your patience just a little longer so that we may better protect these lands. We ask for your understanding that we need to fulfill our promises and our duties to all, and that we swear to fulfill our promise to you! "

Kara finishes, leaving the empty space filled with chaos noise of the storm. After a long moment, the lead spirit replies, " We shall wait one more day. One more moon and then we leave! " The chorus of spirits shake and chitter in agreement. Kara turns her head around on her long shaggy neck, her eyes catching the light from the Well, shining with the light of Essence.

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

The grin that was quickly growing on Chaz' face quickly disappears when Joanna makes her request. " You want to meet Ned? " he asks, his voice filled with disbelief and disappointment.

" Cold blooded, " someone calls out from the backseat.

Chaz shakes his head and says, " Nah, he's not with us. He's... he's kinda' a straight edge loser. Why you wanna meet him? We could have so much more fun somewhere else. " His voice is pleading, but when he sees Joanna's expression, he says, " Look. Can I just give you his number or something? I mean, we can go back to my dorm... but that's not really what you wanna do tonight, is it? " 
 

"You are free to go as you desire; you are not prisoners," Blaze said, "This does not, however, absolve you of your obligations.  You will provide your name so you can be called on to fulfill your promise at a later time.  Further, you may stay as long as you wish, but if you depart, then a return to consume essence from the locus we have created for you will require an additional gathra."
Haval
Joanna will reach out and touch Chaz's shoulder consolingly.  'Hey, I don't work all the time. If you want to hang out after to see if you can get me drunk let me know. It'll help me keep my mind off some things.' 
Bennosuke
" We will stay for one more moon, " the Deep Sea spirit repeats, its voice growing even louder despite the storm, " and then we shall leave. Until the Idigam is cast out, our home in THIS bay is no longer safe. We came to you, having been removed from our home, but you have proven that we are not safe from starvation here either. So we will wait one more day to fulfill our promise to you, but after that, we shall leave. We shall leave this bay, and seek a new home somewhere else no matter how far we must travel, or what dangers we might face. "

Blaze's mind rushes momentarily to the thought of what might happen on the other side of the Gauntlet if an entire chorus of spirits were to simply leave for good.

The spirit turns its head to the side, an act that requires it to twist it's entire bloated body, a movement that would be wholly impossible for a  real fish  to perform. With booming voice it says, " Now... you had come with another question. What was it again? "

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

" It's just... " Chaz starts to say, his voice almost cracking before he stifles himself. Then with a scowl he shakes and says, " Look, never mind. Go back to your car, we'll lead you to our dorm. There won't be room for you and your friends back here. " Not waiting for a response, he hits a button that rolls up the open window, tinted glass hiding him from Joanna and the others.

(OOC: Don't want to railroad you, so let me know if you want to do anything other than follow Chaz and the sedan in your own car)
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " We will stay for one more moon, " the Deep Sea spirit repeats, its voice growing even louder despite the storm, " and then we shall leave. Until the Idigam is cast out, our home in THIS bay is no longer safe. We came to you, having been removed from our home, but you have proven that we are not safe from starvation here either. So we will wait one more day to fulfill our promise to you, but after that, we shall leave. We shall leave this bay, and seek a new home somewhere else no matter how far we must travel, or what dangers we might face. "

Blaze's mind rushes momentarily to the thought of what might happen on the other side of the Gauntlet if an entire chorus of spirits were to simply leave for good.

The spirit turns its head to the side, an act that requires it to twist it's entire bloated body, a movement that would be wholly impossible for a  real fish  to perform. With booming voice it says, " Now... you had come with another question. What was it again? "

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

" It's just... " Chaz starts to say, his voice almost cracking before he stifles himself. Then with a scowl he shakes and says, " Look, never mind. Go back to your car, we'll lead you to our dorm. There won't be room for you and your friends back here. " Not waiting for a response, he hits a button that rolls up the open window, tinted glass hiding him from Joanna and the others.

(OOC: Don't want to railroad you, so let me know if you want to do anything other than follow Chaz and the sedan in your own car) 
 

 Blaze 

"I will try to travel with you to Idigam's lair within the next day so your obligation may be fulfilled sooner.  Departing, however, does not absolve your, wherever you might go to try and escape it," Blaze said, "As to what we need to know, it is the reason for the delay.  Our flanks are endangered should we depart this place to confront the Idigam.  We need information about a possible ritual being conducted by a pack of Pure on our territory first.  Perhaps if you are able to help us, we may be able to travel to its lair sooner."
Blaze described what he knew to the spirit.
Bennosuke
" Then we shall prepare for tomorrow, " the lead spirit replies, its head bobbing up and down in agreement. In reply to Blaze's question it says, " Another pack of Uratha? No, we have not seen other, though we make our home so deep below the surface, it would be unlikely any of your kind would travel there. However... " and here the spirit pauses as if contemplating for a long moment, " there have been shifts in the waters that bare the taint of.. influence. The way your kind bends Essence is not the same as ours. There has been meddling in the waters; coercion of the very tides, that I had assumed was your doing. Perhaps this was the fault of the others you seek? "
Haval
To Bear and Jeremy  'Hopefully Ned can tell us something. I'm not sure if Chaz will take my calls after this.'   Joanna will get back in her car and prepare to follow Chaz. Her driverside window is down in the hope of better catching any Pure scent that might be present.  'Someone say something if this seems like a bad idea.' 
Daishain
Bear shrugs,   "Seems as good a lead as any other right now."   He grins a bit,   "Wonder if that's the only boy's heart you'll be breaking today."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " Then we shall prepare for tomorrow, " the lead spirit replies, its head bobbing up and down in agreement. In reply to Blaze's question it says, " Another pack of Uratha? No, we have not seen other, though we make our home so deep below the surface, it would be unlikely any of your kind would travel there. However... " and here the spirit pauses as if contemplating for a long moment, " there have been shifts in the waters that bare the taint of.. influence. The way your kind bends Essence is not the same as ours. There has been meddling in the waters; coercion of the very tides, that I had assumed was your doing. Perhaps this was the fault of the others you seek? " 
 

 Blaze 
“Most definitely,” Blaze said, “we suspect they are trying to use the tides to destroy the moon, or something like that.  Does that make any sense to you, with your vastly greater knowledge and experience?”
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Bear shrugs,   "Seems as good a lead as any other right now."   He grins a bit,   "Wonder if that's the only boy's heart you'll be breaking today."   
 

 'Going to try and avoid doing that again if I can help it.' 
Bennosuke
Bear, Joanna and Jeremy get back in their car, and roll off after the beat up sedan. Though New Bedford and Dartmouth were both rather hilly, being so close to the water, the university campus was shockingly flat, like they were out in some Midwest desert. Grassy fields give way to familiar looking modern buildings. One part of the campus even has a large metallic windmill, it's blades spinning slowly in the setting sun. After following the stoners through several splitting intersections, they pull up into the parking lot of a rather squat and less modern building. Clearly a dorm, this building's architecture is more reminiscent of the USSR brutalist style. As the car pulls up, hip hop music can be heard muffled and distant from one of the dorms inside. Black tinted windows stare down at the lot, and despite the distant music, there is almost no signs of life anywhere outside of the building.

Chaz and his crew, having already parked, get out and come to the pack's car. Hesitantly Chaz says, " Eh, I'm not sure if I can get you all inside. There's campus security and all at the door, but if you're okay with it, I can give Ned a call and see if he will come down. " He eyes the  adults  cautiously, clearly waiting to be told what to do.

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

" Luna, " the Deep Sea spirit says, almost appearing to correct Blaze. Luna was of course the spirit personification of the moon, and the "mother" of the Uratha. The great divide between the Pure and Forsaken Uratha being the loyalty, or lack there of, to Luna. While The Forsaken had killed Father Wolf, they had regained the favor of Luna, while the Pure had spurned her, rejecting the chains of her Auspex and Moon Gifts. If the Pure could effect, or even damage Luna through the tides, it could have dire consequences.
Haval
 'I never expected college to be so well guarded. You think Ned would come out here to speak to someone he's never met.'  Joanna is fairly sure she could get in somehow security or no security.  'If not is there like a backdoor or something? I'd take an open downstairs window even.' 
Bennosuke
Chaz shrugs, and says, " Yeah, every dorm has it. Don't know if it has something to do with all the school shootings, or that we're so close to New Bedford, or what. " It's clear he'd never given this form of security and surveillance much of a thought. But to this he adds, " I mean, there is a back door we could get you in through " his excited tone indicating this was a great idea he hadn't thought of, adding, " I mean, if you wanna wait a few moments, we can go in through the front and then meet you at the back door, it's just around the corner. " He points to the shrubbery lined walkway that goes around the perimeter of the building, where it turns a corner around the dorm.
Haval
Joanna shrugs,  'I heard college is expensive. I've never had the pleasure of going to a place like this.'  As Chaz moves away she'll call after him,  'I appreciate it, but if you're held up for some reason I'll have to talk the guy on the door into letting me in.'  If she can see anyone Joanna will try and get a look at the security guard on the main door.

To the others,  'You guys want to pretend to be mature students?' 
GKnightBC
Nodding, Jeremy says, " I think I could pass as a student here, fairly easy. I'm for the front door."

 ​
Daishain
  "Probably not so easy for me, but that's all right. Go on ahead, this is your scene, I trust you two."   Bear puts a hand on both of the young one's shoulders, keeping his voice low so others could not hear.   "Make me proud, I'll be nearby."  
Bennosuke
Chaz shrugs at Joanna's comment, seemingly unperturbed. " Look, just go round the side, I'll let you in, " he says, and gesturing towards Bear adds, " and your friend can come to. If there's a problem I'll text you, or just meet you back out here. Save your disguises for if we get caught. " He indicates where he wants the group to meet him, and then calls his buddies to join him.

They walk around to the other side of the building towards the entrance for the dorm. About ten minutes later, the previously indicated door opens up. Chaz is now alone, his friends having apparently abandoned him. He pokes his head outside the door, peering this way and that to make sure no one else is watching. Behind him is an inornate stairwell. Sheepishly he says, " Okay, come on, follow me. My friends are off, but I'll introduce you guys to Ned. " Again he gestures to Bear and asks, " You coming? "
Haval
To Bear,  'I'm touched.' 

To Chaz after he opens the door.  'Thanks. Is there any chance you're going to get in trouble for this?' 
Bennosuke
Chaz grins just a little, a modicum of the old friendly charm returning to his face. He replies, " Well, only if we get caught. "

He ushers the adults into the stairwell. Inside, it smells of stale beer and old weed smoke. The door forces itself shut behind the group and Chaz leads the group up two flights of stairs before entering out into a cheaply decorated dorm quad, where the stairwell stench grows infinitely stronger, assaulting the fine-tuned senses of the Uratha. The speckled azure carpet clashes with the spackled off-white walls, both covered in tar and stains. The chairs and tables in the quad look like they are made of plywood and plastics. The rest of Chaz's crew are gathered around one of the tables, and nod at the group as they enter the quad.

Chaz nods back at his friends before turning to Jeremy, Joanna and Bear. Glancing furtively around the quad, he says, " Our room is over here. " He walks quickly across the quad to room 303, and opens the door without knocking. " Hey man, " he says into the room, " I've got some friends who said they wanted to meet you. "

The room is painted a dark blue that clashes with interior of the quad outside. It's a cramped and dark little space, just big enough for two beds, and a narrow work desk, where a kid with long shaggy brown hair sits hunched over a textbook. He turns a bespectacled gaze over to Chaz and the Uratha and says, " Yeah, what about man? I got some work to do. " His eyes narrow when he catches sight of the adults standing behind Chaz. The floor is covered in assumedly dirty laundry, creating a maze for anyone who wants to enter without stepping on it.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Bear, Joanna and Jeremy get back in their car, and roll off after the beat up sedan. Though New Bedford and Dartmouth were both rather hilly, being so close to the water, the university campus was shockingly flat, like they were out in some Midwest desert. Grassy fields give way to familiar looking modern buildings. One part of the campus even has a large metallic windmill, it's blades spinning slowly in the setting sun. After following the stoners through several splitting intersections, they pull up into the parking lot of a rather squat and less modern building. Clearly a dorm, this building's architecture is more reminiscent of the USSR brutalist style. As the car pulls up, hip hop music can be heard muffled and distant from one of the dorms inside. Black tinted windows stare down at the lot, and despite the distant music, there is almost no signs of life anywhere outside of the building.

Chaz and his crew, having already parked, get out and come to the pack's car. Hesitantly Chaz says, " Eh, I'm not sure if I can get you all inside. There's campus security and all at the door, but if you're okay with it, I can give Ned a call and see if he will come down. " He eyes the  adults  cautiously, clearly waiting to be told what to do.

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

" Luna, " the Deep Sea spirit says, almost appearing to correct Blaze. Luna was of course the spirit personification of the moon, and the "mother" of the Uratha. The great divide between the Pure and Forsaken Uratha being the loyalty, or lack there of, to Luna. While The Forsaken had killed Father Wolf, they had regained the favor of Luna, while the Pure had spurned her, rejecting the chains of her Auspex and Moon Gifts. If the Pure could effect, or even damage Luna through the tides, it could have dire consequences. 
 

“Right, so is there any chance they’re on to something here?” Blaze asked, “in your opinion.”

Assuming the deep sea spirits are of no further help, Blaze will turn to Kara.
“Should we go track down KSH next?” he said.
Haval
Joanna smiles back.  'Then let's not get caught.'  On the way upstairs, Joanna will take the opportunity to sniff around a bit under cover of 'noticing' the obvious smell of weed. If any of the Pure were close or even had had reason to be here recently she'd like to know about it. To Chaz,  'If security has a problem with us being in the building, don't they have have a problem with the amount of weed you guys are smoking in here?' 

Upstairs Joanna will ask Jeremy to  'Keep a look out'  before going into the room. She's unconcerned with the mess but will attempt to stay away from anything that smelt too obviously bad to her. To Ned,  'That's what I'm here about. I heard you're in Professor Oakheart's class, is that right? You mind if I ask you a few questions? I won't take long.' 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Wits 3 + Composure 3 + Hishu 1
 (7d10)[ 1 ][ 5 ][ 8 ][ 5 ][ 10 ][ 8 ][ 5 ](42) 
Any 10s
 (7d10)[ 10 ][ 2 ][ 9 ][ 7 ][ 8 ][ 3 ][ 4 ](43) 

Honed Senses makes that an exceptional success if it matters

Presence 3 + Persuasion 2 + Striking Looks (Per) 1
 (6d10)[ 7 ][ 6 ][ 5 ][ 6 ][ 7 ][ 4 ](35) 
Any 10s
 (6d10)[ 3 ][ 7 ][ 9 ][ 5 ][ 7 ][ 2 ](33) 
 
Bennosuke
The spirit makes a noise like the rumbling of waves, though its mouth never moves. " It is very possible that this could work, " it replies. But hearing Blaze's remark to Kara, the spirit hastily says, " If we were to go back together, I could ask some of the other sea spirits. Though the spirits that dwell in the light waters are not of our chorus, they are close enough to allies. Living closer to the surface, and not trapped in this well, some of them are likely to know more about this. "

Kara shrugs in acquiescences to Blaze as to how to handle this.

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

Chaz chuckles at the question about smoking weed. " It's uh, not allowed, " he says casually, " but all they do is confiscate it. I guess it's one of those things where like, they know we do it, but also know they are never going to stop it. So like, it's just about not getting caught... and Camp-po doesn't roll through here very often. " There's no concern in his voice.

Joanna sniffs around the stairwell and the quad. Not the slightest trace of Uratha spores, other than those coming from her pack. She can smell all the other things; hormones and body odor, the heavy application of Axe body spray, but nothing more than the stench of college boys. As far as she can tell, The Pure have never been to this part of campus, this dorm.

The guarded expression on Ned's face only intensifies as Joanna steps into the room. He doesn't seem too impressed with Joanna's attempted charm, and in a rather haughty tone says, " And who are you? " His eyes slide from Joanna to give his roommate a nasty glare.
Haval
 'I'm a detective from Boston. I get paid to look into people. Do you do much work on the open sea?' 
Bennosuke
Ned raises an eyebrow at the question. " You're a... " he starts, suspicion giving way to concern, " am I in trouble or something? " His hands move to the wooden armrests, but he makes no attempt to get up. Regardless of Joanna's answer, in reply to her question, he will say, " Uh, I'm a student. You mean the oceanography class I'm taking? "
Thundercracker
 Blaze 

“I will go with you tomorrow,” Blaze said to the spirits, “unless I’m, incapacitated or something.”
He left the water spirits behind.
“Alright, let’s see if we can find KSH,” Blaze said to Kara, “I’m going to have to let Bear know we are going swimming, see if anyone else wants to come…”
Haval
Joanna will hold up her hands to placate Ned.  'It's ok, I'm not that sort of detective. I don't know if they'd hire me honestly. I just work for my Dad.'  She wasn't even lying about that.  'You're not in any trouble as far as I know. It's some of the people you're in class with that I'm interested in. You're just the first person I've found to talk to about it.' 
Bennosuke
" Sounds good, " Kara says with a shrug. Before following Blaze out, she turns to the Deep Sea spirits and gives a wave, saying, " See ya guys tomorrow! "

They do not reply.

(OOC: Please give me a tracking roll using survival at -1)

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

" Okay... " Ned says hesitantly, " what do you want to know? " He tilts his head to the side and as an after thought adds, " This is gonna be anonymous, right? "
Haval
 'Well I'm not going to tell anyone.'  Joanna will find somewhere to sit down.

 'Let's see..what's Professor Oakheart actually like as a teacher? Does she actually know her stuff? Do you know Corey Allen? Does he hang out with anyone in class? There's a blonde woman that he might be friendly with. Can you tell me anything about her?'  Joanna will look towards the others to see if they have any additional suggestions.  'Also I'm kind of cuious to know what the hell you guys do when you're out on the water even though there's every chance I won't understand the answer.' 
Bennosuke
Ned initially seems overwhelmed by the slew of questions, but quickly gains confidence, almost seeming to find pride in Joanna's interest. " Professor Oakheart? She's terrifying. Really smart. Really strict. Driven too; like the research we're doing with her... she's just dead set on it. "

To the question about Corey Allen, he just shakes his head in the negative, " Never heard of him. " And he seems equally confused about this blonde woman.

But he gets excited about Joanna's last question. He eagerly says, " We've been recording the tides for a while, monitoring how the changes of he tides effect the bay. How it effects the migration of the wildlife, and the temperature of the water; things like that. But it's more than that. We're looking at how some of the manmade structures in the bay, like shallow terracing and concrete shelves, mostly made to improve stability, effect the tides. You see, she's got this hypothesis that you just like how you can create canals to control the flow of rivers... if you like, direct how the ocean waters flow, it will affect the tides. So like, if we do it right, we could actually change the flow of the tides, which might like, prevent floods and ****. "
Haval
 Terrifying is right  Joanna thinks.  Given her apparent age how long had this woman actually been teaching? 

Aloud she says,  'You might know Allen by another name. Maybe I'll see if I can find a picture of him. Does the Professor have any TAs? Or anyone who comes with you when you're out on the water who isn't in the class?'  Joanna will get out phone to look for a picture of Corey while they were talking.

The discussion of what Oakheart might be doing was impressive.  'That sounds ambitious, I give you that. Wouldn't that need like...a lot of concrete or something? Does the Professor have the sort of resources where she can try this theory out.' 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Thought we might be able to get a picture of Corey Allen considering he's a missing person. Let me know if I need to roll for that.
 
GKnightBC
Jeremy arranges to get a drink from somewhere, even if it's just water, as he casually hangs out near the room's entrance, trying to listen without being obvious. Listening in on the conversations around him as well, he doubts he'll catch anything important to their goals, but he still pays attention and engages in any offered conversations.
Bennosuke
Blaze leads Kara up the coast, circling North around the bay, following the scent of King Sky Hunter; the mix of musky feathers and rusty iron. The trail is faint, and several times the two have to double back after losing the scent.

After about an hour of padding around and scenting the air, they come upon their target spirit. By this time, the two are soaked by the rain and chilled to the bone. King Sky Hunter is found preening its feathers, perched on the beach under an overhanging rock. Despite the need to seek refuge from the storm, the mighty spirit appears puffed up and regal. It turns its head with curiosity as the two soaking Uratha approach.

" Anchor Wolves, " the spirit says, its voice cutting though the storm like a clap of thunder, " I assume you were looking for me? "

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

Even when Joanna shows the picture, Ned seems confused. He replies, " Maybe I've seen him on campus a couple of times. But he's never come to the class or anything. " He shrugs. Given the context of the photo that Joanna has pulled up on her phone, he asks, " Is he a missing person or something? Is he in trouble? "

To Joanna's later question, he replies with a shrug, " I mean, we're just doing some preliminary research. I think we would need to publish a few papers, ect before we get to the point where we... I mean The Professor, could start any prospective interventions. "

Hanging around with the others, Jeremy asks for some water. The kid with the dark curly hair, leather jacket, and indoor sunglasses gets up from his chair. He rises begrudgingly, glaring at at Jeremy as if he'd asked for a hand job. " Sure, " he says, his voice deep but nasally, and heavily tinged with some sort of New York accent, " let's get  you  some water. " He leads Jeremy to the bathroom, where at the sink is a collection of stained coffee mugs. He fills it with tap water, at Jeremy can't help but assume that the water's still luke warm. " What is your guys' deal really, " he asks as he hands Jeremy the mug, his body square and shoulders back, even though he's almost a half a head shorter than the Uratha.
Thundercracker
 Blaze 

“Yes, great King Sky Hunter, we seek your wisdom, as you have hunted on the border between land and sea for many years,” Blaze said.

He described what they knew of the ritual the Pure were researching.

“Do you have any insight as to what the effects may be?” he asked.
Haval
On Corey being in trouble,  'Maybe for being a dumbass. He's not in any danger but I don't want to get him dragged back home to California unless he's willing to go. In the meantime I need to keep an eye on him.' 

On Oakheart,  'But she's thinking about it I'll bet. I don't suppose you'd be willing to call me if anything like that goes ahead? If I'm still in town I'd quite like to watch.' 
Bennosuke
King Sky Hunter seems please with Blaze's aggrandizing words. It's response is similar to that of the Deep Sea spirits, explaining how it would likely be a means of wounding or weakening Luna the moon spirit. Again, Blaze knows how the Pure have broken their bond to Mother Luna, viewing the gifts/powers of Auspex to be a form of slavery beneath the pure lineal rights of an Uratha, and that many Pure would do anything they could to hurt Mother Luna and her allies in the Forsaken. However, King Sky Hunter adds, " I have seen this Uratha that you describe. She has come to this very spot several times, stood out on the rocks overlooking the water. She cast no ritual nor spell, but simply sat taking notes in a book of hers. If what you say is true, she was probably making notes on the progress of her attack on The Moon Mother. " Then something about Sky Hunter's expression changes, though it's razor beak cannot curl up in a smile. " Isn't this  your  territory, " the spirit asks, its tone almost mocking.

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

Ned seems truly uninterested in the discussion of Corey. To Joanna's request, he replies, " Wait, what does Professor Oakheart have to do with all this. Why are you investigating  her ? And what's in it for me if I help you? "
Thundercracker
 Blaze 

“It is, but we have young to protect, and the threat of the Idigam to deal with at the same time,” Blaze said, “you would understand the importance of timing a strike.”

He looks out to where KSH indicated to see if he could gain any insights as to what Oakheart was observing.

If nothing else, they’d found another potential ambush site.
Haval
 'Well the research just sounds cool honestly. The Professor hasn't done anything wrong as far as I know, but I know she's been spending time with the guy I'm looking for. Until I met you I would have said he was in your class.'  Which was surely being economical with the truth.  'I'd prefer to know whether Professor Oakheart would lie to me or warn Corey before I go and see her about him. For all I know it's the other woman that's the real problem. Oh, and compensation would be the easy part. The boy's Dad is a big deal in the music industry apparently. If I can get paid for helping bring him back anyone whose helpful might get paid as well.'  She was ok with bribing Ned if neccessary.

 'Hey Ned. I'm not going to ask you to do anything you don't want to do but if you happen to see Corey on campus and want to make some extra cash, all you'd have to do is pass on information about where he's sleeping and who he's hanging out with. If he's not actually staying at the Professor's house maybe it'll help her out for me to know that if there's any trouble with Corey later.' 
 
 Spoiler 

Rolling to bribe
Manipulation 1 + Persuasion 2 + Striking Looks 1
 (4d10)[ 4 ][ 7 ][ 4 ][ 3 ](18) 
Any 10s
 (4d10)[ 7 ][ 5 ][ 8 ][ 8 ](28) 
 
Bennosuke
The area Sky Hunter had indicated is a rocky outcropping stretching like a tentacle out over the waters. Such a prominence would likely be structurally impossible in "the real world", reaching at least fifteen feet out as well as up from the shoreline. Maybe there was something to the ambush angle if the Anchor Wolves could appropriately use the tangle of shrubbery nearby to remain hidden.

Kara taps Blaze on the shoulder, pulling him from his thoughts. Leaning close to conceal her words from the hawk spirit, she says, " Do you think we should bring up the totem spirit with Sky Hunter... if we are going after it soon? "

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

To Joanna's dismay, the more she talks the more Ned's face darkens. When she is done, he replies flatly, " I... think I'm okay. If it's alright, I think I've told you everything I can, and I kinda need to get back to studying. "

Over Joanna's shoulder she can here Chaz grumble, " Dude, it's the weekend. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The area Sky Hunter had indicated is a rocky outcropping stretching like a tentacle out over the waters. Such a prominence would likely be structurally impossible in "the real world", reaching at least fifteen feet out as well as up from the shoreline. Maybe there was something to the ambush angle if the Anchor Wolves could appropriately use the tangle of shrubbery nearby to remain hidden.

Kara taps Blaze on the shoulder, pulling him from his thoughts. Leaning close to conceal her words from the hawk spirit, she says, " Do you think we should bring up the totem spirit with Sky Hunter... if we are going after it soon? "

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

To Joanna's dismay, the more she talks the more Ned's face darkens. When she is done, he replies flatly, " I... think I'm okay. If it's alright, I think I've told you everything I can, and I kinda need to get back to studying. "

Over Joanna's shoulder she can here Chaz grumble, " Dude, it's the weekend. " 
 

 Blaze 

“Great King Sky Hunter, we have already hunted together once to destroy a powerful spirit,” Blaze said, “the Pure on our territory have a totem, a powerful spirit of rage.  Should the time come for us to drive them from our territory, will you hunt another great spirit with us?  We would, of course, offer gathra in exchange for your experience and strength.”
Haval
Joanna is disappointed but not surprised.  'Fair enough. Thanks for hearing me out Ned.'  Maybe she didn't need his help anyway.  'If you change your mind I'm going to leave you my card.'  Joanna will leave a card with her number and the name of her Dad's agency on the bed.
Bennosuke
The great bird spirit tilts its head, one giant round golden eye appraising the Uratha. It's massive serrated beak opens then closes with a metallic  clack . Only when the spirit's mouth is closed does it say, " What is it, Blaze of the Anchor Wolves, that you would offer me? "

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

Ned watches Joanna extend the business card, hesitant to retrieve the offer till it is right before his face. He takes it between two fingers, taking hold the card as if it were a dead rat. " Sure, " he says, refusing to bring his eyes to meet Joanna's.

As Joanna leaves the room, Chaz says, " I told you he sucked, " not even bothering to wait till the dorm room's door was closed.
Haval
Joanna will whack Chaz lightly on the arm for his comment before leading him down the corridor so that they were out of earshot.  'Maybe he does a little, but if he changes his mind later there's no point in making him mad at me. The trouble is I expected him to know more then he does.'  Joanna is at a loss.

She'll go looking for Jeremy while she keeps talking to Chaz.  'I'd like to try and find out where Corey and his little friend are staying, but I don't want them to just run into them on campus either. Chaz, are all of the dorms close together or does anyone live in town?'  For all Joanna knew there was every chance that the Pure were sleeping out in the country instead but she needed to start somewhere.
Bennosuke
Chaz shrugs, as they walk back to Jeremy. " Most of the dorms are pretty spread out, " he says, " and a decent number of the Juniors and Seniors live off campus. "
Haval
 'Right...then I better get started.'  While she was looking for Jeremy Joanna will see if she can get a drink.
GKnightBC
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
  'Right...then I better get started.'  While she was looking for Jeremy Joanna will see if she can get a drink. 
 

Jeremy, still standing outside the dorm room waiting and guarding, greets them with a smile  "You'd think a drink of water was an impossible task, they way it was 'offered'. How'd it go in there?" 
Bennosuke
Finding alcohol won't be an issue for Joanna. By the time she comes back to the room to meet Jeremy, the other kids are gathered around a table pouring Southern Comfort into coffee mugs.
Haval
Joanna will gesture to one of the students,  'Can I have one of those.'  To Jeremy,  'Might as well live a little while we're here. I don't feel like it does much for me any more anyway.' 

After she gets a drink she'll answer Jeremy's question,  'Not great, but I'm satisfied our boy doesn't know anything useful. He is out on the boat though, and he's got my number. Maybe I should have followed my nose in the first place.'  Joanna is confident enough that Chaz or anyone else who might be listening would assume she was speaking metaphorically.
Bennosuke
Chaz says, " Let me get you a mug, " before hurrying off to the bathroom. He returns with coffee mug with the image of Snoopy smoking a presumed blunt, with bloodshot eyes and a silly grin. Grabbing the bottle of whiskey, he pours Joanna a serving that would be more appropriate for a generous cup of coffee. Chaz hands it to the Werewolf, the burning aroma of grain alcohol hitting her nose.
Haval
Joanna is amused in spite of herself at the sight of the mug. She'll say thankyou to Chaz and take a sip of the alcohol.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The great bird spirit tilts its head, one giant round golden eye appraising the Uratha. It's massive serrated beak opens then closes with a metallic  clack . Only when the spirit's mouth is closed does it say, " What is it, Blaze of the Anchor Wolves, that you would offer me? "

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

Ned watches Joanna extend the business card, hesitant to retrieve the offer till it is right before his face. He takes it between two fingers, taking hold the card as if it were a dead rat. " Sure, " he says, refusing to bring his eyes to meet Joanna's.

As Joanna leaves the room, Chaz says, " I told you he sucked, " not even bothering to wait till the dorm room's door was closed. 
 

“I know that a great Hunter such as yourself revels in tracking down prey,” Blaze replied, “should you assist us in destroying the anger spirit, I will help boost the rabbit population in the world of Flesh, thus bringing more prey spirits to your Hisil territory.”
Bennosuke
The mighty hunting spirit puffs out its chest, feathers ruffling with the sound of scraping metal. Its golden eyes flash and it replies to Blaze, " If you increase the population of rabbit spirits to hunt, THEN I shall offer my aid to you in battling your newest foe. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The mighty hunting spirit puffs out its chest, feathers ruffling with the sound of scraping metal. Its golden eyes flash and it replies to Blaze, " If you increase the population of rabbit spirits to hunt, THEN I shall offer my aid to you in battling your newest foe. " 
 

"So be it, though I do not know if it will be in time, our raid could happen at any time," Blaze said.

"Did you have anything you wanted to add?" Blaze asked Kara.

If she doesn't Blaze will bid KSH farewell and good hunting, and returned to more familiar territory.

"We need to tell Bear that Oakheart frequents that place, alone," Blaze said, "also, I was thinking we might want to summon Peaqod, that half-crazy ship spirit, to see if it knows anything about the Idigam or what the ritual the Pure are working on might do.  What do you think?"
GKnightBC
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
 Joanna will gesture to one of the students,  'Can I have one of those.'  To Jeremy,  'Might as well live a little while we're here. I don't feel like it does much for me any more anyway.' 

After she gets a drink she'll answer Jeremy's question,  'Not great, but I'm satisfied our boy doesn't know anything useful. He is out on the boat though, and he's got my number. Maybe I should have followed my nose in the first place.'  Joanna is confident enough that Chaz or anyone else who might be listening would assume she was speaking metaphorically. 
 

Able to relax now, he also asks for an actual drink.  "Good! Time to enjoy being back on campus, even if it's not mine!"  He says, and raises his own drink once received, and takes a big swig.
Haval
 'Just don't get too relaxed. Remember what happened last time we were on campus.'  Oakheart had threatened to kill them after all.  'Since we're here I'm going to ask around a bit.' 

To Chaz,  'So..I take it you don't know anyone else in the building that takes Oakheart's class? What about Corey? Do you think anyone will mind if I show his picture around? I'd offer to buy you guys more booze but I think you've got that covered.' 
Bennosuke
" So be it, " King Sky Hunter replies, parroting Blaze. It lowers its head slightly in what might be the smallest of courtesies.

Kara shrugs and says in a hushed voice, " I mean, maybe there's a big pet store in the area, where we could buy all the rabbits and mice? " She pauses for a moment, then hollers to the hunting spirit, " Thank you King Sky Hunter, may the winds take you on many fruitful hunts. "

After, she replies to Blaze's question, " May as well deal with Pequod now then. We're also gonna need to discuss with the others going out on the water with the deep sea spirits, if that's happening eminently. " She casts a nervous gaze out over the churning waves. " Also, are we gonna rent a spirit boat or something? "

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

Chaz shrugs taking a long sip of the cheap whiskey, his face turning red. " Man, you are all business, huh, " he says, his voice colored with something like disdain. " I mean, we took you to the one guy I know who's like, obsessed with Oakheart's class. I don't know what to tell you. " About Corey he replies, " I mean, I'm sure people wouldn't mind. If you want, we were gonna go to a house party going on off campus. Plenty of people will be there if you wanted to like, ask around. "

(OOC: So with one success, that will give you some results after about 45 minutes or so of asking around. So that I feed you the right information, what is it exactly Joanna will be looking to find out?)
Haval
Joanna noticed the disdain and felt guilty enough to open up a bit. 'Believe it or not if I was 'all business' I might have slipped out already while your back was turned. But that would be rude.'  She will reach out and take his hand,  'Other then this I think my main alternative might be breaking into the admin building after hours. You're welcome to come along but I don't want you getting expelled or something on my account. And there's a decent chance that if we just wander round campus looking for Corey the people with him might kick my ass. You don't need to get in the middle of that.'  Joanna had no idea how the Pure might react to a human wandering into the middle of all this.

 'I admit, Ned was a disapointment. You did warn me. But if I find out anything that I can use and you still want to hang out, maybe we can see where the night takes us.'  Normally Joanna didn't make a habit of getting drunk with sources but the Reveller had left her with an urge to relax where she could.  'Unless you already have plans?'  If they were heading to a second location she'll make sure to collect Bear on the way.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

I want to ask the blond werewolf's name but I'm mostly sure she and Corey aren't actually enrolled here.

So, on the basis that Ned has seen Corey around, and maybe other people have as well, I'll see if anyone knows his address.
 
Bennosuke
Joanna’s touch lights up Chaz like an electric shock. “ Oh, sure, ” he says with a nod, his pale cheeks turning rosy, “ well, we’ll just hand here and pregame for a little bit, and if you guys finish up in time and wanna, we can go to that house party together. ” He pours himself another mug full of the cheap whiskey and takes a sniff.

Joanna and Jeremy begin going door to door through the dorm. Most of the floors are quad-style, like Chaz’s. They get all the way down to the second floor, when they find a group of freshman girls. One, a rail thin blonde with too much mascara who has also clearly been pregaming says she recognizes the picture of Cory. She proudly tells the Uratha about how she is dating an upperclassman who lives off campus, and she’s pretty sure she’s seen Cory, and the blonde living on his block. She doesn’t remember the exact address but shows Joanna the block on Google maps.
GKnightBC
Once they are in a quite place, Jeremy says   "Let's say our goodbyes, collect our friends, and head over to that address. If they are partying as well, we should have no issues getting access, one way or another."  
Haval
Joanna will thank the girls and tell them she hopes they have a good night. When she has the chance she will work out how close the area was to the Anchor Wolves warehouse.

To Jeremy while they were alone,  'I don't know if they're definitely partying themselves tonight. Can't see Oakheart going to a house party anyway but maybe I've misjudged her. Anyway it's a good start. We get an address maybe we can get someone close enough to watch for people coming and going. And if we're feeling lucky we could also try breaking in when they're out. I'm up for stealing all their stuff if you are.' 

On saying her goodbyes,  'I think it depends where Oakheart and her friends are this evening. I don't think we're actually looking for a fight tonight but we ought to check in with Bear on that. Fighting is his department.' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " So be it, " King Sky Hunter replies, parroting Blaze. It lowers its head slightly in what might be the smallest of courtesies.

Kara shrugs and says in a hushed voice, " I mean, maybe there's a big pet store in the area, where we could buy all the rabbits and mice? " She pauses for a moment, then hollers to the hunting spirit, " Thank you King Sky Hunter, may the winds take you on many fruitful hunts. "

After, she replies to Blaze's question, " May as well deal with Pequod now then. We're also gonna need to discuss with the others going out on the water with the deep sea spirits, if that's happening eminently. " She casts a nervous gaze out over the churning waves. " Also, are we gonna rent a spirit boat or something? "

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

Chaz shrugs taking a long sip of the cheap whiskey, his face turning red. " Man, you are all business, huh, " he says, his voice colored with something like disdain. " I mean, we took you to the one guy I know who's like, obsessed with Oakheart's class. I don't know what to tell you. " About Corey he replies, " I mean, I'm sure people wouldn't mind. If you want, we were gonna go to a house party going on off campus. Plenty of people will be there if you wanted to like, ask around. "

(OOC: So with one success, that will give you some results after about 45 minutes or so of asking around. So that I feed you the right information, what is it exactly Joanna will be looking to find out?) 
 

"Maybe we could use Pequod," Blaze replied, "need to discuss with Bear first.  Either way I think I gotta head out with the deep sea spirits.  Can't be letting them hang forever.  I don't know where they think they're going to find Essence around here but... if they come back then we'll get something out of them anyway, and we free up a locus, so... all good I s'pose."
GKnightBC
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
 Joanna will thank the girls and tell them she hopes they have a good night. When she has the chance she will work out how close the area was to the Anchor Wolves warehouse.

To Jeremy while they were alone,  'I don't know if they're definitely partying themselves tonight. Can't see Oakheart going to a house party anyway but maybe I've misjudged her. Anyway it's a good start. We get an address maybe we can get someone close enough to watch for people coming and going. And if we're feeling lucky we could also try breaking in when they're out. I'm up for stealing all their stuff if you are.' 

On saying her goodbyes,  'I think it depends where Oakheart and her friends are this evening. I don't think we're actually looking for a fight tonight but we ought to check in with Bear on that. Fighting is his department.'  
 

 "True enough,"  Jeremy Agrees,  "but her students are all young. I doubt they could resist a chance to party, especially if a lot of students have them set up tonight. We may have only one or two defenders at their lair. We'll have to see when we get there." 
Bennosuke
The address/area the girls give Joanna is about a ten minute walk from the edge of campus, though this dorm made it closer to a fifteen-twenty minute walk. When she gets the chance to ask Chaz, she'll be able to identify that the location is about two blocks away from the house party that the students were planning on attending.

(OOC: Otherwise seems like the two characters are still discussing)

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

Kara gives Blaze a concerned glance. " We definitely should go check out the lair of the Idigam... but it might be dangerous. Don't you think that's something we should bring the rest of the pack along for as well? " She removes her phone to reveal the spirit Atant, saying, " I can text Bear and the others if you want. "

The black mirrored screen speaks in Kara's voice and says, " Oh hi Blaze. I would be happy to help! "
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by GKnightBC 
  "True enough,"  Jeremy Agrees,  "but her students are all young. I doubt they could resist a chance to party, especially if a lot of students have them set up tonight. We may have only one or two defenders at their lair. We'll have to see when we get there."  
 

Joanna shrugs,  'There's bound to be more Pure then just the ones we've seen. But maybe if there's one place they can't try to kill us its in the middle of a house party full of witnesses.' 

After telling Chaz that she'd found the lead she'd been looking for she will text Bear.  The roommate didn't pan out, but I may have their address. Do you want to come take a look? 
Daishain
Bear responds after a little while,   "Yep, I'll be there."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The address/area the girls give Joanna is about a ten minute walk from the edge of campus, though this dorm made it closer to a fifteen-twenty minute walk. When she gets the chance to ask Chaz, she'll be able to identify that the location is about two blocks away from the house party that the students were planning on attending.

(OOC: Otherwise seems like the two characters are still discussing)

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

Kara gives Blaze a concerned glance. " We definitely should go check out the lair of the Idigam... but it might be dangerous. Don't you think that's something we should bring the rest of the pack along for as well? " She removes her phone to reveal the spirit Atant, saying, " I can text Bear and the others if you want. "

The black mirrored screen speaks in Kara's voice and says, " Oh hi Blaze. I would be happy to help! " 
 

“Yeah, would be ideal,” Blaze said, “go ahead, we’ve gotta meet everyone, see what’s been going on and what they think.”
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Bear responds after a little while,   "Yep, I'll be there."   
 

Just in case he needed it Joanna will text Bear the address once she has it.
Bennosuke
Joanna, Jeremy and Bear regroup, deciding to drive off campus to the area where the house party is supposed to be and the house where Cory Allen had been seen. Parking on the block between the two areas, the trio can already taste the smell of the Pure. It wasn't just Cory that was here, the musk of the other two Pure Uratha also hung heavy in the air, detectable even with the windows up. But if the Anchor Wolves could smell the Pure, the inverse might also be possible.

As they pull into a parking spot, they get a text from Kara, sent to a group chat that involves all Uratha pack members,  including Blaze . The text reads, " Thinking of going out with the Deep Sea Spirits ASAP. Gotta get it done by tomorrow morning or they are bouncing. You got time now? "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Joanna, Jeremy and Bear regroup, deciding to drive off campus to the area where the house party is supposed to be and the house where Cory Allen had been seen. Parking on the block between the two areas, the trio can already taste the smell of the Pure. It wasn't just Cory that was here, the musk of the other two Pure Uratha also hung heavy in the air, detectable even with the windows up. But if the Anchor Wolves could smell the Pure, the inverse might also be possible.

As they pull into a parking spot, they get a text from Kara, sent to a group chat that involves all Uratha pack members,  including Blaze . The text reads, " Thinking of going out with the Deep Sea Spirits ASAP. Gotta get it done by tomorrow morning or they are bouncing. You got time now? " 
 

“Also, we found out a spot in the Hisil where our dear professor observes the sea, alone,” Blaze texted, “we should talk.  Where are you guys?”
Haval
Joanna is thankful that she can't smell any members of the Pure that they didn't already know about. To the more experienced Uratha,  'I had some thought of waiting till they were away before I tried breaking in. I don't suppose you guys know how to stop someone like us knowing we're here by the smell?' 

She'll pause to text. To Kara,  'I suppose we did promise. How dangerous do you think this is going to be? Like, the type of dangerous that needs all of us together just in case?' 

To Blaze,  'We found out our friends address. Not sure what we can do about it yet though.'  On Oakheart,  'She's alone? Then what the hell is she looking at? ☹️' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
 Joanna is thankful that she can't smell any members of the Pure that they didn't already know about. To the more experienced Uratha,  'I had some thought of waiting till they were away before I tried breaking in. I don't suppose you guys know how to stop someone like us knowing we're here by the smell?' 

She'll pause to text. To Kara,  'I suppose we did promise. How dangerous do you think this is going to be? Like, the type of dangerous that needs all of us together just in case?' 

To Blaze,  'We found out our friends address. Not sure what we can do about it yet though.'  On Oakheart,  'She's alone? Then what the hell is she looking at? ☹️'  
 

"she comes to study the spirit ocean, man, think about it."
Bennosuke
Kara's reply (again visible to the entire group) simply reads, " I mean, checking out the Idigam's lair? If we are lucky, nothing happens.. but if we are not... "
GKnightBC
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Joanna, Jeremy and Bear regroup, deciding to drive off campus to the area where the house party is supposed to be and the house where Cory Allen had been seen. Parking on the block between the two areas, the trio can already taste the smell of the Pure. It wasn't just Cory that was here, the musk of the other two Pure Uratha also hung heavy in the air, detectable even with the windows up. But if the Anchor Wolves could smell the Pure, the inverse might also be possible.

As they pull into a parking spot, they get a text from Kara, sent to a group chat that involves all Uratha pack members,  including Blaze . The text reads, " Thinking of going out with the Deep Sea Spirits ASAP. Gotta get it done by tomorrow morning or they are bouncing. You got time now? " 
 

Jeremy types rapidly into the chat "  Keeping our promise to them is more important and urgent than Pure, IMO. No deadline for Pure - deadline for DSS. Simple choice."  
Haval
 'Maybe it's different if you know what to look for. Apparently Oakheart's even more of a wizard then Blaze is.' 

After Jeremy had added his text.  'Fair. No point in pissing them off. I suppose we'll come find you guys.' 
Daishain
Bear nods at those with him,   "Agreed, as much as I want to end this incursion this doesn't seem the time. Lets get back."  
Bennosuke
It takes a little under forty five minutes for Bear and the pups to get back to warehouse, crossing over at the dockside monolith. On the other side of the Gauntlet they meet Kara and Blaze. The howling wind and rain have abated by then, dying to little more than foggy mist that hangs over The Shadow. Most of the lesser spirits that usually flock to the Loci have given the area a wide berth, thanks to the present of the awaiting Uratha. The waters have even calmed slightly, fingers of waves gently coming to kiss the shore.

When the rest of the pack arrives, Kara steps forward to greet them. " Sorry to call you guys out here so quick, " she says with a smile, " we just figured it was better to get this over with, and the Deep Sea Spirits put up a whole stink about getting it done ASAP or they were outtie. "
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 When the rest of the pack arrives, Kara steps forward to greet them. " Sorry to call you guys out here so quick, " she says with a smile, " we just figured it was better to get this over with, and the Deep Sea Spirits put up a whole stink about getting it done ASAP or they were outtie. " 
 

 'And I was going to go to a house party later.'  Joanna grins.  'But at least we know where the Pure sleep now.'  She'll look towards the waves,  'How wet should I expect to get here?' 
GKnightBC
Feeling a surge of energy as he re-enters the Shadow as his link to the Reveler asserts itself, Jeremy kneels down at the water's edge and runs his fingers slowly through it's semi-real substance.   "If this takes too long, we'll see if we can resurrect the party again, if needed. That ersatz professor needs to be leashed but it doesn't have to happen immediately. Let's help our allies however we need to."  
Bennosuke
Kara nods her head at Joanna's question and replies, " That's a good question. We were kind of discussing how we might... navigate the bay... as we don't really have a boat. Blaze, we had mentioned calling Pequod? "
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Kara nods her head at Joanna's question and replies, " That's a good question. We were kind of discussing how we might... navigate the bay... as we don't really have a boat. Blaze, we had mentioned calling Pequod? " 
 

 'If you'll think he'll help us. I was assuming wherever we're going was on the bottom of the occean so to speak.'  For all Joanna knew things worked differently over here.
Bennosuke
Kara shrugs and says, " Well, we freed him at least... so that's something, " though she doesn't sound too confident in the suggestion. Again, she turns to Blaze awaiting the Ithauer's input.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
  'If you'll think he'll help us. I was assuming wherever we're going was on the bottom of the occean so to speak.'  For all Joanna knew things worked differently over here. 
 

“We’d have to offer a suitable gathra… and, well, hope he doesn’t attack us,” Blaze said, “but I can’t really think of another spirit we know who could help us get there.  We could try a random one but that might be worse.”
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Thundercracker 
 “We’d have to offer a suitable gathra… and, well, hope he doesn’t attack us,” Blaze said, “but I can’t really think of another spirit we know who could help us get there.  We could try a random one but that might be worse.” 
 

 'Let's not go making any more deals that someone might be mad at us later if we don't follow through. How do we find Pequod anyway?' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
  'Let's not go making any more deals that someone might be mad at us later if we don't follow through. How do we find Pequod anyway?'  
 

“We know his name so we can use a ritual to call him,” Blaze replied, “deals are how things get done with spirits.  None of them are gonna help us do anything without something in exchange.”
Bennosuke
Kara shrugs, and asks earnestly, " Anyone have a better idea? I suppose we could try to like swim with or ride the Deep Sea Spirits... if they'd even let us... I just kinda feel like that's a good way for us to get drowned. "
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Kara shrugs, and asks earnestly, " Anyone have a better idea? I suppose we could try to like swim with or ride the Deep Sea Spirits... if they'd even let us... I just kinda feel like that's a good way for us to get drowned. " 
 

 'That's what I'm thinking.'  Joanna replied looking out into the occean.  'Unless no one actually drowns over here, but that seems a little too Disney to be believable. On the other hand, the Deep Sea Spirits can survive up here, so maybe it works the same way in reverse. Anyone want to try swimming to see what it's like?' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Kara shrugs, and asks earnestly, " Anyone have a better idea? I suppose we could try to like swim with or ride the Deep Sea Spirits... if they'd even let us... I just kinda feel like that's a good way for us to get drowned. " 
 

"I kinda wanna see how ol' Peaquod is doing, to be honest," Blaze said, "maybe we can do right by him after forgetting about him and causing him to go partially insane."
Bennosuke
Kara looks to Bear, and then to the others before say, " Well then... unless anyone has any objections, let's do it. Blaze, what do we need? "

(OOC: So Shadow Call is technically a contested extended action with a goal of 20 successes. However, I don't think anything will be gained by making everyone wait around to roll over and over again.  TC  please describe how Blaze would perform this rite, and make a roll associated with the action. Your number of successes will determine how long it takes to summon Pequad)
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Kara looks to Bear, and then to the others before say, " Well then... unless anyone has any objections, let's do it. Blaze, what do we need? "

(OOC: So Shadow Call is technically a contested extended action with a goal of 20 successes. However, I don't think anything will be gained by making everyone wait around to roll over and over again.  TC  please describe how Blaze would perform this rite, and make a roll associated with the action. Your number of successes will determine how long it takes to summon Pequad) 
 

 Blaze 

“Alright, Pequod’s an old whaling ship spirit, so we’re gonna summon him with callbacks to what he does best.  We’re gonna need some old whaling instruments, harpoons and sail and stuff, and then we’re gonna play, and incorporate the instruments as actual instruments, but we gotta make it sound, like.. whaley, with the guitars and distortion and stuff.  We also should think about what we’re gonna give him.  Supplication ritual might help…”

 
 Spoiler 
 rolling now to save time:  (9d10)[ 4 ][ 4 ][ 4 ][ 5 ][ 1 ][ 3 ][ 8 ][ 9 ][ 1 ](39) 

9 again:  (9d10)[ 4 ][ 7 ][ 4 ][ 10 ][ 10 ][ 8 ][ 10 ][ 3 ][ 2 ](58) 
 
Bennosuke
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Okay, so I'm seeing this then as a Presence + Performance roll, so with Blaze's specialty, that would be 8d10 yielding 2 successes from TC's roll.
 


The group heads back across the gauntlet to gather their instruments, before returning to the Shadow. In the Hisil, the once solid objects seem to shimmer and glow with their own strange internal light. Fortunately, the Shadow reflection of the old Cannary is that of an ancient and massive shipyard, where Pequod was once "kept". There they are able to gather old sails and oars and harpoons for their ritual. The entire act takes a little over thirty minutes, and by the time the band is playing, the red glowing eyeball of the sun is on its way to finish setting.

The band plays, following Blaze's lead. The rhythmic pulse of his drums sets the pace like that on some ancient Roman warship, the band improvising fills like the crashing of waves and the gusts of an angry storm.

As the band plays, Pequod begins shimmer into existence; a massive 19th century whaling ship, now moored on the rocky beach. The wooden planks of Pequod's hull are marred with skeletal yellowed barnacles and chitinous protrusions that seem to grow on the spirit like some unreal cancer. At the bow of the ship looms the figurehead of whaler, like Captain Ahab carved of wood. In one hand the figurehead clutches a spiked harpoon, and its bearded face is twisted in an ugly scowl.

" What? No! How did I get hear? " The voice seems to come from the figurehead, though its mouth never moves. Somehow though, each of the Uratha can feel the sculpture's eyes glaring down at them. Then the whaler's head swivels, the wood suddenly pliable like clay. " Uratha, " Pequod hisses, " what have you done? Why have you brought me back? I will no longer be your watchdog, I swear it! "
Daishain
Bear raises a hand to call the angry one's attention to himself,   "Calm yourself sea hunter. We have no intention of binding you. We wished first to be certain of your wellbeing, and second to see if you were willing to barter favors. There is a task to which you in particular are very well suited."  
Haval
Joanna is entertained by the sight of her bass in the Hisil and will wonder aloud at whether she could bring it back like this. She isn't entirely sure how to make her playing sound 'whaley' but will do her best to follow Blaze's direction.
Bennosuke
Pequod sneers at Bear's remarks, the face of the wooden figurehead taking on a ghoulish expression. " Be certain of my wellbeing? How very kind of you Uratha, " the spirit replies. The hull of the ship groans and whines with the movement of the figurehead's gestures. It beats its harpoon against its chest and adds, " Well I assure you... Bear, isn't it, that I am well. In fact, since you released me I have never been better. " When the spirit pauses, it casts its gaze over the assembled Werewolves, raising an eyebrow with curiosity. It extends its harpoon out in a sweeping gesture towards the pack, " Well, am I wrong, or has the ranks of your packs shifted since you freed me? "
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
  " Well, am I wrong, or has the ranks of your packs shifted since you freed me? " 
 

Joanna looks up.  'Yeah I'm new at this. I'm Joanna. The guys told me about you. I'm sorry that you were stuck there for so long.'  The spirit of a whaling ship was not the most threatening thing she had seen lately.
GKnightBC
Bowing to the figurehead, Jeremy says  "Honoured, mighty vessel! I am Jeremy Coppers, a minor player in the games of Shadow and Material, but ever learning of the rules. "
Bennosuke
The spirit's sneer seems to soften at the introductions made by Joanna and Jeremy. Pequod sighs, or makes a noise that might be interpreted as one; a low whistling noise and puffs of smoke blow from the many skeletal barnacles that mar its hull as the spirit wood of its body creaks and shift. " Well met, " the spirit replies, the nicety expelled almost as a relenting admission of guilt. Now more calmly, the spirit turns its attention back to Bear, Kara and Blaze and says, " What it is then that you have summoned me for Uratha? "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The spirit's sneer seems to soften at the introductions made by Joanna and Jeremy. Pequod sighs, or makes a noise that might be interpreted as one; a low whistling noise and puffs of smoke blow from the many skeletal barnacles that mar its hull as the spirit wood of its body creaks and shift. " Well met, " the spirit replies, the nicety expelled almost as a relenting admission of guilt. Now more calmly, the spirit turns its attention back to Bear, Kara and Blaze and says, " What it is then that you have summoned me for Uratha? " 
 

 Blaze 

“We wish a fair trade, oh wise Hunter of the waves,” Blaze replied, “the deep sea spirits have told us of a powerful entity, somewhere in the depths.  Other spirits flee this entity, but we intend to find its lair.  Since you have trawled these waters for centuries, we request that you transport us where the deep ones lead, and help hunt down this powerful entity.  We do not demand your acceptance, only ask what gathra you would request for this alliance and hunt.”
Bennosuke
The figurehead stops moving, suddenly still like a statue; or an inert wood carving. No noise comes from the ship, except for the sound of its sails waving and fluttering with the gusts of wind. After several long seconds, the wooden planks of the ship begin to creek again as if some deep force from within the ship were pushing outwards against its hull. " You shall help me hunt down a great whale spirit, " Pequod replies, though the figure head remains frozen still, " I shall take you today, and you shall help me on the morrow. " Only after the spirit has finished talking does the neck of the wooden whaler turn so that its wooden eyes stare down at the Anchor Wolves.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The figurehead stops moving, suddenly still like a statue; or an inert wood carving. No noise comes from the ship, except for the sound of its sails waving and fluttering with the gusts of wind. After several long seconds, the wooden planks of the ship begin to creek again as if some deep force from within the ship were pushing outwards against its hull. " You shall help me hunt down a great whale spirit, " Pequod replies, though the figure head remains frozen still, " I shall take you today, and you shall help me on the morrow. " Only after the spirit has finished talking does the neck of the wooden whaler turn so that its wooden eyes stare down at the Anchor Wolves. 
 

“We hunt the whale after any injured are recovered,” Blaze said, “is this agreeable?”
Haval
Joanna looks sceptical but will nod.  'I can certainly give it a try. Do you have any advice in how you go about hunting whales? I feel like I should get a harpoon.' 
Bennosuke
The whaler's head turns to the side, seeming to consider Blaze's statement. After a long moment the spirit replies, " You... you are hunting the Idigam, aren't you? That is why you think you will need time to heal! Right? " There is something mirthful in Pequod's words, something excited and sinister. " Oh, you have no idea what you are getting into, " it adds. " Well, then there is more to our bargain. I... I get all of the Essence from our hunt; from both the great whale spirit, and from the Idigam. "

To Joanna the spirit replies, " Ropes will probably be more important. I can get you to the spirit, and you will attack it... though you might get a bit wet. "
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " Oh, you have no idea what you are getting into, " 
 

 'Oh I agree. Anything you want to add on that subject?' 

On the whaling,  'I'll bring a towel.' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The whaler's head turns to the side, seeming to consider Blaze's statement. After a long moment the spirit replies, " You... you are hunting the Idigam, aren't you? That is why you think you will need time to heal! Right? " There is something mirthful in Pequod's words, something excited and sinister. " Oh, you have no idea what you are getting into, " it adds. " Well, then there is more to our bargain. I... I get all of the Essence from our hunt; from both the great whale spirit, and from the Idigam. "

To Joanna the spirit replies, " Ropes will probably be more important. I can get you to the spirit, and you will attack it... though you might get a bit wet. " 
 

The whaling ship spirit had just inadvertently admitted it considered it possible to destroy the Idigam, which was a plus in his book.

Blaze considers the implications of this spirit consuming all the essence from Idigam and a great whale spirit.

 
 Spoiler 
int + occult + spec (spirits):  (9d10)[ 3 ][ 6 ][ 3 ][ 4 ][ 4 ][ 8 ][ 10 ][ 7 ][ 4 ](49) 
9 again:  (9d10)[ 8 ][ 8 ][ 1 ][ 4 ][ 4 ][ 4 ][ 1 ][ 1 ][ 5 ](36) 
 
Bennosuke
Despite the limited expressiveness of the figurehead's wooden features, there is a certain smuggness in how it refuses to reply to Joanna's question.

Blaze mulled it over. There was no clear harm in the whaling spirit feasting on the Essence of a whale spirit; that was... natural! However, Blaze did have to wonder what sort of effect it would have in the world of flesh. The whale population couldn't be that healthy, and killing off a major whale spirit might have significantly detrimental effects on that population, not to even consider how a decrease in the natural whale population might effect the rest of the environment.

The question about the whale feasting on the Idigam's essence was another question all together. Blaze had never seen the Idigam, he had heard all sorts of rumors about what the Idigam might be, or where it might have come from, but the concept of the spirit remained an enigma of sorts. There was no telling what would happen if Pequod, or an Uratha for that matter, was to feed on its essence.
GKnightBC
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Despite the limited expressiveness of the figurehead's wooden features, there is a certain smuggness in how it refuses to reply to Joanna's question.

Blaze mulled it over. There was no clear harm in the whaling spirit feasting on the Essence of a whale spirit; that was... natural! However, Blaze did have to wonder what sort of effect it would have in the world of flesh. The whale population couldn't be that healthy, and killing off a major whale spirit might have significantly detrimental effects on that population, not to even consider how a decrease in the natural whale population might effect the rest of the environment.

The question about the whale feasting on the Idigam's essence was another question all together. Blaze had never seen the Idigam, he had heard all sorts of rumors about what the Idigam might be, or where it might have come from, but the concept of the spirit remained an enigma of sorts. There was no telling what would happen if Pequod, or an Uratha for that matter, was to feed on its essence. 
 

 Jeremy, content with letting his betters make the choices for the spirit realm and it's interactions, merely says   "Sounds like we have a ride, and an ally. What else should we prepare?"  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Despite the limited expressiveness of the figurehead's wooden features, there is a certain smuggness in how it refuses to reply to Joanna's question.

Blaze mulled it over. There was no clear harm in the whaling spirit feasting on the Essence of a whale spirit; that was... natural! However, Blaze did have to wonder what sort of effect it would have in the world of flesh. The whale population couldn't be that healthy, and killing off a major whale spirit might have significantly detrimental effects on that population, not to even consider how a decrease in the natural whale population might effect the rest of the environment.

The question about the whale feasting on the Idigam's essence was another question all together. Blaze had never seen the Idigam, he had heard all sorts of rumors about what the Idigam might be, or where it might have come from, but the concept of the spirit remained an enigma of sorts. There was no telling what would happen if Pequod, or an Uratha for that matter, was to feed on its essence. 
 

"Do you know what will happen if you consume the essence of the Idigam?" Blaze asked.
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Thundercracker 
 "Do you know what will happen if you consume the essence of the Idigam?" Blaze asked. 
 

 '**** that's right. What happens to the essence if Pequod doesn't take it? Does that mean the first scavenger that comes along gets to feed off it?'  
Bennosuke
The countenance of the wooden figurehead sours, and Pequod replies with an annoyed tone, " I won't starve... like your pack left me to do in your shipyard. " The ship seems to sway side to side, creaking and groaning, as the figurehead crosses its arms, almost hitting itself in the face with its harpoon. With finality, Pequod says, " Those are my terms Uratha. Take them or leave them! "

Bear puts a hand on Blaze's shoulder, giving the Ithauer a knowing glance. He leans in and whispers as quietly as he can, " I think we have to take it. We'll just have to kill Pequod if or when it turns into a Magath. " As he pulls away from Blaze, he gives an affirming nod, turning to the others with a glare that says "let Blaze speak now".
Haval
Joanna, who had not been responsible for Pequod's predicament, feels like he had a point. And if they were capable of dealing with the Idigam in the first place maybe dealing with Pequod if he went bad would be child's play.

