Author Topic: Chapter 3: Chaos Reigns  (Read 130099 times)

Offline RobbyPants

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Re: Chapter 3: Chaos Reigns
« Reply #160 on: June 25, 2014, 03:41:55 PM »
It was the last thing he was expecting.  "Wait.  You...believe me?"  He listened in cautiously.  Was this a trick?  No, this was the first person who seemed to take him seriously.  With no one else to rely on, this was his big chance to find out what was going on.

"I am in your debt.  And... I want to know exactly what happened."

He'll need to meet your friends.

"Now isn't a good place to talk about it. Let's turn in for the night. I plan on getting up a bit ahead of sun-up so I can be discrete. We'll meet up with my friends tomorrow."


John Whitechapel has joined your party.
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Offline RobbyPants

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Re: Chapter 3: Chaos Reigns
« Reply #161 on: June 25, 2014, 03:47:01 PM »
Bhu:
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Offline bhu

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Re: Chapter 3: Chaos Reigns
« Reply #162 on: June 25, 2014, 04:35:53 PM »
Bhu:
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Offline RobbyPants

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Re: Chapter 3: Chaos Reigns
« Reply #163 on: June 26, 2014, 07:57:07 PM »
Do we end up retiring for the remainder of the night?
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Offline bhu

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Re: Chapter 3: Chaos Reigns
« Reply #164 on: June 26, 2014, 08:56:45 PM »
Your new native american friends have tons of questions which you put off till the morning.  The doc says your new acquaintance is bad off, but food, water and rest will cure his physical problems.  After those discussions you get your rest.

Offline Bozwevial

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Re: Chapter 3: Chaos Reigns
« Reply #165 on: June 26, 2014, 10:33:34 PM »
Robert puts a reassuring hand on the traumatized man's shoulder before rising and leading the constables a few paces away. "There was a murder here, a homeless woman who lived out this way. This man saw what attacked her. I'm trying to interview him, but it's a delicate process. I don't think his mind came through very well."
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Offline bhu

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Re: Chapter 3: Chaos Reigns
« Reply #166 on: June 27, 2014, 01:21:57 AM »
Robert puts a reassuring hand on the traumatized man's shoulder before rising and leading the constables a few paces away. "There was a murder here, a homeless woman who lived out this way. This man saw what attacked her. I'm trying to interview him, but it's a delicate process. I don't think his mind came through very well."

"So the rumors about something not quite human were true..."

Offline Bozwevial

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Re: Chapter 3: Chaos Reigns
« Reply #167 on: June 27, 2014, 01:38:51 AM »
"I certainly didn't burn her corpse just so she could have a proper Viking burial." Robert grimaces, trying not to look at the place where her lifeless body was sitting. "I don't believe the thing is still around, but travel in groups just in case. Best not to give anything a reason to consider you prey."
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Offline RobbyPants

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Re: Chapter 3: Chaos Reigns
« Reply #168 on: June 28, 2014, 07:37:33 AM »
In the morning, Eric talks to the Native Americans. "The man, John, that I brought back with me is in need of food, water, and rest. I can leave some supplies with him. That being said, I'd like to meet up with my other colleagues to see their opinions on things. I'm trying to keep John from talking about what he saw until he is in better physical health.

Are you okay waiting here with him? My initial plan was for us to head out before sun-up to keep customers from seeing you, but I'm not sure if we should leave John alone."
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Offline bhu

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Re: Chapter 3: Chaos Reigns
« Reply #169 on: June 28, 2014, 04:45:42 PM »
"We do not have a problem with this."

Eric and Robert (and Pip's PC if you're still there ) are summoned to city hall first thing.  All the constables and city officials are there as well as some of the more important merchants.

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Re: Chapter 3: Chaos Reigns
« Reply #170 on: June 29, 2014, 12:16:02 AM »
Eric goes up to Robert: "I found some one last night by the docks. He as nearly dead and delirious. He's seen something, but I haven't pressed him for details yet. He needs some food and rest."

Eric waits anxiously for the meeting to start.
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Offline SolEiji

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Re: Chapter 3: Chaos Reigns
« Reply #171 on: June 29, 2014, 02:36:59 AM »
Per their agreement, John has been largely mum since you've escorted him.  He seems to be studying the area whenever he goes, but unless spoken to he simply is satisfied to rest and think and try to remember.

