Adventure 3: Cullport

Post by **Snake Eyes** » Tue Jan 25, 2022 11:15 pm

A week and a half of downtime passes in whatever manner you spend it, whether wandering the castle, risking dimensional travel, or just studying in your bunk. You are eventually summoned once again to Setnaja's briefing room. As is normal at this point, once you enter, the familiar image of greets you. "Lord Setnaja is ready for you. Master @Gaspard Gillead, please direct your servants to remain here." With that, the portal opens and you step through to Setnaja's .

smiles and bows with a serpentine flourish. In addition to the normal elemental servants that wander the halls, seated nearby are an odd assemblage of individuals. An ogre, a humanoid cat, a person clad entirely in armor and wearing a cloak, and a shark with arms and legs (which would seem out of place, except your leader is a snake man with arms and legs, so really, this is actually par for the course.) What the rest of you notice is that Marten is not there.
Setnaja addresses you. "Ah, friends, I thank you for once again answering the call. I have some things for you as a gift for your incredible service to life and the megaverse." Some of the elemental servants approach you, bearing gifts individualized to suit each of you. Turning to @Adriana, Setnaja inquires. "I trust you enjoyed that book? I did have to reclaim it. You understand." The were-panther notices the book she had taken is being replaced on its shelf by a gnome with a nasty look on its face, likely on account of the height to which he has to reach to set it back.

He makes quick introductions between you all. "This is @Blackfish, a transfer student from my good friend Plato in Lazlo." He gestures towards the ogre. He then points towards the sharkman. "@Vito has particular knowledge of the environs to which you are traveling. He is also a suitable replacement for Everett's brawn." Turning again, he introduces the cat-man. "Fernando was sent to me by an associate of mine. He has talents you may find useful." He nods towards @Custos CarcerisXXVII. "Twenty-Seven, as you may call him, is one of my personal apprentices."
In turn, he introduces Adriana the were-panther, @Heather Todd the psionic, @Dominic Skodati the arcane courier, Gaspard Gillead the summoner, and @Kidemonas the dragon.

Having dispensed with introductions and pleasantries, Setnaja begins explaining the purpose for the meeting. "Lieutenant Vielar has requested your assistance with investigating several murders in a town of limited use to the Legion. I confess that this coincides with a task of my own that I have for you, so I have acquiesced. Upon concluding this investigation, I have arranged a ship to take you to an island community east into the ocean. It is not far. I have an item I wish delivered to an old friend there, Aewyn, and unfortunately, it cannot be simply teleported." A moderate-sized carved wooden box is brought out and handed to Dominic. It weighs no more than 5 pounds. "I trust you can keep this secret during your travels? If you are accosted and it is in danger of being discovered, I request that you open a random dimensional rift and toss it through." He smiles. "It matters not where it is sent."

He answers any questions you might have, then urges you to return in time for Vielar's briefing. "All fortune go with you, friends."

listens to your reports as you explain what transpired leading up to and while on Amity. He is equally perplexed by the loss of Alex. "We simply have no record of such a person enlisted with the Legion, let alone being assigned to your unit. It looks like your only losses are Gill, Curatrix, and Everett. You sure you didn't pick him up along the way?"
He shrugs his shoulders, then points to the data screen on the wall of the briefing room. In his normal, un-elf-like manner, he gets right to the point. "We're short-staffed. Setnaja has graciously allowed us to borrow you all again for something that may be up your alley." (You get the distinct impression Vielar didn't like having to ask.) "This is Cullport. It doesn't look like much, but we're trying to make contacts along the coasts, and this...it's the coast. More to the point, they're having some very bad luck with murder in a small-ish town. The murders don't look like just murders though. So maybe you all head out to the coast, enjoy the sea breeze, and stop whatever killings are going on? The town champion is a guy named Mustaine. He can help you get your bearings."
He glances at the new additions. "New blood? Good. Guess you'll need it. We keep losing good people. Try not to die, please."
He looks around idly, expecting questions but hoping he doesn't hear any. "Setnaja's making your transit easy. Get your gear. Head to his room. Good luck."

With a brief arcane ritual, the snake man mage opens a portal and deposits you an hour's walk outside the town.

Instructions

Gaspard Gillead · Post by **Gaspard Gillead** » Wed Jan 26, 2022 3:05 am

As they orient themselves on the far side of the portal, he nods to the others, and turns to address the team's leader, at least so far as he's concerned. "Heather, I suggest we scope out the lay of the land out here for a bit before going into town--at least enough to set a meet-up point if we get separated and have to regroup."

