[Game Thread] Session 3: MedStar hospital

[wodine]

MedStar I am merely a corsair on sailing vessel doomed to traverse the waters of the sea of Destiny, ever roiled and turned by my uncle Gandareva. Farhad smiled at the seer, Though if you prefer a more tangible answer, I was seeing to a friend whose mother has taken ill. Farhad watched as the man bristled at hid appearance – of course that was understandable. Those who are moved like pieces on a chessboard often resent the hand, even if it is to keep the pawns alive. The past is the past, the realm of 𐎠𐎼𐎫𐎧𐏁𐏂𐎠, a place I do not tread. Farhad listened as the man laid out some simple terms, and Farhad, clicked along side him, the sound of the cane rhythmically announcing his arrival. Farhad shares a few pleasantries as much as he can with Victor until they are isolated, either due to a lack of public awareness or an overwhelming presence of the public mask them as two faceless men going about their nighttime business. Another friend of mine paid me a visit the other day, Mr. Young. Word of your deeds have gone far indeed, in fact it seems that they made it all the way to the F.B.I. Farhad annunciated each letter, his strange accent, ancient and foreign, dabbled with the fading transatlantic flair of his heyday. Now I normally try to keep my nose out of the business of others, but your business continues to cross paths with my own. The items you acquired came from my dear, sweet friend Nazanin – a woman who was casting dice and reading tarot before our Ms. Beal even walked the earth. Not a woman to cross, and whatever you took – Farhad quickly raised his hand, a long-clawed finger covered in rings of gold and silver reaching towards the sky, but as quickly as it appeared the shift in the light left his hand unremarkable, golden flesh and manicured nails. Do NOT tell me what you took, it is better for everyone if I do not know. – has also gained the interest of the previously mentioned organization, who warned me under great penalty, that I am not to interact or interfere with the item. Farhad took a breath and looked at Victor, trying to read him, how much did he know, or was he just another aimless man wandering the city streets trying to find himself – the wolf but in different clothing. I have no doubt that you were… directed? Pointed at? Hired? To collect the items from Nazanin, I could perhaps, smooth things over for you, if I knew who that was, and could redirect the woman’s ire. And I assure you, no matter the wrath of which you are accustomed to from women, she has had several lifetimes to perfect hers.

OoC "What is your beef with me" – Farhad has no personal ‘beef’ or vendetta. He is annoyed that you stole from his girl Nazanin, and even more annoyed that yet again the FBI is bothering him about Victor who seems blissfully unaware of the toes upon which he steps. – okay maybe more than annoyed. Frustrated. Farhad will also ask, “Who’s pulling your character’s strings? “ Farhad assumes that robbing Nazanin wasn’t Victor’s idea – he wants to know who put him up to it. Also, the idea of Farhad trying to use uber, *Chefs Kiss* Farhad is also hoping that his divulging of information and offer to try and clear the air with Naz may clear the current debt owed, but also serves as an olive branch of sorts. And Farhad knows his olives. Additionally Farhad gave up the drug information to the FBI to throw them off the scent of the 'potential' of victor, i.e., his magical senses. Farhad has been playing cat and other cat with the FBI/the Ordo Draconis/the witch hunters/the inquisition for centuries and truly wishes it only on his worst enemies - I might need another round of posting to work that in IC.

[jbear]

Andre, the Wolf The Spectre's voice makes Andre's hackles rise. His yellow eyes flick to the miserable child the Spectre demands he protect. Alone. Adrift. Homeless. Andre knows the aches that accompany park bench beds. He is familiar with the chill that seeps deep into the bones as the body waits earnestly for the thawing touch of dawn. The drift in and out of sleep, skipping time like pebbles to speed the restless mind towards warm daylight. He feels pity. He wonders what her story is, unaware the Spectre has left his side. The girl starts as though a ghost has whispered in her ear, and then the Spectre is beside him again urging him to follow. Before he does, Andre darts throguh the shadows to get a closer look at the Spectre's ward, the girl he has been ordered to protect. To protect her, he will need to learn her scent in order to find her again. The girls eyes turn on him. They pierce the shadows as though he stood beneath a street light. The look freezes Andre in place for a moment as though he has been struck by lightning. More questions are born in the Wolf's mind but one surfs to the top of the froth. What have I gotten myself into? As swiftly as he approached, the Wolf bounds away to catch up with the fading resonance that he perceives of the Spectre. "I will protect the girl, but you should tell me who she is and what I am protecting her from. A blind guard is no guard at all."

