Unknown Armies - IC
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		<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Non-Adult Sandbox =&gt; Non-Adult Roleplays =&gt; Topic started by: Kythia on August 13, 2013, 07:22:38 pm</h2>
		<dl id="posts">
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>August 13, 2013, 07:22:38 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Wiki Page (http://elliquiy.com/wiki/Unknown_Armies)<br><br><br><strong>Tuesday 13th August 2013, 9:34</strong><br><br>It's a grey, overcast day.&nbsp; The weather forecast says it'll rain later, as of yet it hasn't started, but the sunlight is struggling to reach the streets through heavy cloud cover.&nbsp; The pavements are still wet from overnight rain and probably won't have a chance to dry, puddles against the kerb mean that every time a car passes it splashes water on anyone foolish enough to stand too close to the road.&nbsp; Nothing particularly unusual, in short, as you hurry towards Unit 17, Fergusons Road cursing your lateness.&nbsp; Over half an hour now the screen of your phone neutrally informs you.<br><br>You're brought up short in confusion though after passing the derelict warehouse that comprises Unit 16 - a "For Let" sign informing the world of the particular letting agency to contact should anyone desire to rent a warehouse in this former industrial district.&nbsp; <br>Maybe you retrace your steps a short distance to check you haven't passed your destination by mistake, but no.&nbsp; Units 1 through 16 sit as they have always done, a roughly equal mix of empty and let focusing largely on construction or related industries - any type of business whose customers won't be put off by the shabby surroundings.&nbsp; A "Pet Superstore" perennially in the news for neglect of its stock is the classiest resident of the sixteen converted warehouses.&nbsp; Which are exactly as they were yesterday.<br><br>Maybe you head on, thinking you haven't gone far enough for some reason.&nbsp; Unit 18 sits as it always has - or always since you've been coming here at least.&nbsp; Storage for a double glazing window firm, a stylised "T" announcing to those in the know that that premises is owned by Tyneside Windows.&nbsp; It's exactly as it was yesterday.<br><br>Eventually, though, for want of anything sane to do you stand on the pavement, staring at the gap between unit sixteen and unit eighteen.&nbsp; Yesterday it held a moderately prosperous Builder's and Plumber's Merchants.&nbsp; Staff, customers, car parking spaces round the back.&nbsp; A jaunty sign with a missing "O" announcing it as the premises of "J H ner and Sons".&nbsp; Eight hundred and eighty square feet of stock on the ground floor, a similar amount of offices on the first accessed by a staircase protected by a "Staff Only" sign.&nbsp; It's a place you know well.&nbsp; Knew well.<br><br>Because today it's simply not there.&nbsp; Not burnt down, not collapsed, simply not there.&nbsp; Barely even a gap for it.&nbsp; Instead of the wide plate windows facing the street, decorated with posters advertising the latest bargains, there is simply a small alleyway, maybe six feet wide, between units sixteen and eighteen.&nbsp; Crab grass and other weeds grow through cracks in the low quality paving and there's a litter of empty beer cans and abandoned cigarette tabs.&nbsp; A striking piece of graffiti in a vibrant red on the brick wall of unit eighteen the only thing that distinguishes it from any other run down alleyway in Newcastle.&nbsp; A "chare" they call it, in the local slang - you realise your mind is making random connections and take a halfhearted step forwards to investigate the alleyway.&nbsp; From your new position you can see the graffiti clearly.<br><br>(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/8/83/Graffiti1.jpg)<br><br>It's oddly unsettling and you step back quickly.&nbsp; Others are arriving now, puzzled looks on their faces as they do the same search for Honers as you just have.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>August 17, 2013, 09:11:32 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Any normal person would have assumed that they had gotten lost, that they were in the wrong place, that they were on the wrong street.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Any normal person would have gone back, retraced his steps, looked for familiar landmarks.&nbsp; An entire place of business, lot and all, does not just disappear overnight.&nbsp; It's impossible.&nbsp; Even if, say, the place was burnt down, sacked by vandals or ripped from its moorings by a highly destructive and <em>extremely</em> specific tornado, there would be <em>something</em>.&nbsp; &nbsp;A lot of wreckage.&nbsp; An empty lot.&nbsp; Flotsam and jetsam, and other things ending in -sam.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>But Norm, despite all protestations to the contrary, was not a normal person.&nbsp; He was the first to arrive.&nbsp; Normally, he was punctual, but today a series of freak occurrences involving a power outage, a trespassing cat, and a balcony window that mysteriously slid shut behind him conspired to contribute to his tardiness.&nbsp; He stopped in the empty alleyway, clutching his unopened umbrella in one hand, his suitcase in the other.&nbsp; He glanced left, at the derelict warehouse that was unit 16.&nbsp; Then he glanced right, at the stylized sign announcing Tyneside Windows.&nbsp; <br><br>Cautiously, he advanced into the alleyway.&nbsp; He read the message on the brick wall.&nbsp; &nbsp;He turned, slowly, half-expecting to see binoculars peering down at him from high windows or from through the tinted dash of a black, unmarked automobile parked on the other side of the street.<br><br>The important thing, Norm told himself, was not to panic.&nbsp; Someone had left that message there for a reason.&nbsp; &nbsp;As soon as he figured out what that reason was, he would be better equipped to deal with the situation on his terms. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>August 20, 2013, 03:26:04 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Miyo Takahara was not the type of person in life to be late to anything. She was the type of person to crunch every number in her life, from the account books at Honer and Sons to her schedule to every penny she ever earned. Today was unusual, though, in the fact she was late, and she arrived where her workplace should have been already in a state of some anger and confusion. The whole morning had started wrong, from her curling iron refusing to add a lovely flip to her hair to her clothes not being quite dry from last night's stint in the dryer, necessitating fifteen extra minutes in there so she didn't wear a damp pencil skirt to work.<br><br>So when she did arrive, her black heels clacking past each unit until she got to the right one, her black hair disheveled, her hand fumbling with her phone and her purse, she was floored to see only one familiar face at all—a fellow she worked with in accounting at the company. <br><br>Apparently he was the only aspect of Honer's that seemed to be there at all, and that included a distressing lack of the company building. But soon others arrived, looking around with some bewilderment, and Miyo stepped forward to look at the graffiti, standing near Norm. She sighed and looked for any sign the police had been called—none had. She grumbled to herself, “You have to be kidding me. The whole place is gone! Its not like we can just call the police and say, “Hello, I'd like to report a theft. Yes, it's a whole building gone. Oh, and some vandalism.” She fidgeted and said to Norm, “You got here before me—do you have any idea what this is all about?”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>August 21, 2013, 03:30:06 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"The police aren't going to be any help," he sighed.&nbsp; <em>Because they're most likely in on it,</em> he added to himself.&nbsp; He did not say this out loud, however.&nbsp; He was very good at not saying things out loud.<br><br>"We All Know You Did It," he murmured, poking at the wall, and its graffiti, with his umbrella.&nbsp; "Whom is the 'You' referring to, I wonder?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>August 22, 2013, 12:51:57 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Miyo crossed her arms as if to ward off a chill through her body when she read the graffiti accusation, writ in a blaring red and painfully obvious to behold. She wanted to tell herself that there was a rational explanation for everything, but nothing within mortal ken accounted for a building actually vanishing. She wondered what type of paranormal activity could account for the sudden disappearance of a whole building, if indeed it was that? She tossed the thought out of her mind--she needed some empirical proof about what had happened before jumping to conclusions like that.<br><br>She said to Norm, "The You....I'm wondering, since...well, the building that was supposed to be here is gone, that maybe it's referring to someone at Honer's? Or...I don't know, maybe even someone spray painting that as if they knew who..."<br><br>She hesitated to say it out loud, but it was apparent enough to just blurt it out.<br><br>"...who took the building, maybe, and were calling them out on it?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Demigod1945</strong> on <strong>August 22, 2013, 04:35:58 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Chris Manners was what one could call annoyed. For he liked to be punctual when it came to investigating a lead in a case, especially one so personal. Having arrived to Honer's unit 17 warehouse over half an hour late because his car, which he had only just bought no more than four days ago, unexpectedly broke down in the middle of the street. After waiting impatiently for the local tow truck to find him and his car, take it back to the garage for repairs, catching the mechanic attempting to lie about the condition of the vehicle and overcharge him, he pulled up to where unit 17 was located. Or was supposed to be located, Chris did a double take on the where the warehouse was supposed be standing. <br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;But all he could see was a small, damp alley way squeezing in between unit 16 and 18. He stepped out of his car and cautiously&nbsp; approached the alley way. He saw that what seemed to be employees of Honers had already arrived and were just as confused as he was. He saw a woman and man standing together studying some graffiti on the wall.<em>"We All Know You Did It"</em> What the hell was that suppose to mean? He approached the pair and overheard the woman's statement about where the building disappeared to and who wrote the graffiti. He decided to input his opinion.<br>&nbsp; &nbsp;"That's a good answer to why someone would do this... but I have feeling that's not quite right, you see the "You" in this sentence could be just referring to who took the building, if that is what happened, but it could also be referring to just about anyone here, whether it be me, you, or him." He pointed to himself, and then the woman and the man for punctuation.&nbsp; "Or even all of us at once." Chris walked up to the graffiti closely, examining it with a fierce intensity."Of course it could also just be a message between rival gangs, but what are the chances of that right? <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>August 23, 2013, 02:01:33 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Norm turned, slowly.&nbsp; Miyo, of course, he knew.&nbsp; He and she had worked together for...how many years was it now? Five? Six?&nbsp; He'd lost count.&nbsp; Days tended to go by in a blur, at Honer's.&nbsp; Sometimes he felt that his entire life was a lie, and that everything he knew was merely a dream, and that he was merely a brain in a tank somewhere...<br><br>...<br><br>...<br><br>...no.&nbsp; Best stop that line of thought right now.&nbsp; Down that road, Norm knew, lay madness.<br><br>Reeling himself back into the physical world,&nbsp; he blinked at the other man.&nbsp; Miyo he knew, but this man he did not.&nbsp; <br><br>"And who are you, sir?" he asked, without any particular hostility, but also void of any warmth or friendliness. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>August 24, 2013, 05:44:11 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Tuesday 13th August 2013, 9:39 </strong><br><br>Whatever he was about to reply is not said as a car, travelling way faster than the constraints of safe driving let alone the speed limit, pulls up with a screech of protesting brakes.&nbsp; Leaving the engine running and the car door open behind him, a chubby man climbs out and looks round with evident worry.&nbsp; He's clearly been distracted from his morning routine - half of his face is covered with shaving foam and the dressing gown he's wearing hangs open revealing a flabby white belly and a pair of white boxers over fat legs.&nbsp; He notices Miyo and pulls it not-quite-closed-enough over his body but his attention is clearly still on looking round and worrying.<br><br>"Who are you?&nbsp; Has something happened here?"&nbsp; He's got a northern accent, Barnsley (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VA4qgZNGLbM) perhaps or somewhere near there, his tone is worried, not at all aggressive.<br><br>He clearly realises he's acting a bit odd and, after a brief moment to collect himself, pulls his robe fully closed and ties the belt to keep it there, gives a faint apologetic smile mainly aimed at Miyo.&nbsp; <br><br>"Sorry, look..." he struggles for something to say for a second then gives a short laugh "OK, look, I promise I'm not crazy.&nbsp; But...has something happened here?&nbsp; It... I dunno.&nbsp; Is everything here..." he trails off to shaking his head, clearly unable to articulate exactly what he's asking.&nbsp; He goes to where pockets would be were he properly dressed and laughs again, then shuffles his feet as he peers in confusion at the alleyway.&nbsp; <br><br>"I'm" he's speaking very slowly, as much to himself as you "I'm almost certain I've never seen this alleyway before in my life. Pretty certain this can't be good news.&nbsp; Look guys, what has.. OK, I'm Michael Tannen.&nbsp; And, yeah, I'm not a crazy person."&nbsp; He laughs again, clearly aware that repeating it didn't help "But if there's something weird here then you need to tell me.&nbsp; You're not in trouble but...yeah...I, I really do need to know." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>August 25, 2013, 12:56:32 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Arriving just behind Tannen is a young man in his late teens, short, wiry, wearing a button-down shirt and a vest under his windcheater, messenger bag over one shoulder, running with surprising speed down the pavement. He actually spins around a lamppost by one elbow to brake himself and comes to a halt staring at the absence of Honer's.<br><br>"Da…?" he says. "What…is this some kind of a…"<br><br>Tannen's words don't quite seem to register on him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>August 27, 2013, 09:01:15 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Miyo had worked with Norm before; they had gotten along passably well, to her knowledge. She also knew Norm tended to examine things from every possible angle--in her opinion, that made him a damn good accountant. She fidgeted as he asked the identity of the new man with suspicion, but that was the least of her concerns before Tannen arrived on the dreary and baffling scene. His accent...she couldn't place it herself, being poor with that sort of thing and not having an ear for it--she placed it roughly as Yorkshire and didn't want to narrow it down from there. Nor did it matter.<br><br>Of course, focusing on the accent was clearly easier than focusing on the fat pale fellow's boxers. She turns a bit red, embarrassed, and she says, "Perhaps you should calm down, sir. You're the gent out and about only in a bathrobe. Tends to not be the most stellar first impression. And sir, I can hardly see how we'd be in trouble if you're the fellow out in his boxers." <br><br>She shifted uncomfortably and noticed the young teen who'd run up, seeing what looks to be incredulity on the young man's face, if she read him correctly, and she said, "Ah...you're looking for it, too, young man? Join the club. No one knows what happened."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>August 27, 2013, 09:22:08 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"But…my Da…I was supposed to bring him his thumb drive, he can't give his presentation without it…but…where…"<br><br>Bran's voice trails off to silence; he stares at the absence-of-Honer's, transfixed and unresponsive.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>August 27, 2013, 09:30:49 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Tuesday 13th August 2013, 9:40</strong><br><br>"Good point" he smiles at Miyo awkwardly.&nbsp; "I was in a bit of a rush to get here and probably could have spent a bit more time getting ready."&nbsp; He notices he's left the car running and half turns to turn the engine off.&nbsp; You all flinch, instinctively, knowing that if he bends in to the car it'll cause his robe to ride up and expose a sight you almost certainly don't want to see.&nbsp; He obviously realises this as well and abandons the movement with a lame "I'll just leave it for now."<br><br>He takes a few steps into the alleyway and glances over it.&nbsp; "We all know you did it, do we.&nbsp; Am I a 'we' or a 'you' I wonder."&nbsp; He clicks his tongue a few times while he looks at the three of you and then frowns and takes a few steps towards Bran, arms wide opening to show he's not threatening and his tone kindly.<br><br>"You alright there son?&nbsp; You don't look it.&nbsp; Get yourself into the glove compartment of my car, you'll find some chocolate.&nbsp; Help yourself, even I couldn't eat it all."&nbsp; He laughs self deprecatingly "and then talk to me.&nbsp; Trust me, it'll help you feel better."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>August 27, 2013, 09:40:00 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Moving slowly, as if underwater, Bran walks around to the other side of the car and fumbles with the glovebox, emerging with a Dairy Milk and a Fruit &amp; Nut. He unwraps one, focusing his attention on it to get away from the bizarre scene, and takes a bite.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>August 27, 2013, 10:26:06 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Time for a rules interlude</div><div class="spoiler_body">The stress gauges.&nbsp; Mmmmkay.&nbsp; These are a tricky concept and by and large its not essential that you understand them - I'll just ask you for a roll from time to time.<br><br>In essence though they're a way of monitoring how much the vicissitudes of life are affecting you mentally.&nbsp; A madness meter, if you will.<br><br>There are five of them - Violence, Helplessness, Isolation, Self and the Unnatural.&nbsp; Each measures how well you are coping mentally with the appropriate type of stress.&nbsp; A combat veteran might have become all but immune to the sight of dismembered body parts but will flip his lid if he gets trapped in an isolation booth for a day.&nbsp; A magician, on the other hand, might not blink an eyelid at being transported to a parallel world where Austria-Hungary won the first world war but will running screaming if someone pulls a knife on him.<br><br>Each gauge has two types of "notches".&nbsp; Failed and Hardened (f and h on your character sheets).&nbsp; There are 10 hardened notches, 5 failed ones.&nbsp; Hardened notches represent you growing used to the appropriate stress - the combat veteran.&nbsp; Failed represent it taking a toll on your mental stability.&nbsp; Neither are what you might call "good".&nbsp; Filling up too many hardened ones means you are increasingly withdrawn from what makes you human, you become a sociopath.&nbsp; Too many failed means your mind has broken, you go insane.&nbsp; I'll explain the rules for those two states when they become relevant.<br><br>When I ask for a stress check, what I'm asking for is a roll against your Mind stat.&nbsp; Success gives you a hardened notch as you absorb into your psyche whatever it is that is so disturbing, bringing you a step closer to a disconnect from humanity.&nbsp; Failure means it "got through the shields".&nbsp; You take a failed notch and choose one of three actions:<br><br>Panic - You run the fuck away from it.&nbsp; As fast as you can.&nbsp; Doesn't matter where, the goal is "away" not "towards"<br>Paralysis - the deer in a headlights approach.&nbsp; You might rock, maybe scream, but you stand rooted to the spot until its gone away.<br>Frenzy - you fuck that thing's shit up.&nbsp; You attack, smash and destroy.<br><br>You pick one of those three and stay like that until I tell you otherwise.&nbsp; In some cases, one or more of them might not be relevant, use common sense.<br><br>There are ways of removing failed notches.&nbsp; The only one likely to come up is "psychological first aid" - which is what Tannen is attempting with Bran.&nbsp; Shortly (within an hour) after failing a check if someone sits down and helps you make sense of it then they have a chance of repairing the damage done to your mind.&nbsp; In game terms, they make a check against something like "Counselling", "Psychiatry", "Good person to talk to" or other relevant skill.&nbsp; If they pass their roll, you erase the failed mark.<br><br>A lot to cover there.&nbsp; Takeaway points are:<br>Roll Mind when I ask you to.<br>If you fail, choose frenzy, panic or paralysis<br>I will let you know when you can stop<br>I will let you know, in vague terms, what your current state of mental stability is.&nbsp; Thats down to you to roleplay to the extent you like - Im not actually going to force it on you but I do think its very interesting to play.</div></div><br>He smiles kindly at Bran and nods encouragingly as he unwraps the bar of chocolate.&nbsp; "Just throw the wrapper in the back seat, I'll clean it out later.&nbsp; And if you want to talk to me then feel free.&nbsp; It'll do you good."&nbsp; <br><br>He watches Bran for a moment longer then turns his attention back to Norm and Miyo, though still casts occasional worried glances at the boy.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>August 28, 2013, 03:54:35 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"That's all well and good," interrupts Norm, irritably.&nbsp; "But obviously you know something about this.&nbsp; What do you know, sir? I suggest you spit it out."<br><br>Norm's tone is vaguely hostile, almost threatening, even though he's armed with nothing more than an umbrella and a suitcase.&nbsp; &nbsp;Yeah, he's probably going to be the asshole of the group.&nbsp; Probably die an early death. (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/TheWorldsExpertOnGettingKilled)&nbsp; Then again, who knows?&nbsp; He could have a life changing epiphany (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/HeelFaceTurn). 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Demigod1945</strong> on <strong>August 28, 2013, 04:29:31 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp;"No need to be so hostile, but he does have a point sir, you do know something, I can see it on your face." Chris chimed in. He always thought it to be important that his opinion and knowledge was known, there wasn't a grand strategy behind it, he just liked to do it. Even he thought it was a bit odd not to have a reason for it, but he wasn't too worried about it. Chris made himself look at the mans facial features, studying them if you will, whatever the man said next, he would be able to tell if he was lying or not, at least usually that's what would happen. It had been quite some time since he had applied his skills of lie detection, having been researching on his wife's case more than anything else, and most of this research hadn't involved any human interaction for several weeks until today. He wasn't entirely confident that he was still at his peak.&nbsp; There have been times where his skills had failed him, even if his skills were top notch, although they were rare and had never happened multiple times in one setting, just occasionally someone would slip through his grasp and lie straight to his face without him even seeing it. When he ever looked back on these moments he laughed at himself and vowed to improve his skills so that it never happened again.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>August 28, 2013, 05:21:13 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He takes a deep breath and casts a last worried look at Bran, so far as any of you can tell his concern does seem genuine.&nbsp; He once again goes to where a pocket would normally be but this time looks irritated.&nbsp; <br><br>"I don't suppose any of you have a cigarette I could bum off you do you?&nbsp; Mine are sat patiently on my kitchen worksurface.<br><br>But anyway.&nbsp; I suppose you might have a point.&nbsp; Let's just..." he glances over at Bran and takes a few steps away from him, lowering his voice slightly&nbsp; "...I'm just not sure this conversation is good for the lad at the moment.&nbsp; He looks pretty shaken.&nbsp; Anyway.<br><br>I don't really know something. Or nothing I can put in to words at least.&nbsp; Something happened here about, oh, about half an hour ago.&nbsp; I don't know what and I can't really tell you how I know without you thinking I've lost the plot.&nbsp; Lets just say its a gut feeling: I've got a lot of gut to have feelings in." he slaps his belly and laughs, trying to break the tension then abruptly sobers.<br><br>"But I know this area really well.&nbsp; Really, really well.&nbsp; And..." he stares at the chare for long enough to make you think he's finished before abruptly continuing.&nbsp; "Nothing seems to have changed, but I can't shake the feeling that I've never seen that alley before.&nbsp; It's...I don't know.&nbsp; Is there an opposite of deja vu?&nbsp; It feels like I've never been here before but..." once again he drifts off to staring at where Honer's used to be with a worried frown.&nbsp; Eventually he shakes his head and returns his attention to you.<br><br>"Honestly, I think you might know more than me.&nbsp; The four of you stood here" he shrugs "I reached the conclusion you knew something.&nbsp; Might even be responsible."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>August 28, 2013, 06:01:17 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As the sugar hits Bran's bloodstream, he suddenly realizes he's ravenous. He munches his way quickly through the Dairy Milk as Tannen speaks. The man's last words sink in as he's unwrapping the Fruit &amp; Nut.<br><br>"Know something? Responsible?"<br><br>Bran wheels on the others. "You, you're…I've seen you…both of you. Do you know something? Did you…vanish the store? Where's my Da!" He takes a bite of the Fruit &amp; Nut, almost without thinking.<br><br>Norm and Miyo vaguely recognize the teenager; he's been around the office from time to time, especially during school holidays. A minute's thought places him as the son of the Finance Director—their boss's boss.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>September 01, 2013, 03:10:32 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Miyo said to Tannen, "Sorry, no smokes on me. Nasty habit to pick up, you know." She turned to Bran after hearing the lad become viciously accusatory, worried about him, but nonetheless had no patience for such talk about her or Norm being involved with this. She squinted and finally was able to place Bran...the Finance Director's kid? That was going to be problematic. She said, irritable, pointing a finger at Bran, "Be quiet, you. I know you're upset. We all are. Some of us have jobs and income we're worrying about right now as well as people who may have been here. But accusing the people that might be able to help is no way to find your father." Her face softened after that, and she placed a hand on his shoulder, saying, "Look, we'll figure things out, okay?"<br><br>She looked at Tannen again....and she decided that the only way to figure things out was to take a risk and talk to Tannen honestly. There were no other leads, and it wasn't as if the police were going to believe a word any of them said. She met the fellow's eyes and said firmly, "The alley you are looking at is where a company called Honer's should be. I should know; I work for the accounting department there. I was late for work, and when I got here....well, I suppose you could argue I never arrived at Honer's....that none of us did, as there doesn't seem to <em>be</em> a Honer's right now." Miyo hoped Norm wouldn't skewer her for offering the info, but she figured Tannen could find it out from any of the other people milling about the area anyway, so why not?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>September 01, 2013, 07:26:44 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Tuesday 13th August 9:41</strong><br><br>He frowns and studies the alley for a moment then shakes his head.&nbsp; Steeples his hands in front of his mouth as he decides what to say.&nbsp; "OK.&nbsp; I can't... I really must stress how well I know this area.&nbsp; And I know you're worried about your father, lad."&nbsp; It's a flat vowel, fa-ther not far-ther.<br><br>"But, well, it might be best if you here this from me not someone else.&nbsp; This, errr, what do you say it was?&nbsp; A business or something?"&nbsp; He squints at Miyo "The one where you were an, errr, well, whatever you said?&nbsp; You're, I know this is tough to believe, but you're mistaken.&nbsp; I've been studying this area for a bit.&nbsp; This is My Turf."&nbsp; He pronounces it like that, you can hear the capitals - My Turf not my turf.&nbsp; "And this, this thing - it's never been here.&nbsp; Someone's messing with you.&nbsp; Messing with your memories."&nbsp; He smiles, a bit worried.<br><br>"I know you guys, and you, love" this to Miko "have no reason to know me or trust me.&nbsp; But, well, do you want to know what I think you should do?"<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">I want some rolls from you</div><div class="spoiler_body">Please DON'T post here (except Riveda) until I've adjudicated your roll.&nbsp; As I mentioned, once you know the system a little better I'm fine with people adjudicating their own rolls by and large but until that time I'd sooner give you specific pass/fail information.[/<br><br><strong>In brief:</strong><br>Norm, Miyo:&nbsp; Roll three times, first is under Mind, second under Notice, third under Mind.<br>Chris: Roll twice, both of them under Mind.<br>Bran: Roll once, under Mind.<br><br><strong>In not brief - explanation:</strong><br>First off I want a <em>significant Notice check</em> from you.&nbsp; That means a d100 roll under the stat that governs Notice - Mind in this case.&nbsp; So for example Bran has a Mind skill of fifty so Riveda needs to roll 1-50 on a d100 to succeed.<br><br>Second I want a <em>Major Notice Check</em> from all of you except DemiGod.&nbsp; This means a d100 roll under your Notice skill itself, not the stat.&nbsp; So Bran has a Notice of 30, he needs to roll a 1-29 to succeed.<br><br>Finally I want a stress check from all of you except Riveda (he did his earlier)- which is a roll under your Soul stat.&nbsp; So Norm has a Soul of 50, he needs a 1-49 to pass.&nbsp; If you fail both the previous Notice checks then make it on the Self track (Riveda, I'll transfer yours over if appropriate).&nbsp; What this means is that your sense of who you are - an accountant, the son of a VP, etc - has been hit by the realisation that this was just an implanted memory.&nbsp; You're starting to question what else about your self could be forged.&nbsp; If you pass either of the first checks though, then there's another option, same roll but different results.&nbsp; &nbsp;I'll explain to those its relevant to.<br><br>My dicebot ID is 39076 if you want to send me them that way or just post them in the OOC/recruitment.<br></div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>September 01, 2013, 03:22:59 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As Norm scrutinizes the boy, he recalls where he's seen Bran's face before.&nbsp; He was there at the Christmas party last year, that awkward occasion when high-level managers are forced to socialize with low-level employees.&nbsp; Norm recalled making clumsy small talk with the Director of Finance and being introduced to his son, currently the young man standing before him.&nbsp; "Yep, you got us, kid," he murmurs, flatly.&nbsp; We just waved our umbrellas like so, and made the entire building disappear.&nbsp; Yup.&nbsp; Guilty as charged."&nbsp; <br><br>He sighed, and rubbed his temples.&nbsp; He shouldn't be such a dick to the kid, he knew.&nbsp; But this was not turning out to be a good day.&nbsp; He didn't know what was going on, and Norm didn't like it when he didn't know what was going on.&nbsp; It always gave him a headache.&nbsp; He liked neat things, things which stayed put, things which didn't go wandering off and subvert the laws of physics itself.&nbsp; &nbsp;It was why he became an accountant.<br><br>He absorbed Michael Tannen's revelation easily enough.&nbsp; It sounded like just the sort of thing the Government would do.&nbsp; Of course, there was always the possibility the man was completely full of shit.&nbsp; Both possibilities were just as equally likely. <br><br>"Not particularly," Norm snapped.&nbsp; "But something tells me that you are going to tell us anyway."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Demigod1945</strong> on <strong>September 01, 2013, 03:37:10 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Well Mr. uh... Tannen, I can say when you say there has never been a Honer's here, I believe you." Chris paused a moment, but then decided to abruptly introduce himself to the group. "By the way, my name is Chris Manners, ex-psychologist and currently a PI (Private Investigator) of New Castle . He extended his hand to Mr. Tannen, wanting to see how he would react. "And what exactly do you think we should do, because I for one am a bit confused as what to do next." Chris cocked his head back, intently studying the man's face. To some he may have just been acting mock interest, but really he was looking for clue as too whether the man would lie or tell the truth. Secretly, Chris hoped that he lied, it made things much more fun and interesting in the long run.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>September 01, 2013, 05:37:37 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He spreads his arms at Norm's aggressive comments and takes a step back.&nbsp; "Hey, I'm not looking for trouble.&nbsp; Just seemed to me you guys might be in a bit of a mess and I didn't want to just abandon you.&nbsp; You want me to head off then I will.&nbsp; I'm going to be late for work anyway."<br><br>As Chris watches him he notices something interesting.&nbsp; While Tannen seems absolutely genuine in what he's saying you notice that the name Honer's and even the exact details of what have happened don't seem to stick in his mind at all.&nbsp; He's not lying to you, you don't think.&nbsp; Or at least not deliberately.&nbsp; But there is something going on.&nbsp; It's almost as if his memories are being messed with rather than yours.&nbsp; That somehow, his mental references to the fact that Honer's used to exist are being removed as fast as they are made.&nbsp; It half leads you to the conclusion that he's mistaken, that your memories haven't been altered.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>September 01, 2013, 05:46:30 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Bran notices the same thing as Chris, that Tannen's uncharacteristic forgetfulness seems to indicate its his memories of Honer's that are gone not your memories of it that have been implanted.&nbsp; Sure, the physical building is gone but at least you haven't imagined it all.<br><br>In fact, as you're thinking on this, it occurs to you you have proof.&nbsp; The key in your pocket, the one to your father's office to pick up his pen drive.&nbsp; It's still there and as you look at it you can see its even the same familiar keyring.&nbsp; A promotional one for Honer's giving its contact number, website, address and all the rest.<br><br>Physical proof the place did exist.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>September 01, 2013, 06:01:04 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Bran looks at the keychain as he crams the last of the Fruit &amp; Nut into his mouth. Will it morph? Disappear?<br><br>If he shows it to the oddly forgetful man, will it <em>then</em> morph or disappear?<br><br>He wants to swear loudly but is too well-brought-up. Instead he swallows the chocolate, walks back around the car, and holds the keychain in front of Tannen by the keys. His hand trembles, making them jingle a little.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>September 01, 2013, 06:17:01 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Tuesday 13th August 9:41</strong><br><br>"You back with us then lad?&nbsp; Chocolate does a right lot of good doesn't it.&nbsp; What's this you've got then"&nbsp; He pulls the keys slightly closer to him, using the palm of his hand, not taking them from your grasp.<br><br>"J Honer And Sons.&nbsp; Builders And Plumbers Merchants to the Trade.&nbsp; 0191 2746546.&nbsp; Double you double you double you dot honers dot co do you kay.&nbsp; You can count on Honer's" he reads, peering at them and purses his lips in thought.<br><br>"I've heard of Honer's before.&nbsp; Now where have I...." he frowns in thought then snaps his fingers, looking quite worried and staring at Miyo.&nbsp; "That's the name of the business isn't it?&nbsp; That you said earlier.&nbsp; Fuck.&nbsp; OK."&nbsp; He thinks a moment more and then scrambles into his car - exposing a lot more flesh as his dressing gown rides up - to snatch a notebook and pen from the litter strewn back seat.&nbsp; When he emerges, barely thirty seconds later, he looks at you then the notepad blankly.<br><br>"I had something I wanted to write down.&nbsp; Something I knew I'd forget.&nbsp; Any offers what it was?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>September 01, 2013, 06:21:56 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Bran rips the notepad out of Tannen's hands, scrawls the name, address and phone number of Honer's and hands it back. "Unit 17. Right bloody there. Where there isn't a Unit 17 any more. It goes straight from 16 to 18. Don't you find that the least bit odd, Mr My Turf?" His voice is shaking with repressed fury.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Demigod1945</strong> on <strong>September 01, 2013, 06:34:15 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Chris walked over to where Bran and Tannen were having their little "confrontation", and decided to make a suggestion. "Mr. Tannen, this may seem a bit odd but, do you mind if I ask you a few questions about yourself? Generally most people reacted with hostility to this, usually because they didn't like him prying into their business. "I promise not to ask anything too personal, just some basic questions." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>September 04, 2013, 07:55:38 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Errr, I suppose that's fair, yes.&nbsp; Tell you what I'm going to do though.&nbsp; I'm gonna say my piece first.&nbsp; Not that I'm putting you off mate, but I reckon I'm going to forget it again soon if I don't do it now and I think your friends" he nods at Norm and Bran "are getting pretty pissed off with me already.&nbsp; That alright with you?"<br><br>He pauses a moment then continues.<br><br>"You want to go see Ron Percy.&nbsp; Ronald.&nbsp; You'll find him at the King's Head down there and to the right."&nbsp; You know of the pub he's talking about, maybe even been in once or twice.&nbsp; A small place with leather seats that seems to derive all its income from the four or five regulars who are always found there.&nbsp; It's not that strangers are met with <em>Deliverance </em> style stares or anything, simply that its a quiet pub in a non-residential area that's made absolutely no effort to get involved in the drinking and dancing of Newcastle's famous nightlife.&nbsp; Come to think of it you've heard of Ron Percy as well, he's somehow involved in local politics.&nbsp; A town councillor maybe, you're not entirely certain.&nbsp; Its just a name that pops up in the newspapers from time to time.<br><br>"Tell him I said to see him.&nbsp; Tell him everything that happened - you might want to write it down for him.&nbsp; Tell him I'll help if he stops being such a dick about this road naming thing.&nbsp; Although maybe don't use those exact words.&nbsp; Oh, tell him he might want to try Back Monkey, I know he knows it.&nbsp; You got that?&nbsp; Back Monkey, like if you have a monkey on your back.<br><br>Ron knows what's going on, and he'll be none happier about all of this than I am.&nbsp; He's got my phone number as well, I'm afraid I don't know it and my phone is sat next to my cigs.&nbsp; Get it off him if you think it'll be useful.<br><br>That's what I'd do if I were you, I'd talk to the king.&nbsp; Ron, I mean.&nbsp; He looks after his own and I figure he'll be the best place for you to start.