Adriana · Post by **Adriana** » Wed Jan 26, 2022 3:19 am

She has the grace to look chagrined about the book. "Did not mean to take. Was not ready. But I thank for use." She shakes her head when Vielar speaks about Alex. "Alex with us from start. Consumed by Death avatar. Maybe that why he erased from here." She is disturbed and uncomfortable with the feeling. The kid didn't deserve to have his existence erased. She seems to still be having trouble processing her emotions on this. Perhaps it has to do with failing to protect those in her group. She growls a little when Vielar says 'try not to die....' Though she isn't in a form that has a tail, you can practically see the tail lashing behind her. They weren't planning on dying but they did literally battle the incarnation of death, they deserve a little bit of slack. At least she thinks so. It doesn't take her long to get ready. She doesn't really have a lot of equipment or extraneous possessions.

Custos CarcerisXXVII · Thu Jan 27, 2022 3:31 pm

Introductions made, XXVII busies itself poking through Setnaja's wondrous stash of magical sundries and powerful artifacts. The large metallic being ooh's, ah's and hmmm's until it is time to leave. Setnaja does have to turn the construct's attention away from horde and towards the mission, but it takes little more than the promise of arcane anomalies just over the horizon.

XXVII zones out during the meeting, examining each individual to determine where they fall on the magical spectrum. It does catch something about portaling to their next destination and snaps back to reality in time to prepare itself. Stepping forward to join the team, XXVII to that of a large . Just before the portal opens to take the 12th to its destination, XXVII's down to that of an average mundane individual.

He blinks his human eyes as he takes in the new location and murmurs, "A well executed portalling, I must say. I wouldn't have expected as much from barbarians."

"Right then!" he claps his hands together, "As our self proclaimed expert on all things magical, arcane or otherwise unusual...I'm going to go in that general direction and
Looking for Anything Strange: Occult 9 (Dumb Luck Invoked)
Occult 1d12!+2: [1]+2 = 3
wild 1d6!+2: [1]+2 = 3
Benny
Occult Reroll 1d12!+2: [7]+2 = 9
Wild 3 Reroll 1d6!+2: [2]+2 = 4
. Feel free to ask for my help when you inevitablly come across whatever something you can't figure out."

Vito · Post by **Vito** » Thu Jan 27, 2022 10:28 pm

Seeming impatient, it looks like Vito would fold his arms across his chest, were he able to do so. He does his best to appear unimpressed by the grand surroundings but you catch him glancing upward at the enormous glasswork and just for a moment, you could have sworn you saw him nuzzling the fabric of one of the tapestries. When his name his mentioned, he regains awareness of his location and quickly grasps the heavy fabric, rubbing it between thumb and forefinger, then appearing as if he is using it to remove fingerprints and other smudges from his armor's metal yoke.

Mmmm, nice.

Being abruptly removed from the lavish interior, Vito swings his head around, back and forth, to gauge his new location. As some of the team members begin moving away, he decides it is probably best to follow them. Quickly producing a collapsible cup, he fills it with water from one two large canteens he carries. In one swift motion, he throws the water across his face then folds and stores the cup in the pocket from whence it came.

Surreptitiously to himself but not so much to others, he follows @Heather Todd at a moderate distance, whiffing the air as he goes.

Blackfish · Post by **Blackfish** » Thu Jan 27, 2022 11:19 pm

Once they arrive the combat mage nods at @@Gaspard Gillead.

“Agree. I think scouting the area is definitely a good idea before we head in.”

Waving his big beefy hand in a arcane motion a bicycle is out of thin air. Stepping onto the bike he coasts along with the rest.

Looking at the one called @Custos CarcerisXXVII he asks: “Where did you study?”

@Snake Eyes

Heather Todd · Post by **Heather Todd** » Fri Jan 28, 2022 1:38 am

Notice 5

Cullport
Afternoon
Round 0

Heather, now in her armor and encumbered by a heavy pack with a rifle strapped to it, looked around the area as they stepped out of the portal. She instinctively scanned around for nearby minds until Gaspard spoke to her.

“A bit of recon would be a good idea,” Heather agreed with Gaspard. “Adriana, you’re pretty stealthy. Can you do a quick spin around the area…” Heather trailed off as one of the new team members, 27 (what kind of name was that?) just…walked off in a random direction, followed by the big ogre guy…on a bicycle…

“Or we could just start walking…”

Heather facepalmed for a moment. She wished she knew more about these new team members, knew what they could do, had time to train and integrate them into the team. The strange numbered man said he was an expert on magic and such (hey, isn’t that my job!), and the shark guy and the ogre looked big and strong, but that was about all she knew.