[Elanir]

The Spectre Anne Charlotte Beall, the Spectre Anne watched the girl swiftly walk away, almost run to distance herself from the Spectre, and something inside her broke. It felt like abandoning Annie. Worse, it felt like being abandoned by the girl and at the same time not caring enough to follow her. Was this the best she could do? Yes, Anne told herself. NO!, two shrill voices protested, voices that should have been silenced by death long ago. The Spectre turned her back to Annie. She had done all she could. She had found her a guardian much better suited to keeping her safe than she was - fierce, persistent, indomitable. "She is blood, my blood", she replied to the Wolf. "And she is light, a light not of this world. It burns inside her, slowly eating away her flesh, a power neither I nor she can resist. She has the mark of the FaeTylwyth Teg upon her. Whatever they claim, they always take. When that happens, you must protect her. Rend the light with your claws, tear it with your fangs until only the blood remains." Could the Wolf do that? He was powerful, but could he devour the sun? He could. To Anne he was Fenrir, mightier than the dawn. She had to believe in it. "Now follow", she said and felt the city’s shadows shift around her. Unburdened by mortal legs that stumbled and grew tired, Anne cut through the city like a knife through butter. The Wolf kept up. His stamina was unsurpassed. More importantly, he was full of concern and rage. Streets, automobiles, buildings, mortals, they all became blurred as if they were no more real than smudges of watercolor upon a canvas. Until they reach the entrance to the Missionaries’ base, a gaping hole leading to the underworld. "We are here", she declared, hovering near the trap door in the basement with the peeling paint, the cracked walls and the patches of mold. She felt like Charon, taking Orpheus across the Styx to the king of the Hades. But could the Wolf prevail against the sunless realm’s defenders? Could he charm their master, Vox populi, and secure the freedom of his mother? "This passage leads to tunnels, twisted and confusing, forgotten by the ones who built them. And then, an underground city, led by a man whose voice is heard louder than anyone else. Vox populi." The Spectre waited, looking at the Wolf. He was alone. A single beast against a herd of sheep. And a guard dog. One that had not yet revealed its fangs, only its bark. "I will accompany you, but I am a thing of shadows, fleeting and immaterial. If you seek to confront the Godless Missionaries, if you seek to make Vasili relent and undo his deed, you will need allies. the rest of the PCsCall your pack. They must answer. They must come. Then, I will lead you to the rotting heart of the city, so that you can make it stop beating."

 

Roleplaying. Andre will need help confronting the Missionaries, I am not sure of the timing, however, since Mr. Brown hasn’t been contacted yet. I also added Andre’s new debt to Anne!

 

The Spectre Anne Charlotte Beall (born Varney), The Spectre Advancement Advancements Mortality [X] Night [ ] Power [X] Wild [X] Vintage, confused, changing (elegant or neglected), nostalgic, tortured, mercurial Basics Hold 1 Ongoing 0 Stats Blood Heart Mind Spirit 2 0 -1 2 Factions Mortality Night Power Wild 0 1 0 1 Harm Armor=0 Faint [X] ________________ Grievous [ ] [ ] ________________ Critical [ ] [ ] ________________ Scars [ ] -1 BloodShattered [ ] -1 HeartDisfigured [ ] -1 MindFractured [ ] -1 SpiritBroken Moves Corruption [X] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] Corruption Moves text- text- text- text- Drama Moves Corruption Move: When you witness a scene of victimization and do nothing, mark corruption. Intimacy Move: When you share a moment of intimacy -physical or emotional- with another person, you hold 1. Whenever they get into trouble, you can spend your hold to be there. Archetype Moves Manifest: Regular people can’t sense or interact with you unless you manifest. You manifest by spending a few quiet moments concentrating and choosing 2: • You can be heard • You can be seen • You can touch and be touched by the physical world You may mark corruption to instead choose 1 or all 3. Won’t Be Ignored: When you get in the way of someone, treat your roll as a 10+ without rolling. If you distract an NPC, roll with Spirit instead of Mind. ”Wall? What Wall?”: You always have an opening to escape a situation. You can choose an additional option off the list to bring someone with you. On a miss, you attract the attention of dangerous spirits and ghosts in the area. Gear Gear Handkerchief Locket with portraits of her children Bottle of laudanum Wedding ring Diary   Weapon (specs): Letter opener (pocket knife) Debts Debts: Anne owes Farhad 2 debt(s) for reclaiming (= stealing) from him her “serpent’s eye” wedding ring Cole owes Anne 1 debt(s) for being the (distant) descendant of her killer, Thomas Beall Anne owes Brassavola 2 debt(s) for protecting Annie Hayes Anne owes Celia Hershfeld-Reyes 1 debt(s) for the newspaper journalist investigating what happened to Thomas Beall after leaving George Town Celia Hershfeld-Reyes owes Anne 1 debt(s) for for helping her with investigating the supernatural origin of some of the City’s corruption Andre owes Anne 1 debt(s) for for helping him locate Vasili and the Missionaries