Then try to forget.  He needs a stiff drink.
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Offline bhu

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Re: Chapter 3: Chaos Reigns
« Reply #172 on: June 29, 2014, 03:08:52 AM »
The meeting is called to order by councilman George Bryan, with the full government attending (sans Franklin).


"All right Gentlemen I'd like to start us of with some new business before we get down to brass tacks.  There have been influential persons among our number who have been taking advantage of the chaos and claiming to be representatives of the Supreme Executive Council.  I will not put up with this.  Anyone performing any more of this nonsense will be shot by my order.  We are in times too dangerous for this."

"Also I would like to admonish by fellows in government to put aside differences and petty quarrels, or we may not make it through this.  You all know who you are, and I need not mention names.  Your behavior verges on treason, see to it you make amends."

"Now for the heart of the matter: Some of you are new.  You may know, or think you know, some little of whats going on.  Well here's the truth: Death is upon us.  We can no longer rely upon trade with the outside world, as the seas have been cut off from us, and the native tribes have retreated due to recent events.  Food and gunpowder and shot may need to be rationed.  Hunt with bows for the moment, and make sure everyone else does as well.  We need to become self-sufficient, but that will take a great deal of time, and all your efforts must be bent to this task."

"Washington has still not been confirmed dead, and New York and it's surrounding area is a Hell on Earth.  The forces we assume General Washington unleashed in desperation upon the British have violently changed our world, opening it to dozens of other realities, and the dark spaces that lie in between them.  The Enemy is upon us, as well as God alone knows how many beings from other worlds.  Many of them will perish without being seen by us as they will have nothing here of sustenance for them, or be unable to adapt to life in our world.  Some however can adapt quite handily, and several of them have been seen.  A great beast is among us, walking unseen, attempting to prepare this world for it's masters.  Given time it would poison our waters and air, and render all life unedible to us.  We would become grist for it's creators mill.  Even our cannons cannot repel it, but I have learned two of our Constables, Jones and Dresden, have made it their mission to put an end to it.  If anyone can, I would imagine Jones is capable."

"Accompanying this beast was a swarm of lesser beasts, spider like beings from the ancient histories of the world.  They mimic us, wearing our bodies and skins in the manner that snails wear their shells.  They do this to get close to us, for in our world we are the prey they prefer.  We have set up a College for experimenting in the sciences needed to confront these beings, and to name them and pool our knowledge.  Thus far we are calling them the Aranea.  They appear as great bloated spiders, and their proficiency in the Enemy's science comes far more naturally to them than to us.  We suspect one of their elders is responsible for the murders, in revenge for a recent wiping out of one of their nests by Constable Jones and his men.  Do not confront this being alone.  Do not venture out alone at night, and do not let your families either.  Even without its powers this creature would still be very formidable physically."

"The destruction of both armies at New York has also created a potential problem, one we refer to as Shades.  You may think of them as Ghosts, but they are not.  They are what is left of one of us, reformed and remade in the substance of the Enemy.  Helpless victims pulled through a doorway to the spaces Outside, torn apart, and reborn.  They can return to this world but require a connection to it.  If you see someone you know to be dead ignore them, or their connection to you will become ever greater, and you will pull them back through to our world."

"Travel other than official business is henceforth forbidden.  We are telling the lay community that this is due to roaming bandits and the British Army, but that facade is beginning to wear thin already.  If you must leave the city on an errand for us take care.  Look for signs a door has been opened nearby, such as patches of ground where nothing grows, or odd plants or animals.  Avoid these areas for they may contain beings who would be monsters to us."

"Lastly, a man was found drifting into the docks last night, and we received envoys from the Lenape tribesmen.  Once interviewed anything pertinent will be passed on.  If any of you have any of your number missing please report it to the council after this meeting is adjourned.  I wish the news were better,  Very shortly we will have to decide of what to say to the populace.  In all likelihood most wouldn't believe us until the monsters are at their doorstep.  If anyone has anything to report now is the time I will open the floor for questions or information."