“Okay. Everyone keep your eyes open,” Heather said.

***

Character Tracker

Dominic Skodati · Post by **Dominic Skodati** » Tue Feb 01, 2022 6:16 pm

Dom keeps quite not want to be forced to list to Gaspard prattle at him. Instead he turns his attention to the box, It can't be teleported, but I can throw it in a rift. Sounds like a riddle. Setnaja is kinda boring me with all his mystic guru mystery nonsense.

Never one for following directions Dom makes an effort to , he assumes it will be sheathed in protective magics, but one can never be too nosy. Speaking of which, he casts a glance at his new companions while his arcane sight is open.

Portaling into the location annoys Dom even more. It can portal, rift, but not teleport. Cursed box.

As talk turns to operations Dom turns his focus to the task at hand. Recon.

"We're skulking about then? Thought we were the good guys."

With that he flips up the collar of his overcoat and takes on the look of a non-descript, road worn, vagabond (disguise).

Fernando · Post by **Fernando** » Wed Feb 02, 2022 9:28 am

Fernando is a 2 meter tall mutant panther, dressed in jeans, cowboy style boots, a black button up shirt and a cowboy hat, with the brim tilted down. He tends to speak at a volume most people would consider to be yelling and is one of those people who can't help but give you a clap on the back or a hug when he sees you. As they step through the portal his nose twitches, breathing in the air. His big yellow eyes turn to @Heather Todd . "Ms. Heather?" he says with a light accent. "What would you have me do?"

Custos CarcerisXXVII · Wed Feb 02, 2022 6:26 pm

Blackfish wrote: ↑Thu Jan 27, 2022 11:19 pm Waving his big beefy hand in a arcane motion a bicycle is
1d10!!: [6] = 6 1d6!!: [7!!] = 7

out of thin air. Stepping onto the bike he coasts along with the rest.
Looking at the one called @Custos CarcerisXXVII he asks: “Where did you study?”

XXVII, in its human guise, crinkles his forhead in thought as he responds to @Blackfish , "Setnaja did inform me about the various traditions of this realm. Technowizardry in particular is the height of barbarism, but I have seen some of it's merits within the snake's hoard. I'm not wholy unfamiliar with the miracles of holy men, but they are not common in my homeland. I am intrigued by the mind magic so many barbarians wield in this land. It is a magic completely foreign to my people. In fact, I have high hopes that @Heather Todd will allow me to study her."

"That is the extent of my 'apprenticeship' with Setnaja." XXVII lets out an exasperated sigh after mentioning the snake man's name, "He may very well have earned the credentials to be named Archmage in the Empire, but I myself acquired the title in my previous life. It is not hubris to say that I have forgotten more about magic than many others have learned. Having one's soul grafted to a golem isn't without consequences after all. I could not say where I studied - my past is lost to me."

Blackfish · Post by **Blackfish** » Thu Feb 03, 2022 1:08 am

As the Ogre, Blackfish, coasts along on the conjurered bicycle he listens to XXVII.

Nodding his head and smiling the combat mage says:

”Well. Okay. Ugh. Hmm. Super great talking to you. Ugh. Oh hey @Heather Todd whats that? Stick together. Yeah. Sure. Of course.”

Smiling at XXVII the Ogre steers his bicycle closer to Heather.

“So. You’re in charge?”

Heather Todd · Post by **Heather Todd** » Thu Feb 03, 2022 1:48 am

Cullport
Afternoon
Round 0

Heather looked to Fernando as he asked her what he should do. “You any good at sneaking around?” she asked. From what she knew about mutants, they often had skills similar to the animals they were mutated from, so he might be pretty stealthy. “If so, go with Adriana for a look around. That way no one is off alone.”

She frowned a bit when 27 said he wished to study her. She wasn’t a guinea pig.

Blackfish rode over to her on his bike and asked if she was in charge. Heather had to pause a bit. “Not…officially,” she admitted. Setnaja had never really any assigned leadership in the group. “I guess I just sort of…stepped up. I just think it’s better to get a lay of the land and a situation report before we go wandering off into trouble.”

***

Character Tracker

Vito · Post by **Vito** » Thu Feb 03, 2022 10:09 pm

Amid the whuffing and heavy wheezing coming from the mouth of all breathers, you hear a reactive guffaw after @Custos CarcerisXXVII speaks about past lives and golem bodies.

Haw! So what yer sayin' izzat you don't remember why yer better than us? It's a good deal for you that someone gifted ya that fancy chassis to wander around in then I s'pose. They had a pretty good sense o'humor too! If you were just a snobby spirit voice then we might not know which direction to genuflect. Uh-heh! I like this guy!