[Roekahs]

Victor Young Victor can't decide if he is relieved or disappointed in Farhad falling into stride with him. Communication can be the key to understanding, so talking things out could provide a path to a less tenuous peace. However, Farhad simply walking away would have prevented the discomfort that immediately washes over him as awkward pleasantries and small talk are exchanged. Then things shift. Victor listens passively, taking in each word as they slide off the old man's tongue. His brow wrinkles slightly, imperceptible in the dark. Things. He took some things that are of interest to the old man. At last the old man pauses. "Took some things." The words slip out unconsciously. "Things … things. Don't narrow it down much. I kinda … well, take things on occasion. 'Specially when money's tight." Victor pauses, a realization materializing. "Which is kinda … always right now. But you say the feds is interested. Is that … nevermind." Victor pauses, wracking his brain. What the heck has he taken that would draw the attention of the feds? There is always the drugs and guns, but he usually deals in small enough content to stay off the radar. Besides, he has been doing almost none of that since – he shoots a glance sideways – his present walking buddy snitched on him. That particular well is remarkably dry at the moment. So .. what else? There really haven't been any lucrative jobs that would even … except that one night. Victor hears the prompts. directed? Pointed at? Hired? "Wait. You mean the little fortune shop? Er .. hypothetically. I, uh, heard one got hit. I, uh, heard that was just a little score to level the playing field. The the strings pulled for that missionChoppa Boys wanted to disrupt some shipments to the Lench Mob. That 'teller' was just a front for selling goods." Once more Victor pauses. A silence holds for a long moment. Finally, "Dang." There is a sense of resignation in that single word. "Seems like everybody's got me by the short and curlies all the time! Just surviving is another shovel full o' dirt out the hole I'm already waist deep in. Not much left at this point except the executioner's bullet. Er ... hypothetically." Victor stops suddenly, in the middle of the sidewalk. A deep breath in, and then out as he looks upward at the stars glinting between the buildings. Still staring at the sky the words spill out, not directed at anyone in particular. "It ain't just concrete and brick, power lines and sewer lines, cops and robbers. It's a whole dang other world living inside the real world. Maybe I sound crazy. Maybe I am. I seen some stuff that weren't just normal city stuff. Well, maybe it is normal city stuff, but it ain't what everyone thinks is normal. Wait ..." Victor lowers his gaze to focus on Farhad, "You said … lifetimes." OOC To my recollection, Victor has no reason to realize that Farhad is a part of the supernatural. As part of the forthcoming revelation that Farhad is interested in preserving the 'potential' of Victor, I think we can perhaps put an intimacy moment on the table.   Victor Young, The Aware Hold 2 Ongoing 0 Stats Blood Heart Mind Spirit -1 1 2 0 Factions Mortality Night Power Wild 1 1 1 -1 Corruption [ X ] [ X ] [X] [ ] [ ] Corruption Moves text- text- text- text- Harm Armor=0 Faint [ ] ________________ Grievous [ ] [ ] ________________ Critical [ ] [ ] ________________ Scars [ ] -1 BloodShattered [ ] -1 HeartDisfigured [ ] -1 MindFractured [ ] -1 SpiritBroken Drama Moves Corruption Move: When you ignore your mortal responsibilities to deal with the supernatural, mark corruption. Intimacy Move: When you share a moment of intimacy with someone who is not mortal, mark corruption. Archetype Moves Snoop: What's my best way in/out? Who are what here is not what they seem? What happened here recently? What here is the greatest danger to me? Whose turf is this? When you keep an eye out for trouble, roll with Mind. On a 10+, hold 3. On a 7-9, hold 1. While you're there, spend your hold to ask the MC questions 1 for 1. On a miss, you're in over your head. The MC will tell you why this is a bad spot. Expert Marksman: When you unleash with a firearm, roll with Mind instead of Blood. I Know A Guy: When you Hit the Streets or Put a Face to a Name with Mortality, roll with Mind instead of Faction. Advancements Mortality [X] Night [X] Power [ ] Wild [X] ... Gear Simple Apartment smart phone decent car {etc} 9mm Beretta (2-harm close loud) Debts: {Name} owes me {#} debt(s) for {what I did} Cole owes me 1 debt(s) for protecting him Farhad owes me 1 debt(s) for betraying me Brass owes me 2 debt(s) for not telling secrets Victor owes Cole 1 debt(s) for protecting him Victor owes Andre 1 debt(s) for protecting him Victor owes Anne 1 debt(s) for helping him Victor owes Brassa 1 debt(s) for saving him a beating Other:

[Wynamoinen]

Barney Circle, near the river As Andre learns more of his new 'charge,' Anne guides them towards their destination. Andre recognizes that they are heading back towards his home. But they don't quite make it that far; they stay on the west side of the river. Near the entrance, Anne gives a warning that he might need a pack. What does that mean? Who would this lone wolf's 'pack' be? His strange new manager? A world-weary tailor? Thugs and theives off the street? The idea seems strange. Yet looking to the entrance, Andre can quickly imagine the warren of tunnels and passages that might away. Sentries, watchers, and guards would abound. Is is plan to wade through blood and gore to find his prey? Would that be worth the cost, especially if the 'cold men' are creatures of the Shadows, rarely to be trifled with? Andre's knee still pains him, even if it does not hinder. If the path forward isn't one of violence, is Andre ready to sneak, or weasel, or talk his way to the destination? None of these are Andre's traditional modus operandi, especially in this form.

The streets of DC Victor and Farhad talk once they are in an unoccupied portion of sidewalk outside the hopsital. Farhad informs Victor of his interest in his witchy companion's goods, and of the FBI's investment in all the goings-on. Victor bemoans his put-upon sitation, but has little hesitation in naming the Choppa Boys as the instigators of the heist. Farhad offers Victor a modicum of protection from a woman's wrath. That's a standard enough type of transaction on the streets. Then a quirk of language catches Victor's ear: 'lifetimes'? Who IS this strange man, and who are his associates, anyways?

OODM @Roe and wodine: I think that whether an intimacy move is appropriate depends on how Farhad responds. But if there is some sort of common exposure/acknowledgement of/to the world of the Shadows, and a sense that Victor is overwhelmed or naive or vulnerable to all of it, then a Mortal intimacy move could be appropriate. Dunno that the Dragon's will be easily triggered, but I don't think they need to be mutual in that sense. That said, the Dragon's move requires that the 'partner' admits to the beauty of the dragon. So if Victor is feeling up to that... I'd also prompt you two to consider: if Farhad is going to somehow run interference on Nazanin for Victor, probably some sort of debt would be involved? @jbear and Elanir: it sounds like your debt is set, so mark debts held/owed for Andre's overwatch of Annie.

[wodine]