She'll respond to Bear's glare with a questioning expression but is otherwise content to let Blaze talk.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The countenance of the wooden figurehead sours, and Pequod replies with an annoyed tone, " I won't starve... like your pack left me to do in your shipyard. " The ship seems to sway side to side, creaking and groaning, as the figurehead crosses its arms, almost hitting itself in the face with its harpoon. With finality, Pequod says, " Those are my terms Uratha. Take them or leave them! "

Bear puts a hand on Blaze's shoulder, giving the Ithauer a knowing glance. He leans in and whispers as quietly as he can, " I think we have to take it. We'll just have to kill Pequod if or when it turns into a Magath. " As he pulls away from Blaze, he gives an affirming nod, turning to the others with a glare that says "let Blaze speak now". 
 

"It is a mighty bounty, all the essence from both hunts," Blaze replied, "With the strength you gain from this, I would ask that you disrupt the tidal ritual the Pure Uratha are enacting."

 
 Spoiler 
Blaze trying his luck to get a little bit more.
 
Bennosuke
There is one more wicked sounding shriek of wood grinding against wood. Pequod's mouth (or the mouth of Pequod's figurehead) twists into a grin. " I would be happy to help... disrupt the machinations of some Uratha. You have my word, Ithauer Blazel, " the spirit replies.

If Blaze glances over at Bear, his face is gaunt and taught, but the Rahu makes eye contact with his packmate and gives him an affirming nod.

(OOC: Blaze is down to 3/4 WP)
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 There is one more wicked sounding shriek of wood grinding against wood. Pequod's mouth (or the mouth of Pequod's figurehead) twists into a grin. " I would be happy to help... disrupt the machinations of some Uratha. You have my word, Ithauer Blazel, " the spirit replies.

If Blaze glances over at Bear, his face is gaunt and taught, but the Rahu makes eye contact with his packmate and gives him an affirming nod.

(OOC: Blaze is down to 3/4 WP) 
 

“Then we are in agreement,” Blaze said, “may this be the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship.  We will gather a few things to help on the voyage, any suggestions would be appreciated.  Then we will meet here to depart before sunset.”
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Thundercracker 
 “any suggestions would be appreciated.  Then we will meet here to depart before sunset.” 
 

 'I would also like to know that.'  Joanna muttered.
Bennosuke
Without moving in anyway, Pequod replies, " It will be sundown soon enough. " Answering Blaze's question, the spirit says matter-o-factly, " Nets and harpoon and lots of rope, " though whether Pequod was referring to for the Idigam or for the whale spirit, it was unclear.

Bear speaks up hastily and adds, " We will be following a group of Deep Sea Spirits. They know where this Idigam's lair is, and have promised to lead us there. "

" Very well, " Pequod replies, seeming unperturbed.

To Blaze, the Rahu mutters under his breath, " Sorry, just figured I'd get that out there. "

Kara steps up to the other seniors and says, " I can go get the Deep Sea Spirits ready, while you guys get whatever else we need. Just uh, get me my leather jacket from my room. My guess is it's gonna be cold out there. " She hugs her arms across the torn and spray painted white T-shirt she is wearing.
Haval
Joanna is open to the idea that Pequod was correct here.  'Harpoon. Maybe there's a building site around somewhere. Or a fence.' 

To Bear,  'I can't shake the feeling that's its like going after wherever Godzilla lives. Like there's a big cave on the bottom of the occean.' 

To Kara,  'You got it. And some towels. Maybe a hipflask?' 
Bennosuke
 Joanna is open to the idea that Pequod was correct here. 'Harpoon. Maybe there's a building site around somewhere. Or a fence.' 

Bear shrugs and says, " Probably something can be thrown together from the warehouse itself. " Joanna will by this time know that in The Shadow, the Cannery instead appears as an old wooden shipyard. It actually used to house Pequod. " Though, I don't know what good it might do us against the Idigam... " Bear adds, concern lining his face. He nods at Joanna's comment about going after Godzilla but does not comment.

Kara chuckles at Joanna's comment. " Definitely a hip flask, " she says with a warm grin, even coming over to wrap an arm around Joanna's shoulder and give it a squeeze, " Good idea. "
GKnightBC
  "So, we need to gather up fishing gear from this side, for it to work against our foe, correct?"   Jeremy asks, curious.   "Is there anything else that we should do to prepare for this upcoming battle, like energize our allies with a micro-concert or something? If not let's go become mighty fishers of the Deep!"   
Haval
After Bear comments,  'Oh that's right. Maybe there's an actual harpoon lying around on this side.'  Joanna had not paid much attention to what the Canary in the Shaow actually looked like. She'll shrug at the other comment.  'Maybe go for the eyes. How are you at throwing?' 

Joanna will grin at Kara and return the hug with her other arm.  'Whisky it is. If all goes well I think we're going to need a drink afterwards.' 

To Jeremy,  'I'm willing to try if everyone else is. Normally I'd want to have a look at this thing before we go in on mass but I don't think it's the sort of thing you can scout.' 
Bennosuke
Bear grins at the question and replies, " Well there's a reason I went into music and not sports. " He sighs and then adds, " but we take what is given, right? "

After a little more conversation, the pack split up to complete their various tasks. Kara returns from the well, followed by the shifting glowing herd of Deep Sea Spirits. Many of the lesser motes flitter and hiss nervously, while the more developed and powerful spirits simply follow solemnly, their tails whipping lazily back and forth as if they were swimming the ocean. As they near Pequod, the chorus keeps a wide berth, and the lesser spirits flit around even more anxiously. None the less, nothing is said between the Deep Sea Spirits and the towering whaling spirit.

Joanna and Jeremy return from the Shipyard. The old and dark building had creaked and protested their weight as they had rummaged around for supplies. The two pups return carrying a handful of harpoons and lots of rope, though there wasn't much netting they had found, and most of it had been gnawed (or maybe sawed) into useless pieces.

The others return with blankets and jackets, and alcohol.

When everyone is gathered, the leader of the Deep Sea Spirits addresses the Uratha. " We shall lead you out into the open waters, to seek the layer of the Idigam, " the spirit bellows, opening its massive mouth filled with rows of needle long teeth. It continues, " As we get closer, there will be need to remain quiet and if possible hidden. The Idigam's spawn populate the waters near the island. They are foul and unnatural creatures, and will likely attack us upon detection. "

The spirit seems completely oblivious to how Pequod, a massive boat, was going to accomplish this.
Haval
 'I think we've met the spawn before. If we do run into them can you stay out of their way and let us deal with them.'  Joanna is leaning on a harpoon and has come back wearing her hoodie on under her jacket.  'Pequod...can you sail quietly if you have to?' 
Bennosuke
Pequod's figurehead raises the harpoon in a wooden hand proudly as it replies to Joanna, " I, like you little Uratha, am a hunter. It is loud out at sea; the howling wind, the rolling waves. I can move silently enough. Do you have any other reservations? "
Haval
Joanna nodded,  'That'll have to do.'  Could the ship even hide itself from something coming from below it? It was hard not to picture 'Jaws'.
Bennosuke
Once all the Uratha are gathered and ready Pequod says, " Very well then... all aboard. " The wooden boards of the spirit's hull groan and creek. But rather than a boarding plank being extended, or ropes being thrown overboard, the hull of the ship will actually split open horizontally, revealing an opening very similar to a mouth. For a moment you can catch a glimpse of a below-deck cabin. Then out from the orifice sprouts a long and muscular tongue, about five feet in width, and long enough to reach the shore where the Anchor Wolves stand.

The Uratha board, bringing with them their gathered supplies. Once everyone has made it onto the spirit ship, Pequod will gesture to the Deep Sea Spirits, who float out into the ocean. The dark waters of the bay begin to glow with the spirit Essence of the Deep Sea Spirits, creating beautiful glowing shapes that shimmer and stretch under the surface of the water, creating a trail for Pequod to follow.

The whaling spirit pushes off, sails lifted though the wind is blowing lightly and in the wrong direction. Within fifteen minutes or so, Pequod is far off from the dock, navigating choppy waters that seem to make every attempt to overturn and thwart the progress of the ship. Several times the sea is so violent that the turn of a wave literally takes all those on board out of their seats or off their feet, floating for perilous moments in the air before crashing back down onto the deck. It becomes clear very quickly that the sea is no place for an Uratha, no matter how mighty of a hunter she or he may be, and these waters seem to be particularly unwelcoming.

(OOC: Please everyone roll a Stamina + Survival roll. Failure will put all physical rolls for the rest of the scene at a -1)
Haval
 'Er...thanks.'  Joanna is curious to see how spongey the tongue was as she walked over it but was fairly confident that the spirit wasn't going to actually try to eat them. Once they were underway she'll take up a position near the prow to see if she could smell anything besides the salt of the occean. To the others,  'Anyone done anything like this before?' 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Stamina 2 + Survival 1
 (3d10)[ 2 ][ 5 ][ 5 ](12) 
Any 10s
 (3d10)[ 5 ][ 3 ][ 7 ](15) 
 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
  'Er...thanks.'  Joanna is curious to see how spongey the tongue was as she walked over it but was fairly confident that the spirit wasn't going to actually try to eat them. Once they were underway she'll take up a position near the prow to see if she could smell anything besides the salt of the occean. To the others,  'Anyone done anything like this before?' 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Stamina 2 + Survival 1
 (3d10)[ 9 ][ 2 ][ 9 ](20) 
Any 10s
 (3d10)[ 10 ][ 5 ][ 1 ](16) 
 
 
 

 Blaze 

“Nope, it’s an adventure,” Blaze said, “just imagine how bad it would be if we didn’t have Pequod in our corner.”

 
 Spoiler 
 (3d10)[ 9 ][ 2 ][ 9 ](20) 
10 again:  (3d10)[ 10 ][ 5 ][ 1 ](16) 
 
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Thundercracker 
  Blaze 

“Nope, it’s an adventure,” Blaze said, “just imagine how bad it would be if we didn’t have Pequod in our corner.” 
 

 'Got to be better then swimming.'  Joanna eyes the water and is already starting to feel nauseous.
Bennosuke
Stepping onto the tongue/boarding plank is more like walking on a rock covered in very spongy moss, rather than like stepping onto a muscular organ. There is a certain immediate give before your shoes hit a firmer substance below.

It is somehow much warmer inside the ship, and onboard it smells strongly of sea water, fish, and candle wax. Even as Pequod does its best to navigate the choppy waters, the Uratha are thrown this way and that, as the boat rocks and groans and lurches.

Kara has the worst of it, and less than twenty minutes into the ride she is vomiting. She doesn't even make it to the deck and spends the voyage with Bear huddled over hear, trying to catch the residual phlegm and bile that she wretches up into a wooden bucket.

Joanna doesn't fair much better, though she only vomits once, and is able to get to rails to toss her cookies overboard. She spends the rest of the voyage pail faced and shivering.

Every now and then Pequod's voice booms throughout the ship, scolding the Uratha for their lack of sea legs. After what seems like an eternity, the ship spirit announces, " I think we must be getting close. Your friends have begun to slow down. " By now the sun has completely set, and for those above deck, the winds are whipping fierce, cutting through the heat of Pequod's spirit body. Those above deck can see what Pequod meant, the glowing underwater silhouettes have are no longer snaking ahead. The chorus of Deep Sea Spirits have instead seemed to lose all coordination, gathering in an unorganized mass of shimmering lights flitting hither and yon.

Moments later, a glowing black eye extends above the water, attached to a scaly proboscis-like stalk that fingers down to one of the larger Deep Sea Spirits. In a shrill voice the spirit announces, " We are getting close. Many of our school wish to proceed no further. We are reaching the Idigam's territories, and its waters are infested with its spawn. "

Far in the distance, those on deck may be able to see some dark mass on the horizon, unknowable in size and distance from where you stand and with such strange nighttime illumination.
Thundercracker
 Blaze 

“Well, we’re here.  Any ideas how we wanna approach this thing?” Blaze asked.
Haval
Joanna has been trying to focus on the horizon and try to trick her brain into forgetting the way that Pequod was moving.

She'll point towards the mass in the distance and ask the deep sea spirit,  'Is that...land?'  It was hard to forget her own mention of Godzilla earlier.

To Blaze,  'I was expecting something to try to kill us by now. If that's land over there should we try and get closer to see if anyone notices? I don't want to try swimming unless we have no other choice.' 
Bennosuke
By then Bear had dragged Kara above deck. She was pale and shivering and draped over the Rahu's shoulder. Even from several feet away she reeked of the stench of vomit, and her brow was pale and shiny with sweat. Bear kept an arm wrapped around Kara, and with the other pointed out to the dark shape ahead. " That's got to be Cuttyhunk Island, " he said, raising his voice to be heard over the wind and waves, " they were all big Dagon worshipers on the other side, right? Makes sense it's where The Idigam would be making its lair. If we go out there, we're definitely going to be putting ourselves in danger. " He turned to Blaze and says, " I consider this a scouting mission. Ain't worth getting our asses killed just yet, but we probably are gonna have to get out to that island to find out more. Blaze, what are the odds that if we get you close enough, you can figure out its weakness? "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 By then Bear had dragged Kara above deck. She was pale and shivering and draped over the Rahu's shoulder. Even from several feet away she reeked of the stench of vomit, and her brow was pale and shiny with sweat. Bear kept an arm wrapped around Kara, and with the other pointed out to the dark shape ahead. " That's got to be Cuttyhunk Island, " he said, raising his voice to be heard over the wind and waves, " they were all big Dagon worshipers on the other side, right? Makes sense it's where The Idigam would be making its lair. If we go out there, we're definitely going to be putting ourselves in danger. " He turned to Blaze and says, " I consider this a scouting mission. Ain't worth getting our asses killed just yet, but we probably are gonna have to get out to that island to find out more. Blaze, what are the odds that if we get you close enough, you can figure out its weakness? " 
 

“If it’s like a spirit, pretty good,” Blaze replied, “I don’t think we have a choice except to get closer though.  We haven’t learned anything yet.”
GKnightBC
Jeremy struggled with keeping his own meal down, and seeing, smelling and hearing the members of the Pack who didn't, wasn't helping. Enduring, he also peers out at the dark mass up ahead, listening to the information imparted by the Deep Sea Spirits.   "If it's spawn are in the waters, what's the best way to get closer without causing a feeding frenzy with us as the chum?"   He asks, looking at the altered depths.
Haval
 'Would they actually stay away from Pequod? I take it none of them are big enough to swallow him whole?' 
Bennosuke
Pequod's voice rumbles across the body of the ship, literally the spirit's corpus, " I cannot guarantee we will not be attacked. Though I don't think your friends, are willing to guide us any farther. "
Haval
Joanna turns to the others,  'Then we get closer don't we? If it's more of the things from the other day we deal with them. Maybe it won't even be that hard. Bear almost dealt with the last lot by himself.' 
Thundercracker
 Blaze 

"Yeah, we're gonna have to get closer," Blaze said, "need to do something first though."

Blaze asks Pequod to let him address the deep sea spirits.

"Thank you for guiding us to the lair," Blaze said, "you have fulfilled your side of the bargain.  If there is any additional insight you can give us before we bid one another farewell, we would appreciate it."
Bennosuke
 "Yeah, we're gonna have to get closer," Blaze said, "need to do something first though."

Blaze asks Pequod to let him address the deep sea spirits. 

Pequod's voice booms in Blaze's head like the clap of thunder, " Follow me. " At first Blaze is not sure what the spirit means, but suddenly a rope from one of Pequod's towering masts comes down before him, twisting through the air like a snake bellying its way through the grass. The rope twists itself around Blaze's right forearm, and pulls him towards the stairs leading below deck. Somehow the rope continues to pull Blaze, even when he gets below deck, defying the physics that insist the rope should only be able to yank him up to the mast, instead growing longer as its leads him below where he can assume the bow or front of the ship should be.

Blaze finds himself in what can only be the Captain's Room, decorated in rotting Elizabethan riches. A four poster bed sits moldering in the corner, and on a small wooden desk sits a small portrait of what could only be described as a fish-woman. The room smells thick of musk and seaweed, and cloying rot. But the front of the ship slowly become opaque, creating a surface that allows him to see the Deep Sea Spirits fluttering around the hull of the boat. The experience reminds Blaze of being at an aquarium. The Deep Sea Spirits can clearly see Blaze as well, as they start gathering around where he stands.


 "Thank you for guiding us to the lair," Blaze said, "you have fulfilled your side of the bargain. If there is any additional insight you can give us before we bid one another farewell, we would appreciate it." 

The lead spirit, the one with the massive spine filled mouth speaks. " And thank you for the shelter you provided, Blaze of the Anchor Wolves. " It's corpus glows brightly, a beacon of white and blue in the dark waters. It turns its massive head backwards, swimming in a tight circle before coming back around to Blaze. " Be very very careful. I beg of you, do not go to the island. I fear the abomination and its spawn are too powerful... though I fear I won't disuade you. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Pequod's voice booms in Blaze's head like the clap of thunder, " Follow me. " At first Blaze is not sure what the spirit means, but suddenly a rope from one of Pequod's towering masts comes down before him, twisting through the air like a snake bellying its way through the grass. The rope twists itself around Blaze's right forearm, and pulls him towards the stairs leading below deck. Somehow the rope continues to pull Blaze, even when he gets below deck, defying the physics that insist the rope should only be able to yank him up to the mast, instead growing longer as its leads him below where he can assume the bow or front of the ship should be.

Blaze finds himself in what can only be the Captain's Room, decorated in rotting Elizabethan riches. A four poster bed sits moldering in the corner, and on a small wooden desk sits a small portrait of what could only be described as a fish-woman. The room smells thick of musk and seaweed, and cloying rot. But the front of the ship slowly become opaque, creating a surface that allows him to see the Deep Sea Spirits fluttering around the hull of the boat. The experience reminds Blaze of being at an aquarium. The Deep Sea Spirits can clearly see Blaze as well, as they start gathering around where he stands.



The lead spirit, the one with the massive spine filled mouth speaks. " And thank you for the shelter you provided, Blaze of the Anchor Wolves. " It's corpus glows brightly, a beacon of white and blue in the dark waters. It turns its massive head backwards, swimming in a tight circle before coming back around to Blaze. " Be very very careful. I beg of you, do not go to the island. I fear the abomination and its spawn are too powerful... though I fear I won't disuade you. " 
 

"We have no choice," Blaze said, "if we do not act, other spirits and territories will suffer the same fate as yours.  I hope we may see each other again."

Blaze waits until the Deep Sea spirits depart.
"Let's go Pequod, we've got to try and get a look at what we're dealing with," Blaze said as he returned to the others, "be ready to high tail it out of here though if things go badly.."
Haval
Joanna will stay near the prow and do her best to watch the water for signs that anything else might be approaching them.
Bennosuke
 Blaze waits until the Deep Sea spirits depart.
"Let's go Pequod, we've got to try and get a look at what we're dealing with," Blaze said as he returned to the others, "be ready to high tail it out of here though if things go badly.." 

" Yes, let's, " the spirit's voice echoes across the ship. Suddenly Pequod lurches back to motion, its sails suddenly filling with wind. The ship spirit begins heading straight for the black land mass in the distance, cutting across the choppy waters.

" I've got a bad feeling about this, " Kara mutters to anyone close enough by to hear.

Bear shakes his head and echoes Blaze, " Get ready everyone. We're going into enemy territory and the terrain does not favor us. " He scratches his neck anxiously, before switching into Dalu.

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

About fifteen minutes go by, when suddenly Pequod stops moving; the ship seeming to glide to a slow and easy halt. The waters seem to calm as well. Where once the ship was buffeted by waves that rocked the vessel this way and that, and climbed so high that they tossed chilling sea water onto the deck, Pequod now sat over a near motionless sea of darkness. A fetid smell hangs in the air, and the once chilling winds have stopped.

After a few moments, anyone on deck starts to notice movement under the water's surface. Dark bodies that seem to shimmer as they shift and move. First there is just one, then a second, then suddenly there are at least ten of them, slowly circling the hull.
Haval
Joanna is already holding a harpoon in one hand and leaning on it for balance. There is a slightly mad grin on her face. Dealing with things if they attacked you was very different to going out to look for these things. On the other hand they were Uratha. To Kara,  'They get too close I can always throw up on them.'  She will follow Bear's example by shifting to Dalu so that she could keep hold of the harpoon.

When the things actually arrived she will back away from the edge of the deck and stand closer to Kara so she had someone that could cover her back.  'Everybody try not to get pulled in 
GKnightBC
Jeremy, unfamiliar with a harpoon or other similar weapon, choose to gather a net and ready it for casting. Also shifting into his preferring Dalu form, he says to Blaze   "Call it when you want us to attack, and I'll see if I can scoop up some nasty critters for judgement."    He then hides behind some rigging, ready to surprise any attackers. 
Thundercracker
 Blaze 

“Pequod, any idea what those are?” Blaze asked.

“I think we should avoid starting any fights until we have what we’ve come for,” Blaze replied to the others.
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Thundercracker 
 “I think we should avoid starting any fights until we have what we’ve come for,” Blaze replied to the others. 
 

 'Well I'm not going in after them.' 
Bennosuke
 “Pequod, any idea what those are?” Blaze asked. 

Blaze's question is met with a long silence. The Uratha are left scurrying along the boundary of the hull, watching as the waters begin to churn with the surrounding bodies. Finally Pequod's voice thunders across the ship, " Your kind chained me, and used me as your guard dog. Even you Anchor Wolves, you waited and waited before giving me my freedom. Then you summoned me, asked for my assistance. HA! I forsake you Uratha! I condemn you to your cold watery graves! " Suddenly the whole boat begins to rock back and forth, as if Pequod were trying to throw its passengers overboard. But even if the Uratha hold on for dear life, the ship spirit turns itself all the way over. Cold black waters come up to meet the Anchor Wolves, and even those who hold on find themselves going under as Pequod forces itself to capsize.

(OOC: Everyone, please give me a Stamina/Dexterity +Atheltics/Survival roll. You may choose your best stats, but don't forget if you have a negative modifier from your nausea. Failure means getting stuck under the capsizing spirit, which will trigger an immediate transition into War Form necessary to escape, which will of course risk Kuruth)
Haval
In Dalu form Joanna lets out a snarl of frustration at Pequod's words. She wasn't responsible for what had happened to the spirit. She hadn't even been here when the others had pissed Pequod off. As the deck starts to upend itself she'll dive for the edge to try and get a grip on something before she ends up in the water. In her sudden panic she unconsiously reaches for a form she's never had any reason to use before.


 
 Spoiler 

Stamina 2 + Stam bonus in Dalu 1 + Athletics 1 (-1 Nausea)
 (3d10)[ 5 ][ 1 ][ 3 ](9) 
Any 10s
[rollv]3d10[rollv]
 
GKnightBC
Jeremy, being far too trusting of the ship-being's honor, is caught by surprise in the sudden turn about - both literal and figurative - and gets pulled into the depths with the body of the ship. Struggling in the icy spirit water, he is forced into Crinos, his body wrenched and altered.
Bennosuke
The pack are plunged into the water as Pequod willfully capsizes. The Uratha are met with the sudden shock of freezing water as they plunge under the waves. The waters are so dark that it is almost impossible to see, and under water, a wolf cannot breath to use its enhanced sense of smell. Fear and rage coalesce, forcing many of the Anchor Wolves into Gauru (Bear, Joanna, Jeremy and Blaze). The blinding fury of Kuruth is close now for many, a madness that threatens to pull the Uratha deep into the depths of a frenzy that they could drown in.

A mob of the Idigam's spawn gather around Kara, circling around her like sharks on a bleeding prey. They move through the water on powerful limbs that propel them faster than any Uratha could hope to swim. Perhaps they are only harrying the weakened Uratha as only a few strikes are able to draw blood; a pair of shallow cuts created by raking claws.

(OOC: Kara takes 4L damage. She remains in Dalu)

A pair of the slimly creatures circle around the now massive Blaze. They flit in and out, threatening with webbed clawed hands, but are unable to get inside the Werewolves now incredible and dangerous reach.

(OOC: Both attacks fail on Blaze)

Joanna is not so lucky. She also finds two of the stray creatures darting for her. Their attacks are more true, and she suffers several blows which seem to come at her from all angles, as the spawn outpace her in the dark waters.

(OOC: Joanna takes 5L)

Bear comes to Kara's aid, paddling through the water with powerful though ungraceful strokes. His claws catch one of the scaled abominations in the back, drawing a dark ichorous blood.

(Bear does 4L to one)

Thrashing this way and that in the water, Kara manages to glance one of the creatures in her jaws, biting down on its arm. There is a barking croaking shriek, as the thing wriggles out of her grasp.

(OOC: Kara does 2L to another)

As the Uratha struggle with their new foes, Pequod dives underwater. Defying physics and the laws of nature, the boat shifts into the shape of a submarine and dives deep, deep underwater, out of even the most powerfully sighted.

(OOC: It is now Blaze's turn)
Thundercracker
 Blaze 

Blaze plunged into the icy water and immediately shifted to the werewolf of legend.  He wanted to destroy the spirit that had betrayed them, but Pequod was too quick, diving down to where Blaze could not follow.  Instead, he turned his anger on those Idigam spawn that came within reach.

 
 Spoiler 
str+3, Dex+1, Stamina+2, Size+2 (Health+4, Init+1, Speed+4).  Claw &amp; Bite can establish grapple for free, and also deal +2 lethal.  Init +3 when using teeth or claws.  Regenerate all bashing &amp; lethal each turn.  Enemies may only use dex or wits to avoid attacks.
Blaze will take a swipe at one of the two who try to attack him:

 (6d10)[ 10 ][ 4 ][ 7 ][ 2 ][ 9 ][ 3 ](35) 
10 again:  (6d10)[ 7 ][ 5 ][ 1 ][ 1 ][ 3 ][ 6 ](23) 
 
Haval
Joanna is furious at being in this position, but maintains enough presence of mind not to roar out her anger to the sky when she's trying not to drown. Instead she will focus on getting even. As soon as one of the creatures is close enough she will reach out a well muscled arm that has dramatically increased in length to get a hold on one of the spawn. If she can get her claws into it she will focus on dragging it towards her mouth where she might be able to tear it's throat out.

 
 Spoiler 

Aiming to grapple

Str 2 + Brawl 1 + Gauru 3 - Defence 6 + Wp 3
 (3d10)[ 2 ][ 1 ][ 10 ](13) 
Any 10s
 (3d10)[ 5 ][ 3 ][ 5 ](13) 
 
GKnightBC
Jeremy flounders for a bit in the chill water-simulation then kicks out for the nearest friend in combat. Reaching the fracas, he rips into the nearest foe, his hybrid claws looking to rend the traitorous trawler but instead settling for the Idagam's defender spirit.
 
 Spoiler: Combat details 

STR 1 + Brawl 1 + Gauru 3 - DEF 6 +WP(1) 3 =  (3d10)[ 4 ][ 9 ][ 7 ](20)  Tens  (3d10)[ 6 ][ 4 ][ 7 ](17) 
Obviously, combat is going to be an issue. Probably should have forwent Brawl for Weaponry to get the Dex instead of Str.
 
Bennosuke
Blaze strikes out with his claws against the nearest of the fishy creatures. Rage powers the Uratha's blow, but the waters slow the strike down, and Blaze's claws only glance off the thing's flank, pouring a cloud of black ichor into the waters.

(OOC: Defense 6 turns Blaze's attack into a chance dice. He gets a success for a total of 3 damage - 1 for armor for 2 damage. Let me know if you want a grapple out of it.)

Joanna finds herself in a similar situation, needing to find a way to sink her anger with claws and teeth into the destruction of her attackers. A dark body darts past her, and Joanna flicks her head to the side, clamping down almost reflexively. The taste of salt water is quickly drowned out by the taste of putrid metallic blood. The thing moans as it thrashes frantically in her jaws.

(OOC: Joanna is down to 0/5 WP. She gets a success, causes a grapple and 2L. Next round Joanna will make a contested grapple roll.)

Jeremy is able to reach a nearby foe, swimming over to the mass of creatures surrounding Kara. He manages a glancing blow off of one of the Spawn as it surfaces. The blow forces the thing to immediately dive back under the water with a splash, leaving a cloudy black trail in the water.

(OOC: Jeremy is down to 3/5WP. He should only have rolled two dice 1+1+3+3-6=2, but still gets his success. He causes 2L as above and can initiate a grapple if you would like GK)

 
 Spoiler: OOC All 
Okay, back to the top of the order. Everyone regenerates all non aggravated damage, The Kuruth counter drops down one round, and we move to the top of the order.
 


The majority of the spawn continue to harry Kara, swarming around her to strike glancing blows on the Uratha in Dalu

(OOC: Kara takes 3L)

Several of the creatures though, break off from attacking Kara to swarm Bear (Jeremy is lucky enough to avoid notice perhaps), who had come to her aid. Though attacked several times, Bear swats the oncoming spawn away, preventing himself from taking any damage.

Blaze's entanglement with one of the Spawn prevents it from being able to hurt him immediately, though another creature rakes its claws across his back, while he struggles to keep his prey between his jaws.

(OOC: Blaze takes 4L from an attack)

Bear shreds his already injured foe. His claws catch the thing as it is trying to swim away, using its powerful legs to push off of the mighty Rahu. The propulsion only works against the skewered abomination, as it dissembowels itself with its own momentum.

(OOC: Bear does enough damage to kill the first Spawn)

Kara is unable to do anything against her surrounding foes.

(OOC: It is back to Blaze)
Haval
Joanna will take the opportunity to wrap her arms around the creature in her mouth to make absolutely sure it couldn't get away. Otherwise she'll bite down as hard as she could. Even if it got away she'd like to make it regret attacking them.

 
 Spoiler 

Contested Grapple roll to do more damage

Str 2 + Brawl 1 + Gauru 3
 (6d10)[ 32 ] 
Any 10s
 (6d10)[ 29 ] 

Rolled in the ooc, no successes
 
Thundercracker
Blaze snags the spawn with his claws and attempts to rip it apart.
 
 Spoiler 
grapple: str + brawl:  (6d10)[ 2 ][ 8 ][ 9 ][ 9 ][ 9 ][ 8 ](45) 
10 again:  (6d10)[ 5 ][ 2 ][ 5 ][ 8 ][ 8 ][ 3 ](31) 
 
GKnightBC
Hooking claws deep into his prey, Jeremy tries to ensure this one spirit becomes one with the waters.

 
 Spoiler: Grapple contest 

STR+Brawl+Gauru  (5d10)[ 9 ][ 4 ][ 2 ][ 8 ][ 3 ](26)  Tens? [rollv]5d109/rollv]

 
Bennosuke
Blaze manages to dig his claws on one hand deep into the abdomen of the already wounded spawn. His fingers sink down to the knuckles in warm viscera, particularly appealing against the cold sea water. The thing moans, until his second set of claws pierce the thing's neck, this hand turned palm up. Pulling in both directions, its head comes away at the neck, its mandible crunching against the roof of its mouth. Black ichor pours over across Blaze's face from the remaining beats of the thing's heart, as he extracts both hands, allowing its limp body to begin its inevitable descent to the bottom of the ocean.

Joanna attempts to swim her arms around the struggling creature, as she keeps her jaws locked around its side. The thing's flesh is slimy scales, and it squirms against her efforts, twisting around Joanna to bring its own bite down on her biceps. Its needle teeth find purchase through the thick fur, piercing skin. But the sting of its bite is too red hot, burning with an acidity that seems to stretch up and down Joanna's arm. Something has infected her, something filthy spreading deep into her blood stream.

(OOC: Joanna takes 2L damage from the contested roll. Since this is a grapple the thing is able to use its 2 dot toxic bite. Being Uratha, this drops it down to a 1 dot, taking the Moderate Poisoned tilt)

Jeremy thrashes at one of the nearby spawn, but is unable to land a meaningful blow. For a second its lips pull across its almost crocodile snout in what looks like a mocking smile.

(OOC: After defense of 6, this is a miss)

(Top of the order. All lethal damage for those in Gauru healed. Clock ticks down again. Don't forget you can shift up or down, your turn at any time, otherwise things WILL get dicey... see clock)


Both Kara and Jeremy find themselves beset with a swarm of the abhuman creatures. Jeremy is able to swing to and fro, thrashing about in a manner that keeps the surrounding spawn from being able to close on him. Kara on the other hand is not so lucky. One of the nearby monsters rakes its claws across Kara's neck. She lifts her head and for one moment utters a choked, guttural howl, before falling limp in the water. But rather than sinking, two of the spawn grab her, one by each arm, and begin carrying her head above the water, away towards the island at a worrying speed.

(OOC: Kara takes 2L filling her health boxes. I should have shifted her to Gauru first, bad playing on my part. She is now unconscious. Also, remember that while in Gauru you must spend each turn attacking a nearby opponent.)

Bear, still in war-form, is too busy slashing down foes to notice what has happened to Kara. His claws find another of the scaly creatures, ripping its throat out with a single swipe. Meat and blood and windpipe spill into the waters around Bear.

(OOC: There are now two Spawn with Kara, one grappling with Joanna, and two "free swimming". Back to Blaze)
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Blaze manages to dig his claws on one hand deep into the abdomen of the already wounded spawn. His fingers sink down to the knuckles in warm viscera, particularly appealing against the cold sea water. The thing moans, until his second set of claws pierce the thing's neck, this hand turned palm up. Pulling in both directions, its head comes away at the neck, its mandible crunching against the roof of its mouth. Black ichor pours over across Blaze's face from the remaining beats of the thing's heart, as he extracts both hands, allowing its limp body to begin its inevitable descent to the bottom of the ocean.

Joanna attempts to swim her arms around the struggling creature, as she keeps her jaws locked around its side. The thing's flesh is slimy scales, and it squirms against her efforts, twisting around Joanna to bring its own bite down on her biceps. Its needle teeth find purchase through the thick fur, piercing skin. But the sting of its bite is too red hot, burning with an acidity that seems to stretch up and down Joanna's arm. Something has infected her, something filthy spreading deep into her blood stream.

(OOC: Joanna takes 2L damage from the contested roll. Since this is a grapple the thing is able to use its 2 dot toxic bite. Being Uratha, this drops it down to a 1 dot, taking the Moderate Poisoned tilt)

Jeremy thrashes at one of the nearby spawn, but is unable to land a meaningful blow. For a second its lips pull across its almost crocodile snout in what looks like a mocking smile.

(OOC: After defense of 6, this is a miss)

(Top of the order. All lethal damage for those in Gauru healed. Clock ticks down again. Don't forget you can shift up or down, your turn at any time, otherwise things WILL get dicey... see clock)


Both Kara and Jeremy find themselves beset with a swarm of the abhuman creatures. Jeremy is able to swing to and fro, thrashing about in a manner that keeps the surrounding spawn from being able to close on him. Kara on the other hand is not so lucky. One of the nearby monsters rakes its claws across Kara's neck. She lifts her head and for one moment utters a choked, guttural howl, before falling limp in the water. But rather than sinking, two of the spawn grab her, one by each arm, and begin carrying her head above the water, away towards the island at a worrying speed.

(OOC: Kara takes 2L filling her health boxes. I should have shifted her to Gauru first, bad playing on my part. She is now unconscious. Also, remember that while in Gauru you must spend each turn attacking a nearby opponent.)

Bear, still in war-form, is too busy slashing down foes to notice what has happened to Kara. His claws find another of the scaly creatures, ripping its throat out with a single swipe. Meat and blood and windpipe spill into the waters around Bear.

(OOC: There are now two Spawn with Kara, one grappling with Joanna, and two "free swimming". Back to Blaze) 
 

Blaze roars as Kara is taken, and charges after her, shifting into Urshul form as he goes.
 
 Spoiler 
Strength +2, Dexterity +2, Stamina +2, Manipulation –1, Size +1, Species speed factor +3 (Health +3,
Initiative +2, Speed +7)
spend an essence to shift and move at the same time, charge one of the spawn hauling Kara, aiming to inflict a bite wrack and slow them down.
 (5d10)[ 4 ][ 5 ][ 10 ][ 5 ][ 4 ](28) 
10 again:  (5d10)[ 2 ][ 10 ][ 6 ][ 1 ][ 7 ](26) 
 
Haval
Joanna maintains just enough presence of mind to register the howl that Kara makes, and that is enough to move her away from the rage. She will let her prey go and go after one of the creatures that was attacking Kara instead. Maybe if they worked together they might actually make it through this.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Let me know if any of this doesn't work?

Using Closer then you thought (p.26) to get closer to one of the creatures attacking Kara

Spend Essance to shift down to Urshal

Spending another Essance to use Eviscerate (p.120) to make the attack rote. Target has to be surprised so would be a judgement call if it's legal.

Str 2 + Brawl 1 + Urshal 2
 (5d10)[ 1 ][ 6 ][ 6 ][ 6 ][ 1 ](20) 
Rote action to reroll any non 8-10s
 (5d10)[ 8 ][ 10 ][ 10 ][ 4 ][ 3 ](35) 
Any 10s
 (5d10)[ 3 ][ 4 ][ 8 ][ 1 ][ 2 ](18) 
 
GKnightBC
Jeremy, upon seeing Kara's capture and move, shifts into the faster Urshul form, paddling through the water to get her back! Once he reaches the foes, he grabs her and shifts up against them, his larger form smashing them away from her floating body.
 
 Spoiler: Attempted grapple 

Spending one Essence for the shape shift, then going through the water at speed 17. Fleet of Foot (2 dots, page 111)  may apply against those he's chasing. Tactical Shifting (pg 110), if possible and needed, to gain an additional +5 speed. Otherwise he will use Tactical Shifting - Broaden once next to the kidnappers to Bash them away.
Rolling dice for any need: (5d10)[ 8 ][ 9 ][ 2 ][ 7 ][ 7 ](33)  Tens?  (5d10)[ 8 ][ 2 ][ 2 ][ 6 ][ 3 ](21) 
 
Bennosuke
Not even the pain of shifting distracts Blaze from his anger at seeing Kara downed and captured. His shoulders and hips twist around the side of his body as he transforms from the massive bipedal wolf-monster to a wolf of impossible size. The ocean rocks against Blaze and waves crash against him as he chases down the two fleeing abhumans who have captured Kara. Salt water crashes into his panting mouth, and matte his long fur against his eyes as he struggles. Catching up with the two, he lashes out with an attack that is easily avoided.

(OOC: Blaze is Harmony 6 and thus it does not cost any Essence to shift reflexively... I cannot find any rules that state that you lose the ability to move when you shift. After applying defense, Blaze has a chance dice that fails. Don't forget that you can do all out attacks and of course spend WP, in the future.)

The clouds pass just for a second over the moon, casting the Shadow Ocean into sudden darkness. Just as suddenly, the clouds pass, and Joanna as well falls upon the captors of her packmate. She targets the same foe that Blaze was harrying, but as she gets close, the thing kicks out with a long webbed foot. There is a loud "plunk" as a gout of water shoots straight into Joanna's face. Salt water stings her eyes and nose and suddenly she is disconnected from her most important senses.

As she struggles to regain clear her eyes and nose, huffing loudly, she can feel the poison that had leached into her blood slowly sapping her of her energy, slowing her heartbeat.

(OOC: Joanna's Harmony only allows her to spend one Essence per turn. She uses this to shift, since her roll wouldn't let her use Eviscerate anyways. She is down to 7 Essence. The Spawn's defense drops to 5, but still knocks Kara's attack down to a chance dice, and her first dice is a 1! She takes a dramatic failure and gains a beat. She also takes the Blinded Tilt for one turn. She takes 1 bashing as part of being moderately poisoned.)
Bennosuke
Jeremy as well is forced to downshift, fleeing the building force of the rage that was building pressure inside his head. He too takes the form of a massive Dire Wolf, and moving far faster than his size would bely, is on the Spawn who had captured Kara within moments. With a growl rumbling deep in his throat, he wraps his jaws around one of the Spawn's shoulders, feeling the crack of a rib bone or maybe a clavicle.

(OOC: Jeremy gets one success for his bite, causing 3 lethal damage. He is allowed to initiate a grapple with this if he likes)

Almost immediately following the pack's rallying around Kara, the remaining Spawn circle in. Joanna finds herself fending off several attackers, still struggling to regain her senses. Her fumbling and splashing around keeps one of the Spawn at bay (though Joanna may not actually be aware of it), but a second Spawn falls on her, tearing its claws into her flank. Red blood spills into black water.

(OOC: Joanna has no defense with both eyes blinded for the round. The first Spawn rolls 0 successes, the second does 3L)

Bear's reckless abandon leaves him open to an attack from one of the few Spawn that has stayed engaged with him. The thing's claws barely pierce his wild pelt and thickened skin.

(OOC: Bear takes 2L)

The two Spawn who have Kara hostage both lash out a Blaze. He is able to keep the first one off of him, but takes a drag of spiny webbed claws across his muzzle.

(Blaze takes 2L)

Bear tears into the Spawn that had offended him. With claws the size of a chef's knife, he shreds into turned shoulder of the thing as it tries to protect its vital organs. There is the cracking of bones as Bear throws all his weight and all his anger into the blow, and the thing shrieks in pain, the sound coming out like the noise of a dying frog.

(OOC: Blaze deals 5L in one turn)

We are back to Blaze.
Thundercracker
Blaze attempts to shrug off the pain of his injuries and continues to bite at the same fish-thing he attacked previously, desperately attempting to gain purchase:
 
 Spoiler 

Expending a willpower here:  (8d10)[ 8 ][ 6 ][ 2 ][ 7 ][ 8 ][ 6 ][ 6 ][ 3 ](46) 
10 again:  (8d10)[ 10 ][ 6 ][ 1 ][ 4 ][ 5 ][ 7 ][ 10 ][ 1 ](44) 
 
Haval
Joanna will do her best to swim away from the creature she had tried to attack and will try to shake the water out of her eyes. If anything felt like it was getting too close she'll try to veer out of it's way.

 
 Spoiler 

Defence 3 x 2
 (6d10)[ 3 ][ 5 ][ 4 ][ 1 ][ 8 ][ 7 ](28) 
 
GKnightBC
Continuing his assault on the spirit-being he had bit, Jeremy grabs it within his arms, trying to tear out something important.
 
 Spoiler: Rolls 

Grapple STR+Ath (2) + form 2 [rollv]4d10[/rollv] Tens [rollv]4d10[/rollv]
 
GKnightBC
 
 Originally Posted by GKnightBC 
 Continuing his assault on the spirit-being he had bit, Jeremy grabs it within his arms, trying to tear out something important.
 
 Spoiler: Rolls 

Grapple STR+Ath (2) + form 2  (4d10)[ 10 ][ 7 ][ 1 ][ 2 ](20)  Tens  (4d10)[ 1 ][ 3 ][ 9 ][ 2 ](15) 
 
 
 

 (4d10)[ 2 ][ 10 ][ 10 ][ 8 ](30)  Tens  (4d10)[ 4 ][ 2 ][ 3 ][ 5 ](14) 
OOC - sorry ignore this. It didn't show the rolls the first time, so I re posted
Bennosuke
Blaze lunges forward again, attacking the creature held by Jeremy's bite, and this time is able to sink his long canines into the forearm of abomination as it tries to defend itself letting go of Kara. The thing shrieks in pain and terror. There is a loud snap as the thing's hand wrist snaps completely, and blood gushes into Blaze's mouth and around his snout, and into the dark waters. The spawn struggles in pain for a moment, unable to escape the jaws of the two dire wolves that were attacking it. It flails and moans for a moment or two longer before bleeding out and going limp.

(OOC: Assume not causing a grapple unless you say otherwise. Blaze does 3L and takes this one out of combat. There are now only 4 left, two with significant damage. Blaze is down to 2/4 WP.)

Joanna struggles away from the fray, massive forepaws batting at her eyes in an attempt to clear her vision while still struggling to stay afloat.
Haval
If Joanna is able to get the gunk out of her eyes she'll try to go after one of the creatures while it was distracted dealing with one of her packmates. If she can she'll aim to get a hold of one of it's limbs to stop it moving around.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Str 2 + Brawl 1 + Urhan 2
-defence
 (5d10)[ 6 ][ 2 ][ 3 ][ 3 ][ 5 ](19) 
Any 10s
 (5d10)[ 6 ][ 1 ][ 1 ][ 9 ][ 5 ](22) 

Aiming to inflict Leg Wrack to mess up it's Defence
 
Thundercracker
Blaze spits out the remains of the fish-thing and snarls as he kicks off to bite at the other holding on to Kara, or if that one is already dead, one of the injured ones.

 
 Spoiler 

attack:  (5d10)[ 9 ][ 10 ][ 7 ][ 8 ][ 7 ](41) 
10 again:  (5d10)[ 4 ][ 1 ][ 9 ][ 1 ][ 6 ](21) 
 
Bennosuke
Jeremy, still in Dire Wolf form, lets go of the lifeless body and turns his attention to the second abomination that had captured Kara. He paddles forward to bit at the thing, but can't get close enough.

(OOC: After applying defense, Jeremy has 1 dice dropping his roll to a miss... back to the top of the order.)

Bear finds himself fending off two of the Spawn. Still in Gauru form, he beats back one of the Spawn with an extended arm as thick as a man's torso. The other reaches out a webbed claw and slashes across his extended palm. The flesh peals back into a deep cut, blood spraying and soaking dark fur red. He roars with fury.

(OOC: Bear's defense nullifies the first Spawn's attack. He takes 3L from the second.)

The spawn that still has Kara turns its attention from Jeremy to Blaze. Its scales are the color of mud, its face flat and microcephalic. Large yellow eyes appraise Blaze from below a crown of sparkling gold tangled with seaweed, as it studies him with a wicked grin as it rakes its claws across his flank.

(Blaze takes 2L, bringing him to a total of 4L damage... see character box)

There is the splash of water as one of the Spawn surfaces behind Johanna, who has only just cleared her eyes from the spray. This thing is larger than the others, thick in the chest with a neck full of gills and spindles. It crashes a clawed hand across Joanna's snout before she can defend herself.

(OOC: Joanna's defense knocks it down to 3L. She now has damage in her third rightmost box and takes a further -1 penalty to all rolls)

The pain of the creature's attack almost drives Bear over the edge, having already spent a herculean length of time in The Killing Form. Bear is forced to retreat to Urshul as well, still growling and howling as his bones shift to his will. Targeting the Spawn he had previously wounded, Bear catches its throat in his jaws. The thing utters once last shriek, which dies into breathlessness as he tears its throat out.

(OOC: Bear deals 3L and kills the thing. There are only 3 Spawn left)

Blaze just barely manages to get his fangs around wrist of the crowned Spawn, catching its attacking arm before it can recoil it.

(OOC: Blaze does 3L and can initiate a grapple if he chooses to... this would force the thing to suffer a penalty or let go of Kara)

Joanna is unable to get close enough to the spindly monster to land a solid blow.

It is now Jeremy's turn again
GKnightBC
Jeremy surges through the water, heading to the nearest foe to continue the rout. Angered at the trouble caused by their supposed ally and these...chaff! His bloodlust drives him harder.
 
 Spoiler: Attacks 

Attack with bite STR+ATH+FORM+WP  (7d10)[ 10 ][ 6 ][ 1 ][ 2 ][ 6 ][ 2 ][ 2 ](29)  Tens?  (7d10)[ 8 ][ 8 ][ 6 ][ 5 ][ 7 ][ 9 ][ 4 ](47) 
 
Bennosuke
With fangs locked around (and pierced through) the Spawn's sinuous arm, Blaze begins shaking his head side to side. The thing shrieks and croaks with pain, though something in the animal noises is something like the word "No" in English. The violent motion causes the Spawn's arm to bend in the wrong direction at the elbow as tendons and bones snap with the hyperextension. Its round eyes go wide, all black pupil, and then it loses consciousness. As the Spawn goes limp, its grasp on Kara fades, and the Uratha begins to sink under the dark cold waters.

(OOC: Blaze's successful grapple kills the Spawn, giving both Jeremy and Blaze full actions this round)

The last Spawn engaged with Bear thrashes out with a clawed fist, but is unable to make a blow land. Joanna however is not so lucky. The crowned monster lashes out again, catching her under the chin with a webbed hand. The world swims around Joanna as she struggles to maintain consciousness. The cold waters turning her body to ice, numbing her anger and making it oh so easy to slip into oblivion.

(OOC: Bear dodges any real damage. Joanna heals the one bashing damage per Regeneration rules, but takes another 2L from the most recent attack, leaving her with only one box of health unfilled! Don't forget you can spend Essence to heal Lethal damage)

Bear locks his jaws around the struggling creature, long cannines sinking into the meat of its shoulder as he pulls his massive limbs around the thing, forcing it to bare his weight in the water.

(OOC: Bear gets one success, dealing 3L, and forcing a grapple and Arm wracked We are back to Blaze. Uh, don't forget that Kara is starting to sink)
Haval
After getting punched in the face Joanna will paddle away and try to recover her senses. It would be very bad for her to lose consciousness here. If no one was actually trying to attack her she'll go after Kara and try to stop her sinking any further.

 
 Spoiler 

Spending one essence to heal one lethal damage

Defence 3 x 2
 (6d10)[ 10 ][ 5 ][ 2 ][ 9 ][ 1 ][ 4 ](31) 
 
Thundercracker
Seeing that Joanna is already going after Kara, Blaze jumps in with claws and teeth to add numbers against the Spawn Bear is wrestling with.
 
 Spoiler 

 (6d10)[ 6 ][ 1 ][ 4 ][ 6 ][ 3 ][ 6 ](26) 
10 again:  (6d10)[ 6 ][ 8 ][ 7 ][ 2 ][ 4 ][ 10 ](37) 
 
Bennosuke
Blaze dives in "rescue" Joanna, splashing up cold salt water as he paddled against the rise and fall of waves. He struggles to lunge through the water at the Spawn, but finds his jaws clamping around nothing as the creature dives under the water and his attack.

As Joanna paddles away, she forces her body to knit together open wounds and broken bones. She reaches Kara.

(OOC: Joanna is in Dire wolf form. Is she trying to carry her in her jaws? Wanna give me a Dex + Athletics? Then it will be Jeremy's turn)
Haval
Joanna will aim to get her jaws around one of Kara's limbs to stop her sinking any further. If neccessary she'll nip her lightly in a bid to wake her up.

 
 Spoiler 

Dex 2 + Athletics 1 + Urshal 2
 (5d10)[ 10 ][ 3 ][ 6 ][ 1 ][ 4 ](24) 
Any 10s
 (5d10)[ 6 ][ 1 ][ 8 ][ 3 ][ 8 ](26) 
 
GKnightBC
Jeremy moves to help raise Kara from the water's threat, shifting into a smaller, more agile form to move as fast as possible!
Bennosuke
Bear keeps his jaws locked around one of the last Spawn, forcing it to struggle in a one-armed grapple. The thing pushes and fights, but can't seem to break free. Instead Bear rakes it over and over with his claws. Dark oily blood oozes from new gashes torn across the thing's scaly flesh.

(OOC: Bear wins the contested grapple with a not so great roll. He will deal damage with his successes)

Blaze suddenly finds himself facing crowned Spawn alone, as Joanna and Jeremy both rush to go rescue Kara from sinking under the choppy water. With an unnaturally long arm, it catches Blaze across the side of the head. Claws tear into his hear and cheek, and for a second Blaze's vision goes fuzzy.

(OOC: Blaze takes 3L for the attack. This brings him up to 7L. He has three boxes empty thanks to his Dire wolf form)

Joanna clutches Kara gently in her jaws as Jeremy joins her in hoisting the unconscious Uratha above the water's edge.

(OOC: I believe it is back to Blaze's turn now. Seems like we are nearing the end of what has been a pretty grueling combat)
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Bear keeps his jaws locked around one of the last Spawn, forcing it to struggle in a one-armed grapple. The thing pushes and fights, but can't seem to break free. Instead Bear rakes it over and over with his claws. Dark oily blood oozes from new gashes torn across the thing's scaly flesh.

(OOC: Bear wins the contested grapple with a not so great roll. He will deal damage with his successes)

Blaze suddenly finds himself facing crowned Spawn alone, as Joanna and Jeremy both rush to go rescue Kara from sinking under the choppy water. With an unnaturally long arm, it catches Blaze across the side of the head. Claws tear into his hear and cheek, and for a second Blaze's vision goes fuzzy.

(OOC: Blaze takes 3L for the attack. This brings him up to 7L. He has three boxes empty thanks to his Dire wolf form)

Joanna clutches Kara gently in her jaws as Jeremy joins her in hoisting the unconscious Uratha above the water's edge.

(OOC: I believe it is back to Blaze's turn now. Seems like we are nearing the end of what has been a pretty grueling combat) 
 

Blaze continues the assault, attacking the last remaining Spawn, the one that injured him.
 
 Spoiler 
 (6d10)[ 6 ][ 10 ][ 3 ][ 9 ][ 5 ][ 9 ](42) 
10 again:  (6d10)[ 1 ][ 7 ][ 4 ][ 6 ][ 8 ][ 1 ](27) 
 
Haval
Joanna will try to keep watch for any more of those things coming for her or Kara. If they decided to come from below she would just have to make them pay for it.
GKnightBC
Jeremy remains Dalu as he supports Kara recovery above the ersatz water, watching warily for any bold attackers.
Haval
Joanna is unused to communicating like this but will rely on Jeremy to look after the unconscious Kara. Relying on Blaze to distract the Spawn he was fighting, she'll circle around behind the creature and try and take it in the rear.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Conditional rolls to attempt to get a bonus

Stealth to try making the Spawn unaware
Dex 2 + Stealth 2 + Urshal 2
 (6d10)[ 7 ][ 4 ][ 4 ][ 6 ][ 8 ][ 8 ](37) 
Any 10s
 (6d10)[ 9 ][ 9 ][ 6 ][ 4 ][ 2 ][ 2 ](32) 

Eviscerate- spend 1 Essence to turn an attack against an unaware or surprised opponent into a rote action

Str 2 + Brawl 1 + Urshal 2 - Defence 6
 (5d10)[ 3 ][ 1 ][ 3 ][ 8 ][ 3 ](18) 
Any rerolls for rote action
 (5d10)[ 7 ][ 6 ][ 5 ][ 3 ][ 8 ](29) 
Any 10s
 (5d10)[ 9 ][ 8 ][ 3 ][ 1 ][ 6 ](27) 
 
Bennosuke
(OOC: During Blaze's turn he spends a Essence, recovering 1L damage and bringing his Essence pool to 6/10.)

Blaze moves forward, moving with a fury and a surety of a true Uratha, a master hunter, an apex predator. Again he lashes out at the creature, one of the last remaining Spawn. But the thing is slipper. The water is its home. His jaws catch air, his claws meet only water, splashing up black brackish swill.

(OOC: The thing has 6 defense, bringing Blaze's roll to a chance dice).

Joanna dives under the water, her innate Irraka skills in moving undetected taking over. But she is so so wounded. Her legs don't move as smoothly, propel her as far and fast as she needs. When she surfaces, the Spawn is moving out of her way, even managing to avoid the spray of brine and sea water.

(OOC: Creature fails its contested roll. But Joanna takes a -2 modifier due to damage. I suggest, since she can't use Eviscerate, she uses an Essence to heal further.)

Jeremy remains cradling Kara.

The Spawn doesn't even attend to Joanna, continuing to relentlessly press its advantage against Blaze. Another raking blow causes blood to start flowing into one of Blaze's eyes.

(OOC: Blaze takes 3L damage bringing him to just one health box empty. He now also takes -2 to all rolls... and will also likely want to keep healing)

The other Spawn remains locked in combat with Bear, but with one working arm the wounded creature is no match for the Uratha's strength. His jaws close down with one final crunch, killing the Spawn.

(OOC: We are back to Blaze)
Thundercracker
Realizing he is about to pass out, Blaze calls upon his essence to heal his body, and pushes his anger down to withdraw from the nearest Spawn and move towards Bear, and beyond him if possible.

 
 Spoiler 
heal 1 essence and then dodge:
 (6d10)[ 1 ][ 9 ][ 1 ][ 1 ][ 5 ][ 8 ](25) 
10 again:  (6d10)[ 7 ][ 5 ][ 1 ][ 1 ][ 7 ][ 5 ](26) 
 
Bennosuke
Blaze can feel his flesh starting to pull itself together, the tingling and burning sensation only heightened by the intrusion of burning salt water. He pushes away from the Spawn, paddling as best he can, and hoping it doesn't start chasing him; though he was of course leaving Joanna to fend for herself. Hopefully Bear would be able to make it over quickly.

(OOC: Blaze is down to 5 Essence, and has 2 empty health boxes. It is now Joanna then Jeremy's  turns)
GKnightBC
"You take care of Kara, and I'll help Blaze!" Jeremy offers before speedily swimming to the last battle and engaging the final foe that threatens his leader interposing himself between it and Blaze!
 
 Spoiler: Combat 

Attacking attempt
STR 1+Brawl 1+form 2+WP 3  (7d10)[ 5 ][ 5 ][ 5 ][ 2 ][ 1 ][ 2 ][ 1 ](21)  Tens  (7d10)[ 7 ][ 6 ][ 10 ][ 6 ][ 8 ][ 1 ][ 4 ](42) 
 
Haval
Since Blaze had withdrawn Joanna will pull back further to try and stay in the spawn's blindspot. If Jeremy wasn't keeping Kara afloat she'll head back to do that herself. They just had to keep their distance from the thing until one of them could finish it off.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Spending another essence to heal

Dex 2 + Stealth 2 + Urshal 2
 (6d10)[ 1 ][ 9 ][ 6 ][ 10 ][ 9 ][ 4 ](39) 
Any 9-10s for Moon Kissed
 (6d10)[ 10 ][ 2 ][ 9 ][ 2 ][ 2 ][ 5 ](30) 
 
Bennosuke
Joanna struggles away, racing towards Jeremy who is calling her. As she paddles, she forces her body to start knitting itself back together as well. As she does, the crowned spawn begins chasing after her. She paddles with all her might, but every time she looks over her shoulder the thing is closer.

But Jeremy intercepts the Spawn trying to catch it in his jaws. His approach forces the slimy humanoid to stop its chase, but Jeremy is unable to get hsi jaws around it.

(OOC: Jeremy is down to 2WP. Joanna is down to 6 Essence and now has 2 health boxes empty)

The spawn turns upright, its lipless mouth pulling back to reveal a mouth filled with curved spikes for teeth. It hisses at Jeremy, slashing webbed claws across the side of his face. Jeremy twists his head and the blow only glances off his cheek.

(OOC: Jeremy takes 2L after his Defense is applied.)

During the chase and subsequent melee, Bear has released his crushed foe and begun swimming towards the combat. The massive Dire Wolf crashes down upon the Spawn who can only raise an arm helplessly to defend itself.  Its forearm snaps with an audible crack as the Uratha bites down, bending the wrist and hand at a near ninety degree angle from the rest of the limb. Bear keeps his jaws locked around the broken limb, refusing to let the howling Spawn go.

(OOC: Bear does 4L damage after defense applied. Applies arm wracked and initiates grapple. Back to Blaze)
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Joanna struggles away, racing towards Jeremy who is calling her. As she paddles, she forces her body to start knitting itself back together as well. As she does, the crowned spawn begins chasing after her. She paddles with all her might, but every time she looks over her shoulder the thing is closer.

But Jeremy intercepts the Spawn trying to catch it in his jaws. His approach forces the slimy humanoid to stop its chase, but Jeremy is unable to get hsi jaws around it.

(OOC: Jeremy is down to 2WP. Joanna is down to 6 Essence and now has 2 health boxes empty)

The spawn turns upright, its lipless mouth pulling back to reveal a mouth filled with curved spikes for teeth. It hisses at Jeremy, slashing webbed claws across the side of his face. Jeremy twists his head and the blow only glances off his cheek.

(OOC: Jeremy takes 2L after his Defense is applied.)

During the chase and subsequent melee, Bear has released his crushed foe and begun swimming towards the combat. The massive Dire Wolf crashes down upon the Spawn who can only raise an arm helplessly to defend itself.  Its forearm snaps with an audible crack as the Uratha bites down, bending the wrist and hand at a near ninety degree angle from the rest of the limb. Bear keeps his jaws locked around the broken limb, refusing to let the howling Spawn go.

(OOC: Bear does 4L damage after defense applied. Applies arm wracked and initiates grapple. Back to Blaze) 
 

Blaze continues to let his wounds heal and swims over to help Bear wrestle the last remaining spawn.
 
 Spoiler 
going to assist bear using str + brawl to add successes to Bear's roll (assuming that's how this works):  (5d10)[ 2 ][ 9 ][ 2 ][ 6 ][ 2 ](21) 
10 again:  (5d10)[ 6 ][ 4 ][ 9 ][ 1 ][ 1 ](21) 
 
Haval
If the others were able to deal with the last Spawn Joanna will go make sure that Kara wasn't actually drowning at the moment.
Bennosuke
(OOC: Blaze spends another Essence and now has 3 empty health boxes. She is down to 4 Essence.)

Turning around, Blaze paddles back towards where Bear is fighting the last of the attackers. Still in Dire Wolf form, he begins to essentially attempt to climb over the Spawn, still struggling to free its arm from Bear's jaws. He manages to partly subdue the squirming fish-man.

(OOC: Blaze adds one additional dice to Bear's next roll)

Joanna securely grabs hold of Joanna before she finishes drowning. I imagine as she is still in Dire Wolf form, this will be by gently wrapping her mouth around the unconscious Uratha.