&nbsp; Course, you got no reason to trust me and I know that."&nbsp; He shrugs&nbsp; "Not a lot I can do to change it.&nbsp; I promise I'm not trying to be cryptic.&nbsp; I am in a bit of a rush..." he glances at his watchless wrist and frowns, remembering ... "but I'll answer what I can.<br><br>Starting with you, Mr Manners was it?&nbsp; What do you want to know?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>September 08, 2013, 07:44:12 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Miyo didn't feel as if someone were tampering with her. Her memories felt...real enough. She saw no reason to doubt herself unless Tannen offered genuine proof she was somehow out of her mind. She smiled but said nothing. No need to tell Tannen that she thought he might be a few cards short of a deck. She ran a hand through her black hair and felt more than a little nervous, but she listened to the conversations going on around her. She tugged a small notebook from her purse and wrote down <em>:Tannen says to go see Rom Percy at the King's Head. He said to try Back Monkey and to ask about the “road naming” thing.:</em><br><br>She slipped the notebook back in her purse; normally she used the book for stray calculations for her job, but she figured if the building didn't exist, she had a day off, so she might as well keep kooky notes in it. She cast a glance at Chris, Norm, and the kid....and decided to let them ask questions of Tannen first.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>September 11, 2013, 04:57:29 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Bran slowly shook his head. Tannen was speaking gibberish, but his attitude made it clear it was meaningful to him, if not to anyone else. That made him a lunatic.<br><br>On the other hand, what did misplacing Da and all of Honer's make Bran?<br><br>He simply didn't know what questions to ask, so he shut up and waited for the others to speak.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Demigod1945</strong> on <strong>September 12, 2013, 04:19:49 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Chris simply spoke in a deliberate manner, and asked the same questions that he always asked, and out they came rapidly, each question started almost as soon as the previous ended.<br>"What's your name, where are you from, what's your mothers name, do you know anything about Honer's, where are you from, where are we right now?" The reason for these random questions was to surprise Mr. Tannen, since he was being asked unexpected questions, and these questions were being thrown at him rapidly, any lie he may have prepared for a certain one would be forgotten as he would most likely attempt to answer one question as the next one was already being asked. Therefore the idea was to make him so caught off guard that he couldn't be able to lie without Chris catching it. This was one of Chris's favorite tactic when it came to interrogating someone, as it made things all the more easier. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>September 12, 2013, 07:32:11 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He gives a...a smile?&nbsp; You're not quite sure that's the word but you can't think of a better one.&nbsp; It's a weird mixture of apprehension, distaste, amusement and something else, confusion maybe?&nbsp; More at why you're doing what you're doing than the action itself.&nbsp; A brief glance to the other three of you, then back to Chris.<br><br>"O..Kay...Errrrm.&nbsp; I'm, errr, I'm pretty certain I told you my name.&nbsp; Michael Tannen.&nbsp; Obviously I'm not going to tell you my mother's maiden name, or the name of my first pet or anything like that.&nbsp; I'm, errr, what else did you say?&nbsp; I've never heard of Honer's in my life, so nothing I guess. I'm from Elsecar and, errrr, we're, well, we're on a pavement.<br><br>I think I should probably get going, to be honest.&nbsp; I'm going to be late&nbsp; for work as it is and, yeah, it seems like we might have exhausted the, you know, the useful portion of this conversation."<br><br>He eyes Chris suspiciously for a moment then shrugs to himself.&nbsp; "I get it's weird, Mr Manners.&nbsp; I do.&nbsp; And I guess I can't fault you for how you deal with it.&nbsp; Is there any of that chocolate left lad?"&nbsp; This to Bran.&nbsp; "I think your friend could probably do with some of it as well."&nbsp; He shrugs again.<br><br>"I'm going to dash home and finish getting dressed.&nbsp; Can I offer you a lift somewhere?&nbsp; I promise" he addresses Miyo "that despite all evidence to the contrary I'm not a crazy person.&nbsp; Feel free to text someone my registration number or something if it'd make you feel any happier."&nbsp; Another shrug, another eyeing of Chris then he turns and gets in his car, but pauses to wait and see what you all do.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>September 12, 2013, 07:41:20 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I couldn't eat all your chocolate if I tried," said Bran. He considered asking for a ride to the King's Head, but the condition of Tannen's car dissuaded him. Instead, he nodded in the general direction of the others and set out at an easy, energy-conserving jog toward the pub, head awhirl.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>September 12, 2013, 07:55:43 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:02<br><br>Bran, Potentially Others.<br><br>The King's Head Pub.</strong><br><br>(http://www.shepherdneame.co.uk/sites/default/files/styles/400-260/public/microsites/carousel/kings-head-11.jpg)<br><br>The King's Head is exactly where Tannen said it would be and where you remember it being, which is potentially a little relieving.&nbsp; The front door is wide open and a small alleyway leads to a beer garden round the back littered with cigarette and cigar tabs.&nbsp; A brass plaque above the door announces the Liquor Licence holder as "M and P Turner" while a hand-lettered sign in a window announces that the guest ale is Milk Street Zig Zag &nbsp;(http://www.jdwrealale.co.uk/ales/milk-street-zig-zag-742) and that food is served from twelve noon.&nbsp; Looking inside the door shows a middle aged woman - the word "matronly" springs unbidden to mind - setting up the bar area, two men playing on the quiz machine and a man you recognise as Ronald Percy sat in a high backed chair, smoking a cigar in open defiance of the smoking ban.&nbsp; The room is set up so that the chair he's sat on forms a clear focal point of the room, most other furniture is arranged to a greater or lesser extent to be facing it.&nbsp; He doesn't seem overly concerned by being the centre of attention in an almost completely empty pub though, just tapping cigar ash on the floor while he reads the sports section of a newspaper.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Everyone but Bran</div><div class="spoiler_body">Feel free to be present if you wish, or to remain interacting with Tannen, or to go somewhere else.&nbsp; Just make it clear in your post what you're up to</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>September 12, 2013, 08:22:08 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Remembering the difficulty he'd had with Tannen, Bran stopped outside the pub to take a spiral notebook and a pen from his messenger bag. He jotted down a succinct account from his perspective of the events of the morning so far, from the unexplained closure of the Metro to Tannen's conditional offer of help and suggestion that "Back Monkey" might be of assistance. Tearing out the page and stashing notebook and pen away again, he swallowed back a nervous rush of bile and entered the pub.<br><br>"Mr. Percy?" Bran addressed the, for want of a better word, enthroned (and hadn't Tannen called him "the king"?) figure. "Sorry to bother you, but…well…something very bad has happened, and Michael Tannen thought you might be able to accomplish what he couldn't." Bran hadn't missed the implication of a rivalry or other hard feelings between the two men, and figured a subtle bit of flattery wouldn't hurt.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>September 13, 2013, 12:49:27 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Brief reply to Tannen just outside of where Honer's was</strong><br><br><br>Miyo frowned and realized that there was probably not much more she could learn from Tannen, but as he walked to his car, she suddenly had a thought. There was a chance that Tannen was crazy, yes. But on the off chance that something was not as it seemed and people might accuse her of being crazy, Miyo wanted to have some sort of alibi. And Tannen was looking like that person. Miyo hustled over quickly, and she said, “Just in case, Mr. Tannen, would it be possible to get your phone number? In case things get any more strange? I'm not at my best at the moment, and if there is a chance later that I can't get a handle on what's going on and could use someone to ask, perhaps...considering you have been so indulgent here already, you might indulge me a bit further and answer a question from time to time until I get my bearings about the situation here?”<br><br>She mostly wanted the number to prove later that Tannen had been there and he existed. She was somewhat furious that Honer's had upped and apparently stopped existing—she would be damned if this first initial contact did that, too.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>September 13, 2013, 07:38:47 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>The King's Head Pub<br>Bran, Potentially Others</strong><br><br>He carefully folds the newspaper and lays it on the arm of his chair before fully looking up at you - piercing bright blue eyes.&nbsp; He's probably in his late fifties to early sixties to look at him, but speaks with the sort of very strong accent you associate with much older men.&nbsp; The type who formed their voice before omnipresent radio and TV softened regional accents.&nbsp; I shall spare you any attempt at transliteration.<br><br>"Why I'm guessing you're probably right.&nbsp; Also guessing that fat cunt didn't use them exact words, but?"&nbsp; His tone isn't overly unfriendly to Tannen, more teasing than anything else.&nbsp; "Why divvin't you grab yourself a chair and we'll see if we can't sort out what's troubling you.&nbsp; Mabel," he calls over to the woman behind the bar "Why divvin't you sort this laddie out with a drink while me and him have a talk, but."&nbsp; <br><br>There's a rattle of coins as the quiz machine pays out, all but one of the coins go in to pockets, the remainder is placed back in the machine to start again.<br><br><hr><br><strong>Between Units 16 and 18<br>Miyo, Potentially Others</strong><br><br>"I don't know my number I'm afraid, lass."&nbsp; While he's talking he's rummaging about in the litter on the back seat "Never ring myself, you know.&nbsp; If you jot me down yours though I can text you when I get back so you'll have it.<br><br>I do have though...." he trails off as he continues to rummage then "A ha!&nbsp; Knew I had one!&nbsp; Here you go."&nbsp; He holds out a slightly chocolate stained business card for you:<br><br><br>(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/5/59/Card.png)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>September 13, 2013, 08:27:56 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Bran pulled up what he couldn't help thinking of as a supplicant's chair, sat down in it, and said, "I wrote it all out for you. Er—Mr. Tannen found he couldn't remember it for long—" the last said in a doubtful tone, though he'd witnessed it first-hand "—so you can glance back at it if you have trouble." He passed over the hastily-written notebook page and waited expectantly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>September 13, 2013, 09:56:18 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>The King's Head Pub<br>Bran, Potentially Others</strong><br><br>He gives a throaty chuckle as he takes the notepad from you.&nbsp; "Aye, that sounds like Tannen, but.&nbsp; Oh this is my city, this is my city, this is my city, what's that?&nbsp; There's a problem?&nbsp; Better let Ron know, fuck all to do with me, like.&nbsp; Chubby little fuck.&nbsp; Let's see what we got here."<br><br>As he reads through your notes Mabel comes over with a glass of what looks like Coke but smells like Methanol.&nbsp; "Rum and coke, laddie.&nbsp; Don't you go telling your da we've been letting you have alcohol though.&nbsp; Just looked like you could use something a bit stronger than a pepsi."&nbsp; Ronald grunts in agreement, still reading.<br><br>Eventually he looks up.&nbsp; "Champion little mess you've got yourself in to here.&nbsp; But Tannen's right.&nbsp; Ronald Percy has never let his own down, and I'm not about to start now, but.&nbsp; Now, you just take a sip of this, I want to check something."&nbsp; He takes a cheap biro from a pocket and writes <em>you've read this</em> on the top corner of the notebook sheet, scrawling his signature below it.&nbsp; Drums his fingers on the arm of his chair for thirty odd seconds then picks it up and reads through again.&nbsp; When he looks back up at you he's chuckling.<br><br>"Why, I think you might be on to something here.&nbsp; If I hadn't have seen with my own eyes a note telling me I've heard this once..."&nbsp; He shakes his head and makes a lone tally mark under the reminder.&nbsp; "Normally, laddie, I'd think you'd gone radgie but the fact I can't remember this after having just read it..."&nbsp; He shakes his head again.&nbsp; "Champion little mess, but"<br><br>"Knew a lad called Honer once.&nbsp; Jimmy Honer, contractor on the shipyards.&nbsp; This is before you were born, like.&nbsp; Years ago.&nbsp; Left when his old woman gave him a bairn."<br><br>He stares at you blankly for a moment then picks the notepad up and reads through it again.&nbsp; Shaking his head as he makes another tally mark.<br><br>"Will not stick in my head, but.&nbsp; And that's gaun gie us problems.&nbsp; I can't go asking questions, reckon I'll forget what I'm asking half way through asking it,like, and look a reet fool.<br><br>Two things gaun on here, like.&nbsp; And I reckon you need the answers to both of them.&nbsp; First one is why this place has gone..." he trails off into another blank stare and picks up the notebook.&nbsp; A phlegmy chuckle and another tally mark before he continues.<br><br>"Right.&nbsp; Two problems here, but.&nbsp; We want to know why this Honer's place has vanished and we want to know why you and your friends still remember it when no one else does.&nbsp; Might be the same thing, might be different.&nbsp; <br><br>Powerful lot of mojo making everyone forget about this place.&nbsp; Someone must have really wanted it gone, but.&nbsp; Not easy to do it, and I reckon I know someone you can talk to about that.&nbsp; I'll get to that in a moment, because I'm not exactly being generous in what I'm gaun to propose.&nbsp; Second thing is why you're shielded from it and I'm not.&nbsp; Figure that's why Tannen suggested Back Monkey.&nbsp; Fat cunt might be on to something there, first time I've known him have a good idea that wasn't to do with eating."&nbsp; He laughs, which slowly turns in to a coughing fit.&nbsp; Mabel starts to come over looking worried but he waves her away and thumps his chest a few times.<br><br>"Lungs are fucked, laddie.&nbsp; Strange it is, no matter how much I smoke they never seem to get any better, like"&nbsp; He laughs again.&nbsp; "But before we go any further, I reckon its your turn to talk for a bit, like.&nbsp; What exactly do you want to happen?&nbsp; You willing to put a bit of time in to looking in to it?&nbsp; Did any of what I just said even make sense to you, like?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>September 13, 2013, 02:47:03 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Me Da? Now there's the problem…" Bran muttered, and sipped cautiously at the rum and Coke. It wasn't the first liquor he'd drunk, of course, but he was hardly a veteran wrist-raiser and there was no telling how strong she'd—whoosh! Yes, good thing he'd taken it slowly.<br><br>When Percy proved as susceptible to memory change as Tannen, Bran sighed and nodded. The facts of the situation were sinking in now, past his protective armor of disbelief and down to where he could reason about them.<br><br>"What exactly do I want to happen? I want Da back safe and sound. Wouldn't mind the rest of the people in the building coming back too, like, but—well, call me a selfish bastard but he's my first concern; I want him back if it takes me a hundred years.<br><br>"And…both you and Mr Tannen seem, well, possessive about Newcastle. Mr Tannen says it's His Turf, and he called you 'the king'…as if you each had, well, some kind of special relationship to the city. What if the fact that the city has been altered is what's made you both susceptible to memory loss? We don't even know how someone with no connection to Honer's would react to seeing Unit 17 gone. I haven't looked for the web page, is that gone?" He paused and turned to Mabel. "Ma'am, do you have wifi here?"<br><br>It occurred to him that the cut might run the other way instead. What if Percy were right, and only the four of them could remember Honer's at all? What about Ma? Did she remember Da? What if she didn't, what then? He started to panic again, but took a series of deep breaths.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>September 13, 2013, 10:14:37 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Norm L. Mann's instinct is to go straight home, put on a tinfoil hat, and go to bed.&nbsp; He's relatively certain that any suspicious poking around in Things Man Was Not Meant To Know Wot Of will draw the attention of a very angry eldritch elder god and make him all the more likely to end up being an hors d'oeuvre for some nightmarishly colossal octopus.&nbsp; <br><br>But he is also keenly aware that he is now, technically, unemployed, and that is not a happy state of affairs.&nbsp; He rather enjoyed his boring little mind-numbingly tedious job, and is quite vexed that someone should want to take it away from him.&nbsp; <br><br>Tucking his umbrella under his arm, he flips open his suitcase, the contents of which include a pocket tape recorder and a pencil and steno pad.&nbsp; He is about to take notes when he notices that Miyo has had exactly the same idea.&nbsp; Still, he takes notes anyway because that's just the sort of man he is.&nbsp; The Department of Redundancy Department and all that.<br><br><em>Ron Percy, Kingshead</em>, he writes.&nbsp; <em>Don't be a dick about the road naming thing.&nbsp; Back Monkey.</em><br><br>"Right," he says, frowning when the Manners bloke assaults him with an impromptu interrogation.&nbsp; Still, Tannen seemed to weather it with good grace, even going so far as to produce a business card for Miyo.<br><br>"Might I have one of those?" he asks, referring to the business card. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>September 14, 2013, 09:37:19 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>The King's Head Pub<br>Bran, Potentially Chris</strong><br><br>Mabel nods and calls over to one of the men at the quiz machine "What's our internet password, Phillip?"<br><br>"Kings head, all one word, the "k" and "h" are capitals" he shouts back, Mabel repeats the exchange to you as if you could have missed the top of their voices conversation held metres away from you.&nbsp; Ronald reads over the notepad again and then writes some quick letters on the sheet below.<br><br>"Son or sons?" He looks up abruptly and asks.&nbsp; "You've written here J Honer and Sons, is that right?&nbsp; Just want to make sure I have everything correct, like"&nbsp; He quickly draws lines through the letters and shrugs then lays the pad to one side before continuing, leaning forwards slightly.<br><br>"Aye, there's no shame in that being your priority.&nbsp; Family's family, like."&nbsp; He stares at you thoughtfully for a while then laughs and rereads the notebook.&nbsp; "You don't get long to think about it, but.&nbsp; Totally forgot what problem I was trying to solve.<br><br>Tannen should nae have told you I'm the King of these parts, like.&nbsp; I'll have a word with him next I see him.&nbsp; But what's done is done and he's right.&nbsp; So I'm gaun help you as I say.&nbsp; But you have to remember, lad, that finding your da is...It's not that I don't care, laddie, divvin't think me heartless, like.&nbsp; But it's not my main concern.&nbsp; If helping you is gaun cause damage to another part of my realm then I'll have to have a think about what to do, like.&nbsp; But I'll play honest with you and let you know if there's a problem, and you'll do the same with me.&nbsp; Might be down the line we can talk about bringing your problems and mine a bit closer together, but lets leave that conversation for another day.<br><br>You might be on to something with mine and Tannen's link to the land.&nbsp; My guess is you aren't, like, but its easy enough to check.&nbsp; So tap away on your eye pod thing and have a look.&nbsp; Check some other things as well, business listings, like, or the register of companies.&nbsp; &nbsp; Divvin't just rule it out because the website's gone.<br><br>I'm gaun have a little talk with some people."&nbsp; He nods at Mabel then at the couple at the quiz machine "And see what's what.&nbsp; You might want to try giving your da a bell on his mobile as well, like.&nbsp; Lets rule out easy stuff before we get to the hard ones."&nbsp; A door behind the bar opens revealing a staircase and a youngish - mid twenties maybe - woman with her father's, or more likely grandfather's, piercing blue eyes wearing smart office clothing.&nbsp; She, Mabel, and the two at the quiz machine head through another door behind the bar.&nbsp; Ron nods at you and picks up the notebook "I'm gaun take this.&nbsp; You'll get it back, like.&nbsp; But conversation will be pretty useless if noone there can remember what we're meant to be conversing about." then stands up and heads towards that same door.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Bran</div><div class="spoiler_body">Made you a substantial Soul check which you succeeded.&nbsp; When he stands, you feel like you should as well.&nbsp; it's not enforced in any way, the decision is entirely yours.&nbsp; It just somehow seems inappropriate for you to be sitting while he's standing.<br><br>Let me know what you're looking up, and give me a significant General Education check to think of some appropriate places to check that you (as a non-UK native) might not think of.&nbsp; Also, give me a Major Notice check.&nbsp; Feel free to post before I've actioned those rolls if you want a post of you searching/thinking/whatever.&nbsp; Otherwise I'll let you know what you find once I get the rolls.<br><br>I know you know this, Riveda, but just in case anyone else reads this spoiler:<br><br>Just to recap rules - Significant rolls are under the governing stat, so for the General Education roll, Riveda is trying to roll less than his Mind.&nbsp; Major checks are under the skill itself, so for that check he's trying to roll under his Notice skill.</div></div><br><hr><br><strong>Between Units 16 and 18<br>Miyo, Norm, Potentially Chris</strong><br><br>"You might be asking the impossible, there." he says with an apologetic grin before commencing an even more in depth search of the back seat.&nbsp; "They made me print loads out, never had a chance to use them.&nbsp; Bloody typical that the one time I need them..." <br><br>As he moves aside a brown paper bag bearing the McDonald's logo he looks round at you again.&nbsp; "Oh, that's a thought.&nbsp; If you don't want to see Ron, or if he tells you to fu...sorry, to get lost, then you might want to see...Christ what's his name.&nbsp; It's Indian or Pakistani or, sorry, I don't really know the difference.&nbsp; Which are the ones with the turbans?&nbsp; He's one of them.&nbsp; Patwel?&nbsp; Something like that.&nbsp; Works at Maccy D's" he taps the bag.&nbsp; "Honestly, Ron's a better bet, but he's a distant second.&nbsp; Oh, wait.&nbsp; Looks like you might be in luck."<br><br>He holds out another business card to Norm, identical in content, varying wildly in the position and extent of food stains. "Sorry it's a bit scruffy"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>September 14, 2013, 10:45:32 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It felt a little crazy to do it, but Bran stood for the departure of the King of Newcastle. It seemed…safest. Yes. Like throwing salt over your left shoulder after spilling it, or knocking on wood three times. Neither of which he had ever done in his life. Maybe that was why he was where he was now.<br><br>Bran shook himself out of his reverie after Percy left, sat down and pulled out his tablet for some quick research.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>September 14, 2013, 04:47:40 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Maccy D's? Oh, you mean McDonald's."&nbsp; &nbsp; Norm blinks at the paper bag, dyed an unhappy red and yellow and stained with various iterations of grease.&nbsp; He studies the business card for a bit, and then carefully tucks it away into his billfold.&nbsp; "Thank you for your time, Mr. ..."&nbsp; He pauses, frowns, and looks for a moment as if he might be suffering some memory loss of his own.&nbsp; Just as he's about to cheat and fish out the card, however, it comes to him.&nbsp; "Tannen.&nbsp; Be seeing you."<br><br>He turns to Miyo.&nbsp; "Well, seeing as how there's not going to be any accounting done today, how about a burger? After all..."&nbsp; he pauses, and the corners of his lips tremble upward into something approaching a smile.&nbsp; Clearly, Norm hasn't had much practice at smiling; it is obvious that he isn't very good at it.&nbsp; "After all, there's no <em>accounting</em> for taste."&nbsp; He seems quite pleased with himself; apparently, part of his revenge upon the world is the deliberate and premeditated creation of dreadful puns, aggravated by the infliction of them upon perfectly innocent people.<br><br>A glance in Chris' direction indicates that he, Norm, would not be offended if the other bloke were to tag along as well.&nbsp; <br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>September 15, 2013, 03:44:17 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Miyo took the card from Tannen and jotted down her phone number for the man for good measure before taking her leave of the situation. She thanked the man politely before deciding to take her leave. She looked to Norm, seeing him taking notes, and she said, “Good idea. If more than one of us takes notes, we'll catch more that way in the long run.” She scribbled the name <em>Patwel and McD's</em> in her notebook, followed by <em>If Ron doesn't pan out.</em><br><br>But seeing the food was tantalizing; a grumble of Miyo's stomach called to her attention that she hadn't had much to eat. She sighed and listened to Norm's godawful pun...and smiled reluctantly. It really was an awful joke, but she couldn't resist retorting, “Seeing as none of this about Honer's <em>adds</em> up, we may as well catch a bite.”<br><br>She called out to Chris, “Come along with us. It looks like you're tied up in this, too, and I'm all for safety in numbers...or anyone else that recalls Honer's frankly.” 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Demigod1945</strong> on <strong>September 17, 2013, 06:13:25 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Chris had been a bit lost in his own thoughts, not bothering to pay attention to the conversation going on around him. It had just hit him that the contact he was supposed to be meeting was either not here or had "disappeared" just like Honer's. Whatever the case, Chris was a little upset by the fact that he wouldn't be able to look into the lead on his wife's case, more than upset really, he was furious, but he tried not to show it. He perked up when Miyo invited her and Norm to come with them for a burger, distracting him from his thoughts. He smiled briefly.<br>"Now that I think about it, I do feel rather hungry."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>September 18, 2013, 09:51:15 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:19<br><br>The King's Head Pub<br><br>Bran</strong><br><br>You search the web, looking in obvious places first.&nbsp; Honer's website is gone, but gives you a 404 rather than an advert for a webhosting company which strikes you as a little odd.&nbsp; You're not entirely sure what to make of that.&nbsp; Newcastle Chamber of Commerce has a listing for Honer's four and seven financial years ago, but nothing before, since or in between.&nbsp; Ditto for the register of companies at Companies' House - the official list of all companies allowed to operate in the UK.&nbsp; Four financial years ago, seven financial years ago.&nbsp; Nothing in between, before or since.&nbsp; There's no record of what happened in the other years though, and you kind of think there should be.&nbsp; Surely the company needs to register every year?&nbsp; And if it hadn't then...well, you're not entirely sure.&nbsp; You need an accountant.<br><br>Google Streetview is no use, showing only the view you saw yourself an hour earlier, albeit on a much more sunny day.&nbsp; While you're on a Google, you try a few sensible sounding searches - "Honers", "Honers Newcastle" "Honers Building Merchant" "Builders merchant, Newcastle" - but get nothing of interest.<br><br>The search function on the websites for the Chronicle and the Northern Echo, two local newspapers, give nothing but you're not entirely certain you'd expect them to.&nbsp; The indexed articles only go back a couple of years anyway.<br><br>You're trying increasingly unlikely places, forums for Newcastle United and the like, when you finally find something.&nbsp; A post made only about five minutes ago on Newcastle Craigslist, Missed Connections to be precise:<br><br><span style="font-family: courier;" class="bbc_font"><br><strong>Subject: <br>J Honer and Sons.&nbsp; Unit 17. Fergusons Road PLEASE HELP!!!<br>Message:</strong><br>Does anyone know of a builder's and plumber's merchants called J Honer and Sons.&nbsp; If ANYONE has ANY KNOWLEDGE AT ALL then please get in touch.&nbsp; There is a REWARD for any information at all.<br><br>Please get in touch.</span><br><br>clicking on "Reply" brings up your email client to send an email to <span style="font-family: courier;" class="bbc_font">nqbdm-4578984432@pers.craigslist.org</span> should you wish to.&nbsp; Before you get a chance though, the young girl you saw come down the stairs opens the door to wherever they went.<br><br>"We're ready for you when its convenient.&nbsp; If you're still busy though, feel free to finish off."&nbsp; It would be clear where she's from, but she has nowhere near as strong an accent as her presumed grandfather.<br><br><hr><br><strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:34<br><br>McDonalds, Northumberland Street<br><br>Miyo, Norm, Chris</strong><br><br>(http://statics.192.com/estreet/original/large/2109/21094544.jpg)<br><br>The promised rain has started by the time you reach Northumberland Street, Newcastle's main shopping street.&nbsp; Mothers with pushchairs cling close to the buildings to stay as out of the rain as possible leaving the centre of the pedestrianised road clear.&nbsp; Outside the Carphone Warehouse, two men are collecting funds for an amateur musical theatre group by singing a medley from My Fair Lady but they're the only stationary people.&nbsp; Everyone else hurries to wherever they're headed.&nbsp; Miyo's phone beeps as you approach McDonalds with a text:<br><br><span style="font-family: courier;" class="bbc_font">This is my number.&nbsp; Stay in touch.&nbsp; MT</span><br><br>The inside of McDonalds is pretty much like the inside of every other McDonalds.&nbsp; But that's the beauty of the place isn't it?&nbsp; You know what you're getting.&nbsp; It's perhaps a little more full than you might expect as people drag out cups of coffee and items from the breakfast menu a little longer than they normally would to see if the rain will blow over.&nbsp; Probably a futile hope.<br><br>Behind the counter are the usual group of teenagers and students each with a badge identifying them and assuring you they're happy to help.&nbsp; A pretty blonde girl whose name is apparently Tina (she's Happy To Help, but has no stars indicating she's able to) is being shown how to use one of the tills by an almost unfeasibly good looking male of north Indian descent who, as well as being Happy to Help and having a colossal four stars to do it with, is apparently named Patveer and is the Shift Manager.&nbsp; The name's not overly close to the one Tannen gave, but he <em>is</em> wearing a turban.<br><br><hr><br><strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:14<br><br>Between Unit 16 and Unit 18, Fergusons Street<br><br>Nova</strong><br><br>From time to time you put on your largest pocketed pair of combat trousers and talk a walk around J Honer and Sons letting things "fall" in to the pockets.&nbsp; Not because of any real desire for them - fencing the u-bend of a plumbing system is pretty hard - but just to punish your security guard father.&nbsp; Most of the items end up getting thrown into a bin somewhere.&nbsp; Today, having nothing better to do, was to be one of those days.<br><br>But the Metro was running late, and you get there a little later than you had expected.&nbsp; And when you do finally get there... Honer's is gone.&nbsp; All that remains of where it should be is a little alleyway between the two neighbouring buildings.&nbsp; A man - dark groomed hair, tidy fashionable goatee, expensive looking suit - paces worriedly in front of it.&nbsp; Tapping on his expensive looking phone as he does so and casting frequent looks over to the alleyway.&nbsp; You don't need to be a professional at reading body language to know he's concerned about the same thing you are - where the hell has the warehouse gone?<br><br>He eventually finishes whatever he was doing with his phone and pockets it then stands staring at the alleyway, occasionally giving little exasperated movements.&nbsp; After a moment, he starts to cry.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>September 18, 2013, 10:17:14 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Even if this turned out to have been some sort of freak natural occurrence, like a tidily store-swallowing ground subsidence or whatever, it wouldn't hurt to have displayed caution. Bran therefore used a throwaway contact address.<br><br><pre><strong>From:</strong> runningfree@mailinator.com<br><strong>To:</strong> nqbdm-4578984432@pers.craigslist.org<br><strong>Subject:</strong> Re: J Honer and Sons.&nbsp; Unit 17. Fergusons Road PLEASE HELP!!!<br><br>Looking into that myself. Contact me at above email. We'll pool resources.</pre><br><br>He covered his tablet, dropped it back in his messenger bag and stood to follow Percy's granddaughter.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ilasandra</strong> on <strong>September 20, 2013, 12:50:09 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nova was whistling a jaunty tune as she strolled down the walk towards Honer's, a small smile playing across her face. She was going to pay a visit to her father's old place of work and perhaps take a souvenir or two. She didn't do it too often, mostly when her hatred for her father reached the point that it was this or beat him to a bloody pulp. So instead of the possibility for doing time, Nova did this. Not that it wasn't without it's own risks as she perfectly well knew. Hell she had almost gotten caught a time or two. After all it is a little difficult to stuff a pipe down your pants and still look nonchalant. She giggled slightly at that as she round the corner, counting the buildings as she went.<br><br><em>15 . . . 16 . . . 17 . . .</em><br><br>The gigle quickly died on Nova's lips as she gazed at the scene before her, her face a mash-up of anger and confusion. <em>What is this bull?</em> she thought to herself as her mind almost immediately registered the man in front of her. Still most of her attention was focused on the gaping whole, screw this random dude. <em>Where could a whole building go to? It's like it was never here. As if it was normal to skip a number on a street . . . Yeah, perfectly fine.</em> Her face scrunched in thought as she shoved her hands into her jacket. It was the sound of the man crying that broke her from her thoughts. "The hell are you blubbering about? Could be worse. You coulda vanished like this here building, yeah?" Nova said roughly, the sight of a growm man making her distinctly uncomfortable.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>September 22, 2013, 07:31:47 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Back room of the King's Head Pub<br><br>Bran</strong><br><br>The door leads in to another bar area, though the fridges in here are unstocked and what few glasses are behind the bar are grey with dust.&nbsp; Presumably the King's Head's few patrons have never necessitated having both room open.<br><br>Chairs sit on tables around the edge of the room, cleared out of the way to accommodate the large wooden table that dominates the centre.&nbsp; Ronald sits in a high backed chair the twin of the one in the room you just left, alone at the head of the table.&nbsp; A large portrait of a man in some sort of historical garb - Elizabethan? - hangs on the wall behind him.&nbsp; His granddaughter sits to his right, Mabel to his left while the two other men sit further down the table, spare seats between them and the three at the head.&nbsp; As when you found yourself standing for his exit, you can't bring yourself to think the arrangement is accidental.&nbsp; You're greeted by assorted nods and "sit yourself down, lad"s and Ron gestures to a chair far down the table from himself.<br><br>"You have any luck with your internetting, lad?"&nbsp; He doesn't pause for a reply.&nbsp; "We've had a wee chat while you were searching, like, and decided what the deal is.&nbsp; I told you I'd be straight with you, but, so that's what I'm going to do.<br><br>First, we don't think this is going to last forever.&nbsp; Your..." he frowns then waves a hand, "you know, lad, your situation.&nbsp; The details of which escape me at the moment, like.&nbsp; So there's option one, but.&nbsp; You might be able to just sit and wait it out.&nbsp; No idea how long that'll take, like, but I'd be surprised if it was forever.<br><br>There's a problem there though lad.&nbsp; And that's a problem we're gaun it on a few times like.&nbsp; Someone went to a load of effort to do this, and there's nae guarantee that this is the final stage.&nbsp; Fact, we reckon its not.&nbsp; Difficult to see how making..." he snorts laughter "...how doing whatever it was that happened is a goal in itself, like.&nbsp; Figure its the first stage of something, not the last.&nbsp; So sitting it out could well find yourself getting into something deeper and deeper.<br><br>So your second option, and the one I prefer, like.&nbsp; And that's to look in to this more.&nbsp; I don't like people messing with my realm and me and mine will help you if that's what you decided to do.&nbsp; Truth is, we'll struggle to investigate it without you, lad, for reasons discussed.&nbsp; Problem with that option, and this is me being straight with you, is this.&nbsp; Someone put a shit load of work into doing this and I divvint want to be declaring war without knowing who I'm declaring war on, but.&nbsp; So for the start, my help will be below the radar, like, you with me?&nbsp; Until we know a bit more about what's gaun on.<br><br>You got a third, and that's to look in to it without my help.&nbsp; Divvint like that option for obvious reasons, and I reckon it'll be hard for you, like.&nbsp; But its there."<br><br>He breaks in to another coughing fit for a moment and waves away concerned looks from both sides of him.<br><br>"Anyway, lad.&nbsp; If you work for me you'll be working by and large with Rachel here and it'll be her that'll explain what's gaun on.&nbsp; Just so as you know, like.&nbsp; <br><br>You got any questions?"<br><br><hr><br><strong>Between Unit 16 and Unit 18, Fergusons Street<br><br>Nova</strong><br><br>He jumps as you address him and wipes at his face angrily, embarrassed at you seeing him "blubbering".<br><br>"Look."&nbsp; He has a nice middle class accent to go with his clothing, clipped vowels and careful pronunciation.&nbsp; Probably from Newcastle, but barely a trace of an accent.&nbsp; "It's not a good time right now pet.&nbsp; Just fuck off yeah?"<br><br>He turns away then suddenly turns back to face you.&nbsp; "Wait!&nbsp; Wait, I'm sorry.&nbsp; But, you can see me?&nbsp; And you know the building's gone?&nbsp; Oh thank Christ for that."&nbsp; For a moment you think he's going to start crying again, this time in relief.<br><br>"Fuck, you wouldn't believe the day I'm having.&nbsp; OK.&nbsp; Look.&nbsp; You win.&nbsp; You made your fucking point.&nbsp; I won't..."&nbsp; he looks down at his feet, the gesture reminds you of a teenage boy summoning up the courage to ask a girl out.<br><br>"Fuck it.&nbsp; Yeah, I won't go to the interview.&nbsp; You win.&nbsp; But whatever it is you've done, pet, just please..." he buries his head in his hands and you think he's started crying again.&nbsp; "Just put me back."<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Nova</div><div class="spoiler_body">Give me a mind check please.