Making his way Downtown Farhad stopped momentarily, as the reality of Victor’s question percolated through his alien mind. He truly has no idea of the world in which he wanders. Yes, lifetimes. That ‘teller’ as you call her is a particularly potent witch who has been slinging spells for the better part of three centuries. She is the oldest human I’ve ever met. Young of course, by other standards, but impressive, nevertheless. Whatever dark deals she has made to prolong her life, I would advise you accept my offer to run interference – the Choppa Boys and Lench Mob. I know them not, but it is best that they suffer her wrath not you. Farhad lets the moment hang in the air. Victor had a lot to think on, and it would help no one if he became overwhelmed. Farhad claps a surprisingly strong hand on the other man’s shoulder. There are many worlds stack atop one another. The mundane world of man, the shadowy cabal of the wealthy and powerful, the governments and the priests, and the shadows in which we walk – the realm which mortals are blissfully unaware. It is best to keep yourself out of the worlds in which you do not wish to interact. That is why it was best that they think you a petty dealer of hashish and opium rather than one who has insights into the world as it truly is. It is safer that way. Farhad felt close to this mortal for the first time. It was unusual, with the exception of Nazanin and Daniel, Farhad could not think of any living mortals with which he had felt so connected. Odd – why this one? You’ve seen my shop, yes, magnificent, isn’t it? It is the culmination of decades of work, as you may have surmised, I too am a part of the shadows, though I prefer to think of myself as one of the candles dancing in the dark, you can’t have shadow without the light. Perhaps there is something within the light of my hoard can help you – but for now I think we need to move along. Farhad cleared his throat before disengaging and continuing their walk, moments later he changed the subject. Tell me, who is this Mr. Brown we are calling upon this late?

OoC Farhard will give this information to Nazanin and downplay Victor’s involvement for a debt (or rather to clear the debt Farhad owes). Farhad accepts the intimacy move and initiates his own, asking you to affirm the beauty of his hoard.

[Roekahs]

Victor Young Victor is taken by surprise as Farhad suddenly stops, his head immediately on a swivel. What danger did the old man spot that he had missed? Then, as the old man speaks, it becomes apparent that it had simply been a reaction to the conversation. Victor feels his heart rate slow as he listens. Then the old man pauses. The words roll around in Victor's head, one by one finding purchase. The silence is only broken by the occasional night sounds of a city, but the air waves remain clear of words. The weight of the old man's words doesn't relinquish, but it does become more bearable with a few moments to process. For those undisturbed moments, Victor is grateful to the old man. Everything moves so quickly in life; whether in the actual shadows or the metaphorical shadows of the city, only experience allows one to process situations at a sufficient pace to stay alive. Opportunities like this are rare. The sensation of contact at last stirs Victor's senses. His muscles tense and his mind goes to the pistol that he once again finds himself without, stuck in a dark alley with a … the reality of who exactly he is stuck with escapes him for the moment. But the moment of panic passes and the gesture of the contact percolates into his conscious. The words that follow largely confirm that gesture. With a … friend? Or at least with a not-enemy. That revelation alone is enough to shatter some lingering doubts. "Blissfully unaware. Yeah. Guess it's time to shed them particular blinders. I was, but I can't be no more. Can't walk half-way in no longer. No one likes getting shoved, but like you said, 'the past is the past … a place you do not tread'. I can follow that path too. You get this 'teller' off me and I won't walk them paths of the past no more." Victor pauses, unsure if he should express the rest of his thoughts; unsure if it even matters. "It might start something big – gang war or something." He shrugs, "Guess them Choppa's always knew that was an option when they picked that spot." For some reason that he can't quite place, Victor doesn't feel particularly better about the prospect of the teller waging a war against the Choppa's instead of him. The pair stands in the middle of a dark alley, silence engulfing them for a