Haval
 Prologue 

Michael is at home and the creature was paying attention to him again. It was not there now and he couldn't always see it, but he could usually feel it's presence anyway. Perhaps it was still there even while he slept? It's attention felt like Michael was standing too close to a bonfire. There was heat and a faint smell of smoke that was somehow comparable to the one time he had seen one of the giant July 11th bonfires up close. Like he was standing too close to a building that had caught fire. Somehow it wasn't unpleasant. It was certainly better then seeing what it looked like up close.

If the creature was able to talk it wasn't saying anything to Michael, but he knew it was angry somehow. There was a constant feeling in the back of his head that he could tell wasn't coming from him. How was that even possible? But nothing had been normal since he had used the gun and somehow found himself in that other place. Michael was pretty sure that that was where they had met. Michael had been part of a crowd travelling in one direction and the creature stood in their way, watching them pass. It was a blackened corpse verging on the skeletal and wearing the burnt remains of it's clothing and a melted leather coat. Smoke and smouldering embers continued to emit from the creature even as it stood there. Everyone around him had recoiled at the sight of the creature, but only to move around it and keep heading further in. There had been nowhere else for them to go. Michael would perhaps have done the same if not for the creature extending a charred arm to block his way. Somehow the creature had afterwards brought him back here.

Ever since then it felt like was trying to show Michael something. He could feel it's anger flare with every attempt, but at first there had only been the sense of heat. Increasingly though, there were flashes of things that were definately not happining in Michael's house. People arguing. The sound of a television. Sunlight, even at night. At one point a terrible pain in his chest that had vanished as soon as it arrived. But now had come a single flash that managed to tie everything together.

Michael finds himself elsewhere. This was his home. Michael has never been here before but the place is somehow familar anyway. He's sprawled across a sofa on one side of a cramped and messy looking living room. Across from him is a window through which the house's outside heating oil tanker is visiable. The doorway next to it leads to a dirty looking kitchen. An old fashioned tv sits in the corner of the room. What looks like a British soap is playing. You've never taken an interest but you've watched them with Lisa occasionally who sees them as a bad habit she can't quite break. There's an argument coming from the hallway between two men. There's a stabbing pain coming from Michael's chest. If he looks down he can see that his chest is a mess of blood. A knife is sticking out of his stomach.
Bennosuke
The heated presence of the Geist and the smell had become more familiar since their bargain, but Michael was still getting used to his new companion. Curious yet about its nature, he ignores the familiar unreality of his surroundings and simply extends his right hand out, feeling for the heat. Like following a dousing rod, he moves his hand from side to side, seeing if the dry rippling heat changed as he moved, as if he could find the source even if he could not see the figure.

The exercises is cut short by the sudden pain. Michael's hands go suddenly to the wound, his eyes going wide, and his mouth opening ready to scream. There is the moment of uncertainty, to grip the knife and pull it out or not? Instead, Michael forces his hands around the wound, trying to keep pressure, trying to keep in his blood and innards and not yet having the wherewithal to question just what has happened, or how!
Haval
The blood is warm on Michael's hands but applying pressure seems to help reduce the flow. The knife itself has a wide blade with a yellow plastic handle. It's the sort of knife you might expect to find in any kitchen and for all he knows it came from the one in this very house. Now you look there are obvious signs of a struggle in this room. The coffee table in front of him has been broken and a stack of magazines are strewn all over the carpet. Among them is a broken plate and the remnants of someone's dinner.

The two men from the hallway walk into the living room still talking. Both wear green uniforms and green peaked caps. One of them carries an assault rifle hanging from a strap on his shoulder. They look like members of the police, albeit the police as they used to look. Most of the local police that Michael has seen in Belfast wear less military looking uniforms and don't tend to be as well armed as this pair but Michael has heard the stories. The local police used to carry those guns around in public.

The older and larger of the pair goes into the kitchen while the younger comes over to Michael to look him over. The younger man addresses the older,  'Look, I'm not saying he didn't do something to deserve it but did you have to do it when I'm here?'  The younger man looks disgusted at the sight of Michael's injuries but isn't apparently willing to provide medical assistance. He mostly seems irritated at having to deal with this at all. As the man leans over Michael can see the nametag he's wearing, which names him as 'J. Weir.' The younger man continues,  'The good thing is that he doesn't look like he's going anywhere, but you know someone's going to find the body eventually. He must have junkie friends somewhere?'  The man's face is familar to Michael. He's a little older and broader, but other then the moustache and the Belfast accent, the man looks a lot like the kid who took the job that should have been yours. If this isn't somehow Simon Smith he's surely a close relation.

The older man comes back into the living room with a mostly full bottle of vodka in one hand. This man wears no nametag.  'You're bloody right he deserved it Jimmy.'  At the sight of him there's a brief flare of rage from the Geist that is beyond anything that Michael has felt before.  'Shooting himself up with **** like that.'  There are flecks of blood on the man's uniform.  'You think anyone's going to miss him?'  There's a slight smile on the older man's face.
Bennosuke
At first Michael is frozen by the fear and confusion.  How did the two not see him there bleeding out? How did this Jimmy Weir look just like Simon? Why were they dressed like this?  But confusion gives way quickly to acceptance. Michael had many flaws, but if there was one damn thing that was true, he was a survivor. Biting down on his fear and confusion, Michael focuses his mind and exhales... maybe this was a memory, or maybe Michael had somehow become a ghost. Staring this Jimmy in the face, he waves his hands and says, " Can you hear me? Can you see me? " If he gets no reaction, he will try to touch the man and see what happens.
Haval
Michael hears himself say the words, but he also hears the groan of pain coming from somewhere else, as if the noise was happening at the same time. If the two men hear the words they don't seem to react to them. Michael does feel himself reach to touch Weir on the arm but the man bats the hand away with an expression of distaste on his face.  'Still awake are you? Sorry about that. From the looks of you it won't be long.'  He sounds a little more sympathetic now, but evidently not enough to do anything about this situation.

In the background the second man has started to sprinkle vodka on the curtains and the other armchairs in the room. The first man addresses you,  'I'd say you'll bleed out before, which is a mercy really. If I were you I'd try to lie back and try to sleep.' 
Bennosuke
Michael grits his teeth. ' Well that answers that, ' he thinks, and does the best he can to steady his anxiety, ' Alright, they can't really see or hear me, but they can feel me a little. " Next step was to figure out if this was someone's memory, or a vision or what! Michael crosses the room, and turns to see if the men's eyes follow him, or if they remain on someone else's corpse, or what?

Who did this older guy kill?
Haval
Michael finds himself unable to even get off the sofa. It's not even as if the pain of the knife wound prevents him from rising, it's as if his body simply doesn't respond. You do hear a pained voice issuing threats coming from ...somewhere.  'Not...get away...with this ...I'll kill you.'  The younger man will respond to the place where Michael is sitting.  'Bit late for that isn't it. You should have just let him have it when he wanted it.'  Evidently he's not able to take the threats seriously.

In the back of his mind Michael can feel the Geist's anger increasing at the actions of the two men. The younger one will lean over and check Michael's pockets before removing a tattered leather wallet and pulling out a handful of notes. Michael has lived in the UK for long enough to recognise that this is not money that's currently still in use. In the background the older man will finish emptying the vodka over the curtains and armchair before pulling out a box of matches. He will light one and toss it towards the spilt alcohol. The armchair will catch alight.
Bennosuke
Michael silently cursed; not that he had to, these guys couldn't hear him. Well even if he couldn't use his body to effect things, he still had other tricks up his sleeve. Time deal that Michael had made with The Burned Man had left him with a handful of... rather unique powers. Though he was still exploring the limit of just what he could do, Michael knew he might be able to use the power of Memoria to learn more about the memory he was experiencing.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Spending 2 Essence and will spend a WP to add to the dice pool. Synergy + Memoria + WP = 5d10  (5d10)[ 3 ][ 5 ][ 10 ][ 4 ][ 7 ](29)  and ten again  (5d10)[ 10 ][ 3 ][ 6 ][ 9 ][ 4 ](32) 
 
Haval
As Michael manages to flex mental muscles he barely understood how to use he can feel the Geist's sudden suprise at his success. In front of Michael the younger policeman who has just robbed the apparent owner of the house will get up to leave as the living room catches fire. The older man will approach Michael and suddently the room ripples as if a stone was dropped into a pond. Suddenly Michael is elsewhere.

Now he is not dealing with the memory of someone who has been stabbed it is perhaps easier to recognise the sensation of being a passenger in someone else's body. Michael is sitting at the corner table of a crowded pub. There is a lit cigarette in one hand and a pint of beer and an ashtray in front of you. He is not the only one smoking, which is unusual as indoor smoking was banned before he moved here. This is not a pub that Michael recognises, but from the decor and the patrons it's recognisably what you've heard derisivly called an 'old man pub' by some people.

Across from Michael sits the older policeman, although here he's out of uniform. The man is not drinking. In front of him is an envelope filled with paper notes. The man will slide it across the table.  'That's just a downpayment. The guy at Queens reckons you could get a lot more for it if you put it up for auction. I'll make the introductions. All I ask is you give me a cut. It'll be the least you can do for the work I'll be putting in.'  The man is smiling as he talks but it doesn't feel particularly authentic.  'I know it's got sentimental value to you but times are hard right now and I know you need the money.'  Michael can feel himself taking a drag on the cigarette before a response comes.  'But what's money without me health. Mum always said it brought her good luck and look how long she lived.'  The policeman's smile vanishes,  'Never thought you'd be this superstitious.' 
Bennosuke
Michael grimaced, as if he had any corporeal face to grimace with. This wasn't the answers he was looking for, just more questions.  Was this the events that led to the stabbing and arson? Who was this other person? Where was he? 

If he can, he will reach out and try to see what is in the envelope.

(OOC: Would "Queens" mean anything to Michael? Is this something I should roll for?)
Haval
Michael can feel himself reach out towards the envelope but for all he knows he is of one mind with the person he's currently occupied. The envelope contains a small pile of £20 notes. Perhaps £300 pounds or so although it looks like an old fashioned design that Michael hasn't seen before.

The policeman at the table, who would at some point stab a man and set fire to his living room while the man is still inside it, will put his hand over the envelope full of money and slide it back towards himself.  'Think about it. But the offer won't be there forever will it.'  The man is smiling again, but he's obviously angry about this arrangement being refused.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Queens would be Queen's University of Belfast, which is the larger of the two universities in the city. I don't think we established whether Michael actually studied there but he would know of it regardless. I was going to say that Lisa studied there.

 
Bennosuke
Bolstered by the momentary "control", Michael will make further attempts to manipulate the body he is in to attempt to identify "who he is" right now. If this attempt is in vain, he will simply wait and watch passively.

(OOC: Sorry, not sure what else to do here)
Haval
Michael has the sense that he is a passenger here who can only act as far as he's in agreement with the bodies owner but that doesn't mean he can't take anything in. Behind the table where he's sitting he can see the crowd around the bar as people make their orders. The crowd shifts as people take their drinks to their tables and the tall figure of the Burned Man is revealed. Somehow the pub patrons move around the blackened skeleton without reacting to it. The Burned Man only stands there watching Michael. Behind the bar an old fashioned chunky tv seems to be playing a BBC news report. As Michael watches the news cuts to footage from the the UK parliament where a vaguely familiar woman is speaking on the governement benches. Perhaps Michael isn't that familar with British politics but he's aware that the woman on screen hasn't been Prime Minister for over thirty years.

Even as Michael registers the tv his vision ripples again and he's back in the house. The curtains and the sofa are burning steadily as the fire spreads and the room is starting to fill with smoke. The younger policeman isn't in sight and the older is standing over Michael. He'll reach down and yank a silver coloured crucifix from around Michael's neck, even as Michael feels himself weakly try to push the man away.  'Should have just done this in the first place'  the man mutters to himself. The man will pocket the crucifix before leaning down to retrieve his knife. The sense of pain in Michael's stomach is even worse as the knife is suddenly removed from the wound. The man will follow his colleage out of the room. Across the room in the kitchen Michael can see the Burned Man watching all this happen. It's impossible to make out an expression on that ruin of a face but Michael can feel the anger towards the man clearly through their bargain.