&nbsp; Shout up in the other thread (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=181829.150) if you're not sure how[/url]</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>September 22, 2013, 07:56:21 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Bran seated himself in the indicated chair and listened to Percy's pitch. Of the three options, sitting on his hands and hoping Da would reappear as abruptly as he'd vanished was the least appealing. Bran was less patient than he perhaps should be, and knew it; but it just wasn't in his temperament to sit still and hope.<br><br>And if he was going to investigate, why turn down the help of someone who seemed to have at least a little notion what was going on? Even if Percy was a rheumy old codger with delusions of monarchy, he had a self-confidence that made Bran feel a little more sanguine about the chance of bringing things round right.<br><br>"Yeh," Bran said without much hesitation, "I'd be glad of your help. How do you mean to set out?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>September 25, 2013, 12:36:31 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Norm patiently waits in line at the McDonald's.&nbsp; When it comes his turn to be served, he saunters up to the counter and orders his usual: a small packet of chips.&nbsp; It's the only thing, after all, that isn't laced with LSD (and have you seen the McNuggets? Do you really think that's <em>chicken</em> you're eating?)&nbsp; He makes a point of loitering near the turbaned fellow.&nbsp; "Mr...ah..Patel?" he hazards.&nbsp; &nbsp;"Do you happen to know a..." he frowns, goes for the business card again.&nbsp; "...a Michael Tannen?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>September 26, 2013, 07:06:28 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Startled, Miyo picks up her phone and flips it open, looking at the message, and she comments, “Well, that was fast.” Miyo texts back: <span style="font-family: courier;" class="bbc_font">Thnx. Will do. -Miyo</span> She saves the number to her contacts list under “Tannen.” Miyo looks around the McDonald's and says, “Well, I don't normally eat at places like this, but why not.” She eyeballs Patveer and admires his good looks, thinking it's a shame a fellow like that works at a fast food joint. She steps in line behind Norm and listens in, and she murmurs to both Chris and Norm, “If we're actually getting food, I'll sport for it. I don't see a reason why not.” 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>September 30, 2013, 11:29:06 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Back room of the King's Head Pub<br><br>Bran</strong><br><br>He nods and turns to Rachel who gives a professional looking smile, the kind of smile an interviewer might give.&nbsp; Her quick "Good morning Bran.&nbsp; I was sorry to hear about the morning you have had" did nothing to dispel that impression.<br><br>"As my grandfather has said, any aid rendered by his court must be, for the moment at least, not overt.<br><br>So let me explain.&nbsp; Our opinion, largely thanks to Alf here" she nods at the one man whose name you didn't previously know, he nods at you silently "is that a significant amount of energy must have been used to, well, to create the effect.&nbsp; We feel that knowing the, ah, the type of energy used would be the best first step in finding out exactly what is happening here.&nbsp; Sadly, our combined knowledge isn't sufficient.<br><br>We do, however, know of someone who will possess that knowledge.&nbsp; This individual refuses to acknowledge my grandfather's sovereignty.&nbsp; We, obviously, wish him to do so.&nbsp; We want to prove that we can, well, affect him whenever we see fit.&nbsp; In short, Bran, we want you to aggravate this individual so that he loses his temper.&nbsp; Repeatedly.&nbsp; Two or three times should be sufficient.<br><br>What we wish is then you to confirm that you will stop doing so if he acknowledges our, my grandfather's, rule.&nbsp; That is the sole thing we ask of you.&nbsp; We will not, however, be stood over your shoulder.&nbsp; If you choose to add additional conditions - for example, him explaining what was done to you - we will be none the wiser.<br><br>I am aware that potentially raises more questions than it answers, but I don't wish to overload you.&nbsp; In brief, this individual gains a certain amount of power from various actions but an uncontrolled burst of rage will cause him to lose that.&nbsp; We wish to demonstrate that we can create such a burst of rage whenever we see fit, thus draining him of his power and demonstrating our dominance.&nbsp; He is rather vain, I suspect attacks on his appearance may well provoke him to a rage.<br><br>There are, Bran, skills you are not aware of.&nbsp; This individual harnesses one of them.&nbsp; Once we have finished this conversation I intend to show you another.&nbsp; You will then have the evidence of your own eyes.<br><br>Irritating this individual will open up one line of enquiry - the type of person that was responsible for the thing that happened to you.&nbsp; Hopefully the effect I shall show you later will open another - why it is you have been shielded.&nbsp; I am aware you had a theory that it was my grandfather's and Mr Tannen's connection to the city that rendered them vulnerable but my own web searches revealed, as I imagine yours did, that wider sources have also been affected.<br><br>No-one here is trying to withhold information from you, but there is a lot to convey and we do not wish you to be overwhelmed.&nbsp; If you have questions they will be answered, as we do not wish to appear dishonest with you.&nbsp; My advice, for what little it is worth, is to wait until I have demonstrated Back Monkey.&nbsp; But feel under no obligation to take this."<br><br>She glances over to Ronald who nods then takes over.<br><br>"Like the lass said, she's my Granddaughter.&nbsp; This here's my sister Mabel and my brother-in-law Phillip.&nbsp; Alf is, well, Alf.&nbsp; I've known him since I was a lad, but.&nbsp; You'll also meet my younger brother and his wife in time, like.&nbsp; He's off in the library studying at the moment and she's out of town doing me a wee favour, like.&nbsp; Not important what.&nbsp; These people speak for me, lad.&nbsp; No-one else does.&nbsp; Someone claims to be giving you instructions from my mouth and they aren't one of these, they're lying.&nbsp; Just so as you know where you stand, like."<br><br>People watch you expectantly.<br><br><hr><br><strong>Between Unit 16 and Unit 18, Fergusons Street<br><br>Nova</strong><br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Nova</div><div class="spoiler_body">Suddenly the shock of the missing building hits you.&nbsp; You're not sure how to process what's happening, why there's not a warehouse there that you <em>know</em> full well used to be.<br><br>You've gained a failed notch in Unnatural.&nbsp; What that means for you is that your mind just takes a little holiday for a while.&nbsp; That holiday takes one of three forms:<br><br>Paralysis - You stand, probably open mouthed, in shock and probably fear as you try to come to terms with the situation.<br><br>Flee - it's all too much and you run the fuck away.<br><br>Frenzy - it's all too much but instead of the "flight" of above the other shoe falls and you go for "fight".&nbsp; You might not understand what has happened but by god you'll make it make sense or grind it to pulp trying.<br><br>Please pick one and use it in your next post.&nbsp; Don't worry which, I've got a way of handling all of them.<br></div></div><br><hr><br><strong>McDonalds, Northumberland Street<br><br>Miyo, Norm, Chris</strong><br><br>He looks up at you with a fake McDonald's smile which breaks in to a slightly more genuine one when Norm speaks up.&nbsp; "Sure, I know him."&nbsp; His gaze flicks briefly between the three of you for a moment then he holds a hand up.&nbsp; <br><br>"Just wait here a moment."&nbsp; He wanders over to where one of the servers is busy dealing with a harassed looking young mother - a kid held tight in each hand and a belly full of another one.&nbsp; Can't be twenty one, hair up and large hoop earrings.&nbsp; Shocking pink top riding up to expose a pregnant navel, black leggings straining a little under pregnant thighs.&nbsp; One of the kids is crying, one picking its nose.&nbsp; She's paying with nicotine stained fingers.<br><br>Slowly and deliberately he opens one of the happy meals and takes the toy out, dropping it in his pocket.&nbsp; The mother stares open mouthed for a moment before launching into a foul mouthed tirade against him and soon enough "Pakis" in general.&nbsp; He endures it with a smile and when he has a chance to get a word in mildly says:<br><br>"I'm Kasmiri actually.&nbsp; And screaming little brats don't get a toy.&nbsp; Frankly if you were any good as a parent you'd thank me but it's clear you're not.&nbsp; Do you even know whose the one you're carrying is?"<br><br>She goes to slap him with a ringed hand but he's stepped back.&nbsp; Other cashiers are carefully not noticing what's happening while customers stare in shock.&nbsp; She launches into an even fouler mouthed tirade.&nbsp; Apparently her boyfriend is a boxer and will be coming down here to fucking kick the shit out of him.&nbsp; "Ma'am" he tries to interrupt a few times but is cut off each time.&nbsp; Eventually a private security guard comes over and takes her gently by the arm, but she throws him off.&nbsp; Pointing accusingly at Patveer and loudly informing the literally no-one in the place who didn't already know what has just happened.&nbsp; <br><br>The security guard takes her arm again and mutters something you don't catch in a calming voice.&nbsp; She jabs a finger aggressively at Patveer but allows herself to be guided towards the door.&nbsp; After a moment she turns and snatches up the two happy meals and the McChicken Sandwich with a "I'm taking these but if you think I'm paying you're fucking mistaken, eh.&nbsp; When my Robert hears about this you're fucking dead" before allowing herself to be guided out of the restaurant.&nbsp; People quickly pretend they hadn't been staring while he comes back over to you, rubbing his hands in glee.<br><br>"Yeah, I know him" he picks up as if nothing had happened "Paying the wages of half the people in here.&nbsp; What does he want?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>September 30, 2013, 11:53:26 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				What Rachel has said makes no sense at all to Bran. In some ways it makes less sense than the disappearance of Honer's. That was an impossible physical phenomenon, and like all physical phenomena must have had some sort of cause; this is merely gibberish. Logically-constructed sentences devoid of contextual meaning.<br><br>But he's asking these people's aid. Perhaps the missing context will fall into place if he just listens long enough.<br><br>"Please, go ahead and…demonstrate the back monkey."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ilasandra</strong> on <strong>October 01, 2013, 10:23:09 pm</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>Can I see him? Why wouldn't I be able to see him? He's right there in front of my bloody face!</em> Nova thought to herself, her eyes narrowed into slits as she glared at the man. It wasn't really anything he had done per say, Nova's fallback emotion just so happened to be anger. So she glared at the man and hunched her shoulders up around her ears as if she was trying to ward of a cold wind, her mind racing to process what was currently going on. <em>OK. So the building is gone and I'm currently looking at an invisible man. An invisible man I can see and a visible building which I&nbsp; . . .&nbsp; can't . . . see</em> From the outside it looked as if Nova had just completely frozen, her breath the only current sign of life. Her mind was slowly blanking as if it was completely shutting down due to an overload. As illogical as Nova can be (Really she has the hopes and dreams of a 3 year old.) her rational side was just unable to fully comprehend what was currently happening. Her eyes glazed over slightly and her mouth was just slightly open as she gazed at open air.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>October 02, 2013, 09:29:51 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:22<br><br>Back room of the King's Head Pub<br><br>Bran</strong><br><br>Rachel nods and stands to walk round behind Ron, below the portrait.&nbsp; She gives a quick smile to Phillip and Alf and "would you two mind bringing me down the...".&nbsp; They clearly know what she's talking about even without the object as both nod and head out of the room.<br><br>"Ok.&nbsp; Bran.&nbsp; That's the Welsh pronunciation isn't it?&nbsp; Your family are form there originally, perhaps?<br><br>Are you familiar with a series of books and then later TV show called The Game of Thrones?&nbsp; In that there's an organisation called the Night's Watch.&nbsp; They stand at the very borders of civilization and protect people who barely know they exist.&nbsp; The sword in the darkness, keeping soft city folk safe in their beds.&nbsp; Figures like that exist in myths throughout the world and that's not coincidental.<br><br>How good is your history, Bran?"&nbsp; She's read in a book somewhere that repeating a person's name builds trust.&nbsp; "Do you know what the new castle in Newcastle was?&nbsp; It was to protect the soft city folk of the south from the barbaric Scots.&nbsp; &nbsp; That was the purpose of this city, long ago.&nbsp; It was ruled by the Percy family, the Earls of Northumberland.&nbsp; We're a bastard offshoot of them in one way" Ronald tuts at the correctly used profanity, despite his own language "but in another we're their direct descendants.&nbsp; The Percy family served exactly this sword in the darkness role.&nbsp; This here" she taps the portrait "is my distant ancestor, Henry de Percy, 2nd Earl of Northumberland.&nbsp; You can read about him if you know your Shakespeare.&nbsp; He's also a god.&nbsp; History will assure you he fell at the Battle of St Albans, but he didn't.&nbsp; This will sound strange but I beg you to hear me out.&nbsp; I hope you realise none of us mean you any harm and the worst that will happen is you have something to laugh about with your friends later.&nbsp; You won't believe the bunch of crazies I met this morning, and so forth.<br><br>There is a reason this archetype of the faithful defender of civilization far away on a lonely frontier doing a thankless task exists across cultures.&nbsp; There are others as well.&nbsp; Perhaps you have heard of the Maiden, Mother and Crone?&nbsp; Or their distaff counterparts, the Warrior, Father and Judge?&nbsp; The Fool, who pratfalls his way through life without a care in the world.&nbsp; The grim executioner behind a hood.&nbsp; Many others.&nbsp; All of these, three hundred and thirty three of them in total, are in a very real way, real.&nbsp; They exist as platonic, idealised forms.&nbsp; Where did they come from?&nbsp; The collective unconscious.&nbsp; As soon as a human is aligned enough to exactly how that role is perceived they leave this world and become it.&nbsp; For example, had I children and were I a devoted enough parent, fulfilling every unconscious belief humanity has about mothers it is possible I would become the very goddess of mothers.&nbsp; motherhood incarnate.&nbsp; That is what happened to Henry Earl Northumberland.&nbsp; He became the incarnation of the Guard in the Darkness.<br><br>That is the apogee, of course.&nbsp; But there are steps along the way.&nbsp; By aligning oneself with one of these archetypes, one can gain power.&nbsp; The more motherly I act, the more I will be able to tap into the power of the perfect mother.&nbsp; The more like a Guard in the Darkness my great-uncle acts the more he can tap into that power.&nbsp; Of course, times have changed and we no longer need soldiers stood on a frontier to protect against barbarians.&nbsp; In time, we shall perhaps talk of our work to update this family position.&nbsp; <br><br>We have in fact touched upon it, more than touched upon it, already.&nbsp; My grandfather is the King of Newcastle.&nbsp; He is.&nbsp; That is because he is aligning himself with another one of these archetypes, the King.&nbsp; The more regal he is, the stronger his power.&nbsp; You have actually seen a demonstration of that although you may not have noticed it."<br><br>She pauses for a moment as the two men come back in, carrying a large fish tank between them with a large tropical fish of some type lazily swimming around in it.&nbsp; With a lot of swearing from Phillip and a "God's wounds, the burden of Sisyphus would I gladly trade to be rid of the accursed weight of this Piscean Tartarus" from Alf they haul it up on to the bar.&nbsp; Once they have it in place she continues.<br><br>"When my grandfather decided to call a meeting of his court to discuss your situation, I came downstairs to attend.&nbsp; Did he call me?&nbsp; Did someone else?&nbsp; They were all in your line of sight at the time.&nbsp; Was it merely coincidence?&nbsp; None of those.&nbsp; I know when my King needs me.&nbsp; Circumstantial, but we will show you more.<br><br>For, you see, reality is defined by these three hundred and thirty three individuals.&nbsp; For reasons I cannot fully explain, they have allowed many oddities to exist.&nbsp; One of those is the existence of rituals, one of those rituals is called Back Monkey.&nbsp; It is what I will show you now.<br><br>Back Monkey shows you if you have any unnatural effects on you.&nbsp; I know for a fact that I do, and when I demonstrate that you will be able to see it.&nbsp; Now, I am going to take this slowly as I do not wish to overload you.&nbsp; If I were to, hypothetically for the moment, drop a few drops of my blood into that fish tank then what do you imagine the chances would be of them swirling around for a moment before showing my grandfather's full name then an image of his face.&nbsp; Low I should imagine.&nbsp; But that is exactly what will happen.&nbsp; Sit down, Bran.&nbsp; If you wish it there is brandy behind the bar.<br><br>You hadn't noticed it until now but there is a small letter opener held to the fish tank with masking tape.&nbsp; She pulls that loose and makes a shallow cut across her palm above the tank, letting the blood flow in.&nbsp; It swirls around in vaguely the manner you'd expect for a few seconds before starting to coalesce.&nbsp; First in to words "Ronald Jeremy Percy" then into an image - low definition and two dimensional but definitely recognisable - of Ron's face.<br><br>Whatever tension there might have been is broken by your phone beeping with a received email.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Bran</div><div class="spoiler_body">Gimme a rank three unnatural please.&nbsp; Take a +20% shift on it because they've taken the time to prepare you.&nbsp; I'm assuming you know what that means but please do shout up if not.</div></div><br><hr><strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:22<br><br>Between Unit 16 and Unit 18, Fergusons Street<br><br>Nova</strong><br><br>He looks up at you puzzled when you don't immediately reply and wipes angrily at his eyes with the back of his hand.&nbsp; A moment later he waves his hand slowly in front of your eyes then shakes his head angrily.&nbsp; "Oh no.&nbsp; No fucking way.&nbsp; No fucking way.&nbsp; Because I'm not having a bad enough day, now I have to deal with catatonic chicks."&nbsp; He turns and walks away down the road, shaking his head as he goes.<br><br>Leaving you behind, as your brain struggles to make sense of the situation.<br><br>An unknown amount of time passes.&nbsp; The shadows don't noticeably move but at the moment all of your higher functions are occupied leaving no space for petty things like tracking the passage of time.<br><br>Eventually, though, he's heading back down the street towards you, loudly talking to either himself or, judging by where he's looking, some sort of uncaring deity: "Fine!&nbsp; Fine, I'm fucking doing it.&nbsp; Alright?&nbsp; I'm fucking doing it."&nbsp; <br><br>He stands in front of you and peers at you quizzically with a heartfelt sigh.&nbsp; After a moment of doing that he cautiously reaches out to grab your upper arms "Come on, pet.&nbsp; Let's get you, fuck, I dunno.&nbsp; Let's get you somewhere."&nbsp; When you don't move he throws his hands up in despair and looks for a moment like he's going to leave again.&nbsp; Instead though, he takes your hand and half-pulls you with him.&nbsp; Your brain seems happy enough with this.&nbsp; it had no real idea what to do next so 'walk with this man' seems as good as anything else.<br><br>In fact, as you leave the former location of Honer's and head up the street you feel yourself starting to come round again.&nbsp; Who knows what damage its done to your world-view, but your psyche has internalised that this is a thing that can happen.<br><br>A few hundred metres up the road his phone beeps and the two of you pause while he checks it.&nbsp; "Oh thank Christ for that.&nbsp; Some good fucking news at last."&nbsp; He types furiously for a moment then pockets it and turns back to you.&nbsp; "That's you that is, pet.&nbsp; Some good fucking karma.&nbsp; You're a regular lucky charm.&nbsp; I'm John."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>October 03, 2013, 04:23:11 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Norm isn't disposed to like most people, but he finds that he likes this Patveer already.&nbsp; His method of dealing with the spoiled brat and its mother meets with Norm's full approval.&nbsp; He's been on the other side of the customer service counter, and in his eyes the Kasmiri man just scored a rousing victory for the cause of abused, beleaguered blokes everywhere who had ever been forced to suffer the indignity of putting on a cheap plastic visor and a cheaper cotton polo shirt and having to smile while being accosted by hordes of idiots.<br><br>"He said to come see you," said Norm, conversationally.&nbsp; He fished out the card that Tannen had given him and showed it to Patveer.&nbsp; "Said you might know something about a..."&nbsp; He paused, and glanced around himself, then leaned closer.&nbsp; "...Missing building," he continued, in a more subdued tone.&nbsp; "Specifically, Honer and Sons.&nbsp; Have you heard of it?&nbsp; Deals in trade supplies.&nbsp; I work there."&nbsp; He frowned.&nbsp; "Or did, before it vanished.&nbsp; Overnight, in fact.&nbsp; Gone, without a trace, save only "We All Know You Did It" scrawled in red spray paint on a brick wall.&nbsp; There's a thing, eh?&nbsp; Have you heard of an entire building going missing before?&nbsp; Not exactly the thing you'd put up flyers for."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>October 03, 2013, 05:23:14 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:36<br><br>McDonalds, Northumberland Street<br><br>Miyo, Norm, Chris</strong><br><br>He grins at you, eyes shining with excitement.&nbsp; "Really?&nbsp; You're not just fucking with me?"&nbsp; Wetting his lips he watches you for a moment then shakes his head.&nbsp; "You're not are you.&nbsp; And yeah. I guess Tannen would notice something like that.&nbsp; It wasn't us if that's what he's thinking.&nbsp; Way outside our pay grade.<br><br>I mean, I've never heard of the place I'm afraid but wow.&nbsp; See, this is exactly what it should be.&nbsp; Person by person, coming to see things how they are.&nbsp; Hell, it might even have been indirectly us I suppose.&nbsp; Opening these highways, making things like this more commonplace.&nbsp; Walk with me."&nbsp; <br><br>He turns to scan the restaurant and does a quick count of the customers with one pointing finger then moues in disappointment.&nbsp; "Nowhere near enough.&nbsp; Ah well.&nbsp; Tina?&nbsp; Are you going to be alright for ten minutes?&nbsp; I'm sloping off for a smoke."&nbsp; The new girl nods and from the way she's watching him its clear she's managed to pick herself up a little crush on her boss.&nbsp; He could ask her anything at this moment, but instead he turns back to you.<br><br>"Come on, we'll talk round the back."&nbsp; It's a token attempt at privacy though as he continues to talk as he leads you through the restaurant.<br><br>"I mean, this is exactly what we're working for.&nbsp; Not missing buildings as such, obviously.&nbsp; But people seeing how the world works, a magical revolution.&nbsp; Man, I really need to thank Michael for pointing you my way.&nbsp; You see him, you tell him there's a big mac meal with his name on it, courtesy of me.&nbsp; Then stand aside, if he starts running you'll get flattened, and even the aftershock can knock you off your feet." He laughs and turns to share you all in the joke then beckons with a nod of his head.<br><br>"Man, making a whole building disappear.&nbsp; That's some serious fucking mojo right there" he continues as you leave McDonald's and head towards an alleyway between it and the neighbouring greeting card shop.&nbsp; Full of bins and cigarette ends, temporarily full of two teenagers in McDonald's uniforms having a cigarette but they quickly throw it down and stub it out when they see Patveer approaching.<br><br>"Just on our way back in" one says as they pass you, but he doesn't seem overly concerned.<br><br>"So what are you wanting then?&nbsp; To know more I guess.&nbsp; To see what's happened here.&nbsp; Hey," he grins again as he's struck with a thought "someone must have been really annoyed at that building to expend that kind of energy.&nbsp; I could probably find out who with a little juice.&nbsp; That why Tannen sent you to me, right?"&nbsp; He pulls a phone out of his pocket and taps on it.&nbsp; "No game 'til the weekend and it's only Palace.&nbsp; That's a shame.&nbsp; But we could maybe hit the cathedral.&nbsp; <br><br>What about it chief?&nbsp; Fancy helping me get some juice in me and I can figure out who this is?&nbsp; Man, you must have so many questions."&nbsp; He rubs his hands together again, barely able to conceal his happiness.&nbsp; "This is exactly what we're aiming for man.&nbsp; Person by person, franchise by franchise.&nbsp; Doing the works, man, doing the works.<br><br>Any of you a first aider by any chance?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>October 05, 2013, 10:24:30 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Miyo frowns about the woman who was behaving like a total asshat to Patveer—she's never much liked bullies, and she likes how Patveer is ready with a quick rebuttal and a quicker step back. She listens to some of Patveer's rambling, because to her, that's what it is. She sighs and crosses her arms, following Patveer and those of her companions that are following along as well to the back of the restaurant.<br><br>But when Miyo hears “magical revolution,” some part of her lights up inside. Every ounce of her being is eaten up by curiosity, and it was this same thing that got her in trouble ages ago. Honer's...vanished by magic, possibly? But how else would one explain it?<br><br>Miyo says to Patveer, “Firstly...magical revolution? Something that requires serious mojo? I want to know who's done all this....but I'd rather know more about what's going on. What on earth are you talking about?”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Demigod1945</strong> on <strong>October 06, 2013, 12:00:07 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; While Miyo seemed to frown upon the young mother, Chris looked at her with some amusement, seeing how obvious it was that the mother was more angry with some other event in her life, than at Patveer himself. Her face said it all. While his skills were based around seeing lies in someone's face, it wasn't just something like "They lie when they don't look you in the eye." or "Licking of the lips means they're hiding something." Oh no, nothing that absurd. His method dealt with what were known as "Micro-expressions", brief, involuntary facial expressions, typically caused by emotional reaction to stimuli. These expressions would vary, depending on the strength of the emotion experienced. Take anger for example, when a person feels intense anger, the eyebrows pull down and together, the upper eye lids pull up and the lower eye lids pull down, and the lips tighten and roll in. Mild anger may have the lowering and raising of the eyelids not being present, or the same going for the tightening of the lips. Annoyance, the mildest form, typically only shows the eyebrows pulling together and lowering. Chris was an expert at spotting these brief expressions, and at utilizing what they mean to determine when someone is trying to be deceitful. It was simple really, if what they said contradicted what they're face said, then it wasn't true, as his mentor had always said, "While people lie all the time, the face never does." <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The young mother showed that of mild anger, with the raising and lowering of the eyelids not being present. But she was faking it. This was purely evident in the fact that when Patveer first put the toy in his pocket, her expression of anger came to be, but for far too long. Normally, it last barely a second, hers lasted for almost ten, thrown in the show she put on not adding up with the expression, and it was clear that the expression was simulated. As for why she put on this show, whether for attention, or because she was angry at something else, Chris did not know, nor cared. After she was escorted out, he silently watched the exchange between Norm and Patveer, then followed the other three as they made there way outside, only glancing at the two teenagers outside, one of whom showed contempt on their face as soon his eyes landed on Patveer, possibly due to false bravado since Patveer said nothing of the two smoking outside. The other kid simply tried to put on a poker face of sorts, failing miserably, he seemed to be mildly scared by Patveers presence, most likely because he thought he might get in trouble for smoking. Chris thought of saying something to Patveer, but figured the man would hardly give a shit. He simply leaned against the wall by the back door, and waited for Patveer to answer Miyos question about "magical revolution", whatever that was. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>October 06, 2013, 02:30:57 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Norm finds that his estimation of Patveer is only growing more and more.&nbsp; The man is clearly crazy as a loon, but it's the good kind of crazy.&nbsp; It's the kind of crazy you can bank on.&nbsp; &nbsp;It's the ones that seem perfectly sane of which you have to be wary.<br><br>"First aiders?" he blinks, in response to the question.&nbsp; "Er...I took a class in CPR once, but that was a long time ago.&nbsp; Sorry." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>October 06, 2013, 05:42:49 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Bran watches the Back Monkey performance, bemused. He feels a little detached, but it doesn't hit him nearly as hard as earlier, when he realized that Honer's had disappeared. It's just strange, not world-tilting. In fact, more than anything, he's curious.<br><br>"Special fish?" he says. "Something in the water? How does that work? Sorry, I realize that's largely irrelevant, but perhaps you can tell me later. I take it you need my blood now?" Ignoring his phone for the moment, he gets to his feet and holds out his hand.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>October 06, 2013, 08:27:09 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong><br>Tuesday 13th August 10:38<br><br>Alley at the side of McDonalds, Northumberland Street<br><br>Miyo, Norm, Chris</strong><br><br>"Magical revolution" he nods to Miyo.&nbsp; "I mean, not like a proper revolution, not guerrillas in the streets.&nbsp; Like the Internet or, man, like everyone learning how to read.&nbsp; That kind of revolution.&nbsp; It's fucking ley lines, man.&nbsp; It's obvious when its pointed out to you."&nbsp; He's talking quite fast, an accent you can't quite place but assume is Kasmiri becoming stronger as he gets excited.&nbsp; He pauses long enough to take a cigarette from a packet in his pocket but doesn't light it yet.&nbsp; He's the type who talks with his hands and the cigarette sits between his index and middle finger while he gestures expansively.<br><br>"Man, I'm putting this in a rubbish order aren't I.&nbsp; Man.&nbsp; OK, let's see if I can't do this sensibly.&nbsp; I'll explain it to you the way it was explained to me.<br><br>"So, imagine a new island appeared, the size of Ireland say.&nbsp; And for whatever reason you are put in charge of it."&nbsp; The wave of the cigarette happened to be point at Chris when he said <em>you</em> but you get the sense that isn't overly relevant.<br><br>"What you decide to do is to set out the rules, the legal code and all of that, and then you'll let settlers in.&nbsp; There's noone there at the moment, it's a new island.<br><br>"So you sit down to write some laws.&nbsp; Making sure murder is illegal, you know.&nbsp; But you also need to define what murder is.&nbsp; Is it murder if a soldier kills an enemy solider?&nbsp; Well, no.&nbsp; Probably not.&nbsp; So you need to think about all of these exceptions and special cases.<br><br>"But eventually you've got them all written and you open the ports to let new people in.&nbsp; Then go on holiday because it's been really hard work writing all those laws.<br><br>"You come back after a year's holiday and have a look round.&nbsp; It's pretty much fine but there are a few bits and bobs that are wrong.&nbsp; Because <em>all</em> of your laws apply <em>all</em> the time they all interact with one another.&nbsp; And this is the first time you've written a whole load of laws and some of the interactions aren't what you originally wanted.&nbsp; Like, maybe your Disability Discrimination laws say that people in wheelchairs shouldn't have to pay money to the government for any type of essential service.&nbsp; Whoops, you've just made it so wheelchair people don't have to pay tax?&nbsp; Because that's for the hospitals and the police and other essential services.&nbsp; You meant wheelchair repairs and ramps when you said it, but didn't think to make that clear.<br><br>"But it takes a little effort for people to find these loopholes.&nbsp; Like, have you ever read the tax laws?&nbsp; I haven't.&nbsp; Most people just assume they work in the way they expect them to, rather than actually checking.&nbsp; Hell, for all I know we might not have any tax laws and the tax collectors are just crossing their fingers and hoping noone notices.<br><br>"And, sure, you could close those loopholes.&nbsp; But you're smart enough to realise that you'll probably just accidentally add new ones.&nbsp; So you come up with another plan.&nbsp; Fine, you'll let those loopholes stay, most people don't know about them anyway.&nbsp; But you create a new police force to go around making sure those who know about them don't tell anyone.&nbsp; If one wheelchair person isn't paying tax then its a pain but whatever.&nbsp; If they go around spreading the word though?&nbsp; Man, that's a problem and that's what your new police cut down on.<br><br>"Eventually your police are so good that people come to believe there aren't these loopholes.&nbsp; Like, if at a wheelchair meeting, or whatever, one guy says to the other you know we don't have to pay tax?&nbsp; Well, the second guy dismisses the first as a crazy person, because those police have been so good at cutting down mention of it.<br><br>"You with me man?&nbsp; That's how the universe is.&nbsp; There are little loopholes, little things that don't make sense.&nbsp; Like anger, man.&nbsp; Anger was put together wrong. But there's loads of them. And that's the wheelchair tax thing.&nbsp; Odds and ends that don't actually work the way most people think they do, but the Sleepers hush it all up and make sure anyone pointing it out looks like a crazy person.<br><br>"What we wanna do is show everyone.&nbsp; Point to these things. Am I" he pauses to light his cigarette "am I making any damn sense here?"<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>October 06, 2013, 01:08:08 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Absolutely," says, Norm, who's getting more and more visibly excited the longer the speech goes on.&nbsp; <em>At last</em>.&nbsp; He knew it, he always fucking knew it, he knew that society and everything else was a lie, but, until now, never had any actually proof.&nbsp; Or, for that matter, anyone besides himself who had any damn idea what was going on.&nbsp; And now there is.&nbsp; He can't wait.&nbsp; He just knows that crop circles and spontaneous human combustion and the Men in Black are all going to be tied up in this.<br><br>"So who--if you don't mind me asking--was put in charge of the Island, to use your example?&nbsp; Who's responsible for all this?"&nbsp; He sweeps his hand in a broad, expansive arc, indicating everything.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ilasandra</strong> on <strong>October 08, 2013, 10:20:22 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nova stood still as a statue, the movement of the man a nothing to her at the moment. You really couldn't even say that she was attempting to process things at the moment, it was really more of a complete shut down. Her mind had completely blanked, as glazed over as the look in her eyes. Every now and then her tongue would flick over her lips, the only motion that could be seen other than those she did subconsciously. The rise and fall of her chest was really the only marking of time she had and even that didn't register in her mind. All she could see was the dirty and cracked pavement before that should have instead held a building. <br><br>A few people passed by her, most paying her no mind. A couple would stop and stare wonderingly at her, figuring perhaps that she was a street performs. A teenager had even walked straight up to her and waved his hand in front of her as if that would break her trance. Had Nova been in her right mind, she would have snapped those fingers without a second thought so he would think before he acted in the future. However, Nova was doing no such thing at the moment and even the return of the crying man made no impression on her.<br><br>The hand he grabbed for was cold and clammy and made no motion to grasp his on its own. She followed the man blindly, like a puppy, her self-preservation seeming to fly out the window. Slowly Nova could feel herself rise from the mist slowly, as if she was dragging herself out of some thick mud. It was like whatever spell that empty lot had placed on her was slowly being broken the further she actually got from the building. It was really the sound of his phone that fully brought her back. Nova had to blink a couple of times and roughly shook her head before her vision would come back into focus and everything didn't sound like she was underwater. <strong>"John . . . Right . . . I-I feel really lucky right about now . . . Nnnova"</strong> she said, drawing the N in her name out for a few seconds as if she was unsure. <strong>"M-my name. Nova."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>October 08, 2013, 11:21:21 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:23<br><br>Back room of the King's Head Pub<br><br>Bran</strong><br><br><br>"Neither.&nbsp; To the best of our knowledge at least.&nbsp; It's regular aquarium water and the fish is from a pet shop in Durham actually.&nbsp; But it works with every fish we've tried.&nbsp; Although, admittedly, we haven't really studied it in any particular depth."<br><br>As she's talking, Ronald starts sending and receiving texts and the "bing bong" of his text received noise cuts in every so often.<br><br>"You need to make the cut yourself.&nbsp; It will show you the name and face of anyone who has put a long term effect on you.&nbsp; If there is noone it shows a female face and some hieroglyphs, we're not sure why.&nbsp; It does that for newborns as well, so we think its universal.<br><br>"And sometimes it doesn't work.&nbsp; We're not sure why, but then later it will work again with exactly the same conditions."&nbsp; She gives a little exasperated shrug.&nbsp; "I'd love to say I am sure there are good reasons for it being like that, but truthfully I'm not."&nbsp; She takes a cloth from behind the bar and begins cleaning the knife.&nbsp; As she does so, Ronald scrawls something on a sheet of paper, folds it and holds it out to her.&nbsp; She takes it off him and reads through with a quick nod.&nbsp; "Although it does look like we've found your friends.&nbsp; Or fellow victims at least.&nbsp; If you wish we can arrange a taxi to take you to them, on us of course.&nbsp; You will still have time to perform the ritual before it arrives, but neither the taxi nor the ritual are being forced on you Bran."&nbsp; She slowly and deliberately places the knife within your reach as your phone beeps with another received text.<br><br><hr><br><strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:38<br><br>Alley at the side of McDonalds, Northumberland Street<br><br>Miyo, Norm, Chris</strong><br><br>"That's a good question, a really good question"&nbsp; The lit cigarette stays in his hand as he gesticulates, adding a very small amount of danger to the sweeps of his hand.&nbsp; "Ask a hundred people and you'll get a hundred answers.&nbsp; Hell, you'll probably get a hundred and ten because some of the early lot will have changed their mind by the time you get to the end, you know what I mean?