(OOC: It is now Jeremy's turn)
GKnightBC
Joining with Blaze on the final creature, he adds his help to Blaze's attack, bemoaning his inability to truly harm these creatures in melee, but doing his best to help out.
GKnightBC
 
 Originally Posted by GKnightBC 
 Joining with Blaze on the final creature, he adds his help to Blaze's attack, bemoaning his inability to truly harm these creatures in melee, but doing his best to help out. 
 

STR+Brawl+Form grapple  (5d10)[ 5 ][ 1 ][ 4 ][ 9 ][ 8 ](27)  tens  (5d10)[ 6 ][ 1 ][ 9 ][ 1 ][ 4 ](21) 
Bennosuke
The pack descend upon the last Spawn; Jeremy and Blaze joining Bear. Within moments the last of the creatures is torn to shreds, hot dark blood gushing into ice cold waters. The moment the last of the attackers is defeated, the waters suddenly calm and the wind dies, though the starless sky is still filled with grey clouds.

As the thing goes limp, Bear releases his grasp on the creature. With fangs still bared he growls in First Tongue, " We will make them pay. Pequad, and the Idigam and all of its twisted devoted followers. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The pack descend upon the last Spawn; Jeremy and Blaze joining Bear. Within moments the last of the creatures is torn to shreds, hot dark blood gushing into ice cold waters. The moment the last of the attackers is defeated, the waters suddenly calm and the wind dies, though the starless sky is still filled with grey clouds.

As the thing goes limp, Bear releases his grasp on the creature. With fangs still bared he growls in First Tongue, " We will make them pay. Pequad, and the Idigam and all of its twisted devoted followers. " 
 

"Oh, I have plans for Pequod," Blaze said, "let's get back home first, lick our wounds and regroup."
He was especially concerned for Kara who was still unconscious.  He does a quick headcount to make sure everyone is present, then starts leading the way back home.
Haval
Joanna has shifted to Dalu to better keep Kara afloat.  'Firstly we help Kara. Should we take her to a hospital?' 
Bennosuke
Bear's harrumph comes out more like a growl. " That will be easier said then done. We're a little stranded out here. "
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Bear's harrumph comes out more like a growl. " That will be easier said then done. We're a little stranded out here. " 
 

 'So we go wherever we can dry off the quickest.'  Joanna says enclining her head towards the island.  'Or we go for a longer swim and hope no one else tries to kill us.' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
  'So we go wherever we can dry off the quickest.'  Joanna says enclining her head towards the island.  'Or we go for a longer swim and hope no one else tries to kill us.'  
 

"We're not headed to the island where the damn Idigam is, we're headed back to the nearest locus so we can cross back," Blaze said, "Ain't no hospitals out here.  We'll take it in turns to carry her. Come on, before something smells all this chum and we get ambushed again."
Bennosuke
Before Blaze can start leading the charge, the water begins to churn in the center of where the Uratha are treading water. Foam and bubbles jet up from the sea's surface, before face breaks the surface. The thing is like a puppet, its round face made from an impossibly large clam shell, with two blank barnacles for eyes, and a tangle of seaweed for hair. The spirit's neck is all scales and chiton and its movements imply that its body is all one long length, like an eel or a snake. " Greeting Uratha, " the lesser spirit says, bowing its head in a gesture of respect, such that seaweed flops around to cover parts of its face, " I am Ponlo, consort of the great Sea King. I am glad you have survived the attack from our wretched mutual enemy. My lord offers you safety, if you are willing to hear his request. "
Haval
Joanna was willing to concede Blaze's point.  'As long as we go somewhere dry.' 

The sight of the spirit was imposing but Joanna had seen worse by now,  'And who is your lord?'  She refrains from asking why the spirit had chosen not to intervene in the fight they had just finished if it claimed to be an ally.
Bennosuke
 
 Spoiler: What Blaze Knows 
Blaze has never heard of Ponlo, or the spirit it serves. He is likely not surprised that there is a single spirit that represents the New Bedford Bay, and if this is truly the spirit Ponlo represents, it is likely an incredibly powerful spirit. He can also surmise that based on how most of the spirits have reacted to the Idigam, it is either truly opposed to The Abomination, or has already been corrupted by it.
 


The spirit makes a sound like roaring waves, which might be laughter in reply to Joanna's remark. " Unfortunately Uratha, our kingdom is deep under the water's surface, " it says with a deferential bow of its seashell head, " However, I can provide you safe and somewhat dry passage if you are willing to hear my lord out. "

In reply to her second question the spirit raises up proudly, its serpentine body twisting up and out of the water as it speaks, " I serve The Great Giver and the Great Taker, the wearer of the The Chiton and Ivory crown, The Sea King Helmville! " The spirits words seem to stir the waters around the Uratha, as ripples begin to cast out and away from Ponlo in great expanding circles.
GKnightBC
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
  
 Spoiler: What Blaze Knows 
Blaze has never heard of Ponlo, or the spirit it serves. He is likely not surprised that there is a single spirit that represents the New Bedford Bay, and if this is truly the spirit Ponlo represents, it is likely an incredibly powerful spirit. He can also surmise that based on how most of the spirits have reacted to the Idigam, it is either truly opposed to The Abomination, or has already been corrupted by it.
 


The spirit makes a sound like roaring waves, which might be laughter in reply to Joanna's remark. " Unfortunately Uratha, our kingdom is deep under the water's surface, " it says with a deferential bow of its seashell head, " However, I can provide you safe and somewhat dry passage if you are willing to hear my lord out. "

In reply to her second question the spirit raises up proudly, its serpentine body twisting up and out of the water as it speaks, " I serve The Great Giver and the Great Taker, the wearer of the The Chiton and Ivory crown, The Sea King Helmville! " The spirits words seem to stir the waters around the Uratha, as ripples begin to cast out and away from Ponlo in great expanding circles. 
 

Even with his notable lack of ability with the spirits, Jeremy is still excited to meet more of their endless variety. "S ounds like a good thing to me. I didn't want to be swimming out here for days, as well." 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
  
 Spoiler: What Blaze Knows 
Blaze has never heard of Ponlo, or the spirit it serves. He is likely not surprised that there is a single spirit that represents the New Bedford Bay, and if this is truly the spirit Ponlo represents, it is likely an incredibly powerful spirit. He can also surmise that based on how most of the spirits have reacted to the Idigam, it is either truly opposed to The Abomination, or has already been corrupted by it.
 


The spirit makes a sound like roaring waves, which might be laughter in reply to Joanna's remark. " Unfortunately Uratha, our kingdom is deep under the water's surface, " it says with a deferential bow of its seashell head, " However, I can provide you safe and somewhat dry passage if you are willing to hear my lord out. "

In reply to her second question the spirit raises up proudly, its serpentine body twisting up and out of the water as it speaks, " I serve The Great Giver and the Great Taker, the wearer of the The Chiton and Ivory crown, The Sea King Helmville! " The spirits words seem to stir the waters around the Uratha, as ripples begin to cast out and away from Ponlo in great expanding circles. 
 


"Greetings Ponlo, I am Blaze of the Crescent Moon Iron Masters.  You serve your lord well.  We are of course willing to hear and speak with the Great Giver and Great Taker, but we also have injured who need tending," Blaze said as he motioned to Kara, "is this meeting to take place now or sometime in the future?"
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The spirit makes a sound like roaring waves, which might be laughter in reply to Joanna's remark. " Unfortunately Uratha, our kingdom is deep under the water's surface, " it says with a deferential bow of its seashell head, " However, I can provide you safe and somewhat dry passage if you are willing to hear my lord out. " 
 

 'Somewhat dry? I'll take it.' 
Daishain
Bear takes several deep breaths to calm himself after the fight, the betrayal had him incensed, and the deep ones hadn't been enough to really work out his initial rage, especially not with the blood of a packmate in the air.

Eventually, he judges himself calm enough to address the new spirit. Wary of trusting another spirit so soon he asks,   "Before we go, what can you tell us of Sea King Helmville? How has our mutual enemy offended him?"  
Bennosuke
" Greetings Blaze of the Iron Masters, " Ponlo says with a deep bow, its seaweed hair flopping with a wet smack, " and greetings Blaze's pack. "

To Joanna's remark the spirit stays sternly, " I will do my best. " The spirit throws its head up to the sky, and ocean waters again begin to ripple. The scales on Ponlo's corpus begin to shimmer with Sigils as it calls on a well of Essence. As the spirit's powers swell, the small ripples expanding out from Ponlo turn into small waves as the sky darkens, all stars winking out of existence. Then the waters around the Uratha begin to sink, like a drain was pulling the ocean out from under the pack, scooping out into a bowl.

Then there is a flash of lighting and you can feel yourself sucked down into the water. But rather than being pulled down in to the icy waters, you are sucked down into a bubble of rippling ocean water under the surface. The bubble descends, its surface shimmering a light that helps illuminate the otherwise darkened waters. Led by Ponlo, the bubble moves swiftly down. Fish spirits and other local denizens pass by as you continue to descend; strange and misshapen creatures, many starved and disfigured. The bubble descends quickly enough that nothing more than the attention of these spirits is attracted, moving with enough speed that none have time to react.

After an incalculable period of dropping deeper and deeper, a fortified city of ivory and coral rises up from the depths to meet the Uratha. As they grow closer the group can see the expanse is shaped in the facsimile of a medieval castle. And as they grow even closer the group can see ivory and coral masonry is studded with refuse from the ocean; plastics, and rusted pieces of metal, which dot the building like barnacles.

" This is the castle of the Sea King, " Ponlo's voice can be heard from within the bubble. The bubble stops on the rocky ocean floor, the Uratha's spirit guide floating above the surface. Ponlo appears to have grown smaller during the descent, Essence pulled from its corpus to complete the exhausting task of escorting the Werewolves down into the depths of the ocean. The spirit bows to the group and says with no mouth, " I shall summon my liege, unless there is anything you wish ask me first. "
Haval
Joanna is impressed at their sudden change of scenery, but is otherwise distracted. She will lay Kara down on the ground and see if she could find a pulse. How did you do that on a Dire Wolf anyway? 'Guys, what do I do here? I've never actually learnt CPR properly.'  Maybe Kara as a Uratha would just get better regardless?
Thundercracker
 Blaze 

Blaze did not know Ponlo was about to transport them to the bottom of the bloody ocean, but he didn’t want to be rude to their host, especially after he expended such effort.
“Certainly Ponlo,” Blaze said, “as I mentioned though, we must tend our wounded.”

He motioned to the unconscious Kara.

 
 Spoiler 
does Blaze have any idea what’s wrong with her?  Bc her essence should have healed her by now right?
 
Bennosuke
 
 Spoiler: OOC: Kara 
Thank you for pointing this out. Uratha heal 1L per fifteen minutes per page 94. Uratha can spend Essence to heal lethal damage faster, but this is a willful act, not like how Vampires spend blood when asleep or in torpor. Because Kara is unconscious, I interpret this to mean she wouldn't be able to do this. Let's just say she's recovered about 2L now (as has everyone else... will update character boxes), but is still pretty woozy and out of it. She can try to help with things if called upon, but is otherwise kind of slumped over, head in hands, not doing pretty well... just to minimize the number of NPCs I have to be on top of.

That said, if anyone wants to heal more by spending Essence, please feel free to speak up
 


" Of course, Iron Master Blaze, " Ponlo replied with an exaggerated bow.

Kara waved the others away. She had transitioned into Hishu form, and was huddled up in the corner of the air bubble, and her arm up to sniff at a ragged looking wound across her forearm. You could tell she was half fighting the urge to lick at it. " I'm fine, " she mumbled, not really bothering to look up at the others, " I just... I just need a little time to recover. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
  
 Spoiler: OOC: Kara 
Thank you for pointing this out. Uratha heal 1L per fifteen minutes per page 94. Uratha can spend Essence to heal lethal damage faster, but this is a willful act, not like how Vampires spend blood when asleep or in torpor. Because Kara is unconscious, I interpret this to mean she wouldn't be able to do this. Let's just say she's recovered about 2L now (as has everyone else... will update character boxes), but is still pretty woozy and out of it. She can try to help with things if called upon, but is otherwise kind of slumped over, head in hands, not doing pretty well... just to minimize the number of NPCs I have to be on top of.

That said, if anyone wants to heal more by spending Essence, please feel free to speak up
 


" Of course, Iron Master Blaze, " Ponlo replied with an exaggerated bow.

Kara waved the others away. She had transitioned into Hishu form, and was huddled up in the corner of the air bubble, and her arm up to sniff at a ragged looking wound across her forearm. You could tell she was half fighting the urge to lick at it. " I'm fine, " she mumbled, not really bothering to look up at the others, " I just... I just need a little time to recover. " 
 

"Oh, good news, she's feeling better," Blaze said.  He glanced at Bear as to whether he was good to give the signal to Ponlo to summon the greater spirit.

If Bear gives the go-ahead, Blaze will turn to Ponlo.
"I think we are ready, and we are eager to speak with your Lord," Blaze said.
Daishain
Bear grumbles at the sudden transition, disturbed both at the abrupt nature of it and the ease with which the spirit swept them away. It could have easily deposited the entire pack somewhere considerably less hospitable... Just because it seemed to want their help didn't indicate that couldn't change in a hurry.

Still though, it had expended significant energy getting them here, and an unexpected ally would be welcome. The broad uratha returns the spirit's bow. After confirming that Kara was all right, he states.   "I would prefer not to give any offense to your liege, but we know little of him, other than a guess as to his interest in us. What can you tell us?"  
Haval
Joanna is reassured that Kara seemed to be healing. She had noted the effort that Ponlo seemed to be putting into this.  'That bubble looks like a lot of work. How long can you keep it up?' 
GKnightBC
Still more than a little in awe of this realm and it's magical changes, Jeffrey looks around at the changed environment, forgetting about Kara for the moment until she is mentioned. Relieved at her still available ability to heal, he listens to the debate going on, and waits for a sign from Blaze on how to proceed.
Bennosuke
Ponlo gives another bow in deference to Bear. " My Lord has served as the spirit of New Bedford's bay since I have been in existence. King Helmville has struggled to keep these lands healthy, despite the many detrimental changes to our environment. And the waking of The Idigam has only made matters for My Lord worse. The waters have become poisonous and areas of natural Essence have become more scarce. The many spirit choruses have all resulted to hunting each other, or fleeing, and the waters have become more barren. The King's sole duty is to maintain the balance of the bay, but these changes have weakened  him,  and we are struggling, " Ponlo says shrilly in reply to Bear's question.

To Joanna, the spirit replies, " It is very taxing. But My Lord bestowed me with the Essence I needed to bring you here, and I would not shirk my duty to My Lord. "
Haval
So there didn't seem to be any immediate danger of them having to swim out of here.  'Then thanks I guess. I owe you.' 
Daishain
Bear nods respectfully. It sounded as if this king could be a worthy ally well after this Idigam affair was resolved.   "It seems we have much to discuss then."   He looks to the others to see if any others have queries before stating,   "Thank you for bringing us here, let us go see the king and we will see what comes."  
Bennosuke
" Very well, " Ponlo says with another bow, its seaweed hair flopping in front of its shell face. But the spirit stays bowed for a long moment, before saying, " Unfortunately, I don't believe you will be able to follow me into the castle... it was not built for  your kind . However, if you will wait for me one moment, I shall return with My Lord. "

The spirit rises from its bow, and unless the Uratha protest or interrupt, it will turn and slither away. As it goes, its shriveled and shrunken form is clear. Ponlo has indeed spent much of its Essence maintaining the bubble of oxygen that is preserving the pack below the waves. As the spirit approaches the castle, it becomes clear what Ponlo was referring to. Though created in the image of a medieval fortification, there are no clear doors, or even windows large enough for a human sized creature to enter. Ponlo's serpentine tail whips this way and that as it swims up to one of the many small circular windows, dotting the castle's walls. As Ponlo slips into the porthole, it is clear that the tunnel is only large enough for a spirit of its size.

Minutes go by, and as they pass it starts to become obvious that the air bubble is shrinking around the Uratha. She sphere shrinks and shrinks, forcing the pack to huddle closer and closer together. But before things grow so dire that those standing must crouch, the ocean floor begins to shake and shudder, and the bubble is filled with a sudden slurping noise. Then all of a sudden snake-like spirits begin pouring out of the castle; hundreds of them. The chorus of spirits, tails wriggling through the water, all share the same shell faces and the same seaweed hair of Ponlo. They create a swarm, rushing round and round the pack's air bubble... and as they do, the air bubble expands back to its former size.

With a shudder, the very ocean floor bursts open, and a long reptilian snout rises up, large enough to swallow an airplane. The thing is covered in dull green scales, its gumless maw filled with row after row after row of hooked teeth. Detritus; fish skeletons, and strips of tire, and long warped boards of wood, sit wedged between its teeth. At the tip the snout are a pair of flared nostrils, out of which grow boneless appendages, like the tentacles of a jellyfish. Hundreds of snaking fingers float back and forth with the ocean's current, perhaps tasting the waters, or perhaps sending some sort of signals to the gathered lesser spirits. When the King speaks, its mouth never moves, yet the entire ocean is filled with its voice, rumbling like the most terrible ocean storm. " Welcome Uratha, " the spirit says, " I have been waiting for you. "
Haval
For a moment Joanna had wondered if Ponlo had a way of making them smaller and whether that was even a good idea. The sight of the King wasn't exactly reassuring though. How many of the pack could he swallow if he really put his mind to it.

Joanna had no idea if there was an etiqutte here but chose to answer first.  'Thank you for seeing us. What can we do to help?' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
 For a moment Joanna had wondered if Ponlo had a way of making them smaller and whether that was even a good idea. The sight of the King wasn't exactly reassuring though. How many of the pack could he swallow if he really put his mind to it.

Joanna had no idea if there was an etiqutte here but chose to answer first.  'Thank you for seeing us. What can we do to help?'  
 

Blaze glanced at Joanna, then turned back to the Sea King and kept his mouth shut.
Bennosuke
Joanna's "outburst" causes a sudden shudder to move through the chorus of sea spirits. There is a sudden noiseless buzz of energy that moves between the gathered school, and most of the little serpents slow or completely stop their darting. Blaze, and probably Bear can feel the unintended discourtesy of Joanna's actions;  speaking to a high ranked spirit without formally introducing one's self, and speaking up as a lesser member of the pack without being addressed !

The long tentacled whiskers of the Sea King's nostrils grope at he water like fingers reflexively balling up into fists. But the great spirit says nothing. Instead, it is Ponlo who comes to the rescue. Rushing to the sea floor in the expanse between the Uratha's bubble and its liege. The spirit's voice carries across the dark ocean, reverberating like the blast of a trumpet. " My Lord, may I introduce to you the... the Uratha of New Bedford! " (OOC: No one ever mentioned the name of the pack) " Uratha, " Ponlo continues, " I introduce you to My Lord, The Great Giver and the Great Taker, the wearer of the The Chiton and Ivory crown, The Sea King Helmville! "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Joanna's "outburst" causes a sudden shudder to move through the chorus of sea spirits. There is a sudden noiseless buzz of energy that moves between the gathered school, and most of the little serpents slow or completely stop their darting. Blaze, and probably Bear can feel the unintended discourtesy of Joanna's actions;  speaking to a high ranked spirit without formally introducing one's self, and speaking up as a lesser member of the pack without being addressed !

The long tentacled whiskers of the Sea King's nostrils grope at he water like fingers reflexively balling up into fists. But the great spirit says nothing. Instead, it is Ponlo who comes to the rescue. Rushing to the sea floor in the expanse between the Uratha's bubble and its liege. The spirit's voice carries across the dark ocean, reverberating like the blast of a trumpet. " My Lord, may I introduce to you the... the Uratha of New Bedford! " (OOC: No one ever mentioned the name of the pack) " Uratha, " Ponlo continues, " I introduce you to My Lord, The Great Giver and the Great Taker, the wearer of the The Chiton and Ivory crown, The Sea King Helmville! " 
 

 Blaze 

Blaze stepped forward and bowed low.

“Greetings Great Giver and Great Taker, wearer of the The Chiton and Ivory crown, Sea King Helmville.  My name is Blaze, of the Crescent Moon and Iron Masters.  Please allow me to convey our gratitude for the hospitality you have shown us by providing transport and safe passage through your domain.  It is an honor to stand in your presence.  Allow me to introduce the other members of the pack:  Bear, our leader, Kara, Jeremy, and Joanna.”

He motions to the other Urarha in turn.

“Your faithful Ponlo has acquitted himself well, and we stand ready to engage in conversation,” he said.
Bennosuke
The silence after Blaze finishes is imminently palpable... until The Sea King replies. " Welcome Blaze of the Crescent Moon and Iron Masters, speaker for Bear of the Forsaken, " the lord spirit's voice echoes across the ocean floor, " I have greatly awaited the opportunity to entreat with you. I suspect you and your pack know of my concerns? "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The silence after Blaze finishes is imminently palpable... until The Sea King replies. " Welcome Blaze of the Crescent Moon and Iron Masters, speaker for Bear of the Forsaken, " the lord spirit's voice echoes across the ocean floor, " I have greatly awaited the opportunity to entreat with you. I suspect you and your pack know of my concerns? " 
 

 Blaze 

"We believe it has to do with the abomination and its spawn who nest nearby, but the great Sea King's wisdom spans millennia, and we would hear your concerns in your own voice, so there are no misunderstandings," Blaze replied.
Daishain
As Blaze speaks, Bear gives Joanna a look, trying to convey to her that she needed to back off a little, and to the rest of the chorus that the infraction was not being ignored, even if not immediately addressed. He bows respectfully to the sea king when named, but otherwise waits to hear from the great spirit. Much could likely be learned from their perspective.
GKnightBC
Jeremy bows when his name is mentioned, but otherwise remains silent. Wondering how his relationship with the Reveler would affect his dealing with other spirits, he watches and listens to the stilted phrasing and formal words as they talk.
Haval
 Fine. No talking.  With a slight eye roll Joanna will acknowledge Bear's look.
Bennosuke
The Sea King's voice seems to vibrate the very waters around the bubble, though like all spirits, it lacked any true vocal apparatus. " The Idigam, " it growls the name with palpable emnity, " Yes, its very presence has corrupted these waters. It has feasted on whole choruses of sprits, and driven many others away. It is an abomination as you say, a poison, and after eons of slumber, it has finally awoken. " The Sea King pauses for a long moment, letting the weight of its words sink in before it finally adds, " Though its nest is not so close to here. Its home is under the island @*$^D (several miles) from here. A city of its mutant children, under The Island... a city of impossible angles unimaginable deprecation. I fear we all had been foolish, assuming the thing's slumber to be a form of death. Oh, how wrong we were. How wrong I was. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The Sea King's voice seems to vibrate the very waters around the bubble, though like all spirits, it lacked any true vocal apparatus. " The Idigam, " it growls the name with palpable emnity, " Yes, its very presence has corrupted these waters. It has feasted on whole choruses of sprits, and driven many others away. It is an abomination as you say, a poison, and after eons of slumber, it has finally awoken. " The Sea King pauses for a long moment, letting the weight of its words sink in before it finally adds, " Though its nest is not so close to here. Its home is under the island @*$^D (several miles) from here. A city of its mutant children, under The Island... a city of impossible angles unimaginable deprecation. I fear we all had been foolish, assuming the thing's slumber to be a form of death. Oh, how wrong we were. How wrong I was. " 
 

 Blaze 

"We have only recently become aware of its presence," Blaze replied, "our recent foray into the Hisil was to gain information about its lair.  Though we did not find much, we intend to regroup, replan, and return."
Daishain
Bear takes on a somewhat somber tone as he speaks up,   "The Idigam's presence is a growing threat to us all. We are seeking ways to end it, but among other things this realm is difficult for us to navigate. We may require some assistance to strike at it effectively."  
Bennosuke
" I am glad to hear that the Idigam is viewed as a mutual enemy, " The Sea King replies, " though I fear its growing powers and spreading malignancy may be too powerful for your pack alone. " This causes the swarm of lesser spirits to cry and hiss, in a sibilant noise likely not producible by any creature of The Flesh. The spirits flit about nervously, darting this way and that around the bubble of protection being maintained by Ponlo. The King adds, " I will offer you as much assistance in your endeavors as I can, but hope you will aid us as well. The Idigam's corrupting presence weakness my power and kills the life in these waters. Your kind is capable of building Essence on the other side of The Hisil. If you can feed my power, and bring vibrancy back to the ocean, then not only can I offer to repay you with assistance, but I will have more potency to do so. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " I am glad to hear that the Idigam is viewed as a mutual enemy, " The Sea King replies, " though I fear its growing powers and spreading malignancy may be too powerful for your pack alone. " This causes the swarm of lesser spirits to cry and hiss, in a sibilant noise likely not producible by any creature of The Flesh. The spirits flit about nervously, darting this way and that around the bubble of protection being maintained by Ponlo. The King adds, " I will offer you as much assistance in your endeavors as I can, but hope you will aid us as well. The Idigam's corrupting presence weakness my power and kills the life in these waters. Your kind is capable of building Essence on the other side of The Hisil. If you can feed my power, and bring vibrancy back to the ocean, then not only can I offer to repay you with assistance, but I will have more potency to do so. " 
 

 Blaze 

Blaze wasn't sure if it was even possible to build essence over the ocean, with nothing to anchor anything.

"Great Sea King, I am not opposed to building essence on the other side of the Hisil, though I have never done so over the open ocean; if you would impart some of your wisdom, I will determine if and how it could be done from the world of Flesh," Blaze said.
Bennosuke
There is a long silence after Blaze's request, though the lesser spirits continue to dart around nervously. The tentacle appendages of The Sea King's nares probe the waters like blind feelers, occasionally swatting a lesser spirit out of the way. " I know not about interfering with the other side of The Gauntlet, " the great spirit finally replies, " as I know the natural order of things and have never been so desperate. But, I have seen the pollution on the other side, felt the emptiness left by the excessive fishing of the humans, and burned with kelp as the ocean's temperatures have risen and the waters turned to acid. " The many lesser spirits shudder and cry and whimper in insectile voices. The Sea King continues, " These human affronts have weakened us greatly, and reversing them would be necessary to revitalizing our power... and of course fighting off the Idigam and its abominable spawn. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 There is a long silence after Blaze's request, though the lesser spirits continue to dart around nervously. The tentacle appendages of The Sea King's nares probe the waters like blind feelers, occasionally swatting a lesser spirit out of the way. " I know not about interfering with the other side of The Gauntlet, " the great spirit finally replies, " as I know the natural order of things and have never been so desperate. But, I have seen the pollution on the other side, felt the emptiness left by the excessive fishing of the humans, and burned with kelp as the ocean's temperatures have risen and the waters turned to acid. " The many lesser spirits shudder and cry and whimper in insectile voices. The Sea King continues, " These human affronts have weakened us greatly, and reversing them would be necessary to revitalizing our power... and of course fighting off the Idigam and its abominable spawn. " 
 

 Blaze 

"I understand.  We will... research methods by which these issue may be addressed," Blaze said, "do you have any knowledge or experience of the Idigam, if it has any weaknesses or vulnerabilities we may exploit?"
Bennosuke
" Our...  experiences  with the Idigam have not gone well. The thing is an afront and we have done our best to avoid confrontation until recently. If you ask about its Bane, we do not yet know, " The Sea King replies solemnly, its voice reverberating around the ocean floor. It adds, " We know where it lives. We know that it has been working to corrupt the world around it to its design. It has twisted spirits into abominations, and I believe it has infected humans as well. Some of these unnatural hybrids it has even brought across the Gauntlet somehow. I am sure you have experienced these spawn of the Idigam by now. "

Ponlo speaks up, " My lord, the Forsaken had just completed a battle with the spawn when I came upon them. "

The Sea King makes a noise of affirmation, a low buzzing sound. Then it says, " The very waters the Idigam calls home have twisted as well. Its very presence is a cancer. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " Our...  experiences  with the Idigam have not gone well. The thing is an afront and we have done our best to avoid confrontation until recently. If you ask about its Bane, we do not yet know, " The Sea King replies solemnly, its voice reverberating around the ocean floor. It adds, " We know where it lives. We know that it has been working to corrupt the world around it to its design. It has twisted spirits into abominations, and I believe it has infected humans as well. Some of these unnatural hybrids it has even brought across the Gauntlet somehow. I am sure you have experienced these spawn of the Idigam by now. "

Ponlo speaks up, " My lord, the Forsaken had just completed a battle with the spawn when I came upon them. "

The Sea King makes a noise of affirmation, a low buzzing sound. Then it says, " The very waters the Idigam calls home have twisted as well. Its very presence is a cancer. " 
 

 Blaze 

"Yes, we have encountered the corrupted humans," Blaze said, "I believe it may be beneficial to us to work together, but I would confer with my packmates first."

Blaze motioned the others to huddle up.
"Thoughts?  Anything else we want to know?" he asked.
Haval
In a low tone of voice,  'Idigam aside, did he just ask us to sink a bunch of the local fishing boats? Would that actually help?'  
Bennosuke
From her corner, huddled in the bubble, Kara looks up. With the back of her hand she wipes a sheen of sweat away from her forehead. Her gaze shifts from Joanna to Blaze and Bear as she says, " I don't think it hurts to try to help. Pretty punk anyways, raging against the system to make the world a better place. " She grins at this and chuckles coyly. Kara's glance shifts to Jeremy, as if to say  thoughts , but adds, " Could probably put together a concert or something to fundraise. I bet there are plenty of nonprofits in New Bedford working to 'save' the bay. "
Haval
Joanna shrugged,  'Can't say I've sunk a boat before, but if I did no one would see me doing it.' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 From her corner, huddled in the bubble, Kara looks up. With the back of her hand she wipes a sheen of sweat away from her forehead. Her gaze shifts from Joanna to Blaze and Bear as she says, " I don't think it hurts to try to help. Pretty punk anyways, raging against the system to make the world a better place. " She grins at this and chuckles coyly. Kara's glance shifts to Jeremy, as if to say  thoughts , but adds, " Could probably put together a concert or something to fundraise. I bet there are plenty of nonprofits in New Bedford working to 'save' the bay. " 
 


"Benefit concert sounds like a good idea," Blaze said, "maybe we can look into local environmental groups too.  They probably have a good idea on how fishing and all that other stuff can be more sustainable.  We should figure out how to bookend it though.  If we have an open-ended arrangement, we might be working for the Sea King for a very long time."
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Thundercracker 
 "Benefit concert sounds like a good idea," Blaze said, "maybe we can look into local environmental groups too.  They probably have a good idea on how fishing and all that other stuff can be more sustainable.  We should figure out how to bookend it though.  If we have an open-ended arrangement, we might be working for the Sea King for a very long time." 
 

 'Do we need a lawyer?' 
Bennosuke
 "Benefit concert sounds like a good idea," Blaze said, "maybe we can look into local environmental groups too. They probably have a good idea on how fishing and all that other stuff can be more sustainable. We should figure out how to bookend it though. If we have an open-ended arrangement, we might be working for the Sea King for a very long time." 

Kara nods her head, seeming to be just a little more with it as the pack continues to discuss. " I can do some research when we get back. Probably will be best to take it easy for a few hours anyways, till my body's healed up, " she says with a weak grin.

She shrugs and shakes her head at Joanna's question, adding in reply, " Shouldn't. Mitchell, our manager, should be able to take care of it. He's one of the wolf blooded anyways, even if he prefers to stay by himself at a hotel, rather than at the warehouse. "
Daishain
Bear keeps an ear out as the others discuss, but continues to address the king,   "Your suspicions concerning the humans are correct. We've encountered several in our territory that have been affected. Some more so than others. The attack Ponlo mentioned is also not the first we have dealt with."

"As for the bane of our enemy, if we can get close enough either undetected or with an opportunity to get away, we have the means to determine that for ourselves. I suggest that we work together to create such an opportunity. That knowledge would greatly assist our efforts going forward."

"As to the problems caused by the humans, disrupting local fishing might be doable, but some of the other effects are the result of the actions of billions on a global scale, putting a true stop to that is likely well outside of what we can achieve. Perhaps there might instead be a way to help your flock gain the strength to resist or counteract the effect locally?"  
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
  She shrugs and shakes her head at Joanna's question, adding in reply, " Shouldn't. Mitchell, our manager, should be able to take care of it. He's one of the wolf blooded anyways, even if he prefers to stay by himself at a hotel, rather than at the warehouse. " 
 

 'Like for working with the Sea King. As long as we're not agreeing to anything we can't actually deliver. Look what happened with Pequod.' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
  'Like for working with the Sea King. As long as we're not agreeing to anything we can't actually deliver. Look what happened with Pequod.'  
 

Blaze's expression darkened.
"I have plans for that old whaling ship, tell you all about it later," he said.
Bennosuke
The Sea King remains silent while Bear speaks. When he has finished, the great spirit replies, " We will assist you how we can... though my strengths are not that of stealth and deception. I can likely expedite your travels to the island however, so that you won't risk attack as easily as you did on the open waters. " The spirit seems nonplussed by Bear's explanation about global pollution, perhaps unable to comprehend the very concept. However, it replies, " As you should know, our power is derived from Essence. Essence that favors and sustains our chorus will best allow us to aid your fight Bear, leader of the Uratha. "

Kara shudders at Jeremy's mention of Pequod, then shakes her head, face pale and eyes cold.
Haval
Joanna grinned at Jeremy at the mention of 'stealth and deception' assuming that they ought to be able to handle that between the two of them.
Daishain
Bear nods,   "If nothing else, we can likely create a few new loci, or cleanse any that are corrupted. I suspect our time before matters come to a head will be limited though, so I do not yet know what I can swear to off hand."

"There is another matter, there is another Uratha pack that has been poking around. They are lost ones, and in an important respect enemies of ours. With the Idigam threat we have not had the opportunity to focus on dealing with them, but they seem to be focused on the harbor just as we are. To what ends we do not know. Have you observed anything about them?"  
Bennosuke
" Yes, " the Sea kIng replies slowly, the monosyllable stretching out over several seconds, " the other Uratha.... The Tide Breakers. We spoke to them already. The one called Oakheart, she had little interest in treating with us, though whatever she is doing is clearly changing the patterns of Essence in the bay. It, well it seems to be beneficial, even though she was too aloof to pay respect where respect was due. "

The Sea King will pause here for a moment, the tentacles protruding from its nostrils dancing with the tides. Then in an outburst, the mighty spirit curses, " But it is folly, this pride. The Idigam is the one true enemy to us all; to all creatures on both sides of The Gauntlet. Such petty squabbling will only serve to weaken all of us, when we should be opposing the Idigam now! "
Daishain
Bear breathes a sigh,   "We agree that the Idigam is the greater threat, and while they have offered great insult to us, it is for that reason we have been reluctant to strike at them as instinct demands. We tried speaking to them as well in hopes of at least confirming our goals were not in opposition, but the wounds between our people run deep. It nearly came to blood."   The big man's fists tighten at the memory as he represses a snarl.

He looks to the others,   "The work Oakheart doing being beneficial here is promising at least. Any ideas?"  
Haval
Joanna says quietly,  'Maybe there's a spirit around here somewhere who has a better sense of what Oakheart's doing? Even if it's beneficial on this side of the Gauntlet I'd prefer to know more about it.' 
GKnightBC
  "Maybe we let her do her thing, and we do something that doesn't conflict, to improve the waters. While I'd like to see their arrogant asses get soaked, let's take advantage of their hard work."   Jeremy comments. "  Then we get what we want faster."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
 Joanna says quietly,  'Maybe there's a spirit around here somewhere who has a better sense of what Oakheart's doing? Even if it's beneficial on this side of the Gauntlet I'd prefer to know more about it.'  
 

"I can try to find out when we get back," Blaze said to the others, "I'm gonna compel Pequod to uphold his side of the bargain as well, which will help us.  I'm worried about how much time we have, but we just got our butts whipped so going back right now is not a good idea.  Any other questions for the Sea King?"
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Thundercracker 
 "I can try to find out when we get back," Blaze said to the others, "I'm gonna compel Pequod to uphold his side of the bargain as well, which will help us.  I'm worried about how much time we have, but we just got our butts whipped so going back right now is not a good idea.  Any other questions for the Sea King?" 
 

Joanna shrugged,  'I feel out of my depth here. As long as we know how to contact him when we have to. I don't think any of us what to have to swim out here when we don't have to.' 
Daishain
Bear turns back towards the Sea King after conferring with the others,   "It seems we both have much to do. But as a token of good faith, we would like to offer to strengthen a loci right away, so that it might bolster you before more can be done. Is there one in particular that would have a greater impact than the others?"  
Bennosuke
The waters still for a long moment. The flitting chorus of lesser spirits quiets, and their darting movements slow as "all eyes" fall upon the Great Sea King. There is hunger in this attention, and several of the lesser spirits begin floating closer to the Uratha's air bubble. Finally, the great spirit replies, " Your generosity would be appreciated. If you are capable, fortifying the loci of our castle would provide us with greater stocks of Essence and greater defense against The Idigam and its Deep One Spawn. " There is a sound sort of like wind, and suddenly a tide begins pulling up the sand under the air bubble, and drawing away the lesser spirits. The long tentacle appendages extended from The Sea King's probably nostrils bow back with the ocean's pull, but the spirit itself does not stir. As the tide dies down, you realize that it was pulling in towards the strange medieval castle sitting at the bottom of the ocean.
Haval
 Here? Now?  Joanna looks to the others for guidance and will ask quietly,  'How do we do this without instruments?' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
  Here? Now?  Joanna looks to the others for guidance and will ask quietly,  'How do we do this without instruments?'  
 

“Acapella man, get some claps and stomps and beatboxing too maybe,” Blaze said, “the essence doesn’t care about instruments, we just gotta feel the rhythm and stuff.  We won’t be able do it all at once anyway, but we can get started now and come back with instruments later, you know?”
Haval
 '****, maybe I can whistle. Just tell me where to stand.' 
Bennosuke
The Sea King waits patiently while the group discusses. Perhaps impatiently the great spirit says, " If you wish, I can have Ponlo guide you to the castle. Your empowerment would certainly be...  meaningful . " This last word is drown out, almost  hungry. 
Daishain
Bear grins at Blaze in something akin to anticipation. There was something intriguing about this prospect, an improv session of sorts for a very different kind of audience.

  "Then if there is nothing else for the moment Great King, let us be off. I see little reason to delay."  
Bennosuke
The spirit's tentatcle-whiskers sort of spasm against the ocean's current, moving in a suddenly serpentine or sinusoidal pattern. " Ponlo, " The Sea King's voice echoes across the ocean's floor.

The swarm of gathered spirits return to buzzing about and begin to disperse, while the stick thin Ponlo begins twisting its way towards the Uratha's bubble. The spirit bows its head, the tangle of seaweed hair flopping away from its face in the water. The spirits strange high pitched voice seems to come from within the air bubble itself, " Follow me please. " But as Ponlo turns, its long eel-like body slithering away through the water, the air bubble simply follows as if tied to the spirit by an invisible cord.

The great stone castle grows larger and larger as the group approach, a massive edifice of coral and stone and ivory. At its base, the Uratha can see that the structure's base extends out into a hive-like city of pink porous coral, covered in jewels and brilliant strange anemone-like creatures. Glowing jelly fingers reach out and caress the waters around the castle's base, moving in the ocean's tide. Parts of the structure though, appear to be built of sea wreckage. Patches along the coral are covered in the rusted hulls of sunken ships. This close, you can feel that the entire structure is itself a powerful locus, in tune with the natural elements of the ocean. The city seems to hum and pulse with the powers of the Hisil. There is almost a heat that comes off of the structure, a static electricity that makes the hairs stand up on end.

" Here we are, " announces Ponlo, stopping almost fifty yards from the base of the massive city/fortification. The spirit pauses, appearing shrunken and withered. It says, " Please hurry, while I can gather some strength from the city, I cannot maintain your air bubble forever. "

 
 Spoiler: OOC: The Rite 
Alright, so this will be an assisted extended action with Blaze as the Rite Master. The roll will be Presence + Expression -1 for the lack of instruments. This will be a "race against the clock" with the party having less than an hour (5 rolls) to reach the goal of 20 successes. Remember, that as an assisted action, everyone's successes per round add to Blaze's pool, allowing him to possibly roll better each round. So everyone may as well make all 5 rolls, though TC, it may be best for you to just roll an absurd number of dice per turn, and we can just use what you get based on how the others aid Blaze.
 
GKnightBC
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The spirit's tentatcle-whiskers sort of spasm against the ocean's current, moving in a suddenly serpentine or sinusoidal pattern. " Ponlo, " The Sea King's voice echoes across the ocean's floor.

The swarm of gathered spirits return to buzzing about and begin to disperse, while the stick thin Ponlo begins twisting its way towards the Uratha's bubble. The spirit bows its head, the tangle of seaweed hair flopping away from its face in the water. The spirits strange high pitched voice seems to come from within the air bubble itself, " Follow me please. " But as Ponlo turns, its long eel-like body slithering away through the water, the air bubble simply follows as if tied to the spirit by an invisible cord.

The great stone castle grows larger and larger as the group approach, a massive edifice of coral and stone and ivory. At its base, the Uratha can see that the structure's base extends out into a hive-like city of pink porous coral, covered in jewels and brilliant strange anemone-like creatures. Glowing jelly fingers reach out and caress the waters around the castle's base, moving in the ocean's tide. Parts of the structure though, appear to be built of sea wreckage. Patches along the coral are covered in the rusted hulls of sunken ships. This close, you can feel that the entire structure is itself a powerful locus, in tune with the natural elements of the ocean. The city seems to hum and pulse with the powers of the Hisil. There is almost a heat that comes off of the structure, a static electricity that makes the hairs stand up on end.

" Here we are, " announces Ponlo, stopping almost fifty yards from the base of the massive city/fortification. The spirit pauses, appearing shrunken and withered. It says, " Please hurry, while I can gather some strength from the city, I cannot maintain your air bubble forever. "

 
 Spoiler: OOC: The Rite 
Alright, so this will be an assisted extended action with Blaze as the Rite Master. The roll will be Presence + Expression -1 for the lack of instruments. This will be a "race against the clock" with the party having less than an hour (5 rolls) to reach the goal of 20 successes. Remember, that as an assisted action, everyone's successes per round add to Blaze's pool, allowing him to possibly roll better each round. So everyone may as well make all 5 rolls, though TC, it may be best for you to just roll an absurd number of dice per turn, and we can just use what you get based on how the others aid Blaze.
 
 
 

Jeremy bends his will to the task, the serene beauty of the underwater demesne helping his focus for the ceremony, and his efforts channeling to his pack leader.

 
 Spoiler: Dice rolls 

Presence 2 + Expression 2 - 1 + Patient 2
Turn 1  (5d10)[ 10 ][ 10 ][ 9 ][ 1 ][ 7 ](37) , tens  (5d10)[ 9 ][ 1 ][ 10 ][ 2 ][ 1 ](23) 
Turn 2  (5d10)[ 8 ][ 3 ][ 10 ][ 7 ][ 1 ](29) , tens  (5d10)[ 7 ][ 6 ][ 1 ][ 6 ][ 10 ](30) 
Turn 3  (5d10)[ 1 ][ 2 ][ 7 ][ 2 ][ 1 ](13) , tens  (5d10)[ 7 ][ 1 ][ 5 ][ 1 ][ 7 ](21) 
Turn 4  (5d10)[ 2 ][ 1 ][ 7 ][ 10 ][ 2 ](22) , tens  (5d10)[ 3 ][ 8 ][ 2 ][ 3 ][ 10 ](26) 
Turn 5  (5d10)[ 3 ][ 10 ][ 2 ][ 2 ][ 7 ](24) , tens  (5d10)[ 3 ][ 8 ][ 2 ][ 4 ][ 4 ](21) 
 
Daishain
Bear looks to the others and grins.   "Lets get this underwater gig going. We'll whet their appetites and come back with our instruments for a real show later."  

He starts vocalizing, a low deep wordless rumble.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Presence+expression-1
R1  (5d10)[ 5 ][ 4 ][ 8 ][ 5 ][ 2 ](24) 
R2  (5d10)[ 10 ][ 7 ][ 4 ][ 7 ][ 1 ](29) 
R3  (5d10)[ 4 ][ 4 ][ 10 ][ 3 ][ 5 ](26) 
R4  (5d10)[ 1 ][ 6 ][ 1 ][ 5 ][ 9 ](22) 
R5  (5d10)[ 6 ][ 3 ][ 3 ][ 4 ][ 2 ](18) 
 
Bennosuke
(OOC: As it sounds like no one is risking a WP ect.)

The Uratha's gather together to form a song of sorts as their Rite of the Wellspring, hoping to gift the Sea King with a strengthening of their loci, led by Blaze. As they perform, sigils of power reflect off of the air bubble's warped surface. But the shelter itself shrinks and shrinks as they sing and hum and howl, the air bubble closing in on them, forcing the pack to huddle closer and closer together. Soon enough, Ponlo shrieks, " I can't keep this up! " There is a sudden whirring sound, and within a second the pack is being whisked up off the ocean floor as the air bubble rises. The sudden jarring movement severs the Uratha's connection with the Loci, and they can feel the power of the Rite quickly fading away, though it was SO CLOSE to completion. The castle and the sandy floor fade away into darkness as the bubble rises.

Ponlo is swimming frantically beside the bubble, long serpentine tail whipping back and forth. The dark waters grow lighter and lighter, and soon, the ocean's surface is visible, a sort of yellow-blue shimmering that grows larger and larger. Soon the surface is a massive ever-extending expanse above the rising air bubble, and soon after this, the air bubble crests the ocean's surface.

Treading water now, Ponlo appears markedly shrunk, now no larger than an eel, or a maybe a jungle snake. " I am sorry, " Ponlo says despondently, seaweed hair tangled around its shell face, " if I had kept you down any longer, I don't think I would have had the Essence to safely carry you back to the surface. I... I will explain to my master what happened. Maybe you can come back again to complete your work some time. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 (OOC: As it sounds like no one is risking a WP ect.)

The Uratha's gather together to form a song of sorts as their Rite of the Wellspring, hoping to gift the Sea King with a strengthening of their loci, led by Blaze. As they perform, sigils of power reflect off of the air bubble's warped surface. But the shelter itself shrinks and shrinks as they sing and hum and howl, the air bubble closing in on them, forcing the pack to huddle closer and closer together. Soon enough, Ponlo shrieks, " I can't keep this up! " There is a sudden whirring sound, and within a second the pack is being whisked up off the ocean floor as the air bubble rises. The sudden jarring movement severs the Uratha's connection with the Loci, and they can feel the power of the Rite quickly fading away, though it was SO CLOSE to completion. The castle and the sandy floor fade away into darkness as the bubble rises.

Ponlo is swimming frantically beside the bubble, long serpentine tail whipping back and forth. The dark waters grow lighter and lighter, and soon, the ocean's surface is visible, a sort of yellow-blue shimmering that grows larger and larger. Soon the surface is a massive ever-extending expanse above the rising air bubble, and soon after this, the air bubble crests the ocean's surface.

Treading water now, Ponlo appears markedly shrunk, now no larger than an eel, or a maybe a jungle snake. " I am sorry, " Ponlo says despondently, seaweed hair tangled around its shell face, " if I had kept you down any longer, I don't think I would have had the Essence to safely carry you back to the surface. I... I will explain to my master what happened. Maybe you can come back again to complete your work some time. " 
 

 Blaze 

"I understand Ponlo," Blaze said, "please convey to your master that we all did our best and made great progress, and we shall return to complete the work once we have rested and recovered.  How should we contact you?"
Haval
They had been so close. In spite of her doubts Joanna had felt herself getting into it down there. It was just a matter of doing what the Essance needed.  'We need to start that again? We almost had it.' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
 They had been so close. In spite of her doubts Joanna had felt herself getting into it down there. It was just a matter of doing what the Essance needed.  'We need to start that again? We almost had it.'  
 

"We can pick up where we left off," Blaze replied, "mostly.  And we can bring some instruments next time."
Bennosuke
" I will, " Ponlo replies to Blaze, bowing its head again, " Though please understand, my master is not always patient. The incursions from The Idigam have been growing worse and worse. " To Blaze's question about contacting, the spirit replies, " I have heard that some Uratha have the ability to call on or summon spirits they know by name? "

(OOC: Blaze has Shadowcall)

Lastly Ponlo asks, " I am drained of much of my power, but will you be able to reach your home... this far from land? "
Haval
 'Maybe we find a trustworthy boat spirit next time for when we come back.'  Given everything, Joanna felt that it might be handy to look.

Joanna had been wondering about the distance.  'Is the island closer? Maybe we can cross over and get the boat.' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " I will, " Ponlo replies to Blaze, bowing its head again, " Though please understand, my master is not always patient. The incursions from The Idigam have been growing worse and worse. " To Blaze's question about contacting, the spirit replies, " I have heard that some Uratha have the ability to call on or summon spirits they know by name? "

(OOC: Blaze has Shadowcall)

Lastly Ponlo asks, " I am drained of much of my power, but will you be able to reach your home... this far from land? " 
 

“Oh yeah man, I can do that if that’s ok with you,” Blaze replied.

His mind was currently occupied with what he had planned for that lying betraying whaling boat…

“Err, I think we should be alright, how far is it to land in the Hisil from here?” he asked, “and which direction?”
Daishain
Bear tightens a fist in frustration as the ritual is disrupted and stays silent for the trip to the surface. He then asks,   "How long do you need to recover before trying again? I would not care to leave your master waiting too long."  
Bennosuke
 “Err, I think we should be alright, how far is it to land in the Hisil from here?” he asked, “and which direction?” 

Ponlo speaks up, shaking its head animatedly, " No, no. I would not go towards the island. We are close, yes, but the Idigam and the Deep Ones own the island. It is too unsafe! "

To Bear the spirit replies, " Another three to four moons, I fear. I have used up much of my power to do my master's bidding today. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Ponlo speaks up, shaking its head animatedly, " No, no. I would not go towards the island. We are close, yes, but the Idigam and the Deep Ones own the island. It is too unsafe! "

To Bear the spirit replies, " Another three to four moons, I fear. I have used up much of my power to do my master's bidding today. " 
 

“No Ponlo, not the island,” Blaze said patiently, “land, the shore, where we make our home.”
Bennosuke
Ponlo nods its head again, and makes a noise that is something like an 'Ah'. Then without another word, the spirit begins to shake, its entire body vibrating so fast that parts of its corpus were beginning to blur. As if it were some sort of spirit dousing rod, Ponlo is spun round and round and round, splashing up little waves of salt water. When Ponlo finally stops, its entire body is rigid, pointing in a direction away from the floating Uratha. " I fear the land you seek is over a mile in that direction. It will be... challenging swimming, " the Ocean Spirit says. It pauses for a moment before being struck by an idea. Excitedly, Ponlo says, " If you can summon spirits as you say, you might call on Dark Eye, the leader of the chorus of Deep Sea Spirits you followed here. I have no more Essence with which to help, but perhaps the Deep Sea Spirits will be able to assist you. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Ponlo nods its head again, and makes a noise that is something like an 'Ah'. Then without another word, the spirit begins to shake, its entire body vibrating so fast that parts of its corpus were beginning to blur. As if it were some sort of spirit dousing rod, Ponlo is spun round and round and round, splashing up little waves of salt water. When Ponlo finally stops, its entire body is rigid, pointing in a direction away from the floating Uratha. " I fear the land you seek is over a mile in that direction. It will be... challenging swimming, " the Ocean Spirit says. It pauses for a moment before being struck by an idea. Excitedly, Ponlo says, " If you can summon spirits as you say, you might call on Dark Eye, the leader of the chorus of Deep Sea Spirits you followed here. I have no more Essence with which to help, but perhaps the Deep Sea Spirits will be able to assist you. " 
 

“Okay, we could probably pull that off from here, but can Dark Eye be trusted?  What would be an appropriate exchange, in your opinion?” Blaze asked.
Bennosuke
" I am afraid you may not have much other option, " Ponlo says, a noise escaping its corpus as its speaks that sounds half like a whale-noise and half like the rush of the tide. It turns its flopping head in one direction, as if it were staring off into space for a long moment, before adding, " Though perhaps the Deep Sea Spirits will be more helpful now that they know you are working for our King. Otherwise... if there is another spirit you would prefer to summon, maybe they would be able to come to your aid. "
Haval
To Blaze,  'You know anyone else whose close and can help? Maybe we call them and find out what they want at least.' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
 To Blaze,  'You know anyone else whose close and can help? Maybe we call them and find out what they want at least.'  
 

“Not really,” Blaze replied, “forget it, we’ll start with Dark Eye and drop the Sea King’s name, see how it goes…”

 
 Spoiler 
how do we go about calling this thing in the water?
 
Bennosuke
Ponlo bows its head again and replies, " Very well. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help. "

 
 Spoiler: OOC Reply 

 how do we go about calling this thing in the water? 

Blaze has shadow call, a Rite that allows him to summon spirits after an extended action roll for the rite. Since there is no timelimit, we can handwave the roll and say it happens after "much time" is spent on the rite.

Further details on the rite, per page 145 of Wtf:


 This rite targets a single known spirit by name,
or the nearest spirit of a desired type. The spirit becomes
immediately aware once the rite begins, and can try to resist
or can voluntarily respond to the call. If the rite succeeds, the
spirit immediately appears within a delineated summoning spot
that has appropriate gathra in it. Unlike most rites, the local
Gauntlet strength does affect the dice pool for Shadowcall if
the called spirit is on the opposite side of the Gauntlet to the
ritemaster when the rite begins. 

So if Blaze "starts" the Rite, I'll just resolve it.
 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Ponlo bows its head again and replies, " Very well. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help. "

 
 Spoiler: OOC Reply 


Blaze has shadow call, a Rite that allows him to summon spirits after an extended action roll for the rite. Since there is no timelimit, we can handwave the roll and say it happens after "much time" is spent on the rite.

Further details on the rite, per page 145 of Wtf:



So if Blaze "starts" the Rite, I'll just resolve it.
 
 
 

Blaze creates a rhythmic beat by slamming his hand on the water and forcing it down, creating a column of air behind his hand which the water then collapses in on with a thunk.  He feels kind of silly calling out to Dark Eye while treading water in the middle of the Hisil ocean, but he keeps at it.  In theory, the power of the rite should work even with a simple summoning as this...
Bennosuke
The music grows louder and louder, taking on a power and form outside of what should be physically possible. Essence coalesces before Blaze. Slowly the ocean waters still till there is not a single wave, and the Uratha are treading water over a mirror's reflective surface of blues and greens.  As Blaze continues to perform, the winds pick up, though the ocean remains calm. Damp hair is thrown about, and the gusts of wind seem to be powerful enough to even move the floating bodies like sails as the skies darken.

Finally, there is a clap of thunder and a brilliant flash of light. When vision returns, the Hisil has returned to "normal", with choppy waves bouying the Uratha about. But in the center of their circle floats a massive spirit. Familiar in its form, Dark Eye sits between the Uratha and Ponlo. The thing is vaguely fish shaped, though its mouth (all rows of spiny teeth) curls all the way back under its first pair of webbed lateral fins. Glassy white eyes completely devoid of pupils stare blindly. It speaks with great displeasure, though its mouth never moves. " What have you done, separating me from my chorus? " Dark Eye hisses. Its tail whips this way and that so that it can turn about in a circle to between the Anchor Wolves and Ponlo, " Uratha? Explain yourselves! "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The music grows louder and louder, taking on a power and form outside of what should be physically possible. Essence coalesces before Blaze. Slowly the ocean waters still till there is not a single wave, and the Uratha are treading water over a mirror's reflective surface of blues and greens.  As Blaze continues to perform, the winds pick up, though the ocean remains calm. Damp hair is thrown about, and the gusts of wind seem to be powerful enough to even move the floating bodies like sails as the skies darken.

Finally, there is a clap of thunder and a brilliant flash of light. When vision returns, the Hisil has returned to "normal", with choppy waves bouying the Uratha about. But in the center of their circle floats a massive spirit. Familiar in its form, Dark Eye sits between the Uratha and Ponlo. The thing is vaguely fish shaped, though its mouth (all rows of spiny teeth) curls all the way back under its first pair of webbed lateral fins. Glassy white eyes completely devoid of pupils stare blindly. It speaks with great displeasure, though its mouth never moves. " What have you done, separating me from my chorus? " Dark Eye hisses. Its tail whips this way and that so that it can turn about in a circle to between the Anchor Wolves and Ponlo, " Uratha? Explain yourselves! " 
 

 Blaze  

"Greetings, Dark Eye of the Deep, I am Blaze of the Crescent Moon and Iron Masters," Blaze said as he bowed as best he could while treading water, "I apologize for drawing you away from your chorus, but we have just returned from parlay with the Sea King, and your power and expertise was recommended.  I would not normally presume upon your good nature, but times are dire, as we have just recently fought off a squad of abominations spawned by the Idigam which makes its lair near the island.  We request your assistance in helping us return to the mainland so we may expand our alliance with the Sea King, and jointly plan a counterattack to remove the taint of the abomination from the Hisil.  Of course, we would be willing to offer suitable gathra, and should you find our cause noble, we may also discuss a wider cooperation."
Haval
Under the circumstances, Joanna is surprised that that actually worked. She is focused on keeping her head above water.
Bennosuke
It takes several more moments for the deep sea spirit to calm itself and stop swimming circles to and fro. When it finally turns its attention back to Blaze, it makes a noise like an exasperated sigh. " Greetings again, Blaze of the Iron Masters, " the spirit replies, " I am  glad  to see you and your pack survived. " There is something about the way Dark Eye speaks, that bellies it is more amused to see Blaze again. It adds in an almost mocking tone, " I assume you are no longer allies with that mad ship spirit? "

Regardless of Blaze's reply to the spirit's derisions, it will respond, " Considering your newest allegiances, I and my chorus will offer you safe passage back to shore... if you will again provide us with temporary sustenance and shelter as you have before. " One might find this a rather frustrating request, given how anxious the Deep Sea Spirits had been to be free of the Well the Uratha had created for them, and because they had insisted the pack find a ride across the ocean toward the Idigam's lair to begin with!
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 It takes several more moments for the deep sea spirit to calm itself and stop swimming circles to and fro. When it finally turns its attention back to Blaze, it makes a noise like an exasperated sigh. " Greetings again, Blaze of the Iron Masters, " the spirit replies, " I am  glad  to see you and your pack survived. " There is something about the way Dark Eye speaks, that bellies it is more amused to see Blaze again. It adds in an almost mocking tone, " I assume you are no longer allies with that mad ship spirit? "

Regardless of Blaze's reply to the spirit's derisions, it will respond, " Considering your newest allegiances, I and my chorus will offer you safe passage back to shore... if you will again provide us with temporary sustenance and shelter as you have before. " One might find this a rather frustrating request, given how anxious the Deep Sea Spirits had been to be free of the Well the Uratha had created for them, and because they had insisted the pack find a ride across the ocean toward the Idigam's lair to begin with! 
 


Blaze’s expression darkens at the mention of Pequod, but he does not mention the old whaling ship.

“And the same to you,” Blaze said, “Certainly, the locus in our territory remains attuned to your kind, we would gladly share a meal with you in exchange for passage.”
Haval
Joanna is frustrated but will ignore Dark Eye's attitude if he was able to get them out of here. It wasn't as if they had any choice. Although Joanna was curious about how long she could stay afloat if she really needed to.
Daishain
Bear suppresses a grumble as he treads water. It seemed prudent to wait to comment until they were on dry land again.
Bennosuke
" Very good, " Dark Eye says, its lips curling back and up to expose oily black gums, " we accept your Gathra. " It wiggles its bloated body in such a way that it starts to sink and back away from the Uratha, bumping into Ponlo behind it. It continues the strange movement till almost all of its body is submerged, sparing its dorsal fin and the pair of blind white orbs. Small waves begin to push out away from Dark Eye, as it calls upon Essence to perform some spirit trick. The ripples cause the Uratha to bob up and down with the new tide, jostled too and fro.

This performance continues for about a minute, till the Anchor Wolves begin to notice lights coming up from below, despite the disturbed ocean's surface. The lights grow in number and size, till you realize that the surrounding waters are filling with the chorus of Deep Sea spirits, rising up from the depths. Soon many of the more powerful spirits are cresting the water, dark scaly bodies rising to greet Dark Eye and the Uratha.

" Grab hold and we will swim you  back to shore, " Dark Eye commands.

(OOC: Happy to end the scene here, unless anyone wants to try or do anything else. If I don't hear anything, and because I am off work tomorrow. I will tally beats and we will move things forward to the next scene.)
Haval
 Maybe we should have asked these guys in the first place.  Joanna thinks in irritation.  At least we know what they want. 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Ok to move on
 
Bennosuke
 Act 2 Scene iv 
 “A wolf is no less a wolf because he’s dressed in sheepskin and the devil is no less the devil because he’s dressed as an angel.”
– Lecrae

"Can it be possible that this planet has actually spawned such things; that human eyes have truly seen, as objective flesh, what man has hitherto known only in febrile phantasy and tenuous legend?”
― H.P. Lovecraft , The Shadow over Innsmouth

"I couldn't do no yodelin', so I turned to howlin'."
― Howlin' Wolf 

The Anchor Wolves returned to their territory, ferried by the strange and silent Deep Sea Spirits. Bloodied but not broken, the pack returned to lick their wounds and make plans for war. As promised, the first order of business was to rebuild the well for the Deep Sea Spirits, providing a source of temporary sustenance for their saviors. This of course meant bleeding themselves of even more Essence, leaving several of the Uratha low on energy and desperately hungry.