In the face of the rapidly spreading fire the body that Michael inhabits will try to weakly get up and head towards the hallway and can only slump to the ground on the floor of the living room. Michael is obliged to stay there for a while long as the fire spreads, but it does not take long. There is a sense of heat and pain, but long before that there is a struggle to breathe in the face of the smoke. Finally everything goes black.

And Michael wakes up and he is himself again. He's in his own living room. There is no fire and smoke. There is no knife wound in his stomach. Any disorientating sense of not having control over himself has gone. The doorbell is ringing.
Bennosuke
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Thatcher? If it's okay, I'm going to make a roll to see if Michael would recognize her. I'm going to roll Int + Politics though Academics would give the same dice pool  (4d10)[ 6 ][ 3 ][ 2 ][ 8 ](19)  and 10 again  (4d10)[ 4 ][ 4 ][ 7 ][ 4 ](19) 
 


When The Burned Man appears, everything crumbles into place. These were somehow the Geist's memories... or memories connected to it. The apartment that had gone up in flame had been that of the Burned Man! He had seen through the thing's eyes before it had died. That officer had killed him.

Swallowing this all, Michael locks eyes with his Geist, staring into its round white eyes enshrined in charred skin. He tries somehow to communicate his understanding, despite his imprisonment within this memory.

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

Awaking from the vision, Michael is left with a terrible pain in his gut, a gnawing emptiness. He stumbles from the couch; a beat up and dirty grey thing he had picked up from a sketchy dude of Craig's List. The doorbell? ****! " Just a minute, " he calls, moving from the mostly empty living room to the even smaller and emptier kitchen to grab his one mug and fill it with some water from the sink. His throat was so dry, it hurts to drink the room temperature water.

The bell still ringing he calls, " Coming! Coming! " before stepping back into the living room, then into the entrance hallway. At the door, he checks the view finder. Michael didn't live in the best of areas, and he'd realized very quickly that you don't just open the door for anyone.
Haval
Margaret Thatcher had left politics before Michael was born and died before he moved to the UK but she had been Prime Minister for long enough for Michael to recognise her on the pub tv on sight.

It's impossible to make out an expression on the Geist's face but Michael can see it make what looks like a nod before the vision fades away. The sense of anger still lingers, but it's tinged with satisfaction for the first time since Michael encountered it.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

1 success. Thatcher was prime minister for 11 years so it doesn't entirely narrow it down. Wanted to be clear.
 


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

There is a policewoman standing outside Michael's frontdoor. The woman is wearing the green uniform of the PSNI which is decidely less formal looking then the uniform that the two men in his vision were wearing. She's holding a notebook in one hand and doesn't look especially hurried. Michael might remember that he used a gun on himself only a few nights ago. Perhaps he's cleaned up any mess he made in the process since that happened?
Bennosuke
Michael grits his teeth and puts on his best smile at the sight of the officer. The apartment was a mess, but that wasn't anything new. He had done his best to clean the blood stains out of the couch... it had not gone well. So he had thrown a black bath towel over the stain. Maybe he'd have to get another couch.

Adrenaline bringing Michael back to reality quickly, he says, " Uh, can I help you? "
Haval
 'Good morning.'  The woman will briefly make a tick on her notebook before launching into a statement that she's obviously rehersed and had to repeat multiple times already.  'We've had reports of a disturbance on Thursday night. There's no evidence as yet that anyone was harmed by it but we're still taking it seriously enough to want to canvass the area.'  If Michael looks outside he can see a police car parked at the end of the road between the cars owned by the local residents. He can also see another policewoman talking to an elderly man in his doorway on the other side of the street.

 'May I ask if you were here on Thursday night at around 9?'  This had been the time that Michael had finally decided to use the gun.  'And if you were here, did you hear anything unusual?'  Michael might note that the woman is being vague about the details of what sort of disturbance she's investigating.
Bennosuke
Michael is not sure if recognition has registered on his face, so thinking quickly, he decides to go with it. " Oh, yeah, " he says nodding his head, " the big bang? Is that what you're here about? I heard it! "  Not a lie at least.  Raising an inquisitive eyebrow he asks, " Have you figured out what that was about? "
Haval
The policewoman nods,  'That's the one. For all we know it was just a car back firing, but there were more calls then we'd normally get for that and we're taking it seriously.'  She'll make a note of something on her pad.

 'I'm sure you're aware of the incident on Boucher Road last month. We'd like to stay on top of things like that if we can.'  Boucher Road was a commercial area not far from Michael's house. According to the local news a man had been shot to death for underclear reasons.  'May I ask how long you've been living here Mr....?'  She'll pause to give Michael the opportunity to give his name.
Bennosuke
" Kavanagh... Michael Kavanagh " he replies quickly, unsure of whether or not to offer a hand to shake. Answering her question Michael says, " It was a shooting, right? Not sure I know much more than that. Belfast? I've been in since University, so a little over seven. But I've only been at this flat for maybe a little under two years. " He watches the officer's face closely, trying to read how much trouble he might be in.

 
 Spoiler: Worth a roll? 
In case Michael is able to assess how much trouble he might be in. I figure composure + empathy? If you think wits would be better, pull a dice from the 10 again because he'd have an extra dice to his pool

 (4d10)[ 6 ][ 5 ][ 10 ][ 3 ](24)  and 10 again
 (4d10)[ 5 ][ 6 ][ 2 ][ 10 ](23) 
 
Haval
The policewoman will make a note after Michael gives his name.  'Well maybe you're used to it Mr Kavanagh. Coming from America and all.'  If the woman was suspicious or aware of the gun that's still in Michael's house he would expect her to have done something about it already. She just seems curious.  'The Village is better then it used to be, but I'm sure you're aware that this neighborhood can be rough even on normal occasions. Let me give you my card just in case. It's the non-emergency number if anything ever comes up that you feel like passing on.'  The woman will pass on a card naming her as something called a community support officer.

 
 Spoiler 

I'd say that roll works.

The Village is the name of the area where Michael's living. I don't think it's come up yet.
 
Bennosuke
" Oh, thanks, " he says, maybe unable to keep all of the surprise out of his voice as he accepts the card from the officer, " Yeah, I'm not gonna pretend I've always felt perfectly safe, but ya know, what are you gonna do. " He chuckles and tries to give the officer a grin, before adding, " Much appreciated. Uh, is there anything else I can help with? "
Haval
 'Not today. I need to finish canvassing your neighbors. Thank you for talking to me.'  The policewoman will leave Michael alone and leave to visit the next house. Michael doesn't neccessarily know any of his neighbors that well, but there are enough parked cars out on the road to suggest that some people are at home even in the middle of the day. In this part of town there is an equal chance of student tennants or a few people who still seem to be working from home even as Covid is tapering off.

 
 Spoiler 

Roll something for Perception

Sorry for the delay. I had to work out what I'm doing. And various RL things are getting to me. Next few updates ought to be a lot quicker.
 
Bennosuke
Michael closes the door quietly, only allowing himself a sigh of relief once he's certain the officer is well down the hallway. Suddenly, he has the urge to light up a cigarette. He wasn't really a smoker, though he'd have one at a bar if a friend offered; it just seemed like he deserved to blow off some steam. Fortunately, Michael didn't keep cigarettes, so there was no opportunity to indulge the sudden destructive impulse.

 
 Spoiler: OOC: Rolls 
Perception:  (5d10)[ 8 ][ 6 ][ 4 ][ 7 ][ 8 ](33)  and 10 again  (5d10)[ 2 ][ 4 ][ 9 ][ 5 ][ 2 ](22)  .

And absolutely no worries. The last couple of weeks have been personally very very hard on me. Hope things get better on your end soon!
 
Haval
Sean would have had cigarettes. He had been smoking when he gave Michael the gun. He also had the weed that he carried with him in an old tobacco box. Maybe that would help. Come to think of it, how destructive an impulse was it anyway when Michael had already died once?

Most of the downstairs windows in Michael's house were usually set up so that random passerbys couldn't see whatever Michael might be doing. The living room, that otherwise had a bay window that offered a view of the street outside, usually had blinds that were closed to give Michael some privacy. If they hadn't been closed there was every chance that someone would have seen Michael's body before Lisa found it. In the other direction the living room extends into a dining room towards the back of the house. The uncovered window there offers a view of the tiny back garden (which is really only a grassy space where the bins are kept). The garden, such as it is, is surrounded by an old wooden fence that separates it from the weed infested alleyway out the back, and the alleyway seperates Michael's row of houses from the back gardens of the houses in the adjoining street.

Michael's house is close enough to this other row of houses that he can catch glimpses of some of the inhabitants going about their business, but the house directly behind his own is a derelict. Houses like this are part of why Michael doesn't live in a good neighborhood. Instead of being a house that is empty because a landlord is refurbishing it, this house seems to have been abandoned. The garden seems to be more overgrown then the alleyway, and there are sheets of plywood over the doors and downstairs windows. When Michael had had reason to go past the front of the house it seems to be boarded up in the same way, and locals had taken advantage of the space by covering the plywood in posters advertising various political causes or music venues in the city centre. From Michael's living room, the upstairs part of the house looks even worse. The windows are missing altogether and the house has been left open to the elements. There's obviously no lights in the house but at the right time of day it's possible to catch a glimpse of rotting wallpaper and broken furniture.

Michael has never seen anyone in the abandoned house since he's been living here but there's someone in there now. At the missing upstairs window is an elderly woman in white. Is that a nightie she's wearing? The woman isn't doing anything except standing in front of the space where the window would normally be. She is watching your house.
Bennosuke
Michael watches carefully for a long moment, trying to assure himself that the woman was really staring down at him, and that his eyes were not playing tricks on him. He scowls to himself,  more weirdness . Michael deliberately walks up to the window, staring back up at the old woman, making eye contact if he can to see what she does. If she does not react in any meaningful wave, he'll make a point to raise his eyebrows and give her a buffoonish grin, before giving an exaggerated wave.

(OOC: From quickly reviewing the rules, specifically Sin Eater Abilities/Physical Medium 96-97, it is my impression that Michael should be able to innately tell if this is a ghost or not, but let me know if some sort of roll is needed to tell the difference)
Haval
The woman reacts to Michael's wave as if startled. She will move back a little from the empty window frame and will slowly return the wave. In the back of your head you can feel the Burned Man who seems amused.

The woman in the other house will briefly hold up one hand in a gesture of 'Wait' before turning away from the window frame. All of a sudden she's not there anymore. It's dark in the other house but it's not that dark. The woman is simply gone.


 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Yeah he would know. Couldn't see any guidance on the specifics of how that would work so its going to have to be contextual stuff
 
Bennosuke
" Well that isn't reassuring, " Michael thinks... creeped out by the entire interaction. Feeling the Geist's presence, Michael tries his best cocky smirk and says to the air, " What's so funny about that. You got something to say? " He knew that The Burning Man didn't really talk to him. He wondered if the woman was coming over, or if he should just sit there watching the window.

Thinking better of it, Michael will try to cross his apartment while keeping his eyes on the window, so that he can lock the door. Then he'll make his way back to make sure he has a good view of the window across the way.
Haval
The Burned Man of course doesn't reply. He seems attentive but not especially worried about Michael's 'neighbour'. The back door to Michael's house can be locked easily enough, but it's a cheap door made of not especially sturdy looking plastic. It is possible that Michael himself could kick it open with enough force if he had reason. What a ghost might be capable of was unclear.

When Michael returns to the window there is a wet patch on the part of the fence that faces the other house. As Michael watches strands of viscuous white fluid start to ooze through a few of the gaps. Other strands begin to extend themselves from the ground and flow towards each other. The white liquid begins to expand and grow, eventually filling out into the figure of the old woman that Michael had seen in the other house. Initially there is only the shape alone, as if she was a statue made out of the white substance, but colour and detail are finally added as well.