Vito sniffs loudly around the strange creature's vicinity, a somewhat unsettling gargle accompanying the huffing and the mucus he occasionally coughs up.

Ya know, we had one o them nifty robuts at our club once. He er, it was great at keeping the rooms clean and the vehicles running. Also a pretty good bouncer - terrible dealer though. Whoever built your frame musta put in some overtime. Nothin' leaking, talks good... So what does something like you price out at? (puts hands up, palms out) Conservatively. You have, like, a remote or somethin'?

Fernando · Post by **Fernando** » Fri Feb 04, 2022 12:05 pm

Fernando grins. "Ms. @Heather Todd I am not so great at this sneakery. However if you wish, I would be more than happy to accompany Ms. @Adriana ."

He nods and heads off in the direction Adriana was last seen heading.

Gaspard Gillead · Post by **Gaspard Gillead** » Fri Feb 04, 2022 5:06 pm

Gaspard actually gives a bark of laughter as Dominic snarks back at the arrogant Golem. THen, when the line about 'skulking about' is tossed down, he snorts. "Even the 'good guys' sometimes need to not advertise their presence--especially when the 'bad guys' are looking to take their macguffin."

Then he turns to Fernando. "For all intents and purposes, yes, Miss Todd is 'in charge' of this group." Then he calls to Heather. "If Adrianna is comfortable with it, I'll send the boys here with her--they're pretty good at skulking, especially in the shadows." He points to the two newest 'companions', who, having shed their outer cloaks now that they are in the field, are already starting to blend into the surrounding dimness.

Kidemonas · Post by **Kidemonas** » Fri Feb 04, 2022 9:05 pm

Kidemonas listens to the briefing a little distracted as his mind explores all that he has gone through, gained and lost in the last couple days. When the Serpent mage begins telling them the box cannot be teleported and then hands it to @Dominic, Kidemonas thinks. "So if the box cannot be teleported, what will happen when Dominic does his casual teleport thing? I mean it is kind of his thing." The old mage must have considered it, but an answer was important now. He did not want Dominic doubting his abilities in the middle of battle.

As @XXVII explained how superior he was to everyone Kidemonas asked. "Is it often on your world superior beings needs to remind everyone?"

Either way he was ready to get to action. "I could try to sneak, but people do tend to notice me. So where would you like me @Heather"

Post by **Snake Eyes** » Sat Feb 12, 2022 10:23 pm

Blackfish

Dom

The early afternoon sun is warm but not oppressive. There is very little out of the ordinary where you stand. A brief reconnoiter reveals nothing of note; a few homes and limited farmland, and no hostile wildlife to be seen.
As you approach Cullport, you see a functioning, relatively quiet town that stretches towards the beach. There are lots of buildings of various construction materials and types. Beyond it is the Atlantic Ocean. Its vastness holds mysteries and dangers and wonders. It also holds a source of life and livelihood for many in this town. You can see boats of varying sizes out on the water with nets cast into the ocean.

As you enter the town, the mixed bag that is the 12th draws more than casual looks. Some faces show a little fear, others marvel. Few seem interested in any kind of conflict, but most watch until you pass. You don't get to wander very far, though. You recognize Kirk Mustaine from the image at the briefing. He walks towards you, a laser pistol on his hip, but otherwise unarmed and unarmored. "Sure hope you all are from the Tomorrow Legion. This little thing isn't gonna do more than tickle the..." He trails off for a moment as he regards both @Vito and @Blackfish with resignation. "...shark man and the ogre. Oh well." He introduces himself, confirming Vielar's intel is still valid. "Welcome to Cullport. I...well, we could use your help. Long trip? Let's get you fed. The fish and chips are amazing. Come with me."

The weathered fellow leads you to a beautiful structure housing a bed and breakfast. He sits in the sizable dining room and offers you all a seat. As he talks, several plates of food are brought out. Each one has some form of prepared fish along with local sides. "So we have a nice town. Not much happens here. Between me and a couple of folks, we can keep most trouble outside the limits. Some sailors can get sideways after a binge, but that's just a bonk on the head and a free room to sleep it off." He picks up the last half of a fish sandwich, takes a bite, and continues. "Just a couple weeks ago, we found Toby Mitchell, a shipbuilder, dead in his workshop. It's not an accident." He draws a finger across his throat. "Not just dead. Cut his head clean off. Can't imagine who would want to do him in like that. He was always a nice guy." He shakes his head, then pops a chip into his mouth.