<br><br>"If you want to know what I think it's this.&nbsp; This is all a fuck up.&nbsp; So Waheguru speaks one word and everything comes in to being.&nbsp; Man, whats the chances of getting that right first time?&nbsp; This is a practise universe man, a first draft.&nbsp; But I don't know for sure.<br><br>"And you" the burning end of the cigarette turns to Miyo.&nbsp; "You're spot on right.&nbsp; A lot of mojo an awful lot."&nbsp; He laughs and takes a drag from the cigarette.&nbsp; "Man, I'm the worst teacher in the world aren't I.&nbsp; You gotta bear with me, this is all exciting.&nbsp; I know its shitty for you guys, your shop going missing, but its pretty exciting for me.&nbsp; <br><br>"Alright.&nbsp; So there's these things that don't work properly.&nbsp; Angers one, Tannen would tell you cities are another, but I don't quite understand his point.&nbsp; And they build up, like, like static electricity, you know?&nbsp; Like, a build up of friction, because these things are opposites, they're contradictions.&nbsp; Like, is anger a good thing or a bad thing, man?&nbsp; All the other emotions are one or the other, its good to be happy, bad to be miserable.&nbsp; But anger's neither.&nbsp; Or both.&nbsp; And people just shrug and go ah well, that's just the way it is.&nbsp; <br><br>"But have you ever just had a really awful day?&nbsp; And you can feel this rage building up in you and then you shout at some guy who cut you up in the car or a bus that's running late?&nbsp; And it feels so good man, like you've just..." he's clearly about to say something but catches sight of Miyo and pauses, before finishing "like you've just gone to the toilet when you really needed to.&nbsp; But you never have a feeling of happiness building up in you do you, or misery?&nbsp; Or anything like that.&nbsp; Not building up and forming a tension.&nbsp; Sure, people can be generally one or the other but there's no pressure building up.&nbsp; And that's because anger is a contradiction, its two different things that have been accidentally given the same emotion.<br><br>"And people build this up all the time, this tension.&nbsp; But they release it again because they don't know what they're doing.&nbsp; But if you do know, you can control how its released, man.&nbsp; You can focus that shit.<br><br>"That's what mojo is.&nbsp; This built up tension inside you from, like, from constantly exposing yourself to one of these little holes in the way the world works." <br><br>He takes another long drag.&nbsp; "I don't know how well I'm putting this man.&nbsp; But its like matter and antimatter together.&nbsp; They explode, because they're opposites put together.&nbsp; And so when most people build up a bit of anger it explodes out of them.&nbsp; But you can learn to build up, like, a containment system or a power plant or something, contain that energy and put it where you want.&nbsp; That's what mojo is, and disappearing a building will have taken a shit load of it.<br><br>"So what that means is some cunt went to a load of effort to build up enough energy to do that.&nbsp; And I reckon I can find out why."&nbsp; His pocket beeps but he ignores it, talking quickly and intensely.&nbsp; "But I'm not carrying enough so I need to charge up.&nbsp; "Random magic, man.&nbsp; It's expensive shit."<br><br><hr><br><strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:23<br><br>Between Unit 16 and Unit 18, Fergusons Street<br><br>Nova</strong><br><br>"Nova, hey?"&nbsp; He's typing on his phone again and doesn't look up.&nbsp; "Parents were hippies?&nbsp; Not that it matters.&nbsp; I'm not feeling particularly lucky either today, in fact you could say I'm having a fucking awful day.&nbsp; And it started off so well.&nbsp; Woke up between...well, honestly you wouldn't believe me if I told you who I woke up with this morning.&nbsp; And now no fucker can see me except you.&nbsp; So you'll forgive me if I fucking follow you around.&nbsp; Meant to have an interview at three, big things.&nbsp; Good things. But that's all fucked now."<br><br>You think he's going to start crying again but he shakes his head and continues.<br><br>"So I'm emailing some guy" he waves his phone around in case it wasn't clear how "who might know something.&nbsp; Gonna try to meet up with him.&nbsp; You in?" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>October 08, 2013, 11:56:38 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"All right," Bran says, and picks up the knife. He holds his hand over the tank and draws the blade across, but it's not deep enough; a tiny bit of blood flows into the scratch but not enough to fall into the tank. He hisses in annoyance at himself and slices himself again. This time it's deep enough, and blood begins to drip.<br><br>As he stares at the tank, waiting to see what will happen, he says, "Let me check my email and then I'll go."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>October 11, 2013, 03:18:20 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Miyo listens to Patveer, fascinated, and she notices Norm's reaction to the magical mojo explanation. She and Norm had talked before about the existence of the paranormal or supernatural--Miyo hadn't really had anyone else to talk to about it at Honer's, as no one else placed any stock in it. She smiles at Norm and murmurs, "It's nice to be right that things aren't normal at all, isn't it?"<br><br>She says to Patveer, "Okay....if I've got this right---everything is made up of kind of like these laws and things, only there's loopholes. And tension builds up when there's these laws contradicting each other, and anger is pretty much a great big contradiction of things, too? So eventually things go <em>pop!</em> and a person can take advantage of one of those loopholes?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>October 11, 2013, 04:37:16 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Anyone with half a brain could have seen that things weren't right," he mutters.&nbsp; It's not his fault that the overwhelmingly great majority of people didn't see what was right in front of them.&nbsp; He had read somewhere that people only used 10% of their brains.&nbsp; It wasn't, he was always of the opinion, that they did not possess the ability to harness the other 90%, but that they simply chose not to.&nbsp; It was so much easier to walk through life with your eyes closed.&nbsp; <br><br>"So, mate," he said, addressing Patveer, "why did you ask us if any of us knew first aid?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>October 14, 2013, 12:56:23 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:24<br><br>Back room of the King's Head Pub<br><br>Bran</strong><br><br>Ignoring your email for a moment you make a small scratch across your palm.&nbsp; Rachel starts as if she's about to say something but you're ahead of her and make a deeper one.<br><br>Blood drips in and dissipates slightly in the water, though not as much as you might expect.&nbsp; The individual drops are still clear until a flick of the fish's tail sets them moving and swirling.&nbsp; Elongating into ribbons and roiling over each other to gradually form the outline of face.&nbsp; Female, elderly, a pronounced chin.&nbsp; Ronald frowns and mutters something about knowing her from somewhere but you've already placed her by the time another motion sets the blood swirling again before coalescing into a name: Jean Nodshorns.<br><br>She's a local busybody.&nbsp; Letters constantly in the local paper, popping up regularly on the local news whenever they need an opinionated talking head.&nbsp; You know her from her campaign last year to have skating banned from a few choice spots in the city centre - though its not your primary focus you know quite a few skaters and even signed a petition to keep places like the law courts, Haymarket and the Monument available.&nbsp; It wasn't to be though and now Local Government Officers issue a fine to anyone skating, or even just relaxing if they have the temerity to be under twenty, in those areas.<br><br>While you take that in you check your phone.&nbsp; You've received two emails from <span style="font-family: courier;" class="bbc_font">johnsanderson@gmail.com</span> only a minute or two apart.<br><br><span style="font-family: courier;" class="bbc_font">Thank God.&nbsp; Call me as soon as you get a chance - 07854 837503.&nbsp; John.</span> and then a moment or so later <span style="font-family: courier;" class="bbc_font">Found another person who might know something.&nbsp; Just talking with her.&nbsp; We should meet up.&nbsp; Call me ASAP.&nbsp; J.</span><br><br><hr><br><strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:38<br><br>Alley at the side of McDonalds, Northumberland Street<br><br>Miyo, Norm, Chris</strong><br><br>He puts one finger on the tip of his nose and points his other hand, cigarette and all, at Miyo.&nbsp; "Spot on, pet.&nbsp; You're spot on.&nbsp; If you know what you're doing you can, like, syphon off the energy that's built up by this tension.&nbsp; So when it builds up to unbearable for you, you just wind up shouting at the guy playing his music too loud on the bus and it all leaks out.&nbsp; But you can learn to shape it.&nbsp; Takes time to learn, like.&nbsp; Not something you'd figure out on your own, or everyone could do it.&nbsp; But you're absolutely spot on."<br><br>He glances at the cigarette as if he'd forgotten it was there and takes another drag, letting it out in two jets from his nose while he stares at Norm for a moment in confusion.<br><br>"That was it man, first aiders.&nbsp; Sorry, totally forgot what we were talking about there.&nbsp; First aiders, yeah.&nbsp; Always good people to know, but especially for me.&nbsp; See, you can shape other people's anger as well.&nbsp; Well, I say as well, its actually way way easier to do.&nbsp; Not even sure if you can do your own, some say yes, some say no.&nbsp; So drawing this energy, this tension from other people.&nbsp; You follow me?&nbsp; But obviously drawing the anger out of them requires them to be, you know, angry.&nbsp; In the first place.&nbsp; So its not at all uncommon to take a fist to the face, man.&nbsp; Not uncommon at all.&nbsp; And figuring this little thing you've got going on...remind me what it was again?"&nbsp; He frowns.<br><br>"Man, that's odd.&nbsp; I remember you telling it me, but not a single thing about what you said."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ilasandra</strong> on <strong>October 14, 2013, 10:02:32 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nova made no remark at the comment about her parents. There was no point in telling him that she had named herself once they had thrown her from their house. There was no point in attempting to depict just how bloody awful her parents were at parenting and if were up to her she would have had their reproductive organs removed a long time ago. It was pointless as she had learned from countless experiences prior to to this one. So she simply gave a small and polite laugh at his small jest, one that would pass in normal company. She stared blankly as he relayed what seemed to be his problems of the day. "<strong>Sounds like you woke up between a few witches, eh? Cast a nice little invisibility spell on ya or somethin'? Though I guess they forgot to include little ole me in the group it seems.</strong>" Nova said with a small chuckle. <br><br>She still didn't completely believe that no one else could see him. I mean that was insane right? . . . About as insane as an entire building up and disappearing. Though if she had been just a little more aware of her surrounding she would have noticed the people gawking at her as she stood looking at the side of a building and talking to herself . . . so it appeared. "<strong>Yeah sure. Why not? Let's go on an adventure.</strong>" Nova said throwing her hands in to the air as if she was done with it all.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>October 14, 2013, 11:33:48 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Well we always did call her an old witch," Bran mutters. "All right. That's a…fascinating data point. Any idea why she'd do something like that on <em>my</em> behalf? And where are Norm and Miyo? Someone just emailed me who may have information to share as well—I'll call him from the taxi, maybe we can all meet up somewhere."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Demigod1945</strong> on <strong>October 16, 2013, 02:30:05 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"So let me get this straight, you, Patveer, say that there is what, magic?" Chris could hardly believe what he was hearing, "energy" that could be used to make stuff disappear? He wasn't sure if he had been hearing things right. "Does this mean we'll get magic wands, and even go to a special school to get training?" Of course it may some sense, how else could a building disappear over night, without a trace. And as far as Chris could tell, Patveer was being sincere, meaning that what he said was true, or Patveer thought it was true. Chris was betting his money on the latter.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>October 16, 2013, 06:21:40 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:25<br><br>Between Unit 16 and Unit 18, Fergusons Street<br><br>Nova</strong><br><br>He bursts out laughing when you mention waking up next to witches and pats you on the back companiably.&nbsp; "You're not wrong there either, pet.&nbsp; And not just a witch, two hot lesbian witches."&nbsp; He frowns for&nbsp; moment and shrugs "One hot lesbian witch and another lesbian witch at least.&nbsp; But hey, you take what you can get right?"<br><br>He stops outside a parked top-range BMW and looks up and down the street.&nbsp; "Look, this guy still hasn't got back to me so I got some time to kill.&nbsp; Don't fret there love, I'm not about to suggest what you think I'm going to." He pulls a small silver case from his breast pocket and sniffs - checking once again that the street remains deserted.<br><br>"Today's going to be one fuck of a taxing day and I'm thinking I totally deserve a little go faster powder."&nbsp; He opens the case so you can see the contents - a razor blade from a stanley knife, a small vanity mirror, a tightly rolled fifty pound note and a baggie filled with white powder.<br><br>"That going to be a problem for you, pet?&nbsp; Honestly, I'm willing to not if its gonna cause problems.&nbsp; Feel free to powder your nose a little yourself if you partake.&nbsp; No fucking point hiding it, not like the police can arrest me."<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Nova</div><div class="spoiler_body">&nbsp; Just so you're aware, Cocaine will, in game terms, give you a -20% shift to anything requiring concentration and also make some stress tests easier, some harder for a few scenes.&nbsp; To save either of us a conversation neither of us wants to have you can read about the IC effects here (http://www.talktofrank.com/drug/cocaine)</div></div><br><hr><br><strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:25<br><br>Back room of the King's Head Pub<br><br>Bran</strong><br><br>As Alf slides a piece of paper in front of him and Rachel goes about cleaning then reattaching the letter opener Ronald speaks&nbsp; "On your behalf isn't established yet, but.&nbsp; Could be on your behalf, could be to you, like.&nbsp; But that's yet to be found out.<br><br>We found your friends though, and its causing us a bit of a problem.&nbsp; That fat wanker Tannen directed them to right to the guy we wanted you to piss off.&nbsp; And he's not answering his phone.&nbsp; So that changes things a wee bit, like."<br><br>He pulls out a battered leather wallet and searches through it as he continues.<br><br>"Won't lie to you lad, was hoping that wouldn't happen.&nbsp; But it has.&nbsp; You know my position - I want that cunt to swear allegiance to me.&nbsp; I reckon he'll be able to tell you who did this, though, and I've made no secret of that, like.&nbsp; But that's all he'll be able to do I'm thinking.<br><br>"I'm saying this to you so we both know where we stand, lad.&nbsp; We've provided some information and we can provide more.&nbsp; But if you're working with him then you ain't working with me.&nbsp; Not saying I'll cross the road to avoid you and if you come in here you'll get nothing but the warmest of welcomes.&nbsp; But you can't have this both ways.<br><br>"So what I want you to do is this.&nbsp; Meet up with your friends.&nbsp; Maybe this other guy. Talk it over.&nbsp; I won't be stood over your shoulder, like, and I'll trust you'll stop him from doing the same.&nbsp; You decide he can help you more than me then that's fine.&nbsp; You're mistaken, like, but I can't make that mistake for you.&nbsp; What I'd prefer is that you realise the King of Newcastle can be a lot more aid to you and yours than some burger flipper."&nbsp; He shakes his head and puts the wallet back in his back pocket.<br><br>"Haven't got a card with me.&nbsp; Thought I did like.&nbsp; But as a sign of what I can do for you, and why I'm the right choice then when you get in that taxi you make sure you take down the phone number.&nbsp; I own the company.&nbsp; You need a ride round Newcastle, you just tell them you're on my business and your ride is free.&nbsp; Not all the help I can offer, but its a good place to start.&nbsp; You ever need me you ring this pub here, the number's in the book.<br><br>"Until I know where you sit though, lad, I think we're about done here, don't you?&nbsp; Go chat with your friends.&nbsp; Come to a decision and have the best of luck whichever way you go."<br><br>There's a beep of a car horn outside and you can see an idling taxi outside.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Bran</div><div class="spoiler_body">Gimme a Major Notice please, feel free to post leaving and your call in the taxi (if thats what you do) and I'll let you know what you notice in your reply.</div></div><br><hr><br><strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:38<br><br>Alley at the side of McDonalds, Northumberland Street<br><br>Miyo, Norm, Chris</strong><br><br>He laughs, and his pocket beeps again.&nbsp; "Like that Hogwarts stuff?&nbsp; Nah, man.&nbsp; Nothing like that.&nbsp; Plus wands are a phallic symbol of the patriarchy, apparently.&nbsp; There's a lass over in South Shields constantly banging on about it.<br><br>"But nah.&nbsp; Nothing like that stuff.&nbsp; There used to be, man, there did.&nbsp; It's called..." he stares at you for a moment "...it's not coming.&nbsp; Authentic something or other.&nbsp; But not any more.&nbsp; It's the sleepers, man.&nbsp; The ones who hush it all up.&nbsp; They closed all of that stuff down in the middle ages.&nbsp; They were the ones who started the Inquisition, you know?&nbsp; Now they're all up in the media, back then they were all up in the Catholic Church.&nbsp; In Europe at least, obviously.&nbsp; Back home they were behind the Mughal dynasty.&nbsp; They're fucking worldwide man."<br><br>He takes a last drag from his cigarette and flicks the end at a bin.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>October 17, 2013, 02:31:43 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">GM</div><div class="spoiler_body">You didn't have anyone tell Bran where he's actually supposed to go, so I'll assume the cabbie's been given a destination already.</div></div>Bran gets up and nods to Ron. "Thank you, sir, I'll think it over. Rachel, all of you, thank you. Good day." He walks out of the privy council chamber, nods to Mabel and heads for the idling taxi.<br><br>As the driver whisks him away, he calls the number from his email. "Runningfree here. Meet me at—" He mutes the phone. "Excuse me, sir, where did Mr. Percy say to take me?" When the cabbie tells him, he repeats it to the man on the phone. "I'm wearing an RGS windcheater and carrying a Newcastle United messenger bag. That should cut it down to two or three people…"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>October 18, 2013, 04:07:03 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Miyo frowns again, wary now, especially after Patveer saying that he did<em> 'remember you telling it, but not a single thing about what you said.'</em> She's irritated by that, unsure if he's just blurring through so much info so fast that he's not keeping up with what he's been told or if the weird memory problems seem to have affected him. She crosses her arms and asks, "Patveer, can I ask you a question? People don't seem to remember the place we told you about, Honer's, that vanished. And I wanted to ask if the, ah, Sleepers, as you term them, have anything to do with people not remembering a place affected by major mojo?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>October 18, 2013, 02:51:25 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Someone must have <em>really</em> had a grudge against Honer's," mutters Norm.&nbsp; "Not only did they appear to wipe it completely out of existence, but they appear to have gone to great lengths to wipe it from everyone's memories as well.&nbsp; Which begs the question--"<br><br>He glances at Miyo.&nbsp; "I can remember it.&nbsp; She can too."&nbsp; He jerks a thumb at Chris.&nbsp; "I think he can too.&nbsp; So what makes us special?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>October 19, 2013, 06:41:42 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:25 -&gt; 10:36<br><br>Back room of the King's Head Pub -&gt; Taxi -&gt; Toon<br><br>Bran</strong><br><br>There are muted "goodbyes" and "see you later, lad"s as you leave, but no conversation of substance.&nbsp; However you quite accidentally don't close the door fully as you leave the back room and catch the start of a conversation they were clearly waiting for you to leave to start.&nbsp; Alf had been studying a piece of paper and speaks up:<br><br>"As a canine to our Lord,<br>or leg joints to the keen:<br>So is that aged quidnunc<br>to the source of that lad's teen"<br><br>"Aye.&nbsp; I spotted it too.&nbsp; Chances of that being a coincidence are fuck all, like."<br><br>You realise that if you stay much longer it'll be obvious and hurry out to the taxi.<br><br>The taxi is idling outside and beeps again just as you exit.&nbsp; The driver, a tallish man with "NUFC" tattooed across the back of his neck gets out and opens a rear door for you, a level of chivalry and respect you've never had from a taxi driver before.<br><br><div class="floatleft">(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a7/Haymarket_Newcastle_May_2009.JPG)</div>He also manages to spare you the standard borderline racist taxi driver nonsense as well, just putting the car into gear and pulling off.&nbsp; Apparently knowing where's he's heading even if you don't.<br><br>'John', you see no reason to assume that's not his real name but the day has been weird enough that it might not, answers with a clipped "John Anderson" in a cultured accent and sounds overjoyed to hear from you.&nbsp; He quickly agrees to meet you at:<br><br>"Heading in to the toon, like.&nbsp; You're headed to Maccy D's on Northumberland but I'm going to have to drop you off at Haymarket."&nbsp; The pedestrianisation of Northumberland Street is a sore spot with taxi drivers even years later.&nbsp; He gestures at his satnav (https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=northumberland+street+newcastle&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;hq=&amp;hnear=0x487e70c9653ac699:0x166ac26f0a002e9f,Northumberland+St,+Newcastle+upon+Tyne+NE1+7AG&amp;gl=uk&amp;ei=FRBjUlupt9EFkr-B4As&amp;ved=0CJgBELYD), as if he's not sure you'll know where to go.<br><br>'John' agrees and says he'll try to get 'the lass' to come along with him, then hangs up quickly.&nbsp; 'Short and sweet' is the best phrase to define his telephone manner - give the information, get off the line.<br><br>You head down Percy Street, doubtless a remnant of the same family Ronald claimed descent from and he pulls up in front of the Haymarket.&nbsp; Once a great spot for local skaters now, thanks to Jean Nodshorns, not.&nbsp; Although the rain would probably have kept them away today anyway.&nbsp; Once again he gets out to open the door for you and apologises for not having an umbrella to offer you.&nbsp; There's a slightly desperate note to his voice when he tries to confirm that "You'll let Ron know I got you here safe and sound, but".<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Bran</div><div class="spoiler_body">Feel free to post your arrival in the scene with Miyo, Norm, Chris and Patveer.&nbsp; Patveer is wearing a McDonald's uniform and a turban and will abruptly stop talking and look up at you suspiciously when you arrive.&nbsp; Miyo and Chris you recognise easily, Norm it takes you a moment to confirm its him - you'd forgotten what he looked like a little.&nbsp; They're in an alleyway beside McDonalds, easily visible from the main pedestrian street.<br><br>Or, of course, feel free to talk to the taxi driver, go somewhere else, or whatever.&nbsp; Don't want to railroad you too much.</div></div><br><hr><br><br><strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:38<br><br>Alley at the side of McDonalds, Northumberland Street<br><br>Miyo, Norm, Chris</strong><br><br>"Course they can, man!&nbsp; Course they can."&nbsp; His voice has dropped down to a whisper, a highly emphatic whisper granted, but a whisper nonetheless.&nbsp; He looks around him suspiciously as if expecting to see someone listening in and all but jumps out of his skin when his pocket beeps again.&nbsp; "Fucking thing" he curses, presumably at the mobile as opposed to anything else.<br><br>"That's what they do.&nbsp; You seen that, ah fuck, Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones.&nbsp; Men in Black!&nbsp; You seen that?"&nbsp; He mimes zapping Norm with one of the memory erasers (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osR1jctb47Y) "Poof, it's gone.&nbsp; That's how they keep control, man.&nbsp; Or one of the ways.&nbsp; Honestly I thought at first you guys were part of them.&nbsp; But I don't think you're lying to me, are you."&nbsp; His pocket beeps once more and he takes out an iPhone, turning it off without glancing at it.<br><br>"So why not you?&nbsp; A lot of options, a lot.&nbsp; But you want the Patveer Patwel top three?"&nbsp; He holds up three fingers.<br><br>"A new entry at number three with 'You guys are doing the memory removal thing for some reason of your own'"<br><br>Drops a finger.<br><br>"Holding steady at number two is 'There's something special about you guys that makes you resistant."<br><br>Drops a second and converts the remaining raised finger into a circular point encompassing the three of you.<br><br>"And for the third consecutive week at number one, put your hands together for 'You guys have a guardian angel'"<br><br>"Whether they're keeping you safe or fattening you up for Christmas I don't know.&nbsp; But that's my guess."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>October 19, 2013, 07:23:22 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				On the trip, Bran mulls over the crossword clue thoughtfully provided by Alf. <em>Dog to God, knee to keen, anagram of Jean Nodshorns is—J. Honer and Sons! Bloody…what does it mean though?</em><br><br>Bran nods to the driver as he gets out. "Yeh, I'll tell him all that. Thanks mate." Wondering why one of the King's subjects would sound so desperate for approval—is the old man such a harsh master?—he trots toward the McDonald's, taking a sudden turn at the alley as he recognizes Miyo and Chris, and eventually Norm.<br><br><em>Right,</em> he thinks, <em>sync up with Miyo, Norm and Chris first, tweak the other chap's nose later. Assuming I think Percy's lot can be more helpful than his anyway.</em><br><br>"Gentlemen, Miyo. I went to see the other fellow, he gave me a little info but not so much. You finding anything out here?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>October 23, 2013, 09:46:58 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Miyo winces at the realization that there might be someone watching over them....and not necessarily for the better. She sees Bran and welcomes the return of a familiar face that recalls Honer's. She gestures and says, "I hope what you have is handy, even if it's not much. Long story short here--magic is real, someone used a bunch of mojo to magic away Honer's, and that same crud is interfering in people's ability to remember that the place existed at all. And we are probably either being specifically given the ability to recall for purposes unknown. Of course, could be that we're resistant to the memory loss or we're somehow doing it ourselves. But I'm thinking reason number one." She looks to Chris, to Norm, to Bran, and she says uncomfortably, "What now?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>October 24, 2013, 12:12:38 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Well," Bran says to Miyo, "we could get a fish and a tank and a knife and find out whether the one who's protecting you from the memory loss is the same one who's protecting me. Introduce me to your pretty friend here?" He jerks a thumb at Patveer.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>October 29, 2013, 07:23:30 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Miyo grins and rolls her eyes, saying, "Well, Norm likes him better than I do. I'd wager he's Norm's friend. At any rate, this is Patveer, the guy Tannen told us to see and ask about this stuff. Honestly, it looks like, considering how Patveer explained 'magic,' or whatever you want to call it, that the person who vanished away Honer's might have taken some sort of issue with them or otherwise been pissed. I think."<br><br>Miyo looks to Chris and says, "What do you think of all this? You've been pretty quiet."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>October 30, 2013, 03:15:08 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>In for a penny, in for a pound,</em> Bran thinks. <em>No time like the present. And other trite aphorisms. I may not get a better leading line this week. Percy, you doddering monarchical wreck, you better do right by me…!</em> "Hey Patveer, are you Norm's friend? Were you looking to be Norm's friend? Shiny as you are, I'd think you were out of his league."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>October 30, 2013, 11:17:25 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"And what do you mean by that, Junior?" pipes up Norm, who had been keeping quiet up until now; if he didn't think that cigarettes were a fiendish ploy by the Government to kill off, <em>Logan's Run</em>-style, everyone over the age of 29 with lung cancer, he would have been using the time to light up a fag.&nbsp; So much less cool-looking to stand there and brood with your hands in your pockets, but that is, in fact, what he does.<br><br>He narrows his eyes at the youth, suspiciously.&nbsp; "What did you mean by the fish tank and the knife?&nbsp; What did you find out, exactly?" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>October 31, 2013, 12:22:45 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:38<br><br>Alley at the side of McDonalds, Northumberland Street<br><br>Miyo, Norm, Chris, Bran</strong><br><br>Patveer had been standing, watching the conversation with intent suspicion.&nbsp; At Bran's comment he started to say something but retreated into silence when Norm spoke up.&nbsp; Preferring, apparently, to watch the interplay between the two of you.&nbsp; He licks his lips and delves in his pockets for another cigarette, shields the flame from the lighter for brief moment then takes a long drag.<br><br>"Yeah.&nbsp; What <em>did</em> you find out exactly?"&nbsp; The friendliness and excitement that had been in his tone was, if not gone then certainly greatly decreased.&nbsp; "Odd, you just showing up.&nbsp; Knowing where to find us and apparently with loads of new information."&nbsp; He blows a long plume of smoke in Bran's general direction then half turns to address Norm.&nbsp; "Odd, if you ask me.&nbsp; Keeping an eye on things are we?&nbsp; Making sure we only find out what you want us to find out, dropping new information on us to keep the conversation from revealing too much?&nbsp; Odd, that's what it is."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>October 31, 2013, 01:22:39 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"What did I find out exactly? Why should I tell you? Bugger off, go fix your makeup, and I'll tell the people who matter what I found out." He turned back to Miyo and Norm, including Chris by proximity. "Got another chap who can see what's not there, told him to meet us here. He doesn't have anything much to share, yet, I don't think, but he sounded pretty damn desperate on the phone and I figure we ought to stick together."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>October 31, 2013, 10:46:39 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Miyo sighs as she watches the sudden tension between Norm and Bran. She notices even Patveer getting testy...and no wonder. It's not exactly the most normal of situations. She says to Patveer, “Bran is sort of with us. Pardon him being rude; he's young.” She rolls her eyes at Norm and says, “At least let's talk to this guy Bran knows before you try to deconstruct what he said about the fish and the knife, okay?” She squirms a little and looks to the rest of the group, saying, “Look. I'm kind of interested in what we're going next. Are we going to go see Bran's contact? Patveer, do you have anything else you can tell us that might give us an idea of what to do?” 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>November 01, 2013, 05:17:05 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Patveer takes an aggressive half step towards Bran but stops when Miyo speaks up and seems to consider her words.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Miyo</div><div class="spoiler_body">Gimme a Major Charm check please, Blythe.&nbsp; That's d100 aiming to roll under your Charm skill.&nbsp; Just send me the roll through the dicebot.&nbsp; </div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>November 10, 2013, 12:05:21 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Miyo's attempt to calm the situation proves more temporary than she perhaps hoped.&nbsp; Patveer seems to be barely listening to her question as he stares with narrowed eyes at Bran, he does give a quick shake of his head but honestly no one is convinced he even heard what he is refusing.&nbsp; Instead, fists clenched at his side and face paling as blood moves to protect vital organs, he stands in front of Bran and demands:<br><br>"The fuck, man?&nbsp; The fuck is your problem?"&nbsp; He's geared up now and repeats himself, adding a little shove to Bran's chest for emphasis.&nbsp; His eye twitches quickly and you don't need to have Chris' skill with micro-expressions to see he's gasping for a fight.&nbsp; Bran's phone beeps with a received email and he jumps in shock then lashes out, catching Bran across the jaw with a fairly solid blow.<br><br>A large dent appears in the dumpster next to him, as if his blow had struck that instead although there has been no contact with it.&nbsp; Patveer spins at the noise then whirls back to Bran.<br><br>"Oh, you little shit.&nbsp; That's what all of this was isn't it.&nbsp; You" this is backed up with an aggressive jab of his finger at Bran's face "you are going to get fucked up."&nbsp; He looks quickly between everyone present and settles on Norm.<br><br>"Gullible little fuck, aren't you.&nbsp; Fell for all that shit hook, line and sinker.&nbsp; So fed up of your pathetic little life that you're desperate for some massive conspiracy, right?" he says nastily as a bruise begins to form on Bran's cheek.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">For those who care.</div><div class="spoiler_body">Patveer has a Struggle/"Temper Tantrum" skill of 35.&nbsp; I gave him a ten per cent shift as its a surprise attack, meaning he needs to roll under 45.&nbsp; He rolls an 83 (http://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=51420) but activates his rage passion to flip flop it to a 38, meaning he hits Bran.&nbsp; <br><br>Bran now has a bruised face and a cut on the pam of his hand.&nbsp; Noone else is injured.&nbsp; This isn't going to combat unless people make it so, Patveer isn't going to attack again though for some reason he does seem to be trying to aggravate Norm.</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>November 10, 2013, 02:37:39 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Bran falls back a couple steps, shaking his head and rubbing his cheek, but makes no aggressive moves toward Patveer, nor says anything further. In fact, he's smiling. <em>That was actually fun,</em> he thinks. <em>Like a jump I wasn't sure I could make. Next time'll be harder, he'll be expecting it, armored really. Maybe I can get one of the others to step in for me? No, then he won't talk to them either and we could all use whatever info he can dig up.</em><br><br>As he watches Patveer try to antagonize Norm, understanding of Percy's granddaughter's explanation drops into place. <em>Right, so his gun's empty and he's too insecure to walk around with no ammo. Maybe I can use </em>that<em> against him…</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>November 11, 2013, 08:42:21 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Miyo moves away from Patveer and yells, "What is your<em> problem?!</em>" She's in shock that things seem to have escalated so quickly; the only thing she can think is <em>Did we skip some levels here? What the hell just happened?</em> She looks to Bran and says, "Are you all right?" <br><br>She casts a glance at Norm, but she trusts him to handle himself. She hopes that he won't play into whatever reason Patveer has for antagonizing him, but Miyo doesn't want to exacerbate the situation by interfering further; it's obvious trying to calm Patveer didn't help much the first time around.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>November 12, 2013, 02:10:16 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Bran moves over toward Miyo, hand still on his cheek, eyes still on Patveer and Norm. "I think I've got the idea now," he whispers. "Your friend there, he's a gun, right? And anger is his ammo. He loses his temper, all the bullets fall out. He doesn't like walking around unloaded, so now he's got to make someone else angry to get a bullet back in the chamber. Watch out, he'll be trying you on next, or that other fellow—Chris, was it?"<br><br>Bran starts marking his exits mentally in case Patveer goes all-out on him. "Look, Miyo, can I have your number in case I need to flee an angry shift manager or whatever? I was lucky to find you this time."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>November 13, 2013, 05:39:56 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The sudden explosion of temper from the Kasmiri, especially towards himself, has Norm narrowing his eyes.&nbsp; He's about to snap off an acrimonious response, when suddenly he remembers the bit that Patveer had said about loopholes, particularly anger.&nbsp; The light seems to dawn, and his eyes widen again.&nbsp; "Yeah, something like that," he murmurs in response to the turbaned man's accusation.&nbsp; "Something like that," he repeats.&nbsp; He backs off, giving Patveer his space, keeping one eye on him--despite his initial positive reaction, he's not stupid enough to go around blindly trusting people--and crouches to inspect the dumpster, running his fingers over the large dent that mysteriously appeared.<br><br>"Loopholes, remember?" he reminds Miyo.&nbsp; &nbsp;"Probably trying to provoke us in order to channel his mojo or whatever.&nbsp; Look, kid," he sighs in Bran's direction, "of the four of us here, you're the one acting the most suspicious.&nbsp; You run off for a few hours after all the weird shit starts happening, and now suddenly show up babbling something about a fish tank and a knife.&nbsp; &nbsp;I think we should all best come clean with each other, starting now.&nbsp; Let's start with this: are you really the son of Mr. Davies, the head of Finance?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>November 13, 2013, 05:55:42 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Yes, I am," Bran says. "And everything I'm doing, I'm doing to get me Da back safe and sound. The fish-and-knife thing, that's something someone else showed me—remember Tannen sent us in two directions? I went the other way."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>November 13, 2013, 05:57:42 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Who showed you?"&nbsp; says Norm, keeping his tone civil and polite, no doubt to Patveer's dismay.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>November 13, 2013, 06:00:19 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Bran sighs. <em>Didn't want to tip my hand to the other fellow this early, but there's no help for it.</em> "A woman by the name of Rachel Percy," he says. "I think she's Ron Percy's granddaughter. And, ah, Mr. Patwel? There's a message for you from him."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>November 13, 2013, 06:22:25 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Patveer is glaring at Norm and for a moment Bran isn't sure he heard him.&nbsp; Eventually though the tension drops from his stance and his easy grin reappears.&nbsp; He flicks his eyes over to Bran and flashes his eyebrows in a "go on".