The woman moves hesitently at first. Perhaps it was difficult to move when your body wasn't initially wasn't all there, but eventually she seems to have finished. She looks surprisingly normal, albeit underdressed for the middle of the day, and has even manifested a robe around herself. Unlike the Geist there is no obvious indication of how she died.

The woman will wave to Michael from his back garden and will beckon him to come out
Bennosuke
Michael watches the apparition with something like terrified wonder (OOC: awesome description). When she waves him onward, Michael eyes the Geist and says, " What do you think, " feeling more like he was talking to himself. Knowing the Geist wouldn't (couldn't) reply, Michael sighs and lets himself out back, making sure to lock his apartment up on the way out.

Michael checks his surroundings as he makes his way to the ghost. Probably wouldn't do to be seen talking to no one in public. Assuming their privacy was assured, Michael will stop several arm-lengths away from the ghost, and with another sigh says, " Can I help you? "
Haval
Michael gets a sense that the Geist is attentive without seeming especially worried about the new arrival. What sort of thing might a ghost be worried about anyway?

The woman stands by the back fence with her arms crossed and will nod in satisfaction as Michael comes outside. She doesn't look especially threatening. More sad. Most of the fences in the neighbouring houses are tall, overgrown hedges, so it's unclear if there's anyone else about. People have been known to use the alleyway between the two houses to walk their dogs but in the middle of the day it's usually quiet.

The woman speaks with a Dublin accent, which isn't uncommon in Belfast.  'You're still alive I see. Or as much as alive means for someone like you. I am glad to see it.'  She'll point at Michael.  'I saw you use the gun you know. I'd say you owe the one that's living in your head some gratitude for bringing you back.' 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Thanks. Was this close to referencing Terminator 2 but better to write it out.
 
Bennosuke
Michael smiles, trying to hide his slight discomfort at the comment, and at talking  to a phantom out in the open like this. “ Thanks, ” he says, “ it sounds like you’ve observed a lot. Uh, I’m Michael, by the way. ” For a moment he considers offering a hand to shake, then thinks better if it.
Haval
The woman looks amused.  'I'm Mary. Watching other people is most of what I get to do these days. Leaving the house is ...difficult.'  She will take a small step forward and something about her body seems to ripple for a moment before she steps back.  'It gets worse the further away I go. I learnt that the hard way. One of your lot told me it's something to do with the place I died.' 
Bennosuke
Michael can't manage to hide the surprise on his face when the ghost Mary mentions "his lot". He hastily says, " Nice to meet you Mary. I'm... I'm sorry, that can't be easy. " He lets the statement hang for just long enough before saying, " One of my lot? You mean... there are others? I haven't met anyone else  like me . How many have you seen? " The statement was true, and Michael's voice was filled with a palpable excitement.
Haval
Mary looks serious for a moment.  'Oh it's a lot better then the alternative. Perhaps you've already seen it?'  Michael might remember the details of where he was when he met the Geist.  'Still, the old lady next door tends to leave her TV on so I can still keep in touch with the world.' 

On the second point,  'You didn't think you were the only one did you? Sometimes the people who should have died get to come back. I'm not exactly in touch with most of them but Malcolm over at the University comes over for a chat sometimes. He told me the basics.' 
Bennosuke
Michael nods his head, trying to maintain a cool face and not betray his excitement over finding out about another Sin Eater. " Malcom? At the University? Any chance you could tell me what he looks like or how I might find him, " he asks, trying to keep the pitch of his voice from rising.

(OOC: Should Michael read into the fact that Mary doesn't want to move on? My impression was most still present ghosts are there because they have something unresolved, anchoring them to reality...)
Haval
 'Malcolm's an older English fella. Think he said he was a History Professor or something of that sort so he shouldn't be that hard to find. Haven't had reason to go to the campus since the eighties so I can't exactly give you directions. I assume it's changed a fair bit.'  Michael has been to the campus so shouldn't have that much trouble finding the university history department. Most of the smaller departments were close to the main building.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 
You're welcome to ask
 
Bennosuke
Michael nods his head, trying still to maintain an easy smile as he works to imprint everything this ghost was saying to him. " Well thank you, " he replies once Mary was finished, " I... uh, I think I will try to introduce myself to him. " He pauses for a moment, debating with himself on how to best broach the subject. After a moment's thought Michael says, " Well, I appreciate you helping me. I don't mean to be nosing, but I've been told that many... uh, ghosts like yourself, often stick around for a reason. It's none of my business, but is there anything I can help you with? "

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Not sure if it would be helpful or wanted here, but will roll Composure/Empathy at 4d10  (4d10)[ 6 ][ 7 ][ 5 ][ 10 ](28)  and 10 again  (6d10)[ 4 ][ 6 ][ 5 ][ 3 ][ 7 ][ 7 ](32)  Don't know how you want to use doors here, but Michael also has Reconciler **, which may come into play here.
 
Haval
Mary looks pained for a moment but still answers. Michael has the sense that she doesn't get the chance to talk to many people.  'Malcolm said the same. But I think it's a little easy for someone to say that when they don't have to go down there themselves.'  Mary points towards the ground and Michael can feel the Geist agreeing with that sentiment. Michael might remember where he was when he met the Geist.  'I know enough to know that it's not like the Priests made out but so far no one seems to know what happens afterwards.'  She'll gesture towards the house,  'And honestly it would be nice to get the house sorted. It doesn't seem right to leave it in such a state.' 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 
She doesn't really have a problem with talking to Michael so I think we won't worry about doors for the moment
 
Bennosuke
Michael shivers at the memory of his brief stint in the underworld and replies, " I... I understand what you mean. " he replies, though there is a hint of shame. To what extend Michael had been educated on "how things work" and what a Sin Eater was responsible for, he knew it was his job to help ghosts "move on". But Michael didn't have a mentor, he didn't have access to a resource of books or knowledge. He didn't blame Mary for her fear, and if he was going to be of any help to anyone (or anything), he was going to need to find those who did.

To her remark about the house, well, that was something he  could  help with! " Is there anything I can help you with... you know, with the house? I know it's not easy for you to, well, get things done. Assuming I wouldn't get in any trouble, I would be happy to help out. "
Haval
 'Not unless you know any builders.'  Mary's house isn't actually falling down but is otherwise a mess.  'Or if you have a spare tv in there. I can just about get the thing working myself if I have something to practice with. Other then that, finding out why the house is still sitting empty seems a lot to ask of anyone.' 
Bennosuke
Michael shrugs and replies, " Well, I can't say I can't say I know anyone, or have a TV. " He pretends to sigh, inwardly grinning. " But, other than if I happen to be able to help with either, I will definitely look into what's going on with your house. That's a promise. " For a moment, he awkwardly extends a hand as if the ghost could shake it.
Haval
 'Ah, the internet.'  Mary replied with a hesistant tone that suggested that she wasn't quite sure what the internet was.  'I suppose I'll manage. Thankyou Michael.'  Perhaps to Michael's surprise Mary will reach out and shake his hand. For a dead woman Mary's handshake is surprisingly normal, albeit somewhat cold. Assuming Michael looks surprised,  'It doesn't work as well with most people. But the way you are now is closer to being dead then most. You might want to keep an eye out. I've heard that some of the dead are confused about what they are now. Most people will never notice that the ghost was even there, but every ghost will know a sin eater when they see one.' 

On Mary's house,  'You might want to leave it till after you find Malcolm, but I believe there's a sign on my front door with the name of the company that seems to own my house at the moment. It ought to have gone to my brother's family even after we lost touch.' 
Bennosuke
" Thank you, " Michael says again, doing his best to hide his surprise. He gives Mary his most reassuring smile as he departs, saying, " I'll take a look at that sign now. "

And indeed, Michael does go around the house to take a look at the sign. He'll take a picture with his phone, hoping to record any phone number he can call or other specific contact information. Heading back to his garage, where his old beat up sedan is waiting, Michael will use his phone's search function to look up Professor Malcom in the History Department at the University.

(OOC: Let me know if you want some sort of roll here)
Haval
Mary nods,  'I'll be around. Come into the house if you need anything.'  The ghost will turn and walk back towards the ruin of her house. As she walks she starts to lose all definition and shape as she dissolves Into a mass of the same liquid tendrils that Michael had seen when she first arrived. Eventually even that has evaporated into the ground.

Michael goes round to the front of Mary's house. That requires him to go to the end of the row of terrace houses on his own road before passing onto the next road over. It looks much the same as a lot of the roads in this neighborhood. Featureless rows of cheap looking unadorned houses without any kind of garden or yard facing the road. A handful of houses on this road seem to be abandoned and boarded up. The front door of Mary's house is covered in posters for various political causes, but among them is a faded poster identifying the house as owned by Key One rental properties. An address and phone number is included for the benefit of any interested potential buyers. It is located on the upper Lisburn Road which is easily in walking distance, but is even closer to Lisa's house.

Once Michael is back in his car he has no trouble finding finding the Professor on the faculty list of the University website. In fact it includes a photo. Professor Malcolm Thompson is a white haired older man in glasses. According to the website his office should be just off the main campus.
Bennosuke
Michael will snap a photo of the Key One poster with his phone. The thought will occur to him about the "irony" in the name of the company's name, though Michael will move on from that quickly. On his way back to his car he will actually call Key One Rental Properties, even though (or perhaps because) Mary had told him to wait till he had met Malcom. If anyone picks up, Michael will put on his best tradesman voice and say, " Yes, hello. I am calling to inquire about a property. It's... " giving the address of Mary's home, " I would love to know more about it. "

At his car, Michael will decide to drive over. He had the address,  what was the worst thing that could happen; that the office would be closed ?
Haval
After a few moments someone at the rental company picks up.  'I think I know that one. It'll need a lot of work if you're interested in buying.'  There is the sound of typing as the man on the other end of the line looks up the address.  'Yeah, there's a pictures of what it looks like inside in the file. Usually when it's been left like that for this long it's because the owner is trying to hold out for more money.'  Michael has been in the UK for long enough to get a sense of how expensive house prices are at the moment.  'If you're interested I can put you in touch with the owner. Do you want to give me your details?' 
 

After the phonecall Michael drives over to Queen's University. It's still early afternoon and the traffic is still light before rush hour starts. Queens is likely to be familar to Michael as a landmark if nothing else. Lisa had attended the English department there during her degree and there are a number of bars and restaurants in walking distance of the main building. Michael is obliged to park in the Holylands neighborhood of student housing which is a busier and slightly better kept version of the area where Michael rents. There are people everywhere who look like they are travelling to or from classes.

The School of History building is in the middle of a terrace of red brick three story houses that run alongside the main building. Each house has a small garden in front of it and a plaque on the front door identifying the name of each of the schools. A bunch of students are sitting around outside the front of the History building smoking and talking. Inside the place is larger then it appears from the outside. A cramped corridor heads through into the adjoining buildings that have long sense been absorbed by the university. A staircase heads upwards as what looks like a seminar class is in the process of leaving one of their teacher's offices. Office doors are everywhere, but there is a reception area behind a glass panel just inside the main door and there is a list of the teacher's names and offices on the facing wall.
Bennosuke
Michael listens to the man from the rental company, suppressing a small smile. " Owner you say? Is that a family member of the woman who used to own it? I believe her name was Mary... " In response to the question he replies, " Yes please, I would appreciate being put in touch with them, " before adding, " Would it also be possible to set up a tour of the inside... assuming it requires as much work as you say? I assume that would be something I would set up with you rather than the owner. "

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

Michael was still wearing his grey hoodie and jeans, which hopefully helped him blend in enough with the students on campus. He did his best to navigate the campus without looking around too much, trying his best to remain apparently at ease. Once he is upstairs in the history department, he moves confidently to the reception desk. Michael puts on his best salesman smile and says to the receptionist, " I have an appointment with Professor Malcom XYZ " dropping in the professor's last name which he picked up from looking him up online, " sorry I'm a little late. "

(OOC: Rolling Presence + Subterfuge  (5d10)[ 5 ][ 7 ][ 2 ][ 3 ][ 10 ](27)  and 10 again  (5d10)[ 4 ][ 9 ][ 9 ][ 1 ][ 5 ](28) )
Haval
There is the sound of more typing,  'That's right, Mary Catty. Previously owned the place back in the early 90s. Way before my time. According to this there's no family on record. The house is currently owned by a holding company in the city centre. We only look after the site for them. You'd have to ask them why they haven't done anything with it. I can show you around inside if you want. Just let me know whenever's good for you.' 