"Well, obviously we didn't do a good job finding the killer. Couple days after that, Marley Blackwell shows up dead. He has three kids. His wife passed some time ago. He didn't go quickly. Someone put him through it on his way out." He shudders at the memory.

"That's plenty, you'd think, but just a couple days ago, Elsie Burns shows up the same way Toby did. Clean across the neck." He sighs dejectedly. "I'm not a sleuth. I'm a fighter by trade. Getting too old for all this and don't really know where to start. Had a guy roll through about a week ago, said he was with the Tomorrow Legion. I asked if he could help. Didn't seem interested, but said he'd pass it along to his uppity ups. Didn't expect to hear from them so soon, let alone with a small army sent out. Hope you're good for more than fighting." He sips on what looks like an iced tea. "Think you can help us? I don't want to lose any more of my people."

Gaspard Gillead · Post by **Gaspard Gillead** » Sun Feb 13, 2022 1:46 am

Gaspard nods, speaking in that ingratiating voice that all D'norr have, when they really need it. "Let me assure you, Mr. Mustaine, we will do everything we can to assist you in this matter. I think our best bet would be to examine the scenes of the crimes, starting with the most recent. Do you think you can give us some background info on the victims? Especially anything they might have had in common?"

Mentally, he's already focused on one detail. He signals @Heather Todd discretely to open a mind-link; it's up to her if she wants to spend enough juice to get them all, or just to link with him. The second body was roughed up; the other two were clean kills. That suggests that there's something going on with that one--hell, the other two deaths could be a smokescreen, or they might still be linked but Mr. Blackwell had information the killer needed before doing him in. Still, we should do the investigation in the most obvious fashion, as if all three deaths have equal weight--if the second murder is the most significant, we don't want to be obvious that that's where we are focused right off--and really, it's only a working theory, right now.

Adriana · Post by **Adriana** » Sun Feb 13, 2022 2:16 am

Adriana nods as the man introduces himself and to confirm they are from the Legion. She let's the others do the talking as she sniffs at the air to see if she can smell anything untoward. She expects some blood as it is hard to clean even they tried. But perhaps the scent of the killer lingers.

Dominic Skodati · Post by **Dominic Skodati** » Sun Feb 13, 2022 12:39 pm

Murder in small towns means big trouble.

In a place like this, where everybody knows everyone else's business, killing was usually a crime of passion. An old feud, a lover's spat, or a bar brawl gone too far. But decapitation and mutilation don't fit the normal yokle throw down. Devil man has the right idea to search the scenes. Not sure his hunch was right about one being more important than the others. In a small place like this the murders are probably like the people - all related somehow.

"Decapitation sounds like an execution. Don't suppose it's as simple as a bounty hunter finally cashed in on their past? Or are all the bodies locals?"

Post by **Snake Eyes** » Sun Feb 13, 2022 3:26 pm

Mustaine nods at @Gaspard Gillead. "Sure. I can take you to Elsie's place. We haven't moved her body yet. Active crime scene and everything." He drops the chip he was about to eat. "Everyone else has been buried. We took pictures though." He has a small, beat-up handheld computer he pulls from his pocket.
He takes a deep breath and lets it out slow, thinking over Gaspard's next question. "How are they connected? They all live in a small town together. I'm sure they knew each other. Elsie made nets and other fishing gear. Toby built and outfitted boats. Blackwell owns some property and also one of the bigger fishing outfits. I don't think there was much social interaction though."
He turns to @Dominic Skodati. "Unless they all have a secret double life nobody in a small town knew about, they didn't do much outside of Cullport. Near as I can tell, we don't have much Black Market activity here. They don't care much about fishmongers. All three were locals."
@Adriana doesn't smell much but fish, ocean, and some of the delightful smells from the kitchen of the B&B. Mustaine has no blood on him.

Vito · Post by **Vito** » Sun Feb 13, 2022 7:34 pm

(if a mind link is active, otherwise Vito will share his thoughts after the group is out of earshot of this place) The sharkman cares little for small town drama and intrigue, yet he can't help but be intrigued with this, what, with the fish being cooked and all.

Sounds like the fishing folks either caught something that they couldn't handle, or maybe something followed them back and isn't too happy about their presence down below. Or maybe they found something down there that someone else wants back. Vito internally muses.

Heather Todd · Post by **Heather Todd** » Mon Feb 14, 2022 3:39 am

Cullport/Bed & Breakfast
Afternoon
Round 0

Heather’s stomach rumbled a little at the idea of some fish and chips, so she delightedly noshed down on whitefish drenched in tartar sauce and jumbo fried shrimp in cocktail sauce and a large, cold lemonade as she listened to Mustaine make his report. At Gaspard’s signal, she focused and linked all their minds together so they could talk privately.