short while as each is lost in thoughts stirred by the aftermath of their agreement. Then, Farhad breaks the silence once more, a notably softer tone to his words. The confirmation of his place amongst the shadows is a conclusion to which Victor had already arrived, but the assertion is welcome nonetheless. The connection to the old man's shop, however, had not occurred to Victor. It had been a place that the trained eyes of a career thief had nearly popped right out of their sockets. Of course, that had been when Victor had been under the impression that every piece in the place was simply valuable and mundane. Victor takes in a long, slow breath and then lets it out as they start to make their way through the streets again. "Got myself in a whole heap of trouble robbing the teller … and her stuff weren't nothing like yours. I suppose I would have paid off all my debts and bought myself an island with a target like yours. If I had to guess, what someone sees walking in the door ain't even everything you collect. You got some things that even you wouldn't put on display?" As the conversation surrounding Farhad's 'hoard' dwindles, the old man brooches another subject. "Another old man." It is, perhaps on the surface, a sharp and demeaning response, but Victor smiles at Farhad. "As you probably know better than me, experience is like a gun in a knife fight. Mr. Brown is a trusted broker of such weapons." Victor hesitates momentarily. Should he actually divulge more? In an impulsive moment, he plows forward, "There's a mortal – or at least I think she's mortal – tangled up in some shadowy … something. Ain't exactly excited about killing some kid just to dispatch whatever crazy wench holed up in her. But … well … I ain't got a clue how to exorcise some demonic possession. So … got to go see an old man." OOC Lots of housekeeping: Debt: accepted, removing the debt Farhad owes (also because narratively that fits better than a new one anyway) Intimacy: -met and marking corruption -Victor affirms 'something beautiful' about Farhad's nature (or at least that is the intention, it is more narrated as flattery, so if anyone doesn't think that hits the mark, I can come up with something more on target) - I am leaving the door open a bit for what 'thing' is useful from the hoard: (1) prompting about things not displayed in the store (reclusive contact) or (2) exorcism (arcane item or information?); not sure if we have to make a decision in the moment since Farhad wouldn't have access to it walking down the street anyway and interaction with Mr. Brown might push it one way or another (if he is Power faction, maybe another Power character isn't necessary; if they need some 'thing' to deal with Annie safely, maybe an arcane item makes sense). If @Wyn, in particular, wants a more immediate decision or other adjustments, I can make a call now   Victor Young, The Aware Hold 2 Ongoing 0 Stats Blood Heart Mind Spirit -1 1 2 0 Factions Mortality Night Power Wild 1 1 1 -1 Corruption [ X ] [ X ] [X] [X] [ ] Corruption Moves text- text- text- text- Harm Armor=0 Faint [ ] ________________ Grievous [ ] [ ] ________________ Critical [ ] [ ] ________________ Scars [ ] -1 BloodShattered [ ] -1 HeartDisfigured [ ] -1 MindFractured [ ] -1 SpiritBroken Drama Moves Corruption Move: When you ignore your mortal responsibilities to deal with the supernatural, mark corruption. Intimacy Move: When you share a moment of intimacy with someone who is not mortal, mark corruption. Archetype Moves Snoop: What's my best way in/out? Who are what here is not what they seem? What happened here recently? What here is the greatest danger to me? Whose turf is this? When you keep an eye out for trouble, roll with Mind. On a 10+, hold 3. On a 7-9, hold 1. While you're there, spend your hold to ask the MC questions 1 for 1. On a miss, you're in over your head. The MC will tell you why this is a bad spot. Expert Marksman: When you unleash with a firearm, roll with Mind instead of Blood. I Know A Guy: When you Hit the Streets or Put a Face to a Name with Mortality, roll with Mind instead of Faction. Advancements Mortality [X] Night [X] Power [ ] Wild [X] ... Gear Simple Apartment smart phone decent car {etc} 9mm Beretta (2-harm close loud) Debts: {Name} owes me {#} debt(s) for {what I did} Cole owes me 1 debt(s) for protecting him Brass owes me 2 debt(s) for not telling secrets Victor owes Cole 1 debt(s) for protecting him Victor owes Andre 1 debt(s) for protecting him Victor owes Anne 1 debt(s) for helping him Victor owes Brassa 1 debt(s) for saving him a beating Other:

[wodine]

Making his way Downtown A smile crawled across Farhad’s face. It the streetlight it looked, momentarily, as if he had far too many teeth, each one pointed like the tip of a spear, but just as quickly as that appeared, it was gone, replaced by the face Victor had come to know. My shop is full of surprises, both antiquated and occult. Though if one was foolhardy enough to rob it, they had best be aware of the consequences. Farhad ponders for a moment. Demonic…possession? Was this related to the affliction Farhad had witnessed earlier tonight? We should find out what we can – as you said, knowledge is a powerful weapon, and knowing what exactly has taken hold of her, will make it easier to know how to dispatch it. Angel, demon, devil, jinn, marid, witch, specter? This question is best answered before making an attempt. Though, if that is not an option, we shall ask Pazuzu for his assistance, there is nothing that the Agony of Mankind cannot scare away…

OoC Farhard will give this information to Nazanin and downplay Victor’s involvement for a debt (or rather to clear the debt Farhad owes). I don’t think we need to decide right now what it is, but an item of religious/occult significance would fir along with Farhad’s themes for an exorcism.

[Elanir]

The Spectre Anne Charlotte Beall, the Spectre The Spectre waited, silent and unmoving, calmly observing the way the Wolf’s expression subtly transformed as he considered his various options. She didn’t mind waiting. Time had no sway over her, though that wasn’t true of either Andre’s mother or Annie. What they had inside them, whether darkness or light, slowly spread like poison, consuming them from within. Anne’s spectral eyes turned to regard the city’s underworld. The Missionaries were no hindrance to her. She could easily glide among them, less substantial than a breeze. She could and would spy or scout ahead for the Wolf, but he would have to ask her. She would no longer give him something for nothing. It was, after all, her unappreciated gift to him that had armed Vasili’s hand. No, she would not act on her own. She would wait. Like she used to when her Thomas was surveying the fields or was away on business. Eventually, he would return and her life would gain meaning once again. To have a purpose again, she mused. To have someone to love and be loved in return. That was what living was all about. Perhaps, Anne would get to experience such feelings again. Soon.

 

No moves. Just a post to show that I am still around!

 

The Spectre Anne Charlotte Beall (born Varney), The Spectre Advancement Advancements Mortality [X] Night [ ] Power [X] Wild [X] Vintage, confused, changing (elegant or neglected), nostalgic, tortured, mercurial Basics Hold 1 Ongoing 0 Stats Blood Heart Mind Spirit 2 0 -1 2 Factions Mortality Night Power Wild 0 1 0 1 Harm Armor=0 Faint [X] ________________ Grievous [ ] [ ] ________________ Critical [ ] [ ] ________________ Scars [ ] -1 BloodShattered [ ] -1 HeartDisfigured [ ] -1 MindFractured [ ] -1 SpiritBroken Moves Corruption [X] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] Corruption Moves text- text- text- text- Drama Moves Corruption Move: When you witness a scene of victimization and do nothing, mark corruption. Intimacy Move: When you share a moment of intimacy -physical or emotional- with another person, you hold 1. Whenever they get into trouble, you can spend your hold to be there. Archetype Moves Manifest: Regular people can’t sense or interact with you unless you manifest. You manifest by spending a few quiet moments concentrating and choosing 2: • You can be heard • You can be seen • You can touch and be touched by the physical world You may mark corruption to instead choose 1 or all 3. Won’t Be Ignored: When you get in the way of someone, treat your roll as a 10+ without rolling. If you distract an NPC, roll with Spirit instead of Mind. ”Wall? What Wall?”: You always have an opening to escape a situation. You can choose an additional option off the list to bring someone with you. On a miss, you attract the attention of dangerous spirits and ghosts in the area. Gear Gear Handkerchief Locket with portraits of her children Bottle of laudanum Wedding ring Diary   Weapon (specs): Letter opener (pocket knife) Debts Debts: Anne owes Farhad 2 debt(s) for reclaiming (= stealing) from him her “serpent’s eye” wedding ring Cole owes Anne 1 debt(s) for being the (distant) descendant of her killer, Thomas Beall Anne owes Brassavola 2 debt(s) for protecting Annie Hayes Anne owes Celia Hershfeld-Reyes 1 debt(s) for the newspaper journalist investigating what happened to Thomas Beall after leaving George Town Celia Hershfeld-Reyes owes Anne 1 debt(s) for for helping her with investigating the supernatural origin of some of the City’s corruption Andre owes Anne 1 debt(s) for for helping him locate Vasili and the Missionaries

[jbear]

Andre, the Wolf The dark entrance awaits the hesitant wolf. The spectre hovers nearby with eternal patience. Andre fumbles in his pocket for his battered flip phone. "This aint easy with paws," he complains with a growl. Unsure if the phone's credit will stretch, he hunches down and diligently types out one text message after another. The first is sent to the only person he has ever heard speak words that sounded like the language the spectre spoke. Brassa, a woman he already owes big time for covering for him the first time the Wolf got out of control at a gig. The next goes to Victor and then his new manager, Fahrad. He reminds Victor to bring his gun. Lastly, he texts his tailor. If anyone can ensure the least amount of tearing people's throats out is necessary it's a steely eyed veteran like Cole. The texts are rife with spelling errors and weird autocorrections but the location is correct and the message is clear. 'I'm on the trail of the man who poisoned my mum. He's down in the tunnels under the city. He has a whole gang down here. I need your help. Please come now.' By the time Andre shoves his phone back in his pocket with new scratches and gouges left in the plastic covering, 30 minutes have passed between the first text to the last. "It's done. I hope they come... They might not. Let's give them an hour, then we go either way." Andre cracks his back, stretches out like a cat for a moment and returns to his crouch. "So... what... I mean ... who ... why are you here? Not here on this corner, I mean... why are you stuck here? Ghosts are stuck, right? Sorry... I've never talked to a ghost before. I mean... we'ver talked before... I mean, I've never made conversation with... Nevermind."