*********

The woman in the reception area looks at Michael without any apparent suspicion.  'Professor Thompson's office is on the top floor. You can't miss it.'  She'll glance at something on the wall that Michael can't see.  'He should be on a free period at the moment. His last class only just finished.' 
 
 Spoiler 

Sorry for the delay. Long story.
 
Bennosuke
Michael does his best to mentally record the name Mary Catty. " Well I appreciate you sharing the holding company's name and contact with me anyways, " Michael says after the man gives him the information (assuming this happens as previously requested). To the offer on the tour, he replies, " Absolutely. Maybe we can set something up for tomorrow afternoon? I am busy today, and will likely have to do it after work tomorrow. " He lies primarily just so as not to sound too desperate, and to make sure he has time to take care of his current plans today.

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

" Perfect, thank you so much, " Michael replies to the receptionist without losing a beat. He turns to the stairwell or elevator and takes it to the top floor. Once at the top, Michael will look for a plaque indicating Professor Malcom Thompson's office, and will knock on the door. Speaking so that he can be heard from inside, he calls, " Professor Thompson, I'm sorry to bother you, but I was hoping to meet with you for a minute. "
Haval
The man on the phone gives the company name as Finch Ireland and passes on their address and phone number. He'll also offer to show Michael around the house at 2pm tomorrow if he's available.

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

On the way upstairs Michael is obliged to ease past groups of students that are heading for the main door after their seminars. Before Michael gets to that floor his Geist is already standing on the landing in front of Professor Thompson's office. It is watching the door attentively but will let Michael take the lead. None of the passing students seem to notice it standing there. A voice will respond to Michael's knock,  'Yes I suppose you'd better come in.'  Michael isn't an expert but there are plenty of English people in Belfast and the man sounds vaguely like a BBC annoucer.  'My friend made me aware of your friend as soon as you entered the building. I take it we need to have a chat?' 
Bennosuke
Michael pauses for a moment. Taking his time to register what the Professor was saying.  There was a certain excitement to what he was about to do, but at the same time, a certain dread. What was he about to learn? What would he say? What if the Professor hated him, or had some reason to judge him??? 

Michael pushes all these doubts out of his mind, putting on his best salesman smile. He pushes the door and walks into the room. " Well... uh, thank you for being willing to meet with me then, " he says as he enters the room, eager to offer a firm handshake to The Professor if it seemed "right". He'll add once the door is closed, " I'm Michael. I'm sorry to bother you. A, uh, friend told me you might know a bit about what I'm  going through.  "

With that, Michael will do his best to take in the Professor's office. Was it filled with obscure necromantic artifacts? Tombs of underworld knowledge?
Haval
There are a lot of books in Professor Thompson's office, but if any of them contain unusual knowledge it's not obvious from looking at them. Most of the free spaces around the office walls are filled with large bookcases and a pair of arm chairs. Some of the shelves are filled with modern looking softback copies of what looks like history and literature textbooks that are organised without any apparent system. Other shelves contain more carefully arranged older looking hardback books in archaic looking green covers that seem to be part of a series. A single bookcase close to the Professor's desk is filled with black stationary folders that appear to be organised in order of date. A large desk dominates one end of the room below a window that looks out onto the main building of the university. On the desk is an old looking desktop PC surrounded by more folders, stacks of paperwork and an electric kettle.

Professor Thompson himself is sitting on one of a group of folding chairs that are set up around a round table in the middle of the room that was obviously intended for student use. He appears to be typing something into an old Nokia phone as Michael enters. The Professor is a tall man with short grey hair, black glasses and a brown suit. He looks like the type of person that might be cast to play an academic in a movie. There is something...odd about the Professor even as Michael looks at him. Somehow the space around him seems to flicker like a candle flame.

After Michael speaks the Professor will put down his phone and get up to shake Michael's hand.  'Welcome. You're American aren't you? What can I do to help?'  He regards Michael with obvious curiousity before motioning for him to sit down.  'I don't know you to see but I don't know everyone and the Necropolitans always did like to recruit as widely as possible. But if you were with them surely someone would have told you to phone ahead. I don't usually bite but my friend has a tendency to be grumpy when he's been surprised.'  He'll watch Michael for a few moments to assess whether he seemed to understand what the Professor was talking about.  'Unless of course you're new.'  That will prompt him to get up and close the door. In the process Michael will notice that there is a a very pale man now sitting in one of the arm chairs on the other side of the room. The man is wearing a faded and old fashioned military uniform that might be reminiscent of the First World War. The second man will only watch Michael with an emotionless impression. The Professor will return to the table,  'Don't worry about him. He's mostly harmless unless you do something to deserve it. Now tell me, how long has it been since you died?' 
Bennosuke
Michael allows himself to gaze in wonder around the room. It never stopped to impress him how much more seriously academics were taken outside of America. No college professor would ever have this much space in an office stateside, and of course The Professor's collection of nick nacks and artifacts was impressive. Michael knows enough not to touch anything, and sits down when invited.

To the first question Michael will reply, " Yes. I'm from Boston actually, but I've been here almost ten years now. " He sighs once the Professor has finished allowing himself a moment to collect his thought and organize the thousands of questions he had for the man. Once ready, Michael will say, " Yes, I am um... newly deceased; if you can call it that. " He pauses for a moment to look down at his hands, reminding himself that he's still flesh and blood. " I don't even know what the Necropolitans are... if that's what you said. I'm still trying to figure this all out, and I think you're the first other Sin Eater, that's what we're called, right, uh that I've heard about, " Michael could feel the words just dribbling out of his mouth but felt like he couldn't help himself. " Anyways, this is the Burned Man, " he says, referring to his Geist, the charred smoking corpse that simply stood behind his chair, " and well, we could use any help we could get. " Michael stares at The Professor, earnest hope on his face.
Haval
The Professor's Geist stares at the Burned Man with a suspicious expression, while the Burned Man largely ignores his counterpart.

 'Boston? I went to a conference there once. I'd expect it would look a little different to you now if you were to go back there.'  The Professor doesn't elaborate on that but seems to register Michael's expression.  'I wouldn't worry too much about the implications. Technically I'm dead as well. It's surprisingly common if you move in the right circles. The important thing is that if you're lucky you get to carry on regardless. Just with a few more obligations. I suppose I should ask you if anyone knows about your death? I have known people like us who have come back after being already pronounced dead. It does tend to complicate things.' 

He will add,  'The Necropolitans are a...social club of the living and the dead. They like to make sure everyone gets to feel included whenever possible. Aside from the really anti-social, most Sin-Eaters tend to have krewes of like minded individuals to help each other out. It's nice to have others like us to rely on in an emergency, but the Necropolitans tend to throw the best parties and they will let most people in as long as you haven't upset anyone.' 
Bennosuke
" Oh cool, " Michael says almost quizzically, despite himself, quickly adding, " There's A LOT more of us? Wow. Uh, how many? Are there groups other than the Necropolitans than? " Michael's face turns flushed, and he adds, " Sorry for all the questions. "

To the Professor's pointed question, he shakes his head and replies hastily, " No, not really. I have one friend who suspects something... sort of, but I don't think she's out there declaring me arisen from the dead. " Michael pauses for a moment and then says almost apologetically, " It's... something I'll take care of though. "
Haval
The Professor takes the question seriously,  'Oh we're everywhere people are. Not everyone who dies comes back of course, and I don't think anyone could give you numbers, but there are enough of us that you can usually find help if you need it.' 

On the Necropolitans,  'The Necropolitans are only the largest group of us in the city. Liking a drink is often the main qualification for joining so they have by far the most members. But those of us here at the University have our own group and there are one or two other smaller krewes out there. I've heard there are those of us who were associated with one or another group of the Paramilitaries back during the Troubles. I can't say I have reason to speak with those sort of people but I wouldn't be surprised if some of them are still around.'  Michael was aware that the Troubles had been over in theory since the late 90s, but the remnants of it were everywhere. There was graffiti for the technically a terriorist group  UVF at the end of Michael's street.

On Lisa,  'So then this person saw you afterwards? I would say if you haven't seen anyone official over it already then you might get by. It's difficult to prove anything when you're up and walking around. You might want to decide how you want to approach her though.' 
Bennosuke
Michael listens intently to the Professor talk about the Necropolitans and the other smaller "Krewes", doing his best to try to hold onto the information which seems so precious to him. He nods his head and when the Professor is finished says with attempted ease, " I guess I should probably introduce myself at some point then, right? " He shrugs, and if no offer is made will proceed to ask, " Is there any chance you would... be willing to introduce me? "

He turns sheepish over the conversation regarding Lisa. Michael gives an embarrassed shrug and says, " Yeah, yeah. I... uh, have been meaning to get to that. I was actually thinking of touching base with her after seeing you, depending on how things went, of course. "

Michael will look over to the Burned Man, trying to get a sense for what the Geist was "thinking"... or feeling, or whatever.
Haval
 'I don't see why not,'  the Professor responded amiably.  'I believe there's a birthday party happening at the  John Hewitt  tomorrow evening.'  The John Hewitt was a bar in  the Cathedral Quarter district of the city centre.  'But there's usually some of them around most nights. You could almost pick a bar at random and you'll be likely to run into someone.'  He'll take an old looking phone out of his suit pocket.  'We might as well exchange numbers anyway. Just so you have someone to call in case you have any problems.'  

On Lisa,  'Well unfortunately I can't give you much advice on how to handle your friend, but I would recommend you avoid telling them about the rest of us. It's not really a hard and fast rule but most people see it as a lot to take in all at once.' 

While the two 'living' men had been talking, the Burned Man had been looking at the books in the Professor's office, although Michael had the sense that he had been listening attentively the whole time. There was also a sense of amusement that was likely tied to the Professor's Geist that had been watching the Burned Man from his chair with an obvious expression of suspicion.
Bennosuke
" Thank you so much, " Michael will say sincerely at the offer, and he willingly trades phone numbers. He nods his head solemnly at the Professor's remarks on Lisa, and says, " I understand. "

He gives his Geist one last wary glance, before standing up from his seat. " Well, I really appreciate your time, " Michael says, " and your help. I get the sense I've taken up enough of your time. " Unless the Professor has more to say, he will offer to leave while providing every pleasantry befitting the context of their conversation, and will then head to Lisa's.

(OOC: Happy to move on, unless the professor has more to say)
Haval
The Professor will get up to show you out.  'Oh that's quite all right. Better that someone tells the new ones what to expect.'  The Professor's Geist will track Michael with his eyes as he walks to the door but will otherwise stay seated. The Professor will add something before Michael leaves.  'Ah. You may have already noticed on the way over here. The dead tend to get around. The ones that know what they are are easy enough to deal with, but the weaker ones won't even remember that they've died if you managed to explain it to them. Some of them can be quite... surprising to see if you aren't prepared. Even compared to your Geist in some cases. And of course, most people have no idea that they're even there.'  The Professor is very calm and matter of fact about all this.  'Generally, most ghosts aren't a threat to anyone, but there are always exceptions. If you ever happen to run into one of them feel free to call me immediately.' 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Will hold here a second in case you want to add anything. Otherwise I'll move to Lisa's house in the next post.
 
Bennosuke
Michael will pause, listening to The Professor's last bits of advice with as much attention as he could. " Thank you, " he will say with a shrug, already a little overwhelmed with everything he had been told in the last fifteen minutes, " I will try to keep that in mind. " He'll open the door to the office, and with a curt nod of his head say, " Have a good afternoon. "

(OOC: Ok to move on)
Haval
Michael will return to his car and make the short drive through rush hour traffic over to Lisa's house. If there are any visible ghosts out and about today they aren't obvious enough for Michael to notice.