“The second death, the beating, could also indicate it might have been more…personal,” Heather thought to the others.

“We’ll take copies of those pictures,” Heather acknowledged Mustaine, pulling out her own field computer. “This Tomorrow Legion person that passed through, did you get a name?” she asked. “Any other people in town that are strangers, nonlocals? And we would definitely like a look at Elsie’s crime scene, and the other two, as well, if they are still intact. And we will need to know of anyone who was on scene with you investigating.”

To her team, she thought, “When we get to the scene, everyone stay outside and away from the building a bit. Let Adriana make a few passes and see if she can get some scents. We’ll probably need to start eliminating local persons who were investigating.”

***

Character Tracker

Blackfish · Post by **Blackfish** » Mon Feb 14, 2022 9:12 am

The Ogre dismissed the bicycle as they arrived in town. Conjuring was by far his favorite aspect of magic, he’d taken the class at the Lazlo School of Magic on a whim. As a student of combat magic he used conjuring as a weapon but enjoyed applying it to non combat aspects.

He did his best attempt at a casual smile as they came into the town and the people who gave them looks. He was quite used to being stared at. At seven feet two inches tall he stood out. Grey skin and brutish face got him a lot of looks. In a way his outward looks were a kind of camouflage. People tended to not expect how well he spoke or how learned he was.

Blackfish kept quiet, he was new on the team, and enjoyed seeing how everyone else handled this he situation.

The food was good and he was thankful for it.

He wasn’t an investigator but figured his training in the occult and thievery might help determine something.

The group mind link impressed him, nicely done, and he listened to everyone and only interjected once that he heard to stay outside at first.

Kidemonas · Post by **Kidemonas** » Tue Feb 15, 2022 10:54 am

Kidemonas tried some of everything offered. Some small bits here, and another small bit there. In the end it seemed unnatural to watch as what looks like a 220 lb human should not be able to hold that much food inside of themselves.

As the conversation turned to the topic of the murders Kidemonas smiled. "Well, I am not trained at investigating yet. But he is really smart." He says pointing to @Gaspard then to @Dominic "He is pretty smart too. Dragons are very fast learners, and I am even faster than most. But the funniest part for me when come in once we find the murderer." He offers with a large smile.

Looking to the team he asks. "So lets go check out this crime scene." As he begins to stand then he thinks better. "I am curious, why not just get everyone here and read their minds? We could have this all wrapped up by nightfall." Kidemonas then waits for an answer from the others. Afterall isn't that what mind melters do?

Adriana · Post by **Adriana** » Wed Feb 16, 2022 11:02 am

Heather Todd wrote: ↑Mon Feb 14, 2022 3:39 am Cullport/Bed & Breakfast
Afternoon
Round 0

Heather’s stomach rumbled a little at the idea of some fish and chips, so she delightedly noshed down on whitefish drenched in tartar sauce and jumbo fried shrimp in cocktail sauce and a large, cold lemonade as she listened to Mustaine make his report. At Gaspard’s signal, she focused and linked all their minds together so they could talk privately.

“The second death, the beating, could also indicate it might have been more…personal,” Heather thought to the others.

“We’ll take copies of those pictures,” Heather acknowledged Mustaine, pulling out her own field computer. “This Tomorrow Legion person that passed through, did you get a name?” she asked. “Any other people in town that are strangers, nonlocals? And we would definitely like a look at Elsie’s crime scene, and the other two, as well, if they are still intact. And we will need to know of anyone who was on scene with you investigating.”

To her team, she thought, “When we get to the scene, everyone stay outside and away from the building a bit. Let Adriana make a few passes and see if she can get some scents. We’ll probably need to start eliminating local persons who were investigating.”

***

Character Tracker
Heather Todd Character Sheet
Parry: 4; Toughness: 16 (8)
ISP: 44/50
Blue Mind Gem: 35/35 ISP; intangibility
Red Mind Gem: 30/30 ISP; barrier
Mind Circlet: 10/10 ISP for barrier, intangibility (innate powers)
Bennies: 5/3
Shard Pistol: 12/12 shots
Armor: 10/10 PP
Fireburst Rifle: 20/20 shots
First aid kit: 3/3
Powers: barrier (red mind gem), bolt, conceal arcana*, confusion, detect arcana*, empathy (free reroll), entangle, fear (free reroll), fly*, intangibility* (blue mind gem), invisibility (armor), mind link, mind reading, mind wipe (blue mind gem), puppet, slumber, telekinesis (auto raise)
Encumbrance: 36.75/20 (including pack, 56.75/20, -2 Pace, running, Agility-linked skills, Vigor to resist Fatigue)(Normal: Armor 13, Coat 5, 4 Grenades 2=20)
Major Psionic: May spend 2 ISP to gain +1 to the roll, or 4 ISP for +2.
Master of Psionics: Mind Melters get a free reroll on all Trait rolls when using psychic abilities and their Psionics skill; this does not allow Critical Failures to be rerolled.
Mental Resistance: Melters have +4 to all checks to resist psionic effects, and +4 armor against psionic damage..
Grenades (carried)