[Wynamoinen]

The streets of DC Does Farhad have an artifact like that? He'd normally scoff at such a question. But in this instance, the topic gives him a touch of indigestion. The mortal just confirmed the wonders of his hoard; such an artifact comes to his mind immediately, of course. But it springs to mind so readily because of the burning heat of jealousy that comes with it. Flashback, interior of the National Cathedral Farhad and the Agent Kensington meet in this sacred place on occasion. It is a place to do business on equal terms. But the borders between business and pleasure blur for both of them; it's one reason they are able to sustain such a dangerous relationship for so long The Agent had just spent a long minute describing a troubling group of Fae; apparently the Ordo was worried that a small coterie had somehow breached their security screens. Farhad, proud, describes how easily he could deal with such a problem. He has a blade, made of cold iron. Its smith must have been desperate and rushed. The artifact was an ugly thing, short and inept. But that desperation had imbued it with power; a fairy-bane. It was certainly magical. How powerful, exactly, Farhad did not know. He had not yet had need to test it. Kensington barks out a condescending laugh, but then quickly covers his mouth, regretting the outburst. "That's impressive my friend." His tone makes it amply clear that he is not impressed. He looks up to the stained glass windows, glowing in the sunset light above. "But tools are not the problem. Good Lord, but we have a blade that could pull the soul out of the Archangel Gabriel himself..." He quickly turns the conversation to other matters. But Farhad can't help but linger on the sting. Whatever his iron blade can do, it can certainly NOT do THAT... Farhad agrees to shift the witch's focus off of Victor and onto the Choppa Boys. Victor forsees much strife coming from this, and if there's one thing that Victor knows well, it's how to stir up s***. Quickly making good on his promise, Farhad calls up Nazanin. She sounds mildly miffed at the second call. Her voice gets tighter and tighter as Farhad explains his position. The "Yes"es and "I see"s she gives do not sound like the words of a grateful woman. When Farhad finishes sharing the information, she replies. "Fine. I have not met this She uses the word for a female dog - she is making a reference to being a mother of a wolf. She does not say it with malice, just thoughtless irritation. She's a couple hundred years old, after all.b***h you mentioned... 30 minutes ago... without bringing up these street thugs. But when I do, we will be square." There is an uncomfortable silence on her end, where multiple times Farhad can hear the seer draw in breath to speak, but no words follow. Finally, in a musing tone she says, "You know much of what is happening on the streets suddenly. And you parsel out the information to me when it suits you. I wonder... I wonder who your new whisperer is. I wonder what they are getting from you, and what you get in return. Have a good night, dear. I will do as I promised."

Barney Circle, near the river As Anne silently waits, Andre puts the call out. Multiple people answer. Andre shares his location, and multiple people are on the way. When Andre is stalking his prey, waiting patiently comes so easy. When he is waiting for other hunters to arrive, every moment of waiting is agony. He agonizes, seemingly alone, in the anoymous-looing ramshackle house at the western edge of the city. Every moment he waits is another moment where Vasili could be getting futher and further out of reach.

OODM Scene over! Give me hopefully just another day, please, and I'll get the next scene up. I won't close this thread quite yet, but it would be best if posts of major substance get posted in the next thread rather than this one. @Roe: if Victor still wants to talk to Mr. Brown after knowing that Farhard tells him, that's fine - there's still a good three hours or so between the Farhad/Victor scene and Andre putting the call out, so there's time to do it. We can just handle it off screen, if you want to go that route. I'm honestly not sure if Fae management is something even close to Mr. Brown's wheelhouse. I kinda expect not, but nothing has been established about him 'on screen' so who knows? Since Mr, Brown is jbear's creation, I might want a brief consult with him if Victor wants to push in that direction, knowing what Victor knows at the end of the above post. @wodine: Yes, agreed, your debt with Nazanin is quickly cleared. Maybe a little TOO quickly, if you ask her...