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>November 13, 2013, 06:34:58 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Bran takes a deep breath. "You'd better tell us who magicked Honer's away, or at least what kind of power they used, and swear allegiance to the King, or someone, maybe me, maybe someone else, will keep doing what I just did, and you'll never have a moment's peace. He, ah, knows where you live, metaphysically speaking."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>November 14, 2013, 02:24:35 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:39<br><br>Alley at the side of McDonalds, Northumberland Street<br><br>Miyo, Norm, Chris, Bran</strong><br><br>He chuckles with apparent good humour.&nbsp; "Ron Percy.&nbsp; Shoulda seen that one coming.&nbsp; Yeah, you got me good there."&nbsp; The transition from anger to goodwill is abrupt enough to be a little disturbing.<br><br>"But I told him before, its not on the cards.&nbsp; You won't get me again - I'm on to you now - so that's your hand shown.&nbsp; And I've told him before, the aim here is to open eyes, not to listen to some jumped up aristocrat who figures he's King Arthur.&nbsp; I'll admit, man - what did you say your name was?&nbsp; But I'll admit you got me once.&nbsp; But fool me once and all that.&nbsp; I'm gonna keep serving the works - hey!" This last is addressed to Norm as he's obviously struck by a thought.<br><br>"Hey, man.&nbsp; Listen, I'm sorry about that.&nbsp; Was pissed off at your friend there, you know how it is.&nbsp; But look, I thought of a way of making it up to you.&nbsp; You come here for lunch, I'll be brimming with power again by then" he winks at Bran "easy enough to piss people off if you work for the Scotsman.&nbsp; But yeah, come back here for lunch and I'll sort you out with a Big Mac that'll change everything.&nbsp; Trust me, man.&nbsp; Trust me on this.&nbsp; Come back on lunch, I'll give you one on the house and then we'll take a wander down to the cinema so I can get some serious juice and find out who's been fucking around with you.&nbsp; How's that sound man?"<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Norm, Bran</div><div class="spoiler_body">Patveer has a Soul Skill called "Calm people down".&nbsp; Basically through long experience he's pretty good at getting people to stop being annoyed with him.&nbsp; He's just used it on both of you and made his rolls.&nbsp; This isn't magic, so feel free to ignore it.&nbsp; But you do find it hard to maintain a grudge against him or to hold his actions against him.&nbsp; Essentially you're inclined to view his punch on Bran and attempt to wind Norm up in the best light possible.<br><br>As I say, feel free to ignore if you feel it's inappropriate, but on the flipside this is something he's good at.&nbsp; I leave it in your hands.<br><br>Miyo, for the record, he hasn't attempted it on you.</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>November 14, 2013, 02:43:08 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Bran grins at Patveer. "Oh, you'd be surprised how viciously annoying I can be when I put my mind to it. Though I'd like to hear your pitch if you reckon it's better than his." <em>Looks like I'll need to subcontract if I do want to put in with Percy's lot,</em> he thinks to himself, <em>but that can be arranged. Some of my classmates…</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>November 17, 2013, 03:56:31 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Miyo frowns and says nothing to Patveer. She isn't thrilled with how he decided to recharge his mojo, but she's not angry enough to pursue the matter. But she doesn't like or trust the man one bit, and her expression, dour and irritable, shows it. She jots down her number for Bran on a scrap of paper from her pocket and passes it over without speaking to Bran either, folding her arms after that. She keeps quiet for now, unwilling to shatter the progress made by Bran and Norm; she feels like they're getting somewhere at last with the inexplicable question of <em>What the fuck happened to Honer's?</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>November 17, 2013, 04:10:39 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Bran takes the paper from Miyo, adds the number to his contact list, and while he's at it, checks his email.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>November 17, 2013, 10:05:21 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Norm shrugs at Patveer.&nbsp; "No worries, mate.&nbsp; It probably would have worked, too, if you hadn't just finished telling Miyo and myself about the loopholes.&nbsp; And that's a fair offer, a fair offer indeed, but I'll have to take a raincheck on it for now."&nbsp; He indicates Miyo and Bran with a jerk of his head.&nbsp; "I think the three of us need to have a sit-down and compare notes."&nbsp; Three? Wasn't there a fourth bloke in the group? Where did he wander off to?&nbsp; Ah, well.<br><br>Despite everything, the weirdness of the morning, he's feeling remarkably calm and peaceful.&nbsp; Almost inclined to be affable, even.&nbsp; Strange.<br><br>"Thanks for all the help," he says to Patveer.&nbsp; "Appreciate it."&nbsp; He inclines his head in a friendly nod toward the turbaned fellow.&nbsp; Others might have offered to shake hands, but then others weren't paranoid hypochondriacs.<br><br>Turning to Bran, he says, "how about it, Junior?&nbsp; &nbsp;Care to discuss this further over tea and biscuits?&nbsp; My treat." <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>November 18, 2013, 05:29:33 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He watches the exchange affably then nods to Bran.&nbsp; "You did alright there, man.&nbsp; But you won't get me again" - it's said with a broad grin as he digs his mobile from his pocket and glances at it.&nbsp; "As to my pitch, man I've got like seven missed calls from your friend Percy. And a text, he actually took the time to spell out "like" at the end of a sentence.&nbsp; Daft old coot.<br><br>What the hell was I saying?&nbsp; Oh yeah.&nbsp; My pitch.&nbsp; I ain't got one man.&nbsp; It's like I told your friends here, we're about opening eyes.&nbsp; That's it.&nbsp; We're good at what we do - ask your friend Ron about the devastating series of terrorist attacks on the millennium that returned mankind to the dark ages.&nbsp; Remember them?&nbsp; So we're good at what we do, and we'll manage.&nbsp; &nbsp;So I guess that's kinda my pitch.&nbsp; Ron's powerful, sure, he's a force to be reckoned with in Newcastle.&nbsp; But the time is coming, and coming fast, when he's an, a what do you call it, an anachronism.&nbsp; That's my pitch.&nbsp; I gotta get back to work, fill myself up again."<br><br>He laughs and offers his hand to Bran "You won't get me again.&nbsp; Your friend is right, go and have a drink and a talk.&nbsp; Take your school uniform off if you're going to try and get served though, man.&nbsp; Nothing more embarrassing."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>November 18, 2013, 05:48:55 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				An email from <span style="font-family: courier;" class="bbc_font">johnsanderson@gmail.com</span> sits unread in your inbox, a <span style="font-family: courier;" class="bbc_font">Change of Plan</span> announced by the subject line.&nbsp; Further investigation and a few quick taps of your thumb reveals the rest:<br><br><span style="font-family: courier;" class="bbc_font">The girl (Nova) not coming and I may have a lead.&nbsp; Why don't we hook up this afternoon.&nbsp; Stay in touch (please) and I'll do the same - full disclosure to follow but in brief I want to try a little pharmaceutical experiment.&nbsp; Will explain more when I know a bit more about you.<br><br>John</span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>November 18, 2013, 05:59:13 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Bran stows his phone and shakes Patveer's hand. "I'll want to know who 'we' is, sometime later," he says, "but it'll keep." He turns to Norm and Miyo. "I agree, let's have tea and a debrief. Enough with the 'Junior,' though. My name's Bran."<br><br>He wonders about Sanderson's "pharmaceutical experiment," but not enough to reply right away.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>November 23, 2013, 05:47:22 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Miyo nods and says, "Tea and a debrief it is, gentleman. Lead the way." She sees Bran checking something--a text or something, although she can't actually see what he's reading. She wonders where the fourth in their group got off too--had he slipped away during the confusion of the mock-fight with Patveer? 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Demigod1945</strong> on <strong>November 23, 2013, 10:31:47 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As soon as the confrontation between Patveer and Bran started, Chris quickly lost interest in the conversation. He instead was contempt with counting the bricks in the back wall of the McDonald's. He managed to count up to 17 before he grew bored again. And He wasn't necessarily ignoring the conversation at hand, he just felt that he had no justifiable input to well... input. He had also remember the reason he'd come here...food. Or more specifically, a double cheese burger, which he had an immense craving for. He quietly stepped back through the rear entrance, and made his way back to the counter. <br><br>The fast food joint was surprisingly abandoned save for the bored looking teenager behind the counter. He confidently walked up and ordered his meal along with a large Sprite. As he received his order, he wished the cashier a pleasant day, for which she then responded in kind. But only for him to look her in the eyes and say, "You don't mean that." He took a sip of his drink, and swaggered back to rear entrance. Chris found himself arriving just as Bran invited Miyo and Norm for tea and announces his presence. "I'd like to join, though I already have my own refreshments.” he says with a sly grin.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>November 24, 2013, 05:57:41 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:43<br><br>Alley at the side of McDonalds, Northumberland Street<br><br>Miyo, Norm, Chris, Bran</strong><br><br>"Yeah, I should probably get back to work anyway."&nbsp; Patveer checks the time on his phone and nods.&nbsp; "Definitely.&nbsp; Look, guys, you know where I am now.&nbsp; I hope you get..." he frowns in a now familiar look of confusion and shrugs "..you know, whatever it was you wanted sorted out, I hope you get it sorted out.&nbsp; You know where I am, now, so if you ever think 'Hey, I bet Patveer can help us' then, hey, come on down.&nbsp; I work seven days a week doing the works."<br><br>He heads out of the alley a few paces then turns back.&nbsp; "Norm, man.&nbsp; I was gonna find something out for you but I can't remember what it was.&nbsp; Gonna head down to the cinema over lunch and tell everyone that Bruce Willis is dead and Kevin Spacey is Kaiser Soze, so should be packing some serious heat if you want me later.&nbsp; Toodles."<br><br>There's a Costa Coffee on Northumberland Street, several pubs which are closed for the moment and tend to cater to single mams and dole cheats anyway, and a few restaurants with a passable breakfast menu.&nbsp; For ease of not being overheard, Costa wins though for drinkable coffee its pipped into last place by the toilets in the curry house.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>November 24, 2013, 06:10:51 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Costa?" Bran inquires of everyone, and without waiting for agreement heads in that direction. En route he divides his attention between avoiding things like lampposts and other pedestrians and texting a Krav Maga classmate. <em>Katy, got a jolly jape for you. Fellow thinks he's God's prettiest creation, needs taking down a peg. Text back if interested and I'll email full details.</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>November 25, 2013, 10:02:40 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Norm can't help but grin at that.&nbsp; "Cheers, mate.&nbsp; Give 'em all hell for me.&nbsp; If you want I can come back later and try to get irate at you."&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Despite his mercurial nature, Norm simply can't help liking Patveer and his attitude of cheery bugger-it-all offensiveness.&nbsp; &nbsp;He doesn't much care for foreigners, but then, he doesn't much care for his own countrymen either.&nbsp; Miyo is harmless enough, but he can't quite figure out what Bran's deal is.&nbsp; &nbsp;There's something about the kid that just rubs him the wrong way, and he can't figure out why.&nbsp; Probably because he projects an aura of knowing far, far too much for his own good.&nbsp; &nbsp;He can't be out of secondary school, and yet he seems to act and talk and think like someone twice his age.&nbsp; &nbsp;Best keep an eye on that one, Norm decides.<br><br>"Ah, there you are.&nbsp; We were wondering where'd you run off to," he says in Chris' direction.&nbsp; &nbsp;"C'mon.&nbsp; I said tea's on me, and if you know me you'll realize what a rare offer that is.&nbsp; &nbsp;I'm having second thoughts about it now, in fact.&nbsp; But once something's said, it can't be unsaid."<br><br>Once at the coffeeshop, he orders a green tea chai latte and claims a table with four seats.&nbsp; <br><br>"All right, Ju--Bran," he corrects himself,&nbsp; "care to bring the rest of us up to speed?"<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>November 26, 2013, 02:20:22 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"You got a chocolate chai latte like the other place? No? OK, large soy chai latte then. On him." Bran collects his drink and sits down across from Norm.<br><br>"All right," Bran says quietly. "Here's what I know.<br><br>"Remember what Tannen said? Go see Ron Percy at the King's Head pub. Which is what I did. He and Tannen have some kind of a rivalry going on. Remember Tannen said Newcastle was 'My Turf,' capital emm, capital tee? Well, Percy thinks he's King of Newcastle. So you can see how there might be a bit of conflict.<br><br>"Percy said the thing Tannen suggested, Back Monkey, might tell us why we were protected from the memory loss. And it does look like we're protected and not Tannen and Percy vulnerable. I did a little research online, some weird stuff like the Register of Companies having annual reports for 2006 and 2009 but no other years. Maybe you professional accounting types will know what that means, I don't.<br><br>"Now, Percy's got himself a regular throne room in the back of the King's Head, and he has himself a little royal court, all his relatives and a guy named Alf who comes off like the court jester. Each of them, as far as I can tell, is supposed to be following one of 333 archetypes, like gods and goddesses. Maybe not all of them, but definitely Percy and his, ah…his brother I think it was they said, though I didn't meet him. The King and the Guard in the Darkness respectively. And I'm guessing Alf is one too. The more Percy acts like a King, the more power the archetype gives him, and if he were the perfect King he'd become some kind of god of royalty.<br><br>"These 333 together run reality, like. And there are these things called rituals. Little magic spells. One of them is Back Monkey, what Tannen mentioned. It's really simple but you have to do it yourself, no one else can do it for you, and it doesn't always work. It shows you if someone else has put a spell on you. I can show you how, all you need is a fishtank and a fish and a knife. Doesn't matter what fish, doesn't matter what water, doesn't matter what knife, at least that's what Rachel Percy said, she's Ron's granddaughter and she's my contact. You just cut your hand and drip some blood in the tank and it shows you the name and face of whoever put a spell on you. For me it was Jean Nodshorns, that old busybody.<br><br>"Alf pointed out to Percy, I don't think he knows I overheard, that Jean Nodshorns is an anagram of J. Honer and Sons. Percy thought it wasn't a coincidence.<br><br>"So, Percy had his intelligence corps or whatever track you down here, and sent me to meet you—and that Patwel guy. Price of his aid, beyond what he's already given, is that I persuade Patwel to sign on with him instead of whoever he's working for now. Percy said to try pulling his leg a few times, prove I can make him lose his temper whenever I want, and he'll have no choice. Unfortunately, Norm made me admit I was working for Percy. I'm still going to see if I can pull it off though. I have some plans. That's if Patwel can't convince me he's more use to us <em>not</em> working for Percy. But until I do that, I can't go around telling people Percy's got my back, which he seemed to think would open doors somehow.<br><br>"Last thing is, Percy figures that Patwel has enough power that he can tell us what kind of magic was used to make Honer's go away. Apparently there are different kinds…?<br><br>"That's the story, from my end. What about yours?" He took a gulp of his now-tepid-enough-to-drink latte.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>November 28, 2013, 09:02:11 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Miyo follows the group of fellows to Costa, and she gets herself just a plain white chocolate mocha. She decides against getting anything to eat just yet; eating will cut off any real conversation, and she's definitely looking to talk. She listens to Ban bring everyone up to speed, and she eventually raises an eyebrow and says, “Well, fishtank and a knife, huh? If a whole company hadn't upped and vanished, I would probably find that weird in some degree. But now I kind of want one.” <br><br>She crosses her legs and gets comfortable. She says, “So....Percy and company get power by acting a certain way, acting in line with an archetype, probably feeling a certain way too, like how Patveer was powering himself up by getting pissy with everything? Huh.” She doesn't bother to mention more about herself at this point; what good would it do? She's exactly what she seems, an employee caught in this peculiar crossfire. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>December 01, 2013, 06:36:18 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:46<br><br>Costa Coffee, Northumberland Street<br><br>Miyo, Norm, Chris, Bran</strong><br><br>The girl behind the bar serves coffees and tries to upsell muffins with a bright smile; either her soul hasn't been crushed by daily interactions with the general public or she's been forced into manic insanity by their ridiculous demands.&nbsp; You're not sure which, and it probably doesn't matter.&nbsp; You get some coffee out of it anyway, and an offer to stamp your loyalty card.<br><br>There's a low buzz of conversation and an even lower one of typing from the numerous laptops, you're pretty sure noone can really overhear you.&nbsp; Noone even turns to look when Bran's phone beeps with a received text:<br><br><em>Intrigued.&nbsp; Is there a deadline on this?&nbsp; Let me know the details and I'll see if I can't fit you in to my busy schedule.&nbsp; You owe me.&nbsp; Kx </em><br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>December 01, 2013, 07:46:49 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				While waiting for Norm and Chris to chime in, Bran opens his email on his phone and starts thumbing a message to Katy. (This is what the message will be when Bran finishes, which might not be until after the conversation's over)<br><br><em>There's a shift manager named Patveer Patwel down at the Northumberland Street McD's. He's as much of a colossal prick to everyone who comes in as he thinks he can get away with. Someone's got to take him down a peg, treat him the way he treats everyone else, make him completely lose his cool. I already took a run at him this morning and he popped me a good one on the cheek—Master would not be proud of me :( —so honors even, and he'll be expecting it if I try again.<br><br>Anyway, I'd be obliged if, sometime today or tomorrow, you went in and tweaked his nose. He's proud of his looks, maybe you could flirt a little and then make fun of him? Though I shouldn't tell you your business. When you're done, tell him "Greetings from Ron Percy." That's very important. If we're lucky he'll lose his cool all over again :)<br><br>And I do owe you one, Kates. Much love and fisticuffs—Bran</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>December 04, 2013, 05:11:14 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Norm pays for the coffees as he promised, and sips from his green tea chai latte while Bran brings him up to speed.&nbsp; It's a pretty decent summation, as those things go; and while Norm is sure that Bran is holding something back, he's at least willing to give him the benefit of the doubt--for now.<br><br>"So everyone has a rivalry with everyone else, is that it?" he summarizes the summary.&nbsp; &nbsp; It's really not surprising, all things considered, and it does figure that he and Miyo would be wrapped up in the middle of some giant surreal free-for-all gang turf war.&nbsp; "Patwel seemed to think that it would take some heavy power to disappear a building as completely as Honer's.&nbsp; Someone with a major beef."<br><br>He drums his fingers on the table. [EDIT:] "The Register of Companies? Well, it's a...it's basically all the legal information you have to file in order for your company to exist.&nbsp; Your business license, all the names of the CEO and the Board of Directors, reported income for revenue purposes, things like that.&nbsp; It has to be filed each year.&nbsp; I think I was the one who filed it for Honer's in 2006, now that you mention it.&nbsp; I'm not sure about 2009, though.&nbsp; Miyo, wasn't that the year you prepared the report?"&nbsp; <br><br>He shrugs.&nbsp; <br><br>"Jean Nodshorns?&nbsp; Isn't she the old bird who regularly complains about everything in the Opinion section of the Times?&nbsp; Insufferable old witch.&nbsp; I can't stand her."&nbsp; &nbsp;He muses about Bran's revelation, working it out in his mind.&nbsp; "You're right, though.&nbsp; Jean Nodshorns.&nbsp; Honer J. and Sons.&nbsp; That <em>can't</em> be a coincidence."<br><br>His hand twitches, and he finds himself wishing he hadn't left his Glock 9mm in his desk drawer at home, illegal or not.&nbsp; &nbsp; It, alone, is the only thing that really gives him a sense of safety and security, especially now that the world's been turned on its head.&nbsp; <br><br>"I think we should all go pay Mrs. Nodshorns a visit.&nbsp; What say you?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>December 04, 2013, 09:54:21 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It's been a long day, and whichever mental process or processes oversee "putting your finger on things you knew all along" has got strained.&nbsp; Overloaded by the constant struggle to put your finger on where your employer is, probably.&nbsp; So it's perhaps forgivable that it takes the old synapses a little time to kick in.<br><br>The Registry of Companies, at Companies House, is - as you know and there's no earthly reason for repeating - the official list of every Limited Company in England and Wales, Scotland maintains a separate list for various reasons.&nbsp; In order for a company to have "Ltd" or "PLC" after its name it has to fulfil various legal requirements.&nbsp; One of those is being on this register and submitting various details every year - financial statements, records of the company directors, shareholder information where shares are traded, things like that.<br><br>For some reason, despite neither Miyo nor Norm being American, they compare it to one of the functions of the SEC (http://www.sec.gov/edgar/searchedgar/companysearch.html).<br><br>The specifics take your tired minds a moment longer to kick in, but you get there in the end.&nbsp; In 2006, Norm personally prepared that information.&nbsp; In 2009 it was Miyo.&nbsp; In other years, though, one of the other accounting staff did it.&nbsp; Those two years are the only two that were done by either Norm and Miyo.<br><br>In short, records that weren't personally prepared by one of the people round the table seem to have disappeared along with the people that prepared them, ones prepared by one of the four of you have stayed present along with the four of you.&nbsp; There are legal ramifications to not filing this information, and frankly Horners should not have survived the gap in records between 2006 and 2009 or the gap between 2009 and the present day.&nbsp; Really, if records were submitted in 2006 and not 2007, there should have been no opportunity to submit in 2009 as the company would have been closed down.&nbsp; Clearly, though, that did not happen.&nbsp; So it looks like 2007, -08, -10, etc have been removed from the record, not that your colleagues have not done their job.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>December 08, 2013, 04:10:30 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Not a bad idea," Bran muses, "though we could stop by a pet store and get the stuff for Back Monkey too, find out whether it's her for all of us or someone different. We could—"<br><br>He stops. They can't take it back to his place, because what if he doesn't have a place any more with Da gone? He swallows. What if Ma's gone too? What if he's alone?<br><br>He needs to know.<br><br>"Excuse me a moment," he says to the others, "I want to call my Ma and find out whether she still exists." His voice is shaking.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>December 11, 2013, 05:38:32 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:46<br><br>Outside Costa Coffee, Northumberland Street<br><br>Bran</strong><br><br>You stand outside the shop watching a young mam with a pushchair at the cashpoint and a Chinese - or some sort of East Asian at least - student walk-of-shaming home in last night's miniskirt and halter top.&nbsp; The rain has blown over for the moment but it'll be back shortly if you're any judge.&nbsp; Down the road a little you see the manager unlocking one of the pubs to get prepared for the day's trade.&nbsp; Just another day.<br><br>Scrolling through the phone - Adam, Adam Home, Alan, etc - you reach the D's.&nbsp; At first glance everything seems fine: Da Work, Da Mob, Da Work Mob but something is amiss and it takes you a second to place it.&nbsp; Da Work:&nbsp; 0115 2747354.&nbsp; 0115.&nbsp; The area code for...actually you're not sure.&nbsp; Somewhere that isn't Newcastle certainly:&nbsp; your da's work isn't Honer's - not even the right city.&nbsp; You <em>think</em> the mobile numbers have changed as well.&nbsp; Think.&nbsp; Who actually knows the numbers in their phone?&nbsp; You just select the one you need by name.<br><br>Scrolling quickly past Katy, Gary and Liam (Home and Mob) to get to Ma you find yourself at Mark.&nbsp; Going back: Liam Mob, going forwards: Mark.&nbsp; Liam -&gt;Mark.&nbsp; Mark - &gt;Liam.&nbsp; She bought you the phone and was so proud of putting those numbers in for you, bless her heart she's not great with phones, and now they're gone.&nbsp; Knowing it won't be there you check for her first name, but nothing.<br><br>Perhaps not the coolest thing to admit for a seventeen year old, but you miss your ma.&nbsp; It hits especially hard because all your concern had been whether your father was there or not, this has blindsided you a little.&nbsp; Obviously you had a mother, you rationalise, because, well, you're here and probably not the second coming.&nbsp; But whatever effect has removed Honer's and moved your dad's work has removed your means of contacting her.&nbsp; And for a moment a wave of isolation and helplessness hits you.<br><br>You miss your ma.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Bran</div><div class="spoiler_body">You know the rules.&nbsp; Char sheet updated.&nbsp; For my ease of running I'd prefer a frenzy response to be directed at the phone rather than the people around on the busy city centre shopping street, but I leave it up to you.</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>December 11, 2013, 07:40:58 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Bran runs. Run run run. As if the truth, the pain, were nailed to the street outside Costa, and distance and physical exertion could undo it, bring Bran's mother back.<br><br>Bran's good at running. He runs lots of places. Walls, fences, rooftops. Not a lot of folks in Newcastle can run the way Bran runs.<br><br>He doesn't know where he's going, but when he gets there his Ma will be waiting.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>December 12, 2013, 02:53:45 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				One second the kid's checking his phone, the next minute he's out of his seat and tearing down the street.&nbsp; Norm's coffee-tea fusion drink is spilled as Bran's knee hits the bottom of the table when he leaps out of his chair.&nbsp; <br><br>"Hey, Junior," Norm calls out in alarm.&nbsp; "Where are you--?"&nbsp; It's no use.&nbsp; Something seriously spooked the kid.<br><br>With a single glance to Miyo, Norm leaps out of his chair, and starts legging it after Bran.&nbsp; &nbsp;It's really not a fair race, though--Bran is an experienced parkour runner and Norm has a rugby player's physique.&nbsp; Well, without the missing teeth.&nbsp; &nbsp;Still, he tries.&nbsp; <br><br>"Pardon me, excuse me, pardon me,"&nbsp; he mutters, as he jogs down the sidewalk, keeping one eye on the boy when he can.&nbsp; &nbsp;He's really not sure why he's chasing the kid, but he knows it's Important that he not lose him.&nbsp; Bran is tied into all this somehow, and Norm can't let him disappear like the others.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>December 18, 2013, 06:05:27 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:48<br><br>Racing down Northumberland Street<br><br>Bran, Norm</strong><br><br>The two of you attract some odd looks as you run down Northumberland Street, but people generally mind their own business.&nbsp; A couple of people look like they may try to stop Bran - presumably reading the situation as "chasing a thief" and dreaming of being lauded in the local rag, but Norm's shouts dissuade them.<br><br>Eventually, just before Haymarket, Bran comes to a stop outside an Oxfam store.&nbsp; Mannequins in the window display last season's fashions while racks of Clive Cussler books await inside.&nbsp; Bran peers inside the window, trying to see the person behind the till.<br><br>It had caused arguments, actually, when his ma decided to take twenty hours a week in here.&nbsp; Working at a pittance, putting in enough unpaid overtime to bring her well below the minimum wage.&nbsp; She wanted something to do, he didn't see the point.&nbsp; It was never a serious argument and he didn't really have a leg to stand on, so she started working there.<br><br>It's not her there now though.&nbsp; An elderly woman you recognise from your previous visits to the store is bagging up a VHS box set.&nbsp; But today is one of her working days.&nbsp; She might well be in the back, behind the staff only door festooned with pieces of photocopied paper advertising local bands.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>December 18, 2013, 06:22:09 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Bran stares through the glass. Da's in…whatever that city is. If Ma were working here, and not with Da, then—well, that wouldn't be good. Perhaps she'd be getting alimony? Because the pay here is nothing much.<br><br>At the end of the day he's going to have to go home <em>somewhere</em>.<br><br>Bran takes a deep breath, squares his shoulders, reaches for the door—and turns to face Norm who's panting and lumbering up behind him.<br><br>"'s Ma's work," he explains to the older man. "Is, was, I dunno. Today'd be one of her work days. Just to keep busy."<br><br>He reaches for the door, turns back to Norm again. "What do I say to her? If she's there? And what do I do if she isn't? She's not in my phone any more, and Da's somewhere else, I don't recognize the area code."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>December 18, 2013, 06:29:24 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ah, now Bran is acting more like a seventeen-year-old, and not like some snotty supersleuth.&nbsp; &nbsp;Norm leans against the wall, catching his breath.&nbsp; It has been awhile since he's called his own mum, hasn't it?&nbsp; Can't really be helped--the woman is batshit insane.&nbsp; Keeps insisting that God lives in the house across the street, and things of that ilk.&nbsp; Apparently the Almighty really likes her rhubarb pies.&nbsp; But she is his mum, after all.&nbsp; As someone once said, you only ever get one. <br><br>"Just make sure she's there, for one," he suggests.&nbsp; &nbsp;"Don't worry about what to say."&nbsp; Although, he's got a bad feeling about this.&nbsp; &nbsp;He'll be, frankly, surprised if Bran's mum really <em>is</em> there; something inside him isn't too optimistic about the prospect.&nbsp; He'd tell Bran as such, but the lad looks like he's got a lot on his mind already.&nbsp; No point in making it worse.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>December 19, 2013, 07:50:48 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Miyo sips her drink from the place, trying to get her bearings and enjoy this one simple thing. She says to Norm when he asks, “Yeah, I did the 2009 report, to my knowledge. Didn't I take that because you didn't really want the hassle that year? And yes, visiting Mrs. Nodshorns seems like a sure thing.”<br><br>But then one minute Bran is there. And suddenly....neither Bran or Norm are. Miyo pays attention just in time to see Norm bolt out the door after the kid, and she grimaces. She glugs down her drink in perhaps two gulps, she knows she has to run them down. Up she gets and legs it out the door and down the street. She just barely sees the back of Norm's head as she runs to catch up. <br><br>Out of breath, she finally sees them outside a shop and panting, catches up and says to Bran, “<em>Geez</em>, kid, what the hell? Are you okay?”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>December 19, 2013, 08:30:07 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Not so much, no," Bran mutters to Miyo, and opens the shop door. Walking inside, he asks the familiar-looking woman, "Is Mary Davies around? I think this is one of her days on." His mind is whirling with confusion, but he has to know, has to know for sure about his mother. If she's not here, of course, it doesn't mean anything; he'll call Da next. But if she is here…God, it would be good to see her right now.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>December 23, 2013, 04:59:00 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She smiles at Bran "Shouldn't you be in school dear?" glances up at the others waiting in the doorway then back to Bran "I'm afraid I don't know a Mary Davies though, pet."&nbsp; She has a soft, old woman's voice and its nearly drowned out by the sound of a received text message on your phone.&nbsp; Almost immediately after it starts ringing, someone is clearly impatient, and the start of her next few words is inaudible&nbsp; "...have the right place?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>December 23, 2013, 07:00:38 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"No," Bran says, sadly. "No, I clearly don't."<br><br>He walks outside and stares at his phone, wondering who's calling, why they'd be calling a ghost like him. He considers throwing the phone or jumping up and down on it, but tantrums are beneath him, he thinks. Instead he stares at it some more.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body">If it's not from one of his parents he'll let it roll to voicemail and check it in a minute.</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>December 23, 2013, 08:00:41 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Norm would be the first to admit that he's a sociopath, inasmuch as he generally considers the rest of humanity to be a bunch of yammering imbeciles, completely undeserving of his time; but deep beneath the cynicism and general assholery he is still a human being, and he can't help but feel some sympathy for the kid.<br><br>"Hey," he says, softly.&nbsp; "I'm really sorry, Bran. "&nbsp; He shuffles his feet, feeling awkward, and scratches the back of his head in a nervous manner.&nbsp; &nbsp; An absurd thought pops into his head, some futile bit of pointless encouragement.&nbsp; Well, why the hell not?&nbsp; "Look...don't lose hope.&nbsp; If Honer's can disappear overnight, then maybe we can find it and get it back.&nbsp; And if we can get it back..."&nbsp; he shrugs, figuring the lad's smart enough to see what he's getting at. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>December 30, 2013, 07:29:55 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Miyo stands in the entryway of the store, listening to Norm saying something encouraging. She says to Bran, "We'll figure this out. Norm is right. If Honer's and so many things we know can seemingly vanish, then it's just as possible for them to reappear." She steps towards Bran and gently touches his shoulder, saying, "We'll figure this out." Her smile is sad and bittersweet; she knows that this is a terrible way for them all to come together with a purpose...but nonetheless...<br><br>She coughs and says to elderly woman in the store, "He's just having a rough day. I'm sure we'll all be out of your way in no time."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>December 30, 2013, 09:36:54 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I just feel so—so alone now," Bran says quietly. He's not crying, his voice isn't shaky, it's more like he's speaking from somewhere far away, the vocal version of a thousand-yard stare. "I'm here, so I must have parents in some sense. But my ma's gone, my da's gone, I don't know where I'm going to sleep tonight.<br><br>"You two, maybe Chris, you're all I have left. The Honer's survivors. And I don't even know you, really; I mean I've seen you around the office when I've come in to talk to Da but I didn't know your names until today.<br><br>"Isn't that strange? To be uprooted from your family and hanging on to strangers for dear life?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>January 05, 2014, 09:59:13 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Throughout the conversation Bran's phone is hyperactively ringing, beeping, and vibrating.&nbsp; Texts, phone calls and voicemails flood onto it.&nbsp; A distant police siren is almost certainly utterly unrelated but it adds to a faint sense of urgency.<br><br>The rain starts up again slowly and people hurry a little more, all with somewhere they have to get to.&nbsp; The a capella singers down the road launch into a new song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RT3cx1b9ZM).&nbsp; A young mother with a cigarette hanging from her mouth shouts at her toddler.&nbsp; Two strolling police officers, male and female, look around with casual disinterest.&nbsp; Life goes on, in short.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>January 07, 2014, 03:55:18 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Now things have gone from unsettling to just plain awkward.&nbsp; &nbsp;Norm rubs the back of his head, and makes a show of inspecting the buildings opposite, leaving Miyo to fill the role of comforter.&nbsp; &nbsp; He's really not used to making nice with others, and it's not coming naturally to him.&nbsp; He does give it his best shot, though.&nbsp; "Yeah, I'll tell you what," he says to Bran.&nbsp; "Miyo and I will keep you company until we find your mum and da.&nbsp; Deal?"&nbsp; <br><br>Then he hears Bran's phone going apeshit.&nbsp; Relieved of the distraction, he points to it.&nbsp; "Looks like someone really wants to talk to you."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>January 07, 2014, 05:55:35 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Bran looks at his phone for a moment as if he doesn't quite understand what it's for or why he should pay attention to it, then answers it the next time it rings. "Hello?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>January 11, 2014, 10:20:21 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Miyo's phone beeps with a received text as well.&nbsp; <span style="font-family: courier;" class="bbc_font">Think something is happening.&nbsp; Keep me in the loop.&nbsp; Michael</span> says Tannen.&nbsp; Or someone using Tannen's phone at a minimum.<br><br>There's background chatter in the phone for a moment - someone having a conversation while they wait for the phone to be answered.&nbsp; "...over in Heaton (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heaton,_Newcastle).&nbsp; Calls herself Raven Moonlight or some shit like that. Someone should check on Sandra over in Shields (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_shields) as well.&nbsp; Tannen can..."<br><br>By the time you've placed the voice - Rachel, Ron Percy's grandaughter, in a&nbsp; state of high irritation - she's realised you've answered.<br><br>"Bran.&nbsp; At last.&nbsp; What's the point in having a phone if you're never going to answer it?&nbsp; But that's not important now.&nbsp; Bran, you need to listen to me.&nbsp; We have a problem developing and we need your help.&nbsp; We're a little short staffed at the moment for various reasons and we're in an all hands on deck thing.&nbsp; It's not quite name your price, but we are willing to be very generous.&nbsp; Hmmm?&nbsp; One second Bran."<br><br>Her voice goes slightly quieter, she's moved the phone away from ehr mouth to talk to someone else "No, she can look after herself, and she's outside Grandfather's Realm anyway.&nbsp; It's more for courtesy than anything else.&nbsp; Denise can sort that easily enough, it's not a priority.&nbsp; Sorry about that Bran",&nbsp; she's back with you.<br><br>"Bran, we need you to go get someone and bring them here, the King's Head.&nbsp; It might be dangerous, we're not sure yet.&nbsp; My thought is no, but who knows.&nbsp; Tell me where you are, I'll get a taxi to you then ring you straight back.&nbsp; I can explain more en route.&nbsp; Did you find your friends?&nbsp; It might be a good idea if they were to come as well.<br><br>This is...damnit, one second."&nbsp; Once again she goes quieter - "Goddamnit Alf.&nbsp; I don't know what you're talking about.&nbsp; Someone look up Hephaestus"- then louder again.<br><br>"This is outside everything we talked about earlier, Bran.&nbsp; Like I say, we need your help and are willing to pay accordingly.&nbsp; Money, information, a favour owed.&nbsp; Whatever, we can discuss it.&nbsp; At least let me get the taxi to you, there are timescale issues."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>January 12, 2014, 03:38:47 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:45<br><br>Pavement Outside Unit 17, Ferguson Street<br><br>Jessica</strong><br><br>With a cardboard rack of cupholders in each hand you hurry across the damp pavement towards J Honer And Sons.&nbsp; Thee Cappuccinos - one with ginger.&nbsp; Two Lattes.&nbsp; One Green Tea.&nbsp; No partridges in pear trees, but all coming up on two hours late.&nbsp; You're going to have to make them complimentary, you realise.&nbsp; The almost thirty quid a day that Honer's spend on its two coffee deliveries is probably worth keeping.&nbsp; Such humdrum thoughts occupy you to the extent that you walk round the car without even realising it.<br><br>The car in question is an expensive BMW which has been parked perpendicular to the pavement - rear wheels on the pavement, front half out blocking one lane of the street.&nbsp; But you're distracted and don't immediately register, instead crossing the road to the building opposite.<br><br>Or the chare where the building was at least.&nbsp; You double take for a moment, confirm that Units 16 and 18 are in their long-accustomed positions, then resume your study of the litter strewn alley between the two.&nbsp; Bright red graffiti confirms that they all know you did it.&nbsp; Abandoned cigarette tabs have a less easy to decipher statement.<br><br>Suddenly there's a beep behind you, causing you to jump and spill coffee cups all over the floor.&nbsp; The car - parked directly opposite the location of Honer's as if on a particularly obvious police stakeout - winds down a window letting a cloud of earthy smoke out (it's impossible to be a student without recognising the smell.&nbsp; Marijuana.)&nbsp; A cultured and almost accentless voice shouts out:<br><br>"Hey.&nbsp; Coffee girl. Sorry about that."<br><br>Then repeats "coffee girl" to itself and giggles.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>January 12, 2014, 06:03:47 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Bran gives Rachel the address. "I'll see about the others, but I'll be here."<br><br>Once she's off the line, he turns to Norm and Miyo and says, "Rachel Percy says their lot are having some kind of emergency and we can be of assistance, major favors owed if we pitch in. She's sending a taxi. If I were you I wouldn't mind being owed a major favor by someone with information and mojo, so I'm along at least to see what's up."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>January 12, 2014, 06:21:31 pm</strong>