1 High Explosive

9 Fragmentation

2 Plasma

Through the mindlink, Language is less of a barrier. Thus her speech is much less broken. "I don't smell any blood at the moment. Not from here, at least."(Not done)

Gaspard Gillead · Post by **Gaspard Gillead** » Thu Feb 17, 2022 5:54 pm

Kidemonas wrote: ↑Tue Feb 15, 2022 10:54 am
Looking to the team he asks. "So lets go check out this crime scene." As he begins to stand then he thinks better. "I am curious, why not just get everyone here and read their minds? We could have this all wrapped up by nightfall." Kidemonas then waits for an answer from the others. Afterall isn't that what mind melters do?

Gaspard sighs. "Sadly, most people are reluctant to permit such, even if it would exonerate them from a murder investigation. And while we are investigating, I do not believe we have been granted the sort of authority that would allow us to force compliance. Of course, I can do it surreptitiously, but we need to winnow down the field of suspects, first; reading everyone in town would be both time-consuming and quite prohibitive in terms of PPE."

Kidemonas · Post by **Kidemonas** » Thu Feb 17, 2022 6:07 pm

Gaspard Gillead wrote: ↑Thu Feb 17, 2022 5:54 pm Gaspard sighs. "Sadly, most people are reluctant to permit such, even if it would exonerate them from a murder investigation. And while we are investigating, I do not believe we have been granted the sort of authority that would allow us to force compliance. Of course, I can do it surreptitiously, but we need to winnow down the field of suspects, first; reading everyone in town would be both time-consuming and quite prohibitive in terms of PPE."

A look of disappointment on his face Kidemonas nods. "I guess we have to do this the hard way."

Fernando · Post by **Fernando** » Fri Feb 18, 2022 6:45 pm

For the most part, Fernando simply listens and eats. He seems to be enjoying the cuisine as you spot him cleaning the bones with his startlingly white teeth. He waits to see what the rest have to say.

Dominic Skodati · Post by **Dominic Skodati** » Sat Feb 19, 2022 4:00 am

This whole thing stinks, and it ain't the fish.

It was quaint that the sheriff thought there was no black market here. This places has docks, and where there's docks you can be sure of two things: rats and smugglers.

Well, prostitutes too but they're everywhere.

"Alright let's check out the scene and the pictures then we can try to piece together if and how these things are related."

Post by **Snake Eyes** » Mon Feb 21, 2022 9:05 pm

Mustaine watches as @Kidemonas takes savage advantage of the bed & breakfast having easy access to an ocean full of fish. "Boy, you can put it way, can't you? Ain't seen anyone eat like that in years, and that was a grackle I knew. Where do you put it?" He blinks a minute as Kid casually mentions being a dragon. He shrugs. Probably just as likely a group like this runs with a dragon. Not much surprises him anymore.

He nods at @Heather Todd and offers the computer to her as he stands up. "It's probably an old timer's sensibility, but you're young, miss. You might want to have someone screen those pics for you. They're..." He shudders again. "Miss, they're brutal. If you're not seared already, save your eyes and your soul." He continues talking as Heather pulls the photos onto her own computer. "Legion guy. Was a dog boy. Said his name was Max. He wasn't in town long. Man on a mission, I could tell."

He begins moving to the door and gestures for you to follow him. "There's not much for law enforcement other than me. I have a couple people who help out, but town response...it's pretty much me. Marina Isbell helped with the pictures. Sam Lucas taped off the scene and pointed out what little evidence we found. Nobody else has the stomach for a murder scene. I can bring them in to talk to you if you want, but everything they know is in those pictures."

Mustaine balks a little at the suggestion of mind reading. He nods as @Gaspard Gillead explains a little bit of both common courtesy of invading someone's mind and the mathematics of energy consumption. "Your friend is right. Unless we get lucky, we have enough folks in town that it would still take a long time to get through them. I know psychics with a big noggin, but even they have limits."