Once on the other side of the gauntlet, he remaining wolf blooded pack members were appalled to see the state of their brethren, wet, exhausted, and dark in demeanor. It was Bear who suggested that the first order of business, once everyone had washed up and changed, and rested a little, should be a hunt, perhaps taking down a chorus of prey spirits would raise the pack's morale, along with giving a chance to recover some much needed energy (OOC: See page 100). Of course other pack members might have other recommended courses of action. And so, seated around the great table set up by Pine's kitchen, the Uratha ate a warm supper and made their next plans.

(OOC: I would personally suggest gathering Essence before setting out again. Other courses of action that the pack might consider are going after the Pure and their totem in some way, shape, or form; working to set up the Factory for Data Bolt; shaping the Death Locus; going back out to the ocean to shape a well for The Ocean King; or any other course of action the group might decide on)
Thundercracker
 Blaze 

“I wanna finish off the Death Locus,” Blaze said, “once that’s done, we can start gathering Essence from it.  The one downstairs is permanent, so the Deep Sea spirits should be able to snack before they go.  Also, I’m going to turn Pequod into a fetish to help us against the Idigam.  Probably for you Bear.  Any preference on what it should look like?  Baseball bat or something?”
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Thundercracker 
  Blaze 

“I wanna finish off the Death Locus,” Blaze said, “once that’s done, we can start gathering Essence from it.  The one downstairs is permanent, so the Deep Sea spirits should be able to snack before they go.  Also, I’m going to turn Pequod into a fetish to help us against the Idigam.  Probably for you Bear.  Any preference on what it should look like?  Baseball bat or something?” 
 

 'So it's like an Essence vending machine? And we can use it to bribe spirits? Just tell me what to do.'  Joanna has cheered up a little since she's been able to dry off.  'Given what just happened with Pequod I'd rather not go through it again because someone else is pissed off at us. We got to make sure Databolt gets what he wanted. Is there anyone else we owe a favour to? Sea King and fishes aside I mean.' 

Then there was the other thing,  'I know there's always something on but I'm going to need to learn how to do this Uratha thing properly at some point. Feel like I've been winging it too long. What exactly do I need to do to join the Iron Masters anyway?'  Joanna had barely considered the other tribes. The Iron Masters felt like an extension of her day job.  'Maybe it won't help me kill fish monsters better but it couldn't hurt.' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
  'So it's like an Essence vending machine? And we can use it to bribe spirits? Just tell me what to do.'  Joanna has cheered up a little since she's been able to dry off.  'Given what just happened with Pequod I'd rather not go through it again because someone else is pissed off at us. We got to make sure Databolt gets what he wanted. Is there anyone else we owe a favour to? Sea King and fishes aside I mean.' 

Then there was the other thing,  'I know there's always something on but I'm going to need to learn how to do this Uratha thing properly at some point. Feel like I've been winging it too long. What exactly do I need to do to join the Iron Masters anyway?'  Joanna had barely considered the other tribes. The Iron Masters felt like an extension of her day job.  'Maybe it won't help me kill fish monsters better but it couldn't hurt.'  
 

 Blaze 

“Aside from being punishment for, you know, trying to murder us, we gotta let the other spirits know they can’t go back on their agreements with us, otherwise it’ll be open season,” Blaze said, “it’s the principle of the thing.  The loci are like Essence vending machines yeah, but changing the flavors is kinda involved.  If you wanna come with me to the Death locus I can show you.  I’m in the Iron Masters too, you sure about this?  Whaddya wanna know?”
Haval
 'Isn't that what they say about being in prison? Punch the biggest guy in the face to show what you're capable of?'  Joanna grins to herself.  'Those spirits aren't so different. Show me how this Death Locus thing works then.'  Joanna will accompany Blaze.

On the Iron Masters,  'Just where to start. Is there someone I'm supposed to ask? Is there a membership fee or something? I know it's about human stuff so it seems the least weird.'  Least weird was all relative here.
Daishain
  "If I'm going to bear that fetish, probably something I can wear, I'm going to need to keep my claws free when we face the idigam. Perhaps a medallion of some sort? if you can, make it especially humiliating for that bastard."   Bear flexes his hands, remembering the fight in the water and how he'd been too slow to keep Kara from getting hurt.

  "Anyways, we ought to get that hunt in quick, we're more vulnerable than I'd like right now, and it probably isn't helping our judgement being this low on energy."   Getting to tear through something sounded really good right now.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
   "If I'm going to bear that fetish, probably something I can wear, I'm going to need to keep my claws free when we face the idigam. Perhaps a medallion of some sort? if you can, make it especially humiliating for that bastard."   Bear flexes his hands, remembering the fight in the water and how he'd been too slow to keep Kara from getting hurt.

  "Anyways, we ought to get that hunt in quick, we're more vulnerable than I'd like right now, and it probably isn't helping our judgement being this low on energy."   Getting to tear through something sounded really good right now. 
 

"alright man, you're the boss," Blaze said, "I should be able to help us hunt something.  What are we goin' after?"

To Joanna: "We'll have to cover it later, but yeah there's like... an initiation and stuff.  There is for all of them.  I can start filling you in before we get to that though," Blaze said.
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Thundercracker 
 To Joanna: "We'll have to cover it later, but yeah there's like... an initiation and stuff.  There is for all of them.  I can start filling you in before we get to that though," Blaze said. 
 

 'Just like college...or so I've heard.'  To Bear,  'I could eat.'  The thought of hunting seemed enticing.  'We should probably try and finish Blaze's thing as soon as possible though. It seems like it'd be useful to have around.' 
Daishain
Bear grins,   "I've been seeing a good number of pollution and death spirits hanging around where they shouldn't lately. I figure we can kill our hunger and clean the place up a bit if we go after the largest swarm of those we can find. What do you guys think?"  
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Bear grins,   "I've been seeing a good number of pollution and death spirits hanging around where they shouldn't lately. I figure we can kill our hunger and clean the place up a bit if we go after the largest swarm of those we can find. What do you guys think?"   
 

 'I admit I'd be curious to see what getting rid of them looks like over on this side.' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Bear grins,   "I've been seeing a good number of pollution and death spirits hanging around where they shouldn't lately. I figure we can kill our hunger and clean the place up a bit if we go after the largest swarm of those we can find. What do you guys think?"   
 

“Sounds like a plan, man,” Blaze said.

 
 Spoiler 
is this something we can use shadow Hunter for?
 
GKnightBC
*At last! A hunt!* Jeremy thinks as he anticipates chasing down prey, which hasn't happened since he arrived.
Bennosuke
After finishing their discussion, the Urathat get up on their makeshift practice stage and run through a Hunting Ritual, this time with plans to go after some of the growing pollution spirits that Bear had noticed. Their rite completed and their prey chosen, Bear and Blaze lead the group out to monolith to cross over into the Hisil. On the other side, they quickly feast on some of the Essence that had coagulated along the Locus in the form of slimy meaty protuberances (OOC: Everyone got a bump in Essence of 1).

Following this quick snack, Bear indicates that he's already found the scent of some of their targeted pollution spirits (OOC: He got most of the successes), and leads the pack in shifting into Urhan. The pack follow's Bear's lead up the coast, heading North along rocky bluffs and stony beaches. The others soon pick up the cloying stench of burning gasoline and something artificially sweet. Soon even the smell of salt water and seaweed cannot mask the trail, the odor becoming so strong that it draws water from the eyes and causes the Uratha in wolf form to instinctively drop low to stay below the assaulting odor.

Farther up the coast, as the stench grows more powerful, the pack comes across an old brick warehouse reminiscent of the cannery on the other side of the gauntlet, only larger and more macabre in only the way that The Shadow could produce. The structure was at least twice the size, its rooftop lined with stone parapets and turrets, like some medieval castle. It's front entrance as well was a massive arched double door of wood, with a pair of barred windows overhead that created a leering impression of a face. A pair of steel chimneys crowned the structure protruding high like a pair of devil's horns, belching black and pungent smoke.

The pack had found a crop of bushes downwind of the building from which they could observe. Swarming around the building, flying up and up the smokestacks and crawling an and out of its barred windows was a chorus of lesser pollution spirits. Black and oily, those that had any form appeared as slithering little slug things with an open rubbery maw. The pollution spirits numbered at least in the thirty, and seemed to be feeding off of the pollution essence produced by the factory. The crawled about devouring happily, unaware of the predators only thirty yards away.
Haval
The snack had left Joanna hungry for more, even if the Essence was in the unappetising shape of the pollution spirits. She'll look for cover where she could flank the spirits without being noticed. Either she could catch any that decided to run or she engage the group of spirits in the rear after the others chose to make themselves known.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Urhan 2 + Dex 2 + Stealth 2
 (6d10)[ 3 ][ 7 ][ 7 ][ 6 ][ 2 ][ 1 ](26) 
Any 10s
 (6d10)[ 2 ][ 6 ][ 4 ][ 2 ][ 8 ][ 9 ](31) 

And Lone Wolf for Wp purposes if this is worth mentioning
 
Bennosuke
Separating herself from the group, Joanna is able to make her way around the factory to the other side, without being noticed by the spirits.

(OOC: Down to 1WP though she may be able to earn it back depending on how the hunt goes)
Haval
Joanna will find a spot where she could watch the spirits while remaining hidden.
Daishain
Bear looks it over, nodding to himself.   "That chorus is likely to flee the moment they spot danger, so I suggest a flush and catch. I'll take two others and we'll approach openly on three sides, while the rest of you wait in their path. Hit them hard when they come your way, and we'll catch up from behind while they're reeling. Should be a pretty clean rout. Who wants to run with me and who will ambush?"  
Haval
 'Think it's best if I ambush. Just try to keep up.' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Bear looks it over, nodding to himself.   "That chorus is likely to flee the moment they spot danger, so I suggest a flush and catch. I'll take two others and we'll approach openly on three sides, while the rest of you wait in their path. Hit them hard when they come your way, and we'll catch up from behind while they're reeling. Should be a pretty clean rout. Who wants to run with me and who will ambush?"   
 

"I'll go with you," Blaze said, "I'm sure we get them to all run in the other direction.  Fingers crossed for a nice feast."
Bennosuke
 
 Spoiler: OOC: 
So would the group of Uratha who are flushing out the spirits roll Str/Presence + intimidation. I suggest discussing in the Discord into rolls.
 
GKnightBC
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Bear looks it over, nodding to himself.   "That chorus is likely to flee the moment they spot danger, so I suggest a flush and catch. I'll take two others and we'll approach openly on three sides, while the rest of you wait in their path. Hit them hard when they come your way, and we'll catch up from behind while they're reeling. Should be a pretty clean rout. Who wants to run with me and who will ambush?"   
 

" I'll join the routing group with you, Bear, and we'll see how full we can get our catch." J eremy offers, moving to join the other two.
Daishain
Bear slips into Urshul as he waits until everyone is in position, stretching his limbs in anticipation of the hunt.

Once certain it was time, Bear gives a long low booming howl, then comes barreling around the corner straight at the pollution spirits.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
str+intimidate  (7d10)[ 8 ][ 7 ][ 5 ][ 9 ][ 4 ][ 10 ][ 5 ](48) 
Ten again  (7d10)[ 5 ][ 10 ][ 9 ][ 8 ][ 6 ][ 3 ][ 1 ](42) 
 
GKnightBC
Jeremy joins Bear in the hunter's mode, growling loudly and with intent as he flanks his packmates, charging and driving the spirits out towards the trap.

 
 Spoiler: Rolls 
STR 3  (3d10)[ 1 ][ 10 ][ 2 ](13)  tens  (3d10)[ 8 ][ 4 ][ 4 ](16) 
 
Thundercracker
Rather than rely on his mere appearance, which was fairly pathetic next to Bear, Blaze called upon his special connection to the spirit world and unleashed an unearthly howl to drive the lesser sprints away from him, and towards his waiting packmates.
Bennosuke
Bear, Jeremy and Blaze creep towards the warehouse, low and down wind. Ears pulled back, they stalk forward with Bear in the lead. The Uratha's steps grow faster and faster, till they are charging forward, falling upon the spirits. Racing forward, the werewolves bark and baay, harrying the spirits.

Blaze pauses for a moment, lifting his head high up in the air, eyes closed as he bellows a mighty howl. The pollution spirits scatter, but it is too late as the Uratha have already cut off their escaped back into the oily waters. Scurrying and crawling, the pollution spirit wriggle back to the land, attempting to escape past the factory building, where Joanna and Kara are waiting. The trap closes on the chorus of spirits like the jaws of a wolf around its prey.

Now all that's left is to give into instinct; to snatch up, to tear apart, and to feed.

(OOC: Very good, now we will have everyone make a roll of the combination of the best two of your Physical Attributes; Strength, Dexterity, and Stamina)
GKnightBC
Unable to control his excitement at the chase and hunt with his new pack, Jeremy speeds into the prey, grabbing and rending it as instinct demands.

 
 Spoiler: The kill 
DEX+STA+form  (9d10)[ 9 ][ 9 ][ 8 ][ 10 ][ 8 ][ 5 ][ 9 ][ 7 ][ 9 ](74)  Tens  (9d10)[ 3 ][ 3 ][ 4 ][ 7 ][ 1 ][ 10 ][ 8 ][ 3 ][ 1 ](40) 
 
Daishain
Bear bowls his way into the densest cluster of the spirits, using his bulk to flatten and disable as many of the things he can at once.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Str+Sta  (8d10)[ 10 ][ 2 ][ 10 ][ 7 ][ 10 ][ 1 ][ 3 ][ 6 ](49) 
ten again  (8d10)[ 10 ][ 6 ][ 2 ][ 4 ][ 2 ][ 1 ][ 7 ][ 7 ](39) 
 
Bennosuke
The pack cinches the noose of their trap as they close in from three sides on the frantic Pollution Spirits. The little black slug things shriek and burp as they crawl their way across the cracked pavement and clumps of dirt. But there is really no where to flee, except into the jaws of the circling Uratha. The Anchor Wolves make quick work of lesser spirits. Jaws snap around scurrying prey, either swallowing whole, or tearing apart slimy corpus. Soon the ground is littered with trails and small puddles of black sludge Essence. The cries of the scattering chorus die out as their numbers are thinned. Most of the spirits are unable to escape becoming Werewolf chow, while a few are able to flee into the surrounding forest. Uratha trot briskly back and forth around the lot, still barking; stopping to lap up the remaining puddles of spilled Essence, or clean gore from their paws.

(OOC: So that's a total of 19 successes. I was basically going to rule an Essence point to the pack per success, which is more than enough to bring everyone back up to 10. Since Jeremy got 7 successes, and thus gets a beat towards the Siskur Dah condition of achieving an exceptional success. I ask that the pack discuss what they want to move on to next, whether that's sorting out personal time, or going to accomplish something specific as a group)
Haval
Joanna will fastidiously clean herself up. That had been very satisfying.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Joanna is going to help Blaze with the Death Locus
 
Daishain
Bear gives another triumphant howl before moving to congratulate his packmates on a successful hunt.   "We need to do this a little more often, its good to simply run and hunt for once."  
Haval
 'Been a little busy lately. Maybe we should take a day off more often.' 
Bennosuke
Kara trots over, her muzzle and paws slick with black ichor, panting contentedly. She listens intently to the pack's exaltations and discussion, bending back to stretch, before beginning to clean one of her paws with the repetitive motion of her long pink tongue. Between licks she mutters, " A day off would be nice, but we did promise the Sea King we would be back ASAP. " She looks up at Joanna, her long lupine lips pulled up the semblance of a contented smile, then turns to Bear and adds, " God, when did I become one of the responsible ones. "
GKnightBC
Surprised and pleased by the Pack's success, Jeremy cleans up as well, dwelling on the Essence flavour of the absorbed spirits.  "I could seriously enjoy hunting pollution spirits, if this also helps clear our area into a better health." 
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " God, when did I become one of the responsible ones. " 
 

 'Someone's got to be. You'll just have to make up for it the next time we have a gig.' 

 
 Originally Posted by GKnightBC 
 Surprised and pleased by the Pack's success, Jeremy cleans up as well, dwelling on the Essence flavour of the absorbed spirits.  "I could seriously enjoy hunting pollution spirits, if this also helps clear our area into a better health."  
 

 'We're providing a public service. Maybe the government should be paying us to do that.' 
Bennosuke
Kara chuckles at Joanna's remarks, but is clearly looking to the senior pack members to weigh in on the decision about when to get to The Sea King.

(OOC: To be clear here, not actually saying you have to do this next, just trying to present options to the group, though of course every decision has its consequences.)
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
  'Someone's got to be. You'll just have to make up for it the next time we have a gig.' 
 'We're providing a public service. Maybe the government should be paying us to do that.'  
 

"We gotta finish off the Death Locus.  We don't want to leave it around too long, spewing that nasty essence... who knows what it could attract," Blaze said, "it should only take a couple of hours.  Maybe grab some food or something and get the gear together for a trip to the Sea King while we take care of it?"
Daishain
  "Sounds like a plan. Blaze, the locus thing's your gig, who do you want to help with that? The rest can get a less temperamental boat to carry us out and grab stuff for our next meet."  
Bennosuke
 "We gotta finish off the Death Locus. We don't want to leave it around too long, spewing that nasty essence... who knows what it could attract," Blaze said, "it should only take a couple of hours. Maybe grab some food or something and get the gear together for a trip to the Sea King while we take care of it?" 

Kara simply chuckles at the mention of grabbing some food, and says, " You're still hungry? "
Haval
To Blaze,  'Just tell me what to do. Maybe I can learn something.' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
   "Sounds like a plan. Blaze, the locus thing's your gig, who do you want to help with that? The rest can get a less temperamental boat to carry us out and grab stuff for our next meet."   
 

“Open invitation man, anyone who wants to,” Blaze replied.

At the locus:
“Yeah, we gotta set these rocks up here and there, and then imma play some bongos to get things kickstarted.  You can play some too or whatever you like.  Music’s just a vessel thing to channel the essence.”
Bennosuke
 “Open invitation man, anyone who wants to,” Blaze replied. 

Kara turns to Bear, " I'll stick with you. Probably more useful that way anyways. "
GKnightBC
 "I'm in for the boat thing, too."  Jeremy pipes up,  "Something low in the water and quiet? An electric trolling motor?" 
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Thundercracker 
 At the locus:
“Yeah, we gotta set these rocks up here and there, and then imma play some bongos to get things kickstarted.  You can play some too or whatever you like.  Music’s just a vessel thing to channel the essence.” 
 

 'Ok, I'll see if I can work something out. Just don't expect me to be Kara.'  Joanna will hum along with whatever beat Blaze comes up with as she taps her feet. If she can she'll aim to sing something appropriate along with the beat while doing her best to carry a tune.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Going to throw a roll at that
Presence 3 + Expression 3
 (6d10)[ 7 ][ 6 ][ 8 ][ 2 ][ 10 ][ 2 ](35) 
Any 10s
 (6d10)[ 9 ][ 9 ][ 1 ][ 7 ][ 2 ][ 4 ](32) 
 
Bennosuke
Kara shrugs and directing her words to Blaze says, " Alright, I guess you and Joanna are on your own. " Then to Bear she says, " I guess lead the  way. You wanna find a boat here or across the Gauntlet. "

(OOC: looking to prompt the larger group to explain what their next steps are so that I can run you through them)

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

Blaze and Joanna break from the rest of the pack, heading in the direction of the Death Locus. As they get close, Joanna is struck by the changes in the habitat of the Hisil, as Essence becomes scarcer and the land becomes almost colorless and with less concrete form. Things were better than when Blaze had first been here though, thanks to Blaze's hard work at Resonance shaping; though it had admittedly been too long since he had been back. There was still something entropic and haunting about how the spirit energies flowed in this place. Both the Gauntlet and the Hisil were still  sick  here, weakened and scarred by what the Beshilu had done here. The Gauntlet had thankfully grown stronger. The mud filled swamp had dried up and shrunk to near half its size, and there was no longer the upsetting planar overlap that Blaze had first noticed, where the world of Flesh could practically be seen by allowing one's vision to relax. Still, there was almost no life here, no flittering of spirits, no flow of Essence.

The locus still appeared as a small island of Beshilu carcasses in the center of this murky lake. The waters around the locus churned producing a brackish green foam billowing up into a gathered pyre of rodent bones and burned pelts twisting their forms to create a simulacrum of a giant rat skull that seemed to leer down at the Uratha. Every step closer to the Locus drew another wave of nausea from Blaze and Joanna. This place was still loathsome. This place was damnable, an abomination of the Hisil, and the laws of nature.

To Blaze's surprise, there was a small chorus of healthy looking Death spirits; a chorus too healthy; for Blaze's liking. Though the locus had shrunk, there still seemed to be enough Essence gathered in it to feed the group of lesser spirits that hummed and moaned as they crawled over the area.  Where had all these Death Spirits come from?  was the obvious question. But thankfully, the chorus disperses and flees as the two Uratha approach.

Once near, Blaze walked Joanna through the act of Resonance shaping. Blaze of course channeled his abilities through the performance of music. As the Uratha's playing pushed and kneaded at the sucking deathly Essence that drooled out of the death locus, and Joanna watched with wide eyed amazement. The brackish waters around the pile of corpses churned and boiled to the rhythm of Blaze's playing. The clotted dark purple chunks of Essence began to loosen like melting icicles, bleeding small rivulets that stained the muddy waters. And as the Essence fed into the marsh, the water's edge began to pull back, revealing rich fertile soils.

As Blaze worked, the locus itself seemed to shrink and wither. Though the Gauntlet was still unforgivably thin in this place, the locus' corrupting influence was slowly fading. Several of the burned and fused Beshilu corpses began to deflate and disintegrate; some burst open with loud pops. The act of shaping was incredibly strenuous. Blaze wasn't just playing music, he was channeling his very energies through the music. Almost immediately, he began panting and his muscles began to ache furiously, as if he were trying to continuously hold a car over his head. As he pushed forward, the capillaries in his nose began to burst with the psychic strain, causing metallic gushes of blood to pour down into his mouth.

Finally the two were finished, and all the twisted mutated rat bones were gone, leaving the ground surrounded by a bramble of grape vines that wove around each other in a circle around the two Uratha.
Haval
 'It looked so creepy. And not just for the rats.'  Joanna will offer Blaze a tissue for his bloody nose.  'Should we be worried about those things?'  By which she meant the death spirits.
Daishain
  "Might as well keep it here in the physical this time. I think I've had enough of vessels with a will of their own for a while, and it should be easy enough to rent a relatively cheap boat that can take us out there."   He blinks,   "Come to think, anyone know what the boating and fishing laws are around here? Don't wanna get held up because we don't have a license or something dumb like that."  
Bennosuke
Kara shrugs at Bear's question. " I imagine it wouldn't be too hard to rent a boat, though we probably would need a license if it's motorized, unless we were hiring like a captain or something as well. Not sure how we'd handle that. I don't know how you guys would feel about paddlinng or sailing out otherwise. " She pulls out her phone and starts tapping away. Eyes still glued on her phone she says, " Never mind, looks like you need a license to sail a boat as well... though I suppose we could always steal a boat. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
  'It looked so creepy. And not just for the rats.'  Joanna will offer Blaze a tissue for his bloody nose.  'Should we be worried about those things?'  By which she meant the death spirits. 
 

Blaze wiped at his nose.

“Nah I think it should be ok, we can check back in a few days and see if any come back,” Blaze replied, “I need a toke, you down?”
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Thundercracker 
 Blaze wiped at his nose.

“Nah I think it should be ok, we can check back in a few days and see if any come back,” Blaze replied, “I need a toke, you down?” 
 

Joanna doesn't hesistate,  'Absolutely.' 
GKnightBC
 "The rental places don't really check licenses. Show them a card that's passable, and they'll rent you the boat. Give me an hour and I can mock one up on the printer and laminate it. What size boat will we need, do you think?"  Jeremy asks.  "I've spent a lot of time working on security systems, so we could even hotwire something if we want to be less trackable." 
Bennosuke
Kara grins, " Well look at you pup. " She gives Jeremy a playful punch to the shoulder.

(OOC: I think we can make this a Wits + Craft/Computet roll, assuming this is the plan agreed on by the group)
Daishain
Bear scratches his chin a bit,   "Well we need enough room for us, and the band equipment, so a small speedboat's probably not gonna cut it. Maybe one of those fishing trawlers with the open rear deck?"  
GKnightBC
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Bear scratches his chin a bit,   "Well we need enough room for us, and the band equipment, so a small speedboat's probably not gonna cut it. Maybe one of those fishing trawlers with the open rear deck?"   
 

 "What about a 'party boat'?"  Jeremy asks,  "It's a big, flat boat with dual or triple pontoons, no cab, just a big space with seating and controls. A canopy can cover most of the deck in bad weather. Some of them even have a toilet!" 
Bennosuke
Kara nods her head but says, " As long as we don't hit any weather. I don't think I can handle another bout of motion sickness, and that has to be worse on a smaller boat, right? "
GKnightBC
Jeremy surfs a bit while they travel back.  "Let's get back to the den and we'll start the process. Something else, if we aren't worried about revealing one of our identities - we can legally apply and get a boat license the same day, and print out a legitimate license for about $40" 
Bennosuke
Unless anyone dissents (OOC: in which case we can time warp two scenes) the pack make the short trip back to the shipyard in the Hisil, where they can use the monolith locus to cross over into the world of Flesh.

(OOC: Happy to take that roll in an attempt to keep things moving, though happy to let the group RP more if they are looking to)
Haval
As they smoke Joanna will take the opportunity to ask Blaze about his past and how he got into all this in the first place. Her own first change was a touchy subject for her but she was curious and the weed helped.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

OK to timesplit this conversation unless Blaze doesn't want to talk about it. Joanna is going to continue to bug him for more information about initiation into the Iron Masters
 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
 As they smoke Joanna will take the opportunity to ask Blaze about his past and how he got into all this in the first place. Her own first change was a touchy subject for her but she was curious and the weed helped.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

OK to timesplit this conversation unless Blaze doesn't want to talk about it. Joanna is going to continue to bug him for more information about initiation into the Iron Masters
 
 
 

 Blaze 

"We're gonna have to find them first man," Blaze said, "I dunno, feel like I've been doing this forever.  Was in college, staying late in the computer lab and wrestling with some code.  Got really pissed off and totally wolfed out, trashed the lab.  Major drag man.  The weed helps."

He tries to recall to the best of his ability any contacts with the Iron Masters and how to go about actually getting initiated.
"We gotta take care of this stuff first though," he said, "with the Pure and the Idigam and all that.  It's real important and we don't have time to be going off for weeks on some initiation thing."
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Thundercracker 
  Blaze 

"We're gonna have to find them first man," Blaze said, "I dunno, feel like I've been doing this forever.  Was in college, staying late in the computer lab and wrestling with some code.  Got really pissed off and totally wolfed out, trashed the lab.  Major drag man.  The weed helps." 
 

 'It really does.'  Joanna pauses to blow out some smoke.  'If it takes that long obviously I can wait. I don't know if dealing with the Idigam is something we can deal with overnight though. Not unless we get very lucky.' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
  'It really does.'  Joanna pauses to blow out some smoke.  'If it takes that long obviously I can wait. I don't know if dealing with the Idigam is something we can deal with overnight though. Not unless we get very lucky.'  
 

 Blaze 

"We're gonna need all the help we can get.  I'm gonna turn that backstabbing whaling boat into a weapon to help us," Blaze said, "it's gonna be wicked."
Bennosuke
As Blaze and Joanna are talking, their ears prick to the sound of wings flapping overhead. The rhythmic beating grows closer and closer, and when they look up there is a large black feathered bird circling them overhead. After several passes, the spirit swoops down, landing on the reformed Locus. Bald headed, the spirit is in the shape of a large vulture, with scaly neck and head so grey in color its flesh is almost blue. The bird's long black feathers are almost oily in consistency, and its eyes glow like red rubies in their skeletal sockets. Lifting its wormlike head, the spirit puffs out its chest and raises its arms out and out and out, to show off its massive span. Feathers bristling, the spirit says, " What have you done to my feeding hole Uratha, " its voice a rasping hiss like oil in a hot pan, " Have you no respect for the homes of others? "

(OOC: Figure this will help keep things going since it seems like others are busy.  However, I think I still need you to define the new Resonance for the converted locus . As mentioned in the discord, Resonance is the type of Essence that collects at the Locus. Within reason, you can choose whatever you think of, though I would recommend choosing something that matches some of the themes of the pack, such as hunting, wine/revelry, music ect)
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
  " What have you done to my feeding hole Uratha, " its voice a rasping hiss like oil in a hot pan, " Have you no respect for the homes of others? " 
 

Joanna will stand up carefully as she's still feeling the effects of the weed.  'I'm sorry. I didn't realise someone else was using it.'  It didn't seem angry enough to attack at least.
Bennosuke
" Using it, " the massive bird shrieks with indignation, puffing its chest out further and ruffling its feathers, " this Locus was a great source of sustenance to me and my kind! Do you know how long I have been coming to feed off of the Essence collected here? " It glares at Joanna and Blaze, head stretched forward towards the two Uratha though still well out of arm's reach.
Haval
 No?  At this point Joanna wouldn't be surprised for the answer to be several hundred years. She thinks of telling the spirit that if it was that important maybe they should have put a sign up but will instead glance towards Blaze for help.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " Using it, " the massive bird shrieks with indignation, puffing its chest out further and ruffling its feathers, " this Locus was a great source of sustenance to me and my kind! Do you know how long I have been coming to feed off of the Essence collected here? " It glares at Joanna and Blaze, head stretched forward towards the two Uratha though still well out of arm's reach. 
 

“Not long,” Blaze replied, “the locus was corrupted by the destruction of a Plague Lord, and we have restored it for the spirits that lived in this area prior to its arrival.  We take the well being of all spirits on our territory seriously though, and I am saddened that we did not meet prior to today.  I am Blaze, of the Crescent moon and iron masters.  What is your name, raptor spirit, and help me understand what form of essence will sustain you.  Then we can help one another.”
Bennosuke
Back at the warehouse, Bear pulls Jeremy aside. Placing a reassuring hand on the pup's shoulders, he says, " What do you think is the best move? I'm not in love with having to transact too much with the locals... too many of them seem to have ties to Dagon. But we need to act as fast as possible. You seem to know the most about this stuff though, so, your call. "

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

The spirit throws its head back and laughs, the noise a series of mirthful ripping caws. " Blaze of the Crescent Moon, " the bird says, throwing its scaly bald head forward, " you must be packmates of Kara? I met her many moons ago. " The vulture flaps its wings, and the smell of cold rotting corpses wafts across the grass. Still perched on the locus the spirit says, " I have done what I could to avoid your kind. Though to be honest, your pack's activity has made feeding here  oh so easy. . I am Carrion. "

The spirit does not say it, but based on its preference of Locus, and everything it has said, Blaze can surmise that it is of all things a Death Spirit.
Haval
Joanna tries to avoid being too obvious about her opinion of the smell,  'I'm Joanna...of the New Moon.'  Joanna offers as an introduction.  'How did you meet Kara?' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
 Joanna tries to avoid being too obvious about her opinion of the smell,  'I'm Joanna...of the New Moon.'  Joanna offers as an introduction.  'How did you meet Kara?'  
 

While Carrion responds to Joanna, Blaze tries to come up with locations which would make good feeding grounds for the spirit.

 
 Spoiler 
intelligence + occult:  (8d10)[ 8 ][ 8 ][ 4 ][ 4 ][ 4 ][ 2 ][ 1 ][ 8 ](39) 
9 again:  (8d10)[ 8 ][ 6 ][ 1 ][ 5 ][ 2 ][ 8 ][ 8 ][ 4 ](42) 
 
Bennosuke
The spirit seems nonplussed with Joanna's introduction, but mutters, " Greetings Joanna. " To her question, the spirit hops forward, still well out of reach. With every step, little maggots crawl forth out of the wet soil, scuttling and scurrying at the spirit's clawed feet. Carrion caws in reply, " She ran across my hunt once, a chance meeting. If she is your packmate, you should ask her more about it. " This seems to tickle the spirit whose caws become something like a terrible mirthful laughter.

To Blaze's mind, the best place for Carrion would probably be downtown New Bedford, where all the gang crime had been going on. Likely would be plenty of Essence for the Death Spirit to feed on there. Of course, Blaze was wise enough to understand that this was a vicious cycle. Wherever Carrion made its home, the Flesh would see an increase in all sorts of death. It was also very possible that Carrion had grown strong feeding off of all of the gang related murders. It struck Blaze that the best thing to happen would be for the Death Spirit to go out to The Idigam's island, though he doubted Carrion was stupid enough to do so.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The spirit seems nonplussed with Joanna's introduction, but mutters, " Greetings Joanna. " To her question, the spirit hops forward, still well out of reach. With every step, little maggots crawl forth out of the wet soil, scuttling and scurrying at the spirit's clawed feet. Carrion caws in reply, " She ran across my hunt once, a chance meeting. If she is your packmate, you should ask her more about it. " This seems to tickle the spirit whose caws become something like a terrible mirthful laughter.

To Blaze's mind, the best place for Carrion would probably be downtown New Bedford, where all the gang crime had been going on. Likely would be plenty of Essence for the Death Spirit to feed on there. Of course, Blaze was wise enough to understand that this was a vicious cycle. Wherever Carrion made its home, the Flesh would see an increase in all sorts of death. It was also very possible that Carrion had grown strong feeding off of all of the gang related murders. It struck Blaze that the best thing to happen would be for the Death Spirit to go out to The Idigam's island, though he doubted Carrion was stupid enough to do so. 
 

“Yes, Kara is our pack mate,” Blaze replied, “we will consult with her.  We are planning to release small game in this area to create fertile hunting grounds, if the predators in the area do not, the humans will surely notice and set traps cull them.  If that is not enough, I hear the gangs are active downtown, shooting each other.  Maybe there, or the hospital.  If you have trouble finding essence, find me, and I will try to help you.”
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The spirit seems nonplussed with Joanna's introduction, but mutters, " Greetings Joanna. " To her question, the spirit hops forward, still well out of reach. With every step, little maggots crawl forth out of the wet soil, scuttling and scurrying at the spirit's clawed feet. Carrion caws in reply, " She ran across my hunt once, a chance meeting. If she is your packmate, you should ask her more about it. " This seems to tickle the spirit whose caws become something like a terrible mirthful laughter. 
 

 'I might just do that.'  Joanna muttered. Maybe this spirit was only something she might have to worry about after she died.  'The hospital must have a mortuary surely? Or does a graveyard work for you?' 
Bennosuke
" That is hardly sufficient, " the vulture shaped abomination shrieks, flapping its wings so that the air is thick with the cold stench of the grave. It raises its head up on its long worm neck, so that its eyes were level with the two Uratha, " I would gather little essence from the hunting of rodents, and the sustenance created in downtown has dried up of late! Neither would replace the energy I was able to draw from this locus! " The spirit's eyes were glowing brighter now, like two hot flames inside the deep sockets of its skull. " Your kind meddles in things that they have no right to! You are more clumsy than the bear spirits where when they once roamed these planes! "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " That is hardly sufficient, " the vulture shaped abomination shrieks, flapping its wings so that the air is thick with the cold stench of the grave. It raises its head up on its long worm neck, so that its eyes were level with the two Uratha, " I would gather little essence from the hunting of rodents, and the sustenance created in downtown has dried up of late! Neither would replace the energy I was able to draw from this locus! " The spirit's eyes were glowing brighter now, like two hot flames inside the deep sockets of its skull. " Your kind meddles in things that they have no right to! You are more clumsy than the bear spirits where when they once roamed these planes! " 
 

 Blaze 

“Hey man, I’m tryin’ to help here so I don’t really appreciate the attitude.  If it wasn’t for us, that Death Locus wouldn’t have been there in the first place.  Why weren’t you complaining about our ‘meddling’ then?  Oh, because it benefitted you,” Blaze said, “and that was like, a week ago.  So, you’re welcome for the temporary free extra essence, which is like… a blip in your entire existence, but that’s all it was ever gonna be.  Now if you’re done whining, there’s one other place I can think of, Cuttyhunk island, off the coast.”
Haval
For a moment Joanna is tempted to offer Carrion some weed to see if it cheered the spirit up. Were there weed spirits out there somewhere? She'll only say,  'Blaze has a point. Other than Cuttyhunk, we can always call you if we've going to create a mess anywhere.' 
GKnightBC
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Back at the warehouse, Bear pulls Jeremy aside. Placing a reassuring hand on the pup's shoulders, he says, " What do you think is the best move? I'm not in love with having to transact too much with the locals... too many of them seem to have ties to Dagon. But we need to act as fast as possible. You seem to know the most about this stuff though, so, your call. " 
 

Thinking for a moment, he answers,  "I'd get a legit license. They are online, so it wouldn't be from local people at all. Put it in whoever's name you want, but then we can produce it if we get challenged on the water and not be worried. Then we hotwire a suitable boat from a big dock area." 
Bennosuke
As Blaze vents his frustration, the Death Spirit puffs out its chest and raises its wings out around it. Shiny black feathers seem to shimmer with an inner power as sigils of the First Tongue begin two swell around the spirit. The ground around Carrion's feet comes alive as hundreds of worms and small brown bugs burrow out from the soil to form a carpet on the ground.

" And what do you think happened to my original source of food? " Carrion shrieks in reply, opening its rounded hooked beak to reveal that its maw too is swarming with hand-fulls of small white grub, " The gang wars stopped once your pack arrived! While the Beshilu and the Plague Spirits were a nuisance, do you know how much Death Essence they created? This land has gone barren for me thanks to you! And you dare pretend to be an ally to me and my kind? My chorus is famished! "

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

Bear remains silent, nodding his head when Jeremy is done speaking, and then says in reply, " How long will it take to process the license? We said we'd be back to the the Sea King's locus today. "
GKnightBC
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Bear remains silent, nodding his head when Jeremy is done speaking, and then says in reply, " How long will it take to process the license? We said we'd be back to the the Sea King's locus today. " 
 

 
"Give me an hour and someone who wants to get the license, then we can go get the boat."  the pup answers. With that he starts to study the rules and sample tests for a boating license.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 As Blaze vents his frustration, the Death Spirit puffs out its chest and raises its wings out around it. Shiny black feathers seem to shimmer with an inner power as sigils of the First Tongue begin two swell around the spirit. The ground around Carrion's feet comes alive as hundreds of worms and small brown bugs burrow out from the soil to form a carpet on the ground.

" And what do you think happened to my original source of food? " Carrion shrieks in reply, opening its rounded hooked beak to reveal that its maw too is swarming with hand-fulls of small white grub, " The gang wars stopped once your pack arrived! While the Beshilu and the Plague Spirits were a nuisance, do you know how much Death Essence they created? This land has gone barren for me thanks to you! And you dare pretend to be an ally to me and my kind? My chorus is famished! "

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

Bear remains silent, nodding his head when Jeremy is done speaking, and then says in reply, " How long will it take to process the license? We said we'd be back to the the Sea King's locus today. " 
 

 Blaze 

"A nuisance?  The gauntlet was almost destroyed, we were about two days from spirits and people moving back and forth freely between the flesh and the Hisil," Blaze said, "If we are allies, it is news to me.  Allies exchange favours and look out for one another.  We've been changing the essence of this locus for weeks, and yet this is the first I have heard of you and your chorus.   Now that I know you exist though, we can start building a relationship.  How about I look up where some nursing homes are nearby, it's where humans go when they are too old, and people die there all the time.  Then you can look for Essence there."

Blaze pulled out his phone and started searching.
Haval
 'What did you do before these gangs wars were happening? There are places onn the other side with a lot more violence happening everyday.' 
Bennosuke
Bear allows himself a little grin, but sighs. " Sounds good. Just put the license under your name, I guess. "

(OOC: So the next step is going to be hotwiring a boat I guess. We know that Jeremy can just barely successfully hotwire a boat, but where is the pack going to find one to steal in broad daylight?)

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

The Death spirit scowls at Blaze as he speak, seemingly unphased by the Uratha's anger. Carrion cackles in reply to Blaze's offer and says, " Hah, I have scoured every cranny of these lands for Essence. I know of the old hospital building, and the nursing home. They had much more to feed on when the Plague Spirits were running amuck. If you  really  want to be of help Uratha, why don't you go across the Gauntlet and MAKE me some Essence. "

To Joanna the spirit replies almost cautiously, " Things were more difficult before the Beshilu. When the other Uratha pack was here it was slim pickings. But I found ways... "

Blaze might know enough to read this as a red-flag that Carrion was itself influencing things across the Gauntlet, which spirits are not supposed to do.
Haval
 'So what if I gave you directions to Boston, or New York even? I'll bet there's lots of essance in places like that.' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Bear allows himself a little grin, but sighs. " Sounds good. Just put the license under your name, I guess. "

(OOC: So the next step is going to be hotwiring a boat I guess. We know that Jeremy can just barely successfully hotwire a boat, but where is the pack going to find one to steal in broad daylight?)

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

The Death spirit scowls at Blaze as he speak, seemingly unphased by the Uratha's anger. Carrion cackles in reply to Blaze's offer and says, " Hah, I have scoured every cranny of these lands for Essence. I know of the old hospital building, and the nursing home. They had much more to feed on when the Plague Spirits were running amuck. If you  really  want to be of help Uratha, why don't you go across the Gauntlet and MAKE me some Essence. "

To Joanna the spirit replies almost cautiously, " Things were more difficult before the Beshilu. When the other Uratha pack was here it was slim pickings. But I found ways... "

Blaze might know enough to read this as a red-flag that Carrion was itself influencing things across the Gauntlet, which spirits are not supposed to do. 
 

 Blaze 

"Yeah man, the population of this place isn't enough to sustain that much death," Blaze said, "maybe you got bigger and now you need more than before.  I know you're wise enough to not cause unnecessary death in the Flesh, so it might be best if you go searching.  We're gonna be doing some killing at some point, for sure, but not a steady supply for someone as powerful as you."
Bennosuke
" I know not of these locations, " Carrion replies to Joanna, its voice shrill with anger, " but I assume they would be far to travel, all the time while I starve and my corpus shrinks to nothing. "

To Blaze the spirit spits, " Unnecessary? The only thing I know is necessary is that I and my kind must feed to survive. All your kind ever does is think of themselves! " The bird takes one final step toward Blaze, flapping its wings as it comes just close enough to be struck. " I will not forget this Uratha; your rudeness nor your apathy! You will regret this! "

Unless Blaze or Joanna does anything to stop Carrion, the spirit will raise its wormlike head, giving a final terrible shriek, as grubs and beetles tumble from its maw. It beats its wings over and over, filling the air with a miasma of fetid grave stench, as it takes off into the sky, circling three times overhead before disappearing into the clouds.
GKnightBC
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Bear allows himself a little grin, but sighs. " Sounds good. Just put the license under your name, I guess. "

(OOC: So the next step is going to be hotwiring a boat I guess. We know that Jeremy can just barely successfully hotwire a boat, but where is the pack going to find one to steal in broad daylight?) 
 

Jeremy spends the next hour applying and getting the boat license with the open book test and the fee. He uses a slightly varied name on the license and a burner email and address for registration. After getting the printout onto cardstock, he tucks it away for future possible use.  *hopefully never need the sucker*  he thinks to himself. Spending a bit more time on the web, he looks up local moorage and docks for likely places to find a boat to 'borrow'.
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " I know not of these locations, " Carrion replies to Joanna, its voice shrill with anger, " but I assume they would be far to travel, all the time while I starve and my corpus shrinks to nothing. " 
 

Joanna answers honestly.  'Boston's like an hour north by road. I assume it'd take less time for you.'  Didn't birds have to fly south for the winter? Maybe it was difference when you were a vulture spirit.

Seeing that Carrion is pissed off enough to leave in a huff Joanna is tempted to let it go, but given what had happened to them with Pequod she was inclined to try.  ' Hey ...I am not apathetic. I'm just a little new at this. I'm not going to for you go out and kill someone for you on the other side but I don't want you coming after us when we're in the middle of something. What exactly can I do to help?
Maybe there's a deer around here somewhere I could bring down for you.' 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Using the Striking Looks bonus seems inapproriate

Manipulation 1 + Persuasion 2
 (3d10)[ 2 ][ 6 ][ 8 ](16) 
Any 10s
 (3d10)[ 9 ][ 3 ][ 3 ](15) 
 
Thundercracker
 Blaze 

Blaze takes another drag on his joint and releases the smoke in a thin plume up into the sky.  He watched as the vulture spirit flew off.

“Man, he could get to New York or Boston in like three hours,” he said. He took another drag.

“Weird that this guy showed up out of nowhere,” Blaze said, “we’ve been changing the resonance of this locus since it was created.”

“If he goes crazy or starts trying to kill people on his own we’re gonna have to do something about it,” he said, “don’t worry about it, can’t please everyone.”
Haval
To Blaze, after Carrion has left.  'I'd give him a lift if I knew how to help him from the other side. Maybe its the weed talking but do cars have spirits?'' 

On the other points,  'Maybe he's staying out of King Sky Hunter's way. If he wants to mess with other people when I'm not there I can't do much about it, but I need less giant bird spirits to be mad at me when I don't know what they might be planning behind my back.' 
Bennosuke
There are docks up and down the coast of New Bedford, with one even in walking distance of the Factory. There were also plenty in Dartmouth, if the pack was looking to steal a boat a little farther away from their den. It struck Jeremy that they might even go back and steal the boat used by Oakheart's class. It seemed the difficulty would likely not be in finding a boat to steal, but instead finding a good way to do it expediently, without having to worry about being caught.

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

Joanna's words unfortunately fall on deaf ears as the spirit takes off into the sky despite her pleas.

It was ultimately probably a good thing that the Death Spirits were unhappy though. As Blaze said you couldn't please everyone, and not every spirit needed pleasing, though of course, who knew what could happen with a pissed off death spirit.

(OOC: Do the two of you want to join up with the rest of the group, now that Jeremy has spent about an hour getting a boating license?)
Haval
 'Let's go find the others.' 
Bennosuke
Joanna and Blaze use the Death locus to cross over the Gauntlet and back into the Flesh. They find themselves standing in the middle of a now abandoned golf course. The field of grass has gone thin and yellow, and turned to dry dust in places. There was a foul smell to the area, though somehow, both Uratha had the sense the stench of death was slowly clearing.

It is not a long drive, assuming the two take an Uber, back to The Warehouse. It is almost midday now, and when they lock up the chain link gate and come inside, they are quickly greeted by Bear. " How did things go, " he asks with sincere curiosity. The Rahu looked tired already, though perhaps all of the pack did. It was quiet in the warehouse, with most of the Wolf blooded nowhere to be seen. Bear points a thumb to the stairwell behind him, and says, " Jeremy's been working at getting us a boating license. He said he would be done around now. Anyways, I figured I'd give him the chance to make some decisions, so the next step of the plan sounds like we will be  stealing  a boat to make it back out to The Sea King. " He gives a weary sigh, but still manages a wry grin.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Joanna and Blaze use the Death locus to cross over the Gauntlet and back into the Flesh. They find themselves standing in the middle of a now abandoned golf course. The field of grass has gone thin and yellow, and turned to dry dust in places. There was a foul smell to the area, though somehow, both Uratha had the sense the stench of death was slowly clearing.

It is not a long drive, assuming the two take an Uber, back to The Warehouse. It is almost midday now, and when they lock up the chain link gate and come inside, they are quickly greeted by Bear. " How did things go, " he asks with sincere curiosity. The Rahu looked tired already, though perhaps all of the pack did. It was quiet in the warehouse, with most of the Wolf blooded nowhere to be seen. Bear points a thumb to the stairwell behind him, and says, " Jeremy's been working at getting us a boating license. He said he would be done around now. Anyways, I figured I'd give him the chance to make some decisions, so the next step of the plan sounds like we will be  stealing  a boat to make it back out to The Sea King. " He gives a weary sigh, but still manages a wry grin. 
 

 
 Spoiler 

Does Blaze know of a better way to get back to the Sea King, something involving Ponlon perhaps?
occult + spirits:  (9d10)[ 6 ][ 7 ][ 4 ][ 5 ][ 1 ][ 6 ][ 2 ][ 10 ][ 4 ](45) 
9 again:  (9d10)[ 3 ][ 3 ][ 3 ][ 3 ][ 5 ][ 9 ][ 1 ][ 6 ][ 7 ](40) 
 

 Blaze 

“We ran into an irate death spirit hanging out by the death locus after we fixed it,” Blaze said, “might cause some issues down the line.  I think it might have been trying to kill stuff to feed itself.”
Haval
 'Didn't know it was a golf course on the other side. I could live with them having a death locus.' 

On Carrion.  'If things go bad at what point would it be better to just hunt that bird down?' 
 'If we can't steal a boat between all of us somethings gone very wrong.' 
Daishain
  "Unlike those pollution spirits we just tackled, death's a natural part of the balance. We probably ought to consider hunting such only if they're actually causing an issue. But yeah, if he's been trying to cause death on this side, I'd say that qualifies. How sure are you on that part Blaze?"  

Bear rubs his chin,   "As for a boat, I can't shake a stick on the docks without hitting someone offering a rental, we don't need trouble with the police on top of everything else, and stealing a boat tends to invite that. Don't tell me we're so bad off on finances we can't get one legitimately."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
   "Unlike those pollution spirits we just tackled, death's a natural part of the balance. We probably ought to consider hunting such only if they're actually causing an issue. But yeah, if he's been trying to cause death on this side, I'd say that qualifies. How sure are you on that part Blaze?"  

Bear rubs his chin,   "As for a boat, I can't shake a stick on the docks without hitting someone offering a rental, we don't need trouble with the police on top of everything else, and stealing a boat tends to invite that. Don't tell me we're so bad off on finances we can't get one legitimately."   
 

 Blaze 

“Fifty-fifty,” Blaze replied, “it got fat off the gang wars and then Captain Drips.  Now it’s hungry but not enough stuff is dying for it.  Something to keep an eye on or maybe let it know when we’re gonna kill something.  We don’t want to unnecessarily annoy it if we don’t have to.”
GKnightBC
Once finished with his mapping of likely places to get boats, Jeremy comes back into the main area of the den.  "The ID wasn't a big deal and it doesn't even have a photo to worry about. There are a dozen docks we could get boats from and, if we still want to steal one instead of renting, I'd recommend the larger docks, since they will have the right size boat for us to pick from. I'd recommend a couple of us swim to a good choice, climb aboard and check it for security systems to disable, then hot wire and pick up the others at a small public dock nearby. I volunteer to be one of the two or three.
     If we just want to rent one, pick one close to the island and let's go." 
Bennosuke
Blaze thinks for a moment, finding himself frustrated by a lack of his own creativity. Blaze could use Shadowcall to call on Ponlo or a similar water spirit, though it would probably be rude to summon The Sea King itself.

Kara listens intently, but finally speaks up, " If we do steal a boat, we will still need to get it across to the other side of the Gauntlet... unless we can find a locus out at sea, and then swim our way to The Sea King from there. " She turns to Blaze and says, " I think either way, we are going to need you skill at getting the spirits to do what you want. "
Haval
 'Are there locuses at sea? If there are it might be worth knowing about.'  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
  'Are there locuses at sea? If there are it might be worth knowing about.'   
 

"I haven't seen any, but they have to be there," Blaze said, "why are we stealing a boat?  It's not to visit the Sea King, is it?  Because Ponlo already said we could call him to pick us up."
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Thundercracker 
 "I haven't seen any, but they have to be there," Blaze said, "why are we stealing a boat?  It's not to visit the Sea King, is it?  Because Ponlo already said we could call him to pick us up." 
 

 'I mean it's probably expensive isn't it?'  Joanna guessed.  'But maybe that can be the back up plan if we can't afford what they want for it.' 
Bennosuke
Kara shrugs, " Do you think Ponlo would be strong enough? Last time we ended up having to call on that freaky Deep Sea Spirit to get us home because Ponlo was so spent keeping us in that oxygen bubble underwater. "
Haval
Joanna has no idea how to answer any question involving spirits but will ask.  'I feel like I should experimemt but what would happen if we managed to take a boat over there. Would it start talking?'  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Kara shrugs, " Do you think Ponlo would be strong enough? Last time we ended up having to call on that freaky Deep Sea Spirit to get us home because Ponlo was so spent keeping us in that oxygen bubble underwater. " 
 

 Blaze 

"If we can license a boat, we can try to find a locus out on the water," Blaze said, "might be easier to ask some of the spirits though...  I can head to the library and find answers, it'll take some time, if we want to do that."

"Everything's got a spirit, but only boats that have been around a while or done significant things will have spirits we can actually talk to.  Like Pequod," he said, "a big ass battleship that was in a bunch of wars would have a strong spirit too."

He turned to Bear.

"We need to prioritize, man.  The Death Locus is done, we've got to turn Pequod into a baseball bat or something for you, we've gotta release some critters for Sky Hunter, deal with the Pure, and finish off the locus for the Sea King.  Did I miss anything?  What should we tackle first and is there anything else we can do at the same time?"
Haval
 'Databolt wasn't it? How easy would it be to make him happy?' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
  'Databolt wasn't it? How easy would it be to make him happy?'  
 

"Oh yeah, forgot about him," Blaze said, "we need to upgrade his wifi access and get him some better hardware, that'll keep him happy.  I was talking about a moon gift trick, asking knowledge spirits at a library for help.  They can usually point me in the right direction."
Daishain
Bear mulls things over for a bit,   "Pequod's more a target of opportunity I think. As pissed as I am about him, us spending effort chasing him down doesn't seem a top priority at the moment. We can take him if he shows up, and then if things quiet down he'll be a fun hunt later, but for now..."   He shakes his head a bit.   "We made a promise to the deep sea king, and it looks like he'll be a potent ally in dealing with our main foe so I don't want to disappoint. So lets get that boat handled now. With the Pure we still need to find out what they're up to, and I want that to happen soon, but that might be a tough ask to handle on the side unless someone has an idea? As for Sky Hunter, what would be involved with his request?"

"Oh, and for Databolt, how about somebody order the bits we need off of Amazon or Newegg or whoever has the best deals on that stuff. Not the best of the best mind you, aside from the money, if we give him everything he could ever want up front we won't have anything to offer later. I was also thinking most of his compensation could be in terms of allotted time where he could hog nearly all the bandwidth rather than constant hardware upgrades, so be careful what you guys promise."  
Haval
 'I could always see if Corey's willing to meet me alone at some point. It might go easier if you guys aren't around.'  Joanna doesn't sound confident.  'I don't need to try and recruit him again. I just need to see if he's willing to talk to me.'  An idea suddenly occurs to her.  'Maybe I can get him drunk. See if he lets anything slip.' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Bear mulls things over for a bit,   "Pequod's more a target of opportunity I think. As pissed as I am about him, us spending effort chasing him down doesn't seem a top priority at the moment. We can take him if he shows up, and then if things quiet down he'll be a fun hunt later, but for now..."   He shakes his head a bit.   "We made a promise to the deep sea king, and it looks like he'll be a potent ally in dealing with our main foe so I don't want to disappoint. So lets get that boat handled now. With the Pure we still need to find out what they're up to, and I want that to happen soon, but that might be a tough ask to handle on the side unless someone has an idea? As for Sky Hunter, what would be involved with his request?"

"Oh, and for Databolt, how about somebody order the bits we need off of Amazon or Newegg or whoever has the best deals on that stuff. Not the best of the best mind you, aside from the money, if we give him everything he could ever want up front we won't have anything to offer later. I was also thinking most of his compensation could be in terms of allotted time where he could hog nearly all the bandwidth rather than constant hardware upgrades, so be careful what you guys promise."   
 

"Point of order, we don't need to chase Pequod down, I can bring him to us," Blaze said, "for Sky Hunter we need to release a bunch of rabbits and mice in the parks nearby, and maybe some food stashed here and there, so they can breed like crazy."
Bennosuke
Kara says to Bear, " Jeremy and I could go get us the boat. " She places a hand on the pup's shoulder, before turning her gaze to Jeremy and giving him a grin. With mischief spreading on her face she adds, " It also might be fun if we stole The Pure's boat, you know, the one we bugged! We already know where it is and what security it has. "
GKnightBC
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Kara says to Bear, " Jeremy and I could go get us the boat. " She places a hand on the pup's shoulder, before turning her gaze to Jeremy and giving him a grin. With mischief spreading on her face she adds, " It also might be fun if we stole The Pure's boat, you know, the one we bugged! We already know where it is and what security it has. " 
 

His eye widen as he thinks of the implications of taking the Pure's possessions.   "Damn! That'd be PERFECT! We can tell when someone's there or not, from the device, and pull it out of the dock, right away! When did you want to take the trip to the Deep Sea King's thorn?"  
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Kara says to Bear, " Jeremy and I could go get us the boat. " She places a hand on the pup's shoulder, before turning her gaze to Jeremy and giving him a grin. With mischief spreading on her face she adds, " It also might be fun if we stole The Pure's boat, you know, the one we bugged! We already know where it is and what security it has. " 
 

 'Well if they aren't going to look after their stuff properly.' 
Daishain
Bear grins,   "Okay, yeah, that sounds like fun."
  
After a pause he says,   "On the other hand we'll be telling them exactly when we're out of town at the same time as pissing them off. They might go after the wolfblooded in the meantime. Probably safer to forget about the theft and just rent one."  
Bennosuke
Kara's excitement grows and grows, till Bear pops the bubble. With unhidden disappointment she says, " But how long will that take? "
Haval
 'Like we have to wait three to five business days before they'll let us have a boat? Maybe we should go find out.' 
Bennosuke
Kara shrugs at Joanna's reply and turns her head to Jeremy for a more solid answer, then to the pack's new Alpha to see if he wanted to reply.
Daishain
Bear pats Kara's back,   "I know, I'd love to yank their tail too. But at least two of them seem likely to respond to a prank with violence, and I want to be here and ready if they do, not faffing about under the sea. I doubt it will take a long time to do this above board anyways."  
GKnightBC
Disappointed that he wouldn't be able to tweak the Pack's noses at this time, Jeremy answered  "Boats are available during the day, pretty much right away if we aren't picky. Since we are doing this legit, we can just walk in with a deposit and go from there." 
Bennosuke
After further discussion, the pack decides to rent a boat. Though finances seem to be tight among the pack in general, the pup Joanna offers to front the bill for the boat. It takes a little over an hour to arrange the whole ordeal, renting from a business just a few blocks away, and towing the ship with Pine's van. The wolf-blooded driver proves herself ever the expert driver as she backs the boat all the way up to the dock behind the pack's cannery, where the ominous monolith locus looms. Given the locus' proximity to the dock, it should be possible to cross over with the vehicle in question, if each pack member spends a point of Essence during the pass across the gauntlet.

In the meantime, James King, the wolf-blooded who had come out of the army to join the pack, shows everyone some basic knot tying skills, and helps tie the rental boat up to the dock.

(OOC: Letting the group agree to these terms, or come up with an alternative plan)
Haval
 'You guys can make it up to me later. Maybe by driving the boat.' 

ooc - Happy to donate essence
Bennosuke
(OOC: I have updated everyone's character boxes with the spent Essence, see OOC thread)

It was not a common endeavor to bring something so large across the Gauntlet, in fact, there were some spirits that might call the act unnatural. However, with a little additional effort, The Anchor Wolves are able to carry their loaner boat over into the Shadow, it's existence carrying over with the sound of ripping fabric and the smell of flesh burned to ash. The Hisil is a place of fog and shifting shadows; an unreality with laws and physics different to those on the other side. While the Uratha were the rare creatures who existed on both sides of this duality, the boat was not. It shimmered in The Hisil, its boarders fuzzy and blurred out. The boat was cold to the touch, almost ice cold, and it rocked and lurched on the waters rather violently. Still, the motor turned on with a roar, rocketing the boat forward, across the dark green waters and snottish sea foam, cutting through the dark grey fog that clung to the waters like a theater curtain.

(OOC: Can I get an Int + Survival roll from whomever is navigating... of course helped if you have an appropriate merit)
Haval
Joanna has been camping before, albeit not recently, but she has used a map. She's never had to navigate a boat but maybe the principle was the same.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Int 3 + Survival 1
 (4d10)[ 3 ][ 4 ][ 7 ][ 3 ](17) 
 
Daishain
Seeing that Joanna was struggling with the map, Bear leans in and tries to help a bit

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 (4d10)[ 8 ][ 7 ][ 5 ][ 8 ](28) 
 
Bennosuke
Though Joanna struggled to make heads or tails of their navigation, between Bear and Jeremy, the pack was able to guide their boat back in the direction they had last come with Pequad. A fog, grey and thick like smoke, hung over the water, only parting as the next wave came roaring to toss about the small boat. The grumble of the motor cut through the Hisil's silence, driving away lesser bird spirits as they approached. After nearly an hour of resetting course and stopping to search for some landmark to navigate with, the black waters suddenly turned still, as blue light began to grow and glow in the waters before the boat. Finally, with a loud splash Ponlo rises out from the water, the spirit's kelp hair dripping wet and clinging to its mask-like face. " Uratha, " the spirit says, greeting the pack with its shrill voice and a stiff bow, " you have returned as promised. My master will be greatly pleased. Have you come to revitalize our underwater Locus? "
Thundercracker
“Yes,” Blaze replied, “are there any dangers nearby which could interrupt us?”
Bennosuke
Ponlo shakes its head and replies, " No. The abominations are rarely brave enough to come this far out, " as water splashes off its hair. The spirit draws closer, moving across the water without effort. " Do you require anything before I take you down to the locus? " Even as the spirit offers, you can feel it gathering Essence in preparation, small sigils of the First Tongue shimmering in the dark waters around its corpus.
Haval
 'And what about everything else?'  Joanna asks.  'Or do the rest of the spirits out here respect your King's authority?' 
Bennosuke
" In the ocean, " Ponlo says flatly as if it were obvious, though its mask like faces gives no expression, " all spirits must give deference to the King Spirit of the Sea. All ocean spirits are ultimately my lord's chorus. "
Daishain
Bear looks around for any concern or dissent before turning back to Ponlo,   "We should be able to manage it without help now that we've got our gear, but if you're offering, a backup chorus couldn't hurt. The way our pack rituals work ambiance is everything, so if a small school of your subjects can hold a simple tune it might put us over the edge from what we promised into something really special. Just a thought."