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				Miyo nods to Bran and says, "Tannen...or at least, someone who has Tannen's phone, texted me and wants updates, says something is happening. And Bran, I'm all for helping. If we want to fix things about Honer's, we'll need people with that kind of know-how and magic in our corner. I'm game." She waves her phone for a second and says, "I'll...see what we're dealing with before I tell Tannen anything."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>darras</strong> on <strong>January 13, 2014, 11:57:26 am</strong>
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				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=182416.msg9443705#msg9443705">Quote from: Kythia on January 12, 2014, 03:38:47 pm</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote"><strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:45<br><br>Pavement Outside Unit 17, Ferguson Street<br><br>Jessica</strong><br><br>With a cardboard rack of cupholders in each hand you hurry across the damp pavement towards J Honer And Sons.&nbsp; Thee Cappuccinos - one with ginger.&nbsp; Two Lattes.&nbsp; One Green Tea.&nbsp; No partridges in pear trees, but all coming up on two hours late.&nbsp; You're going to have to make them complimentary, you realise.&nbsp; The almost thirty quid a day that Honer's spend on its two coffee deliveries is probably worth keeping.&nbsp; Such humdrum thoughts occupy you to the extent that you walk round the car without even realising it.<br><br>The car in question is an expensive BMW which has been parked perpendicular to the pavement - rear wheels on the pavement, front half out blocking one lane of the street.&nbsp; But you're distracted and don't immediately register, instead crossing the road to the building opposite.<br><br>Or the chare where the building was at least.&nbsp; You double take for a moment, confirm that Units 16 and 18 are in their long-accustomed positions, then resume your study of the litter strewn alley between the two.&nbsp; Bright red graffiti confirms that they all know you did it.&nbsp; Abandoned cigarette tabs have a less easy to decipher statement.<br><br>Suddenly there's a beep behind you, causing you to jump and spill coffee cups all over the floor.&nbsp; The car - parked directly opposite the location of Honer's as if on a particularly obvious police stakeout - winds down a window letting a cloud of earthy smoke out (it's impossible to be a student without recognising the smell.&nbsp; Marijuana.)&nbsp; A cultured and almost accentless voice shouts out:<br><br>"Hey.&nbsp; Coffee girl. Sorry about that."<br><br>Then repeats "coffee girl" to itself and giggles.<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br><br>Jess is almost too distracted by the mystery of the disappearing building to react, but there's something about a car horn that just <em>tears</em> through the subconscious and digs right into the brain like a nail. She jumps with a shriek, and then an uncharacteristically loud curse as scalding hot coffee spills on her second set of clean clothes for the day, and burns her skin.<br><br>Jess could almost cry really, twice in one day. And the coffee had spilt in the <em>same</em> damn place, all because of some creepy stoner in a flash car. She feels tears well up in her eyes and blinks furiously to will them away. Can't. Cry. In. Public. She tells herself firmly. Besides, there's something bigger to worry about right now. What the hell happened to Horner's? And all the people? And.. they know she did it? Who knows? Did what! Jess presses the heel of her right hand to her forehead hard as if the pressure would ease the sudden pounding headache. She closes her eyes really tight before squinting back through half opened lids to see if it all still looked the same. Surely a whole building couldn't have just.. vanished? <br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>January 14, 2014, 09:28:11 am</strong>
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				Norm gives a brief nod to Bran and then to Miyo in turn. <br><br>"Sounds good to me," he says to Bran.&nbsp; "Besides, if what you told us is true, then she's royalty."&nbsp; To Miyo, he simply shrugs.&nbsp; "That seems prudent.&nbsp; He seemed a friendly enough bloke, but I'm not entirely sure I trust him."&nbsp; &nbsp;Of course, Norm could say that about pretty much anyone, even his two (or possibly three) comrades in arms.&nbsp; &nbsp;Miyo barely gets a pass because she's an accountant and accountants are, by definition, as interesting as a bowl of oatmeal.&nbsp; But it wouldn't surprise him if even she turned out to be some kind of fish-eyed Cthulhu worshipper. 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>January 14, 2014, 02:19:48 pm</strong>
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				<strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:48<br><br>Outside Oxfam, Northumberland Street<br><br>Bran, Norm, Miyo</strong><br><br>Unknowingly synchonised texting from Tannen and Rachel results in Bran's and Miyo's phones beeping at the same time.&nbsp; Sadly, their two text message alerts fail to harmonise beautifully and produce a symphony of electronic notification, but wouldn't it be cool if they did?&nbsp; Putting the messages together - <span style="font-family: courier;" class="bbc_font">Taxi on its way.&nbsp; Loading area round the back.&nbsp; Two mins.&nbsp; Will ring you in a second</span> from Rachel and a simple <span style="font-family: courier;" class="bbc_font">Thanks, BTW</span> from Tannen - also fails to create any meaningful message from the collective unconscious.<br><br>An alleyway a few stores up leads to the aforementioned loading area.&nbsp; Several corrugated metal garage doors allow deliveries to be loaded into shops without violating the sanctity of the pedestrianised zone.&nbsp; A couple of girls in Boots' uniforms having a cigarette and talking about someone named Peter in hushed yet giggly tones.&nbsp; Several large recycling bins and a couple of rickety and weather faded chairs.&nbsp; <br><br>And, after a moment, a taxi emblazoned with the crest of Newcastle Carriages.&nbsp; Driven by one of the largest men you've ever seen - his biceps thicker around than Norm's thighs, his thighs requiring a step or two back to get them all in your field of vision.&nbsp; A tight t-shirt outlines pecs that would be probably be a C-cup.&nbsp; A body builder, you judge, as opposed to someone who is simply naturally large.&nbsp; As he gets out to open the rear doors for you, you notice the name "Daniel" tattooed along the inside of his lower arm in faux-blackletter.&nbsp; Heavy scarring on the inside of the other arm hints at a removal.<br><br>"Bran?" He asks Norm.&nbsp; "Think I'm here for you and your friends, like.&nbsp; Take a seat."&nbsp; When someone sits behind the passenger seat he will apologetically pull it forwards, cramping his massive legs to give them maximum leg room.&nbsp; Once everyone is in he reports to the radio that he's "got them" and almost immediately Bran's phone blares into life.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Remiel, Blythe, Riveda</div><div class="spoiler_body">Pushed ahead a little there as I felt there was little point in you all posting to say you get in.&nbsp; If, however, you don't then please post as relevant and I'll adjust the above.</div></div><br><br><hr><br><strong><br>Tuesday 13th August 10:45<br><br>Pavement Outside Unit 17, Ferguson Street<br><br>Jessica<br></strong><br><br>He - the driver - gets out and, leaving the car door open - walks over to you.&nbsp; A couple of times he sniffs and wipes his nose with the back of his hand.<br><br>"Sorry about that Coffee Girl."&nbsp; He giggles again, ruining the apology a little.&nbsp; "Hey, whats that show with those two girls?&nbsp; They're setting up a cupcake business, and one of them is rich and the black haired one is poor.&nbsp; They work in a coffee shop, and she's kinda hot.&nbsp; I might ask for her next.<br><br>I thought" he continues with a wave of his hand at the alley "that it might show up.&nbsp; All that expanding the doors of your consciousness stuff.&nbsp; 1969 and all that."&nbsp; He hums a few bars from what is probably meant to be The Doors' 1967 song "The End"; making some mental connection obviously.<br><br>The "he" in question is a relatively young - late twenties maybe? - well dressed and quite attractive man with a neatly groomed goatee and, currently, red eyes and an apparently uncontrolled sniff.<br><br>"I wonder if the Oh disappeared as well?"&nbsp; He nods at the chare, apparently expecting you to have followed his chain of thought.&nbsp; "I'll ask her if she ever rings."<br><br>Finally his attention seems to be fully on you and he gives you the once over that, for some reason, males think is totally undetectable.&nbsp; "'s gone.&nbsp; So am I, to everyone but young girls by the looks of it."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>darras</strong> on <strong>January 15, 2014, 04:04:30 am</strong>
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				<strong>Jessica</strong><br><br><br>Reeling from the oddness of a completely disappeared building Jess' brain is then assaulted by the inexplicably random verbal wanderings of a complete stranger which doesn't help matters even one bit. <br><br>She holds on to the cardboard tray of spilled hot beverages as if letting go of it would be letting go of her sanity and takes a pointed step away from the gent. Attractive? Yes.. But even good looks get ruined by mental instability and that unpleasant once-over business. She shifts her free arm across her chest as if it would do anything to protect her modesty from the man's gaze, her posture one screaming line of 'I don't feel safe'. <br><br>Finally, entirely against her sensibility, her curiousity gets the better of her. "I'm sorry, but what??"&nbsp; <br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>January 15, 2014, 06:04:41 pm</strong>
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				<strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:48<br><br>In a Taxi<br><br>Bran, Norm, Miyo</strong><br><br>In your previous interactions, Rachel struck you as business-like and professional, this is more of the same.&nbsp; But now she's moved from "workaday, everything as normal" to "command centre" mode.&nbsp; She's talking fast and a little less formally than previous<br><br>"Bran, thank you for this.&nbsp; We have a situation and simply not enough warm bodies to be everywhere we need to.&nbsp; As I say, we will remember this.&nbsp; But that is by the by.&nbsp; Shortly after you left we got a call from a girl we know saying that she was "under attack".&nbsp; She's a bit melodramatic but Grandfather won't let his people suffer, so we sent my great uncle over to take a look.&nbsp; Some sort of metal creature had emerged from the sewers, the toilet to be precise, and had her trapped.&nbsp; Vaguely snakelike, coiled round her.&nbsp; Demanding in a recorded voice to know why she was "attacking my baby" Did I, I don't recall, use the term "occult underground" to you?"<br><br>Bran blinks. This is very, very strange, but then, so's a fish telling him he's under a spell. "I don't believe so, no. Is that like the Metro for freaks?"<br><br>She laughs, then abruptly sobers.&nbsp; "Nice guess, and not as far wrong as anyone would like.&nbsp; But no.&nbsp; Its an informal term for those of us, errrr, in the know?&nbsp; Do you understand what I mean?&nbsp; My Grandfather's court, Tannen, Patveer.&nbsp; You to some extent.&nbsp; Nothing really in common, very disparate in fact, other than the knowledge that...well, even precisely what knowledge they have varies wildly.&nbsp; I realise I'm putting this badly but I hope you can understand to which people I'm referring."<br><br>"Yes, I think so. People who have a connection to all this—" He waves a hand in the cab, nearly getting Miyo in the nose. "—all this shite like what's happened to me today. And 'underground' implies secrecy, like an underground movement?"<br><br>"Precisely.&nbsp; There are organisations, one organisation in particular, who enforce that secrecy.&nbsp; And there-in lies a part of the problem, though I am perhaps getting a bit ahead of myself.&nbsp; We can't know for sure that we know all of the members in Newcastle.&nbsp; What we do know is that the majority of those we are aware of and that don't bear my Grandfather some ill well or animosity have contacted us within the last twenty minutes to say something very similar has happened to them.&nbsp; Some, perhaps most, have dealt with it.&nbsp; You are on your way to one of the people who hasn't contacted us to...to assess the situation and take what action you see necessary"<br><br>"You're not going to send us in blind as that, are you? Who is this person and what do you know?"<br><br>"Of course not, sorry.&nbsp; I was making some notes.&nbsp; It is a little hectic here.&nbsp; Oh, before I continue.&nbsp; Here has moved, we are en route to another of my Grandfather's pubs.&nbsp; The Castle - I'll text you the postcode.&nbsp; Now, where was I?&nbsp; Oh yes.&nbsp; This girl.&nbsp; Her name is Helen McClean, but she prefers to be referred to as...one moment...here we go.&nbsp; As Raven Moonshadow.&nbsp; Which perhaps tells you all you need to know about her.&nbsp; But to fill in the gaps, she has some skill - likely natural - at controlling demons and runs something between a cult and a social club from a student house.&nbsp; Possessions of willing subjects along for the ride.&nbsp; You know the kind of thing.&nbsp; Actually, its possible you don't.&nbsp; Some people enjoy the loss of control that comes with a demonic possession, demons enjoy being back, physically, in the world.&nbsp; She acts as an intermediary, each side doing her rather trivial favours.&nbsp; Does that make any degree of sense?&nbsp; I realise there's a lot of information there so please feel free to ask for clarification."<br><br>"I've seen this on the telly, haven't I? But I'll try not to make assumptions based on that… I've played enough D&amp;D to know that the witch lays traps around her house. Are we in fact going to have to break through this Raven Moonshadow's own protections to exfiltrate her?" Bran actually relishes saying the word "exfiltrate" in its correct context. This is all mad as a thousand dancing hatters, he's lost track of how many impossible things he's been asked to believe today, but it appears he's going to be in a bit of a scrap soon and that always clarifies things, peels away the accidents and leaves the essence. And if he's fighting talking robot snakes he won't have time to think about Mam and Da…<br><br>"I can't say no definitively, but I doubt it.&nbsp; Given the nature of her...her organisation, I think it is a little more informal than that.&nbsp; Lair is how I picture it - and I stress I am simply picturing it, I've never been there - but lair in the sense of teenage, or early twenties technically, layabouts rather than gingerbread houses.&nbsp; She herself may have some protections but I'm once again not entirely certain.&nbsp; I only met the girl once and have no strong desire to do so again.&nbsp; No, my hope is your exfiltration..." you don't get the sense its a word she uses often, she's just matching your word usage.&nbsp; Again, probably read it in a book on people skills "...will be relatively routine.&nbsp; Go in, tell her about the problem, bring her back here.&nbsp; The issue I predict is if the invader has reached her before you do.&nbsp; But this is supposition."<br><br>"Right. Get in, disentangle her from any evil robot snakes, get out, get to the Castle Pub. Do not attract attention. That a correct summary?"<br><br>"Broadly.&nbsp; The attention is, I cannot stress this enough, key.&nbsp; Which brings me to the second point.&nbsp; Robot snakes, for want of a better term, are obviously not something one sees every day.&nbsp; They attract attention.&nbsp; This group I mentioned earlier, the Sleepers.&nbsp; They are usually quite hands off, they act as something of a silencer of last resort.&nbsp; Can we deal with this internally, there will be no issues.&nbsp; If it becomes apparent we can't keep this quiet and under control ourselves then there will be...ramifications.&nbsp; The threat of the sleepers is what has made this so easy so far, while not everyone accepts Grandfather's rule everyone accepts that it is in everyone's best interests that this is dealt with quietly."<br><br>"Understood. Everything absolutely on the down-low." Bran privately determines that if the only way to rescue this Raven Moonshadow is to drag her out the front door with a snake clinging to her shouting "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO MY BABY" in stentorian tones, he's going to do that and hang the consequences. But if there's any other way, he'll keep it quiet.<br><br>"Precisely.&nbsp; Now.&nbsp; Had you any thoughts on what we can do for you in return?&nbsp; That is not to say you must decide this instant, but as you can imagine the more notice we have the more successful we can be."<br><br>"Each of us who assists will have a request, understood? My request is—" He wants to say, "tell me all about this magic shite," but that's the heat of the moment speaking. Really there's something more important. "My request is, network with other royalty or whatever and find out where my parents are, what's happened to them. I have a phone number for Da that you can start with. Now I expect that's a matter of picking up the phone and making a few calls, so unless it turns out there's heavy stuff in the way I'll have another request down the line, right?"<br><br>There's silence down the line for a moment.&nbsp; Or, you realise, not quite silence.&nbsp; Muffled voices - unmuffled enough to be identified as voices, muffled enough for the words to be incoherent.&nbsp; Eventually: "Agreed.&nbsp; Not every city has a True King, some cities have more than one.&nbsp; We do not know them all, or even the majority.&nbsp; As such, I am removing the phrase "network with other royalty" from your request, as I feel it would be overly limiting.&nbsp; "Use what contacts you have" is my suggested replacement, but this is not a contract signed in blood.&nbsp; I believe we both have the same understanding of what you want."<br><br>"Yeah, there's an 'or whatever' in there that encompasses the same scope. I think we do have an understanding. Let me brief the others and they can think about what they want, right? Call you back."<br><br>"I'll look forwards to it.&nbsp; A pleasure talking to you once again and I hope you find a resolution to your problem."<br><br>"Thank you, and let's all hope we can find a resolution to yours."<br><br><br><hr><br><br><strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:45<br><br>Pavement Outside Unit 17, Ferguson Street<br><br>Jessica</strong><br><br>"The Oh"&nbsp; He gestures again.&nbsp; "The sign was missing it.&nbsp; Woman I know took it one night...oh."&nbsp; He obviously suddenly realises something.&nbsp; "Sorry.&nbsp; Right.&nbsp; I figured you'd noticed, or knew, or...whatever.&nbsp; There used to be a building there"&nbsp; He gives a sad smile.&nbsp; <br><br>"'s gone now though, and noone remembers it.&nbsp; I asked in the pet place,"&nbsp; he nods down the road.&nbsp; "They don't remember it and they don't remember me.&nbsp; You'll forget me any moment now, anyway.&nbsp; So it doesn't really matter what I say."<br><br>He turns with a sigh and starts walking heavily back to his car.<br><br>"I thought getting fucked up might give some information.&nbsp; But all it did was get me fucked up."&nbsp; He sniffs again, wipes at his nose.&nbsp; "Can't drive.&nbsp; Cops won't give a shit, they'll forget me just like you have.&nbsp; But still don't want to fuck the car up.&nbsp; Expensive.&nbsp; So I'm just gonna sit here, missing John and the missing building."&nbsp; He's not even remotely talking to you anymore, just himself.&nbsp; "News at Nine."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>darras</strong> on <strong>January 16, 2014, 03:09:59 am</strong>
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				<strong>Jessica</strong><br><br>Jess blinks as she watches him go, needing a little time to let the information sink in. Her eyes flick over to the pet place in question before back to him, her mouth gaping slightly open in shock. She holds out her arm as if to say "No wait, come back." But can't seem to get the words out as she looks back to the alley where Horner's used to be. Usually she would have just dismissed the man's ramblings as the odd mind-set of the baked, but this time.. This time she <em>swears</em> there used to be a building there. She delivered every morning to it. Didn't she? <br><br>With a little shake of her head as if that might clear up the missing building hitch in her mind she stares once more at that graffiti before turning rather deliberately and walking into the pet shop before she can change her mind. She's just got to do some fact checking.. Ask some people, the stoner isn't going anywhere in that state after all. <br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rook Seidhr</strong> on <strong>January 17, 2014, 06:49:42 am</strong>
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				Bran quickly sketches in Rachel's half of the conversation for Norm and Miyo, assuming that they were eavesdropping on his half. He feels a little light-headed about the prospect of going into a "hot LZ" infested by talking robot snakes, but this is his best hope at finding out what happened to his parents and fixing the gaps in his world.<br><br>"So think about payment," he winds up, "and it seems as though these people are better-connected than I realized, in this occult underground whatsit anyway, so while I get the sense that material recompense might be limited we have a shot at some solid information and networking."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>January 17, 2014, 05:44:56 pm</strong>
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				Norm finds himself slouched in his seat, tenting his fingers in front of his face as he listens to Bran recount the lowdown for himself and Miyo.&nbsp; "So the shite is hitting the proverbial fan," he comments.&nbsp; "Although, given how the day's gone, I wouldn't be surprised at all if there was a literal fan somewhere and someone calling himself the King of Canterbury, or whatever, was shovelling actual shit into it.&nbsp; So we have to go rescue a crazy bird who summons demons?&nbsp; I've read enough of <em>Faust</em> to know that that <em>never</em> ends well."<br><br>He taps the cab driver on the shoulder.&nbsp; "Can we stop by my flat on the way?&nbsp; I feel the need to get something from home."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>January 25, 2014, 08:29:12 pm</strong>
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				<strong><br>Tuesday 13th August 10:48<br><br>In a Taxi<br><br>Bran, Norm, Miyo</strong><br><br>"Meant to get you there as soon as possible, mate." he tells you through the rear view mirror then, paying little attention to the dangers of the road, turns round to face you as best as he.&nbsp; "But I figure you're the boss."&nbsp; He abruptly turns right without signalling - no cars were oncoming but you get the impression he would have done so anyway - and parks up to get your address and key in the satnav.&nbsp; Before pulling back into the road without, so far as you can see, any sort of checking it was safe to do so.<br><br>A relatively hair raising ten minutes later he pulls up outside your place.<br><br><strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:48<br><br>Pet Warehouse, Ferguson Street<br><br>Jessica</strong><br><br>The Pet Warehouse is a single large room with industrial shelving units reaching eight or ten feet from the floor lining each claustrophobic alley, essentially a DIY store but filled with birdseed, rat runs and dog baskets.&nbsp; Outside, accessible through a back door are cages that barely meet animal welfare guidelines (if, in fact, they do) filled with potential pets.&nbsp; Staff wander around, so far as you can tell, at random identifiable by their brightly coloured jumpers rather than by any desire to help customers.<br><br>You manage to track one down eventually though.&nbsp; He turns to you with a bored expression which changes to one of irritated expectancy when he realises you're going to ask him something.&nbsp; At no point does he give any sort of indication he wants that; no "Can I help you" from him.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>darras</strong> on <strong>January 26, 2014, 02:27:52 pm</strong>
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				<strong>Jessica</strong><br><br>Usually Jessica was not a fan of bothering people who looked like they wanted to be left alone, but this was hardly a usual day. And so, with a determined slant to her shoulders she deftly corners the employee, "I'm looking for the offices of Horner's and Sons." She tells him firmly, only just noticing that she was still clutching the empty cups of coffee, still soggy and stained. <br><br>"I was told it was somewhere on this road." She carefully hedges her bets with the wording of her question, given that she knows the stoned man had probably freaked out the employees earlier with a less.. wisely worded inquiry. 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>January 29, 2014, 02:51:21 am</strong>
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				Miyo listens to Bran and Norm, and she sighs and looks idly upward at the dull top of the inside of the cab...and says the first thing that comes to mind about Raven Moonshadow. Being irritable and in a poor temper, Miyo gripes, "I'm all for anything that can get us some contacts, something that gets us a handhold in what's going on here. I'm in. But damn...Raven Moonshadow sounds like the name a teenage girl picks when she's rebelling against perky parents during a goth phase. But metal snakes? Occult underground? Sure. Sure. Why not? But how are we going to do it, exactly? I'm...well, not a paragon of action. I'm just an accountant.. I like debating. Hopefully 'giant evil metal snake' can be <em>debated</em> with."&nbsp; <br><br>When the taxi stops outside Norm's house, Miyo pauses and waits for Norm to finish what he's stopped at home to do.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>January 29, 2014, 09:47:03 pm</strong>
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				<strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:48<br><br>Pet Warehouse, Ferguson Street<br><br>Jessica</strong><br><br>He rolls his eyes and looks exasperated at being asked a question - just all the customer service training recommends.&nbsp; "Not heard of it pet.&nbsp; We just do stuff for pets here.&nbsp; Try a map or something, like."&nbsp; He shakes his head in a world-weary "what is the world coming to" gesture and tries to squeeze round you.&nbsp; He's got a lot to do, cigarette breaks won't have themselves and the horror of a customer speaking to him has necessitated a long stint hiding round the back in case this was a horrific omen and it would happen again.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>darras</strong> on <strong>January 30, 2014, 04:16:04 am</strong>
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				<strong>Jessica</strong><br><br>She couldn't really claim that the man's response was a shock, not in comparison to the other shocks she'd been having all morning.. But as the words and their meanings dropped into that hollowly empty spot inside Jessica that she'd helpfully labelled 'this isn't really happening', she stepped back to allow the employee to scoot off to wherever he was going. This left Jessica with a decision to make - go back to bed and hope that this whole mess sorted itself out by the time she woke, or find that oddly stoned gent and attempt to hammer some answers out of him that wouldn't make her feel like she was on the worst acid trip in the world. <br><br>Tempting as the first plan was.. Jessica was far too awake for trying to sleep through any oddness. So, setting her shoulders and still absently carrying the mostly empty drink containers, Jessica stepped back out of the shop and looked around for that car.<br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>January 31, 2014, 01:34:16 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				By all accounts, Norm shouldn't be alive.&nbsp; He should be picking himself out of the tangled and charred remains of the cab after it wrapped itself around a tree, a telephone pole, or possibly a double-decker bus.&nbsp; But the cab, he figures, is probably something similar to the Knight Bus; somehow it magically manages to be where all the other cars aren't.<br><br>After regaining his land legs, he stumbles up to the main entrance of his flat building.&nbsp; Ah, good old 27 Post Lane.&nbsp; As good a collection of cat-collecting spinsters and misanthropic recluses as he could ever hope to meet.&nbsp; Nodding obligingly to Gerry the permanent fixture in the lobby, Norm sidled down the hallway, noting with approval that the water stain on the peeling yellow wallpaper (seriously--who in their right mind thinks that yellow is ever a good color for wallpaper?) has increased another centimetre in length.&nbsp; &nbsp;Norm has been keeping a journal on its progress.&nbsp; By his estimation, the stain will reach the floor by September.<br><br>Five minutes and one rickety elevator ride later, Norm pauses outside of his flat on the fourth floor.&nbsp; Excellent.&nbsp; The hair cunningly taped across the gap from door to frame has not been moved.&nbsp; Of course, Norm has to break the barrier, but it's of no account as he unlocks the door.&nbsp; <br><br>In the laughably small room that passes for his study, he unlocks the bottom desk drawer and finds what he is looking for--a Walter P22.&nbsp; Tucking the gun into his right pants pocket, he locks the desk up again, leaves the flat, and re-secures the hair in place again.&nbsp; Everything is exactly as it should be.<br><br>Five minutes more and he is back at the cab.&nbsp; "Sorry about that," he says, looking comparatively more cheery. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>January 31, 2014, 02:20:57 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Miyo take a good look at 27 Post Lane while waiting on Norm, and it occurs to her that she's never attempted to go visit Norm or be overly friendly; they'd been friends in the accounting department at the company, but neither had really sought out the other. She coughs and asks Norm, "What did you go pick up?" On the one hand, she's curious about whatever Norm felt strongly enough about to go pick up, but on the other hand, sometimes it was better not to ask Norm what he was up to. She figures that she may as well ask him this time, though, as it looks like all of them might venture into danger sooner rather than later.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>January 31, 2014, 03:24:50 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Norm smiles at Miyo.&nbsp; "Insurance."&nbsp; He pats his pocket, and the noticably lumpy shape there. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>February 01, 2014, 03:49:58 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:50<br><br>Pet Warehouse, Ferguson Street<br><br>Jessica</strong><br><br>He's not interested enough in anything about you to lie. That was clear enough.&nbsp; But, despite his apathetic and unconcerned attitude to most things it's not possible that he's simply not noticed the large warehouse just down the road from his place of work.&nbsp; Put it all together and what are you left with?&nbsp; That a building you visited most days a week has disappeared, option A.&nbsp; Or that you share enough in common with the well-dressed stoner parked opposite it to both be under the impression that had happened.&nbsp; Option B.<br><br>Neither are great.&nbsp; You rack your brains for a C but all are unlikely and, frankly, just as bad.&nbsp; Some sort of Punk'd type show is out - far too much work gone into it, surely.&nbsp; <br><br>And while sure it's not your problem per se, it's hard to avoid the crushing feeling of powerlessness it inspires.&nbsp; What's that, Jessica, delivering some coffees?&nbsp; I think not.&nbsp; Bam.&nbsp; Asking for help at the local pet shop?&nbsp; Apathetic uncaring for you.&nbsp; Bam.&nbsp; Need some sort of aid?&nbsp; Here, have an incoherent druggie.&nbsp; Bam.<br><br>For the moment, it's all a little too much.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">darras</div><div class="spoiler_body">Fight, flee or freeze.&nbsp; Your choice.</div></div><br><strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:55<br><br>In a Taxi<br><br>Bran, Norm, Miyo</strong><br><br>The taxi is back in gear and racing through Newcastle before the door has even fully closed, let alone a chance for Norm to get his seatbelt on.&nbsp; It does slow, though, once you reach the student area of Heaton.&nbsp; Largely because the residents seem to have attended the same road safety classes as the residents.&nbsp; Too early - surely? - for them to be drunk but students wearing a variety of weird and wonderful clothing that you can only assume expresses their status as a unique and beautiful snowflake walk on the road or cross with narry a look.<br><br>He eventually pulls up outside a nondescript terrace.&nbsp; Number thirty one if the numbers on the wooden gate leading into the tiny and unkempt small front garden are to be trusted.&nbsp; An upstairs window is open and what you vaguely think is whale-song drifts out of it.&nbsp; Other than that there's no real difference between it and the other terraces on the road.&nbsp; The same empty plastic fast food container lodged in the hedge, the same desperate need for the windows to be washed and the same general lack of upkeep of the outside.<br><br>"This is you.&nbsp; You'll tell Ron it was you wanting to stop off, like?&nbsp; Need him to sign some forms for me."&nbsp; He flicks a switch on the dashboard to unlock the doors, not, apparently expecting any money from you.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>darras</strong> on <strong>February 02, 2014, 08:19:23 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Jessica</strong><br><br>Having left the pet shop in the most determined of spirits Jessica suddenly feels the weight of everything that had happened that day. It descends on her shoulders like a crashing tidal wave feeling heavier than anything she'd ever felt. All of a sudden Jessica finds that she is completely unable to breathe. <br><br>She finally drops the coffee cup holder as her fingers suddenly feel nerveless, her feet refuse to respond to any cues from her brain to move and Jessica freezes in place on the pavement. The trauma of it all is suddenly just far, far too much as a tear starts to form in the corner of her eye. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>February 02, 2014, 07:08:35 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Miyo feels considerably better about Norm and his "insurance;" normally most people would not want a paranoid conspiracy theorist to have what's probably a weapon under there, but Miyo thought to herself, <em>Yes, but they don't have him on their side. You only need to be afraid of an armed paranoid conspiracy theorist if he happens to currently be afraid of <strong>you</strong></em>. <br><br>Miyo steps out of the cab when it comes to a stop outside the terrace, and she looks around to get a grip on her surroundings. It really does mostly look mundane and normal. She says, unsure, to her companions, "So this is the place then?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>February 03, 2014, 07:15:46 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:50<br><br>Outside the Pet Warehouse, Ferguson Street<br><br>Jessica</strong><br><br>"You know" a cultured accentless voice says behind you "I should really get some cards printed.&nbsp; John S Anderson, saving random girls from psychiatric meltdown since two thousand and fourteen."