Lisa lives in a fairly middle class looking area that lies between the University halls of residence at Queens Elms and the upscale shopping district at the upper end of the Lisburn road. It's about as deep a contrast from Michael's neighborhood as he has ever seen around Belfast. Lisa's house is one of a line of semi-detached clusters of redbrick houses along the opposite side of the road from Drumglass park. The park lies beyond a waist high black iron fence and is well maintained by the city. The weather is currently nice enough that the park is very busy this afternoon. The houses over the road are large enough to have actual gardens seperated by clusters of trees and have enough space on the premises for a driveway for Lisa and her housemate Caroline's cars. As Michael passes the house in search of a parking space he can see that only Lisa's car is currently parked in the driveway.
Bennosuke
The bad traffic will give Michael a little time to think (OOC: And if you are alright with it), he will make a stop at a local liquor store to pick up a cheap bottle of red wine. He knew that Lisa liked wine. Though Michael didn't really have a refined palate he knew enough to go with a red, as it didn't have to be chilled before delivery.

When he gets to her house, Michael will check the driveway to see if Lisa's roommate Caroline was in, before strolling up to the door and knocking. Assuming she comes to the door, he will say, " Hey Lisa, I'm sorry I didn't reach out to you before swinging by, my bad. Would you happen to wanna hang out now?... Sorry it's been a little bit. " If Caroline's car isn't there, he'll still ask, " Is Caroline over now? " He'll keep the bottle of wine out of sight, saving the reveal for if he was certain she was letting him in, and was in a good enough mood to be receptive of the gesture.
Haval
On the way to Lisa's house Michael stops off at the usual off-licence. It's attached to a larger bar and nightclub and has about as much floorspace as Michael's living room, but it's well stocked and it's early enough that it hasn't filled up with the student crowd yet.

At the house, he can see that Caroline's car isn't here. Michael knows her a little through Lisa and knows that she's some kind of lawyer in East Belfast on the other side of the city. It's around 4pm, so if she's at work she'll likely not be back for a while yet. There is someone at home though. Michael can hear the TV from the living room even before he rings the bell.

Lisa is a slight woman with long brown hair that she currently has tied up. She's wearing a dark green robe over pajama bottoms and a t-shirt which together suggest that she might not be long out of bed. She looks tired, but will flinch a little at the sight of Michael who might remember that the last time she saw him was yesterday when he apparently seemed to recover from being dead. Perhaps she wasn't expecting Michael to be here on her doorstep, especially with a bottle of wine in hand.

If Lisa looks slightly panicked she will stay to hear Michael out.  'To talk about...that..you mean? Are you even ok? Do you need to go to the hospital?'  About Caroline,  'She's at work and she's said she's bringing food after. I took the day off as you can see. Feel like I've barely slept.' 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 

So it occurred to me that she might have called an ambulance except for the fact that she was there at the right moment to witness Michael coming back from the dead. Obviously Michael's free to lie about this or whatever.

Retroactive Wits + Composure roll for her to have noticed the gun. With a penalty.
 (2d10)[ 4 ][ 4 ](8) 
 
Bennosuke
(OOC: Well glad she missed the gun. Michael will definitely be lying here.)

Michael will take a moment to digest everything he is seeing, before replying to Lisa. " Uh, yeah, " he will say in reply to the question about if he's okay, trying his best to sound nonchalant, " I'm fine. It's... it's definitely nothing. " But when she brings up taking time off work and not feeling well, true concern will sink into Michael's voice. The last thing he would want is for Lisa to suffer. He maybe couldn't vocalize it, but Michael cared for her on a deep deep level. " I'm so sorry Lisa. I really wish I had known yesterday had effected you so! I can explain, and it was really nothing you need to worry yourself about. "

He'll take a moment to try to peer over Lisa's shoulder and make sure no one else is inside, before offering his most sympathetic smile. " Look, I'd be happy to explain everything if it would put you at ease. But uh, do you maybe want to go inside? " He'll turn the smile into a wry grin, adding in his best playfully teasing manner say, " I mean, you're rocking a hot look and all, but maybe not how you want the neighbors to see you? "
Haval
Lisa only smirked at the comment about her look, but won't be distracted easily. She will though wave Michael into a living room that is larger and much more nicely furnished then the one in his house. An episode of 'The Simpsons' is currently muted on the TV.

After the two of you sit down,  'Nothing? It's not nothing when you looked like that. I thought you were dead. You looked the way my Grandad did at his funeral.'  Lisa's Grandad had died last year and had recieved an open casket funeral. Michael had heard all about it at the time.  'Obviously you're not. I knew that from you waking up on the floor of your living room, but it scared the **** out of me. And I feel kind of bad for running away now.'  Lisa smiles ruefully.  'Not sure if I want to be sending you a text asking if you're dead. Maybe someone would see it and get the wrong idea.'  Lisa will watch Michael for a few moments as if to assess the state of his health.  'If you're ok, what was that yesterday? I could have sworn I saw blood. If you can explain, this ought to be good.' 
Bennosuke
Michael will nod his head as she talks, letting his guilt over having to lie to her show on his face to be read as guilt for scaring her. He sincerely didn't want her spooked, and he did sincerely feel terrible about the whole thing. But Lisa couldn't know! She couldn't know; it would only make things harder. When she is done, Michael will nod his head and shrug. " So, money's been a little tight, " he will start, keeping his eyes drawn to his hands as if he were embarrassed by the acknowledgement, " and well, Halloween is... kinda coming up. " With this, he'll chance a glance at her face, before looking down to his feet. He'll smirk a little and say, " Well, to make a little extra cash, I applied for this job at an upcoming haunted house. It's all night shifts, so it won't interfere with my day job, and the money's pretty good. Anyways, in preparation, they have me practicing these... 'practical effects', I think they're called. " From here, Michael will look up at Lisa. He won't go hard with eye contact; that's a good way to be read as lying, but he'll look at her and with his best embarrassed smile say, " I know it's really really stupid, and I didn't think anyone was watching, and I really, REALLY didn't want to scare you... but uh, basically you caught me cos-playing for my embarrassing side hustle. "

 
 Spoiler: OOC: 
So I assume this is gonna require a big roll. Michael has Presence 3 and Manipulation 2, though I kinda assume you will prefer the latter. His Subterfuge is 2. I'll add a WP here for an additional 3 dice. So that would make it a 7-8d10 roll depending on which you prefer, and not including any modifiers you see fit. Will roll 8d10 just in case

 (8d10)[ 1 ][ 9 ][ 7 ][ 6 ][ 4 ][ 6 ][ 2 ][ 9 ](44) 
and 10 again  (8d10)[ 6 ][ 8 ][ 5 ][ 3 ][ 3 ][ 5 ][ 1 ][ 8 ](39) 
 
Haval
 'Halloween, seriously?'  Lisa grins in amusement at Michael's explanation. If she's sceptical over Michael's lie it's not obvious. Perhaps because anything is more believable then the notion that Michael had risen from the dead in front of her.  'That I'll have to see, you were very realistic. But what do you mean you need money? They not paying you enough at your thing? I know you make more then I do.' 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Manipulation would make more sense under the circumstances which would make it 1 success each. Can't seem to find an explanation on how to rule draws but I'm inclined to make it highest dice until I see anything that says otherwise.

And I suppose this means that Lisa is unaware that Michael lost his job.
 
Bennosuke
Michael allows himself another sheepish grin. " Yeah, seriously, " he replies. He shrugs at her question, and this time can't help but wince a little. He pauses for a moment then replies, " Yeah, I mean, let's just say not enough. " This was at least kind of true. He leaves his answer at that, deciding not to go into deeper details. But before Lisa can ask more questions, Michael decides to take the initiative. " Look, I just wanted to say I'm sorry... if I freaked you out at all. I, kinda figured I did... not to be too self important or anything. So I just wanted to make sure you were okay and all; ya know? I... you're one of my closest friends. I wouldn't want to lose you or anything. "

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 And I suppose this means that Lisa is unaware that Michael lost his job. 

Yeah, I doubt Michael would have told her if it was embarrassing enough to consider suicide. Just one more lie he is going to have to keep up around her. But I'm sure it would NEVER come back to bite him in the ass.
 
Haval
Lisa seems content to accept Michael's explanation but will reach over and swat him lightly on the arm at the last point.  'Well that's not going to happen is it. Just let me know the next time you go around pretending to rise from the dead. It's not something I see everyday.'  She doesn't quite let the first point go though,  'You got money problems Michael? I know you're not spending it on rent.'  The best thing about Michael's house was that it was reasonably priced, largely because of the neighborhood, but at least he didn't need a roommate.
Bennosuke
 Lisa seems content to accept Michael's explanation but will reach over and swat him lightly on the arm at the last point. 'Well that's not going to happen is it. Just let me know the next time you go around pretending to rise from the dead. It's not something I see everyday.' 

Michael allows himself to smirk a little. " I think what this means, " he says playfully, " is I need to do a better job locking my doors. I mean, god forbid I had had a lady friend over, or anything. " Despite himself, Michael will do his best not to check Lisa's reaction here, though he desperately wants to.


 She doesn't quite let the first point go though, 'You got money problems Michael? I know you're not spending it on rent.' The best thing about Michael's house was that it was reasonably priced, largely because of the neighborhood, but at least he didn't need a roommate. 

This sobers Michael's demeanor significantly. He can't help as his mood sours at the thought of everything that has happened with his job. Fighting the urge to get angry, he'll reply, " Eh, it's not exactly like that. Let's just say I'm not making nearly as much as you think. I'm... starting to feel pretty unappreciated at Fox and Gieves. " Michael does his best to sigh and show that he's brushing this off, but will drive the nail home with, " But, if it's alright, I'd really rather not talk about it. "
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Michael allows himself to smirk a little. " I think what this means, " he says playfully, " is I need to do a better job locking my doors. I mean, god forbid I had had a lady friend over, or anything. " Despite himself, Michael will do his best not to check Lisa's reaction here, though he desperately wants to. 
 

 'Wouldn't be the first time something like that's happened. If I ever interrupted, I would have just tried to leave quietly and let you get on with it.'  Lisa just seems amused.  'Why, does that mean you're seeing someone? It's been long enough.' 

 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
  'if it's alright. I'd really rather not talk about it.'  
 

 'Believe me I get it.'  Lisa had complained about her waitress job in Michael's presence fairly often.  'A job's a job though I suppose. Just let me know if you ever manage to get something better. Even if it means you have to move.'  Lisa sounds less happy at the prospect. Michael had lived here long enough to understand that most of the best paid jobs likely involved moving to Dublin or London.

The Burned Man had made himself scarce on the drive over here but while Lisa talks he suddenly returns. There are no warning signs before he materialises and Lisa certainly doesn't respond to the Geist's presence, but he is suddenly present as if he'd been there the whole time. The Geist ignores the two of you and heads towards the open door to Lisa's kitchen. He is suddenly very attentive about something.
Bennosuke
 'Wouldn't be the first time something like that's happened. If I ever interrupted, I would have just tried to leave quietly and let you get on with it.' Lisa just seems amused. 'Why, does that mean you're seeing someone? It's been long enough.' 

Michael chuckles, relieved to be out of the woods, or at least almost there. He grins and replies, " Oh my! When did you get to be so nosy, " well aware that he was avoiding the question.


 'Believe me I get it.' Lisa had complained about her waitress job in Michael's presence fairly often. 'A job's a job though I suppose. Just let me know if you ever manage to get something better. Even if it means you have to move.' Lisa sounds less happy at the prospect. Michael had lived here long enough to understand that most of the best paid jobs likely involved moving to Dublin or London.