"Oh, and someone to mind the boat would be appreciated. We need to get it returned to the other side later, preferably intact."  
Bennosuke
Ponlo lowers its head. " Unfortunately, I do not believe spirits such as myself can take part in Uratha spells. Had we the power, we would have fixed the locus on our own long ago, " the spirits says, its voice like the waves heard when listening through a conch shell. But the spirit adds, " I can however bring your boat down with you if you like. I don't know if it would be... useful, but at least no one will have to stay to keep an eye on it. "

Overhead, a group of scavenger bird spirits begin circling. White feathered things with long thin curved beaks. Their lazy caws overhead sound like that of a seagull's.
Haval
Joanna is briefly amused at the idea that the spirits might be able to provide backing vocals as if they were in the Little Mermaid and is disapointed to hear Ponlo's response.

 'I'd rather bring the boat with us if we can. I've got a deposit to collect at some point.' 
Bennosuke
" Very well, " Ponlo replies with a bow of its head, whipping more water off its kelp hair. Unless there is any further conversation, Ponlo springs into action You can feel the spirit gathering Essence as it again envelopes the group (boat and all) in a bubble of air. Straining its powers, Ponlo drags the pack underwater, diving below the surface as well as the group descends in to near total darkness. Again the descent is marked by the passing of various curious water and fish spirits, most of them strange and alien in form. At one point the bubble is passed by a small school of Deep Sea Spirits, the larger of them perhaps familiar in appearance.

Eventually the pack is chaperoned to the sea floor. The craggy bottom is aglow with a swarm of lesser sea spirits going about their strange business. The glowing of their corpuses illuminates a path back to the massive castle locus, a massive edifice of coral and stone and ivory. Spirits flutter in and out of the porous coral around its base, crawling over its surface like bees at their hive. Ponlo escorts the pack's bubble closer, close enough to make out the patchwork additions of wood and iron from old sunke ships hulls, till the group are literally at the base of the locus. " Here you are, " Ponlo says to the pack, floating backwards and out of the way of the Uratha.

 At its base, the Uratha can see that the structure's base extends out into a hive-like city of pink porous coral, covered in jewels and brilliant strange anemone-like creatures. Glowing jelly fingers reach out and caress the waters around the castle's base, moving in the ocean's tide. Parts of the structure though, appear to be built of sea wreckage. Patches along the coral are covered in the rusted hulls of sunken ships. This close, you can feel that the entire structure is itself a powerful locus, in tune with the natural elements of the ocean. The city seems to hum and pulse with the powers of the Hisil. There is almost a heat that comes off of the structure, a static electricity that makes the hairs stand up on end.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
So this will again be an assisted extended action with Blaze as the Rite Master. The roll will be Presence + Expression (no negative modifier since you brought your instruments on the boat?). The pack actually needs only 2 successes, so TC can just roll a big handful of dice and everyone can roll to see how many of those dice we use. I suspect this will only take a round.
 
Haval
Joanna will follow Blaze's lead.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Presence 3 + Expression 3 + Bass Speciality 1
 (7d10)[ 7 ][ 3 ][ 5 ][ 3 ][ 4 ][ 6 ][ 5 ](33) 
Any 10s
 (7d10)[ 4 ][ 9 ][ 7 ][ 3 ][ 5 ][ 2 ][ 10 ](40) 
 
Thundercracker
Blaze sets a slow, ponderous beat, in time with the ebb and flow of the eddying currents.  It doesn't take long for the locus to bend to the pack's request, and with a pulsating lime green glow, the new essence begins to flow forth from the attuned locus.

"Easy as apple pie man," he said, "too bad we couldn't finish it off earlier."
Daishain
Bear riffs his guitar off of Riff's beat, building chords that remind him of the stalk and ambush behavior so common down in these depths

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
pres+expr+guitarspec  (7d10)[ 6 ][ 4 ][ 1 ][ 4 ][ 8 ][ 4 ][ 8 ](35) 
ten again  (7d10)[ 2 ][ 8 ][ 10 ][ 10 ][ 5 ][ 3 ][ 5 ](43) 
 
GKnightBC
Jeremy plays as best he can, with the odd environment and his relative inexperience with spirit stuff.

 
 Spoiler: Music magic 

Presence+Expression+Extended Action  (6d10)[ 10 ][ 10 ][ 1 ][ 7 ][ 5 ][ 2 ](35)  Tens: (6d10)[ 4 ][ 6 ][ 8 ][ 2 ][ 8 ][ 7 ](35) 
 
Bennosuke
Blaze leads the pack, his rhythms somehow echoing across the ocean floor, despite the pack being surrounded by water. With every bar of pounding 4:4, the colors of the castle seem to change. With thunderous shudders, tendrils of coral sprout and expand out across the base of the locus. With cracks of stone and the snapping of wood, pointed parapets explode out of the sides of the building. At first the lesser water spirts begin to flee the rumbling structure. Clouds of blue green corpus and masked seaweed figures swarm out in shimmering and shifting schools. But as more and more Essence begins to gather across the locus, the choruses break out into cheers and hoots. The spirits begin pouring back into the castle, rushing in and out of the arched windows and porous coral gardens.

The rest of the band falls away as Blaze finishes with one last bar of pounding drums. The locus quakes one last time, and with one final explosion, as The Sea King comes out to greet the Pack. The great sea serpent is covered in dull green scales, though bolts of Essence ripple across its corpus. Its lipless mouth pulls up in something like a monstrous grin, showing row after row after row of hooked teeth. Eyeless sockets stare down at the gathered Uratha, as long feelers sprout forth from its nostrils to climb across the rocky ocean floor.

With a sudden burst of speed and power, the great serpent shoots away from the pack. The protective bubble shudders with the force of The Sea King's take-off, as the spirit whirls round and round the now towering locus. Swimming up and up The Great Sea King's long body twines around the locus. It rests its great crowned head on the highest parapet and still grinning says, " You have done it. Thank you Anchor Wolves. You don't know just what you have done for us today. " Its voice thunders across the ocean floor.
Daishain
Bear grins and claps a hand on Blaze's back,   "Well done."  

He then greets the great sea king,   "It was our pleasure, may it help you and yours grow strong enough for the trials ahead."  
Bennosuke
The Sea King lowers its long snouted head, the motion kicking up a small cloud of sand off the sea floor. Its voice echoes across the water, though its mouth never opens, " You have held your part of our bargain and provided a worthy Gathra. As promised, I can help provide you with safe and expedient passage across the ocean. I have a further gift to offer you. " Sigils of power begin shimmering across the King's corpus, shimmering like the sun across the inside of an abalone shell. Essence swells and swells, until the spirit opens its massive mouth. Eyes bulging, hooked fangs churn back and forth inside the Sea King's maw, moving faster and faster, until it begins to vomit. The ocean is filled with the sound of retching, growing more violent and louder until it spits forth a massive pearl, the size of an inflatable beachball. Essence glows within the pearl before its walls dissolve away. Floating on the ocean floor are five star shaped plants of dark green seaweed, and a mast with ships sail about the height of an adult man. None of this should have fit in the pearl-egg. " The Great Sail will allow you to travel across these lands at speeds otherwise impossible for any being on this side of the Hisil, " The Sea King's voice booms, " and each of you have a Gill Mask, which should allow you to breath underwater as well as any natural fish. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The Sea King lowers its long snouted head, the motion kicking up a small cloud of sand off the sea floor. Its voice echoes across the water, though its mouth never opens, " You have held your part of our bargain and provided a worthy Gathra. As promised, I can help provide you with safe and expedient passage across the ocean. I have a further gift to offer you. " Sigils of power begin shimmering across the King's corpus, shimmering like the sun across the inside of an abalone shell. Essence swells and swells, until the spirit opens its massive mouth. Eyes bulging, hooked fangs churn back and forth inside the Sea King's maw, moving faster and faster, until it begins to vomit. The ocean is filled with the sound of retching, growing more violent and louder until it spits forth a massive pearl, the size of an inflatable beachball. Essence glows within the pearl before its walls dissolve away. Floating on the ocean floor are five star shaped plants of dark green seaweed, and a mast with ships sail about the height of an adult man. None of this should have fit in the pearl-egg. " The Great Sail will allow you to travel across these lands at speeds otherwise impossible for any being on this side of the Hisil, " The Sea King's voice booms, " and each of you have a Gill Mask, which should allow you to breath underwater as well as any natural fish. " 
 

 Blaze 

"This is a great gift, Oh Sea King, and we humbly accept them as material support in our alliance against our common enemy," Blaze said.
Haval
Joanna resolves to experiment with the mask at the earliest opportunity. How cold and dark was it likely to be at the bottom of the ocean?
Bennosuke
Anyone who attempts to pick up one of the masks finds the long tendrils of seaweed begin to writhe with purpose as their hand approaches. Ropes of cold slimy vegetation attempt to wrap themselves around your fingers and forearm, like the tentacles of a squid searching for purchase.

The great spirit nods its head toward Blaze and replies, " A deal is a deal. As you say, we have a common enemy in the Idigam. "
Haval
Joanna will reach out to take one of the masks. To the others,  'Anyone want to go swimming?' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
 Joanna will reach out to take one of the masks. To the others,  'Anyone want to go swimming?'  
 

"Oh uh... are we going right now?" Blaze asked, "what about the equipment?"
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Thundercracker 
 "Oh uh... are we going right now?" Blaze asked, "what about the equipment?" 
 

 'Yeah, you're right. Let's experiment later.' 
GKnightBC
Jeremy also picks up a mask eagerly, looking it over.  "Are there care and feeding instructions for this useful creature? And can it survive on the other side with such care?"  He asks, curious. He also looks over the mast and sail, pondering how they'd attach it to a normal, modern sailboat.  "We may have to buy a boat after all." 
Bennosuke
The great Sea King seems to bristle at Jeremy's question, but Ponlo rushes forward to reply before it's master can speak. " It's not really a creature, " Ponlo says hastily, it's voice the whistle of wind through a conch shell, " and requires no feeding. I would just keep an eye on the masks, as they have a tendency to... uh, crawl away. And the mast should work without a sailship, just... attach it to your vessel. "

(OOC: Still operating under the assumption the group is chatting)
Haval
 'Thanks for the warning. I'll get them a fishtank.' 
Daishain
Bear looks to the others,   "What do you guys think? Shall we go get a real look at what we face? I'm a little tired of basically having to imagine this idigam thing."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Bear looks to the others,   "What do you guys think? Shall we go get a real look at what we face? I'm a little tired of basically having to imagine this idigam thing."   
 

 Blaze 

"Alright man, just hope we can get outta there pronto if it gets messy," Blaze said.
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Thundercracker 
  Blaze 

"Alright man, just hope we can get outta there pronto if it gets messy," Blaze said. 
 

 'This is what I've been thinking. I know you guys had that thing with the plague spirit but this seems like a bigger deal somehow.' 
Bennosuke
The Uratha spend a little more time in formalities with The Great Sea King and its chorus of water spirits, thanking it and Ponlo before they depart. Ponlo shows them how to affix the Great Sail to their boat. The mast is rough and cold, the wood hard as rock, though its base melts into Essence and fuses with the deck (the boat is too small for it to be placed at the keel) like the bottom of a heated wax candle placed on a holder.

Soon Ponlo sends the Uratha's air bubble up and up. The ocean waters around them turn from a midnight blue to a near purple and blue, as they rise to the surface. The boat breaks the water's surface with a loud "pop" and a splash of water, as the vessel begins to take float on the gentle waters. Since their arrival, the waters seem to have taken on new life. Streams of Essence course across the small waves, where before the waters were near deathly still. Under the surface, an occasional water or fish spirit can be seen gliding through the shallows, where before the waters seemed barren. Whatever they had done with the locus was already working, at least a little.

Now when Jeremy turns on the boat's engine, the Great Sail immediately fills, as if powered by a mighty gust of wind, though the air remains calm. Their boat takes off across the waters like a bullet, moving easily at a good 30 miles per hour. It cuts through the choppy waves as if there was no resistance, creating easily the smoothest ride the pack has had.

(OOC: Can I have one player, maybe Bear or Jeremy, give me a Wits + Survival/Stealth roll, to determine when they should stop the boat to avoid being caught)
Haval
Joanna will stand at the front of the boat to keep an eye on the surface of the water just in case she could register anything actually approaching them. She would prefer not to be sunk a second time.
GKnightBC
Guiding the boat with sure hands, Jeremy tries to time the new motive force with a safe distance from their target, slowing it to a gentle speed as they approach the location.  "About here, maybe?" H e whispers as the boat settles to a stop.

 
 Spoiler: Rolls 

Wits 3 + Stealth 3  (6d10)[ 2 ][ 7 ][ 7 ][ 5 ][ 6 ][ 6 ](33)  tens [rollv] 6d10[/rollv]
 
Bennosuke
Jeremy does his best to guide the boat towards the island. At first, navigation is challenging, as there are no constant constellations or other guiding points by which to direct their course. But slowly, Jeremy steers the boat farther and farther out, till a dark rocky formation begins to appear on the horizon, and the waters again become dark and lifeless. Thanks to the Great Sail, Jeremy is able to shut off the boat's motor, using the sail's power to push them forward.

Jeremy stops the boat, still at least a mile or so off from the island's shore. The waters are black and still, and by the time they "drop anchor", the sun has set, and a cluster of strange stars stare down on the group, along with Mother Luna's sickle shaped form. Though the boat's instruments fail to measure the depths of the water, somehow the anchor is able to find purchase so that it won't float away.
Haval
To Jeremy,  'Good job, but better you then me.' 

Joanna wasn't quite sure what to do about the stories of Luna, but she found the light of the moon fairly comforting anyway. Maybe it would help her see something when they were under the surface. To the others,  'We doing this?'  She is already holding the Sea King's mask.
Bennosuke
Kara shrugged, looking nervously from the dark ocean waters to the strange seaweed relic in her hand. " Uh, I'm happy to stay and guard the boat if you guys want, " she'll say sheepishly, giving an equally nervous grin. The wind will pick up a a little , causing the boat to rock back and forth slowly on the water.
Haval
Joanna grinned.  'Someone ought to look after my deposit.'  She didn't have so much money that she was comfortable losing it if the boat sank or something.
Daishain
Bear puts a hand on Kara's shoulder,   "If the locals present a problem, don't try to defend this position, just move the boat, we'll work things out if it comes to that."  
Thundercracker
Blaze tried to think of something they might be forgetting, but nothing really came to mind.  He took his place with the others, ready to dive down and do some recon.
GKnightBC
 "It's pretty easy to navigate the boat, from here. All you do is make sure THAT, "  He indicates the island lump,  "is at your back and go the other way." 
Jeremy looks at the mask-gift a bit dubiously, then shrugs.  "I'm ready to go." 
Bennosuke
Kara's smile turns cold. " Trust me, " she says with a far off look, " I don't want to be facing those things on my own. I'll run if I have to, though I don't want to abandon you guys. " She pauses, her lips pursed in concentration, " I guess text me, or message me some other way if you get found out. " She removes her cellphone from her pocket, revealing the spirit Atat.

In preparation for their dive, the Anchor Wolves begin the process of "applying" the Gill Masks. The things come to life at your touch; vines of seaweed twitching and probing, wrapping themselves around the grasping hand like the many arms of a baby octopus being picked up. The things are cold and slimy to the touch. But when raised to the face, the spirit masks releasee their grasp on your arm, instead reaching out tentacles of seaweed to wrap round and round your skull. The body of the mask covers the mouth and nose. The body of the mask blocks your air passage. The mask is suffocating you. Until suddenly, you can feel the flesh on either side of your neck ripping itself apart over and over, until as promised, you have a pair of billowing gills.

If the flesh (corpus) of the Gill Masks was cold, plunging overboard into the choppy waters of the bay is like diving into liquid ice, though for the first time you can breath freely without the aid of Ponlo's air bubble. The pack had decided on diving under the surface to get just close enough to get glimpses of The Idigam's underwater city. To see what could be seen of their newest enemy without being detected.

May I please have a Stamina + Athletics/Survival roll, as well as a Wits + Stealth roll from each player.
Haval
Joanna had seen  Alien  and will regard the mask a little suspiciously before attaching it anyway. As a Uratha she ought to have nothing to worry about. She'd just have to ignore how wet her clothes were going to be when she resurfaced. Joanna will shift into Dalu before entering the water in the hope it left her a bit warmer.

 
 Spoiler 

Stamina 2 + Athletics 1 + Dalu 1
 (4d10)[ 1 ][ 9 ][ 6 ][ 1 ](17) 
Any 10s
 (4d10)[ 9 ][ 3 ][ 1 ][ 10 ](23) 

Wits 3 + Stealth 2
 (5d10)[ 3 ][ 7 ][ 1 ][ 6 ][ 1 ](18) 
Any 10s
 (5d10)[ 8 ][ 6 ][ 2 ][ 7 ][ 2 ](25) 
 
GKnightBC
Once the physical changes start happening, Jeremy is somewhat panicked but settles down after a bit. The cold water is fought off by his nature yet still seeps through to chill him. He tries to talk with the new mask, wondering if it allows for underwater communication as well as breathing. He doesn't shift, even after seeing Joanna's choice, worried that the mask might not work in a different form.

 
 Spoiler: Rolls 

Stamina+Athletics  (3d10)[ 1 ][ 7 ][ 5 ](13) 
Wits+ Stealth  (6d10)[ 7 ][ 8 ][ 2 ][ 6 ][ 5 ][ 5 ](33) 
Tens  (9d10)[ 2 ][ 6 ][ 10 ][ 2 ][ 8 ][ 6 ][ 4 ][ 2 ][ 4 ](44) 
 
Daishain
Bear pushes down the faint hint of his own concern and grins at the others, "Right then, lets go see what we're hunting shall we? Remember we're not here to fight, defend yourselves but if there's a problem we work to get away." He puts on the mask and after letting it settle, dives in.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
stamina+athletics  (6d10)[ 9 ][ 5 ][ 8 ][ 1 ][ 2 ][ 3 ](28) 
wits+stealth  (3d10)[ 9 ][ 8 ][ 9 ](26) 
ten again  (6d10)[ 9 ][ 6 ][ 9 ][ 8 ][ 4 ][ 7 ](43) 
 
Thundercracker
 Blaze 

"Alright man, here we go," Blaze said as he affixed his own mask and followed Bear's lead.

 
 Spoiler 
stamina + Athletics:  (3d10)[ 18 ] 
wits + stealth:  (3d10)[ 1 ][ 3 ][ 6 ](10) 

10 again:  (6d10)[ 2 ][ 2 ][ 6 ][ 9 ][ 6 ][ 7 ](32) 
 
Bennosuke
(OOC: So that's 4 successes for the swimming rolls and 4 successes for the stealth rolls, or one success per PC)

Each member of the pack dives into the icy water, leaving Kara alone on the boat. The choppy waves create an under toe that makes diving feel like swimming upstream. Fortunately, whatever power the strange spirit masks were imbued with helped protect the Uratha, who never feel the growing pressure of the water as they pull farther and farther under the surface. The sensation of breathing through gills is strange at first. Pulling the icy water into and out of the many slits was simultaneously almost painful, but incredibly refreshing, and of course it meant that there was no panicked need for air.

Ever meter the pack dives pull them farther away from Mother Luna's light. This far out, there were few materialized water spirits, leaving the depths of the ocean dark and mirky. Worse, as the icy waters darkened, there was the growing sensation of wrongness, that had seemed to pervade several areas of the Hisil, where the Idigam had taken hold. Not only was it the eerie absence of spirits. Not only was it the knowledge that the pack was swimming closer and closer and closer to the heart of their greatest enemy. No, the waters themselves seemed to coat the flesh in a film of pervasive slime that stuck to the gills and burned at the eyes. The darkness seemed to vibrate, the mirky waters shifting unnaturally around the pack, like shadows in the heart of a fog. And far off was the sound of voices, speaking a language as ancient as The First Tongue and yet twisted away from it.

Slowly, as the pack goes deeper and deeper, the waters below begin to glow with a faint green light. Swimming even further down, you can see the source of the light. At first it is an indistinct outline, which grows slowly into focus. The glowing light comes from an impossibly giant hive, or maybe city. Even though the architecture is maybe still a half mile down, you can see its twisted structures of black stone, shiny like glass but seeming to pulse or move as if belonging to the hide of some impossible and terrible eel. The city put The Great Sea King's castle of coral and sunken treasure to shame. And it too was teeming with life, though this far away you could only guess that the dark slimy things crawling along its surface were more of the abominations. The things crawled in and out of pustule-like orifices that dotted and marred the black hive's surface. Hundreds, maybe thousands of the spawn moved about the surface of the city. God only knew how many infested the innards of the hive.

Here was the lair of the Idigam, deep under the waters of the New Bedford bay. But the sense of unease was nearly unbearable this deep and this close to the hive city. Even if none of the spawn had yet responded; and thank God the ranks were not yet swimming after the pack, it was as if a thousand eyes were upon the Uratha, watching and waiting for their next steps.
Haval
Joanna felt out of sorts. On land she knew exactly what she needed to do to be sneaky. Apparently she was born for it. Down here who could say what not being noticed even looked like. Were those things capable of percieving their heat or noticing that they weren't moving like fish? Would they only find out when a hundred or so of those things decided to investigate?

She'll try to stay very still as she treads water and try to see if there's anything especially notable about the structure. And maybe there was an entrance down there that was large enough that they could consider entering the structure without running straight into one of those things.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

In case there's anything more to notice

Wits 3 + Composure 3 + Dalu 2
 (8d10)[ 4 ][ 3 ][ 1 ][ 10 ][ 5 ][ 6 ][ 5 ][ 7 ](41) 
Any 10s
 (8d10)[ 1 ][ 1 ][ 7 ][ 10 ][ 3 ][ 8 ][ 1 ][ 10 ](41) 
 
Daishain
Bear tries not to think about the mollusk thing clinging to his face as he surveys the area with eyes wide open, incredibly frustrated that he couldn't smell anything other than the mask's own unpleasant scent.
GKnightBC
Floundering through the water - well, maybe not floundering as flounders are far better swimmers - Jeremy moves with the pack, entering the sickly green twilight and whispering to the others, words burbling through the water.  "What's the plan? There's a lot of corruption there. Is there a keystone or back door we can take?"  Still not shifting at this time, he's uncertain and uncomfortable in plain view of the mass below.
Bennosuke
The only other thing Joanna can ascertain is that whatever material the city is made of, is clearly something twisted from the Hisil. The whole area is just not right; though none of this is surprising given this is the liar of the Idigam.
Haval
 'I feel like we're fighting Godzilla. Like we're better off dropping a bomb on them.'  Joanna speaks as quietly as possible.  'Maybe they aren't there all the time. There was that family of them who were living in town.'  She didn't think it was likely that everything down there clocked off for the night but it wasn't like she knew what was normal here.  'Maybe there's a way to draw them off somehow? But what can we do down here that's big enough to distract them?' 
GKnightBC
 "What about doing much the same as we have been - summoning clean Essence into the area? Would that have a beneficial effect on the waters and cause problems for the corruption below?"  Jeremy suggests, ignorant of the way things work on this side.
Haval
 'How much essence would it take to make a difference?'  Joanna looked to the other pack members.  'I like the idea of finding a way to change things over here to see if it pisses them off but I wouldn't know where to start.' 

She looked towards one of the larger holes.  'Maybe me and Jeremy could slip in somewhere but it's a hell of a gamble given how many of them there are.' 
Bennosuke
For a moment the sigils of Joanna's Auspex begin to glow across her body, rippling and shimmering in the waters until they dim and die out. Somehow, the waters around the Irraka begin to darken as if the moon's light above was blotted out.

With or without a word, Joanna parts from the group, diving down and down towards the black twisted hive below. The terrible sensation of unease grows only stronger as she descends, till it is almost unbearable. Closer and closer Joanna swims. Yet even 1,000 meters out, close enough to see the eyes of the thousands of spawn crawling over the surface of the black oily rock, nothing seems to notice her. This close, Joanna can see that the onyx surface of the hive is inlaid with intricate gold filigree. The decorations take the form of strange non-Euclidean creatures, asymmetric and impossibly formed. Even staring at the symbols for long enough causes Joanna's vision to swirl, and her gorge to rise in the back of her throat.

This close as well, Joanna can see that the strange frog people are not the only creatures crawling in and out of the pores of the black city.  Abomination eels  is the name that slithers into Joanna's mind. Long wriggling green worm things, covered in pustules and jibbering gnashing mouths and eyes bulbous and clustered. Other strange creatures, crustaceans with tentacles ending in human digits. Gyrating tubes covered in flippers and leathery fins. The Idigam's city is a menagerie of unearthly unthinkable horrors. The spirits of the Hisil were strange, but these creatures defy all of even The Shadow's most confused logic.

(OOC: Joanna has gotten very close without being detected. Don't forget she has the Lone Wolf aspect)
Haval
At a certain point while they were talking Joanna had decided '**** it' and slipped away. She had no idea what those things were capable of but if a Irraka couldn't get any closer without being noticed then they might as well give up and go home.

As she gets closer she will move very carefully and concentrate on staying out of everything's way. For all she knew these things were capable of noticing if someone was swimming nearby in a way that they were unfamilar with. Initially she is hyper focused at the behaviour of the things that were closer to her. If anything seemed to be interested in investigating the area where she's swimming she's prepared to slip away and start over. When she's absolutely sure she'll get closer to the structures themselves.

Joanna is tempted to get her phone out and try to take some pictures while she was down here but in the end decides against it. Whether or not her gift would hide the action she is firmly of the opinion that no one else should have to look at this.

If it still seemed that no one was paying attention to her she'll try to find the largest or most important looking structure even if it was accompanied by the biggest concentration of creatures. Ideally she'd like to find an entrypoint that was large enough that she could get inside without running into something without there being any room for her to get out of the way.
Bennosuke
Studying the structure, Joanna can see that the massive hive is dotted with hundreds of pustule like orifices large enough for a probably two adult humans to swim through shoulder to shoulder. She can imagine the aperture leading into tunnels that maybe fed into larger chambers within the structure. In some ways it was like a obscene mockery of The Great Sea King's giant castle, though who knew what sort of labyrinthine maze Joanna would find inside if she were brave and stealthy enough to sneak inside.

All of this was appreciable without getting closer to the structure, though that task would likely be much much harder.
Thundercracker
 Blaze 

“Bad news.  It ain’t here man,” Blaze said, “either it’s somewhere else or it’s down there sleeping or something, but there ain’t anything as powerful as an active Idigam down there.  Good news, those obsidian things and those weird looking creature things probably share the same bane as it.  I can try to figure out what it is like we did with the plague lord but that’ll probably piss them off.  Let me know.”

He looked around.
“Hey, where’s Joanna?” he asked.
Haval
For a moment Joanna considers trying to get inside anyway. If she was quick and a bit lucky perhaps she could find somewhere out of the way of the creatures where she could hide. Since they had come all the way out here she wanted to see if she could find the Idigam itself. But in the end she decided against it. All it would take would be for one of those things to brush against her in the tunnel and they would know something was here even if they couldn't see her.

Joanna will withdraw and go looking for the others.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

I don't think this counts as solving a problem but if I'm wrong maybe I can get Wp for Lone Wolf at least.
 
Bennosuke
(OOC: Joanna does earn a WP for Lone Wolf and is back to 2/5)

Joanna watches the various creatures, spawn of the Idigam, for a moment longer before deciding to turn back. With every foot she ascends, she can feel the squeezing nauseating pressure subside. But still she is left feeling slimy, despite being underwater, as if being this close to the Idigam's sunken city had left her skin and fur slick with oil.


 “Bad news. It ain’t here man,” Blaze said, “either it’s somewhere else or it’s down there sleeping or something, but there ain’t anything as powerful as an active Idigam down there. Good news, those obsidian things and those weird looking creature things probably share the same bane as it. I can try to figure out what it is like we did with the plague lord but that’ll probably piss them off. Let me know.” 

Bear nods his head. " Worth a try, " he says, " as long as it isn't going to exhaust you too much, nor expose us in any way. " He casts his gaze from Blaze, down to the teaming city hive below and shudders slightly before adding, " I think we need as much information as we can to get the upper hand. "
Haval
Joanna will take her time heading back towards the others. As the pressure eases she had to wonder if some of those creatures would even be able to survive on the surface. Weren't things like that normally adapted to the pressure? Obviously the rules were different here. Eventually she'll approach the group from the rear without relaxing her gift. Keeping it going couldn't hurt right?

 'I thought I'd get a little closer. Looks too crowded to get inside easily. The good news is they had no idea I was even there.' 
Bennosuke
" Well I'm glad nothing followed you back, " Bear says in reply, his voice seeming to carry through the bubbles produced from the gills at his neck. He turns back to Blaze, " You're move then. "
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " Well I'm glad nothing followed you back, " Bear says in reply, his voice seeming to carry through the bubbles produced from the gills at his neck. He turns back to Blaze, " You're move then. " 
 

 'They do that and I'm heading in the opposite direction.'  Joanna was being careful, but if they were going to avoid trying anything then they might as well go home.
Thundercracker
 Blaze 

Blaze focuses and his eyes glaze over as he calls upon the gifts bestowed upon him by his connection to spirits and the Hisil.  He stares into the void, and the void whispers back the characteristics of the abominations swarming beneath them.

"I got it man," he said, his eyes still out of focus, "weird.  These things don't like knowledge.  We can use books and computers and stuff to hurt them.  They also don't like the moon.  They can't come out of the water during a full moon."

He blinked.

"Sound works well under water.  Maybe we can get some underwater speakers and play like... reading rainbow for them or something.  Or program a bot to read super fast and like... broadcast wikipedia to them."
Haval
 'Heh, they don't like Mother Luna. Seems appropriate. I take it there's no way to check whether it has to be the real thing and not like a youtube video of the nightsky?'  The other stuff sounded promising,  'There's a lot of stuff on the Internet. I'm sure we could find something.' 
GKnightBC
" What about waterproof sheets of logarithms? Clothes with Shakespearean sonnet stitched on them? We should capture one of these abominations and experiment. Hey! Maybe THAT'S what the Pure have been doing out on the boat!?"  Jeremy says, getting an inspirational thought.
Bennosuke
Bear listens quietly, his lids heavy, his lips pulled back in almost a scowl. But slowly his expression turns soft, and a smile spreads across his face. With deep gravity he says flatly, " Databold and ATANT! " His eyes lock on Blaze's.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Bear listens quietly, his lids heavy, his lips pulled back in almost a scowl. But slowly his expression turns soft, and a smile spreads across his face. With deep gravity he says flatly, " Databold and ATANT! " His eyes lock on Blaze's. 
 

"yeah, they should have some ideas man.  Wanna get back and talk to them?" Blaze said.

 
 Spoiler 
refresh my memory, what's atant?
 
Bennosuke
Bear nods his head and replies, " Unless anyone has any other thoughts. " He grins and with a shrug adds, " I don't want to stay here any longer than I have to. "

(OOC: Atant is the spirit of Kara's cellphone. I have a list of important spirits which includes it in the OOC thread. Everyone okay with moving things forward?)
Haval
Joanna nods at Jeremy's point,  'I guess if we come across any sign anyone else is down here then we'll know for sure. Otherwise, only worth staying if we want to conduct some experiments on how much knowledge is enough. I got a history podcast on my phone I never did get round to listening to.' 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Ok to move on unless someone wants to try something
 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Bear nods his head and replies, " Unless anyone has any other thoughts. " He grins and with a shrug adds, " I don't want to stay here any longer than I have to. "

(OOC: Atant is the spirit of Kara's cellphone. I have a list of important spirits which includes it in the OOC thread. Everyone okay with moving things forward?) 
 

“Yeah man, let’s get outta here,” Blaze said.
Bennosuke
 Act 2 Scene v 

" If ignorant both of your enemy and of yourself, you are certain to be in peril, "

Sun Tzu, The Art of War

" There is no dark side of the moon really. Matter of fact it's all dark. "

Pink Floyd, Eclipse


When the pack returns to the boat, they fill Kara in on everything they have learned, though Bear remains somewhat silent. The return trip is marked by choppy waters, heavy clouds and light rain. As they come closer and closer to land, the Hisil grows more healthy and a larger number of spirits become visible in the dark. Exhausted by the day, the pack is mostly silent till they return.

As Jeremy is tying the boat up on the dock, and before the pack has crossed back over the Gauntlet, Bear speaks up, encouraging the pack to listen. " We accomplished a lot today, " he starts, though there is little enthusiasm in his voice. He looks out over the group, and gives an exhausted smile. After a sigh, he continues, " I don't think we should go on the attack right away. I think there is a lot we can accomplish, and I want to use the next day or two to gather our strength and prepare for what will likely be a very dangerous next few weeks. "

He first gestures towards Blaze, " I want you to get Joanna initiated into the Iron Masters. If you need, take Jeremy. Her joining a tribe will only make her stronger, and we have to start investing more in the pups. If you need to call up Knowlton to get some more of your tribe for the initiation, then do it and you can tell them I'm the one who asked the favor. " He pauses, then sighs again. " The rest of us can start reaching out to the data and knowledge spirits for help. I think I still owe Databolt a Gathra of upping the technology in our den anyways. Kara, I'm sure you'll be able to help with this. "

She nods and says, " Blaze, wasn't there a knowledge spirit you were talking too at the Whaling Museum? Walks with Truth or something? "
Haval
Joanna is lost in thought on the way back. After seeing the domain of the Idigam close up the scale of the problem was now very apparent to her, and all those spirits weren't even the Idigam itself. She can't help but regard Bear's words somewhat gloomily.  'At least we know they won't see us coming when the time comes.' 

She'll nod at Bear's mention of her joining a tribe.  'Whatever helps.'  Under the circumstances she felt like she needed to do whatever was neccessary here. There was no time for half measures any more.
GKnightBC
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " The rest of us can start reaching out to the data and knowledge spirits for help. I think I still owe Databolt a Gathra of upping the technology in our den anyways. Kara, I'm sure you'll be able to help with this. " 
 

 "I have a couple of ideas on that. We need better security and control systems for the Den. How about we incorporate Databolt and integrate it so it can access and expand it's reach, through cameras and control points? I'll put forward a design and get input, then go shopping."  Jeremy offers, wanting to use his prior skills for the benefit of the Pack, and seeing a way to improve the spirits reach.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
  Act 2 Scene v 

" If ignorant both of your enemy and of yourself, you are certain to be in peril, "

Sun Tzu, The Art of War

" There is no dark side of the moon really. Matter of fact it's all dark. "

Pink Floyd, Eclipse


When the pack returns to the boat, they fill Kara in on everything they have learned, though Bear remains somewhat silent. The return trip is marked by choppy waters, heavy clouds and light rain. As they come closer and closer to land, the Hisil grows more healthy and a larger number of spirits become visible in the dark. Exhausted by the day, the pack is mostly silent till they return.

As Jeremy is tying the boat up on the dock, and before the pack has crossed back over the Gauntlet, Bear speaks up, encouraging the pack to listen. " We accomplished a lot today, " he starts, though there is little enthusiasm in his voice. He looks out over the group, and gives an exhausted smile. After a sigh, he continues, " I don't think we should go on the attack right away. I think there is a lot we can accomplish, and I want to use the next day or two to gather our strength and prepare for what will likely be a very dangerous next few weeks. "

He first gestures towards Blaze, " I want you to get Joanna initiated into the Iron Masters. If you need, take Jeremy. Her joining a tribe will only make her stronger, and we have to start investing more in the pups. If you need to call up Knowlton to get some more of your tribe for the initiation, then do it and you can tell them I'm the one who asked the favor. " He pauses, then sighs again. " The rest of us can start reaching out to the data and knowledge spirits for help. I think I still owe Databolt a Gathra of upping the technology in our den anyways. Kara, I'm sure you'll be able to help with this. "

She nods and says, " Blaze, wasn't there a knowledge spirit you were talking too at the Whaling Museum? Walks with Truth or something? " 
 

"Yes, Walks with Truth required us to give it some information it didn't know when we wanted its help last time," Blaze replied, "it's worth paying it a visit again to see what it would require for its help vs the Idigam.  I'll talk to Knowlton too."

 
 Spoiler 
we should probably flesh out how to join the Iron Masters.
 
Bennosuke
 "I have a couple of ideas on that. We need better security and control systems for the Den. How about we incorporate Databolt and integrate it so it can access and expand it's reach, through cameras and control points? I'll put forward a design and get input, then go shopping." Jeremy offers, wanting to use his prior skills for the benefit of the Pack, and seeing a way to improve the spirits reach. 

Bear nods his head with approval, but he replies, " It's a good idea. But I want you helping with the initiation unless Blaze says he doesn't need you. " He looks at the Ithauer, deferring this decision to his fellow senior Uratha.

To Blaze's response, he says, " Good. Do you have a sense for how long it will take? I mean, most initiations are one night, correct? Anyways, also let me know if you need any of the wolf blooded to help out. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Bear nods his head with approval, but he replies, " It's a good idea. But I want you helping with the initiation unless Blaze says he doesn't need you. " He looks at the Ithauer, deferring this decision to his fellow senior Uratha.

To Blaze's response, he says, " Good. Do you have a sense for how long it will take? I mean, most initiations are one night, correct? Anyways, also let me know if you need any of the wolf blooded to help out. " 
 

"I dunno man, lemme talk to Knowlton first," Blaze replied, "I don't think there should be any issues, more the merrier you know what I mean?  ...but we'll see what the rest of them say."

He sent a text first, to see if Knowlton was available for a chat.

"Hey man, we've got a young 'un looking to join the Iron Masters, know anyone we can talk to for initiation?" Blaze asked (assuming Knowlton picks up).
Bennosuke
Blaze does not get a reply immediately. In fact, there is likely a bit more time to discuss pack plans before Knowlton's text arrives. It reads, " We got a few Iron Masters in our pack. " This is followed by, " I can give you their info, but can't promise anyone can come down to help right away... assuming you wanted. " And this is followed by, " How are you guys hanging? Still cleaning up the Beshilu? "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Blaze does not get a reply immediately. In fact, there is likely a bit more time to discuss pack plans before Knowlton's text arrives. It reads, " We got a few Iron Masters in our pack. " This is followed by, " I can give you their info, but can't promise anyone can come down to help right away... assuming you wanted. " And this is followed by, " How are you guys hanging? Still cleaning up the Beshilu? " 
 

"No man, Beshilu are long gone, along with a damn plague lord spirit that was causing a whole lot of problems around town," Blaze replied to Knowlton, "you've got some Iron Masters?  Awesome, sure would appreciate if you could pass their info over, I'll take it from there.  Nowadays we're dealing with a couple of issues.  Got something called an Idigam hanging out in the ocean, and a pack of Pure moved in next door, so, we've got our hands full trying to deal with both of those at the same time."
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 To Blaze's response, he says, " Good. Do you have a sense for how long it will take? I mean, most initiations are one night, correct? Anyways, also let me know if you need any of the wolf blooded to help out. " 
 

 'How many people do you usually need?'  Joanna is curious.  'How long did it take for you guys to get initiated?' 
Bennosuke
Knowlton offers a non-commital "will do", in regards to passing on contact information of his pack mates. But Blaze can hear him growl when he mentions the Idigam. " You said what, " Knowlton practically barks, " An Idigam? Are you sure? " There is anger in the man's voice, but behind it is something like fear.


Kara, who is still nearby during the conversation, replies to Joanna. " I don't know about the Iron Masters in particular, but most of the time an initiation is supposed to occur over one night. " She looks to Bear and the others and adds, " Mine was anyways. "

Bear nods in agreement.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Knowlton offers a non-commital "will do", in regards to passing on contact information of his pack mates. But Blaze can hear him growl when he mentions the Idigam. " You said what, " Knowlton practically barks, " An Idigam? Are you sure? " There is anger in the man's voice, but behind it is something like fear.


Kara, who is still nearby during the conversation, replies to Joanna. " I don't know about the Iron Masters in particular, but most of the time an initiation is supposed to occur over one night. " She looks to Bear and the others and adds, " Mine was anyways. "

Bear nods in agreement. 
 

"Yeah man, it's not awake yet though, so we're gonna try to take it out before it can, you know what I mean?" Blaze replied, "doesn't help that it's under the damn water which makes it tough to get to, but we've picked up some spirit allies who are gonna help us out.  Uhh... you okay man?"
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Kara, who is still nearby during the conversation, replies to Joanna. " I don't know about the Iron Masters in particular, but most of the time an initiation is supposed to occur over one night. " She looks to Bear and the others and adds, " Mine was anyways. "

Bear nods in agreement. 
 

 'What did you have to do?' 
Bennosuke
Michael Knowlton listens carefully to Blaze, but seems to ignore the Uratha's question. " An Idigam? " he repeats the question, before continuing in a slow and intentionally measured voice, " Blaze, if you are right, you are going to need to be very very careful! You guys took care of the Beshilu incursion and the Plague spirits... and to be honest, I didn't think your pack was going to be able to do it, but an Idigam is much, much worse. " Knowlton pauses, and Blaze can hear him take a deep breath and sigh. Then he adds, " If, IF you truly have an Idigam in your territory, then you are sitting on an atom bomb. You are sitting on the lair of a monster... a  thing  that can damage the very fabric of reality, on both sides of The Gauntlet. And that's assuming the stories I've heard are even true, because to be honest I've only heard third or fourth hand of packs facing them. "


 'What did you have to do?' 

Kara shrugs and gives Joanna a coy smirk. Playfully she says, " Oh, nothing too hard; I only had to convince a major of the Internet to ally with our pack... without offering a Gathra... and in one night only. " She gives Joanna a wink.
Haval
 'Is Knowlton going to help us.'  Joanna directs that at the others while Blaze was distracted.

To Kara,  'Oh nothing too hard then.'  She is being flippant.  'And what exactly did it want in return?' 
Bennosuke
Joanna watches as the humor fades from Kara's face at her question. The Cahalith takes a long moment before she replies, clearly thinking through her words (for once) before speaking. " Well... that was just it, " she starts, " I wasn't allowed to make a Gathra... so I couldn't make an offer; I had to make a command. " Kara's voice trails off, and it's not clear if she would be willing to keep talking.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Michael Knowlton listens carefully to Blaze, but seems to ignore the Uratha's question. " An Idigam? " he repeats the question, before continuing in a slow and intentionally measured voice, " Blaze, if you are right, you are going to need to be very very careful! You guys took care of the Beshilu incursion and the Plague spirits... and to be honest, I didn't think your pack was going to be able to do it, but an Idigam is much, much worse. " Knowlton pauses, and Blaze can hear him take a deep breath and sigh. Then he adds, " If, IF you truly have an Idigam in your territory, then you are sitting on an atom bomb. You are sitting on the lair of a monster... a  thing  that can damage the very fabric of reality, on both sides of The Gauntlet. And that's assuming the stories I've heard are even true, because to be honest I've only heard third or fourth hand of packs facing them. "



Kara shrugs and gives Joanna a coy smirk. Playfully she says, " Oh, nothing too hard; I only had to convince a major of the Internet to ally with our pack... without offering a Gathra... and in one night only. " She gives Joanna a wink. 
 

"yeah man, I gotcha," Blaze said, "I figure if it wakes up we're all screwed, so we're gonna try to take care of it before that happens."

Joanna: "Usually just a day and a night, but we're gonna find out from the Knowlton's contacts, we'll see what they say," Blaze replied.
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Joanna watches as the humor fades from Kara's face at her question. The Cahalith takes a long moment before she replies, clearly thinking through her words (for once) before speaking. " Well... that was just it, " she starts, " I wasn't allowed to make a Gathra... so I couldn't make an offer; I had to make a command. " Kara's voice trails off, and it's not clear if she would be willing to keep talking. 
 

Joanna has to think through the implications of that.  'Oh, and it's still mad about it. Say no more. You don't have to tell me.'  She would never dream of pushing Kara on something that clearly made her uncomfortable.
Bennosuke
Knowlton says 'alright', but it's clear he is rather perturbed to hear about the Idigam. But rather than end the conversation there, he offers to put Blaze on the phone with his packmate of the Iron Masters, who he calls Hawk. Assuming Blaze accepts (OOC: If not I guess just ignore this), there is the sound of the phone being transferred, and then a woman's voice comes on, low and gruff, " Hello? Knowlty said you wanted some help with some Tribe stuff? "

At Joanna's question, the Cahalith shrugs. " Something like that, " Kara says in reply, though again it is clear there is more in the words that are left unsaid.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Knowlton says 'alright', but it's clear he is rather perturbed to hear about the Idigam. But rather than end the conversation there, he offers to put Blaze on the phone with his packmate of the Iron Masters, who he calls Hawk. Assuming Blaze accepts (OOC: If not I guess just ignore this), there is the sound of the phone being transferred, and then a woman's voice comes on, low and gruff, " Hello? Knowlty said you wanted some help with some Tribe stuff? "

At Joanna's question, the Cahalith shrugs. " Something like that, " Kara says in reply, though again it is clear there is more in the words that are left unsaid. 
 

"Yeah man, got a couple of newbies who are wanting to join the Tribe, so I'm makin' an official request for help with an initiation," Blaze replied, "you down?"
Bennosuke
Blaze can hear the woman sigh deeply before replying. The friendly tone is gone from her voice, and instead Hawk sounds like the teenager being told to clean their room by their mom. " Yeah, sure, " she says half-heartedly, " Gotta help the tribe out, right? " It wasn't unusual for an Uratha to act like this, while Hawk did have a duty as a member of the Iron Masters, werewolf society was based around duty to the pack, and otherwise Uratha were often rather individualistic creatures. It was likely Hawk didn't feel a huge responsibility to help another pack out... and of course some Uratha would consider asking another pack for help somewhat shameful. She adds, " You guys are in New Bedford, right? That's about an hour away. When were you thinking of getting this done? "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Blaze can hear the woman sigh deeply before replying. The friendly tone is gone from her voice, and instead Hawk sounds like the teenager being told to clean their room by their mom. " Yeah, sure, " she says half-heartedly, " Gotta help the tribe out, right? " It wasn't unusual for an Uratha to act like this, while Hawk did have a duty as a member of the Iron Masters, werewolf society was based around duty to the pack, and otherwise Uratha were often rather individualistic creatures. It was likely Hawk didn't feel a huge responsibility to help another pack out... and of course some Uratha would consider asking another pack for help somewhat shameful. She adds, " You guys are in New Bedford, right? That's about an hour away. When were you thinking of getting this done? " 
 

 Blaze 

"Uhh, sooner is better, if we can do tonight, that'd be best, but you know, it's up to you man," Blaze replied, "we can head up there if it's easier for you."
Bennosuke
Blaze can hear her sigh, the noise implying how heavily she feels imposed upon. But Hawk replies, " Very well. I'll talk to Snow, and we can probably be there in a couple of hours. " She pauses for a moment and then adds, " Do you have a plan in mind for the trial? "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Blaze can hear her sigh, the noise implying how heavily she feels imposed upon. But Hawk replies, " Very well. I'll talk to Snow, and we can probably be there in a couple of hours. " She pauses for a moment and then adds, " Do you have a plan in mind for the trial? " 
 

“Somethin’ to do with how stuff on one side of the gauntlet affects the other,” Blaze replied, “was thinkin’ we can combine it with a favor for a local spirit, kill two birds with one stone.”

He chuckled internally at the joke.
Bennosuke
" What's the gathra, and to what kinda spirit, " Hawk asks flatly, not catching the humor in Blaze's voice.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " What's the gathra, and to what kinda spirit, " Hawk asks flatly, not catching the humor in Blaze's voice. 
 

"It's a big hawk spirit, bird of prey," Blaze replied, "very proud.  We've got a good relationship with it, and we agreed to help encourage more game spirits for it to hunt."
Bennosuke
" Gotcha, " Hawk says, her voice belying at least a slight increase in interest, " and you know how you're gonna make that happen? "
Haval
Joanna is listening in.  'I believe there's a zoo around here somewhere. What if we let some of the animals out? Or do we need to do something more permenent?' 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Just to bring it up in character
 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " Gotcha, " Hawk says, her voice belying at least a slight increase in interest, " and you know how you're gonna make that happen? " 
 

"Well, think we're gonna buy a bunch of fast breeding rodents like rabbits and stuff, and then set up food stores around and release them into the wild, and let them breed like crazy," Blaze replied with an eye to Joanna, "though some of us want to release animals from the zoo or something.  I'm thinkin' that might help with a quick boost, but a longer term change is gonna need a longer term adjustment in the flesh world."
Bennosuke
" Rodents, " the woman asks, her voice filled with surprise and maybe a little disgust, " Didn't you just get over a Beshilu infestation? " There was of course no direct correlation between true rat spirits, and the Beshilu, though there was some superstition about it. Regardless of the reply, Hawk will add, " Well if you can get them purchased before we get there, that might be a good idea. I suppose we can help you release them across the city, or whatever. I suspect you're gonna want to like, release them into people's homes or something. Stir up some excitement so that it creates Essence and effects the Hisil more quickly? "
Haval
That made sense.  'So if we try that maybe we release them in a bar or a mall or something?'  If it was a case of the more people who saw them the bigger the effect they might as well find a way to speed up the process.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " Rodents, " the woman asks, her voice filled with surprise and maybe a little disgust, " Didn't you just get over a Beshilu infestation? " There was of course no direct correlation between true rat spirits, and the Beshilu, though there was some superstition about it. Regardless of the reply, Hawk will add, " Well if you can get them purchased before we get there, that might be a good idea. I suppose we can help you release them across the city, or whatever. I suspect you're gonna want to like, release them into people's homes or something. Stir up some excitement so that it creates Essence and effects the Hisil more quickly? " 
 

"By rodents I meant like... rabbits, man.  Well, we hadn't worked out the specifics, but yeah, something like that, or a mall or an office building or whatever, in addition to the parks," Blaze said, "more the merrier, you know?"
Bennosuke
" Sounds good, " Hawk says flatly, adding, " See you in a few hours. " Unless Blaze speaks up quickly with anything else he wants to discuss, the Iron Master of the Arrow Heads will cut the line.
Haval
After Hawk hangs up,  'So...should we find a pet store? Or are we going out to the woods?' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
 After Hawk hangs up,  'So...should we find a pet store? Or are we going out to the woods?'  
 

"Why not do both?  But I"m thinkin' pet store is a must.  We're guaranteed to find some there," Blaze replied.
Haval
 'This is going to be one of those times when they know what we are underneath isn't it? Maybe we can bribe them with carrots or something.' 
Bennosuke
Listening intently, Kara shrugs and pats Jeremy on the back. To Blaze she says, " So I guess the question is whether or not Jeremy is helping you with the ritual, or helping us with security. I suppose you want all the Iron Masters you can get? " She turns a head to Bear, checking for his approval, as this had been his question to Blaze before the Ithauer had made the phone call.
GKnightBC
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Listening intently, Kara shrugs and pats Jeremy on the back. To Blaze she says, " So I guess the question is whether or not Jeremy is helping you with the ritual, or helping us with security. I suppose you want all the Iron Masters you can get? " She turns a head to Bear, checking for his approval, as this had been his question to Blaze before the Ithauer had made the phone call. 
 

     Nodding, Jeremy says  "I'd like to help with the ritual for sure! Mine was far more urban in nature, so I'd like to see what yours is like. The upgrades and installs on the Den will take some time to plan, order and such - far more than the ritual will." 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by GKnightBC 
 Nodding, Jeremy says  "I'd like to help with the ritual for sure! Mine was far more urban in nature, so I'd like to see what yours is like. The upgrades and installs on the Den will take some time to plan, order and such - far more than the ritual will."  
 

"Yeah man, the more the merrier," Blaze said, "Ritual's gonna be tonight, and there's probably not much we can do on defenses until tomorrow anyway."

He pulled out a map of New Bedford, spread it out on the dining table so everyone could see and join in, and started planning how they could complete the initiation ritual.
Haval
Joanna will get her phone out and see if there were any pet stores in New Bedford where they might be able to pck up a load of small creatures quickly.  'Under the circumstances, going somewhere to pay for a bunch of rabbits seems like cheating. Should we be breaking in?' 
Bennosuke
While the others continue talking, Kara turns to Bear and asks, " Then if it's just you and me, where do you want to start? Should we go back across the Gauntlet to discuss with ATANT or Data? Otherwise, let me know how I can help you with the work in teching up the warehouse. "
Daishain
  "Main thing we Promised for Databolt was a better modem. I also wanted to look into some cost effective security, like how can we get cameras up around this joint without spending too much. Maybe we oughta order that first bit first. Being able to truthfully say its on the way would be good before we talk to Data again."   Bear rubs his chin, trying to think about everything that needed to be done. He knew damn well he was missing something...
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
 Joanna will get her phone out and see if there were any pet stores in New Bedford where they might be able to pck up a load of small creatures quickly.  'Under the circumstances, going somewhere to pay for a bunch of rabbits seems like cheating. Should we be breaking in?'  
 

"Cheating shmeating, buying them won't create a bunch of crime spirits, but I ain't gonna say no if you're heart's set on it," Blaze added.
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Thundercracker 
 "Cheating shmeating, buying them won't create a bunch of crime spirits, but I ain't gonna say no if you're heart's set on it," Blaze added. 
 

 'Whatever works. This is going to be the weirdest thing I've ever had to spend money on.' 
Bennosuke
Kara nods her head at what Bear is saying and replies, " I guess let's get on a computer then. " The two make their way back into the warehouse, where of course they are greeted with lots of excitement and questions from the wolf blooded who are around. After greetings and updates, Kara runs up to her room and comes back down with her laptop, an old macbook covered in stickers from a bunch of different punk bands, as well as with jewels and glitter. " I can look deeper into security systems if you want, while you continue working on the router, " she half asks, while booting up her computer.

(OOC: So the pack currently have Safe Place at level 3, and increasing this will cost one XP per dot if you want to invest. For the router, the pack has gathered 6/8 necessary successes, and Bear can spend an hour to make an Int + Computers roll to start)

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

 
 Spoiler: OOC: Iron Master Initiation 
Unless we want to RP buying rabbits and rats at pet stores, I think we can assume the pack has the resources to make such purchases. Otherwise, breaking into the zoo might take a larceny roll and I could even see some fun RP. I'm not sure if the pack wants to continue discussing... however:

1. Could I get a final overview of how we see this initiation right working? The pack is going to release a bunch animals, hoping to boost the Essence of prey/game spirits in the Hisil and which will maybe help with King Sky Hunter as well. But what is Joanna's role or test in this, to make it her initiation? Is she going to be responsible for obtaining and releasing all the animals? Is she going to have to find well springs of Essence and then protect them for Sky Hunter? I apologize as part of this confusion likely stems from me trying to answer questions on discord as they come while only half paying attention at work, but let's iron this out a little.

2. I assume some preparation will be done before the other Uratha get there, and some will be done when they arrive, so let's figure out their roles as well as Blaze's and Jeremy's?
 
Daishain
Bear settles in, grumbling something about it not needing to be this difficult to find the right router...

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
hour 1 Int+computers  (3d10)[ 9 ][ 1 ][ 4 ](14) 
hour 2 roll  (3d10)[ 10 ][ 7 ][ 2 ](19) 
ten again  (3d10)[ 1 ][ 10 ][ 1 ](12) 
 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
  'Whatever works. This is going to be the weirdest thing I've ever had to spend money on.'  
 

"Get used to it, man, we buy all kinds of crazy stuff around here," Blaze said, "just wait until we start doing some of the more beefy rituals."
GKnightBC
Jeremy pulls up his own device and starts shopping some of his suppliers. Cameras, sensors, networking and redundant paths, pan tilt zoom tracking devices - all sorts  of methods to protect the Den and Pack from unexpected visitors. Beyond security devices, he also looked at sources for smoke-cloak, fire suppression, window shutters and other hardening measures.  "Get me a budget number and I'll plot a design that fits it."  He says during discussions of the design with the group. " We just have to decide how far out we want to see intruders and visitors and react to them." 
      When invited to the Ceremony planning, he says  "How about we plant a wild garden around the area we want the rabbit warren to feed them and make it prosperous in other ways, too? We can have some of the other Pack members maintain the basics of it, like watering and such, but still let it run wild otherwise?" 
Bennosuke
It takes Bear just about the two whole hours to get the rest of the warehouse wired up, and make sure that the routers and modems are all installed properly, and then of course to test everything and make sure it was running smoothly. In that time Kara is on her laptop, doing research into security systems, and occasionally complaining when Bear's tinkering causes the wifi to short for a moment. As Bear is finishing up though, Kara comes running up to him and says, " Oh my god Bear, you really did it! The internet here is amazing. Think about what this will let us do with some of our digital recording! " She gives one of his burly arms a friendly hug, then says with excitement, " Let's go chat with some of the computer spirits and see what they think! Should we try ATANT first or do you want to speak with Databolt? "
Daishain
Bear grins and messes with Kara's hair a bit,   "Let's get Databolt first, I made that promise longer ago than anticipated, I'd rather not make them wait any longer."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by GKnightBC 
 Jeremy pulls up his own device and starts shopping some of his suppliers. Cameras, sensors, networking and redundant paths, pan tilt zoom tracking devices - all sorts  of methods to protect the Den and Pack from unexpected visitors. Beyond security devices, he also looked at sources for smoke-cloak, fire suppression, window shutters and other hardening measures.  "Get me a budget number and I'll plot a design that fits it."  He says during discussions of the design with the group. " We just have to decide how far out we want to see intruders and visitors and react to them." 
      When invited to the Ceremony planning, he says  "How about we plant a wild garden around the area we want the rabbit warren to feed them and make it prosperous in other ways, too? We can have some of the other Pack members maintain the basics of it, like watering and such, but still let it run wild otherwise?"  
 

“That’ll work man,” Blaze said, “and the stuff with the fertility spirits…. Maybe.  Though they’ll probably want something in return.”
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Thundercracker 
 “That’ll work man,” Blaze said, “and the stuff with the fertility spirits…. Maybe.  Though they’ll probably want something in return.” 
 

 'Couldn't hurt to ask. Hey, I don't suppose initiation is something you can keep trying until you pass is it?' 
Bennosuke
Kara nods her head in excited agreement and replies, " Right. I guess we should go back and cross the Gauntlet then. " Less than ten minutes later, the two have reached over into The Hisil, returning into the old warehouse/shipyard/cannery. Shadows and fog move strangely through the old brick building as they approach Databolt's computer, a machine made of ancient black stone and shiny plastic and weathered glass. Tangles of cables, like a thousand vines, have sprouted from the computer in the last week. They run out of the structure, spreading out across the ground and diving into cobblestone and brick and dusty ground. The machine - the spirit pulses with energy, Essence glowing in sigils across the spirit's corpus. As the two approach, Data's voice echoes across the building, " Uratha Bear, you have finally done it! I can feel the changes already. I can feel the power, just as you promised! "
Daishain
Bear nods,   "Glad to hear you approve bud. Took more work than we anticipated, but we got it done."

"That ties into somethin I wanted to talk to you about though. Security at the Den's become a bit of a priority for us, and you too by extension. All that fancy new hardware's at risk if this place gets stormed. If you happen to have any ideas on reducing those risks we'd be happy to hear it. Just a thing to think about when you get a chance."  
Bennosuke
Databolt is silent for a second, and then the black glass of its monitor begins to swirl with sigils of the First Tongue. " Security from what... " the spirit asks, its question also writing itself across the monitor. The question echoes in the halls of the warehouse.
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Databolt is silent for a second, and then the black glass of its monitor begins to swirl with sigils of the First Tongue. " Security from what... " the spirit asks, its question also writing itself across the monitor. The question echoes in the halls of the warehouse. 
 

 'From other Uratha just for starters.' 
Bennosuke
Blaze takes some time gathering the various items needed for the rite to summon Sagrim Ur, and supervising the others until Hawk and Snow show up. They arrive in a beat up sedan, pulling into the warehouse lot. Hawk is a broad shouldered Asian woman with a string of tattoos up her arms, and hard eyes. Her companion Snow is a taller male Uratha in a leather biker's jacket and torn up jeans. He looks like he might be in his late forties by the greys and whites in his chest-length beard. As they get out of the car, Snow looks around the lot, studying the warehouse and the dock. Hawk crosses her arms over her chest and calls out, " ****, I thought we'd never get back to New Bedford. Can't say much has changed! Where's Blaze, and whose the pup we're here for? "
Haval
Joanna has been listening for any sign of a car pulling up and will go out to meet them.  'That would be me. Guess I should try and stop ignoring my responsibilities. Blaze is inside.' 
Daishain
Bear raises a thick eyebrow,   "I'm rather surprised you need to ask, you're the first major spirit I know who wasn't at least partly aware of the Idigam, and this place was attacked just a few weeks ago by its minions. We beat them off relatively easily, but I do not doubt their return if the matter is not resolved soon, and if its just the wolfblooded here next time defense will not be so simple. The attack is actually part of why it took some time for me to complete the Gathra I owed."