&nbsp; There's a giggle and the man you were talking to earlier moves round in front of you.<br><br>"Two thousand and twelve, actually.&nbsp; I guess she counts.&nbsp; Been a while but I'm still at the top of my game.&nbsp; Come on coffee girl.&nbsp; It's all good."&nbsp; He snaps his fingers beside your head and then waves a finger in front of your eyes.<br><br>"We met, earlier, but you won't remember that.&nbsp; Hell, I could say anything right now couldn't I?&nbsp; Can you even hear me pet?&nbsp; Seriously, it's all good.&nbsp; I'm your forgotten by everyone, stoned off my tits, cartoon character meeting knight in shining armour.&nbsp; Bet that's the first time anyone's said that to you."<br><br>He peers into your eyes for a moment.&nbsp; "You know?&nbsp; I think there has to be...something.&nbsp; Some way of, I don't know... Some way of broadening your mind so this shit doesn't hit.&nbsp; I think about this a lot.&nbsp; I know it's all that sixties bullshit but I'm not some stoned hippie."&nbsp; He giggles "I'm stoned, sure, but I vote conservative and drive a BMW.&nbsp; Have a job and was meant to have an interview for a better one later today.&nbsp; I'm practically the man, man."<br><br>He steps back "Come on, Coffee girl.&nbsp; Talk to me.&nbsp; Say 'Thank you, John, let us retire to the local hostelry where I shall repay your generosity with ale' preferably, but anything would do."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>darras</strong> on <strong>February 04, 2014, 06:39:27 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Jessica</strong><br><br>Jessica's brain can just about register that she's being talked to, can just about pay attention to the whiff of weed in her nose but that is about as far as it is prepared to take things for now. Jess lets out a quiet little whimper as she darts out a coffee stained hand and grabs a hold of John's sleeve with a tight little grip. Somebody mentioned beer? Intoxication sounded pretty good right now, maybe she would wake up with a hangover and everything would be back to normal again. If she could just.. move her feet. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>February 06, 2014, 03:26:17 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Norm</strong><br><br>"Ron.&nbsp; Yeah.&nbsp; Got it," he says to the cab driver, before the door shuts and he zooms off, leaving the three of them standing alone on the pavement.&nbsp; Alone, that is, except for a fluid, ever-moving ecosystem of uni kids.&nbsp; Dressed in everything from rugby jerseys to Victorian dress to practically nothing, and everything in between.&nbsp; Ah, university, thinks Norm.&nbsp; He has vague recollections of being forced to share a bunk with a lad from Manchester who talked up Man U <em>all the goddamn time</em>, really, he wouldn't shut up about it.&nbsp; That and pussy, endless pussy, everything was about pussy with him.&nbsp; Pussy and football.&nbsp; &nbsp;Well, pussy, football, and beer.&nbsp; Ryan...Bridges, that was his name.&nbsp; Yeah, that was about when Norm first started to hate humanity.<br><br>He approaches number thirty-one, and glances up at the open window.&nbsp; The whalesong is pretty odd, but nothing especially worrying in and of itself.&nbsp; &nbsp;With a quick look at Bran and Miyo for confirmation, he briskly strides up to the door and knocks upon it.&nbsp; "Miss...er...." he grimaces, feeling dirty just speaking the words.&nbsp; "Moonshadow? Raven Moonshadow?" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>February 06, 2014, 08:51:39 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Miyo follows Norm, giving him a nod when he glaces back, looking around the place as she does so. She notices the open window as if for the first time, and although the whale-song is off-putting, she figures that if no one answers...it couldn't hurt to climb on up and go through the window. After all, the situation did seem urgent. She waits to see if the door is answered first, watching Norm cringe with the same level of feeling she has over that 'Moonshadow' name.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>February 07, 2014, 11:26:12 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:50<br><br>Walking along Ferguson Street<br><br>Jessica</strong><br><br>"Someone always said beer, Coffee Girl.&nbsp; That right there is the beauty of the product.&nbsp; Sun's over the yardarm somewhere in the world, as my dad used to say.&nbsp; Are you a beer drinker?"&nbsp; He digs a brand new iPhone from his pocket and starts tapping "I thought you girls were all about your alcopops and your J2Os.&nbsp; Google Maps says this way, Apple's thingie says we're in Brighton.&nbsp; Fancy trusting Google just this once?"<br><br>He starts to walk down the road then suddenly turns to you.&nbsp; "Now, Coffee Girl.&nbsp; Call me psychic but I have this crazy hunch that your loving parents didn't look down on little baby you and say 'We should call her Coffee Girl'&nbsp; What do they call you instead?"&nbsp; He sniffs and wipes at his nose, he seems a tad more manic and energetic than when you left him and the pieces of that particular puzzle come in a box labelled "Age 3 and upwards".&nbsp; He does seem relatively harmless though, "weirdo radar" is pinging but "dangerous weirdo radar" remains silent.<br><br>"Mr and Mrs Weird-Guy-You-Met-In-The-Street, for their part, named me Jonathan but the local magistrates agreed that I should be John for perpetuity.&nbsp; And the reason history will forget me is that instead of being the new newsreader for Look North (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0070g1d) I have been forgotten by everyone except pretty young girls."&nbsp; He laughs.&nbsp; "Young pretty girls.&nbsp; Pretty young pretty girls."<br><br><hr><br><strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:48<br><br>31 Ebor Street, Heaton<br><br>(Bran), Norm, Miyo</strong><br><br>The door swings inwards at Norm's knock revealing an entry hallway of badly plastered walls and cutting off Miyo's assessment of how easy it would be to get in through the window.&nbsp; "Moderately" was her inexpert belief.<br><br>A door leads off to the left to, knowing student houses, a room which has been reconditioned into a rent-bearing bedroom while you can dimly see a door at the end leading, again at a guess, to a lounge area.&nbsp; Dimly because half way down the hall, just past the first door off, a table has been awkwardly wedged in place, the flat top facing you in a makeshift barricade.&nbsp; There are suspicious stains on the surface but nothing more suspicious or horrifying than you'd find in any student house.&nbsp; A sheet of handwritten paper has been attached to it in blu tak though, lines of feminine handwriting:<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">psalmus David prima sabbati Domini est terra et plenitudo eius orbis terrarum et universi; qui habitant in eo quia; ipse super maria fundavit eum et super flumina praeparavit eum quis ascendit in montem Domini aut quis stabit in loco sancto eius innocens manibus et mundo corde qui non accepit in vano animam suam nec iuravit in dolo proximo su hic accipiet benedictionem a Domino et misericordiam a Deo salvatore suo haec est generatio quaerentium eum quaerentium faciem Dei Iacob diapsalma adtollite portas principes vestras et elevamini portae aeternales et introibit rex gloriae quis est iste rex gloriae Dominus fortis et potens Dominus potens in proelio adtollite portas principes vestras et elevamini portae aeternales et introibit rex gloriae quis est iste rex gloriae Dominus virtutum ipse est rex gloriae diapsalma </blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>with a handdrawn symbol scrawled under it:<br><br>(http://s1.hubimg.com/u/6551348_f260.jpg)<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">(Riveda), Remiel, Blythe</div><div class="spoiler_body">You can make a critical General Education roll if you wish to make head or tail of the writing.&nbsp; Stick results up in the OOC.&nbsp; I don't think any of you really have any more appropriate skills but if you think you can make a case then do so.<br></div></div><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>darras</strong> on <strong>February 07, 2014, 02:06:13 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Jessica</strong><br><br>"I'm beginning to see why Look North turned you down.." Jessica mutters in response before clapping a horrified hand over her mouth as she realises that her state of shock has cancelled out her brain to mouth filter. <br><br>"Jess.." She adds swiftly after, "Jessica. They called me Jessica. I call me Jess. I .. I'm rambling.." She finally takes a few steps after Jonathan. "Let's trust google, I'm in desperate need of some mind bleach. But first maybe you can explain a few things.. Like what the hell happened to Horner's."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>February 07, 2014, 07:22:00 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:48<br><br>31 Ebor Street, Heaton<br><br>(Bran), Norm, Miyo</strong><br><br>Neither of you are idiots and you can puzzle out bits and bobs - Dei is God; terra, earth; you're pretty sure Domin-i/us means Lord.&nbsp; But that's not enough to get a full translation.&nbsp; It does seem likely it's religious in nature, not only because of the odd word you can pick out but also because of a vague impression that no other area really uses Latin.&nbsp; As to what precisely it is though, Bible passage, prayer, missal, benediction or other, you're not too sure.<br><br><hr><br><strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:50<br><br>En Route to the King's Head<br><br>Jessica</strong><br><br>"Ah, now there you are mistaken.&nbsp; My interview is in" he glances at his phone "about four hours.&nbsp; And I, Coffee Girl, was a certain thing.&nbsp; But I have had an incredibly stressful day and, well, there's no point me going to it anyway.&nbsp; Noone remembers me.&nbsp; Watch this."&nbsp; He hits a speed dial button on his phone then turns on speakerphone.<br><br>"Domino's Pizza"<br><br>"Hello there, Domino's Pizza.&nbsp; My name is John S Anderson and I'm currently nuts deep in your mother.&nbsp; I thought I better tell you the name because she's going to be screaming it for quite some time now.&nbsp; So I just thought I'd warn you.&nbsp; John S Anderson, remember that."<br><br>"Fuck you, man."<br><br>"Probably later, once I've finished with your mum."<br><br>He hangs up and turns to you.&nbsp; "A conversation they'll remember, no?&nbsp; We'll leave it a couple of minutes and I'll show you.&nbsp; Me and attractive females, they're the only ones who remember me.&nbsp; Now..." he pulls a silver cigarette case from his pocket and takes a slim cigar from it then offers it you.<br><br>"While we wait.&nbsp; J Honer and Sons.&nbsp; Remember the plural, it landed me with a ridiculous middle name.&nbsp; It was back there" he jerks his thumb over his shoulder "and now it is not.&nbsp; People forget it just as soon as they forget me.&nbsp; Because everything is muddled, you see.&nbsp; Sober people see the world as it is, muddled.&nbsp; Me, currently, I'm getting muddled enough that I see it straight.&nbsp; But our crazy muddled world gets confused who is me, who is Jean and what is Honer's.&nbsp; All the same, you see.&nbsp; That's why I changed my name.&nbsp; Well, Eva Longoria, you know her, is why I changed my name.&nbsp; I hardly ever ask for her any more though.&nbsp; Did you know its possible to get bored of Eva?&nbsp; It is."<br><br>Ahead of you you see the King's Head pub, a pleasant local pub peopled entirely by a handful of regulars the few times you've been in there.&nbsp; Now though, several taxis are parked outside and a rough looking group of men are carrying it out of the pub and storing it in boots and back seats under the direction of an old man standing in the doorway.<br><br>"Ah.&nbsp; It appears that the local hansom cabs have turned their hand to removals.&nbsp; A logical step if you ask me.&nbsp; All transport is transport isn't it?&nbsp; Do you think it's open?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>darras</strong> on <strong>February 08, 2014, 07:35:50 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Jessica</strong><br><br>Jessica shrugs, getting to the point of no longer caring what odd things might occur today. "Doesn't look like it, but I guess you could ask?" She then frowns slightly before asking another question, "So where are these attractive females in the plural that remember you? Eva you've explained but I don't see Scarlett Johansen or Rachel Weisz hanging about. And who <em>is</em> Jean?"&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>February 08, 2014, 03:37:34 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Norm</strong><br><br>"Hrm.&nbsp; Unfortunately, I'm a bit rusty on my Latin.&nbsp; Okay, a lot rusty.&nbsp; Does that make any sense to you?" Norm asks his companions.&nbsp; "David, Dei, Iacob, Dominus...if I had to guess, this sounds either like a passage from the Bible, or some sort of imprecation against demons.&nbsp; Either way, I think we ought to leave it where it is.&nbsp; "<br><br>He carefully edges around the table, taking care not to disturb the paper or the drawing.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>February 11, 2014, 07:16:19 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:50<br><br>King's Head<br><br>Jessica</strong><br><br>"Rachel Weisz is the girl from The Constant Gardener right?&nbsp; Never thought of her.&nbsp; Has she been on TV?&nbsp; Jean is this old woman who...you know, this conversation needs booze.&nbsp; Forget Domino's watch this."&nbsp; He beckons you to follow and wanders up to one of the guys unloading furniture.<br><br>"You open?"<br><br>"Nah" the loader has a London accent.&nbsp; "Renovations"<br><br>"Fair enough.&nbsp; Coffee Girl, don't panic.&nbsp; I'll be back in two minutes"&nbsp; John nods to himself and then throws a punch at the loader's face.&nbsp; Whether he's a lover you couldn't say, but he's not a fighter and its not the greatest punch.&nbsp; Still, the loader is taken by surprise and ends up with a nosebleed while John's takes off down the street.&nbsp; There's a crash as the loader drops the bar stool he's carrying and takes off after him.&nbsp; His mates soon follow but one by one they slow back to a walk and look round confused.&nbsp; Slowly walking back over to pick up their loads.<br><br>"John?&nbsp; What the fuck happened to your nose?" One shouts and the recently punched loader looks confused and squats to look in a rear view mirror.&nbsp; "The fuck?&nbsp; Fucking blood pressure or something."<br><br>A few minutes later John rejoins Jess and gives her a "I told you so" look.&nbsp; The guy he punched only a moment ago comes over, casually and friendly.&nbsp; "Help you?"<br><br>"See."&nbsp; John says to Jess.&nbsp; "Doesn't remember me at all.&nbsp; It's only you and this other girl."&nbsp; To the loader's confused look he gives a it-doesn't-matter shake of his head but then looks up as the old guy directing operations comes over to the two of you.<br><br>"We're closed, like" he tells you, casting a disapproving look over at John.&nbsp; "And we wouldn't want your type in here anyway.&nbsp; Do yourself a favour, lassie, and lose him.&nbsp; You can do better, like.&nbsp; You ever realise that, you come and see me.&nbsp; I'll get you straightened out."&nbsp; He apparently notices John for the first time and casts a disapproving look over him then frowns at you in momentary confusion.&nbsp; He shrugs and squints at Jess.&nbsp; "You alright lassie?&nbsp; You look like you're having a scare.&nbsp; Don't blame you hanging around with the likes of him.&nbsp; You can do better."<br><br><hr><br><strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:48<br><br>31 Ebor Street, Heaton<br><br>(Bran), Norm, Miyo</strong><br><br>Norm heads on into the remainder of the house and you spread out to look round.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Time for some old school map action</div><div class="spoiler_body">(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/b/bc/31groundfloor.png)</div></div><br><strong>Room one</strong> is the entrance hallways with the makeshift barricade in place.<br><br><strong>Room three</strong> is a lounge.&nbsp; The door in the southwest leads to a flight of stairs, you assume, but it is held shut by a plait of red string with another handwritten piece of latin blu-taced to the door:<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Sancte Michael Archangele, defende nos in proelio; contra nequitiam et insidias diaboli esto praesidium imperat illi Deus; supplices deprecamur: tuque, Princeps militiae coelestis, Satanam aliosque spiritus malignos, qui ad perditionem animarum pervagantur in mundo, divina virtute in infernum detrude.</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Other than that and the empty space in the middle where, presumably, a table once stood there is little of interest.&nbsp; A TV.&nbsp; A selection of DVDs leaning towards horror.&nbsp; A couch that likely wants burning after the fluids that have presumably sunk into it over its years serving students.&nbsp; A dead potted plant.&nbsp; The window looks out onto a neglected and overgrown back yard.<br><br><strong>Room four</strong>, in defiance of building codes, is a bathroom.&nbsp; Toilet, sink and shower.&nbsp; On the lid of the toilet someone has long ago scrawled "CLAUDANDUS!" in marker pen.&nbsp; The coils of rock climbing rope holding the lid shut are presumably a newer addition though.&nbsp; The sink has a pair of boxer shorts shoved in the plughole to block it, while a t-shirt of some type wrapped round a hockey stick serves the same function in the shower drain.&nbsp; The frosted glass window looks over the same back yard.<br><br><strong>Room five</strong> is the kitchen.&nbsp; The fridge-freezer has been moved from position leaving a grey and dusty corner full of spiderwebs exposed and now lays on its side in front of the washing machine forcing you to step round it awkwardly.&nbsp; The microwave sits innocuously in the sink, a hefty old-fashioned thing that looks like it weighs a fair amount.&nbsp; The worksurfaces are perhaps cleaner than you might expect and the basin sitting on one of them has less washing waiting to be done than the majority of student houses.&nbsp; A freakishly well stocked spice rack sits on the windowsill next to the washing up liquid and a scourer, adorning the view of the back yard while a locked door leads out into, you can only assume, that same back yard.&nbsp; <br><br><strong>Room two</strong> when you finally climb back over the barricade to look at it is, as you suspected, a converted bedroom.&nbsp; An unmade bed in the centre, a desk beneath the window with an old desktop computer and a pile of books about the Roman Republic on the side, each bearing the stamp of Newcastle University library.&nbsp; Fitted wardrobes are closed but judging by the contents of the hamper at the base of the bed they'd contain female clothes.&nbsp; A small shelf on one wall has framed photos of some girl with some guy, same girl with other girls, same girl with another girl, same girl in a hockey uniform and so forth.<br><br>There's also a sink, added at some point or possibly original, you're not sure.&nbsp; It's the point that sticks out though as the porcelain has been smashed with, presumably, the hockey stick laying nearby.&nbsp; A long tube of metal hangs from out the plughole through the gap in the porcelain.&nbsp; The tube is made up of many small bands, each about a quarter of an inch long and each slightly overlapping the one below it so the entire shape is somewhat articulated.&nbsp; It's full length is impossible to determine.&nbsp; Part of it remains down the plughole while the end that emerged has been smashed with that same hockey stick exposing a meticulous fabric of cogs inside it.&nbsp; Similar cogs and bits of metal scatter the floor nearby.&nbsp; The outer casing is silver, or silver coloured at least, but the internal workings seem to be made from something that could well be brass - none of you are metallurgists.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>darras</strong> on <strong>February 12, 2014, 12:57:53 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Jessica</strong><br><br>"So you're trying to say that sometimes you are you, sometimes you're this old lady called Jean and sometimes you're a building that houses Horner's?" Jessica raises that she sounds slightly hysterical at this moment, but is no longer at the point where she cares as she watches him accost the removals man with an incredulous look on her face. <br><br>"I'm.." She responds to the old guy. "Ok. I guess. Thanks!" She gives an overly bright smile, grabs John by the coat sleeve and pulls him away down the road, "Will you <strong>stop</strong> assaulting people!" <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>February 17, 2014, 11:55:52 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:55<br><br>Near the Quayside<br><br>Jessica</strong><br><br>He shrugs "He won't remember" and leads the two of you down the road in the vague direction, if your internal map is accurate, of another pub.<br><br>"Nah, I'm never actually Jean.&nbsp; It's just the universe thinks I am."&nbsp; He walks in silence for a while, apparently thinking that that explains everything, but turns back to you just as a Wetherspoons named The Quayside comes in to view.<br><br>"You know, Coffee Girl, I'm starting to think that I didn't explain that too well.&nbsp; You know when you run it over in your head?&nbsp; Let me try to put this into coffee terms for you.<br><br>Imagine you'd made a cup of Nescafe, a cup of Kenco and a cup of...shit I don't know, what's another coffee brand.&nbsp; Fair trade or something.&nbsp; So you have three coffee cups that look the same.&nbsp; The the Nescafe guy says he wants sugar in his.&nbsp; But they all look the same and you can't tell which is which so you just say Ah fuck it, and choose one at random.&nbsp; Right?&nbsp; Because they all look the same?<br><br>Well, Jean did some stuff so that me and Honers look the same as her to the universe.&nbsp; So sometimes if something is meant to happen to her - a piece of good luck, maybe or whatever - the universe can't tell which is her so just goes Ah fuck it and chooses at random.&nbsp; And it works the other way.&nbsp; The News is important to her, I'm not really certain why.&nbsp; So if I'm on the news then the universe goes Ah fuck it and figures its probably her thats on the news.&nbsp; Does that make any more sense?&nbsp; <br><br>Like, there's this chick who summons demons right?&nbsp; I saved her from this mental breakdown like I did you, I'm a modern day superhero, right?&nbsp; But if she decided to summon a demon to help me out, there's a chance it'd end up helping Jean or Honer's out, because it couldn't tell the difference.&nbsp; I dunno.&nbsp; It's tough to explain and I can't decide if I'm too high or not high enough.&nbsp; Or, I dunno, the wrong sort of high..."<br><br>He trails off into a thoughtful shrug then nods at the pub.&nbsp; "What's your poison?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>darras</strong> on <strong>February 18, 2014, 02:32:59 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Jessica</strong><br><br>"He might not remember, but his broken nose won't be fun to live with either way.." Jessica points out archly before listening to his baffling spiel about the universe. <br><br>"I'd probably be better off having whatever you're not having, listening to that.. But maybe the rabbit hole would be a safer place for my mental break so.. You'd better choose. And while you're at it you can consider how to explain why this Jean would have done something like that. And also why she'd want to look like a building, and if Honer's wasn't supposed to vanish then who was? You or her? How do you know this lady?" <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>February 18, 2014, 06:09:07 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:55<br><br>Near the Quayside<br><br>Jessica</strong><br><br>"I'm trying to explain, Coffee Girl.&nbsp; Don't get mad with me.&nbsp; So, OK, are you religious?&nbsp; This is my coffee, drink it in remembrance of me?"&nbsp; This is apparently the most hilarious collection of words ever uttered and his giggles last until the entry of the pub.&nbsp; Standard early morning Wetherspoons crowd - the type for whom cheap beer at eleven AM is more "way of life" than "treat".&nbsp; A couple of suited businessmen tucking in to a breakfast stand out like a sore thumb, the red eyed and giggling man you're with less so.&nbsp; It's more depressing than rough and the internal music system apparently agrees and has selected Coldplay as the perfect accompaniment.<br><br>"So imagine God has this list of what's going to happen.&nbsp; Lottery win for this guy, cancer for that guy...I don't know, fucking...errr....promotion for that one.&nbsp; Right?&nbsp; But he's a busy deity is old God and doesn't always pay attention.&nbsp; Occasionally just goes, like I said, Ah fuck it, and chooses someone at random if he can't tell the difference.&nbsp; So Jean wanted to confuse him with her, me and Honers.&nbsp; So that if cancer was on the list for her, there's a chance I'd get it.&nbsp; Right?<br><br>Two pints of Fosters please, pet.<br><br>So she persuaded me to go along with this through the medium of..." his hands trace out either a guitar or an incredibly deformed female torso "So I deed polled my name and we stood together in the Oh and wrote our names out and various shit.&nbsp; So she's helped my career and she makes..." he shakes his head.&nbsp; "This is kinda awkward.&nbsp; Be so much easier if you were a guy.&nbsp; She makes people appear?&nbsp; You know, for a night?"<br><br>The bargirl stares in confusion at the two pints in her hand for a moment then sighs and tips them away.&nbsp; Writes a note on a notepad then comes back over to you.<br><br>"Hi, what can I get you?"<br><br>John rolls his eyes and gives you a tenner.&nbsp; "Can you make this happen" before continuing.<br><br>"So yeah.&nbsp; Honestly you're almost as up to speed as I am.&nbsp; Noone remembers me" he gestures at the bargirl "and noone remembers Honer's.&nbsp; And that includes Jean, I've rung her loads.&nbsp; So the building is gone, but I'm not and I'm not sure why.&nbsp; And as best I can tell people still remember Jean, but noone remembers either of us except you, which is why I'm following you round a bit.&nbsp; And, honestly, I'm not sure what to do."&nbsp; He looks, by the end of the speech, thoroughly and almost pathetically miserable.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>darras</strong> on <strong>February 18, 2014, 01:39:16 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Jessica</strong><br><br>Jessica stares slightly agape at John as he recounts his sorry tale. She blinks slightly as the bargirl pours out the beer and then turns to Jessica for her order. Taking John's tenner she bares her teeth in an attempt at a smile, "Two Fosters please." She asks politely, finding a dry spot on the bar to lay the money. <br><br>She waits for the bar girl to get out of earshot before responding slowly, "So.. I'm going to ignore that you're telling me God exists for now. Because .. no. And instead I'm going to concentrate on you being so desperate for .." Jessica copies his guitar shaped hand movements with a smirk, "that you'd sign on for significantly increased chances of cancer and disappearing. And then I'm going to move on to, yes but how did she get Honer's to sign on to this? It's a building. Inanimate.." <br><br>She pauses to think for a moment before calling down the bar to the bar tender, "Could you add a couple of whiskies to that?" <br><br>Turning back to John she adds, "And when I'm done untwisting my mind from those previous points you can tell me about this demon girl."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>February 18, 2014, 03:03:22 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Norm</strong><br><br>Trusting that Miyo, and, presumably Bran, are behind him, Norm delves further into the domicile.&nbsp; He slips his right hand into his pocket, curling his fingers around the handle of his Walther.&nbsp; Just in case.<br><br>Norm does not seriously believe in reincarnation.&nbsp; But if he did, he would definitely be the reincarnation of some 1940s detective in a seedy American pulp detective novel.&nbsp; The kind who spent most of his time in a threadbare office nursing a mostly-empty bottle of bourbon and ogling leggy dames while dryly remarking upon the heat.&nbsp; &nbsp;Well, when he wasn't legging it away down alleys pursued by simian gangsters twice his bulk, anyway.&nbsp; This is almost like a dream for him.&nbsp; Now, if only he had a name like "Mickey Stallone" or something.<br><br>Slowly, cautiously, he investigates the lounge, taking care to keep quiet and listen for anything out of the ordinary.&nbsp; &nbsp;Although, given the events of the last twenty-four hours, he's not entirely sure what "ordinary" is, anymore.&nbsp; An entire factory disappearing into thin-air; a Kashmiri fellow who derives his powers from making people angry; and a far-too-savvy seventeen-year old spinning tales about fish tanks and anagrams.&nbsp; &nbsp;What a world.<br><br>Norm takes note of the sealed-off door with the Latin on it, and moves on to investigate the rest of the flat.&nbsp; In the bathroom, he takes in the toilet, the sink.&nbsp; In the kitchen, the microwave.&nbsp; The story isn't too hard to piece together.&nbsp; It is clear that someone went to very great pains to prevent something from escaping from the plumbing. <br><br>But it isn't until he gets to the bedroom that he understands why.&nbsp; First of all, who has a sink in their bedroom?&nbsp; Second of all, what is that sticking out of it?&nbsp; The metal snake...of course.&nbsp; Norm nods to himself, and crouches down for a closer look.&nbsp; The cogs, springs and such seem normal enough, but the articulated bit seems extremely unusual, especially stuffed down a sink hole.&nbsp; It kind of reminds him of a plastic toy snake he used to have as a child.&nbsp; &nbsp;It's bad enough having snakes coming up through the plumbing, but to have ones made of metal do so must certainly ruin a pleasant Sunday afternoon.&nbsp; Perhaps this Raven Moonshadow bird isn't quite so crazy.<br><br>Nah, she's still crazy.<br><br>"Miyo? Bran?"&nbsp; He returns to the lounge, to compare notes with the others before deciding on his next course of action.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>February 18, 2014, 04:57:27 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Miyo</strong><br><br>Miyo is not outgoing by any means, but she's ready to use some deductive skill to figure things out in this house, maybe even help Raven Moodshadow. She trails behind Norm, exploring at her own pace. When Miyo sees the Latin note on it, she tries to piece together what it has to say, muttering clumsily, "Sancte Michael Archangele, defende nos in proelio...." under her breath, but the syllables are meaningless to her. She swears and painstakingly slowly, types out the Latin bit by bit using her phone, saving it in pieces as drafts in the inbox for her texts in case it might be important later. She types down the nonsense scrawled on the toilet lid as well using her phone, that "CLAUDANDUS" nonsense.<br><br>Should she text Tannen? She's not sure; she feels a sudden pang of distrust. Maybe after finding Raven...<br><br>She makes her way to the converted bedroom, and she takes stock of the photographs, a girl with a dude, that same girl with some other chicks, same girl with what looks to be a different girl, same girl in a hockey uniform...is this Raven Moonshadow? She picks up the picture of the girl in the hockey uniform, fairly sure this might be a picture of the person and ingrains the face in her mind. She notes as she looks through the house the smashed sink, plugged drains...nothing affiliated with pipes or water seems to be working here. She meets up with Norm in the lounge and says, "So much effort with drains and things. And all the notes in Latin; I can't be sure, but perhaps notes to help her keep track of things...or maybe warnings?" She holds up the picture of the girl in the hockey uniform and says, "Helen McClean, a.k.a Raven Moonshadow. I couldn't recall a good description of her, but this is the only girl in every photo here. The southwest door has that note on it here in the lounge; it's the only door I haven't gone through that still leads to somewhere within the house. Find anything useful, Norm?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>February 20, 2014, 01:15:46 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:55<br><br>The Quayside<br><br>Jessica</strong><br><br>Two pints, two double whiskeys for under a tenner.&nbsp; Gotta love Wetherspoons.&nbsp; He steers you towards and empty table and knocks the whiskey back in one, gives a little whiskey grimace then nods.<br><br>"Yeah, I don't come out of any of this great.&nbsp; I know.&nbsp; Lets just move on from that though?&nbsp; Shit, I've totally forgotten what you asked now.&nbsp; Let's see.&nbsp; Right.&nbsp; The link, she calls it a proxy, needs updating every so often and more often for Honer's than for me.&nbsp; So I've figured that that's because its a building and can't give consent.&nbsp; Honestly, I don't know for sure though."&nbsp; He sips at his beer and then swirls it round a couple of times thoughtfully.<br><br>"You know what's weird?&nbsp; Alcohol. Stick with me.&nbsp; Like, everyone likes different food and has a different style of clothes and gets up to different crazy shit in the bedroom.&nbsp; But alcohol, it feels like it's not personalised.&nbsp; You with me?&nbsp; Like, its the same...I dunno.&nbsp; I don't know what I'm talking about.&nbsp; Ignore me.&nbsp; Demon girl.&nbsp; Helen.&nbsp; I was toying with tracking her down actually.&nbsp; She's how I met Jean.&nbsp; I met her through a, a thing.&nbsp; Online.&nbsp; We used to hang around, have a smoke.&nbsp; At the time she was in to all that Wicca shit.&nbsp; You know, mother goddesses and living in harmony with the seasons and that.&nbsp; Then she went on holiday with her family and when she came back she was obsessed with the idea of summoning demons.&nbsp; I kinda got the impression she'd seen a demonstration or something.<br><br>"Anyway, I went round to meet her and she was weird.&nbsp; Jittery.&nbsp; Switching between English and some other language."&nbsp; He's staring in to his pint as he talks.&nbsp; "I wanted to fuck off, I'll be honest, but I stuck around.&nbsp; Eventually she kinda collapsed and lay their shivering.&nbsp; I put my coat round her and stuff and tried to talk to her.&nbsp; Made her some sweet tea, if I remember right.&nbsp; Anyway, eventually her house mate gets home, she's a student, and starts shouting at me.&nbsp; I explain, housemate starts shouting at her.&nbsp; What the fuck have you done, how fucking stupid are you, why would you do that with noone around, so on.&nbsp; At this point I figured it was a bad trip or something and made myself scarce.&nbsp; Don't need that kind of shit in my life.<br><br>"Well, a couple of days later Jean rings me, never did find out why.&nbsp; She thanks me for calming everything down and staying with Helen until Michelle got back, so on and so forth.&nbsp; Am I OK?&nbsp; Yeah, I'm fine.&nbsp; We met up, she sounds younger on the phone.&nbsp; Anyway, that's when all that shit started.&nbsp; There was a show on at the time called Desperate Housewives and Eva was in that.&nbsp; That's how all that went."&nbsp; He shrugs and looks back at you then delves in his pocket to slide his phone across the table.<br><br>"PIN is 9472.&nbsp; Check the photos if you don't believe me.&nbsp; Just, yeah, be warned.&nbsp; Little John..." he snorts laughter "...average John rather, he's in some of them.&nbsp; Most."<br><br><hr><br><strong>Tuesday 13th August 10:50<br><br>31 Ebor Street, Heaton<br><br>Norm, Miyo</strong><br><br>You regroup to compare notes but, almost as soon as you do, Bran's phone is ringing again.&nbsp; He excuses himself and steps outside to take it.<br><br>As Norm squats to examine the metal detritus he notices some words carved in to one of the cogs.&nbsp; Shifting to get the light on it reveals:<br><br><span style="font-family: courier;" class="bbc_font">JH.&nbsp; 13/8/2014 Co. disapp.&nbsp; #14-8530535</span><br><br>Now that he's looking, they all have writing on:<br><br><span style="font-family: courier;" class="bbc_font">JH.&nbsp; 13/8/2014 Co. disapp.&nbsp; #14-8683534<br>JH.&nbsp; 13/8/2014 Co. disapp.&nbsp; #14-8543754<br>JH.&nbsp; 13/8/2014 Co. disapp.&nbsp; #14-8426747</span><br><br>and so on.&nbsp; The first part the same every time, only the seven digits after the hyphen changing.&nbsp; Working at a plumber's merchant not to mention his own Ham Radio experience means its easy to tell what he's&nbsp; looking at here - a part reference, a unique identifier for each cog.&nbsp; Presumably the #14 refers to this particular snake while the remainder identifies the exact cog.<br><br>The writing, he also notices, is consistent.&nbsp; Stamped into place by a machine rather than engraved by hand.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>darras</strong> on <strong>February 20, 2014, 02:39:11 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jessica takes a gulp of whisky as she listens, not quite at the quaffing phase of mental trauma. She follows it up with a healthy drink of fosters and then leaves both drinks alone on the table before her. She is about to pick up the phone when John gives his warning. She draws back her hand as if the phone burnt her and pulls a grimace. <br><br>"Maybe you can find me pictures where average John is not making an appearance and then I can look at your evidence without having to view anything.. extra." <br><br>Pausing a moment she adds a question, "It's this Demon Summoning Helen that is the other girl to remember you? Why am I even remembering you? Or Honer's?"<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>February 22, 2014, 05:20:51 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Norm</strong><br><br>The cogs aren't, by themselves, actually very interesting, but nevertheless Norm can't help feeling like the engraving on them is some sort of Clue.&nbsp; After inspecting one for awhile, he picks it up and drops it into his pocket.<br><br>"Nothing too interesting," he responds to Miyo, after reconvening in the lounge.&nbsp; "And yeah, I figured as much from the photos.&nbsp; Not a bad-looking bint.&nbsp; I kind of expected some kind of crazy witch with hair like an exploding yarn."&nbsp; <br><br>He shrugs, and crosses to the southwestern door.&nbsp; He realizes he should probably wait for Bran, but what's the worst that can happen?&nbsp; Aside from finding out that the cellar has been converted into a grisly ritual sacrifice chamber and wandering into an demon orgy, that is.&nbsp; &nbsp;"Ready?" he asks Miyo, his hand on the string, ready to rip it down. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>March 02, 2014, 01:11:58 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Tuesday 13th August 11:00<br><br>The Quayside<br><br>Jessica</strong><br><br>He's swiping his thumb across the touchscreen as he talks, attention on it and an occasional smile as average John makes a particularly memorable appearance.&nbsp; "Nah, the other girl was some lass I met this morning before you.&nbsp; She wandered off and I didn't think to follow.&nbsp; Hence..." he glances up at you briefly&nbsp; "...following you around.&nbsp; No idea if Helen can see me or not.&nbsp; Or why..." he shrugs and slides the phone over to you.&nbsp; "That one and the next two.&nbsp; You probably don't want to go further.&nbsp; Anyway.&nbsp; I really have no idea.&nbsp; I've been trying to figure it out but I'm pretty fucked up.&nbsp; Like, it could be that this thing was aimed at any of us three.&nbsp; And it only hit two of us because of the confusion thing.&nbsp; That kind of makes sense, in a kind of fucked up way.<br><br>"But as for why you remember, that I'm stumped on.&nbsp; My first thought was that you were in on it, maybe even did it.&nbsp; But now I don't.&nbsp; You seem genuine in your questions.&nbsp; So I guess that means that either you were left out of it for some reason, purpose or accident, or you're resistant somehow?&nbsp; Just at a little bit of a loss to know what my next step is."<br><br><hr><br><strong>Tuesday 13th August 11:00<br><br>31 Ebor Street, Heaton<br><br>Norm, Miyo</strong><br><br>Bran is frantically scribbling something down on a book from his school-bag, dictated by the voice on the phone, and waves at you to continue without him.