The Burned Man had made himself scarce on the drive over here but while Lisa talks he suddenly returns. There are no warning signs before he materialises and Lisa certainly doesn't respond to the Geist's presence, but he is suddenly present as if he'd been there the whole time. The Geist ignores the two of you and heads towards the open door to Lisa's kitchen. He is suddenly very attentive about something. 

Michael does his best to hide his concern, and nods his head. " I promise, " he says, though he adds a wink when he he sees Lisa's dower face and adds gaily, " though I doubt I'll be leaving here anytime soon. " He reaches out and squeezes her hand. Afraid of any rejection, he will quickly let go, and pretending to sniff at the air, will rise from the couch and say, " Hey, were you cooking something? It smells like something might be burning. " He won't leave her, but he'll do his best to kind of bend over to see if he can peer into the kitchen and see what The Geist is up to.

(OOC: I love what you did with the burning man here 😁)
Haval
 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Michael chuckles, relieved to be out of the woods, or at least almost there. He grins and replies, " Oh my! When did you get to be so nosy, " well aware that he was avoiding the question. 
 

Lisa smiles at that,  'Well it's not like I keep any secrets from you.' 

 
 Originally Posted by Bennosuke 
 Michael does his best to hide his concern, and nods his head. " I promise, " he says, though he adds a wink when he he sees Lisa's dower face and adds gaily, " though I doubt I'll be leaving here anytime soon. " He reaches out and squeezes her hand. Afraid of any rejection, he will quickly let go, and pretending to sniff at the air, will rise from the couch and say, " Hey, were you cooking something? It smells like something might be burning. " He won't leave her, but he'll do his best to kind of bend over to see if he can peer into the kitchen and see what The Geist is up to. 
 

Lisa doesn't appear bothered by the brief contact but will look confused by the comment.  'Just some noodles. Unless you mean the thing from nextdoor? It's a bit of a mess.'  Michael can see exactly what the Geist is doing from where he's sitting. The layout of Lisa's kitchen is very familar to Michael from having been to the house before and the kitchen wall between the counter and the overhead cupboards adjoins one of the neigbouring houses. There is a visible wet patch on the wall which the Burned Man will lean over to touch. As the Geist draws back his hand a trail of slime comes back with it. Michael might recognise it as similar to the residue that constituted Mary's body when she spoke to Michael in his back garden.
Bennosuke
 Lisa smiles at that, 'Well it's not like I keep any secrets from you.' 

Michael will roll his eyes playfully at this. Part of him is tempted to reply, "As far as I know," but the wiser part of him chooses to help this part of the conversation die off, before he sparks Lisa's curiosity again.

Michael will get up now, when he sees what the Geist is doing. Wandering towards the wet spot, he will pretend to be interested in the kitchen. Still sniffing at the air he will say, " ... It doesn't smell like burned noodles. The thing from next door? " While prompting Lisa for more information, he will try to make his way over to the wet spot to get a better view, while also trying not to make it too obvious what he is doing.
Haval
 'We think it's something with the pipes.'  Lisa replies.  'The old guy next door said he's got it over there as well. His landlord's supposed to be taking a look at it.'  Lisa will follow Michael into the kitchen without registering the Burning Man. The Geist will stand aside if Michael wants to get a closer look at the wet patch on the kitchen wall. Michael can register it's approval for paying attention.

The wet patch is roughly a metre in diameter and has patches of thick white liquid which has began to dribble down towards the kitchen counter but which is solid enough that it has mostly just congealed on the wall. Lisa adds,  'It's been getting bigger for a couple of days. Carolne tried to clean it off at first but it just comes back. It's not nice to look at but I've lived in worse houses.' 
Bennosuke
It takes Michael a moment to realize that she is talking about the wet patch, and that she can see the stain as well. He'll give The Burned Man a furtive grin, before turning his attention to the wet patch. " Hmmmm, " he'll reply over his shoulder. Michael will walk right over to the spot, and inspect it as best he can; getting his nose up close for a sniff, touching it and rubbing any substance between his fingers ect.

(OOC: I am assuming it is Plasma based on your prior description, but let me know if you need a roll here or if there is some other way you see Michael as engaging with hit. I don't think Memoria 1 will work here and I don't see any basic Sin Eater Powers that are immediately useful)
Haval
 'You're not going to taste it are you?'  Lisa asked looking over Michael's shoulder.

As Michael rubs the plasm between his fingers he has a brief flash of a kitchen elsewhere. Judging by the layout it's easy to assume it's the house on the other side of the wall, although it's too dark to be happening right now. An elderly man is carefully doing the dishes while a tall black shadow in the vague shape of a human stands behind him with both hands on the man's shoulders. It's unclear if the man is aware of the shadow's presence.

 
 Spoiler 

I realised I misunderstood something about the nature of Plasm, so I'm going to keep going with a fairly broad definition of consuming Plasm. You could always taste it as well if you want.
 
Bennosuke
Michael smirks at the question, and assuming Lisa was mocking him, replies, " Is it better than your cooking? " With the assumption that he would probably freak her out if she saw him put the goo in his mouth, he'll try to get her to look away. Looking down at his hand with mild disgust, he'll point across the kitchen to the roll of paper towels and say, " Would you mind getting me something to clean my hand. " The moment she turns away, he will race for a taste, sticking one finger into his mouth in case it might give him any more information.
Haval
 'Aye, maybe.'  Lisa is an indifferent cook and is unfazed by Michael's criticism. She will go and get him a paper towel to clean his hand.

When the plasm touches Michael's tongue he experiences a number of further visions of residents of the house. These come in a rush without any apparent connection.In one, the old man from the previous vision is sleeping in his bedroom while the shadow stands at the foot of the bed. It seems to only be watching. In another, the shadow stands on a staircase and observes a younger man and a woman who are in the process of moving boxes full of their possessions outside into a waiting van. The couple look tired and worried. There are visible stains of plasm on the walls of the house. In another, a frightened looking woman goes over the bannister backwards as the shadow approaches them. In another, a different man and a woman are engaged in an argument in a living room. The woman has a visible black eye. But there are many other less clear visions, all happening at the same time.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Maybe roll something appropriate if Michael wants to try to keep his composure in front of Lisa.
 
Bennosuke
Michael will do the best to hide his response.

 
 Spoiler: OOC rolling 
 (4d10)[ 5 ][ 5 ][ 8 ][ 1 ](19)  and 10 again  (4d10)[ 3 ][ 7 ][ 3 ][ 2 ](15)  Edit: 4d10 was Manipulation + composure.
 


Assuming he gets by, Michael will shake his head and sigh. Showing concern he will say, " Not to impose, but I think you should get this figured out quick. It can't be a good sign that it is spreading. In fact, would you introduce me to the guy next door? Maybe I can help. " He won't push the issue, but he had the inkling that the old man in the visions was their neighbor, and seeing him would confirm this. Maybe he could figure out what or who the shadow was as well, since this didn't seem to be a problem that a plumber was going to fix.
Haval
Lisa doesn't seem to notice Michael's reaction to the plasm but will answer his question.  'I suppose you can ask but I don't even know his name. Maybe Patrick something? We just see each other in passing sometimes. He's blind you know, but he seems cheerful enough.'  Lisa will head upstairs as she's currently still in her dressing gown.  'Give me a minute to get dressed.' 

The Burned Man, who has been investigating the kitchen since he had drawn Michael's attention to the plasm, will point towards the wall and briefly stick his hand through it to make his point. Michael has a sense that the Geist was looking for Michael's permission before he entered the neighboring house.
Bennosuke
Though Michael is more than curious about what might be happening upstairs, he does his best to keep his mind focused on the task at hand. He will call after Lisa, " I mean, if you don't know him, I'm happy to just go by myself if you prefer. "

But assuming she continues changing, Michael will watch The Burned Man with curiosity. He had a bad feeling about this, but not knowing what was going to happen, he gives the Geist a nod and replies with his voice low, " Go ahead... just don't to anything reckless. "
Haval
Lisa will call from upstairs,  'Won't it be weird if you just show up alone? But feel free to knock on his door and I'll be over in a minute.' 

The Burned Man will nod and head towards the wall adjoining the two houses. The Geist doesn't pass through the wall but rather vanishes suddenly before reaching it.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

I assume Michael's heading next door?
 
Bennosuke
Michael calls back, " Eh, I can explain the situation. " Assuming Lisa does not protest further, he will watch The Burned Man for one moment longer, marveling at the strangeness of its power. Following this, Michael will head over to Patrick's door as described by Lisa, and will knock or hit the doorbell as appropriate.
Haval
The house next door is the mirror image of Lisa's although the garden looks notably more unkempt to look at. The blinds on the windows are closed and there are no signs of life coming from within the house. There is a doorbell but as far as Michael can tell it makes no noise when he presses it, but switching to a firm knock will get a response. Through the frosted glass panels on the front door Michael can see an internal door open in the hallway and the shape of a man moves carefully towards the front door. The muffled sound of a radio can be heard from within the house along with the tapping of a walking stick.

Michael can hear the jingling of keys and the rattle of a security chain before the man gets the door open wide enough that he can be seen. Lisa's neighbour is a man with thinning grey hair and a brown cardigan that to look at must be in his seventies at the least. He is looking in Michael's general direction without seeming to make him out properly.  'Hello? I don't think I'm expcting anybody.' 
Bennosuke
If there was one thing Michael was good at, it was probably making a good first impression.  He was... had been in sales . When the door opens only part ways, he takes a small step back to show he means no harm. Putting on a warm grin Michael replies " Hi, good afternoon. Sorry to bother you. I'm Michael, I'm just coming from next door. I may have misunderstood, but your neighbor Lisa mentioned your name might be Patrick? "
Haval
The man responds after a moment. He seems confused that Michael is there but is amiable enough.  'That's right. How can I help you?' 
Bennosuke
Michael studied the man's face, doing his best to keep up his friendly exterior.

 Does the man look familiar to Michael after his prior visions? 

He'll reply to the man, " Well I wanted to come by, because I noticed the leak in Lisa's apartment. I think you heard about this? Anyway, she mentioned that you might be having some problems as well. I just wanted to help her out, and if this was something with a shared wall, I figured I might come take a look. " Michael will also use this as an excuse to try to peer around the man, either to see if he recognizes anyone else from the vision inside, or maybe the mysterious shadow he had seen. Hopefully, The Burned Man might take that as a cue as well to go inside and investigate.
Haval
The man (Patrick) continues to look at Michael with the air of someone who is at least near sighted if not entirely blind. He may have been a little younger in the vision but this is definately the same man. Patrick considers Michael's offer for a moment before replying,  'Well I haven't noticed anything, but it would have to be really messy for that. I've been mostly blind for years you see. How bad does it look?'  The wall adjoining Lisa's kitchen would likely be further inside the house, but behind Patrick is a staircase leading to the upper floor. There are visible patches of plasm all the way along the wall. At the top of the stairs another patch of plasm is visible on the ceiling of the upper floor.
Bennosuke
Michael's eyes go wide for a long moment as he notices all the patches of plasm. Allowing his surprise to creep into his voice, he replies, " Really, you never noticed anything? Uh, I don't know if you want me coming in, but even from here I can see some evidence of damage. You haven't smelled anything? Haven't noticed anything strange at all? "
Haval
Patrick looks concerned.  'Damage? I could smell something was off, but I thought it was the milk I had that went bad the other week. It never seems to last as long as it should. There's normally a girl who comes round to help me out but she's away at the moment. I've been making do.'  Michael might recognise that if there's any problem in Patrick's house, there's not alot he can do about it.  'What sort of damage?'  Patrick has not yet agreed to let you into his house. Michael has lived in Belfast for long enough to have heard the news stories about older people living alone who houses are robbed sometimes while they're still at home.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Sorry for the delay. Probably should roll something social here if you want to look around inside the house.
 