"Lets see, there are three major security concerns at the moment, two of which are deeply related. One is a human servant of the Idigam, a priest, who has been riling the public against us. So far its just been protests but that could change. Second are the fishlike servants, monsters that live in the deep. They were the ones behind the recent attack. Finally, there's another Uratha pack, members of the Pure. It is possible that we are partly aligned in goals in opposing the Idigam, but that's not confirmed as they've refused to speak with us on the matter. But even if that is the case that wouldn't rule out them moving to take us off the board because they see us as being in the way."  
Bennosuke
Joanna's reply brings a smug grin to the woman's face. She lifts her nose and sniffs at the air, and when she lowers her head the grin has broadened. Under her breath Hawk whispers, " Irraka, ". Cocking her head and raising an eyebrow toward Joanna she says, " Nice to meet ya then Pup. What's your name? " Her companion, Snow, lumbers over to her side and sniffs toward Joanna as well, his eyes round and intense.

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

The light from Databolt's screen brightens at the word Idigam, and the entire console seems to shudder and lean away from Bear. " The Idigam? " it gasps with terror, " I know what the Idigam is. But I thought it was still asleep! I... I get most of my information from humans and their... what do you call it? Internet! " The spirit takes a moment to compose itself, then says, " I did not know the Idigam was awake... nor that it was targeting this territory. I assume having provided me with more power, you are hoping I can help you somehow. But I am a spirit of information and technology. I know little about fighting and security! So what is it you see as me doing for you and your kind? "
Daishain
  "If it helps, we don't think its awake. Not fully at least. But its definitely stirring, and having an influence on the area."   Bear waves an arm in the general direction of the town   "As for what you might do, information is one of the big things we need. Most of this thing's moves against us have been in the material realm, and many of its servants are at least partly human. There should be something about these movements showing up in your realm. We were also thinking about setting up an early warning system, cameras, motion sensors and the like, so attacks on this location are never too much of a surprise, but if you really know nothing about that it can't be helped I suppose."  
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Joanna's reply brings a smug grin to the woman's face. She lifts her nose and sniffs at the air, and when she lowers her head the grin has broadened. Under her breath Hawk whispers, " Irraka, ". Cocking her head and raising an eyebrow toward Joanna she says, " Nice to meet ya then Pup. What's your name? " Her companion, Snow, lumbers over to her side and sniffs toward Joanna as well, his eyes round and intense.   
 

Joanna's eyes narrow but she assents to the sniffing. To Hawk,  'Yeah, is it that obvious?'  She'll introduce herself,  'Joanna. You two Iron Masters then?' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Blaze takes some time gathering the various items needed for the rite to summon Sagrim Ur, and supervising the others until Hawk and Snow show up. They arrive in a beat up sedan, pulling into the warehouse lot. Hawk is a broad shouldered Asian woman with a string of tattoos up her arms, and hard eyes. Her companion Snow is a taller male Uratha in a leather biker's jacket and torn up jeans. He looks like he might be in his late forties by the greys and whites in his chest-length beard. As they get out of the car, Snow looks around the lot, studying the warehouse and the dock. Hawk crosses her arms over her chest and calls out, " ****, I thought we'd never get back to New Bedford. Can't say much has changed! Where's Blaze, and whose the pup we're here for? " 
 

"Hey y'all, thanks for coming down on short notice," Blaze said as he jogged over from the warehouse, "was just busying putting some things together for our little 'soiree'."
Bennosuke
" Any actions taken in your realm would slowly reach me, I suppose, " Databolt replies slowly, " But I would be much faster if I had access to your new security systems on your side of the Gauntlet... if you would be willing to let me come over! " There was greed in the spirit's suggestion, a primitive terrible greed. The Gauntlet existed specifically to keep the Shadow and the Flesh apart, and in general the Uratha worked to maintain this order. Mayhem often ensued when spirits were allowed on the other side of the barrier, as they sought untapped creation of Essence, mucking around in a reality they could never understand and did not belong to... That said, Data did make a point...

(OOC: As an aside, please let me know if you don't remember what Blaze discovered about the Idigam's bane, as this was also why Bear was seeking out spirits like ATANT and Data)

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

Hawk grins at Joanna's first question. " Yes, " she replies, a smug grin on her lips. To the second question she says, " That is correct. Otherwise your friend Blaze wouldn't have called on us. I guess we are gonna help with your initiation tonight. Hope you aren't too nervous. "

When Blaze arrives, Snow steps in front of his companion in an almost protective gesture. Tilting his head cautiously he asks, " You Blaze? " Introductions between Uratha who had never met were always a little tense, as lupine instincts kicked in, each werewolf sensing the urge to impress or dominate the other. And of course, Snow and Hawk were in the Anchor Wolves' territory, adding to the discomfort.
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Hawk grins at Joanna's first question. " Yes, " she replies, a smug grin on her lips. To the second question she says, " That is correct. Otherwise your friend Blaze wouldn't have called on us. I guess we are gonna help with your initiation tonight. Hope you aren't too nervous. "

When Blaze arrives, Snow steps in front of his companion in an almost protective gesture. Tilting his head cautiously he asks, " You Blaze? " Introductions between Uratha who had never met were always a little tense, as lupine instincts kicked in, each werewolf sensing the urge to impress or dominate the other. And of course, Snow and Hawk were in the Anchor Wolves' territory, adding to the discomfort. 
 

 'Compared to everything else that's going on at the moment it'll be a walk in the park.'  Joanna said sincerely.  'You got any advice on talking to spirits? It's been a mixed bag for me so far.'  Joanna does her best to give the impression that she was above the implied threat represented by unfamiliar Uratha, even though there was every chance pretending wouldn't do any good here.
Bennosuke
Hawk grins at this, but nods her head towards Blaze. " Ask your Ithauer friend, " she says, her husky voice filled with amusement though there is something judgmental crawling through it as well.
Daishain
Bear eyes the spirit. He might have been willing to consider it under the right sort of restrictions. But a spirit so connected to the internet would be basically impossible for the pack to monitor for misbehavior...   "We'll see, right now let's make do with what can be done from here."

"There is one other matter. It seems that you are effectively the Idigam's bane, or at least the bane for its immediate servants. Raw information, data, can be used against it."  

Bear pauses for a moment before continuing,   "What sort of data is most effective, or if it even matters, is not clear. It might be prudent to try an experiment of sorts before relying on this."  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " Any actions taken in your realm would slowly reach me, I suppose, " Databolt replies slowly, " But I would be much faster if I had access to your new security systems on your side of the Gauntlet... if you would be willing to let me come over! " There was greed in the spirit's suggestion, a primitive terrible greed. The Gauntlet existed specifically to keep the Shadow and the Flesh apart, and in general the Uratha worked to maintain this order. Mayhem often ensued when spirits were allowed on the other side of the barrier, as they sought untapped creation of Essence, mucking around in a reality they could never understand and did not belong to... That said, Data did make a point...

(OOC: As an aside, please let me know if you don't remember what Blaze discovered about the Idigam's bane, as this was also why Bear was seeking out spirits like ATANT and Data)

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

Hawk grins at Joanna's first question. " Yes, " she replies, a smug grin on her lips. To the second question she says, " That is correct. Otherwise your friend Blaze wouldn't have called on us. I guess we are gonna help with your initiation tonight. Hope you aren't too nervous. "

When Blaze arrives, Snow steps in front of his companion in an almost protective gesture. Tilting his head cautiously he asks, " You Blaze? " Introductions between Uratha who had never met were always a little tense, as lupine instincts kicked in, each werewolf sensing the urge to impress or dominate the other. And of course, Snow and Hawk were in the Anchor Wolves' territory, adding to the discomfort. 
 

 Blaze 
"Hey man, yeah, that's me," Blaze replied, "And I try my best to live up to my name.  Y'all wanna smoke a bowl before or after the ritual?  Before might help take the edge off if you know what I mean, but after could be kinda like a celebration, and those are always lit."
He grinned knowingly.
Bennosuke
 Bear eyes the spirit. He might have been willing to consider it under the right sort of restrictions. But a spirit so connected to the internet would be basically impossible for the pack to monitor for misbehavior... "We'll see, right now let's make do with what can be done from here." 

" Very well, " the spirit says, its voice belying disappointment, the glow from its monitor dimming slightly.

But the spirit reacts strongly when Bear starts talking about the Idigam again. Its entire corpus quavers, causing the many extending cables to rattle against the stone floor. In disbelief Data asks, " I am its Bane? What do you mean? How do you know this? " The monitor is awash with flashing numbers and letters and sigils of the First Tongue, creating a washing static of nonsense. " I am a spirit of knowledge! I have very limited abilities in fighting other spirits; that is now how I survive. " Bear's question seems to focus the shaking spirit. The information crawling across its screen focuses, dissolving into images of various forms of technology which flash and fade across the screen. " There is no  best  form of data. Information is information. But if the Idigam is TRULY susceptible to attacks using information related Essence, well there are likely many ways you could hurt it... depending on which side of the Gauntlet it is on, and... who your allies are. "

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

" Nice to meet ya, " Hawk mutters, before hastily introducing herself and Snow. She chuckles at his offer and says, " Maybe after we get the ritual done. After that we won't have much to do other than wait and watch as the pup does her thing. " Snow nods his head at this, a smirk on his face.

The latter speaks up, his voice deep but tight, as if the act of forming words is painful. " Have you got things mostly set up, " he asks, " we brought a few things that might help with the ritual. "

(OOC: Happy to let RP play out if you want to get to know these Uratha or pursue some other avenue, otherwise, happy to move things on to the ritual)
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Hawk grins at this, but nods her head towards Blaze. " Ask your Ithauer friend, " she says, her husky voice filled with amusement though there is something judgmental crawling through it as well. 
 

Joanna holds back the urge to roll her eyes.  'Meaning no rules. Got it. What about Red Wolf then. I didn't know someone like that would just show up when we asked.' 
Bennosuke
 'Meaning no rules. Got it.' 

It is actually Hawk who rolls  her  eyes at this. She gives Blaze a glance that says, ' you deal with this ', but says nothing. But Joanna's question about Red Wolf brings a smug smile to the woman's face. " We will summon it... or a part of it anyways, " she says in a patronizing tone, like she were explaining how things worked to a child. Though she adds more thoughtfully, " Every time Sagrim Ur appears to us in a slightly different form. The Red Wolf's avatars are as ever changing as the realms of both Flesh and Shadow. " This sounded like a very  'Iron Masters'  thing to say, though of course it was hard for Joanna to really know yet.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 It is actually Hawk who rolls  her  eyes at this. She gives Blaze a glance that says, ' you deal with this ', but says nothing. But Joanna's question about Red Wolf brings a smug smile to the woman's face. " We will summon it... or a part of it anyways, " she says in a patronizing tone, like she were explaining how things worked to a child. Though she adds more thoughtfully, " Every time Sagrim Ur appears to us in a slightly different form. The Red Wolf's avatars are as ever changing as the realms of both Flesh and Shadow. " This sounded like a very  'Iron Masters'  thing to say, though of course it was hard for Joanna to really know yet. 
 

"Yeah man, good times," Blaze said as he tucked the weed back into his jacket pocket, "lemme walk y'all through what we've planned so far, and you can let us know if we missed something or if there's a better way to do it."

Assuming they're agreeable, Blaze will walk them inside to do just that.
Bennosuke
Blaze leads the two inside, likely with Joanna in tow.

(OOC: Do we want to keep RPing or do we want to move the summoning of Red Wolf?)
Bennosuke
Snow and Hawk join Blaze and Joanna in completing the preparations for the summoning rite. Joanna's initiation will start with the summoning of Sagrim-Ur, or at least The Red Wolf's avatar. They build a circle on the band's practice stage, drawn in chalk but decorated with bits of broken mirror, lit candles, and a hodge-podge of canine teeth that Hawk says they keep for just such an occasion. The circle is big enough for an adult man to lie down in, into which Snow lays down a massive red wolf's pelt.

Nearby, the wolf blooded watch in silent amusement. Justin is kind enough to offer to help, but Hawk makes it clear that only the Uratha can be involved in this rite.

When the preparations are completed, Blaze dims the lights in the factory, though afternoon light still spills in from the warehouse's high windows. Joanna is instructed to strip, and kneel down on the pelt in the middle of the circle. Hawk explains that normally with a summoning, a Gathra is left in the circle to entice the arrival of the targeted spirit, and tonight Joanna will be that Gathra. This brings a vicious little grin to the woman's face. Then Snow, Blaze and Hawk take hands standing outside of the circle behind Joanna, and Hawk speaks, her voice low and rumbling in the First Tongue, filling the warehouse as if she were using one of Kara's mics.

" Hear me now brothers and sisters, for I have a story to tell, and this one is true. Our ancestors participated in the killing of Father Wolf, when he was too old to lead. Mother Luna cried for the death of her lover, and the Forsaken were scattered across the earth, and Shadow and Flesh were separated as were the many organs of Pangea.

"Our ancestors were hunted by spirit and flesh monster alike, yet Sagrim-Ur rejoiced, for she knew that nothing would be the same again. And change brings opportunity. So the Red Wolf wandered across the planes and deserts and swamps, often drawn by the piteous howls of a lone Uratha, mourning his loss and isolation. Sagrim-Ur would ask such Foresaken for their story. From his journeys Red Wolf learned that change was not always a blessing. And in exchange for their stories and their teaching, Sagrim-Ur would provide the scattered Uratha with this teaching, from which we Iron Masters take our Oath: 'Honor your territory in all things'. Sister, we ask you to join us in this oath and join our tribe. Do you accept? "

When Joanna accepts, Hawk replies, " Then we call on Sagrim-Ur the Red Wolf to witness the trials of our sister and judge her worth. " Blaze and Snow, knowing the Tribe's words of summoning, join Hawk in chanting, their voices echoing from the stage and through the halls of the Warehouse. The temperature inside the rises drastically. Despite her lack of clothing, Joanna can feel the hairs on her arms pile up, her skin turning flush as sweat begins to trickle from her brow and neck. Then there is a bang, like the slamming of a door, and all the candles around the circle go out. The fragments of glass begin to melt around the circle and the scattered teeth begin to glow and shake, chattering along the floor.

A red lupine figure appears in twilight above Joanna, at least twice the of the largest Gauru. The spirit is a all fire and fur, glowing in the half-light. It's voice is ancient and comes from everywhere, " Joanna of the Anchor Wolves, speak to me of how you shall prove your worth to me tonight! "
GKnightBC
Within the realm of spirits, Jeremy is still at a loss on how he can help but, once talk turns to the digital world, he adds " We can set up recordings of logical formula or something, maybe a variety of topics, and set them to loudly play near that unclean church, maybe? Watching from a goodly distance, we could see if they have an effect other than just annoying the residents. Beyond that, printed texts - sort of like a spell of math - pasted to their doors so they see them at their next meeting. We could try multiple types of info, and see which one makes them recoil best, if at all." 
Haval
Joanna will strip without complaint but will watch for anyone who was paying too much attention to her so that she can indicate that she noticed. Other then that she would rather die then give any indication that this made her uncomfortable. Especially in front of Hawk.  What was this bitch's problem?' 

She'll accept the oath with all due seriousness although the size of Sagrim-Ur took her aback. What exactly would it do if she said something to upset it?

After regaining her composure,  'I'm told we can increase the Essance over the Gauntlet if we bring more prey into the town. I was going to see if I could talk a fertility spirit into helping them multiply.'  Joanna felt like she was in a job interview. Was this even enough.
Bennosuke
Kara turns to Jeremy, and hesitantly replies, " This would be for the Idigam, or for the people of New Bedford? I can't imagine any papers holding up deep in the bay by the Idigam's lair... and I don't know if the spawn will have the same weaknesses as the Idigam itself. "

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

The great figure of Red Wolf's avatar remains unmoved as it peers down upon Joanna. It's harsh gaze making her feel more than just naked. " I see, " the spirit replies, it's voice echoing through the chamber, " And I expect you will watch to see how such changes effect the real world? What effects to you think you might see on both sides of the Gauntlet from such interferences? "
Daishain
Bear waves his hands to calm the spirit.   "Please don't misunderstand, I did not mean we were thinking of throwing you at our foe to fight"   He forces a straight face to keep from chuckling at the mental image.   "We simply thought you might have some insight, especially on actually delivering this information. I kinda suspect waving waterlogged books at them won't do much good. As for how we know, one of our number is able to perform a ritual that reveals the bane of a spirit he can see. From that we learned the Idigam's direct spawn really don't like either the full moon or information. The Idigam's bane may not be exactly the same as the spawn, but it is reasonably safe to assume its pretty close."  
Bennosuke
" I see, " Databolt says rather hastily, though the spirit does sound slightly calmer. There is a moment before it adds, " Most spirits can create attacks using Essence of their resonance, though I plan on getting nowhere near the Idigam, and even my most powerful attacks would... well if it's an  Idigam ... " Data's voice trails off, its screen dimming. Then with slight excitement, the spirit adds, " You said it is weak to the full moon? Have you contacted the Lunar spirits [Lunes], they are much more powerful... and braver than a spirit such as myself. "
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The great figure of Red Wolf's avatar remains unmoved as it peers down upon Joanna. It's harsh gaze making her feel more than just naked. " I see, " the spirit replies, it's voice echoing through the chamber, " And I expect you will watch to see how such changes effect the real world? What effects to you think you might see on both sides of the Gauntlet from such interferences? " 
 

Well, at least Red Wolf hadn't dismissed her out of hand.  'Yeah, I figured that going to the Hisil alone is something I needed the practice with.'  And to answer the question,  'Well more prey over here means more prey spirits over the Gauntlet for us and our friends. Seems good to me.'  And the other side,  'I can't quite tell what letting this place get wilder will do on this side of things. Maybe a baby boom if the ferility spirits are up for it. But isn't that for me to find out?' 
Bennosuke
Something about the spirit's expression changes with Joanna's explanation. Maybe it's glowing yellow eyes narrow just lightly, or maybe the corners of its mouth pull up in an animal approximation of a grin. Or maybe nothing changes at all. " I see, " the spirit says in the same booming emotionless voice, " and you will see if your predictions are correct young one! Have you any last questions? " Then the spirit reaches its hands out, gesturing to those gathered around the circle, asking " And you all will witness this Uratha's initiation? Have you any last words of advice for Joanna, before she begins her trial? "

Hawk and Snow both look from Joanna to Blaze, and back again.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Something about the spirit's expression changes with Joanna's explanation. Maybe it's glowing yellow eyes narrow just lightly, or maybe the corners of its mouth pull up in an animal approximation of a grin. Or maybe nothing changes at all. " I see, " the spirit says in the same booming emotionless voice, " and you will see if your predictions are correct young one! Have you any last questions? " Then the spirit reaches its hands out, gesturing to those gathered around the circle, asking " And you all will witness this Uratha's initiation? Have you any last words of advice for Joanna, before she begins her trial? "

Hawk and Snow both look from Joanna to Blaze, and back again. 
 

"Keep learning' man, there's always something new," Blaze said.
Bennosuke
The spirit listens to Blaze, it's head tilted slightly to the side. Afterwards it says, " Then your initiation shall begin, Joanna of the Anchor Wolves, " it's voice thundering through the warehouse.

(OOC: Assuming Joanna didn't have any questions as per the spirit's prior offer)

Sigils of power and renown shimmer across the spirit's corpus glowing within the summoning circle. " I will be watching, " the Lune says, " and will be ready in the morning to pass judgement. May Mother Luna's light guide you in your trial tonight. " Suddenly the winds pick up outside, growing louder and louder into a howl that shakes the high windows in their frames and causes the metal doors to groan against their bolts. The fluorescent overhead lights dim and then flicker, as if the winds could gut them like a candle. Then there is the clap of thunder, occurring simultaneously with a blinding bolt of lighting.

Silence follows, the winds dying out as quickly as they had risen. The lights no longer flicker, though perhaps their glow has dulled. The circle of glass and candles and teeth have all turned into a uniform line of ash, and a scorch mark is left in the center where the Lune had appeared.

If Blaze does not speak up first, Hawke will turn to Joanna and say with a grin, " Well, I guess let's let the games begin. Good luck pup. "
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Something about the spirit's expression changes with Joanna's explanation. Maybe it's glowing yellow eyes narrow just lightly, or maybe the corners of its mouth pull up in an animal approximation of a grin. Or maybe nothing changes at all. " I see, " the spirit says in the same booming emotionless voice, " and you will see if your predictions are correct young one! Have you any last questions? " Then the spirit reaches its hands out, gesturing to those gathered around the circle, asking " And you all will witness this Uratha's initiation? Have you any last words of advice for Joanna, before she begins her trial? "

Hawk and Snow both look from Joanna to Blaze, and back again. 
 

After dwelling on it for a moment.  'Well then. Since you asked. How many goes do people normally get here? How often do people **** this up?'  Joanna is hesistent but chooses to look Red Wolf directly in the eye.
Bennosuke
 After dwelling on it for a moment. 'Well then. Since you asked. How many goes do people normally get here? How often do people **** this up?' Joanna is hesistent but chooses to look Red Wolf directly in the eye. 

The spirit does not move, though something imperceptible seems to shift across its face. " There is only one chance, " the spirit representing Red Wolf replies. It's voice reverberates across the stage, almost making the floor boards vibrate.

(OOC: Feel free to reply to this, or move forward to after the spirit has vanished, or do both so that we can keep things moving.)
Haval
Joanna just exhaled and nodded.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

No further questions then if you want to move on
 
Bennosuke
(OOC: Then we are waiting for reply to:)


 Sigils of power and renown shimmer across the spirit's corpus glowing within the summoning circle. "I will be watching," the Lune says, "and will be ready in the morning to pass judgement. May Mother Luna's light guide you in your trial tonight." Suddenly the winds pick up outside, growing louder and louder into a howl that shakes the high windows in their frames and causes the metal doors to groan against their bolts. The fluorescent overhead lights dim and then flicker, as if the winds could gut them like a candle. Then there is the clap of thunder, occurring simultaneously with a blinding bolt of lighting.

Silence follows, the winds dying out as quickly as they had risen. The lights no longer flicker, though perhaps their glow has dulled. The circle of glass and candles and teeth have all turned into a uniform line of ash, and a scorch mark is left in the center where the Lune had appeared.

If Blaze does not speak up first, Hawke will turn to Joanna and say with a grin, "Well, I guess let's let the games begin. Good luck pup." 
Thundercracker
 Blaze 

"All right, let's do this man," Blaze said.
Daishain
Bear shakes his head,   "Not yet, though they're on the agenda. Just figured we'd check in with you first, especially since we just got that hookup as promised."

"Anyways, if you don't have any ideas just yet, I'd appreciate it if you could think on it for a bit. I suspect we need every little advantage we can get."  
Bennosuke
The world inside the warehouse seems almost surreal after the incursion from the worlf spirit. The overhead lights seem dimmer, and shadows seem to flicker across the walls with a mind of their own. Voices seem too loud, while the sound of footfalls are almost inaudible. Hawk and Snow move out of Joanna's way, the latter giving the pup a supportive nod as they watch her, presumably leave the warehouse.

Joanna can feel all eyes on her. The wolfblooded who had remained in the factory pretend to be minding their own business, while Blaze and the others make no attempt to hide their attentions.

(OOC: Okay Haval, what is Joanna's first move)

As Joanna departs the warehouse, she hears Hawk whisper to Blaze, the voice impossibly loud despite the distance and the intended privacy, " So, how do you want to keep tabs on the pup? "

(OOC: TC this is a chance for Blaze to watch and maybe provide subtle help from the shadows when necessary... trying to keep Blaze involved somehow)

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

" Oh, don't you worry, " Databolt replies indignantly, " your assistance, though long ago promised, will assuredly result in bolstering my strength! " There was something anxious and hungry in the spirit's words. There is a pause, and then it adds with a buzz, " Speak to the Lunes. I will continue to gather Essence. I will find what information I can about the Idigam and how to defeat it. This will be the beginning of a beautiful... symbiosis! "
Haval
If Joanna is looking for a fertility spirit she intends to start with the nearest hospital where she will find the nearest locus to cross the Gauntlet. Hospitals had a baby section didn't they?
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The world inside the warehouse seems almost surreal after the incursion from the worlf spirit. The overhead lights seem dimmer, and shadows seem to flicker across the walls with a mind of their own. Voices seem too loud, while the sound of footfalls are almost inaudible. Hawk and Snow move out of Joanna's way, the latter giving the pup a supportive nod as they watch her, presumably leave the warehouse.

Joanna can feel all eyes on her. The wolfblooded who had remained in the factory pretend to be minding their own business, while Blaze and the others make no attempt to hide their attentions.

(OOC: Okay Haval, what is Joanna's first move)

As Joanna departs the warehouse, she hears Hawk whisper to Blaze, the voice impossibly loud despite the distance and the intended privacy, " So, how do you want to keep tabs on the pup? "

(OOC: TC this is a chance for Blaze to watch and maybe provide subtle help from the shadows when necessary... trying to keep Blaze involved somehow)

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

" Oh, don't you worry, " Databolt replies indignantly, " your assistance, though long ago promised, will assuredly result in bolstering my strength! " There was something anxious and hungry in the spirit's words. There is a pause, and then it adds with a buzz, " Speak to the Lunes. I will continue to gather Essence. I will find what information I can about the Idigam and how to defeat it. This will be the beginning of a beautiful... symbiosis! " 
 

"From the other side of the gauntlet, man," Blaze replied with a sly smirk.
Bennosuke
The main hospital in New Bedford was St. Luke's. It was an ancient institution, gothic architecture and arguably outdated medical practices. Many of the locals consider St. Luke's a deathtrap, and avoided the hospital at all costs. Of course this only heightened the amount of psueodo-science and mystic BS amongst the locals, heightening the anti-intellectual almost xenophobic nature of the community. During the incursion of the Beshilu, the city had been overrun by plague spirits, and fittingly the hospital had been at capacity treating patients with what had been called, Captain Drips. The pack had visited the hospital briefly during this time, before Joanna had joined.

Driving her truck out, Joanna could see that it was a massive building of grey stone and brick. Time and weather and neglect had faded and dirtied the outside of the rather monolithic building, and by the time Joanna arrived the sun was down. Orange street lights cast an almost halloween-esque glow across the building's entrance, but these were drowned out by the flashing red and white lights of several ambulances that were parked outside the ED entrance. Other than these, a few cop cars and a few private vehicles, the parking lot was practically empty.

Any attempt to view across the gauntlet shows that the building is crawling with the spirits that feed off of despair and misery. The infestation of plague spirits had been fought off, but the sky was a buzz with the circling swarming battles of healing spirits, and plague spirits biting and zapping at each outer.

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

Blaze leads the two new Uratha to the locus out back and the three cross the gauntlet together.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The main hospital in New Bedford was St. Luke's. It was an ancient institution, gothic architecture and arguably outdated medical practices. Many of the locals consider St. Luke's a deathtrap, and avoided the hospital at all costs. Of course this only heightened the amount of psueodo-science and mystic BS amongst the locals, heightening the anti-intellectual almost xenophobic nature of the community. During the incursion of the Beshilu, the city had been overrun by plague spirits, and fittingly the hospital had been at capacity treating patients with what had been called, Captain Drips. The pack had visited the hospital briefly during this time, before Joanna had joined.

Driving her truck out, Joanna could see that it was a massive building of grey stone and brick. Time and weather and neglect had faded and dirtied the outside of the rather monolithic building, and by the time Joanna arrived the sun was down. Orange street lights cast an almost halloween-esque glow across the building's entrance, but these were drowned out by the flashing red and white lights of several ambulances that were parked outside the ED entrance. Other than these, a few cop cars and a few private vehicles, the parking lot was practically empty.

Any attempt to view across the gauntlet shows that the building is crawling with the spirits that feed off of despair and misery. The infestation of plague spirits had been fought off, but the sky was a buzz with the circling swarming battles of healing spirits, and plague spirits biting and zapping at each outer.

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

Blaze leads the two new Uratha to the locus out back and the three cross the gauntlet together. 
 

Blaze leads the other two over to the Hisil side of the hospital, where they'd caused a bit of a ruckus earlier, when Captain Drips held sway.
"You know, even though it looks like a mess, it was about a thousand times worse," Blaze says, "let's see what she's up to."
He attempts to find Joanna by casting his sight or smell across the Gauntlet from time to time while recounting the tale of Captain Drips and how they eventually defeated the Plague Lord.
Haval
After she parks Joanna will enter the hospital through the main entrance. Presumably even at night there were likely to be some members of the public passing in and out of the place and there was no need to be properly sneaky unless someone was actively trying to stop her. Hospitals usually had a map or one of those lists of departments to help visitors orientate themselves didn't they? She'll have a look around for the neonatal unit.

Whatever the state of the hospital on the other side, if this was to work she would presumably need to cross over at some point. She will be on the lookout for a locus that she could use to cross over.
Bennosuke
In the Shadow, the hospital stands like a decaying gothic castle. Turrets curve and bow at the corners of the massive stone structure, and grey stone blocks crumble under its weight. As Joanna may have appreciated from looking sideways, the air around the castle is filled with buzzing and battling spirits. Glowing white motes of healing bristling with spines like luminesce white anemones crawl across the surface of the castle, zapping at tiny black and purple spirits of sickness.

Blaze is not overstating it. A year ago, there were far fewer of these guardian healing spirits, and the gauntlet itself as well as the castle were riddled with the holes created by the Beshilu and their plague followers. The ground here is rich with vegetation. This was an area teaming with Essence and vitality.

As the Uratha pad closer to the hospital the warring clouds of spirits make sure to part and provide them a wide berth. Hawke whistles, " This is better? ****! It's a goddamn miracle what you guys have done. **** the Beshilu. "

With the thready gauntlet here, it is easy to peer over and watch Joanna's progress.

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

Joanna walks through an electric sliding glass door into the ED. The moment the passage opens for her, she is greeted by the busy energy of an Emergency Room. Nurses move hastily, calling (but not shouting) loudly to each other. Patients huddled on gurneys or seated on chairs moan to themselves or plead to nearby passing nurses for attention. Heart monitors beep loudly and it seems at first that no one will pay Joanna any mind.

But about fifteen feet into the ED, a nurse... or maybe a secretary stands up from behind their desk and three monitors, fixing their thick glasses as she throws Joanna a hard stare. " You aren't allowed to just walk in here, " the woman says with the sort of practice that implies she says it a hundred times a night, " if you need to be seen, you can go to registration. If you are here to see a patient, you can go to registration! " The woman's hair is a nest of white curls, her scrubs are green and covered in Snoopy print.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 In the Shadow, the hospital stands like a decaying gothic castle. Turrets curve and bow at the corners of the massive stone structure, and grey stone blocks crumble under its weight. As Joanna may have appreciated from looking sideways, the air around the castle is filled with buzzing and battling spirits. Glowing white motes of healing bristling with spines like luminesce white anemones crawl across the surface of the castle, zapping at tiny black and purple spirits of sickness.

Blaze is not overstating it. A year ago, there were far fewer of these guardian healing spirits, and the gauntlet itself as well as the castle were riddled with the holes created by the Beshilu and their plague followers. The ground here is rich with vegetation. This was an area teaming with Essence and vitality.

As the Uratha pad closer to the hospital the warring clouds of spirits make sure to part and provide them a wide berth. Hawke whistles, " This is better? ****! It's a goddamn miracle what you guys have done. **** the Beshilu. "

With the thready gauntlet here, it is easy to peer over and watch Joanna's progress.

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

Joanna walks through an electric sliding glass door into the ED. The moment the passage opens for her, she is greeted by the busy energy of an Emergency Room. Nurses move hastily, calling (but not shouting) loudly to each other. Patients huddled on gurneys or seated on chairs moan to themselves or plead to nearby passing nurses for attention. Heart monitors beep loudly and it seems at first that no one will pay Joanna any mind.

But about fifteen feet into the ED, a nurse... or maybe a secretary stands up from behind their desk and three monitors, fixing their thick glasses as she throws Joanna a hard stare. " You aren't allowed to just walk in here, " the woman says with the sort of practice that implies she says it a hundred times a night, " if you need to be seen, you can go to registration. If you are here to see a patient, you can go to registration! " The woman's hair is a nest of white curls, her scrubs are green and covered in Snoopy print. 
 

"Yeah man, plague rats did a number on the Gauntlet.  It's gotten a lot better since then, but you can see where it's still thin," Blaze said as he pointed out one of the thin spots as an example, "Spirits come and go, but it's our job to make sure nothing gets too far out of whack, you know?"
Bennosuke
Snow raises a gloved hand to scratch at his salt-and-pepper beard, the zipper of his leather jacket jingling with the gesture. " Mind if I ask how you guys did it? I heard the whole city was infested, and that there were some wicked Plague Spirits running wild through the Hisil, " he says, his voice filled with something like awe.
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Joanna walks through an electric sliding glass door into the ED. The moment the passage opens for her, she is greeted by the busy energy of an Emergency Room. Nurses move hastily, calling (but not shouting) loudly to each other. Patients huddled on gurneys or seated on chairs moan to themselves or plead to nearby passing nurses for attention. Heart monitors beep loudly and it seems at first that no one will pay Joanna any mind.

But about fifteen feet into the ED, a nurse... or maybe a secretary stands up from behind their desk and three monitors, fixing their thick glasses as she throws Joanna a hard stare. " You aren't allowed to just walk in here, " the woman says with the sort of practice that implies she says it a hundred times a night, " if you need to be seen, you can go to registration. If you are here to see a patient, you can go to registration! " The woman's hair is a nest of white curls, her scrubs are green and covered in Snoopy print. 
 

For a second Joanna considered ignoring the woman and continuing on anyway, but there was no point in attracting attention this quickly.  'Registration. Sure, where's that?'  She'll take the opportunity to look around to note the position of any lifts or stairwells. Did this place have visible security?  'You busy tonight? How long do you think it'll take to see anyone?' 
Bennosuke
To Joanna's first question, the woman points down the hall to a pair of double doors. Painted in red on the doors reads:

 "Visitor Registration
All patients and families must register here first" 
As Joann looks around the ED there appears to be several points of egress. The whole area is rather labyrinthine in structure somehow, despite its open concept. The skewed placement of work spaces, and monochrome color scheme, along wit the cacophony of medical devices and work creates a overwhelming and confusing environment. But there does appear to at least be an elevator and a stairwell, as well as another pair of double doors leading somewhere into the hospital. Other signs read things like "Radiology" or "Pre-Op".

The woman sighs at Joanna's second question. In the same practiced and exasperated voice, she replies, " We triage patients based on medical necessity. We will do our best to see all patients in an appropriate and timely fashion... ONCE they are registered. "
Haval
Joanna will thank her and head towards the doors to registration largely as a way of stopping the woman from paying attention to her. On the way, perhaps while the woman was distracted by paying attention to other patients, she'll look for an opportunity to use the layout to cover her as she takes a more indirect route to the stairwell.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

As it's more about reading the area I suppose I roll Wits
Wits 3 + Stealth 2 + Wp 3
 (8d10)[ 10 ][ 3 ][ 8 ][ 5 ][ 8 ][ 4 ][ 6 ][ 2 ](46) 
9 or 10s with Moon Kissed
 (8d10)[ 3 ][ 6 ][ 3 ][ 7 ][ 8 ][ 7 ][ 6 ][ 6 ](46) 
 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Snow raises a gloved hand to scratch at his salt-and-pepper beard, the zipper of his leather jacket jingling with the gesture. " Mind if I ask how you guys did it? I heard the whole city was infested, and that there were some wicked Plague Spirits running wild through the Hisil, " he says, his voice filled with something like awe. 
 

"Eh well, it was the Plague Lord spirit that was really causing all the ruckus, the rats were just along for the ride," Blaze said, "we found out its bane, got a bunch of spirits on our side, and then ambushed the thing.  Then after it went splat, we cleaned up all the essence so it wouldn't come back, and that was all she wrote."
Bennosuke
Joanna begins to wander toward the check in doors, losing the attention of the curly haired woman. From there she is able, with a little bit of effort, to migrate through the Emergency Department floor, back to the stairwell. Fortunately, most of the nurses, technicians and doctors seem too busy or too tired, and in some cases too apathetic to notice Joanna. But when Joanna gets to the door, she sees that it has a black cardkey reader. Fortunately, she spies an overweight snoring security officer at a desk very nearby. His ID badge hangs on a lanyard around his neck, and even more fortunately, there doesn't seem to be anyone else nearby.

(OOC: Dex + Larceny +1 please)

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

Hawk grins at this. " You make it sound all too easy, " she says, " I heard the pack before you got completely annihilated. But now you have one of the largest territories in the state! You're lucky no other packs have come to contest some of this area. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Joanna begins to wander toward the check in doors, losing the attention of the curly haired woman. From there she is able, with a little bit of effort, to migrate through the Emergency Department floor, back to the stairwell. Fortunately, most of the nurses, technicians and doctors seem too busy or too tired, and in some cases too apathetic to notice Joanna. But when Joanna gets to the door, she sees that it has a black cardkey reader. Fortunately, she spies an overweight snoring security officer at a desk very nearby. His ID badge hangs on a lanyard around his neck, and even more fortunately, there doesn't seem to be anyone else nearby.

(OOC: Dex + Larceny +1 please)

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

Hawk grins at this. " You make it sound all too easy, " she says, " I heard the pack before you got completely annihilated. But now you have one of the largest territories in the state! You're lucky no other packs have come to contest some of this area. " 
 

 Blaze 

"Well it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows, and there's the Pure who are camped out on our territory.  We've got to deal with them but the Idigam is the big threat so, one thing at a time, know what I mean?  Important thing to remember is we don't dictate what goes on over here, we just kinda steer things in the right direction and try to make nice with the spirits who don't mess things up," Blaze said.  He occasionally kept an eye on Joanna on the other side of the Gauntlet.
Haval
Joanna will lean over with one hand on the desk as if to touch the man on the shoulder and will instead try to lift the man's lanyard over his head without him feeling it.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Dex 2 + Larceny 2 +1
 (5d10)[ 8 ][ 7 ][ 1 ][ 10 ][ 5 ](31) 
Any 10s
 (5d10)[ 1 ][ 3 ][ 9 ][ 4 ][ 6 ](23) 
 
Bennosuke
" The Pure? " Hawk asks, spitting the word out as if she had just been slapped in the face, " When did the Pure show up? And the Idigam? **** you talking about? That's just some old Cahalith fable ****! " She studies Blaze's face with utter disbelief, as if the Ithauer were making a stupid joke that she couldn't follow.

Snow as well is equally surprised, his bright white eyes wide like circles, his mouth slackly open.

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

Joanna is able to swipe the passkey off from around the snoring man's neck, and moves back to the stairwell. The dull red light on the black box scanner switches to a lime green, and she hears the click as the bolt retracts. Moments later, Joanna is climbing up the stairwell. It smells like rotting engine oil, and the concrete stairs have become a refuge of grotesquely formed dust bunnies.

Climbing the steps, it appears that every floor is a different ward of the hospital.

(If Joanna is looking for a Locus, she will now need to make an Int/Resolve + Occult/Investigation/Survival roll)
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " The Pure? " Hawk asks, spitting the word out as if she had just been slapped in the face, " When did the Pure show up? And the Idigam? **** you talking about? That's just some old Cahalith fable ****! " She studies Blaze's face with utter disbelief, as if the Ithauer were making a stupid joke that she couldn't follow.

Snow as well is equally surprised, his bright white eyes wide like circles, his mouth slackly open.

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

Joanna is able to swipe the passkey off from around the snoring man's neck, and moves back to the stairwell. The dull red light on the black box scanner switches to a lime green, and she hears the click as the bolt retracts. Moments later, Joanna is climbing up the stairwell. It smells like rotting engine oil, and the concrete stairs have become a refuge of grotesquely formed dust bunnies.

Climbing the steps, it appears that every floor is a different ward of the hospital.

(If Joanna is looking for a Locus, she will now need to make an Int/Resolve + Occult/Investigation/Survival roll) 
 

 Blaze 

“Pure showed up a few weeks ago,” Blaze said,”they got a real nasty anger spirit totem and we’re cooking up a plan to deal with that first.  As for the Idigam, I don’t know how much of the old stories are true but it looks like there’s one dormant in the bay, corrupting all the spirits and it’s got a bunch of cult people trying to wake it up, we think.  That’s what this initiation’s about, gotta get everything shored up before we… attack, charge, whatever.”
Bennosuke
Snow actually crosses himself and mutters under his breath, " This place must be cursed! "

Hawk stares back at her companion with a glare of annoyance. To Blaze she says, " You guys really are unlucky though! If your pack makes it out alive, you'll be known as one of the most bad ass groups of Forsaken in the North East... not that it seems likely. " It's hard to tell if she was being serious, or mocking Blaze from her tone.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Snow actually crosses himself and mutters under his breath, " This place must be cursed! "

Hawk stares back at her companion with a glare of annoyance. To Blaze she says, " You guys really are unlucky though! If your pack makes it out alive, you'll be known as one of the most bad ass groups of Forsaken in the North East... not that it seems likely. " It's hard to tell if she was being serious, or mocking Blaze from her tone. 
 

"Hey man, call us whatever you want, just don't call us boring," Blaze replied, "damn, I shoulda brought more weed..."
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Joanna is able to swipe the passkey off from around the snoring man's neck, and moves back to the stairwell. The dull red light on the black box scanner switches to a lime green, and she hears the click as the bolt retracts. Moments later, Joanna is climbing up the stairwell. It smells like rotting engine oil, and the concrete stairs have become a refuge of grotesquely formed dust bunnies.

Climbing the steps, it appears that every floor is a different ward of the hospital.

(If Joanna is looking for a Locus, she will now need to make an Int/Resolve + Occult/Investigation/Survival roll) 
 

Joanna is alert to the possibility that someone might have noticed her rob the man but will try to act like she has every right to be using the keycard. For all anyone else knew perhaps she was staff.

On the stairs she will do her best to avoid the smell while she stays alert for anyone who might be heading the other way. Every now and then she'll glance over the Gauntlet to see if she could see any sign of a Locus.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Int 3 + Investigation 2
 (1d100)[ 18 ](18) 
Any 10s
 (1d100)[ 20 ](20) 

See ooc for two successes
 https://forums.giantitp.com/showsing...&amp;postcount=581 
 
Bennosuke
Joanna climbs up and down the stairs, but finds the strongest pull of Essence back down on the second floor. Looking across the Gauntlet, Joanna can see the spirits of misery crawling like a horde of bees around the cracks of door. The smell is the sweet gangrene of rotting meat. The sign of the door reads,

  OR
ICU  

A swipe of the stolen ID badge causes the door's lock to click open. When Joanna steps out of the stairwell, she finds herself in a claustrophobically narrow, pristinely white hallway. A few feet away is the service elevator. Past that is a cart with boxes of medical garb; surgical caps, masks, paper booties, and other paraphernalia that Joanna perhaps would not recognize.

A little farther down, the hall splits into a "t" with a sign with arrows indicating one hall is the OR, another the MICU, the last the CICU... whatever that meant.

The shroud is even more porous here; evidence of the still healing damage left by the Beshilu. Gauze thin barriers allow Joanna to look across to the other side. The walls ooze red viscous Essence, like they were crying coagulated blood. Swarms of lesser spirits crawl across the walls and ceiling and floor, feasting on the copious food supply. The floor is slick with Essence as well. It puddles and trickles in thick streams down towards Joanna from each of the three hallways. Joanna can see her shoes sloshing in the Essence when she looks across the Gauntlet. The strongest stream seems to be coming from the hall labeled "MICU"

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

Snow chuckles at the joke, though his companion seems less enthusiastic. " You're pup has found her way inside. Do we follow, or do you want to stay out of it? " Hawk asks with a nod of her head toward the hospital.
Haval
Joanna has seen  House  occasionally, and so recognises some of the desiginations without having ever bothered to look up what they mean. She won't waste time looking them up on her phone unless she really has to though. She will swipe a medical mask as she passes the cart and will put it on. Perhaps she could find one of those doctor's coats around here somewhere.

She'll head towards whatever the MICU wa at a relaxed pace. What was it that made a Locus again? Was this the place where the really sick people recovered?
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Joanna climbs up and down the stairs, but finds the strongest pull of Essence back down on the second floor. Looking across the Gauntlet, Joanna can see the spirits of misery crawling like a horde of bees around the cracks of door. The smell is the sweet gangrene of rotting meat. The sign of the door reads,

  OR
ICU  

A swipe of the stolen ID badge causes the door's lock to click open. When Joanna steps out of the stairwell, she finds herself in a claustrophobically narrow, pristinely white hallway. A few feet away is the service elevator. Past that is a cart with boxes of medical garb; surgical caps, masks, paper booties, and other paraphernalia that Joanna perhaps would not recognize.

A little farther down, the hall splits into a "t" with a sign with arrows indicating one hall is the OR, another the MICU, the last the CICU... whatever that meant.

The shroud is even more porous here; evidence of the still healing damage left by the Beshilu. Gauze thin barriers allow Joanna to look across to the other side. The walls ooze red viscous Essence, like they were crying coagulated blood. Swarms of lesser spirits crawl across the walls and ceiling and floor, feasting on the copious food supply. The floor is slick with Essence as well. It puddles and trickles in thick streams down towards Joanna from each of the three hallways. Joanna can see her shoes sloshing in the Essence when she looks across the Gauntlet. The strongest stream seems to be coming from the hall labeled "MICU"

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

Snow chuckles at the joke, though his companion seems less enthusiastic. " You're pup has found her way inside. Do we follow, or do you want to stay out of it? " Hawk asks with a nod of her head toward the hospital. 
 

"We follow and observe man," Blaze said, "at least until we risk screwing things up."
Bennosuke
Joanna follows the sign, finding herself before a massive pair of double doors painted beige. Red lettering across the two doors reads,

 ICU
STAFF ONLY 
Next to the door is another black key scanning box, and a black telephone labeled, "For visitors". Looking sideways, Joanna can see the slick black river of Essence pouring from under the double doors, somehow reminding her of that elevator scene from the Shining. The Gauntlet remains very thin hear, and she can almost feel the wild and powerful buzz of spirits and primordial energy radiating from the MICU. The Locus  has  to be close!

It seems that if Joanna wants to enter, she can just scan the stolen ID badge, though perhaps she could use the telephone and pretend to be a patient's family member, or maybe there is another tack she wants to try.

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

" Lead the way then, " Hawk says with a grin, " We going through the Emergency Department as well? "

On this side of the Gauntlet, the building is a veritable battle ground of spirits; though of course most are little more than motes of corpus and Essence, and move out of the way of the Uratha as they draw near. Despite all the energy and spirit life, the building itself appears unlit, almost abandoned appearing, like the platonic ideal of a haunted house.
Haval
If she got the door open it was hard not to imagine the prospect of being buried in Essance like a flood. What would that feel like?

Joanna will check the stolen ID briefly to see if there was any indication that the man would be allowed in a place like this, but it seemed likely that the ICU would be for medical personel only. She'll pick up the phone and see if anyone answered.
Bennosuke
(OOC: to keep things moving, I won't make you roll for it).

Joanna had stolen the ID from a security guard in the ED. It would stand to reason that most security would have to be able to get into the ICU in case there was an unruly patient or family member, or god forbid something like a shooter. That said, she could also see the eyes of every hospital hand in the ICU falling on her the moment the doors opened, and it was unlikely she could pass for Security Officer Leonard Keller.

Joanna picks up the phone, and listens to the ring almost five times before a tired man's voice picks up. " Here to see a friend or family? Name or room number please. " the man asks in the same rote and indifferent voice as the woman in the ED.
Haval
How much would this guy care about the details if she couldn't give a name? If she had got to this point surely she was allowed to be here.  'Yeah, hi. The lady at the desk downstairs said they were in number 8. I think that's in here but I might have gotten turned around.'  
 
 Spoiler: ooc 


Manipulation 1 + Subterfuge 1 + Wp 3
 (5d10)[ 3 ][ 3 ][ 7 ][ 7 ][ 8 ](28) 
Any 10s
 (5d10)[ 5 ][ 6 ][ 6 ][ 1 ][ 7 ](25) 
 
Bennosuke
Through the phone, Joanna can hear the man take a deep breath in, and for a long moment she is certain he is going to demand more information from her. Then he sighs, heavy with exhaustion and says, " Come down the hallway and turn right. Room eight will be on your left. " The double doors start to open automatically, even before Joanna hears the line cut.

Inside is a wide hallway lined with a few doors, though none of them are patient rooms, which bisects a long hallway at a "T". Where the hallways intersect is the registration desk, where a heavy set young man in maroon scrubs sits. One hand is still holding the phone he just hung up on its cradle. He gives Joanna a half-hearted attempt at a smile, and points to the right where he told her room eight would be. It's eerily quiet in the ICU, except for the discordant beeps and pings of medical machines coming from down the halls.
Haval
Joanna flashes a smile at the man as she heads in the indicated direction.  'Thanks.' 

If the man was happy to let her through she'll glance towards the doors to see if they're marked as anything if they aren't patient rooms. Otherwise she'll look to follow the flow of Essence to see if it leads her to a Locus.
Bennosuke
The man at the desk seems to take only the slightest interest in Joanna as she comes down the hall. The doors on this hallway are labeled things like "Clean Utility" and "Device Storage", and most seem to require a swipe of the ID to get in. Once she has reached the intersection from the main hallway, Joanna can see that it is indeed lined with patient rooms. Each room is separated from the hall by see-through panes of fiber glass and sliding door of the same material, and painted with a number, ascending from right to left such that room eight would be to Joanna's right down the hall.

The lights are off in most of the patient rooms, though monitors glow in each room tracking heartrates and O2 sats in reds and greens and scribbled jagged lines.

Now that she is closer, Joanna can see that the man at the desk has a bit of the New Bedford look to him; the round eyes and hatchet-shaped face, despite the generous cheeks. He looks up just briefly to eye Joanna with a bit of suspicion, though this is something she is used to from the locals in general. She does get the sense that if she doesn't start heading towards room 8, he may start getting concerned.
Haval
Once she's closer,  'Hey, this place have a bathroom?' 
Bennosuke
The man sighs, drawing his attention back from his computer to Joanna. " There's one in each patient room, " he says, as if it were obvious. Though as Joanna looks down the hall, she does see that there is sign of a stick figure man and a toilet, to a small door located between patient rooms 9 and 10.
Haval
 'Good to hear it.'  Joanna will head towards room number 8 to give the man some time to go back to his computer. On the way she will look towards the flow of Essence to see where it might be flowing from.
Bennosuke
Joanna walks down the hall towards room 8. The lights are off in the room and Joanna cannot make out who is in the bed. But other than the sleeping person, the room seems empty. As Joanna goes down the hall, she sees that sitting outside of the rooms are a hand full of nurses, stationed at computes along the hall. There is maybe one nurse for every five patients.

Joanna sends her vision across the Gauntlet and can see how the entire floor is practically flooded with Essence. A thick gelatinous river of clotted Essence flows down the hall. Lights shine off the slowly churning flow, reflecting blood reds and dark fungus greens. And the river flows out of the darkened room 13 down by the end of the hall.
Haval
Given where the Essence seemed to be coming from Joanna was unsure what it would be like to get closer to it, but she was committed now. As long as she didn't have to taste it or anything.

If there was any sign that anyone was paying attention to her she had considered using the toilet to change form. A wolf in here might be noticed but it would presumably cause a very different response in the staff. For now Joanna will head directly to room 13 while behaving as if she had every right to be doing so.
Bennosuke
Joanna walks down the hall of the ICU. Her footfalls ring out in her ears, though the nurses at their stations never bother to look up from their screens. Like a ghost wandering the halls of the hospital, Joanna reaches room 13 without a stir. Even outside the door, the room seems to stir with energy, even without gazing across the Gauntlet. The locus is certainly inside, Essence coagulated around and flowing from the console of heart monitors and oxygen tanks that looms over the empty hospital bed like a vampire over its sleeping prey. Coils from the oxygen machine and cables from the heart monitor drape down like the tentacles of a giant squid. The room seems to whisper to Joanna, warning her of danger but pleading for her to step in.

Turning her vision to the other side, Joanna can see that the river of clotted Essence is pouring out from under the hospital bed, bleeding out of the monitor's screen and dripping down from the overhanging wires. If Joanna casts her hearing across the Gauntlet, there is the buzz of thousands of spirits, but a hissing voice over this all. It calls, " Uratha! "
Haval
Joanna wasn't scared of whatever this was. She already knew there were worse things out there. She will see if there was any paperwork in the room that identified what was wrong with the patient to see if it told her anything about the spirit that had just addressed her. Aloud she'll say,  'That's right. Who am I speaking to?' 
Bennosuke
Bear and Jeremy come back across the Gauntlet, returning via the locus to the dock outside the warehouse. The sky has darkened, but there is an unmistakable smell of Essence and ozone on the wind, mixing with the scent of the salty sea. The air is unnaturally cold, and the warehouse seems to almost tremble under the weight of whatever supernatural incursion it has faced. The scent is clearly coming from inside the factory, and so the two Uratha rush back inside.

The double iron doors to the cannery swing open. Bear and Jeremy find only the wolfblooded members of the pack. Four pairs of eyes turn to the two Uratha. Anxiety ripples between the group, who startle like a group of children caught sneaking cookies. The smell of Essence is overpowering, filling the mouth and nose of the two Uratha. Jeremy can't help but feel his mouth water, Bear too. The scent is strong enough that the senior knows there has to have been some form of spirit incursion into the Flesh, forcing his mind to race with the questions of 'why' and 'how'.

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

To Joanna's immediate eye, there is no immediate way to tell what is going on inside room number 13, though a small white sign has the name "Wheeler" written outside the door. Nearby sits a nurse, equally oblivious to Joanna's presence.

(OOC: Feel free to roll Int + Medicine here if you want)
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 To Joanna's immediate eye, there is no immediate way to tell what is going on inside room number 13, though a small white sign has the name "Wheeler" written outside the door. Nearby sits a nurse, equally oblivious to Joanna's presence.

(OOC: Feel free to roll Int + Medicine here if you want) 
 

Would the nurse have a problem with her entering the room? Joanna is unsure if the voice can hear her over the Gauntlet but will quietly ask it.  'If you want to talk, I'm listening.' 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Int 3 + Medicine 0 is a chance dice isn't it?
 (1d10)[ 7 ] 
 
Thundercracker
 Blaze 

Blaze looked around.

"Hey, anyone see where Joanna went?" he asked.

He wandered around, occasionally casting his sense of sight or smell across the gauntlet to see if he could pick up her scent and track her down.
GKnightBC
 "Okay,"  Jeremy says, viscerally bothered by the thrum of the disturbed environment across his various senses. " What happened? Is everyone okay?" 
Bennosuke
No immediate useful thoughts come to Joanna as to how to learn more about the patient in room 13. Of course she could ask the nurse, but it was probably not a good idea to draw attention to herself.

Joanna probably also knows that while she can throw her senses across the Gauntlet, she cannot throw her voice. That said, the fact that she had heard the voice on this side, possibly meant that a spirit was encroaching across the gauntlet in a way it shouldn't (OOC: Giving you that for free). There was no reply to her words, though she could feel a shift of energy in the hallway, like a soft and sudden draft of wind.

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


 Blaze looked around.

"Hey, anyone see where Joanna went?" he asked.

He wandered around, occasionally casting his sense of sight or smell across the gauntlet to see if he could pick up her scent and track her down. 

" I saw her head up the freaky black elevator, " Hawk says, pointing to an arched doorway with rusted iron elevator doors somehow reminiscent of the doors from the Shining.

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

James King is the first to speak, when Jeremy calls out. " Blaze and Joanna, and a couple of guys we didn't recognize, " he says, seeming to struggle to find the words, " they uh, summoned a demon or something! " The military veteran actually had the far off stare of a soldier with shell shock.

None of the other Wolf Blooded speak up. In fact, most of them withdraw, as if afraid of having to weigh in.
Haval
Joanna narrowed her eyes and wished she'd paid more attention to this stuff. What was the spirit doing here and what damage might it be capable of.  'Fine.'  She'd never beaten up a spirit before but she was willing to make an exception here if she had to. She'll try to head into room 13 without alerting the nurse.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Using a Wp here

Dex 2 + Stealth 2 + Wp 3
 (7d10)[ 3 ][ 2 ][ 1 ][ 6 ][ 9 ][ 4 ][ 2 ](27) 
Any 9 or 10s for moon kissed
 (7d10)[ 4 ][ 4 ][ 6 ][ 8 ][ 1 ][ 2 ][ 4 ](29) 
 
Thundercracker
 Blaze 

"Cool, cool, let's see what's going on here," he said.

He headed into the elevator to try and catch up to Joanna.
Bennosuke
(OOC: Joanna is down to 2WP. Character box updated. She gets one success out of all those dice)

Joanna is able to just sneak by the nurse. The woman bothers to pick her head up just as the Uratha slips through the sliding door. The room almost ripples when Joanna steps inside, like she had created small outward-waves by diving into a pond, and somehow the room is as cold as ice. The chill cuts across Joanna's skin, causing the small hairs on her arms and neck to stand on end.

Inside, Joanna can see a rotund woman laying on the hospital bed. A web of tubes and wires tangle their way from the various imposing machines, forcing their way into various orifices and openings. Though Joanna could have sworn the digital heart monitor's lights were visible from outside, it appears much of the machinery is actually off. The woman on the gurney appears to be completely still, and Joanna has to question whether or not the woman is breathing, despite the tube that has been forced down her throat.

It is clear that the machines themselves are the locus, dripping with Essence of death and illness. The Gauntlet here is so thin, like shredded gauze paper, and membranes from the Shadow can be felt pressing through the cracks and holes, threatening to burst like an overripe fruit.

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

Blaze leads Hawk and Snow into the ancient metal elevator. They force the grated door close, metal grinding against metal in protestation. Instead of panel with buttons, in the corner of the cabin is a long metal lever with floor indicators labelled "Anus", "Colon", "Stomach" and "Oropharynx". Hawk chuckles ruefully. " Of course, " she says with a sneer, " Wanna go to the stomach? "
Thundercracker
 Blaze 

"We'll just work our way down man, see what we can smell at each floor," he said.  He'll stop when he smells Joanna on the floor.
Haval
Joanna will glance back towards the woman outside after she entered the room to check that she definitely hadn't been noticed. The way she was suddenly feeling inside the room there was every chance that the woman couldn't even see her in here. Was she halfway across the Gauntlet already?

She will take a closer look at the machinery that was plugged into the woman. Did it seem to have any power running into it? Was it just switched off? Joanna was fairly sure if the woman hadn't actually died in here they wouldn't just have left her plugged into the machinery even if they were about to take her body away to the morgue or something.

If she can't find anything obviously useful about the scene she'll look over to the other side of the Gauntlet in case there was something using the woman's body in some way.


 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Int 3 + Investigation 2 to investigate the scene
 (5d10)[ 10 ][ 9 ][ 2 ][ 7 ][ 3 ](31) 
Any 10s
 (5d10)[ 2 ][ 4 ][ 6 ][ 1 ][ 3 ](16) 
 
Bennosuke
Still sneering, Hawk will reply, " Alright, oropharynx it is. Elevator, going up! " She reaches out and wrenches the lever to the indicated floor. There is a low grumbling and the elevator car vibrates in the shaft, before it lurches into its ascent. The car moves slowly upwards, but seconds creep by and it seems like the tunnel just goes up and up, and the car will never reach its destination. In the dim light, it slowly becomes clear as well that the shaft is not a man-made structure (or a spirit facsimile of one, anyways), but is instead some sort of wet fleshy tunnel. The walls of the shaft are threaded with spidery pinkish veins, and glisten in the dim light of the elevator car as it passes upwards.

Finally after what seems like maybe ten minutes, a light begins to shine from above. As the car rises you can see that it is coming from an opening in the fleshy elevator shaft, and as it rises further still, you can see that this orifice opens onto a hospital floor. The car groans as it rises to meet this door, and finally shudders to halt, though no other such openings had appeared as the elevator presumably passed the colon and stomach.

The iron gates of the car creak open of their own accord, allowing the Uratha to step out if they choose. Blaze sniffs for a sign of Joanna, but instead catches another all too familiar scent. It is far off, faint. Rotten dander and fur, and the smell of pustule covered rodent. The smell of the Beshilu!

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

Joanna can see that the machines are plugged in; there is a tangle of electrical cords coming from the machines, either plugged into other machines or plugged into a unit on the ceiling. Tapping the power button of a few of the gadgets still fails to bring anything to life. Joanna got the sense something was very  wrong here , and so it of course made sense to turn her vision over to the Hisil.

On the other side, the room was much the same; a tangle of medical equipment gathered around a hospital bed. However, instead of the woman, the bed was mostly empty. At the head of the bed was a single pillow, but laid on top was a single human skull, devoid of all flesh or other tissues. Instead breathing tubes, and cables were run through every hole and socket of the skull. A thin red wire snakes into one eye hole, and out one of the nares. Some sort of tubing with a green fluid running through it was actually pulled up and into the foramen magnum, where the spinal cord would be expected to exit.

And in the corner of the room was a tall black shadow of a spirit. It's form was somewhat amorphous, but Joanna could feel it staring at her, studying her from across the gauntlet.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Still sneering, Hawk will reply, " Alright, oropharynx it is. Elevator, going up! " She reaches out and wrenches the lever to the indicated floor. There is a low grumbling and the elevator car vibrates in the shaft, before it lurches into its ascent. The car moves slowly upwards, but seconds creep by and it seems like the tunnel just goes up and up, and the car will never reach its destination. In the dim light, it slowly becomes clear as well that the shaft is not a man-made structure (or a spirit facsimile of one, anyways), but is instead some sort of wet fleshy tunnel. The walls of the shaft are threaded with spidery pinkish veins, and glisten in the dim light of the elevator car as it passes upwards.

Finally after what seems like maybe ten minutes, a light begins to shine from above. As the car rises you can see that it is coming from an opening in the fleshy elevator shaft, and as it rises further still, you can see that this orifice opens onto a hospital floor. The car groans as it rises to meet this door, and finally shudders to halt, though no other such openings had appeared as the elevator presumably passed the colon and stomach.