Offline RobbyPants

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Re: Chapter 3: Chaos Reigns
« Reply #173 on: June 29, 2014, 07:59:55 PM »
"I am the one who found the man by the docks, last night. He was in poor health. I've given him food and water and he is currently resting. He seems to have seen... something, but I've avoided discussing it with him until he is in better health."

Once the meeting adjourns, Eric reports to the council to ask if they have any news on Jones or Dresden.
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Offline bhu

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Re: Chapter 3: Chaos Reigns
« Reply #174 on: June 30, 2014, 03:06:54 AM »
"No, and quite honestly we don't know if we ever will.  The entity they are confronting is by far the most powerful being any of us have ever encountered, and we hope that only the one slipped through.  They will not be able to confront it directly without arranging for help, and the kind of help they need will cost them more than most of us would be willing to give. "

"Things should go easier for you for a little while after my warning, but fear of consequence will only last so long.  Be careful.  Make sure to interview both the new arrival and our native friends as carefully as possible.  I'll have a physician sent to look at him.  Take note of any disappearances as well we're keeping track of them.  We believe the Aranea may be using disguises made from some of her victims."

Offline RobbyPants

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Re: Chapter 3: Chaos Reigns
« Reply #175 on: July 01, 2014, 07:38:47 AM »
If Robert is at the meeting, Eric asks if he wants to go to the room to meet the new person. Eric returns to the room.
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Offline Bozwevial

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Re: Chapter 3: Chaos Reigns
« Reply #176 on: July 01, 2014, 01:36:13 PM »
Robert follows Eric back after the meeting, making sure to pull someone aside and let them know to interview the traumatized man who witnessed the attack.
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Offline bhu

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Re: Chapter 3: Chaos Reigns
« Reply #177 on: July 01, 2014, 03:07:19 PM »
Eiji you PC has visitors (i.e. you are all now in the same room with Eiji and the Natives).

Offline RobbyPants

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Re: Chapter 3: Chaos Reigns
« Reply #178 on: July 01, 2014, 10:55:20 PM »
"So, John, are you feeling any better after some rest? I brought some colleagues over to talk, when you're feeling up to it."
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Offline SolEiji

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Re: Chapter 3: Chaos Reigns
« Reply #179 on: July 03, 2014, 01:39:47 AM »
The others had left for business and for a moment Johnathan was alone, or as alone as he could be.  They had entrusted his safety to natives, a decision he would not normally have approved of were he in better state of mind and body.  Fortunately it seems that he was wise to trust his unexpected savior's and their choice in allies as the natives were kind enough and left him be to his studies and this was merely all he asked.  When given opportunity he would retrieve the box and its contents, specifically his diary and ink, and begin to read.

This was not the first time and so it wasn't a surprise for him to read a note left for himself as a reminder within the brine encrusted parchment.  A reminder and a warning.  Among the largely scribbled and difficult to read hurried font was something written clear for him; "It may continue to mess with my head.  Write down the story every time it changes, one of them is true I'm certain.  Take everything with caution and don't write its real name, if you remember it." -- Johnathan Whitechapel.  Signed and dated and written in his own handwriting in a dull ruddy brown ink which seemed all too close to blood and didn't match with his pen.  Still, he usually remembered writing that when he was on the run.  And since the boat his mind was getting foggy again leading him to make another entry.  After all, things were different and he had gotten a new lease on life again.  And so he began a new entry...

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Just in time.  Johnathan closed his book as others began to filter in, both his savior Eric and several new faces.  Since he was left he had washed and cleaned himself up, but had kept the overgrown hair and beard (albeit much more well groomed).  He didn't feel quite right removing it right now.  "Mr. Carlson.  Welcome back.  And... friends of his, yes?" he nodded, slipping away the book back into safe storage.  He cleared his throat and extended his hand to shake politely, "Yes, I am doing much better.  I am ever fortunate you found me when you did.  I don't know how much longer I could have taken on that wooden junk."  His eyes scanned over the new faces.  "So... um... is it safe?  About the things we spoke of, or rather didn't speak of, earlier.  I'll do whatever I can to help, and I'm already decided to follow.  You're the best leads I've had and the first who haven't treated me as off my rocker.  And from what little I have picked up in rumor while I sat here, things don't seem to be entirely right with the rest of the world.  How can I help?"
Mudada.