<br><br>The thread holding the door shut is removed easily with no effects other than the predictable - the thread drops to the ground, no eldritch screams are released; door opens, no foreboding voice instructs you to abandon hope.<br><br>Behind the door a staircase leads up, bending abruptly after a couple of stairs and forcing you to ascend slightly to see where it leads.&nbsp; Apparently to a tiny landing with two doors leading off and then a staircase presumably leading up to an attic conversion - it's up there that the whale song, or whatever it is, is coming from.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>March 04, 2014, 03:38:10 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Norm</strong><br><br>Norm ascends the stairs.&nbsp; For some reason he feels compelled to draw the Walther P22, although the safety's still on.&nbsp; "Raven?" he says, leading the way up into the attic.&nbsp; "Raven Moonshadow?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>darras</strong> on <strong>March 05, 2014, 06:18:45 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Jessica</strong><br><br>"Well shit.." Jessica slumps slightly in her chair, "Because I sure as hell don't know what the next step should be either. Particularly not if there's no way to track down this other remembering girl." She rubs a hand across her eyes before heaving a small sigh and leaning forward to pick up his phone. With no small amount of apprehension she looks at the indicated photographs. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>March 05, 2014, 06:26:23 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Miyo <br></strong><br>Miyo follows Norm, letting him take the lead, but she keeps a sharp eye out for anything, hoping to Notice (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=55677) something. Her eyes scan the room, looking for anything dangerous, of import, maybe even Raven.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>March 08, 2014, 08:40:36 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Tuesday 13th August 11:00<br><br>The Quayside<br><br>Jessica</strong><br><br>The photos are shots of him and a girl taken by himself - arms length and badly framed - in a restaurant somewhere.&nbsp; Quite a posh one, from what little you can see.&nbsp; The girl is either Christina Hendricks or someone who looks so like her as to be frankly terrifying.&nbsp; She's also cuddled up to him, his arm round her, and is kissing his cheek in one of them.&nbsp; Sure, she's an actress but she certainly <em>looks</em> like half of a couple.<br><br>"She's the lass from Mad Men.&nbsp; Can't remember her name, Joan Harris in the show.&nbsp; I asked for her for fucking ages.&nbsp; But yeah.&nbsp; There was a guy I was talking to as well, he emailed me.&nbsp; Put an advert up on Craigslist.&nbsp; Never told me his name.&nbsp; I was meant to be meeting him later but I think that's the best lead I got if you are fresh out of ideas.<br><br>"That's assuming..." he looks faintly pathetic for a moment, probably not intentionally "...you'll let me stick with you?&nbsp; I can email him?&nbsp; Find out where he is?&nbsp; We could meet him?&nbsp; I don't know."<br><br><hr><br><strong><br>Tuesday 13th August 11:00<br><br>31 Ebor Street, Heaton<br><br>Norm, Miyo</strong><br><br>The two rooms off the landing are both bedrooms.&nbsp; The one on the right is an absolute tip - it's not clear whether the drawers have been emptied on to the floor recently or if the inhabitant lives in squalor.&nbsp; There is a small pathway through the crap all over the floor leading to the bed though, and then from the bed to a desk, so you're tempted by the latter.&nbsp; A bookshelf over the bed contains a number of books on Chemical Engineering and the clothing littering the floor is exclusively male.&nbsp; The room also reeks of cigarette smoke and there's a piled high ashtray next to the computer.<br><br>The left is far tidier, and also has a double bed.&nbsp; A desk in the corner with a laptop on it, surrounded by books on German language and grammar.&nbsp; A laundry hamper in the other corner - female clothing indicates that the owner is also female, though you suppose its no guarantee.&nbsp; If she is though then judging by the size of a bra laying on top of the dirty clothes she is in pretty desperate need of a chiropractor and likely has no problem getting drinks bought for her.<br><br>The music from upstairs stops suddenly when Norm speaks and there's a muffled conversation.&nbsp; He can't pick up the words, but Miyo catches them:<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Miyo</div><div class="spoiler_body">FEMALE VOICE 1:&nbsp; Is that them?<br>MALE VOICE 1: It was definitely something.<br>FEMALE VOICE 2: I thought they flew?&nbsp; Surely they fly?<br>FEMALE VOICE 3 (exasperated and commanding): Nikki, shut up. James, take this and see who it is.&nbsp; Jess, just keep still - we're nearly done.</div></div><br>A moment later the door at the top of the stairs opens revealing a male, maybe aged around twenty.&nbsp; He's in pretty poor physical shape with a pot belly hanging way over the belt of his trousers and pulling at the arms of his black t-shirt.&nbsp; He is, however, holding a handgun and pointing it down the stairs at you.&nbsp; His hand's shaking, you can't help but notice, and he looks terrified.&nbsp; Or maybe he just sweats all the time, that's possible as well.<br><br>"Who..." he looks anxiously back into the room - because of the angle you can only see the ceiling at the moment.&nbsp; "Are you..who are you?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>darras</strong> on <strong>March 09, 2014, 02:28:55 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Jessica</strong><br><br>Jess raises a surprised eyebrow at the sight of a woman who is most probably Christina Hendricks in the photograph with John. Putting the phone back on the table she is unable to hide her revulsion. "So Joan just compels these women to .. you know? That's just.. Aren't you able to get pretty women on the strengths of your personality?" The words tumble from her mouth before she can quite stop herself and she flushes with embarrassment. <br><br>"Sorry.. I just.. This all makes me very uncomfortable. No more of the weird compelling women thing, right? Just focus on sorting this tangled pile of shit out. Get Honer's back, get <i>you</i> back, go back to our normal lives. Sound good?" She eyes her whiskey solemnly for a moment before tipping the glass and downing the entire drink in one go. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>March 11, 2014, 03:52:55 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Norm</strong><br><br>The two rooms on the second story are cursorily inspected, but they don't seem to anything interesting.&nbsp; Norm continues to lead the way, pushing further down the hallway and to the stairs which, he assumes, lead up toward the attic.&nbsp; He hears music--presumably the whalesong he heard earlier--and voices. <br><br>"...definitely something."<br>"I thought they flew? Surely they fly?"<br>"Nikki, shut up. James, take this and see who it is.&nbsp; Jess, just keep still - we're nearly done."<br><br>And then the door opens, revealing a man who looks like he collects Star Wars action figurines and invests heavily in comic books.&nbsp; &nbsp;That doesn't alarm Norm so much as the fact that he's holding a gun.&nbsp; Norm raises his own roofward, lifting his hands in a gesture of peace.<br><br>"Easy there, son.&nbsp; We're not here to make trouble.&nbsp; We just got a report that someone named Raven Moonshadow was in trouble and we came here to investigate."&nbsp; He realizes he doesn't look much like a bobbie, but with any luck the young man might believe he is.&nbsp; Nothing that Norm said was a lie, anyway.&nbsp; He stands where he is, waiting for the other man to respond. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>March 13, 2014, 04:44:48 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Tuesday 13th August 11:00<br><br>The Quayside<br><br>Jessica</strong><br><br>He looks genuinely horrified for a moment and shakes his head quickly.&nbsp; "No.&nbsp; Oh...oh gods no.&nbsp; No, its not like that at all.&nbsp; Jeez, is that seriously what you think of me?&nbsp; Man, why on earth am I not wearing my drink right now.&nbsp; No, honestly its not like that.&nbsp; Compelling them's just...you know.&nbsp; Volunteers make better lovers and all that.&nbsp; No honestly, I promise you.&nbsp; Nothing like that.&nbsp; It's...no.&nbsp; Ugh.<br><br>"Shiiiit.&nbsp; Was that really how I was coming across?&nbsp; I need to sober up."&nbsp; He stares thoughtfully at his pint and then knocks half of it back with a shrug.&nbsp; "Later.&nbsp; I need to sober up later.&nbsp; Now, I need to do what you said.&nbsp; That getting me and Honer's back.&nbsp; Can you drive Coffee Girl?&nbsp; I probably can't.&nbsp; We've gone through all the information we have, haven't we.&nbsp; Need new input, rather than just chewing over the same.&nbsp; We can go see Jean who doesn't remember me.&nbsp; But you might be able to get something from her.&nbsp; Or we can see Helen - demon girl.&nbsp; Or... I dunno.&nbsp; The kid isn't getting back to me and I'm not sure where he is so outside of those two I'm fresh out of ideas."&nbsp; He digs a 2p out of his pocket and flips it but leaves it covered.<br><br>"Unless you got a preference?&nbsp; Care to call?"<br><br><hr><br>[/b]Tuesday 13th August 11:05<br><br>31 Ebor Street, Heaton<br><br>Norm, Miyo<strong><br><br>He seems a little unsure, though the gun does drop to face the ground, and turns to look at someone out of sight in the room.&nbsp; A female voice floats through, exasperation literally dripping out of it.&nbsp; Frustration that everyone else in the world is so stupid and slow.&nbsp; <br><br>"For fuck's sake, James.&nbsp; Obviously it's not them.&nbsp; Find out what is going on.&nbsp; Deal.&nbsp; With.&nbsp; The.&nbsp; Fucking.&nbsp; Situation.&nbsp; OK, Jess.&nbsp; Get ready.&nbsp; Nikki, get them lit.&nbsp; Start on that one then clockwise."<br><br>James casts a last longing look back in to the room then turns his attention back to you.&nbsp; He's still nervous but also now embarrassed.&nbsp; Or something similar to embarrassed.&nbsp; Desperate to prove his competence to the irritated voice out of sight.<br><br>"There are a few problems, but we've got them under control.&nbsp; What..." he licks his lips slightly while he thinks.&nbsp; "You got a report?"</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>March 14, 2014, 02:53:02 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Norm</strong><br><br>"Yeah.&nbsp; Er..."&nbsp; Norm wishes Bran was here.&nbsp; For some reason, the way he explained it seem to make a lot more sense than anything Norm could possibly say.&nbsp; He keeps his hands up, his gun pointed toward the roof.<br><br>"I'm not an officer.&nbsp; I'm here on behalf of..."&nbsp; he blinks.&nbsp; Who was it he was here on behalf of, exactly?&nbsp; &nbsp;Goddamnit, Bran.&nbsp; Where the hell are you? For some reason, he doesn't think this James person will respond well to saying, "some random well-wisher who fancies himself King of Newcastle."&nbsp; <br><br>He inserts the only name he can think of. "Michael Tannen.&nbsp; You know him?&nbsp; He said Raven Moonshadow called him, something about mechanical toilet snakes threatening to eat her baby.&nbsp; Or something."&nbsp; <br><br>He takes a step forward.&nbsp; "Look, kid.&nbsp; To be honest with you, I have no idea what the hell is going on.&nbsp; It's been a crazy morning.&nbsp; All I know is that we're--" he gestures behind him to Miyo--"supposed to escort Miss Moonshadow safely to the King's Head pub." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>darras</strong> on <strong>March 16, 2014, 11:04:09 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Jessica</strong><br><br>"There was a kid?" Jessica frowns, "Did I forget you mentioning that earlier or is this kid new? Who is the kid?" She shakes her head as if trying to shake an uncomfortable thought out. "I'm probably better able to drive than you.. I call heads, let's just get on with it. The sooner this day is in my past the better!" She looks down at her pint for a moment before pushing it away. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>March 16, 2014, 06:07:01 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Tuesday 13th August 11:00<br><br>The Quayside<br><br>Jessica</strong><br><br>"There was a kid.&nbsp; He might be new, I'm not sure.&nbsp; I keep losing track of myself a little bit, to be honest.&nbsp; I think I drank that a little fast."&nbsp; He grins and uncovers the Queen's Head laying on the back of his hand.<br><br>"Heads it is.&nbsp; Which means...fuck, I'm useless at this.&nbsp; I didn't actually decide.&nbsp; It means the girl, why not."&nbsp; He drains the last of his pint and stands up.&nbsp; <br><br>"The kid.&nbsp; He emailed me.&nbsp; I put an advert up about if anyone knew where Honer's was and he got back to me saying he'd missed it as well.&nbsp; Not replying to me now, though, and his phone's engaged.&nbsp; I don't know anyone who can trace it, do you?"&nbsp; He starts to offer you his arm but then apparently thinks better of it and so ends up flapping his elbow awkwardly like someone doing a chicken impression.&nbsp; Instead heads towards the door and, eventually, his car.<br><br><hr><br><strong>Tuesday 13th August 11:05<br><br>31 Ebor Street, Heaton<br><br>Norm, Miyo</strong><br><br>He starts to say something but is interrupted by a shout from inside the room.&nbsp; "I heard all of that.&nbsp; Take them down into Jess' room.&nbsp; She'll be ready in a bit and we'll get her to check them."<br><br>James nods, grateful that someone is taking charge, apparently, even if that someone does seem to think he's an idiot who should have known to do that by himself.&nbsp; From back in the room a low chanting starts up in a female duet - you can't really make out words and the odd snippet you do catch sounds like Latin.&nbsp; James gestures with his free hand, the gun still pointed at the floor.<br><br>"I don't know where that is.&nbsp; But why don't you two sit in there" he points at the female's room off the landing "for just two minutes.&nbsp; There's....there's robot snakes, yeah, but we're not letting you upstairs until we know who you are.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>darras</strong> on <strong>March 17, 2014, 04:40:19 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Jessica</strong><br><br>Jessica stares at his chicken impression arm with a slight smile before shaking her head as she follows him in a bewildered fog of automatic responses. "No, I don't know anyone who can do stuff like that. What was his name? Maybe he shows up on google, did you try that?" <br><br>She picks at her coffee stained shirt with a slight frown of distaste as they reach the car and then holds her hand out for the keys. "We need to drop by my place first, I need some fresh clothes...again."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>March 17, 2014, 09:13:02 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Norm</strong><br><br>Norm shrugs.&nbsp; He glances back at Miyo, with a "what the hell do we do now?" expression.&nbsp; Dammit, Bran, where did you go?&nbsp; <br><br>"All right," he consents to the James kid, unless Miyo has a better idea.&nbsp; He doesn't like the sound of the chanting going on upstairs, but he's not going to do anything rash while James has a gun. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>March 20, 2014, 03:49:24 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Miyo</strong><br><br>All Miyo can think is: <em>Well, that escalated quickly. </em> She wonders now, considering that James, Jess, and Nikki are here to deal with the snakes, if those critters really do fly. She's not about to disagree with the dude holding a gun, so she sits her rump down. She tries to sneakily pull out her phone without those people noticing (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=56149) to text Micheal Tannen, texting a simple message as fast as she possibly can: <strong>Problem. At a "Raven Moonshadow's" house. Know who a Jess, Nikki, or James might be?</strong> Maybe he'll know more about these people...and will get back to her in time to figure out what''s going on here. And if that chanting is Bad News.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>March 22, 2014, 09:01:11 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Tuesday 13th August 11:00<br><br>En route to Chez Jessica<br><br>Jessica</strong><br><br>"Never got his name."&nbsp; He hands you the keys.&nbsp; It's a nice car, a damn nice one, and you vaguely feel you should be wearing patent leather driving gloves.&nbsp; You don't have any, though, and if he does they're not in the door pocket.&nbsp; Just a selection of CDs.&nbsp; Two Aerosmith albums, a copy of Appetite For Destruction and the three CD box set "World's Greatest Rock Ballads".<br><br>He rummages in the glove compartment as he sits in the passenger seat and pulls out a book as you put the car into gear and head off.&nbsp; It's the distinctive black and yellow of the something or other for dummies series, but you didn't catch the title. He pulls a pen from a breast pocket and begins annotating and doesn't look up as he says.<br><br>"I guess I'll stay in the car while you change?&nbsp; Probably, you know, probably the best thing.&nbsp; Then we'll head over to Helen's"<br><br><hr><br><strong>Tuesday 13th August 11:05<br><br>31 Ebor Street, Heaton<br><br>Norm, Miyo</strong><br><br>Miyo gets the text off and noone shouts "Hey, stop sending texts" so she's pretty certain that it went unnoticed.&nbsp; It'll likely take a moment or two before he replies, though, and in that moment the chanting from above reaches a crescendo:<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">ecce faciem et figuram ejus per quem omnia facta et cui omnes obediunt creaturae</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>and then there's a smash - a dropped glass or something.&nbsp; James looks, you wouldn't have believed it possible, even more nervous and shuffles his feet as silence breaks out above you.&nbsp; <br><br>Only for a moment though, as then there's a...a "flopping" sound.&nbsp; Something being dragged downstairs you quickly place.&nbsp; Scrape, thud.&nbsp; Scrape, thud.&nbsp; Scraping across the stair, thudding down to the next one.&nbsp; James looks out of the room and swallows nervously a couple of times, scratches his side awkwardly and moves out of the doorway.<br><br>A moment later he's replaced by a female.&nbsp; Naked and relatively large breasted, designs in marker pen covering her body.&nbsp; At first you think she's tall, but then you realise that's not quite the case.&nbsp; Her feet are dangling, the toes brushing the floor as if she's suspended and when she moves into the room she glides easily, dragging her the tips of them across the floor without moving her legs.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Norm, Miyo</div><div class="spoiler_body">Can I get a Rank 6 Unnatural check from you both please.&nbsp; Shout in the OOC if that makes no sense.&nbsp; Pass or fail, feel free to write your reaction after you've made the roll (or had me clarify what I mean)</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>March 22, 2014, 09:50:46 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Miyo</strong><br><br>Miyo watches the thing, which hasn't attacked, exactly, but she can't help but view the female creature as sinister. She edges toward Norm and hisses out of the corner of her mouth, shifty-eyed and wary, "<em>Nooooormmm</em>....you still got that gun?" James, the dude with the gun who had intimidated them, is not in the doorway or too close, and Miyo wonders if Norm would be able to get off a good shot. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>March 24, 2014, 02:39:28 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Norm</strong><br><br>Although his inclination is initially to shout "What the fuck?" in a very loud volume, he's seen enough today to question everything he thought he knew.&nbsp; The way Bran had explained it, the woman--Helen McClean or Raven Moonshadow or whatever she deigned to call herself--was adept at summoning demons, so it should really come as no surprise whatsoever that she had, apparently, summoned a demon.&nbsp; Typically, this was Bad News.&nbsp; As Terry Pratchett had once put it, trying to summon demons to fight your enemies for you is like trying to beat them to death with a rattlesnake--there was a very good chance that it would come back to bite you.<br><br>Still, he didn't hear any screaming, or any telltale wet, splashy sounds of anyone getting ripped to shreds.&nbsp; Who knows, perhaps this could be a <em>good</em> demon?<br><br>Yeah, right.<br><br>Still, he keeps the gun lowered for now, even though he does back up a few steps.&nbsp; <br><br>"Miss Moonshadow, I presume?"&nbsp; he addresses the thing floating in mid-air.&nbsp; &nbsp;Or whatever is currently possessing her, although it's probably safe to assume that it is her body, at the very least.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>March 25, 2014, 06:24:58 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Miyo</strong><br><br>Miyo wonders if that really is Raven Moonsahdow, and scrutinizes the freaky floating thing closely (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=56299) to try to be sure. At least it didn't attack them outright, so that was a point in it's favor, but she was getting a bad feeling about that creature. It was floating, didn't seem to be on their side, and had appeared after a likely evil eldritch ritual. That just didn't bode well for anything in the current situation.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>March 25, 2014, 08:07:26 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Tuesday 13th August 11:05<br><br>31 Ebor Street, Heaton<br><br>Norm, Miyo</strong><br><br>At Norm's question the floating girl turns - rotates, really, she simply turns on the spot without any movement from limbs - and gives a single nod.&nbsp; Miyo's scrutiny reveals little.&nbsp; Naked female, probably early twenties.&nbsp; Covered in scrawls (they look vaguely Celtic, but she's no expert).&nbsp; Eyes rolled back in her head so only the white's are visible.<br><br>She glides into the room further, James scurries to get out of her way, and is followed in by two more similarly aged females.&nbsp; One you recognise from the photos of the hockey player in the ground floor bathroom, although now she is wearing an elaborate black dress, it looks like a wedding dress that has been died black in all honesty.&nbsp; The girl next to her is wearing the same form of dress, although the details vary.&nbsp; She has more beading on the bodice, hockey girl more lace on the overskirt, but the feel is the same.&nbsp; The two of them walk in to the room and past the floating girl to stare at you.<br><br>The one you don't recognise speaks, her voice is the pissy and irritated one you heard earlier.<br><br>"No.&nbsp; She is currently the earthly form of an angel."&nbsp; Behind her, noticed only by you two, the floating gives a single shake of her head.&nbsp; Everyone else is facing the wrong direction though.&nbsp; "I'm Raven Moonshadow" the speaker continues, again to a shake of the head behind her.<br><br>She turns slightly so she can see both you and the floating girl - "You said I rang Michael Tannen about mechanical toilet snakes?"&nbsp; There is a nod from the 'angel' and Raven frowns for a moment.<br><br>"Of course.&nbsp; Let me rephrase.&nbsp; Did Michael Tannen say I had called him about mechanical toilet snakes?"&nbsp; The naked girl shakes her head once and Raven continues.&nbsp; "I would like you to explain what you're doing here, and what is going on."<br><br>Another nod.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>darras</strong> on <strong>March 29, 2014, 01:02:24 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Jessica</strong><br><br>Jessica nods as she opens the car door, "You've likely got enough women in your phone without adding the likes of me." She smiles to defuse the jibe before climbing out of the car. She's back in a surprisingly short amount of time having changed into yet another set of jeans, t-shirt and soft hoodie. Opening the driver door she slides in, trying to get a look at his book. "Is that the Dummy's Guide to Weird Shit?" She doesn't really wait for an answer before turning the key to start the engine. "Where are we going to find this Helen girl then?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>April 02, 2014, 09:13:04 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Tuesday 13th August 11:00<br><br>En route to Chez Jessica<br><br>Jessica</strong><br><br>He lifts the book so you can see the title - "Astrology for Dummies" - and laughs.&nbsp; "Not that weird.&nbsp; Or maybe it is.&nbsp; Hey, when's your birthday?"&nbsp; He folds his page down and flips to an earlier section.&nbsp; "And what time?&nbsp; And where?&nbsp; Anyway..."<br><br>He fiddles with the CD player and you get a burst of keyboard - GMaj, 2nd inv Cmaj, FMaj, Gmaj.&nbsp; You know it, everyone in the world knows it.&nbsp; "I get up, and nothing gets me down.&nbsp; You gotta talk.&nbsp; I seen the toughest around"&nbsp; But before David Lee Roth can cut in he apparently remembers he's not driving and turns it off again.<br><br>"Sorry.&nbsp; Habit.&nbsp; Errrm, she lives with some housemates.&nbsp; Or did at least, but I figure they'll have a forwarding address if she's moved out.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>darras</strong> on <strong>April 07, 2014, 01:54:57 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Jessica</strong><br><br>Jessica flinches visibly as the music booms out, only relaxing again once it is turned down. "Not convinced my eardrums want to function anymore." She mutters drily. <br><br><br>"Housemates, sure. But you've got to give me an address, John, or we're going to be driving around in circles all day." She strokes the steering wheel appreciatively, "Not that I don't enjoy driving this car.. But you know. Missing buildings, demons being summoned, sanity swiftly departing through the window and all that jazz."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>April 08, 2014, 09:06:42 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Norm</strong><br><br>"Something like that, something like that," says Norm, keeping his eyes on the naked floating girl.&nbsp; He isn't sure exactly what's going on here--the interaction between her and the others reminds him a bit of that between a celebrity and her pushy, overprotective agents: part valued asset, part prisoner.&nbsp; &nbsp;She doesn't seem hostile, but this definitely pushes the boundaries of Weird, and to say that Norm feels out of his element would be an understatement.&nbsp; Oh, well, nothing for it but to dive in headfirst and hope he doesn't drown.<br><br>"Maybe it wasn't Michael Tannen.&nbsp; Maybe it was someone else," Norm concedes.&nbsp; "I'm not sure who it was, but I think they were affiliated with the King's Head Pub.&nbsp; &nbsp;At least, that's what I hear.&nbsp; I wasn't there myself--the person who knows stepped outside to take a phone call."&nbsp; <em>Dammit, Bran.&nbsp; You run around talking to everybody and everything on your own, and then when we need you the most you go and disappear.&nbsp; Where the hell are you?</em><br><br>"Look," he says, realizing that the momentum of conversation is turning against him. "I'm just an average bloke, an accountant who goes to work one morning to discover that, whoops, the company he works for is gone.&nbsp; Vanished.&nbsp; Not just the company--the entire building.&nbsp; Apparently there's a secret war, or at least a power struggle, going on between the various pub owners and highway engineers and McDonald's managers of the world, and you, my gel," he points to Miss Pissy McIrritated, "have the remains of what can only be described as a clockwork snake protruding from your toilet downstairs.&nbsp; "I have no idea what any of it means, only that I have been sent by..." he snaps his fingers.&nbsp; "Percy, Ron Percy, that's the name, to help Miss Moonshadow and escort her back to the King's Head.&nbsp; I assume that if I do this, then things will be explained to me."<br><br>He doesn't raise the gun, but he does tap it against his hip, reminding everyone that he's still an angry man with a firearm who is demanding some answers. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>April 14, 2014, 05:53:50 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Miyo</strong><br><br>After the initial panic subsides at seeing the floating chick, Miyo feels a sense of trepidation, knowing that this fake woman claiming to be Raven can't be up to any good. Certainly the woman hasn't tried to hurt them, but...Miyo doesn't trust her to remain particularly calm, either. She watches the reactions, the nods of the supposed real Raven as the other woman talked. The pissy woman claimed that the being behind them was the earthly form of an angel, and the floating girl disagreed. Then the speaker claimed to be Raven, and the floating girl once again quietly disagreed. But when the woman asked for an explanation and about Tannen, the floating girl...possibly Raven, nodded at the question of calling Michael Tannen but shook her head at the question of whether Tannen stated she'd called.<br><br>Tricky. Miyo wonders if this chick was some sort of impostor controlling the real Raven who was transformed...although she was wondering if that was a leap of paranoia more Norm-worthy. What kind of craziness was that kind of thought? This magic stuff was getting to her.<br><br>Miyo points at Norm and says to the two women in the room, watching as subtly as she can to see how the floating being reacts, "I'm with him, and yeah, the name you're looking for is Ron Percy." She raises an eyebrow and asks, "And considering that yeah, you guys did have a mechanical snake, did you <em>not </em>call anybody about that? Because someone called <em>somebody</em>, damn it." She's reluctant to mention Tannen at this point to a group of people that look like liars.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>April 22, 2014, 06:35:35 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Tuesday 13th August 11:05<br><br>31 Ebor Street, Heaton<br><br>Norm, Miyo</strong><br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Nods and Shakes</div><div class="spoiler_body">Norm:<br><br>"Maybe it wasn't Michael Tannen.&nbsp; Maybe it was someone else," <br>Nod<br><br>"I'm not sure who it was, but I think they were affiliated with the King's Head Pub." <br>Nod<br><br>"At least, that's what I hear.&nbsp; I wasn't there myself--the person who knows stepped outside to take a phone call."&nbsp; <br>Nod<br><br>"Look,I'm just an average bloke, an accountant who goes to work one morning to discover that, whoops, the company he works for is gone.&nbsp; Vanished.&nbsp; Not just the company--the entire building."<br>Nod<br><br>"Apparently there's a secret war, or at least a power struggle, going on between the various pub owners and highway engineers and McDonald's managers of the world,"<br>Shake<br><br>"and you, my gel," he points to Miss Pissy McIrritated, "have the remains of what can only be described as a clockwork snake protruding from your toilet downstairs."<br>Shake<br><br>"I have no idea what any of it means, only that I have been sent by..." he snaps his fingers.&nbsp; "Percy, Ron Percy, that's the name, to help Miss Moonshadow and escort her back to the King's Head.&nbsp; I assume that if I do this, then things will be explained to me."<br>Shake<br><br>Miyo:<br>"I'm with him, and yeah, the name you're looking for is Ron Percy." <br>Nod<br><br>"And considering that yeah, you guys did have a mechanical snake, did you not call anybody about that? Because someone called somebody, damn it"<br>Nod<br></div></div><br>As Norm and Miyo talk there are constant glances from the students to the floating girl to see her various nods and shakes of the head.<br><br>"It's gone!" James queries, looking very worried, when Norm's comment about the clockwork snake is met with a shake of the head but Prissy McIrritated, the girl who introduced herself as Raven, cuts him off with prissy irritation "Of course not.&nbsp; Her issue is with the can only be described as."<br><br>She drums her fingers on her side for a moment then takes a step back to keep everyone in her line of sight.&nbsp; After each statement she glances to check there's a nod - each one is indeed met with a nod.<br><br>"There are more attackers in this house" Check<br><br>"There are things in this house that are dangerous if disturbed"&nbsp; Check<br><br>"The attackers could disturb things"&nbsp; Check<br><br>"Leaving this house prevents us from preventing that" Check<br><br>She nods, the nod of self-satisfaction given by someone who is generally right about things being right about things.<br><br>"I think it would be easiest if you two checked the hot water tank above while I closed down rituals."&nbsp; She glances at the floating girl and frowns when she sees that statement is met with a nod then smiles as realisation strikes.<br><br>"I think it would be easiest <em>for me</em> if you two checked the hot water tank above while I closed down rituals." She smiles and nods to herself when this slightly reworded statement gets the nod of approval.<br><br><br><hr><br><strong>Tuesday 13th August 11:00<br><br>En route to Chez Jessica<br><br>Jessica</strong><br><br>"Sure, sure, address"&nbsp; He nods enthusiastically and twitches a bit, tapping the spine of his book with his index finger quickly.&nbsp; "It's over in Studentland.&nbsp; Errrr.&nbsp; I'm just going to open this door.&nbsp; Need a bit of fresh air."<br><br>He does so and leans out, not leaving the car, to take a few deep breaths.&nbsp; When he looks back at you he gives an embarrassed laugh.&nbsp; "I can't even remember if my memory is what it used to be.&nbsp; It's York Street.&nbsp; Or...&nbsp; Or something like that.&nbsp; Not York.&nbsp; Jorvik?&nbsp; Ouse?&nbsp; Something...Ebor!&nbsp; It's Ebor street.&nbsp; I don't remember the number but I'll know it when I see it."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>darras</strong> on <strong>April 22, 2014, 02:06:19 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Jessica</strong><br><br>"John I am trying really hard not to heave a sigh here." Jessica informs him with a level tone of voice, "<em>Really</em> hard. I just wanted you to know that before I failed." With that said, Jessica rolls her eyes and sighs heavily. <br><br>"Ok, that's done. Ebor street it is." Jess puts the car into gear and pulls out smoothly, trying to enjoy driving the beautiful vehicle while she can instead of focusing on anything more.. upsetting. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>April 27, 2014, 04:24:39 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Tuesday 13th August 11:00<br><br>Ebor Street<br><br>Jessica</strong><br><br><br>You drive smoothly and easily to the student area.&nbsp; It really is a very nice car, well worth the money it doubtless cost.&nbsp; You brake smoothly to let a crazy person carrying a billboard pass in front of you ("Repent.&nbsp; The End is Nigh.&nbsp; Genesis 3:1") and effortlessly overtake a van at the traffic lights ("Alphard Reptiles").&nbsp; John leafs through his Dummies guide as you drive, occasionally glancing up to misdirect you ("Right here.&nbsp; No, sorry, turn round.&nbsp; It wasn't right here")<br><br>You eventually reach Ebor Street (https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@54.985464,-1.573076,17z) though and slow down to a crawl so John can shout "That one.&nbsp; No.&nbsp; Wait.&nbsp; Hang on" four separate times.&nbsp; Eventually he's "pretty sure" it's one where the front door is wide open&nbsp; but "can't rule out" one on the other side and further down.&nbsp; <br><br>As he vacillates a young boy, a few years younger than you and wearing a school uniform, comes out of the open door.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>darras</strong> on <strong>April 28, 2014, 02:22:49 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Jessica</strong><br><br>By this point Jess has had it up to the eyeballs with John and his terrible directions. Ignoring him completely she throws the car door open and jumps out to apprehend the boy. "Excuse me!" She calls to get his attention, "Hi." She gives a faintly embarrassed smile. <br><br>"I'm looking for a girl called Helen, apparently she lives on this road somewhere. Do you happen to know which house is the one I'm after?" <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kythia</strong> on <strong>May 03, 2014, 07:18:50 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Tuesday 13th August 11:00<br><br>Ebor Street<br><br>Jessica</strong><br><br>He looks up at you in faint surprise.&nbsp; "That's a bit vague" he has a faint Welsh accent "there could be a lot of Helen's on this road.&nbsp; But..."&nbsp; he looks back at the ajar door behind him thoughtfully and chuckles to himself.<br><br>"My guess is you want to be in there" he glances behind you as John arrives.&nbsp; "Without a surname or anything I don't know, but if I had to guess which Helen random strangers might want...yeah.&nbsp; Did Ron Percy send you?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>darras</strong> on <strong>May 06, 2014, 01:10:18 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Jessica</strong><br><br>Jess sighs, "Vague is currently the story of my life." She tells the boy with yet another apologetic smile. "Mr. Vague behind me here sent me." She turns to fix John with a 'look'. "Know this Ron Percy guy?" &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br><br>While she waits for an answer she considers the open door that the boy indicated, wondering what she would find behind it. And if it would manage to eclipse the weird that she had already seen that day.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Blythe</strong> on <strong>May 10, 2014, 04:14:54 pm</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Miyo</strong><br><br>Miyo flinches as she watches the nods and shakes of the floating apparition's head. Whatever the floating woman truly is, Miyo cannot say, although if she could be alone with the apparition for even a moment, she could use that nod/shake system to try to figure this out more concretely. But one thing is for sure. There are attackers in the house remaining and they can disturb things. She's grateful Norm has a gun, because she didn't have the foresight to get a decent weapon. <br><br>Miyo the martial artist extraordinaire would just have to do, if they met with any beasties. Hopefully.<br><br>She murmurs to Norm, hoping to murmur quietly enough for those present not to overhear, "What do you think of all this? I'm not armed, and that worries me, but...I don't think we should leave, either."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Unknown Armies - IC</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Remiel</strong> on <strong>May 11, 2014, 10:23:05 am</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Norm</strong><br><br>Norm merely grunts in response to Prissy McIrritated.&nbsp; He's not entirely sure he can trust her--he's more inclined to trust the naked girl floating behind her, even if Miss McIrritated <em>is</em> acting as her interpreter.&nbsp; "The hot water tank?&nbsp; Where's that?&nbsp; In the attic, I'm guessing?"&nbsp; Either that or on the roof.&nbsp; Hey, she did mention <em>above</em>.&nbsp; "All right.&nbsp; You're the boss.&nbsp; For now.&nbsp; We deal with whatever it is that's threatening whatever it is you lot are trying to do here and Miss Moonshadow comes with us, to the King's Head pub.&nbsp; Although I think we should put some clothes on her first.&nbsp; I don't know how the common folk of Newcastle will react to a naked girl bobbing down the street like a balloon.&nbsp; Deal?"<br><br>He walks away before she has a chance to answer.<br><br>"I honestly have no idea," he answers Miyo, without a trace of guile (http://thug-geek.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/381564-street_fighter_2_special_champion_edition___guild_bio.jpg).&nbsp; "My Spidey-sense is telling me that some seriously weird shit is about to go down.&nbsp; And considering all we've seen today,&nbsp; that's some <em>seriously</em> weird shit."&nbsp; He considers her.&nbsp; "You want the gun?&nbsp; I'm sure I can find a hockey stick or a pipe or something around here somewhere."&nbsp; He hands her the pistol, grip-first.
			</dd>
		</dl>
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