The iron gates of the car creak open of their own accord, allowing the Uratha to step out if they choose. Blaze sniffs for a sign of Joanna, but instead catches another all too familiar scent. It is far off, faint. Rotten dander and fur, and the smell of pustule covered rodent. The smell of the Beshilu!

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

Joanna can see that the machines are plugged in; there is a tangle of electrical cords coming from the machines, either plugged into other machines or plugged into a unit on the ceiling. Tapping the power button of a few of the gadgets still fails to bring anything to life. Joanna got the sense something was very  wrong here , and so it of course made sense to turn her vision over to the Hisil.

On the other side, the room was much the same; a tangle of medical equipment gathered around a hospital bed. However, instead of the woman, the bed was mostly empty. At the head of the bed was a single pillow, but laid on top was a single human skull, devoid of all flesh or other tissues. Instead breathing tubes, and cables were run through every hole and socket of the skull. A thin red wire snakes into one eye hole, and out one of the nares. Some sort of tubing with a green fluid running through it was actually pulled up and into the foramen magnum, where the spinal cord would be expected to exit.

And in the corner of the room was a tall black shadow of a spirit. It's form was somewhat amorphous, but Joanna could feel it staring at her, studying her from across the gauntlet. 
 

"Hey man, you guys smell that?  Seems like those rats are back," Blaze said, "let's see if we can find their nest."
He followed his nose, looking for the rat spirits.
Haval
Was the skull anchoring this woman in place? How often was something like this going on?

Joanna stares towards the spirit for long enough to show that she had noticed that it was watching her. Or at least she'll look towards the place where she'd expect it's eyes to be if it had any. Then, without wasting anymore time, she'll look for a way to cross over and speak to the spirit in person.
Bennosuke
Clearly neither Hawk nor Snow have caught the scent, and Blaze's mention furrows the brow of the two Uratha. Hawk is the first to start sniffing at the air, and growls under her voice, " I thought you got rid of them. " She follows Blaze willingly onto the floor, though Snow follows with far more hesitation.

The group steps out onto what at first appeared to be a standard hospital floor. Fluorescent lights buzz overhead, and down the hall you can see what appears to be a medical unit. However, the space appears to be filled with row upon row of empty hospital beds, lined up like buildings on a city block, or perhaps like graves in a cemetery. The hum of the overhead lights gives way to the hum of lesser spirits, floating in a cloud of black motes. It is a familiar infestation of plague and illness spirits, flitting between the hospital beds and crawling like snails over their neat linens. The spirits give flight at the approach of the Uratha, many simply shooting to the ceiling to stay out of reach.

(OOC: A Wits+ survival/occult tracking roll please)

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

The machines looming over the dead woman are clearly the locus, through which Joanna can cross over into the Hisil. Otherwise, there while she can send her perception over the Gauntlet and remain safe, she can't communicate or send information without crossing over or using the right power.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Clearly neither Hawk nor Snow have caught the scent, and Blaze's mention furrows the brow of the two Uratha. Hawk is the first to start sniffing at the air, and growls under her voice, " I thought you got rid of them. " She follows Blaze willingly onto the floor, though Snow follows with far more hesitation.

The group steps out onto what at first appeared to be a standard hospital floor. Fluorescent lights buzz overhead, and down the hall you can see what appears to be a medical unit. However, the space appears to be filled with row upon row of empty hospital beds, lined up like buildings on a city block, or perhaps like graves in a cemetery. The hum of the overhead lights gives way to the hum of lesser spirits, floating in a cloud of black motes. It is a familiar infestation of plague and illness spirits, flitting between the hospital beds and crawling like snails over their neat linens. The spirits give flight at the approach of the Uratha, many simply shooting to the ceiling to stay out of reach.

(OOC: A Wits+ survival/occult tracking roll please)

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

The machines looming over the dead woman are clearly the locus, through which Joanna can cross over into the Hisil. Otherwise, there while she can send her perception over the Gauntlet and remain safe, she can't communicate or send information without crossing over or using the right power. 
 

"Me too," Blaze said as he continued to follow his nose.  "Relax, we're looking for the Belishu."

 
 Spoiler 
wits + occult:  (6d10)[ 9 ][ 5 ][ 3 ][ 10 ][ 2 ][ 3 ](32) 
spirit specialty if it applies:  (1d10)[ 10 ] 
9 again:  (7d10)[ 1 ][ 10 ][ 2 ][ 1 ][ 9 ][ 7 ][ 2 ](32) 
 
Bennosuke
(OOC: 4 successes by my count)

The signs of Beshilu are almost everywhere, once Blaze starts looking. Along with the rancid musky smell, and the spirit infestation, the Gauntlet across this floor was all chewed through. It took a moment of shifting his gaze sideways to see the shredding in the barrier, but at this point Blaze was very familiar with the tell tale spirit holes.

The scent was so strongly blatant that it took a few moments with his nose in the air for Blaze to get a bead on where it was strongest. The trail was unsurprisingly strongest across the ground, and so Blaze leads the two outsider Uratha down the hall and through the rows of empty nearly identical hospital beds. The black slimy plague spirits continue to give the Uratha a wide berth. Passing through the rows, Blaze recognizes that there are multiple Beshilu scents, indicating that more than one rat was likely on the floor.

At first the it seems like the rows of hospital beds is endless. Though there is a clear growing scent trail to follow, winding between the beige rectangular structures, the room initially appears to be endless. After what feels like nearly ten minutes of walking though, Blaze finds scattered tufts of charcoal colored fur strewn across the floor, the scent growing. As they progress further, bones and dull brown pellets become visible, until far up ahead a swarming mass of furry bodies and glowing gold eyes becomes visible. This far out, it seems like the small pack of Beshilu have not noticed Blaze. But by now the scent is so strong, and the signs of the infestation so clear, that Blaze also has to wonder if this is just the tip of a much larger iceburg of rat spirits.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 (OOC: 4 successes by my count)

The signs of Beshilu are almost everywhere, once Blaze starts looking. Along with the rancid musky smell, and the spirit infestation, the Gauntlet across this floor was all chewed through. It took a moment of shifting his gaze sideways to see the shredding in the barrier, but at this point Blaze was very familiar with the tell tale spirit holes.

The scent was so strongly blatant that it took a few moments with his nose in the air for Blaze to get a bead on where it was strongest. The trail was unsurprisingly strongest across the ground, and so Blaze leads the two outsider Uratha down the hall and through the rows of empty nearly identical hospital beds. The black slimy plague spirits continue to give the Uratha a wide berth. Passing through the rows, Blaze recognizes that there are multiple Beshilu scents, indicating that more than one rat was likely on the floor.

At first the it seems like the rows of hospital beds is endless. Though there is a clear growing scent trail to follow, winding between the beige rectangular structures, the room initially appears to be endless. After what feels like nearly ten minutes of walking though, Blaze finds scattered tufts of charcoal colored fur strewn across the floor, the scent growing. As they progress further, bones and dull brown pellets become visible, until far up ahead a swarming mass of furry bodies and glowing gold eyes becomes visible. This far out, it seems like the small pack of Beshilu have not noticed Blaze. But by now the scent is so strong, and the signs of the infestation so clear, that Blaze also has to wonder if this is just the tip of a much larger iceburg of rat spirits. 
 

"What gives man, like we don't have enough to deal with?" Blaze muttered.  He peered through the gauntlet to take note of what was on the other side, then backed away to a safe distance.

"Normally I'd say we three get in there and take them out, but Joanna's in the middle of her task, and I don't wanna mess with that.  They've obviously been there for a while, they're not going anywhere.  Let's circle around and see if we can pick up any other trails or nests," he said.

 
 Spoiler 

wits + occult:
 (7d10)[ 9 ][ 4 ][ 2 ][ 4 ][ 5 ][ 2 ][ 2 ](28) 
9 again:  (7d10)[ 3 ][ 2 ][ 9 ][ 8 ][ 1 ][ 7 ][ 6 ](36) 
 
Haval
Joanna isn't completely new to crossing the Gauntlet, but this was the first time she was trying to cross over by herself. She will focus on the machine and try to push through. Unless a nurse was going to come into the room while her back was turned she didn't believe she was in any great hurry.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

I found the section in the book. Going to roll anyway just to see what I would have got but maybe this works as an extended action.
 (3d10)[ 9 ][ 8 ][ 6 ](23) 
Any 10s
 (3d10)[ 6 ][ 3 ][ 8 ](17) 
 
Bennosuke
 "What gives man, like we don't have enough to deal with?" Blaze muttered. He peered through the gauntlet to take note of what was on the other side, then backed away to a safe distance. 

Blazes takes a moment to send his vision into the realm of Flesh. To his horror, it appears to be a hospital floor for children. A long hallway with walls plastered with dinosaurs and sea creatures and superheroes. Inside darkened rooms, children with sallow faces, some with bald heads, sit or sleep in their beds.

The Gauntlet is so thin here that plague spirits seem to move through the barrier like bees through a hive. Many flutter around in twilight in the realm of Flesh, feeding off of the Essence that leaks from the rooms of the sick children.

Hawk and Snow watch with hesitation, clearly uncomfortable with the situation. Neither protests though when Blaze suggests they hold off. He leads the two in a slow search along the floor. Blaze can't be sure, but there might be signs of a few more Beshilu off somewhere else, but it mostly seems contained to this floor.

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

Joanna can feel her body and her spirit forcing itself through the Gauntlet; the familiar sensation of being simultaneously squeezed into a ball and pulled apart in a million directions. As she comes out the other side, the Uratha's ears pop, and her small hair stand on end at the sudden sharp cold. Sighing with relief, Joanna's breath creates an almost bluish cloud.

On this side, the hospital bed and its many machines has become a shrine of sorts, a monument of gnawed bones and moldering fabrics enmeshed in a web of circuitry and catheters. The locus literally bleeds dark Essence onto the floor, filling the room with the sound of a rushing stream.

Normally a Locus is surrounded by swarms of spirits come to feed off of the gathered sustenance. But here there are no lesser spirits; though Joanna can feel the dark presence of the thing that has been watching her from across the Gauntlet. In the corner of the room, glowing orange eyes study her from a black tenebrous silhouette.
Haval
Joanna wonders what would happen if crossing over didn't work. Was it possible to get stuck halfway? The cold wasn't great but perhaps she could do something about that now there was no chance of human witnesses. She will take a moment to shift into Dalu as she watches the spirit that's watching her.

When the changes had finished she'll address it.  'You want to introduce yourself?' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Blazes takes a moment to send his vision into the realm of Flesh. To his horror, it appears to be a hospital floor for children. A long hallway with walls plastered with dinosaurs and sea creatures and superheroes. Inside darkened rooms, children with sallow faces, some with bald heads, sit or sleep in their beds.

The Gauntlet is so thin here that plague spirits seem to move through the barrier like bees through a hive. Many flutter around in twilight in the realm of Flesh, feeding off of the Essence that leaks from the rooms of the sick children.

Hawk and Snow watch with hesitation, clearly uncomfortable with the situation. Neither protests though when Blaze suggests they hold off. He leads the two in a slow search along the floor. Blaze can't be sure, but there might be signs of a few more Beshilu off somewhere else, but it mostly seems contained to this floor.

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

Joanna can feel her body and her spirit forcing itself through the Gauntlet; the familiar sensation of being simultaneously squeezed into a ball and pulled apart in a million directions. As she comes out the other side, the Uratha's ears pop, and her small hair stand on end at the sudden sharp cold. Sighing with relief, Joanna's breath creates an almost bluish cloud.

On this side, the hospital bed and its many machines has become a shrine of sorts, a monument of gnawed bones and moldering fabrics enmeshed in a web of circuitry and catheters. The locus literally bleeds dark Essence onto the floor, filling the room with the sound of a rushing stream.

Normally a Locus is surrounded by swarms of spirits come to feed off of the gathered sustenance. But here there are no lesser spirits; though Joanna can feel the dark presence of the thing that has been watching her from across the Gauntlet. In the corner of the room, glowing orange eyes study her from a black tenebrous silhouette. 
 

 Blaze 

"Alright, my experience with these things is they tend to scatter whenever we try to take care of them... let me think about this for a second," Blaze said.  He tried to figure out a way to keep the rats contained, even temporarily, which would let the Uratha take as many of them out as possible.

 
 Spoiler 
int + occult + sp (spirits):  (9d10)[ 5 ][ 3 ][ 7 ][ 7 ][ 9 ][ 2 ][ 5 ][ 1 ][ 9 ](48) 
9 again:  (9d10)[ 1 ][ 2 ][ 5 ][ 9 ][ 10 ][ 6 ][ 8 ][ 2 ][ 1 ](44) 
 
Bennosuke
The black silhouette drifts closer, moving several steps out of the shadows in the corner of the room. The thing's form is that of an emaciated and hunched human-abomination. Orange eyes glow from a skull like face with jaw hanging wide and hungry. Its corpus is oily black, with light creating purple and blue ephemeral hues across its skin. The spirit has long skeletal arms that end in long hooked and webbed fingers. It stops, still a good fifteen paces from Joanna, and with mouth unmoving it hisses, " Uratha! " The spirit's head turns sideways, as if wound by some powerful spring, till the skull is turned 90 degrees. " You are trespassing Uratha! " it hisses again.

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

(OOC: 2 succeses)

To the best of Blaze's thought, the best approach would be for the three to spread out and sneak up on the mess of Beshilu, surrounding them and cutting off exits.
Haval
 'Oh I'm sorry.'  Joanna replies levelly.  'I didn't realise that was the arrangement. Maybe you should put up a sign.'  She's obviously not leaving the area.  'So..let me guess. This is your work?'  She gestures towards the shrine.  'Seems a little greedy to hog all the essance.' 
Daishain
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 James King is the first to speak, when Jeremy calls out. " Blaze and Joanna, and a couple of guys we didn't recognize, " he says, seeming to struggle to find the words, " they uh, summoned a demon or something! " The military veteran actually had the far off stare of a soldier with shell shock.

None of the other Wolf Blooded speak up. In fact, most of them withdraw, as if afraid of having to weigh in. 
 

Bear looks around and grumbles,   "Based on the smell that was a spirit. Blaze knows better than to bring one of those across the gauntlet without good reason, but he damn well should've told me first. Did they say anything about what they were up to?"  
Bennosuke
The spirit takes another step towards Joanna, Essence beginning to gather and glow across its corpus. " You are not welcome, " the spirit hisses, its message emphasized by rising intensity and volume, " Leave now or be my next meal! "

(OOC: Please roll initiative, unless there is anything you want to do before or to prevent combat. Rolling for the spirit now  (1d10)[ 7 ](7) 

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

" We tried to stay out of the way, " King says hastily.

However, it is Pine who speaks up next, " It was some sort of initiation I think. Yeah, it was all a bit too spooky and we tried to get the hell out, but my impression was that it had something to do with initiating Joanna for something. We figured you knew about it. 

James nods in agreement. It's clear they're both uncomfortable with it all but trying to do their best to be helpful.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The black silhouette drifts closer, moving several steps out of the shadows in the corner of the room. The thing's form is that of an emaciated and hunched human-abomination. Orange eyes glow from a skull like face with jaw hanging wide and hungry. Its corpus is oily black, with light creating purple and blue ephemeral hues across its skin. The spirit has long skeletal arms that end in long hooked and webbed fingers. It stops, still a good fifteen paces from Joanna, and with mouth unmoving it hisses, " Uratha! " The spirit's head turns sideways, as if wound by some powerful spring, till the skull is turned 90 degrees. " You are trespassing Uratha! " it hisses again.

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

(OOC: 2 succeses)

To the best of Blaze's thought, the best approach would be for the three to spread out and sneak up on the mess of Beshilu, surrounding them and cutting off exits. 
 

 Blaze 

“Alright man, we can’t leave them, and there’s no way to put up a ward circle with what we’ve got with us, so we’re gonna do this the old fashioned way.  The three of us come in from multiple angles to try and cut off their escape,” Blaze said, “anyone got anything to say, now’s the time to say it.”

He attempted to scope out the exits and come up with a plan to cover them with the few numbers they had.
Haval
Joanna is pretty sure no one gave the spirit the authority to bar her from the area. It just believed that it was strong enough to overpower anyone who came to the Locus uninvited. It was just a bully in other words, and she didn't appreciate being threatened just because she was passing through. She'll get closer and punch the spirit in the face before it's able to respond.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Using 'Closer then you thought' to be immediately next to the spirit

Str 2 + Brawl 2 + Dalu 1
 (5d10)[ 10 ][ 1 ][ 3 ][ 3 ][ 9 ](26) 
Any 10s
 (5d10)[ 9 ][ 6 ][ 10 ][ 10 ][ 9 ](44) 
 
Bennosuke
Snow actually raises a hand as if he were in a classroom and says sheepishly, " Urhan then? "

Hawk nods approvingly once, then turns to Blaze in deference.

(OOC: Let's make this a down and dirty combat to keep things moving. Please make a Dex + Brawl roll to represent your ability to take down and out fleeing Beshilu rats. You get a +2 bonus from Urhan if you choose to use the Chase Down skill and spend the necessary point of Essence. Each Uratha's roll will be contested against a single Dex + stamina roll of the Beshilu, rolled in the OOC thread at 2 successes to beat)

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

Essence suddenly floods across the corpus of the black spirit. Before Joanna can close in for the kill, it's body expands and contorts as sigils of the First Tongue ripple across its flesh. The thing becomes mass of writhing worms and maggots, filling the room with the reek of a suppurating cadaver.

(OOC: Spirit acts first and activates Awe. Please roll Presence + Composure + Primal Urge, or be frozen for one turn. Contested roll versus 2 successes per my roll in the OOC thread.)
Haval
Joanna is not impressed by the spirit's efforts to frighten her. She will continue with her plan to punch it in the face. She had an uncle that had taught her how to punch properly when she was a teenager and had ocasionally had reason to practice.
Daishain
Bear rubs his chin,   "They're initiating her into the Iron Masters. I knew about that, not so much the summoning. I never learned much about their rituals. This spirit is probably a trusted ally they use for that. I'm sorry they freaked you guys out."  
Bennosuke
Joanna is struck by a sudden blast of cold at the sight of the horrid spirit; some trick of the creature. But The wave washes over and past the Uratha, and the effect ends without halting Joanna. She wades forward and strikes the spirit before it can raise its guard. Her fist connects over the temple of the spirit, cracking against hard bone. The blow knocks the spirit's head back and sideways but does little to stop or bowl it over.

(OOC: Joanna resists the spirit's Numina. After applying the spirit's defense (3), she deals 2 bashing. Don't forget that Joanna has several forms that might allow her to do greater damage. See Tooth and Claw on pg 186)

The spirit hisses with rage as it regains its footing, stumbling slightly but turning the momentum into a back pedal that puts it back ten paces from Joanna. Then sneering wickedly, it raises both hands and sends of blast of spirit energy against Joanna. The ball of black writhing Essence smashes into Joanna, an icy cold that burns flesh, striking her straight in the chest.

(OOC: Joanna takes 2L damage. It is her turn. Also, make sure you look up the rules on Uratha regeneration and spending Essence)

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

Jeremy King chuckles, doing his best to appear unphased. " Yeah, it wasn't so bad, " he says, his face still pale, eyes still twitchy, " don't worry about it. "

Pine eyes her companion with suspicion but doesn't say anything. Instead she gestures back to Bear and Jeremy and says, " Anything we can help with at the moment then? "
Haval
That probably hurt more then anything that Joanna had ever experienced in her life. She makes an angry growling noise that was almost involuntary even as she's already moving towards the spirit. Joanna's body elongates and puts on mass as she charges. The Dire Wolf ought to be enough to knock this guy over and she could worry about the pain later.


 
 Spoiler: ooc 

So can only spend 1 essence a turn so will focus on combat

Spending 1 essence to shapeshift to Urshul as a reflexive action

Str 2 + Brawl 2 + Urshul 2
 (6d10)[ 6 ][ 4 ][ 1 ][ 5 ][ 1 ][ 9 ](26) 
Any 10s
 (6d10)[ 3 ][ 2 ][ 1 ][ 1 ][ 5 ][ 10 ](22) 

I think defence will probably cancel that success but aiming to impose the knockdown condition if that works.
 
Bennosuke
Joanna rushes forward, her body shifting rapidly as she falls on all fours. By the time she is upon spirit, she has transformed fully into Urshul the Dire Wolf of legend. Coming forward low, she springs up, reaching with both forepaws to claw at the plague spirit. The thing stumbles to the side, avoiding Joanna's falling attack, but as she lands, she pivots on her front legs, swinging around to bowl the spirit over with a bump of her hip. The plague spirit is struck unprepared, and goes over hard on its side.

As Joanna continues to spin, turning to face the spirit, it scrambles back to its feet, and begins running away.

(OOC: Joanna's Essence is now down to 7. She misses after applying Defense but uses her form ability to apply the knocked down tilt. The spirit thus spends its turn getting up, then moving its available 10 paces away from Joanna. It is her turn again)
Haval
 I'm not done with you.  If the spirit was scared enough to be running away from her Joanna didn't want to have to fight it again on the way back. Joanna will silently follow the spirit to see where it was going. She'll do her best to stay out of it's line of sight.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Using a point of Essence on Shadow Pelt (p.131)

Shadowing roll
Wits 3 + Stealth 2
 (5d10)[ 6 ][ 7 ][ 4 ][ 9 ][ 4 ](30) 
Any 9 or 10 for Moon kissed
 (5d10)[ 2 ][ 8 ][ 1 ][ 2 ][ 4 ](17) 

Shadow Pelt to reroll anything that wasn't 8-10
 (5d10)[ 2 ][ 5 ][ 9 ][ 2 ][ 3 ](21) 
 
Bennosuke
The three Uratha shift into Urhan form. Snow shrinks down to a lithe and long wolf with an unsurprisingly slow white pelt, while Hawk's form is more square and muscled with a shaggy grey coat and fierce yellow eyes. The three move apart, slinking into the shadows to surround the mess of squirming Beshilu, using the rows of hospital beds for cover.

The other two follow Blaze's lead. At first, the Beshilu don't realize that is happening till the wolves are upon them, then all is chaos. Shrieks and squeaks fill the room as the shartha scatter and flee. Though Hawk and Snow are able to prevent all rats from escaping in their directions, a pair of large and warty Beshilu are able to get past Blaze, as he darts this way and that, catching rats under paw and with fierce jaw. The two lesser rat abominations flee together, moving between hospital beds but with a clear direction... as if they were heading for a specific location.

Before Blaze has time to wallow in the green heat of embarrassment, Snow appears beside him, still deferring to his lead. " Do we go after them, " she asks  in growling First Tongue.

(OOC: Blaze is down to 3/4 WP)

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

(OOC: Joanna is now down to 6 Essence, she gets 3 successes.)

The spirit moves on feet that barely touch the ground, racing to the door. Once it reaches the door, it turns hastily, causing black finger-like whisps to arc with its turning corpus. In this time, Joanna has fallen into the shadows, using her natural talents with stealth, bolstered by her shadow powers.

The spirit spins till it is again facing into the room, arms raised and ready to continue the fight. But the spirit finds the room curiously empty, with Joanna having dropped fully out of sight. The thing hisses, beating its long skeletal hands together in an action like a bizarre marionette's clap. " Where are you Uratha, " the thing shrieks, " I am not done with you! " It begins stomping around the room; the act reminds Joanna of the fairy tale of Rumpelstiltskin.
Haval
Joanna will stay behind the spirit. When it was looking the other way she'll click one of her foreclaws on the ground to make enough noise to let the spirit know that she was still here before immediately moving on. If it doesn't notice her she'll aim to do that again from the other side of the room after she circles behind the spirit. If it survived their encounter maybe it would think twice about bothering a Uratha that had only been minding their own business.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

I don't know if scaring a spirit is possible but I'm going to try and get some Wp. Joanna has Monster for Blood
 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The three Uratha shift into Urhan form. Snow shrinks down to a lithe and long wolf with an unsurprisingly slow white pelt, while Hawk's form is more square and muscled with a shaggy grey coat and fierce yellow eyes. The three move apart, slinking into the shadows to surround the mess of squirming Beshilu, using the rows of hospital beds for cover.

The other two follow Blaze's lead. At first, the Beshilu don't realize that is happening till the wolves are upon them, then all is chaos. Shrieks and squeaks fill the room as the shartha scatter and flee. Though Hawk and Snow are able to prevent all rats from escaping in their directions, a pair of large and warty Beshilu are able to get past Blaze, as he darts this way and that, catching rats under paw and with fierce jaw. The two lesser rat abominations flee together, moving between hospital beds but with a clear direction... as if they were heading for a specific location.

Before Blaze has time to wallow in the green heat of embarrassment, Snow appears beside him, still deferring to his lead. " Do we go after them, " she asks  in growling First Tongue.

(OOC: Blaze is down to 3/4 WP)

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

(OOC: Joanna is now down to 6 Essence, she gets 3 successes.)

The spirit moves on feet that barely touch the ground, racing to the door. Once it reaches the door, it turns hastily, causing black finger-like whisps to arc with its turning corpus. In this time, Joanna has fallen into the shadows, using her natural talents with stealth, bolstered by her shadow powers.

The spirit spins till it is again facing into the room, arms raised and ready to continue the fight. But the spirit finds the room curiously empty, with Joanna having dropped fully out of sight. The thing hisses, beating its long skeletal hands together in an action like a bizarre marionette's clap. " Where are you Uratha, " the thing shrieks, " I am not done with you! " It begins stomping around the room; the act reminds Joanna of the fairy tale of Rumpelstiltskin. 
 

"Yeah man, at least find out where they're goin'," Blaze replied.
Bennosuke
 
 Spoiler: OOC: Joanna 
Man it took me way too long to figure out what you meant. I was scowering the book for a gift or other power called "Monster for Blood". I tried searching Monster and everything. I got you now, in that Joanna's Blood Archetype is Monster. I had to go to your character sheet (looking for the power) before I figured it out 😛

Anyways, yes spirits can be scared. Now the book says you have do something disgusting or frightening to force someone into submission. So I think this will require a Dex/Presence + Intimidation roll.
 


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

Hawk nods, glancing at Snow who lowers his head as well. The three Uratha charge off after the fleeing rodent shards. The Beshilu race down the rows of hospital beds moving in near unison. Their path is methodical, turning right purposefully after a certain number of beds, then turning left after a number more. Following behind, the three wolves gain easily on the Beshilu, allowing just enough distance to let them lead the chase to their destination. It is impossible not to enjoy the chase, the sound of the shartha's anxious squeals, the smell of their fear growing stronger and closer.

Suddenly, after turning this way and that, a wall in the infinite field of lined up hospital beds appears in the distance. An arched wooden door stands closed in the wall, a sign to the right of it reading "Shaman". And in the wall, next to door and at ground level, is a cracked hole straight out of a cartoon through which a rat could crawl in and out. The Beshilu are heading for this escape, but the Uratha have made sure to give themselves just enough time to gain on the Beshilu if they so choose.
Thundercracker
Blaze leapt ahead in an attempt to block the rats from escaping through the hole.
Haval
 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Lol. There is a lot going on in WoD.

Joanna isn't actually very intimidating but I suppose it suits her having to make it up as she goes along. She is very annoyed by the spirit. 😛

Dex 2 + Intimidate 0 + Urshul 2 + Penalty for not having Intimidate 1
 (3d10)[ 8 ][ 1 ][ 6 ](15) 
Any 10s
 (3d10)[ 1 ][ 7 ][ 2 ](10) 
 
Bennosuke
Blaze races forward. Gaining faster and faster on the rodents. They shriek with fear as he draws close, and move out of the way for fear of being attacked. Blaze slams into the wall, blocking the hole. The two Beshilu split, running in separate directions down the wall, away from the Uratha. Hawk and Snow make a weak attempt to catch the two, but nearly slam into Blaze as they attempt to change course. The three Uratha are left panting at the door, tongues lolling.

Despite the Beshilu's escape, Hawk's lips are pulled into a grin across her long snout. " It worked, " she barks in First Tongue between heavy breaths. But she says no more, clearly waiting for Blaze to make the next call.

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

Joanna slowly slinks closer to the spirit, keeping to the shadows and out of sight. Getting as close as she can, Joanna allows a low growl to grow and grow in her throat, till the raspy reverberating noise is practically a roar filling the room. The spirit of illness startles, nearly jumping off the ground, and emits a wail-like noise. It flees the room as fast as it can.

The site of the retreating spirit, tickles Joanna's insides with pleasure. She had bested her enemy and done it in her terms. She was the monster in the shadows, even when she was in The Shadow.

(OOC: Joanna regains a WP, updated to 3/5)
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Blaze races forward. Gaining faster and faster on the rodents. They shriek with fear as he draws close, and move out of the way for fear of being attacked. Blaze slams into the wall, blocking the hole. The two Beshilu split, running in separate directions down the wall, away from the Uratha. Hawk and Snow make a weak attempt to catch the two, but nearly slam into Blaze as they attempt to change course. The three Uratha are left panting at the door, tongues lolling.

Despite the Beshilu's escape, Hawk's lips are pulled into a grin across her long snout. " It worked, " she barks in First Tongue between heavy breaths. But she says no more, clearly waiting for Blaze to make the next call.

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

Joanna slowly slinks closer to the spirit, keeping to the shadows and out of sight. Getting as close as she can, Joanna allows a low growl to grow and grow in her throat, till the raspy reverberating noise is practically a roar filling the room. The spirit of illness startles, nearly jumping off the ground, and emits a wail-like noise. It flees the room as fast as it can.

The site of the retreating spirit, tickles Joanna's insides with pleasure. She had bested her enemy and done it in her terms. She was the monster in the shadows, even when she was in The Shadow.

(OOC: Joanna regains a WP, updated to 3/5) 
 

"Yeah.  The tough part is always making sure none of them get away," Blaze replied.  "It's alright.  We'll just have to come back and do a thorough sweep later.  I wonder what this thing is though..."
He pauses to inspect the Shaman door.
Haval
Joanna will resist the urge to chase the spirit down and will make what passes for a laugh in this form. Assuming the spirit doesn't come back, she'll take a moment to switch back to Dalu and force her body to heal faster. Better to be safe rather then sorry.

Once she has hands more suited to doing things she'll go to the skull. Phoning Blaze for advice seemed against the spirit of the test. Assuming he was even in a place where he could. It was possible that unplugging the skull would do something she'd regret, but on the other hand she doesn't want to leave the woman like this. She'll yank the tube with the green liquid out of the skull and give it a cautious sniff before looking across the Gauntlet to see if it had any obvious effect on the woman in the coma.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

I think it's heal 1 lethal for 1 essence spent but I'm away from my laptop until later tonight.

Rolled Wits + Composure to see if she knows anything about the green liquid by smell
4 sucesses in the ooc
 
Bennosuke
At first glance the door looks unsurprisingly like a door. However, as Blaze looks a little closer he sees that the thing has no hinges, and seems to simply be existing or floating within its frame. Like everything else in the Shadow, it was not really made of wood or metal, but of the same mixture of Essence that created a spirit's corpus. This was the symbolic representation of a door, just like everything else in the Hisil. It did not mean that the door couldn't be opened like normal, but that some of the details were just... off.

While Blaze is studying the door though, he can hear a busy scurrying on the other side, like of someone rushing to hide things before an intruder comes in.

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

Joanna yanks the IV out of the skull's socket. The tube comes out with a  pop , as if it had been suctioned in place. Greenish fluid begins to ooze from the needle at the end of the IV, moving with the viscosity of snot. Rather than dripping, it produces a long thin gooey string that slowly falls from the needle's bevel. One sniff tells Joanna immediately that the leaking substance is undoubtably Essence. The smell was sickly and sweet and rancid, indicating that it was of a Resonance likely related to illness. Joanna's stomach turned a little at the thought of consuming the Essence, but Joanna could feel drool beginning to pool under her long Dalu tongue and into the pockets of her cheekt, despite her self.

Looking across the gauntlet, Joanna notices no immediate change.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 At first glance the door looks unsurprisingly like a door. However, as Blaze looks a little closer he sees that the thing has no hinges, and seems to simply be existing or floating within its frame. Like everything else in the Shadow, it was not really made of wood or metal, but of the same mixture of Essence that created a spirit's corpus. This was the symbolic representation of a door, just like everything else in the Hisil. It did not mean that the door couldn't be opened like normal, but that some of the details were just... off.

While Blaze is studying the door though, he can hear a busy scurrying on the other side, like of someone rushing to hide things before an intruder comes in.

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

Joanna yanks the IV out of the skull's socket. The tube comes out with a  pop , as if it had been suctioned in place. Greenish fluid begins to ooze from the needle at the end of the IV, moving with the viscosity of snot. Rather than dripping, it produces a long thin gooey string that slowly falls from the needle's bevel. One sniff tells Joanna immediately that the leaking substance is undoubtably Essence. The smell was sickly and sweet and rancid, indicating that it was of a Resonance likely related to illness. Joanna's stomach turned a little at the thought of consuming the Essence, but Joanna could feel drool beginning to pool under her long Dalu tongue and into the pockets of her cheekt, despite her self.

Looking across the gauntlet, Joanna notices no immediate change. 
 

Blaze attempts to push the door open.
Haval
On the basis that she couldn't afford to give up on free food Joanna will cautiously taste a small amount of the liquid essence just to see if she could keep it down without throwing it back up. If removing the tube didn't seem to have done anything she'll remove everything from the skull. Presumably the removal of the liquid that might make you sick ought to do the woman some good even if it didn't cause her to wake up. She would like to know if doing this disrupted the locus in some way though.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 
Taking 1 essence just to see what happens.
 
Bennosuke
Blaze turns the handle and pushes on the door. Though there is no "real" latch, he finds it hits resistance after swinging maybe an inch, as if someone had placed stops against the door to prevent it from moving. Maybe with enough of a push though, Blaze can muscle it open. As the door hits resistance, it makes a dull thunk against whatever is blocking it. Someone... or something gives a high pitched shriek when this happens, or maybe a squeak would be a better description.


(OOC: Consider a Str + Athletics roll -2 to open the door)

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

Joanna brings the drip up, and lets some of the green sludge drop into her mouth. The slimy Essence is warm, and the smell of sweet rot fills her nose and her tongue. It a sick sort of way, the ripeness of the Essence is delicious, and Joanna finds herself gulping it down. After a swallow or two, Joanna has the wherewithal to think of how a dog might gobble up trash or animal feces with the same sort of disgusting glee. She finds that the goo is not threatening to come back up, and part of Joanna wants to keep lapping at the IV.

(OOC: Joanna is up to 7 Essence out of 10)
Haval
The essence was like eating the left over pizza from the night before. In principle it was delicious but Joanna didn't want to find out what eating too much of it would feel like. Besides, she had some standards. She'll finish disconnecting the skull and then place it on top of the machines.

If there was no obvious affect on either the woman on the other side of the Gauntlet, or the Locus itself Joanna will shift back to Urshul and go looking for the fertility spirit. Mindful that the spirit that she had chased away was probably still out there somewhere, she'll stick to the shadows and try to avoid being seen as much as possible.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Dex 2 + Stealth 2 + Urshul 2
 (6d10)[ 7 ][ 5 ][ 4 ][ 2 ][ 6 ][ 5 ](29) 
Any 10s
 (6d10)[ 1 ][ 5 ][ 7 ][ 2 ][ 5 ][ 5 ](25) 
 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Blaze turns the handle and pushes on the door. Though there is no "real" latch, he finds it hits resistance after swinging maybe an inch, as if someone had placed stops against the door to prevent it from moving. Maybe with enough of a push though, Blaze can muscle it open. As the door hits resistance, it makes a dull thunk against whatever is blocking it. Someone... or something gives a high pitched shriek when this happens, or maybe a squeak would be a better description.


(OOC: Consider a Str + Athletics roll -2 to open the door)

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

Joanna brings the drip up, and lets some of the green sludge drop into her mouth. The slimy Essence is warm, and the smell of sweet rot fills her nose and her tongue. It a sick sort of way, the ripeness of the Essence is delicious, and Joanna finds herself gulping it down. After a swallow or two, Joanna has the wherewithal to think of how a dog might gobble up trash or animal feces with the same sort of disgusting glee. She finds that the goo is not threatening to come back up, and part of Joanna wants to keep lapping at the IV.

(OOC: Joanna is up to 7 Essence out of 10) 
 

 Blaze 

“Hey man, let us in, we just wanna talk,” Blaze said.

 
 Spoiler 
Presence + persuasion:  (4d10)[ 10 ][ 3 ][ 8 ][ 6 ](27) 
10 again:  (4d10)[ 2 ][ 4 ][ 7 ][ 4 ](17) 
 
Bennosuke
Joanna sets to work disconnecting the various wires and leads and tubes from the skull, but it quickly becomes a symphisian task. For every cord she removes, two more seem to crawl into place. Sometimes, a detached tube simply wiggles back after being dropped. No matter how long Joanna spends trying to muck with the locus, it seems basic effort won't make any meaningful difference.

She sets off to search for the fertility spirit, doing her best to stick to the shadows. However, the Hisil seems to have another mind, as she seems unable to stay too well out of sight. In fact, soon after exiting the shadow reflection of the patient room, she is stopped by a scuttling crab-thing of a spirit that comes marching down the hall towards her. " Halt! " the thing calls, raising and snapping its two white claws, " You're not supposed to be here! " The thing approaches as its eight proboscis legs clack against the floor. But where on a crab you would expect a pair of antennae for eyes, extends a metal pole with a CCTV camera on the end. With a low whirring of mechanical motors, it extends the security camera toward Joanna to study her. Regardless of whether or not the Uratha stops, the spirit will add, " Did you see a plague spirit go this way? "

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

" No no! " a shrill voice calls from the other side of the door, " I know who you are! You're not supposed to be here! Just go away! " The smell of rodent dander and fear wafts through the cracks around the door. Blaze knows the smell of Beshilu all too well.
Thundercracker
“Man, now that’s just rude,” Blaze said as he put his shoulder into the door.
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Joanna sets to work disconnecting the various wires and leads and tubes from the skull, but it quickly becomes a symphisian task. For every cord she removes, two more seem to crawl into place. Sometimes, a detached tube simply wiggles back after being dropped. No matter how long Joanna spends trying to muck with the locus, it seems basic effort won't make any meaningful difference.  
 

Joanna considers doing something more drastic like crushing the skull but she doesn't want to push her experiments too far. She could always come back here at some point.


 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 She sets off to search for the fertility spirit, doing her best to stick to the shadows. However, the Hisil seems to have another mind, as she seems unable to stay too well out of sight. In fact, soon after exiting the shadow reflection of the patient room, she is stopped by a scuttling crab-thing of a spirit that comes marching down the hall towards her. " Halt! " the thing calls, raising and snapping its two white claws, " You're not supposed to be here! " The thing approaches as its eight proboscis legs clack against the floor. But where on a crab you would expect a pair of antennae for eyes, extends a metal pole with a CCTV camera on the end. With a low whirring of mechanical motors, it extends the security camera toward Joanna to study her. Regardless of whether or not the Uratha stops, the spirit will add, " Did you see a plague spirit go this way? " 
 

Well, at least it wasn't attacking her.  'I saw something.'  She'll briefly describe the spirit she had chased away from the locus.  'Can I ask who you are that you're looking for it?' 
Bennosuke
Blaze throws his shoulder into the door,  blam . It barely budges and Blaze is left with a sharp though transient pain in his shoulder.

(OOC: With his lack of training in athletics, it's a chance die meaning he only gets a success on a 10)

As Blaze begins to rug the soreness out of his shoulder, his attention turns to the sound of joints popping and bones reshaping as Snow transitions into Urshul, shifting into a massive white Dire Wolf. " Do you want some help, " she growls between bared teeth, padding up to Blaze, her pointed ears pulled back.

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

The video camera studies Joanna for a long moment, its dark grey lens almost glowing with some internal light. " That is Breath Swallower, " the spirit says, its armored legs dancing with excitement, tapping on the floor, " Which way did it go? That spirit has been a blight to this hospital and it is my job to destroy it and the rest of the spirits of illness that have  infested  this place! "

To Joanna's question, the spirit lowers its claw, bending at the segments of its front four legs to bow it's forward half, and replies, " I am Monocyte, one of many guardians of this sacred hospital! And you Uratha? "
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The video camera studies Joanna for a long moment, its dark grey lens almost glowing with some internal light. " That is Breath Swallower, " the spirit says, its armored legs dancing with excitement, tapping on the floor, " Which way did it go? That spirit has been a blight to this hospital and it is my job to destroy it and the rest of the spirits of illness that have  infested  this place! "

To Joanna's question, the spirit lowers its claw, bending at the segments of its front four legs to bow it's forward half, and replies, " I am Monocyte, one of many guardians of this sacred hospital! And you Uratha? " 
 

 'Breath Swallower? I thought he was a **** but that sounds bad.'  Joanna lowers her head and upper body in the best approximation of a bow that she could manage in this form.  'Nice to meet you Monocyte, I'm Joanna of the Anchor Wolves.'  She'll gesture to the room she had just come from.  'You know what it was doing with the skull in there? Tell me how to turn that thing off and I'll help you track him down.' 
Bennosuke
Monocyte bows again, " Welcome Uratha. We had hoped to hear from your kind at some point, given the Beshilu remnants! " In answer to Joanna's question, the spirit replies, " That is a Locus, cultivated by Breath Swallower and some of its chorus. The gauntlet here has become too thin, and the plague spirits are not respecting the boundary. We have done everything we can to fight the infection off, but they have been persistent and full of guile. " It pauses for a moment before adding, " One would have to stop the flow of Essence coming from  the other side , to change the Locus. "

(OOC: Feel free to make an Int + Occult roll to see if Joanna knows more about this)
Haval
 'So he's not making the woman on the other side sick just to feed on her?'  Maybe she needed to speak to an actual Doctor at some point to resolve this.  'Alright. Getting rid of plague spirits sounds like a great idea. What do you need from me?' 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Int 3 + Occult 0 (Chance dice)
 (1d10)[ 2 ] 
Any 10s
 (1d10)[ 1 ] 
 
Bennosuke
(OOC: Retconning the above)

Blaze throws his shoulder into the door,  blam . The door doesn't splinter, nor blow open, but instead it folds over in half like a piece of cardboard. The top half folds over with a crack, while the lower half remains in place. The fractured lower half remains at about hip height, a barrier that could be breached in almost any form. Above the door Blaze can see into the room. The room may have once been some sort of administrator's office; a luscious wooden desk sits in the middle ornamented a computer, a snow globe and a silver letter opener. But the office has been strewn with mats of grey fur, and unidentifiable fluff and tatters. At the moment the door slams, dozens of small rats scatter; all grey and brown pelts, writhing pink wormy tails, and golden glowing eyes. Huddled in the far corner of the room is a humanoid Beshilu, wearing a dark brown tweed suit that's been chewed and worn to threads. Cowering, the shaman shrieks in a nasal voice, " Go away! You are not welcome here! "

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

Joanna's mind is a blank at the moment. The spirit returns to its upright posture, and clacks both claws three times. " Well... " Monocyte says slowly, its voice almost confused, "[B]We destroy them. We destroy as many of the plague spirits as possible! But Breath Swallower is one of the more powerful ones, one of the more conniving! And of course there is the Beshilu! They might be the real problem. Though not many, the Beshilu infection only allows for a greater swelling in power of the Plague Spirits!/B]"

Of course Joanna may want to help, but she had one night, and this was not necessarily the purpose of her mission.
Haval
 'Ah, I thought maybe with two of us...'  Joanna trails off.  'Maybe I should start again. I came here to look for a fertility spirit. Would you happen to know anyone like that around here? And if you need anything from me in return I think I've got time.' 
Daishain
Bear thinks for a moment,   "Couple of things need doing."   He points at Databolt's computer.   "That one is apparently a little behind on current events, if someone could type out a record of everything going on, just an open word document would be fine, and go ahead and do a few searches for any local news relevant to our situation, that could help get them caught up."

"Whoever's not doing that, I want working on securing this place. If there's another physical assault like the other night I want you guys to be able to defend yourselves even if us furry ones aren't here. Think sea urchin, tough to get at, even tougher to try without getting hurt."

"Right now though, I need to regroup with the others, which way did they head?"  
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 (OOC: Retconning the above)

Blaze throws his shoulder into the door,  blam . The door doesn't splinter, nor blow open, but instead it folds over in half like a piece of cardboard. The top half folds over with a crack, while the lower half remains in place. The fractured lower half remains at about hip height, a barrier that could be breached in almost any form. Above the door Blaze can see into the room. The room may have once been some sort of administrator's office; a luscious wooden desk sits in the middle ornamented a computer, a snow globe and a silver letter opener. But the office has been strewn with mats of grey fur, and unidentifiable fluff and tatters. At the moment the door slams, dozens of small rats scatter; all grey and brown pelts, writhing pink wormy tails, and golden glowing eyes. Huddled in the far corner of the room is a humanoid Beshilu, wearing a dark brown tweed suit that's been chewed and worn to threads. Cowering, the shaman shrieks in a nasal voice, " Go away! You are not welcome here! "

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

Joanna's mind is a blank at the moment. The spirit returns to its upright posture, and clacks both claws three times. " Well... " Monocyte says slowly, its voice almost confused, "[B]We destroy them. We destroy as many of the plague spirits as possible! But Breath Swallower is one of the more powerful ones, one of the more conniving! And of course there is the Beshilu! They might be the real problem. Though not many, the Beshilu infection only allows for a greater swelling in power of the Plague Spirits!/B]"

Of course Joanna may want to help, but she had one night, and this was not necessarily the purpose of her mission. 
 

"Man we just cleaned this place up and now you're here screwing with the Gauntlet?" Blaze asked.
"Tell me how many others like you are holed up in the hospital, and maybe we'll let you go," Blaze said.
 
 Spoiler 
Blaze doesn't have ranks in intimidate so it's just presence3.  not sure what the penalty for untrained is.
 (3d10)[ 9 ][ 6 ][ 4 ](19) 
10 again:  (3d10)[ 10 ][ 6 ][ 7 ](23) 
 
Bennosuke
The crab shaped spirit shuffles back, its many legs clacking against the floor. It bows its body, but the long metallic proboscus sends its video-camera eye up to meet Joanna's. " Yes, I know where the fertility spirits can be found, " it says slowly in its low rumbling voice, pausing for a long moment. The camera tilts sideways slightly, and Monocyte continues, " I will be happy to show me, but yes, I will expect a Gathra. " A gathra was a favor of some form, that was generally required in any dealing with a spirit, necessary to gain their help.

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

" We can help with all that, " James King replies to the pack leader, " though it sounds like we may need some funds to increase the security around here. Like CC TVs and locks and stuff. "

To Bear's question, he shrugs and says, " I'm not sure. I think Joanna was headed to the hospital, though I didn't catch all of it. Blaze and the... out of towners, they followed Joanna, I think to keep her safe or something. "

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

Still huddled in the corner of the room, the bipedal rat hisses in First Tongu, " Not many. We are just a small nest. Me and maybe fifty or so lesser shards. " Whimpering squeaks leak from the Host with each labored breath before it adds, " Don't hurt me. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The crab shaped spirit shuffles back, its many legs clacking against the floor. It bows its body, but the long metallic proboscus sends its video-camera eye up to meet Joanna's. " Yes, I know where the fertility spirits can be found, " it says slowly in its low rumbling voice, pausing for a long moment. The camera tilts sideways slightly, and Monocyte continues, " I will be happy to show me, but yes, I will expect a Gathra. " A gathra was a favor of some form, that was generally required in any dealing with a spirit, necessary to gain their help.

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

" We can help with all that, " James King replies to the pack leader, " though it sounds like we may need some funds to increase the security around here. Like CC TVs and locks and stuff. "

To Bear's question, he shrugs and says, " I'm not sure. I think Joanna was headed to the hospital, though I didn't catch all of it. Blaze and the... out of towners, they followed Joanna, I think to keep her safe or something. "

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

Still huddled in the corner of the room, the bipedal rat hisses in First Tongu, " Not many. We are just a small nest. Me and maybe fifty or so lesser shards. " Whimpering squeaks leak from the Host with each labored breath before it adds, " Don't hurt me. " 
 

Blaze wastes no time, launching himself at the rat shaman, and trusting the others to follow his lead.

 
 Spoiler 
attack str 2 + brawl 1 + teeth 1 + dire wolf form 2, bite attack +2 lethal.
 (6d10)[ 8 ][ 4 ][ 1 ][ 3 ][ 5 ][ 10 ](31) 
10 again:  (6d10)[ 10 ][ 8 ][ 4 ][ 10 ][ 7 ][ 3 ](42) 
if this lands, Blaze will apply the leg wrack condition to keep him from running.
He'll also try to establish a grapple as part of the attack.
str2+brawl 1 + teeth 1 +dire wolf form 2
 (6d10)[ 9 ][ 3 ][ 7 ][ 9 ][ 3 ][ 3 ](34) 
10 again:  (6d10)[ 6 ][ 2 ][ 7 ][ 7 ][ 10 ][ 1 ](33) 
 
Haval
 'Well then. What do you want from me in return?'  Joanna replied carefully.
Daishain
Bear nods,   "Yeah, we'll have to work on getting plans and a proper budget for stuff like that. If someone wants to draw up a proposal it would be a huge help. Right now though, we can focus on physical barriers."   *He reaches out to tap a wall.*   "This is relatively flimsy, but even just a few wood planks in the right spots can greatly improve things. Given all the unused industry here, there should be a lot of raw material we can scavenge for free from this area. With a little work I bet we can put together something even hulking out me can't break through with just force."  
  "And I guess that means I'm off to the hospital."  
Bennosuke
In the form of a great wolf, Blaze bounds over the remaining door. Hurdling through the room. Ears back. Fangs bared.

(OOC: That's four successes. Was planning a down and dirty combat again, and the Beshilu isn't exactly a combatant. I can't see the Beshilu winning when you factor in the rolls from Blaze's companions. It's safe to say that the Uratha will come out on top here. Feel free to have the opportunity to describe Blaze's assault)

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

The crab spirit scuttles closer to Joanna, moving almost furtively, its claws tucked in under its carapace. " Will you... help improve the flow of Healing Essence, " Monocyte asks with excitement, its voice almost a buzzing whistle. It adds, " We have done everything to combat the plague spirits, but they are disobeying all the old rules. They cross the Gauntlet and influence the flow of Essence from the other side! That's how they have been able to build loci that support them! We are fighting a losing battle! "

Monocyte raises a good point. Spirits were not supposed to cross the Gauntlet, but it was the best way to influence the development of Essence. It made sense as to why things seemed so grim at St. Luke's, despite the passing of Captain Drips.

Of course, Joanna knew enough to know that this would be a slow process. It was unlikely that she would be able to accomplish such a seismic change in the space of the night, let alone make a deal with the fertility spirits. She would likely have to offer a more timely gathra, or would have to work to bargain that Monocyte pulls its weight first.

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

Bear departs for the hospital. It wouldn't be too hard to track the scent of his packmates, especially if he hurried. But of course he would have to make up his mind as to which side of the Gauntlet to stick to.

(OOC: Please roll Wits + Streetwise/Survival +3. And let me know whether Bear is traveling in the Hisil or in the Flesh)
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 In the form of a great wolf, Blaze bounds over the remaining door. Hurdling through the room. Ears back. Fangs bared.

(OOC: That's four successes. Was planning a down and dirty combat again, and the Beshilu isn't exactly a combatant. I can't see the Beshilu winning when you factor in the rolls from Blaze's companions. It's safe to say that the Uratha will come out on top here. Feel free to have the opportunity to describe Blaze's assault)

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

The crab spirit scuttles closer to Joanna, moving almost furtively, its claws tucked in under its carapace. " Will you... help improve the flow of Healing Essence, " Monocyte asks with excitement, its voice almost a buzzing whistle. It adds, " We have done everything to combat the plague spirits, but they are disobeying all the old rules. They cross the Gauntlet and influence the flow of Essence from the other side! That's how they have been able to build loci that support them! We are fighting a losing battle! "

Monocyte raises a good point. Spirits were not supposed to cross the Gauntlet, but it was the best way to influence the development of Essence. It made sense as to why things seemed so grim at St. Luke's, despite the passing of Captain Drips.

Of course, Joanna knew enough to know that this would be a slow process. It was unlikely that she would be able to accomplish such a seismic change in the space of the night, let alone make a deal with the fertility spirits. She would likely have to offer a more timely gathra, or would have to work to bargain that Monocyte pulls its weight first.

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

Bear departs for the hospital. It wouldn't be too hard to track the scent of his packmates, especially if he hurried. But of course he would have to make up his mind as to which side of the Gauntlet to stick to.

(OOC: Please roll Wits + Streetwise/Survival +3. And let me know whether Bear is traveling in the Hisil or in the Flesh) 
 

Blaze leapt forward and clamped down on the rat's calf to pin him in place.  Squeaky shrieks mingled with growls and barks as the two other wolves followed his lead and bounded forward, savaging his belly and neck, tearing away fur, flesh, and splattering ichor, until nothing but gooey black and grey Essence remained pooling on the floor.

"I guess we should eat this to make sure he doesn't come back," Blaze said.  He forced himself to consume the remnants of the rat spirit.
Haval
 'Well I know they're not supposed to do that.'  Joanna considered Monocyte's words.  'That's like what our job is supposed to be, but you may be asking the wrong girl. Unless you know how I can help you stop them all without hunting them down one by one?'  Presumably if he knew that he wouldn't need her help.  'What if I bring you my pack's Ithaeur at some point. It shouldn't be that hard into talking him into coming down here.' 
Bennosuke
Having hunt Beshilu for a long time now, Blaze is not surprised to find that despite its size, the rat-shaman-office administrator is not rich in Essence. The taste as well is a mix of rancid meat, pus and salty clotted phlegm.

 
 Spoiler: OOC: Essence 
This is not an option for increasing Blaze's Essence. Per pg 100 of the core rulebook, you can gain Essence from eating the flesh of wolves or humans. You can alternatively gain Essence from eating Spirits (Hosts are not Spirits) only if you first perform a hunting rite for that target.
 


As they eat, the corpse seems to shrivel and fade. By the time the Uratha are done, the three are left standing over a withered pelt of wilting fur, in an empty though filthy administrator's office.

Snow shifts from Dire wolf to wolf, licking the blood and Essence from her muzzle. " Well that was fun, " she says in the first tongue.

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

Monocyte takes a small hesitant step back. Cautiously the spirit replies, " Very well. When you have completed your side of the Gathra, I shall assist you. " The camera eye of the spirit betrays that it is attempting to bargain. It watches Joanna with excessively focused anticipation.
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Monocyte takes a small hesitant step back. Cautiously the spirit replies, " Very well. When you have completed your side of the Gathra, I shall assist you. " The camera eye of the spirit betrays that it is attempting to bargain. It watches Joanna with excessively focused anticipation. 
 

If she was in a different body Joanna might have sighed openly. As it was she'll watch Monocyte for a slightly too long before replying.  'That's not going to work for me man. I'm in something of a hurry tonight. If I wasn't I could call Blaze up right now.'  One day she would check how phones worked here.  'Tell you what. Assuming I don't run into this spirit myself without your help...'  Which would mean that Monocyte wouldn't even get anything out of the arrangement. For all she knew, the Fertility spirit was just around the corner  'What if I helped you find out where they're crossing over instead. Being sneaky is something I can manage usually. And as it's a good cause I can stick around if it'll help. But if you don't trust me I guess that's ok. No hard feelings and good luck I guess. Maybe I'll come back if we kill that thing in the occean.'  Joanna all but states that she'd just leave right here without making a deal.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Having hunt Beshilu for a long time now, Blaze is not surprised to find that despite its size, the rat-shaman-office administrator is not rich in Essence. The taste as well is a mix of rancid meat, pus and salty clotted phlegm.

 
 Spoiler: OOC: Essence 
This is not an option for increasing Blaze's Essence. Per pg 100 of the core rulebook, you can gain Essence from eating the flesh of wolves or humans. You can alternatively gain Essence from eating Spirits (Hosts are not Spirits) only if you first perform a hunting rite for that target.
 


As they eat, the corpse seems to shrivel and fade. By the time the Uratha are done, the three are left standing over a withered pelt of wilting fur, in an empty though filthy administrator's office.

Snow shifts from Dire wolf to wolf, licking the blood and Essence from her muzzle. " Well that was fun, " she says in the first tongue.

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

Monocyte takes a small hesitant step back. Cautiously the spirit replies, " Very well. When you have completed your side of the Gathra, I shall assist you. " The camera eye of the spirit betrays that it is attempting to bargain. It watches Joanna with excessively focused anticipation. 
 

"All in a day's work," Blaze said.  "Let's see if we can find Joanna and see how she's doing..."
He headed back out to try and pick up the trail again.
Daishain
Bear shoots Blaze a text message before hopping on his bike and heading for the hospital. He wasn't sure what the iron masters did for initiation, but surely he'd get a chance to catch up with blaze while it was ongoing.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Presumably blaze won't be getting that text before he leaves the hisil. Bear's sticking to the material world for now, in part because he wouldn't be aware anyone's on the other side of it.

wits+survival+3  (7d10)[ 6 ][ 5 ][ 8 ][ 3 ][ 1 ][ 9 ][ 7 ](39) 
ten again (7d10)[ 8 ][ 5 ][ 10 ][ 6 ][ 10 ][ 7 ][ 8 ](54) 
 
Bennosuke
Monocyte shakes its head, the camera bobbing side to side awkwardly, " That might be very dangerous. They are crossing over where the Beshilu have left holes. There are holes all over the Gauntlet, gnawed away by the host infestations. " It pauses for a moment, " I have an idea though. Bring me a protection from your side and we can call it equal. Bring me face masks and protective gowns, that I might wear as armor. They should protect me in my fight against the plague spirits... It is not an issue of trust young Uratha. It is a matter of protocol. It is a matter of Gathra. It is how things must be done! " The spirit clacks its claws and scuttles its feet with insistence.

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

Snow and Hawk follow Blaze back out of the office. Snow even pinches his nose as they leave, having transformed into Dalu.

(OOC: Give me a Resolve + Wits roll to try to pick up the scent again... I just feel like neither streetwise nor Survival makes sense for a tracking roll here)

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

Bear steps outside, greeted by the smell of salt water carried on the wind. Though he doesn't pick up Blaze's scent, after walking around the courtyard for a moment, he does grab the scent of Joanna; the smell of her shampoo, a hint of her body odor partially masked by what is supposed to be a scentless deodorant. Assuming they had all gone in the same direction, Bear follows the scent out and into the streets of New Bedford.

He soon finds himself biking West, up the hill and away from New Bedford toward Dartmouth. The cobblestones cause the bike to bounce and rattle as he motors up hill, but soon finds himself approaching St. Luke's hospital as he follows the trail. It's a rather ancient looking building, all dirty tinted windows and large grey stone. From the outside, one might assume the towering hospital was abandoned, if it weren't for the more modern street lights turned on though it wasn't yet fully dark. Parking the bike, it seems that Joanna entered the hospital through the Emergency Department.

Bear had been here before once. Though that had been during the Beshilu invasion and the pandemic of Captain Drips. It was far less busy now. Then the whole place had practically been quarantined and the lot had been filled with ambulances and cop cars. Still, Bear wasn't sure if he could just waltz into the ED in his hunt for Joanna.
Haval
 'So stopping them is pretty much like bailing out the ocean then.'  Joanna suddenly grasps the scale of the problem.  'But still, hunting a few of the Beshilu down couldn't hurt. I take it I can't claim gathra for that after the fact?'  Joanna asks somewhat rhetorically.  'Protocol or not, that's the thing I can't get the hang of. I don't know enough about how all this works, so whose to say you wouldn't accept a poem or a song or something. Or I just keep offering you things that you don't even want. But medical equipment I can manage. Maybe they have extras lying around because of that disesase.'  She had a hazy idea that they might be able to pick up face masks from Amazon even.  'How much of this sort of thing would you need anyway? If I promise to bring more in next week say would that be worth a favour?' 
GKnightBC
Jeremy remains in the Lair, working with Databolt and the crew to harden the place with security plans, items, traps and more to protect from mobs like the one that came at them last time. Drafting suitable members of the pack into grunt work, he arranges well hidden pitfalls and pop-up barriers that they can deploy on a moment's notice, as well as putting together a shopping list of security devices and measures.   "One of my favourite items is the Smoke Cloak systems that fills a building with impenetrable smoke for about fifteen minutes, when triggered. It would allow us ambush and possibly escape under strong cover, if worst comes to worst."  
Bennosuke
 So stopping them is pretty much like bailing out the ocean then.' Joanna suddenly grasps the scale of the problem 

The spirit pauses for a moment as if in deep thought. Finally, Monocyte raises its claws in triumph and announces in reply, " An infection might be fought off, but still, it might be impossible to kill all bacteria everywhere. Yet, it is my duty and the duty of my chorus to carry on the valiant fight! " To Joanna's question about the Beshilu, the spirit adds, " Eradicating the Beshilu infestation here in the hospital would certainly be worth the gathra. The plague spirits thrive in the presence of the Beshilu. Unfortunately, the rat hosts are such prolific abominations, if even a single shard is left alive the infection can come back. "


 'How much of this sort of thing would you need anyway? If I promise to bring more in next week say would that be worth a favour?' 

The spirit seems unperturbed by Joanna's frustration. Merrily it replies, " A single mask for myself might offer me great protection against the attacks of the Plague spirits. It might last me several battles. Until they break, with a wide gauge needle in each claw I could skewer many a foul plague spirit! "

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

Jeremy continues to work with the rest of the wolf-blooded.