Bennosuke
Michael sighs, taking a moment as if he were straining to see and then replies, " Well it looks like water damage, I guess. I'll be honest, I'm not the greatest handyman or anything, but that's what it looks like. " He waits another moment, allowing the information to sink in, and then he adds, " Not to intrude, really, but I'd be happy to help in some way, if I can. Do you want me to take a look, or something? "

 
 Spoiler: OOC/Roll 
So Michael's Presence is 3 and Manipulation is 2. His persuasion is 3 and his subterfuge is 2. So i'll roll 6d10, but you can knock it down to as much as 4d10 if you feel that is more appropriate.

 (6d10)[ 1 ][ 3 ][ 7 ][ 6 ][ 1 ][ 4 ](22)  and 10 again just in case  (6d10)[ 3 ][ 4 ][ 5 ][ 5 ][ 8 ][ 10 ](35) 
EDIT: Yikes. Terrible luck. That should tell me not to waste a WP, but who am I to listen to fate. Rolling WP in the OOC thread.
 
Haval
Patrick's face hardens with suspicion.  'No I don't think so. Whatever it is has kept so far. I'll ask my friend to take a look the next time she's here. Now please leave.'  Unless Michael wants to try and prevent him Patrick will close the door in his face.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Made a note of a beat for dramatic failure
 
Bennosuke
Michael watches as the door slams in his face. A wild idea crosses his mind right before it does, but then reason gets the better of him. Arson was probably a bad idea. Once the door is slammed, Michael allows himself a quick sigh, and then curses under his breath. Shaking his head, he will turn around and head back to Lisa's apartment.

Assuming he finds her back inside, he will sigh and raising his arms up in defeat will say, " Patrick's definitely having the same trouble, but he was pretty wary of me. " Michael will smirk and jokingly add, " You know how threatening I am. Anyways, you should definitely get it checked out. And I mean, if there's anything I can do to help... "

(OOC: Not sure if there is much more I can accomplish here. Though let me know if I'm missing something)
Haval
Lisa has finished getting dressed and meets Michael in her hallway.  'Aww, poor guy. You think someone's looking after him?'  On the damage to both buildings,  'It's not going to fall down though is it. You remember that girl in first year who had the big hole in her roof? I'd like to think the houses are better out this way.'  Lisa refers to a mutual acquaintance whose bedroom roof had once collapsed through water damage. This sort of thing tended to happen in the cheap student housing of the Holylands district.

Michael has a brief flash from the perspective of the Burned Man. The Geist stands on the upstairs landing of Patrick's house. There are more patches of plasma visible here and there on the walls and ceiling. At the end of the corridor there is a closed door that's almost coated in the substance. The room doesn't seem to be in use because there is a waist high bookcase set in front of the door. The Burned Man seems notably reluctant to try to enter the room.
Bennosuke
Michael can feel the tension leaving his shoulders when he comes back to find Lisa dressed. He still can't keep just a little bit of color from entering his cheeks. To Lisa's question about the house collapsing, he answers with a shrug, " I don't think so... but I'm not really an engineer. Nor a carpenter. " He smirks and adds playfully, " But I'll tell you this; if it does collapse, I don't think you can come stay with me. I mean, I thought I lived like a pig. " He allows himself to grin mischievously, hoping the ribbing was well received.

But Michael can feel his heart sink when he gets the visions shared by The Burning Man.  It was what he thought, maybe worse . The grin fades from his face, leaving him with an ashen countenance.  He would probably have to find a way into that house!  Thinking quickly, Michael will take a deep breath in and out. Keeping a serious tone, he will say to Lisa, " That said, it may not be a bad idea for you to talk to him... now that you're dressed. " He'll try his best not to look like he was adding Lisa on. " He didn't seem to trust me, but I'll tell you, his place looked worse. "

(OOC: Let me know if you want a roll here)
Haval
 'You're not so bad. You just got to hoover more.'  Lisa grins but is non-comittal about the idea of staying at Michael's house.  'And if it's like that I'll take what I can get. Long as the rent's cheap enough.'  She doesn't even consider the idea that she wouldn't be paying something towards the rent in that situation.

Lisa will nod at the second point,  'Ok, sure. If he needs help. Maybe when the man comes round to look at our kitchen he can go over to Patrick's afterwards.'  She'll go retrieve her coat from the cupboard under the stairs.

Assuming Michael follows the pair will head back to Patrick's frontdoor. Lisa will do the shave and a haircut knock and call to see if she can get Patrick's attention.  'It's Lisa. You know, one of the girls from next door. Sorry about my scary friend. Can we have a chat?'  When Michael had been round earlier a radio had been playing from someone inside the house. Now it's been switched off and the house is, perhaps ominously given what Patrick knows, quiet.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

No rolls needed. She trusts Michael
 
Bennosuke
Michael will follow Lisa next door. When there is no reply immediately, he'll say, " I'm pretty sure a radio had been playing. " He'll wait a moment longer, listening for any movement inside the house. If he hears nothing, he'll add with genuine concern, " I doubt he would have left the house that quickly. Do you think he is okay? "

If Michael has any ability to, he'll try to see what The Burned Man sees, and if not, he'll just sit there wishing he could.
Haval
Since there doesn't seem to be a response Lisa shrugged,  'Maybe he's asleep? If he left we would have seen him on the road.'  Lisa will step over onto the lawn to see if she could see anything through the bay window that likely led to the living room, but the blinds are still closed.

Upstairs the Burned Man has entered the closed off room. It appears to have once been in use as a bedroom with a single bed and an uncovered mattress taking up most of the floor space. At some point it has been given over to use as a storage space with numerous boxes, stacks of books and furniture are arrayed around the bed. A pair of very old curtains are closed to keep the room out of the light and it is incredbly dusty. It looks like no one has actually been in here in a long time.

While Lisa is distracted Michael can hear the handle of the front door click as it unlocks itself. The door swings open a crack. From upstairs the Burned Man seems to be aware of the door opening but appears confused. He didn't open it.
Bennosuke
Michael will take a step back and call after his friend, " Uh... Lisa! "

(OOC: To clarify, the front door where Michael is standing is clicking open?)
Haval
Lisa is trying to look into Patrick's living room through a crack in the blinds.  'It's really dark in there.'  She'll turn back to Michael,  'What's that?'  The front door is open.

 
 Spoiler 

As always, let me know if I've forgotten anything.
 
Bennosuke
Michael will point at the door, a gesture meant for Lisa. Stupidly he will add, " The front door just opened. " The moment he is sure she has heard him, Michael will turn his attention back to the door and try to see what the hell opened the door. He will also make sure to use his "other" senses to figure out if a ghost or similar supernatural entity opened the door, instead of the apartment's more... natural inhabitant.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Let me know if Physical Medium (pg 96) helps in any way here, or if I need to roll anything.
 
Haval
 'Huh?'  Lisa will come back over to join Michael.  'It's not on a chain or anything. Maybe the lock's stuck.'  The door looks old and badly maintained enough that that might be true, but it's not as if it's windy enough at the moment for a gust of wind to blow the door open.

As Michael really pays attention to the door he can see that  it looks damp in the same way as a log that's been left out in the rain. The wall in Lisa's kitchen looks like that after the plasm has run down and pooled on the countertop. The door seems to be riddled with plasm.

Lisa eases the door open as if to step.  'Should we go in? Maybe he's had an accident or something.' 
Bennosuke
Michael grins as Lisa opens the door, tamping down the concern he has about the state of the door, and instead giving into his curiosity. Acting as if she had invited him in, Michael casually grabs Lisa's arm as he pulls her through the threshold and says, " I hope not... but he'll at least forgive us for this if we can save him. " Deep down, Michael knew the door hadn't been opened by Lisa's neighbor, but regardless, he also knew he had to figure out what was going on, and hopefully this would help Patrick out as well.

Once inside, Michael will look around, searching both for any more clues, and for his Geist.
Haval
Lisa assents to being grabbed until both of them are inside.  'He'd better. I've never broken into a house before.'  She sounds not entirely serious.  'If he get's mad I'm telling him it's your idea right?'  Lisa will move forward into the living room which in layout is a mirror image of Lisa's house next door, although the decor and furniture seems a little more old fashioned and rundown, as if no one has bothered to replace anything in years. A flatscreen TV sits on a stand in one corner of the room and a dining room table is set up at the back next to a closed door that likely leads through into the kitchen. It's still only the afternoon, so there is some light coming through cracks in the curtains at the front and rear of the house, but it's fairly dark in here. There are no obvious signs of life, but there is light coming through from under the kitchen door.

The Burned Man is suddenly sitting in one of the armchairs, which seems undamaged by the Geist's presence.Lisa as ever seems unaware of it's existence. If Michael is looking towards the Geist for a second opinion, it will shrug, it's confusion evident. It will point over it's shoulder towards the kitchen though.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Roll Wits + Composure or anything along those lines
 
Bennosuke
Michael can feel a cold sweat breaking out as he eyes the Geist, cursing inwardly at its presence and inability to help. He will do his best to study the area.

 
 Spoiler: OOC: Rolling 
Wits + Composure will be 5d10. Knowing my luck lately this could be interesting.  (5d10)[ 5 ][ 9 ][ 4 ][ 5 ][ 10 ](33)  and 10 again  (5d10)[ 2 ][ 3 ][ 10 ][ 4 ][ 3 ](22) 
 
Haval
Lisa will move towards the back of the room.  'Looks like someone's in the kitchen.'  She'll speak quietly as she leans over and switches on a lamp that stands behind the chair that the Geist is sitting in. Lisa is close enough to have touched the Burned Man in the process but doesn't seem to register the Geist's presence.  'Patrick, it's Lisa from nextdoor. Are you ok?' 

As Michael investigates the room, he notices something in the reflection of the TV screen as soon as the light goes on. There is a woman sitting at the dining room who is not otherwise visible outside of her reflection in the TV. The woman wears a black dress and is extremely elderly looking. She has no visible eyes but will turn to watch Lisa as she approaches the kitchen.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Relying on the Innocuous ability here p.194
 
Bennosuke
For a moment Michael listens for a reply from Patrick, until he notices the reflection of the ghost woman with a startle. He does his best to decide on whether to look at the TV screen or the place the ghost woman should be, creeping over and saying under his breath so that hopefully Lisa does not hear, " Who are you? What are you doing here? "

He'll also motion to The Burned Man, hoping to enlist the Geist in interacting with the ghost. Studying the elderly woman, Michael will also try to discern if there is any relationship between her corpus and the wet spots that are all over the apartment.
Haval
The woman in the reflection's head snaps around to look in Michael's direction. At least the ghost was no longer paying attention to Lisa. A visible crack appears in the middle of the screen where the woman's image sits. Lisa flinches at the sound and turns around,  'Michael, what the **** was that?'  The TV screen now looks like something had hit it with a hammer. Michael might remember the Professor's advice that not every ghost was neccessarily safe to be around. Lisa will come back to look at the TV,  'Did it look like that when we came in?' 

The woman is no longer visible in the tv screen, which doesn't of course mean that she's no longer here. Michael might remember from meeting Mary that if ghosts leave plasm behind them as they manifest, then it's likely that this one has lived here a long time.
Bennosuke
Michael can feel the goose flesh break out across the skin of his neck and forearms.  This was not good!  He moves quickly towards Lisa and says, " No, it just happened out of nowhere! " allowing his concern to be heard in his voice. He'll put a hand on her shoulder and say, " Unless you found Patrick, I think we should get out of here. We came in to look for him and are technically trespassing. " This of course ignored the fact that he had instigate the break in. He'll pause for a moment  to scan the area, and to give The Burned Man a look that hopefully says "Do something". Even if he sees nothing, Michael will add, " Not to be superstitious, but I'm getting a bad feeling about this. "

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Thanks for the added context. Not sure if you want some sort of a persuasion roll or if another perception/investigation roll would be helpful. To speed things along, I'm just gonna roll a bunch of dice and give you some pools in case useful. Presence + Persuasion=6. Perception= 5. Wits + Investigation= 4

 (10d10)[ 8 ][ 5 ][ 4 ][ 1 ][ 8 ][ 5 ][ 7 ][ 1 ][ 8 ][ 4 ](51) 
10 again:  (10d10)[ 1 ][ 7 ][ 6 ][ 5 ][ 6 ][ 9 ][ 7 ][ 7 ][ 2 ][ 6 ](56) 
 
Haval
While this was going on the Burned Man has started to look agitated. It has stood up and moved closer to Michael and Lisa and gives every impression of being prepared to fight if neccessary. From it's body smaller flames flare up as if someone has added fuel to a campfire. The Geist seems confused but at least it is focused.