(OOC: Great, this is one of Jeremy's aspirations. It looks like Jeremy has no resources to spend. How is he going to go about beefing up security, since he can't just go out and buy the equipment? I feel a roll coming on, but what you roll will likely depend on how you want to go about this)

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

The Gauntlet is so thin on this floor, it is hard for Blaze at first to catch Joanna's scent. The three end up doing loops through the rows of hospital beds, circling back multiple times before Blaze finally catches the smell of his packmate. After a lot of stopping to scent, Blaze realizes that Joanna is now actually in the Hisil and appears to be on the floor below them.
Haval
On killing Beshilu,  'It's worth a try though isn't it. I can get behind that. It's not like there's anyone else around to do it.'  Joanna liked the idea that she might be able to make sick people feel better with a bit of effort, even if it was only temporary.  'But that's for later. For now, I go steal you a box of medical equipment and you show me to the fertility spirits. We have a deal?' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The spirit pauses for a moment as if in deep thought. Finally, Monocyte raises its claws in triumph and announces in reply, " An infection might be fought off, but still, it might be impossible to kill all bacteria everywhere. Yet, it is my duty and the duty of my chorus to carry on the valiant fight! " To Joanna's question about the Beshilu, the spirit adds, " Eradicating the Beshilu infestation here in the hospital would certainly be worth the gathra. The plague spirits thrive in the presence of the Beshilu. Unfortunately, the rat hosts are such prolific abominations, if even a single shard is left alive the infection can come back. "



The spirit seems unperturbed by Joanna's frustration. Merrily it replies, " A single mask for myself might offer me great protection against the attacks of the Plague spirits. It might last me several battles. Until they break, with a wide gauge needle in each claw I could skewer many a foul plague spirit! "

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

Jeremy continues to work with the rest of the wolf-blooded.

(OOC: Great, this is one of Jeremy's aspirations. It looks like Jeremy has no resources to spend. How is he going to go about beefing up security, since he can't just go out and buy the equipment? I feel a roll coming on, but what you roll will likely depend on how you want to go about this)

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

The Gauntlet is so thin on this floor, it is hard for Blaze at first to catch Joanna's scent. The three end up doing loops through the rows of hospital beds, circling back multiple times before Blaze finally catches the smell of his packmate. After a lot of stopping to scent, Blaze realizes that Joanna is now actually in the Hisil and appears to be on the floor below them. 
 

“Man, what is she doing in here, and how did she cross over?  Probably through one of the holes the Belishu gnawed…” Blaze said.  “We can’t interfere, so we can either try to find a way to cross back to meatspace or look around for a spot we can observe from a distance.  What do y’all think?”
Bennosuke
" You have a deal Uratha, " Monocyte says, spreading both its foreclaws and lowering its camera head in the semblance of a bow. As Joanna finishes with the spirit, she realizes she will likely have to cross back into the Flesh, and may have to commit a bit more expropriation to get the supplies she needs.

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

Hawk sighs and says, " She's not moving very fast, given what she needs to get done just tonight. " She bites her lip for a moment then replies, " But it's up to you. You're leading this expedition. I have a thought for a third option though; go hunt some more Beshilu? "

" You don't think that was all of them, " Snow asks with surprise.

Hawk shakes her head and replies, " Doubt it, " though her gaze slides back to Blaze, looking for his agreement and expertise in the matter.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " You have a deal Uratha, " Monocyte says, spreading both its foreclaws and lowering its camera head in the semblance of a bow. As Joanna finishes with the spirit, she realizes she will likely have to cross back into the Flesh, and may have to commit a bit more expropriation to get the supplies she needs.

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

Hawk sighs and says, " She's not moving very fast, given what she needs to get done just tonight. " She bites her lip for a moment then replies, " But it's up to you. You're leading this expedition. I have a thought for a third option though; go hunt some more Beshilu? "

" You don't think that was all of them, " Snow asks with surprise.

Hawk shakes her head and replies, " Doubt it, " though her gaze slides back to Blaze, looking for his agreement and expertise in the matter. 
 

"Those two juicy ones got away, and they were both headed somewhere, so there's probably more of them hanging around," Blaze said.  He paused to think about it for a few seconds.
"We're gonna have to come back and do a full sweep later, but what we don't need is for it to become an emergency.  We'll hunt some rats to at least thin their numbers a little.  We'd better let Joanna know first though, so she doesn't wonder where in the heck we went."

He headed down a level to see if he could find Joanna.
Bennosuke
(OOC: To keep things moving we are going to time warp everything together... don't forget that Bear should be arriving shortly too 😉

@Haval: if there is anything else Joanna wants to say to Monocyte though, happy to run two scenes concomitantly.)

Blaze and the others find a stairwell to take down; the walls made of a rubbery slime streaked substance, and where the halls smell distinctly of vomit. They take the stairs down and enter what appears to be a hospital wing, again filled with empty beds. Down the hall, maybe twenty yards, Joanna appears to be walking away from a conversation with a crab shaped spirit of some kind.
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " You have a deal Uratha, " Monocyte says, spreading both its foreclaws and lowering its camera head in the semblance of a bow. As Joanna finishes with the spirit, she realizes she will likely have to cross back into the Flesh, and may have to commit a bit more expropriation to get the supplies she needs. 
 

Joanna was of the opinion that if someone didn't want to have their stuff stolen then they should have done a better job at protecting it. The hospital probably had a ton of medical equipment lying around somewhere. To Monocyte,  'I'll try not to be long. Can you hang around here or is Breath Swallower likely to come back?' 
Bennosuke
" If you will be back quickly, " the spirit replies pleasantly, " I will be happy to wait. "
Haval
Maybe she could track Monocyte by his scent if she needed to.  'Right. Give me a minute.'  Joanna will return to the Locus to check out the room on the other side of the Gauntlet before she crosses over. Assuming there is no one conscious in the room on the other side, she'll shift to Urhan before she passes through the Locus.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
 Maybe she could track Monocyte by his scent if she needed to.  'Right. Give me a minute.'  Joanna will return to the Locus to check out the room on the other side of the Gauntlet before she crosses over. Assuming there is no one conscious in the room on the other side, she'll shift to Urhan before she passes through the Locus. 
 

"Yo, Joanna, how's it going?" Blaze called out.  He wanted to catch her before she crossed over, to save himself the trouble of going over and then coming back.

"Just wanted to give you a heads up, we found some Belishu hanging out in the hospital so we're gonna track them down.  You keep doing your thing though.  Almost done?"
Haval
Huh? Joanna had not expected to see any of the others here.  'Blaze? Are you guys like allowed to be here or anything?'  Maybe it was fine as long as they weren't helping.  'I've just been talking to my friend back there about the Beshilu. Sounded like he could use the help.'  Deadpan,  'I just got to go rob the hospital before he'll help me out.' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
 Huh? Joanna had not expected to see any of the others here.  'Blaze? Are you guys like allowed to be here or anything?'  Maybe it was fine as long as they weren't helping.  'I've just been talking to my friend back there about the Beshilu. Sounded like he could use the help.'  Deadpan,  'I just got to go rob the hospital before he'll help me out.'  
 

“Yeah, we’re neutral observers,” Blaze replied.
“Right, everything under control,” he added.  He didn’t really want to know the details of the task, just wanted to let Joanna know they were no longer available as backup.
“Good luck,” he said.
Daishain
Bear looks at the hospital, scratching his head a bit as he contemplates a way to get his big attention grabbing self past the building security without a legitimate reason to visit...

Eventually he shrugs and turns away, starting to sniff around for any places where he could cross over to the hisil. Shouldn't be too tough to find Blaze from that side.
Haval
 'You too.' 
Bennosuke
Bear begins to study the area, trying to judge the flow of Essence to track down where he might find a Locus.

(OOC: Please give me a Wits + Occult roll)

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

Joanna parts ways from Blaze and his trailing Uratha.

To both groups I ask, so what next?
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Joanna parts ways from Blaze and his trailing Uratha.  
 

Joanna had not assumed she was going to get any help anyway, but at least Blaze was helping indirectly by killing Beshilu. Could she claim Gathra on a packmate's behalf.

Assuming there was no one in the room on the other side of the gauntlet, she will shift to the somewhat less noticable Urhan form before crossing through the locus.
Thundercracker
“Alrighty then, let’s hunt some rats…” Blaze said.

 
 Spoiler 
 wits + survival :  (3d10)[ 10 ][ 7 ][ 10 ](27) 

I forget what hunting grounds gets us but here’s another 2 dice:  (2d10)[ 2 ][ 7 ](9) 
10 again:  (5d10)[ 4 ][ 1 ][ 10 ][ 3 ][ 9 ](27) 
 
Bennosuke
Joanna shifts back into wolf form, before going back to the only nearby locus she is familiar with, the skeletal figure wrapped in wires and IVs. She crosses back over to the world of flesh, returning to the room with the dead old woman; ICU room 13. The act of crossing over is less jarring this time.

Joanna returns to the world of flesh. The room is dark, though the smell of death seems to be hanging thicker in the air. To her relief, no one else is in the room.

(OOC: Feel free to call your own action here. Otherwise, you can feel free to roll Wits + Medicine to see if Joanna might know where to start looking for medical supplies)

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

(OOC: You are correct that this provides a +2 to tracking, but also to rolls with Animal Ken, Empathy, and politics rolls with denizens in your hunting ground)

Blaze picks up on the scent of more Beshilu on this floor; the choking fetid must of rodent fur and droppings, coming from down the hall. The smell appears to be coming from a patient room, just a few doors down. But as they approach, the Uratha are stopped by the blue crab spirit. The spirit's carapace is embossed with golden sigils of power, glowing against the blue and white chitinous shine. It snaps its white claws, but where a pair of proboscis eyes would normally protrude, instead is a single stock carrying a CCTV camera. The camera pans across the three Uratha, and then the spirit announces valiantly, " Halt! State your names and purpose Uratha! Are you allies of Uratha Joanna? " It snaps its white claws, each the size of a man's face.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Joanna shifts back into wolf form, before going back to the only nearby locus she is familiar with, the skeletal figure wrapped in wires and IVs. She crosses back over to the world of flesh, returning to the room with the dead old woman; ICU room 13. The act of crossing over is less jarring this time.

Joanna returns to the world of flesh. The room is dark, though the smell of death seems to be hanging thicker in the air. To her relief, no one else is in the room.

(OOC: Feel free to call your own action here. Otherwise, you can feel free to roll Wits + Medicine to see if Joanna might know where to start looking for medical supplies)

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

(OOC: You are correct that this provides a +2 to tracking, but also to rolls with Animal Ken, Empathy, and politics rolls with denizens in your hunting ground)

Blaze picks up on the scent of more Beshilu on this floor; the choking fetid must of rodent fur and droppings, coming from down the hall. The smell appears to be coming from a patient room, just a few doors down. But as they approach, the Uratha are stopped by the blue crab spirit. The spirit's carapace is embossed with golden sigils of power, glowing against the blue and white chitinous shine. It snaps its white claws, but where a pair of proboscis eyes would normally protrude, instead is a single stock carrying a CCTV camera. The camera pans across the three Uratha, and then the spirit announces valiantly, " Halt! State your names and purpose Uratha! Are you allies of Uratha Joanna? " It snaps its white claws, each the size of a man's face. 
 

Blaze paused.  He wasn't necessarily sure whether this spirit was on good terms with Joanna or not.  Still, proper deference to a spirit doing it's job was warranted.  He dipped his head in a bow.
"Ah, I do not believe we have met.  I am known as Blaze, of the Iron Masters tribe, and founding member of the Anchor Wolves pack.  We are here hunting a Belishu infestation.  The Plague Rats have thinned the border between the Hisil and the Flesh to a dangerous extent.  How should we address you, O Watchful One?"  Blaze replied.
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Joanna shifts back into wolf form, before going back to the only nearby locus she is familiar with, the skeletal figure wrapped in wires and IVs. She crosses back over to the world of flesh, returning to the room with the dead old woman; ICU room 13. The act of crossing over is less jarring this time.

Joanna returns to the world of flesh. The room is dark, though the smell of death seems to be hanging thicker in the air. To her relief, no one else is in the room.

(OOC: Feel free to call your own action here. Otherwise, you can feel free to roll Wits + Medicine to see if Joanna might know where to start looking for medical supplies) 
 

If the way that hospitals were portrayed on TV was even a little bit accurate they presumably had supply rooms around here somewhere. Perhaps that would be on another floor but there would be things that the staff needed all the time and there would be other things that the staff might need quickly in an emergency. So, Joanna was really looking for a place where she could track the staff to. She will be keeping half an eye on anyone who might be moving around the hospital at this hour, but she will otherwise be looking for any doors where the greatest concentration of scent trails seem to be leading.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Wits  3 + Composure 3 + Urhan 4
 (10d10)[ 7 ][ 1 ][ 3 ][ 8 ][ 5 ][ 6 ][ 1 ][ 9 ][ 2 ][ 9 ](51) 
Any 10s
 (10d10)[ 10 ][ 8 ][ 3 ][ 2 ][ 4 ][ 4 ][ 6 ][ 10 ][ 7 ][ 3 ](57) 
3 successes gets an exceptional success

Dex 2 + Stealth 2 + Urhan 2
 (6d10)[ 10 ][ 3 ][ 9 ][ 4 ][ 5 ][ 9 ](40) 
Any 9 or 10s for Moon Kissed
 (6d10)[ 2 ][ 9 ][ 9 ][ 10 ][ 5 ][ 5 ](40) 
 
Daishain
Bear keeps circling around, trying to avoid too much attention as he tries to hunt down a locus outside of the hospital.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
wits+occult  (3d10)[ 4 ][ 9 ][ 1 ](14) 
ten again  (3d10)[ 7 ][ 1 ][ 2 ](10) 
 
Bennosuke
" Well met, Blaze of the Iron Masters, " the spirit says pleasantly, lowering its camera stalk as well as its claws to perform a gesture something like a bow, " I am Monocyte, healing spirit of the chorus that protects this hospital! " It rises from its bow, segmented legs clacking against the paneled floor as the spirit moves into a more upright and regal posture. The spirit continues, " It does sound like our quests are aligned, Blaze of the Iron Masters! However, it seems you have failed to answer my question. Are you allies of Uratha Joanna? " Something about the spirit's voice is reminiscent of a Shakespearean character, or maybe a noble night from some fantasy movie.

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

(OOC: So a perception roll is used to find something hidden, or to notice like traps. If she is tracking scent trails, then she should get the Urhan bonus, but it would thus be a tracking roll. So using her Wits + Streetwise + 4, she would get 9 dice. This would bring up 2 successes. She easily stays hidden with 6 successes, achieving an exceptional roll)

Johanna sticks to the shadows, exiting room 13 to pad up and down the hallway while sniffing out the paths that seem to be taken most. The hallway reeks of sweat and fatigue. She picks up scents of fear, scents of sorrow, both along the hallway and from almost every patient room she passes. As she moves, head low to the ground, ears up, it becomes easy to figure out where the hospital staff tend to gather, and how best to avoid them. Suddenly, the hospital floor is as familiar to Joanna as "the back of her hand"... or maybe paw.

After about fifteen minutes of stalking through the shadows, Joanna comes across a room where many footpaths have lead. Her wolf-vision is not meant for reading, but after a long moment of studying the blurry words on a white sign, she  can see that this is a room for "Clean Supplies". Of course, she will need to transform back to her human form to use the key card to get in, but this seems to be a place where many of the hospital supplies are kept. There is even the sharp stench of cleaning product coming from within the room.

(OOC: Joanna gains the steadfast condition from her exceptional success. She can spend this to gain a beat and to turn a failed roll automatically into a success)

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

Bear does his best to track the scent of Essence to a source where he might cross over. It takes about fourty-or-so minutes for him to follow the trail of Essence (fear?) to a crop of bushes and trees about a half mile away from the hospital. The temperature seems to drop a good fifteen degrees as he walks into the protected little forest. At first, Bear can't figure out why this is a locus, until he catches the scent of old dried blood, mixed with the faded stench of fear. Someone was killed here within the last month or so. There's even a dark patch on the bark of a tree that reeks of iron and protein. Perhaps Bear would never know exactly what happened here, but whatever the cause of the murder, it had created enough Essence to form a small locus.

Shifting over, Bear finds the spot infested with several clouds of lesser spirits; mostly Death and Fear and Lust spirits, all rushing to gobble up the Essence produced at the murder site.
Thundercracker
Blaze hesitated, as if coming to a decision.

“As a token of our good will, and as our quests are aligned, I will share with you that we  are  allied with Joanna.  Joanna is currently on a task separate from ours.  Since ridding the hospital of the rat infestation is in the best interests of both Blaze and Monocyte, would you be willing to aid us?”
Bennosuke
The spirit dances in place, its chitinous legs clicking and clacking on the floor. Then planting its "feet", Monocyte replies, " I would normally hope for a Gathra, but since you are proposing a shared action against the Beshilu, then I would be happy to lend you my claws. I am... all  ears  to your suggestion, as you might say. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The spirit dances in place, its chitinous legs clicking and clacking on the floor. Then planting its "feet", Monocyte replies, " I would normally hope for a Gathra, but since you are proposing a shared action against the Beshilu, then I would be happy to lend you my claws. I am... all  ears  to your suggestion, as you might say. " 
 

"Your generosity speaks volumes of your noble purpose.  I would not ask that you risk yourself, but if you have knowledge of their whereabouts, that would lend speed to our mission and we will sooner be on our way," Blaze asked.
Haval
Sometimes having that nose came in handy. If no one interrupts her Joanna will find the nearest dark corner to change back to human.
Bennosuke
" Very well, " Monocyte says excitedly, " Follow me! " The spirit begins clacking down the hallway, in the direction Joanna had trekked. As you pass room 13, Blaze immediately recognizes the weak Death Locus, glowing with Essence. The locus appears as a shrine or maybe an abstract sculpture; a monument of gnawed bones and moldering fabrics enmeshed in a web of circuitry and catheters. The Ithaeur immediately recognizes how empty the room is. Normally a locus is swarmed with spirits feeding off of its gathered Essence, but there is not a single spirit in the room. However, the room does smell of Joanna and the familiar odor of death spirits.

(OOC: Feel free to engage with this as little or as much as you want. I just figure Blaze would catch this)

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

Joanna shifts back to her human form, ignoring the pain of bones reshaping and skin stretching to accommodate her new form. With the transformation, returns her clothes and the stolen ID badge. The door unlocks when she raises the badge to the black box scanner, and assumedly Joana lets herself into the supply room.

Rather than a closet, the room is a good twenty or so feet long, lines with rolling shelves made of metal wire. The shelves are lined with various boxes and tubs, and sectioned for rows of catheters and suture kits and all sorts of medical supplies. To a novice, the shelves of tools and medical wares is immediately overwhelming, but to Joanna's relief, she finds a laminated paper mapping where she can find the various supplies in the library of wares.

(OOC: Within reason, please detail what supplies Joanna collects)
Thundercracker
Blaze notes the death locus, but seeing as Joanna is in the middle of her initiation rite and she was near it recently, he chose to ignore it for now, at least until her task is complete.
Haval
Mindful of the chance that she might run into someone in the hospital corridors, Joanna is going to look for items that she can stuff in her coat pockets. Mostly this would be whatever PPE was available  but she'll also look for needles  and anything that looked like basic painkillers.
Bennosuke
Blaze continues to follow the healing spirit down the hall, passing the locus. As they move along, the sound of the Monocyte's many legs tapping against the vinyl tiles begins to be drowned out by the high pitched and familiar buzzing of a swarm of lesser spirits. The sound seems to be coming from one of the patient rooms down the hall, though at first it isn't clear which one. However, the sweet and noxious odor is unmistakable. They are clearly approaching a chorus of plague spirits with its stench of rotten meat, and bile, and vomit.

By the time Monocyte comes to a stop, the sound is overwhelming, like the buzz coming from a thousand hornet's nests. The spirit seems nervous, its camera head shrinking down toward its blue carapace, its corpus trembling slightly. It points with one claw and says, " These are the rooms infested by the Beshilu. " The rooms are labeled in hieroglyphics of the First Tongue, reading "1st lung", "2nd lung", and "3rd lung". " Their infestation has allowed for the proliferation of the plague spirits, my one true enemy. I and the few of my chorus are not strong enough yet to fight them, they are too numerous, and the Beshilu's incursions in to the Flesh have only strengthened the Essence of sickness that feeds the spirits, " Monocyte explains, still trembling but refusing to back away from the three rooms.

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

Most supplies are kept in boxes, or in single use plastic wrapping. Joanna grabs reems of color coded needles, and syringes of all sizes. She pilfers handfuls of sterile glove by the pack, and a handful of yellow surgical masks.

(OOC: Let's make a Resolve + Medicine roll here to see if Joanna has any bright ideas)
Haval
Resolve 2 + Medicine 0 - Penalty 3
 (1d10)[ 5 ] 
Any 10
 (1d10)[ 4 ] 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Blaze continues to follow the healing spirit down the hall, passing the locus. As they move along, the sound of the Monocyte's many legs tapping against the vinyl tiles begins to be drowned out by the high pitched and familiar buzzing of a swarm of lesser spirits. The sound seems to be coming from one of the patient rooms down the hall, though at first it isn't clear which one. However, the sweet and noxious odor is unmistakable. They are clearly approaching a chorus of plague spirits with its stench of rotten meat, and bile, and vomit.

By the time Monocyte comes to a stop, the sound is overwhelming, like the buzz coming from a thousand hornet's nests. The spirit seems nervous, its camera head shrinking down toward its blue carapace, its corpus trembling slightly. It points with one claw and says, " These are the rooms infested by the Beshilu. " The rooms are labeled in hieroglyphics of the First Tongue, reading "1st lung", "2nd lung", and "3rd lung". " Their infestation has allowed for the proliferation of the plague spirits, my one true enemy. I and the few of my chorus are not strong enough yet to fight them, they are too numerous, and the Beshilu's incursions in to the Flesh have only strengthened the Essence of sickness that feeds the spirits, " Monocyte explains, still trembling but refusing to back away from the three rooms.

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

Most supplies are kept in boxes, or in single use plastic wrapping. Joanna grabs reems of color coded needles, and syringes of all sizes. She pilfers handfuls of sterile glove by the pack, and a handful of yellow surgical masks.

(OOC: Let's make a Resolve + Medicine roll here to see if Joanna has any bright ideas) 
 

"Do you know how many are in there?" Blaze whispered.
Daishain
Bear wrinkles his nose in disgust. He was quite familiar with death. Even in the world of ordinary humans it was a common enough occurrence. But for a death to leave such a notable impact it had to have been particularly nasty.

Little point in contemplating the matter though. Turning back to the hospital he heads for the main entrance, sniffing around for any trace of his packmates.
Bennosuke
Joanna finishes stuffing her pockets. She recognizes nothing more useful or clever, and finishes the endeavor of pilfering feeling quiet satisfied with herself.

(OOC: I assume she is going to head back to the Hisil, but I've learned not to take agency from players so let me know if there is anything else you want to do)

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

" A veritable army, " Monocyte replies, trying best to lower its voice. The spirit adds with slightly more gusto, " I've heard tell of the formidable skills of the Uratha! I'm sure nothing could stand in your way! " It takes several cautious steps closer to the two rooms.

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

Bear crosses over to the Hisil. In the Shadow, the hospital stands like a decaying gothic castle. Turrets curve and bow at the corners of the massive stone structure, and grey stone blocks crumble under its weight. From far away, Bear can see that the air around the castle is filled with buzzing and battling spirits. Glowing white motes of healing bristling with spines like luminesce white anemones crawl across the surface of the castle, zapping at tiny black and purple spirits of sickness. Despite the clouds of warring spirits, the building appears unlit, almost abandoned.

As he approaches, Bear can pick up the smell of Blaze... and two other Uratha. The scent of the others who had joined for the initiation rite. The scent leads Bear inside, and to an elevator with an arched doorway with rusted iron elevator doors somehow reminiscent of the doors from the Shining.

If Bear peers into the elevator he sees that instead of panel with buttons, in the corner of the cabin is a long metal lever with floor indicators labelled "Anus", "Colon", "Stomach" and "Oropharynx".

Unfortunately, he can't surmise which floor Blaze and his companions had taken.
Daishain
Bear shrugs and turns the lever to oropharynx first. He had no clue what that was, but figured it had to be more pleasant than the other three options.

Upon arriving at the floor he'll simply stick his head out and sniff around, if there's no trace of his kin he'll try the next floor, and the next.
Haval
Joanna had intended to head back to the Locus but will take a minute to check for cameras in the supply room first. There being a record of her somewhere robbing this place might be inconvenient at some point.
Thundercracker
Blaze considers how many Belishu would start to be a problem for the three of them.
Bennosuke
Bear gets fully into the elevator, closing the iron metal fencing behind him; it closes with a hellacious screech. He pulls the long lever handle to Oropharynx and braces as the elevator car rumbles to life. It slowly gains speed, and Bear can feel his innards turn as it continues to accelerate and accelerate. In the dim light, the walls of the elevator shaft begin to blur, but even so Bear can see that the tunnel is lined by something soft and mucous lined, and yellowish-pink.

Just as soon as it had started, the car comes to a near sudden halt. Bear's feet leave the floor as the roof of the elevator suddenly starts racing towards his head. Then gravity pulls him down, and Bear lands hard back on his feet, the entire car shuddering. The iron gates of the car creak open of their own accord, allowing Bear to peer out into what looks like a cemetery lined with empty hospital beds for headstones. He immediately catches the scent of Blaze and the other Uratha, but the floor seems empty. Not even a spirit can be seen initially.

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

There is surprisingly no camera inside the supply closet, though it wouldn't surprise Joanna if there were closed circuit security cameras with views of the hallway outside.

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

In war form, it was unlikely any number of lesser Beshilu could stop three Uratha outright. The question was how many spirits were there and how powerful were they.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Bear gets fully into the elevator, closing the iron metal fencing behind him; it closes with a hellacious screech. He pulls the long lever handle to Oropharynx and braces as the elevator car rumbles to life. It slowly gains speed, and Bear can feel his innards turn as it continues to accelerate and accelerate. In the dim light, the walls of the elevator shaft begin to blur, but even so Bear can see that the tunnel is lined by something soft and mucous lined, and yellowish-pink.

Just as soon as it had started, the car comes to a near sudden halt. Bear's feet leave the floor as the roof of the elevator suddenly starts racing towards his head. Then gravity pulls him down, and Bear lands hard back on his feet, the entire car shuddering. The iron gates of the car creak open of their own accord, allowing Bear to peer out into what looks like a cemetery lined with empty hospital beds for headstones. He immediately catches the scent of Blaze and the other Uratha, but the floor seems empty. Not even a spirit can be seen initially.

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

There is surprisingly no camera inside the supply closet, though it wouldn't surprise Joanna if there were closed circuit security cameras with views of the hallway outside.

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

In war form, it was unlikely any number of lesser Beshilu could stop three Uratha outright. The question was how many spirits were there and how powerful were they. 
 

"Well, we're not invincible," Blaze replied to the spirit, "do you have knowledge of how many larger, more powerful rat spirits, similar in strength to yourself, are with them?"
Haval
Perhaps it might be worth finding out if there was any recording of her presence somewhere in the hospital. As it was, at the moment she did not feel like she had the time to look into it. She'll settle for pulling her hood up over her head on the way back.

Joanna will listen at the door of the store room for a bit before she heads back. Doing this as a wolf would have been quieter but she's doesn't want to risk losing her stolen supplies.
Bennosuke
The healing spirit pauses for a moment, its camera-head lowered in thought. " Not many, " Monocyte replies after a long moment, " It is mostly smaller shards... at least on this side of the Gauntlet. But they have allowed the Plague spirits to grow stronger and some of those in their wretched chorus have grown quiet strong. "

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

Joanna departs the supply room cautiously.

(OOC: Not going to make you roll stealth again. Is the plan to go back to the Locus and cross the gauntlet? Again, don't want to make assumptions)
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Joanna departs the supply room cautiously.

(OOC: Not going to make you roll stealth again. Is the plan to go back to the Locus and cross the gauntlet? Again, don't want to make assumptions) 
 

ooc - yeah, I don't want to push my luck looking for a security room. Heading back to the locus unless someone stops her.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The healing spirit pauses for a moment, its camera-head lowered in thought. " Not many, " Monocyte replies after a long moment, " It is mostly smaller shards... at least on this side of the Gauntlet. But they have allowed the Plague spirits to grow stronger and some of those in their wretched chorus have grown quiet strong. "

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

Joanna departs the supply room cautiously.

(OOC: Not going to make you roll stealth again. Is the plan to go back to the Locus and cross the gauntlet? Again, don't want to make assumptions) 
 

Blaze turned to the others.
"What do you think, up for a little workout?" he asked.  "This nest won't be as easy as the last one, I think."
Daishain
Bear grumbles at the elevator,   "Cheeky bastard"  

Poking his head out, he smirks as he get a whiff of his kin right away. This should be quick. Dropping to all fours, a big wolf starts trotting his way through the spiritual cemetery, on the hunt for something other than prey for once.
Bennosuke
Joanna rushes back to the Locus, artfully padding back down the hall unnoticed. Returning to the dead body brings a chill down her neck, but soon enough she is squeezing her body and spirit through the wedge in reality back to The Hisil. The repeated trips bring a sheen of sweat to the Irraka's brow.

Joanna steps outside the room, to see Blaze, Monocyte and the other Uratha down the hall, waiting outside another room. They don't seem to notice Joanna, their attention turned toward whatever might be inside the room.

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

Hawk shrugs. " Sounds dangerous, " she says without sincere concern, " but if we hold the door, we can always flee. And you'll have to take care of the problem at some point, right? " She grins ruefully at Blaze and adds, " And besides, you must be an expert and hunting Beshilu by now, right? " It was clear the outsider was challenging Blaze, questioning his worth as a hunter and an Uratha.

(OOC: See Joanna's section, just in case)

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

Bear follows his nose; snout to the ground as his head lolls side to side, ears perked at attention. He winds left and right through the field of beds, following the trail. But as he follows, Bear picks up the scent of something very concerning; the aroma of rat dander mixed with sickness; Beshilu. Soon Bear finds himself led to a room with the door blown inward. The sign on the doorframe reads "Shaman". Peering inside, Bear can see the sign of a battle, and the remnants of a Beshilu nest. The room may have once been some sort of administrator's office; a luscious wooden desk sits in the middle ornamented a computer, a snow globe and a silver letter opener. But the office has been strewn with mats of grey fur, and unidentifiable fluff and tatters. The collapsed corpse of (presumably) the Shaman lays on the floor.

The signs of the Hosts was quiet concerning! The Anchor Wolves had thought they had rid the region of the Shartha. Frustration was growing to anger in the Uratha's chest. Bear could of course continue to look for Blaze, he could smell where the went next, though of course he could also search this room for more information.
Haval
 'Hey guys.' Joanna will approach the others to see what they were looking at.  'Monocyte, I got your stuff. Easy enough.' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
  'Hey guys.' Joanna will approach the others to see what they were looking at.  'Monocyte, I got your stuff. Easy enough.'  
 

"Oh, hey.  I know you're doing your thing but we found some Belishu," Blaze said.  "That have anything to do with your tasks?"
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Thundercracker 
 "Oh, hey.  I know you're doing your thing but we found some Belishu," Blaze said.  "That have anything to do with your tasks?" 
 

 'Maybe if I can get something out of it. Monocyte was just going to give me directions. How many Belishu are we talking about?' 
Bennosuke
Monocyte chimes in, feet tapping on the tiled floor, " These will certainly help in fighting any plague spirits in there! "
Haval
 'But are you going to need my help here. I got the impression I might be on a time limit tonight.'  She'll look towards Blaze for his opinion before looking towards Hawk.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
  'But are you going to need my help here. I got the impression I might be on a time limit tonight.'  She'll look towards Blaze for his opinion before looking towards Hawk. 
 

"No, you should stick with the thing you're doing.  That's more important than a few rats," Blaze replied.
"How much longer do you think it'll be?" he asked.
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Thundercracker 
 "No, you should stick with the thing you're doing.  That's more important than a few rats," Blaze replied.
"How much longer do you think it'll be?" he asked. 
 

Joanna shrugged,  'I think that depends on what the fertility spirit wants from me in return. I suppose, come find me if you need anything. Or do phones work over here?' 
Daishain
Bear growls, a low rumble permeating the area as his hackles rise. It seems Blaze had stumbled across an infestation, and appropriately wiped out this part of it. Yet another reason to regroup...

After a perfunctory check of the scene to be sure no foe remained here, he pads out on all fours and continues the hunt for his packmate.
Bennosuke
Interrupting Joanna and Blaze, perhaps even ignoring their conversation, the healing spirit announces, " It won't be long to see My Lady. I can take you there when you are ready. " Monocyte was giving this last part to Joanna, "My Lady" presumably referring to the Fertility Spirit.

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

There was no sign of "still intact" Beshilu, though it appeared that Blaze had left the room otherwise undisturbed. Moving along, Bear finds to his frustration, that the scent trail leads all the way back to the elevator from which he had arrived!
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Haval 
 Joanna shrugged,  'I think that depends on what the fertility spirit wants from me in return. I suppose, come find me if you need anything. Or do phones work over here?'  
 

Blaze chuckled.

"No, the lack of towers is a problem for phones," he replied.  "Go on, see to the task, we'll take care of the rats."
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Thundercracker 
 Blaze chuckled.

"No, the lack of towers is a problem for phones," he replied.  "Go on, see to the task, we'll take care of the rats." 
 

 'Maybe there's a Verizon spirit around here somewhere. I suppose I could ask Databolt.'  Joanna will hand over her stolen equipment to Monocyte for his assessment.  'This work for you? There's a whole cupboard of it over there.' 
Daishain
Grumbling to himself, Bear clambers back onto the elevator and yanks the level to go to the next floor...
Bennosuke
Monocyte grabs at the supplies greedily, fumbling a little with its massive crustacean claws. " Yes, " the spirit says with excitement, " this will all do quiet well. "

Not far down the hall, the group hear the mechanical roaring of the elevator. When the door opens, it is none other than Bear who steps out.

As Bear steps onto the floor, he can see Joanna and Blaze, along with a pair of unfamiliar Uratha. The group are interacting with a spirit in the shape of a giant blue crab with a security camera on a stock for a head.
Thundercracker
Blaze turns a palm up as if to say 'what in the world are you doing here?'

"Trouble?" he asked.
Haval
 'Hey Bear. I think you're just in time to help Blaze kill some rats.'  To Monocyte,  'I'm ready to go when you are. Unless you need to be here to help the guys out.' 
Daishain
  "Well I originally just came to regroup, needed your take on something, but now that the rats are here..."   Bear cracks his knuckles,   "I was gonna ask if you got them all already, but it seems that question's been answered. So how many are we thinking?"  
Bennosuke
Monocyte shuffles toward Bear; a crowd of segmented eggshell legs clacking on the ground. It lowers its camera head and sweeps with its massive hooked claws as if performing a courtly bow. But before the spirit can speak, one of the Uratha cuts it off.

She's is a shorter but muscled Asian woman with a string of tattoos up her arms left bare by her jean vest, and hard dark eyes. " Bear, " she asks, stepping in front of the spirit, raising a hand to brush locks of black hair from her high brow raising an eye, " so you're the leader of the Anchor Wolves then? " There's a mix of awe and respect in her voice, but also something eager, or maybe hungry. " I'm Hawk, Rahu of the Arrow Heads " she says taking a quick sniff at Bear, then offering up a hand to shake, " and this is my companion Snow. "

Standing behind her, Snow is taller and older, with white and grey shooting through his long scraggly beard and braided ponytail. He's dressed like he rides a Harley, and maybe recognizing a kindred spirit, grins at Bear and raises a hand. " Nice to meet ya, " he says warmly.

" And I'm Monocyte, " the crab-shaped spirit says, crashing forward to come between the Uratha and Bear, " healing spirit. At your service! " The spirit reproduces its dramatic bow.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
   "Well I originally just came to regroup, needed your take on something, but now that the rats are here..."   Bear cracks his knuckles,   "I was gonna ask if you got them all already, but it seems that question's been answered. So how many are we thinking?"   
 

"A bunch," Blaze replied.  "We were debating whether to take them now or come back with reinforcements, but now that you're here..."
Daishain
Bear gives Hawk a firm handshake in response, noting her interest, and waves back at Snow.   "It is good to meet you. I'm known as Bear, Rahu, Storm Lord, and yes leader of the Anchor Wolves. Thank you for taking time to help initiate Joanna. She might be new at this but she has already been a welcome addition to the pack."  

To Blaze he jokingly says,   "I figured when you didn't pick up the phone that either you were out of range or having fun without me. Turns out it was both."  

He blinks a little as Monocyte makes his entrance, then grins,   "I take it you are a guardian of this place of healing? An honorable role. It seems a pocket of infection escaped our last purge. Don't worry, we're committed to finishing the job. I am pleased to see this place doing much better since the plague lord fell, I have no desire for it to backslide again."

"The main catch is going to be getting all of it. I have no doubt we can overwhelm what is here, but preventing a few scuttling away into the dark once more will be difficult. You know this place better than any of us. Is there a particular location that we might be able to draw or drive them to where they would have few paths for escape?"  
Bennosuke
" Of course, " Hawk replies, her grip firm and business-like.

Monocyte rises from its bow, and replies, " I am one of many guardian spirits. Not the king, but perchance a royal night! " It waves and snaps both claws in what might be an attempt at a glorious flourish. To Bear's latter question, the spirit replies, " Unfortunately, the rattlings have burrowed many tunnels through this building and through the Gauntlet. Completely blocking their escape might be challenging. It might require having soldiers on the other side of the Gauntlet as well, a task that I am of course, not suitable for. " Monocyte pauses before adding, " I have also promised to escort your pack member, Joanna on a quick journey, though I suspect our travels won't take long. "
Haval
Joanna wondered what an infestation of Beshilu would look like if they crossed over but it wasn't the sort of thing anyone should want to see in a hospital of all places.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " Of course, " Hawk replies, her grip firm and business-like.

Monocyte rises from its bow, and replies, " I am one of many guardian spirits. Not the king, but perchance a royal night! " It waves and snaps both claws in what might be an attempt at a glorious flourish. To Bear's latter question, the spirit replies, " Unfortunately, the rattlings have burrowed many tunnels through this building and through the Gauntlet. Completely blocking their escape might be challenging. It might require having soldiers on the other side of the Gauntlet as well, a task that I am of course, not suitable for. " Monocyte pauses before adding, " I have also promised to escort your pack member, Joanna on a quick journey, though I suspect our travels won't take long. " 
 

"It's interesting how they re-infested so quickly," Blaze mumbled.

He considered whether it was par for the course or if something else might be at play.
Daishain
  "They were probably never fully gone. A few hiding out probably slipped by us, and the gauntlet certainly hasn't had enough time to fully repair after the terrible state it was in before, so they wouldn't have needed much work to reestablish their holes."   Bear rubs his fingers together, thinking,   "The spirit is right that people in the material could help block the escape, but I'm not sure how feasible that is. Its not like the hospital staff are gonna just let our pack run amuck on that side without comment."  

Looking back to Monocyte he asks,  "You mentioned a king. Might you point us in their direction?" 
Bennosuke
The spirit raises its head, straightening the segmented joints of its legs to elevate itself as tall as possible. " King was simply a metaphor, " Monocyte says excitedly, " though  my  Lord would be the spirit of this hospital itself, Saint Lucian. " The spirit dances in place, the tips of its legs clicking against the floor again. It adds, " I would be happy to make an introduction, though My Lord is always busy. And of course, I still have a duty to your friend Joanna! "
Daishain
  "Yes of course, I merely meant to ask for directions, I do not wish to interfere in her trial. Where might the saint be found?"  
Bennosuke
" St. Lucian can be found in the colon of the hospital, " Monocyte says without any hesitance, " though as the building's heart, St. Lucian is very well guarded. " It adds this last part more as a threat, than as a warning, perhaps realizing that it shouldn't trust this pack of Uratha wholly. Monocyte adds, " If you are willing to wait, I will be happy to escort you there. As you might expect, the colon can be quiet a maze. "
Daishain
Bear blinks at the spirit.   "I suppose we could simply wait for your return, I did come here on other business."   He flexes his hands a bit, trying to hide his impatience about delaying a hunt that was right before him.
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " If you are willing to wait, I will be happy to escort you there. As you might expect, the colon can be quiet a maze. " 
 

 'Wait, the colon? Does that mean what I think it means?' 
Bennosuke
" I am but a humble spirit, " Monocyte says with another dramatic bow, " and will return quickly if you are willing to wait. " The spirit seems perplexed by Joanna's concern. But turning to her, the spirit says, " Shall we go then? "
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " I am but a humble spirit, " Monocyte says with another dramatic bow, " and will return quickly if you are willing to wait. " The spirit seems perplexed by Joanna's concern. But turning to her, the spirit says, " Shall we go then? " 
 

 'I guess that answers that.'  Joanna looks amused.  'Go on then Monocyte. Even if we're going through the colon.' 
Bennosuke
" Very well Uratha Joanna, " the spirit says with another flourish of its claws, " follow me. " Monocyte leads the way away from the group, but in the direction away from the elevator. About a hundred yards down the hall, Monocyte stops at a square aperture in the wall, about three feet in length and width. Above the orifice is a somber sign that reads "Med Tube", but looking into the hole, Joanna can see that the walls inside soft and moist and fleshy. " This way, " Monocyte says, as it grabs hold of the lip's entrance with its claws and begins to reach its segmented forelegs into the hole.

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

Once the two have left, Hawk turns to Bear and Blaze and says flatly with arms crossed, " So, are we just going to stand here and wait for them? "
Daishain
  "Wasn't planning on just waiting. I figure this Saint probably has the numbers to block off escape points for the roundup, which is why I wanted that chat, but right now I can go ahead and start sniffing out some of the pockets, maybe go ahead and stomp a few."   Bear looks at Hawk,   "I figured you have your own responsibilities with this initiation, and this isn't your obligation. But if you wanna have a little fun with this hunt I wouldn't mind running with you."  

Turning to Blaze he continues,   "For later, but I think we need to loop some moon spirits in for our campaign against the fish. Any ideas on what we'd need for that?"  
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " Very well Uratha Joanna, " the spirit says with another flourish of its claws, " follow me. " Monocyte leads the way away from the group, but in the direction away from the elevator. About a hundred yards down the hall, Monocyte stops at a square aperture in the wall, about three feet in length and width. Above the orifice is a somber sign that reads "Med Tube", but looking into the hole, Joanna can see that the walls inside soft and moist and fleshy. " This way, " Monocyte says, as it grabs hold of the lip's entrance with its claws and begins to reach its segmented forelegs into the hole.  
 

 'Wow, you were serious.'  Joanna can't help but notice whatever the orifice smelled like.  'There a stomach down there?'  She's fully prepared to follow Monocyte into the mysterious hole.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
   "Wasn't planning on just waiting. I figure this Saint probably has the numbers to block off escape points for the roundup, which is why I wanted that chat, but right now I can go ahead and start sniffing out some of the pockets, maybe go ahead and stomp a few."   Bear looks at Hawk,   "I figured you have your own responsibilities with this initiation, and this isn't your obligation. But if you wanna have a little fun with this hunt I wouldn't mind running with you."  

Turning to Blaze he continues,   "For later, but I think we need to loop some moon spirits in for our campaign against the fish. Any ideas on what we'd need for that?"   
 

 Blaze 
"Depends what we need them for but I'm sure we can wrangle some up.  Let's talk about it after this hospital thing is done," Blaze replied.
Bennosuke
The walls of the tunnel are flexible, but once she has climbed inside, they begin to push and constrict, and within moments Joanna finds herself sliding face first down the slimy tract. Following about ten seconds of falling Joanna finds herself pushing out of the tunnel, her body and clothes coated in mucous, hitting the ground on the floor below.

Monocyte is there next to her, the spirits camera looking at her with curiosity. " Here we are, " the spirit says, " the colon. " This is another hospital floor, similar to the ones Joanna has been on, similarly eerily abandoned, frozen in some impossible time. Monocyte adds, " I shall take you now to The Mother, " using a term similar to Mother Luna, a word in the first tongue that has no true gender but implies an avatar of fecundity. " Please be on your best behavior. If you have any questions about our etiquette, I suggest you ask it now. "

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

Hawk listens impatiently to the too. Arms still crossed, she asks, " So what now? "
Haval
Joanna will do her best to wipe some of the mucous off herself. When this was over maybe she could find somewhere where she could get a shower.

 'Etiquette, yeah that might be helpful. Is Mother how I should address her?'  Being as respectful as possible went without saying.  'Obviously you've spoken with her before. If I asked for her help what does she normally want in return?' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The walls of the tunnel are flexible, but once she has climbed inside, they begin to push and constrict, and within moments Joanna finds herself sliding face first down the slimy tract. Following about ten seconds of falling Joanna finds herself pushing out of the tunnel, her body and clothes coated in mucous, hitting the ground on the floor below.

Monocyte is there next to her, the spirits camera looking at her with curiosity. " Here we are, " the spirit says, " the colon. " This is another hospital floor, similar to the ones Joanna has been on, similarly eerily abandoned, frozen in some impossible time. Monocyte adds, " I shall take you now to The Mother, " using a term similar to Mother Luna, a word in the first tongue that has no true gender but implies an avatar of fecundity. " Please be on your best behavior. If you have any questions about our etiquette, I suggest you ask it now. "

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

Hawk listens impatiently to the too. Arms still crossed, she asks, " So what now? " 
 

"Now we clear out the Belishu in the next room," Blaze replied.  He glanced to Bear.
Daishain
Bear grins,   "There's a bunch of em so close? Yeah, that's definitely next. If its just the one room splitting up and hitting from at least two sides should sweep them nicely."   He looks to Hawk and Snow,   "I take it you two want in then? Care to handle the flank?"  
Bennosuke
Monocyte gives a quick bob of its head and then replies, " They're full name is The Mother of St. Lucian, and it is best that you call them that; at least at first. Otherwise, you should make sure to formerly introduce yourself once we get there, and a Gathra should be offered as part of any requests made. And remember that you are speaking to one of the oldest spirits of this hospital, and treat them with appropriate respect. "

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

Hawk and Snow both nod. Hawk is the first to speak though, " Sure. Looks like there's only one door in though, so not sure how we'll flank. Also, that spirit Monocyte mentioned that they likely have holes in the room that will allow them to escape through. " She pauses and adds with a strong degree of distaste, " And I imagine they've put enough holes in the Gauntlet that they might escape that way too. "
Haval
 'Got it. Maybe I ought to bow.'  What kind of gathra would a fertility spirit except.  'Let's go then. If you're ok with introducing me.' 
Daishain
  "If there's just the one door but rat holes in the walls, you could potentially station outside them in position to catch the fleeing ones. Let them think they're getting away only to pounce."  
Bennosuke
The spirit nods its camera head, and with one claw gestures, " Follow me then. " The two wander down the hall, stopping at a door framed by a pair of long windows that look into the room. Through the glass Joanna can see that the room is filled with rows of empty cribs. But the legs of the cribs seem to grow out of the ground, the trunks of small trees or bushes that instead grow into the bodies of the cribs. Standing outside of the door, Monocyte says, " The Mother is within. I hope you are not nervous. "

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

(OOC: I'm going to let TC reply here)
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
   "If there's just the one door but rat holes in the walls, you could potentially station outside them in position to catch the fleeing ones. Let them think they're getting away only to pounce."   
 

"That works," Blaze said. "If you're confident we can take them with just us."
Haval
Joanna thinks of Red Wolf.  'Well it wouldn't be the first one of these. Even today. Why? Should I be nervous?' 
Bennosuke
It's Snow who speaks up this time. The tall Uratha asks with a puppyish enthusiasm, " Should we go sniff out some of their exit holes then? I bet they could be everywhere. Maybe even some on other floors. "

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

" You  are  about to meet one of the most powerful spirits in this hospital, " Monocyte replies gravely, " and must make a good impression for your quest! I imagine bit of nerves might be...  reasonable.  " The spirit offers a shrug, then starts to reach for the door, opening to offer it for Joanna.
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " You  are  about to meet one of the most powerful spirits in this hospital, " Monocyte replies gravely, " and must make a good impression for your quest! I imagine bit of nerves might be...  reasonable.  " The spirit offers a shrug, then starts to reach for the door, opening to offer it for Joanna. 
 

 'Yeah. I guess it's part of the whole Uratha deal though isn't it. Let's go.'  She'll head through the door.
Bennosuke
Monocyte gives a curt bow, then pushes the door inward. Leading into the room, the spirit announces, " My fair Mother, I bring to you a potential ally, " speaking even before Joanna has begun to enter the room.

In the back of the room is a spirit in the form of a massive tree, its bow pressing against the ceiling. Strung across its branches like mardi gras beads are hospital lines and wires, many of which are tipped with needles which hang like decoration. The roots at the spirit's base, the thickness of a man's forearm, snake out to form the legs of the cribs that Joanna had seen through the window. The bark of the spirit knots and coils, creating a hundred different faces; one a chubby cheeked baby, another a scowling old man, a third a fair faced lady. The faces remain motionless as Joanna enters the room. The spirit does not move in any form of acknowledgement. The spirit's voice is soft and soothing, seeming to fill the room though coming from no clear direction. " Welcome Uratha, " the spirit says, " it has been a long time since I have been greeted by one of your kind. "
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 It's Snow who speaks up this time. The tall Uratha asks with a puppyish enthusiasm, " Should we go sniff out some of their exit holes then? I bet they could be everywhere. Maybe even some on other floors. "

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

" You  are  about to meet one of the most powerful spirits in this hospital, " Monocyte replies gravely, " and must make a good impression for your quest! I imagine bit of nerves might be...  reasonable.  " The spirit offers a shrug, then starts to reach for the door, opening to offer it for Joanna. 
 

 Blaze 

"Up to you, man, but we probably shouldn't leave this nest.  They might realize we were here and then relocate," Blaze replied.  "The two of us at least should head in.  You can come smash them with us or try to stop them from escaping.  Your call."
Haval
Joanna's glances quickly between the faces to make absolutely sure that they weren't moving, but outwardly will try to give the impression of calm.  'Good evening Mother of St. Lucian.'  Mindful of what Monocyte had said, she'll attempt to pull off a bow despite never having had much reason to bow to anyone else before.  'Then I must apologise for not coming to see you sooner. I hope the last Uratha you spoke to behaved themselves.' 
Daishain
Bear nods,   "Even just a few guarded escape routes can make a big diff. Lots of confusion as they double back and try to find another path."  
Bennosuke
Hawk shrugs, " Maybe it's best we wait for that healing spirit o get back then. I bet it has a better idea of where some of their escape routs lead... though maybe we can start looking till it gets back. " She shrugs again, frustration beginning to line her face.

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

The mother spirit remains quiet in reply to Joanna's question. After a long pause, the spirit says, " Good evening Uratha. What is it that I should call you? "
Haval
 'Mother, I am Joanna Sullivan and I've lately become a member of the Anchor Wolves pack of New Bedford.' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Hawk shrugs, " Maybe it's best we wait for that healing spirit o get back then. I bet it has a better idea of where some of their escape routs lead... though maybe we can start looking till it gets back. " She shrugs again, frustration beginning to line her face.

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

The mother spirit remains quiet in reply to Joanna's question. After a long pause, the spirit says, " Good evening Uratha. What is it that I should call you? " 
 

 Blaze 

"Why don't we give you guys five minutes.  If it sounds like they're runnin' though, we're goin' in," Blaze said.
Bennosuke
" The Anchor Wolves? " The mother spirit asks, its voice slow and flowing like a stream of water, but somehow bellying a piqued interest. The tree seems to bow forward, leaning towards Joanna. The expressions in the faces seem to shift and change. In the same steady voice the spirit adds, " I have heard the name of your pack whispered... whispered in fear by the scutting rat spirits. Your pack has made quiet an impact, Joanna o the Anchor Wolves. "

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

" Sure, " Snow says with the modest excitement of a dog given a trick it knows it can follow.

But Hawk seems less thrilled with the suggested task, " Yeah, I guess we can be back in 5 minutes. Not sure how much we'll accomplish, but we can go fetch. " Before anyone can reply, she barks to her companion, " Snow, why don't you check down that way, " she points in one direction down the hall, " and I'll go the other. "

" Sure, " Snow says again obediently.

(OOC: Gives Blaze and Bear a few seconds to chat in case they want to)
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " The Anchor Wolves? " The mother spirit asks, its voice slow and flowing like a stream of water, but somehow bellying a piqued interest. The tree seems to bow forward, leaning towards Joanna. The expressions in the faces seem to shift and change. In the same steady voice the spirit adds, " I have heard the name of your pack whispered... whispered in fear by the scutting rat spirits. Your pack has made quiet an impact, Joanna o the Anchor Wolves. " 
 

 'So I've heard. Though I wasn't there for all of that.'  Joanna is alert to the possibility that one or more of the faces might decide to settle on an expression and that the expression might be something she ought to be worried about seeing.  'The guys are helping Monocyte out with the rats right now. Seems like it's the least we can do.' 
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " The Anchor Wolves? " The mother spirit asks, its voice slow and flowing like a stream of water, but somehow bellying a piqued interest. The tree seems to bow forward, leaning towards Joanna. The expressions in the faces seem to shift and change. In the same steady voice the spirit adds, " I have heard the name of your pack whispered... whispered in fear by the scutting rat spirits. Your pack has made quiet an impact, Joanna o the Anchor Wolves. "

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

" Sure, " Snow says with the modest excitement of a dog given a trick it knows it can follow.

But Hawk seems less thrilled with the suggested task, " Yeah, I guess we can be back in 5 minutes. Not sure how much we'll accomplish, but we can go fetch. " Before anyone can reply, she barks to her companion, " Snow, why don't you check down that way, " she points in one direction down the hall, " and I'll go the other. "

" Sure, " Snow says again obediently.

(OOC: Gives Blaze and Bear a few seconds to chat in case they want to) 
 

"So... I wanna make a Talen to help us in the coming fights.  Any special requests?" Blaze asked.
Bennosuke
The towering spirit shaped like a tree remains motionless, but somehow Joanna gets the sense that it has shifted, nodding in understanding. " Yes, " Mother says, " The shartha are a blight on the hospital, and a threat to my kind. Is that why your pack has come; to continue your battle with the Beshilu? "

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

Snow lowers his head, practically bowing in deference to Bear. Hawk raises an eyebrow with dubious curiosity. " You have the time and stuff for that now? " she asks.
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The towering spirit shaped like a tree remains motionless, but somehow Joanna gets the sense that it has shifted, nodding in understanding. " Yes, " Mother says, " The shartha are a blight on the hospital, and a threat to my kind. Is that why your pack has come; to continue your battle with the Beshilu? "

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


Snow lowers his head, practically bowing in deference to Bear. Hawk raises an eyebrow with dubious curiosity. " You have the time and stuff for that now? " she asks. 
 

Blaze buried his annoyance; he'd been talking to Bear.

"Not like... _today_, but yeah, we're gonna need all the aces up our sleeve we can get," Blaze replied.
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 The towering spirit shaped like a tree remains motionless, but somehow Joanna gets the sense that it has shifted, nodding in understanding. " Yes, " Mother says, " The shartha are a blight on the hospital, and a threat to my kind. Is that why your pack has come; to continue your battle with the Beshilu? "  
 

 'I guess that's more of a hobby. I'd be happy to do more of that sort of thing once we deal with the Idigam, but I've got a personal reason for being here.'  Joanna takes a moment.  'Mother, I have a request to make of you and I will offer gathra in return.' 
Bennosuke
The spirit's voice remains soft, almost kind as it replies, " Very well. Speak then, Uratha Joanna. " Somehow a cool gust of wind catches Joanna's hair, the smell in the air a familiar scent of some kind of flower blossoms.

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

Hawk raises an eyebrow and says, " I'll be interested to hear more about this Idigam problem at some point. I always thought they were a myth, or at least fully extinct. "
Haval
 'Well then Mother, I've heard you're a spirit of fertility. Does that mean for humans only? I'm looking to change some things and I was wondering if you could help me out.' 
Daishain
Bear scratches at his beard,   "Still haven't seen the thing directly, but we've been dealing with its influence and several of the local advanced spirits are convinced of its nature, if its not actually an idigam, some other very powerful thing is doing a very good impression of one."

"Whatever it is seems to be restlessly asleep on the seafloor off the coast, some of the local humans have been roped into worshipping the thing, and slowly turning more fishlike along the way. We've been working on a plan to deal with the problem, but even just reaching the thing is going to be a bit of a challenge."   He shrugs,   "We'll find a way. Now lets focus on those rats, what did you have in mind with that Talen Blaze?"  
Bennosuke
" That is correct, " the spirit says, " I hold sway over and am affected by the ability of creatures to procreate. This is an affinity I have to all things across the gauntlet. " It pauses, and Joanna can feel the spirit studying her for a long moment. Then the spirit continues, " Though it is normally frowned upon by your kind for spirits to attempt to sway things on the other side. What is it you hope to ask of me? "

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

(OOC: Pausing to allow TC to reply)
Thundercracker
 
 Originally Posted by Daishain 
 Bear scratches at his beard,   "Still haven't seen the thing directly, but we've been dealing with its influence and several of the local advanced spirits are convinced of its nature, if its not actually an idigam, some other very powerful thing is doing a very good impression of one."

"Whatever it is seems to be restlessly asleep on the seafloor off the coast, some of the local humans have been roped into worshipping the thing, and slowly turning more fishlike along the way. We've been working on a plan to deal with the problem, but even just reaching the thing is going to be a bit of a challenge."   He shrugs,   "We'll find a way. Now lets focus on those rats, what did you have in mind with that Talen Blaze?"   
 

"Oh.  There are two spirits potentially that might make sense.  Pequod hasn't fulfilled his gathra to us... he promised to help take down that thing under the sea, so we could make him complete his end of the bargain by putting him in a baseball bat or iron claws or something you could use.  The other one is that anger spirit we met.  We'd deprive them of a critical ally and turn put it to use on our side.  Would be pretty gutsy, but if it worked, it'd be super demoralizing," Blaze said.
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 " That is correct, " the spirit says, " I hold sway over and am affected by the ability of creatures to procreate. This is an affinity I have to all things across the gauntlet. " It pauses, and Joanna can feel the spirit studying her for a long moment. Then the spirit continues, " Though it is normally frowned upon by your kind for spirits to attempt to sway things on the other side. What is it you hope to ask of me? " 
 

Joanna nodded,  'Well I can't speak to the being frowned on part.'  Hadn't Red Wolf approved this?  'Maybe its fine as long as everyone's getting something in return.'  She'll get to the point.  'I'm looking to encourage the prey animals on the other side to make more of themselves. Rabbits, deer, rats and birds even. I realise that might take a while but can you help me out?' 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 

I think I missed this one
 
Bennosuke
There is a sudden soft gust. Cool air brushes Joanna's hair, causing her clothes to ripple slightly. As the gust dies down, Mother replies, " Along with the privilege of being  allowed  to influence the Flesh, what would you be willing to offer in exchange for such a request? "
Haval
 'Well what would you like?'  Joanna answered.  'Given what I need this for I think I can manage everything short of me actually getting pregnant.'  
Bennosuke
The gust of air returns, this time blowing in the opposite direction before the spirit replies. " Build me a garden, " the Mother spirit says, " Plant me a garden or orchids and red poppies, and promise to protect it and nurture the flowers within. Plant it near this hospital and I shall be able to gather Essence from it. This would be a worthy Gathra. "
Haval
Joanna was relived that the spirit's request seemed manageable.  'Mother, I would be glad to help with that.'  Just as she worked out how to garden anyway.  'This will help make more animals won't it?'  She didn't know much about science but she remembered food chains.
Daishain
  "Pequod for sure. Can't let them get away with that stunt they pulled. We'll see about that anger spirit later. What about a fetish though rather than a talen? If we're going to invest in something like that I'd lean towards something that lasts."  

He glances over towards the other two,   "Decided on what you wanted to do?"  
Bennosuke
The impossible tree seems to shift, its bows arching with the softest creak, as it leans toward Joanna. As she studies the spirit, Joanna can see the leaves on its branches shift color. Though overall the flat veined fronts remain a verdant mélange of greens, some of the leaves shift to yellows and soft reds. The colors shift and shimmer across the spirit, never remaining the same for more than a few seconds. " Gardens are a natural source of fertility, " the Mother replies, " along with being a symbol of growth and life and rebirth. "

The spirit pauses for a long moment, and replies, " Then we are agreed. Once you build me a garden, I shall assist you. " This is of course, not what Joanna had meant! She needed the spirit to act tonight, so that she could prove her self to the pack and her potential new Tribe. Perhaps Joanna would have to push the spirit to act sooner, or offer more.

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

At Bear's question, Snow turns to his companion for a decision. Hawk looks slightly irritated, but with a shrug replies, " Fine, we'll go fetch. " She nods to Snow, and the two split, moving down the hall in opposite directions as they previously discussed, leaving Bear and Blaze a few moments to talk among themselves.
Haval
 'And what would I need to offer to fufill the deal sooner then that?'  Was offering Gathra on credit even a thing? Joanna was at a loss on how to respond.  'Mother, there's another spirit who would like me to finish this arrangement tonight. Maybe his good opinion is worth enough to get your help sooner? But if not perhaps there's something important I can help you with this evening?' 
Bennosuke
" I have been around long enough to know I should trust the word of an Uratha, " the Mother spirit replies, leaves suddenly rustling, creating an almost buzz that fills the nursery room, " but normally the one offering the Gathra completes their end of the bargain first. If you want me to help you Joanna, before you've made the garden, then you will have to make me a better offer. "
Thundercracker
“Alright, ready to do this?” Blaze asked.