Lisa of course is unaware of the Geist's actions.  'Bad feeling? Like what?'  She looks a little more uneasy then before but as far as she knows she has less reason to worry. She'll point towards the kitchen at the back of the house.  'We should check in the back if we've come this far. I don't want to leave and find out he's had a heart attack.' 

Michael's attention goes to a picture hanging from the wall. It's the sort of generic painting of a landscape that some people use to decorate their house. In the glass over the picture there's a lot more shadow visible then there ought to be. It's as if there's a shadow being cast by something that isn't otherwise visible. The shadow isn't moving so perhaps it's content to watch for the moment? Michael can see the Burned Man notice the picture at the same time as he does. It will approach the picture as Lisa heads towards the kitchen.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 

I should remember to use narrator voice more. Anyway, delayed on account of sickness.

Lisa's going to the kitchen unless Michael can talk her out of it. Counting that last roll for investigation.
 
Bennosuke
Watching The Burned Man prepare for a fight, Michael realized he would have to act fast. For a moment he ignores Lisa's question and turns his attention to the shadowed figure (OOC: I think unless the ghost is trying to hide itself, Michael should be able to truly perceive the ghost in it's true form... physical medium???). He will do what he can to keep his voice low hushed low enough for his companion not to hear, " I am not here to hurt you. We mean you no harm. If you tell me what you need, I... we will try to help. I know you can see I am bound! "

Then he will call to Lisa, " Sorry! Go on ahead. I don't want to leave him here if he's injured. I'm gonna check one thing and will be right with you! "

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 Let me know if you want any social roll for Lisa, but I'm gonna roll here to try to make some sort of friendly/persuasive roll against the Ghost. I'm sure there will be some sort of negative modifier, but hoping my Reconciler Merit might help. Going to assume Presence + Persuasion makes sense here, which will be 6 dice.  (6d10)[ 4 ][ 3 ][ 5 ][ 2 ][ 2 ][ 6 ](22)  and 10 again  (6d10)[ 9 ][ 1 ][ 3 ][ 10 ][ 7 ][ 3 ](33) 
 
Haval
As Lisa goes into the kitchen, Michael feels a breath in his ear as if someone was standing very close to him. A hesitant voice whispers in a way that sounds like they are unused to talking,  'What ... are you?'  The ghost appears confused as to what a Bound might be.

From the kitchen Lisa calls out,  'I think he's asleep...and he's left the oven on.' 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 

This did not go as I was expecting.

I imagined this as the weaker kind of ghost (p.187). It's less self aware than Mary.
 
Bennosuke
(OOC: Would probably help if I could pass a single roll 😉)

Michael does his best not to show his fear, and to instead express a trustworthy confidence. " I am a friend, " he will reply, again in a hushed whisper, " I mean you no harm. "

To Lisa, he will call out, " Well turn it off I guess. Is he in the kitchen? " He'll wait to finish speaking with this ghost before heading over to the kitchen.
Haval
The whispering voice continues,  'It is easier to see you. Why?' 

There is a murmering sound from the kitchen as Lisa talks to someone that Michael can't see.  'Asleep or unconscious maybe. At least he's sitting down.' 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 

If we were using dice at least we could throw them away and get new ones 🙂
 
Bennosuke
To the ghost woman, Michael replies, " I am Bound, like I already said. " He points at The Burned Man, the Geist that he was bound to, the ghost-thing that made him a Sin Eater, though this term was still a little less  comfortable.  He takes a step towards the ghost, trying to keep his steps silent and his voice low. Michael keeps his hands up at shoulder level in the universal symbol of " I mean no harm. "

To Laura he will call, " Asleep sitting down? " It was a stupid question and he knew it, but Michael was trying to buy a little more time to talk with this ghost. " Do you need my help? " he'll add.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Lol. Well since that isn't an option, I'll have to avoid needing a roll anytime soon. 😛
 
Haval
 'Bound?'  The ghost whispers in a confused tone. The outline of an older woman becomes slightly more visible in front of Michael, although everything is still too indistinct to make out any details.  'Yes. You are connected to this one. How is this possible?' 

Lisa replies from the kitchen.  'There's a chair in here. He's slumped against the wall. I think I should call an ambulance.'  Michael can hear her attempting to wake Patrick up.

The ghost will add.  'He will wake up when I need him to.' 
Bennosuke
The ghost's question draws a small cynical grin from from Michael. Under his breath and through his teeth he will reply, " I keep asking myself that. " Then, more seriously, " So, do you need help? "

But Michael can feel every nerve in his body go live at Lisa's words, and the grin quickly fades from his lips. When the ghost speaks again, he can feel his jaw clenching hard. " What did you do, " Michael asks, dead serious.
Haval
The ghost sounds hesistant and sceptical,  'What can you do to help me? You are the only person that's even been able to see me in ... a long time.' 

On Patrick,  'He has lived here since he was a child.'  The old man is likely past 70 if not older.  'We are connected now. It is easy to encourage someone if you know where to look.'  Michael might wonder if that was a good situation for Patrick to be in.
Bennosuke
 The ghost sounds hesistant and sceptical, 'What can you do to help me? You are the only person that's even been able to see me in ... a long time.' 

Michael grins at the question. This was good. " Well... that's a start, isn't it, " he says, trying to sound comforting. He adds, " I can listen, and... well I can probably act on this world in ways you can't. Is there anything you need? Anything you want? I can try to help. "


 On Patrick, 'He has lived here since he was a child.' The old man is likely past 70 if not older. 'We are connected now. It is easy to encourage someone if you know where to look.' Michael might wonder if that was a good situation for Patrick to be in. 

" It doesn't look like he's feeling too good, " Michael will say, concern heavy in his voice, " And you don't need to force others to do things. Like I said, I can help. "
Haval
The ghost appears to consider Michael's offer before replying.  'Do you know...how it ends? Do you know what happens after? I do not know how I can leave here.' 

But she'll brush aside Michael's other point,  'He worries. When strangers come here. This way he'll never know.' 
Bennosuke
Michael can feel the blood leave his face, but does his best not to let any dismay show. " I've been to a place... like  an  afterlife, but I don't really know if it is  the  afterlife. " He adds, " If you know what I mean. And I've heard that ghosts like yourself, they do find peace when they move on. But I'll be honest, I'm new at all of this and can't pretend to know everything. "

He studies the ghost's face, trying to judge how she is taking the information.
Haval
The ghost looks disappointed but not exactly surprised.  'Then I must go on.'  The implication being that she might choose not to if she knew how. She looks towards the kitchen and Lisa.  'Are the two of you likely to come back here?' 
Bennosuke
" Oh, " Michael let's slip, surprised by how easily the ghost agreed to his encouragement. To her question he replies, " Uh, I don't live here, but my friend does. We can come back and keep an eye on Patrick, if that's what you are asking. And if there's something else you need doing... well I guess just let me know. "
Haval
 'I can wait.'  The ghost replies without apparent emotion.  'But your friend from next door doesn't know. Perhaps I could visit her.'  Michael might remember that Mary his own neighboring ghost wasn't entirely confined to her house. It is easy to imagine this ghost inside Lisa's house when Michael wasn't around.

In the kitchen Lisa sounds like she's talking on the phone. She's presumably calling for an ambulance.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 
Once again, sorry for the delay.
 
Bennosuke
Michael was uncertain about how to feel about this. Was this a threat? He didn't want to speak for Lisa, but she probably wouldn't appreciate being haunted. Though perhaps the ghost didn't mean his friend any ill will. Michael manages to stammer, " Are you hoping then that my friend would help you move on? "

(OOC: Maybe it is my idiocy but I am having trouble following what the ghost is saying. Let me know if you want me to roll Empathy or something. And no apologies necessary. As you can see, my life has interrupted my ability to post pretty frequently)
Haval
The ghost explains,  'I have no way to contact you, but I can...leave messages...even to those who cannot see me.'  Michael might wonder what those messages might look like or how Lisa might respond.  'I can leave the house, even to next door, but I can't go far. It is difficult.'  The ghost sounds tired.  'I watch the neighbors sometimes, but it is different if someone can see me.' 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 

Yeah, feel free to roll Empathy for more context. This is mostly to see how Michael deals with a ghost living next door to his touchstone
 
Bennosuke
" I see, " Michael says slowly, studying the ghost.

 
 Spoiler: OOC Roll 
Rolling Composure + Empathy is 4d10, 5d10 if using wits, or if the Empathy skill specialty "reading desire" counts

 (5d10)[ 4 ][ 2 ][ 4 ][ 10 ][ 5 ](25) 
and 10 again  (5d10)[ 6 ][ 4 ][ 1 ][ 8 ][ 3 ](22) 
 
Haval
The ghost seems sad but very interested in the idea that Michael might be able to help her out of her situation. Even with only a limited ability to leave her house Michael might wonder what she might be capable if he isn't able to help her. Obviously Michael can't be here all the time, but of course there are other sin-eaters in Belfast who might be able to help him.
Bennosuke
" My friend might not be the best person to... communicate with, " Michael says, trying to pick his words carefully. After a pause he will continue, " She's not familiar with the world of ghosts like I am... and I'm worried she won't know what to think. But if you can leave this place, you are more than welcome to, well come to me to communicate. Otherwise, I have other friend who I could make sure come by as well. We can work together to try to help you. And maybe they might know more about moving on than I would. " He hoped this was sufficient.
Haval
 'Then I will be waiting.'  the ghost replies.  'Or I will do what I can to come to you.'  The ghost does not sound angry but it is perhaps up to Michael whether that sounds like a threat anyway.

From the kitchen Michael can hear the sound of a murmuring male voice that sounds like Patrick waking up. Lisa sounds like she has been talking to someone on the phone. The NHS being the way it was at the moment, that didn't necessarily guarantee an ambulance was going to show up, even in an emergency.
Bennosuke
Michael will walk back toward the kitchen, trying to get a better sense for what is happening with Patrick and to touch base with Lisa to see if he can help in any way.
Haval
Patrick's kitchen is a small cluttered space a few feet across. The back door opens into an empty greenhouse and an unkempt garden. There is a saucepan sitting on one of the oven hobs although Lisa has switched the oven off. Patrick is slumped on a dining room chair that has been slid into a space between the fridge and a phone that hangs from the wall. He seems confused but awake. Lisa is listening to someone on her phone as she fills a glass of water at the kitchen sink. She'll hand it to Michael,  'Maybe see if you can get him to drink this. The man says they'll be round in a bit anyway to check up on him.' 

Patrick mumbles,   'Why are you in my house?'  
Bennosuke
Michael will intentionally ignore the man's question, instead taking the glass of water and bending down on one knee so that they were on the same level. " Hi Patrick. My name is Michael, I don't know if you remember me, " he'll say slowly, doing is best to sound reassuring and friendly, then firmly adding, " Can you take a few sips of this for me, " offering the man the glass. Michael will add, " Slow sips please, " as he places the glass of water in the waking man's hand.
Haval
Patrick does as Michael asks and will sip the water with apparent gratitude.  ‘Well I suppose if you're bringing me water I shouldn't complain too much.’  He sounds suspicious but resigned. If you were here to burgle his house perhaps it wasn't as if he could do much about it  ‘Did I leave the door open again?’ 
 
 Spoiler: ooc 

So I realised I can just close off the scene at the next post, which means I can work out xp.

As always sorry for the delay. I meant to do this yesterday and fell asleep
 
Bennosuke
Michael shrugs at the question, choosing to continue to guide the conversation. " Lisa was worried about you. She's in the other room, " he says sincerely.

(OOC: Ready to move on whenever you are)