As you arrive at your destination, a small, quaint cottage just a few blocks from the docks, you notice it appears to be boarded up. Temporary signage indicates KEEP OUT in multiple languages. Mustaine pulls a key from his pocket and unlocks the door. "Last warning for anyone who's queasy. We tried to preserve the scene and mask the smell." He opens the door after a pause and allows you in. Inside the living room you see a woman's body sprawled out on the floor. Her head lies a few feet away. The naturally occurring pool of blood, now well dried, coats the space between.

Instructions

Adriana · Post by **Adriana** » Tue Feb 22, 2022 11:55 am

Vigor 5, Spirit 5, Notice 5

The scent and scene don't seem to bother the cat woman as she sniffs around to see if she can separate out the stink from other scents, keeping her eyes and ears peeled as well.

Fernando · Post by **Fernando** » Tue Feb 22, 2022 12:05 pm

OOC Comments

Fernando walks in and upon seeing the blood everywhere, crosses himself. He stands there for a moment, the scent rolling over his sensitive nostrils. He looks like he is about to say something when suddenly he starts to dry heave. He puts his paw over his mouth and is able to exit the room before ridding his stomach of all of that delicious fish he ate earlier.

A few minutes later he heads back in, eyes watering.

Kidemonas · Post by **Kidemonas** » Tue Feb 22, 2022 3:07 pm

OOC Comments

Kidemonas sees the grizzly seen and feels shaken. Turning and leaving the room he refuses to go back in, instead looking for clue outside and trying to shake the image. It is one thing to eat a bandit, or a brodkil. But that was a normal kid who did not deserve what fate had chosen for her.

Blackfish · Post by **Blackfish** » Tue Feb 22, 2022 4:54 pm

Spirit vs Scene 7 and Notice for Investigation 7

As the others enter the building the tall broad shouldered Ogre waits. About to stoop down and go through the door he backs up quickly recognizing the look on Kidemonas face.

Deciding not to follow him, better to let him have a moment, Blackfish turns back to the door. At 7’ 8” in armor he bends down and walks slowly in. The murder is gross. Unfortunately he’s seen enough death that he simply feels nothing. Then frowns reflecting that feeling nothing is worse than if he had. With a heavy heart Blackfish squats and looks over the scene and body.

He again stays quiet waiting to see how the others on the team, longer term members, will act and react.

Initially not seeing anything of interest the Ogre takes a deep breath (spent a bennie) and closes his eyes. Thinking back to university in Lazlo, Professor Iglam’s Astute Observation class.

“ Observation is a very important part of science. It lets us see the results of an experiment, even if they are not the results we expect. It lets us see unexpected things around us that might stimulate our curiosity, leading to new experiments. Even more important than observation is accurate observation.”

Blackfish opened his eyes and started from the ceiling this time, looking at everything from up to down hopefully to notice something, even the unexpected, this time.

Vito · Post by **Vito** » Tue Feb 22, 2022 9:47 pm

While Vito has seemed like he has an EBA helmet, for some reason he neglects or chooses to not employ it. He looks around and after a deep, bellowing "WHOOF" from his open maw, he quips, Uh, I guess someone really wanted to be sure. This looks like they wanted to send a message.

Gaspard Gillead · Post by **Gaspard Gillead** » Sat Feb 26, 2022 12:22 am

OOC Comments

A wave of nausea overcomes Gaspard as he views the scene. I haven't seen anything like this since the Edge Killer in the City of Brass. Where that guy got ahold of Jack the Ripper's razor, I'll never know.... okay, head in the game, Constable. This is what you used to do, so do it. The intensity of the queasiness, coupled with his innate sensitivity to the suffering of others, makes it hard for him to concentrate on the scene. Still, he has training and the Method to fall back on.

He is about to enter and begin, when he has a second thought. "You, New Guy--sorry, @Vito. You got cyber-eyes, means you got data-storage, too, right? I want you to take stills of anyplace I point to, keep so we can examine them later if we need to. Start with a full-room shot, from the doorway. And then, another from... " He takes the files they were given, and pulls up the full-room shot from there. "From this spot here." If anything's been moved between the sheriff's first look and now, that's probably worth noting.

And with that, he buries himself in the Method. Step by step, he and Vito go through the room. First to the body by the least disruptive path possible. Photos of the position, then closer shots of the corpse, especially along the severed neck. Rolling the body over, carefully, and getting more shots that way. The head is treated with the same attempted clinical detachment.

Bloodstains are catalogued in similar fashion. Not just the big pool, but also any smaller splatters, especially anything that might indicate if the killer came from the front or from behind.

After that, the rest of the cottage is examined in detail. Drawers are opened, any papers are taken for examination. Bed-linens are pulled aside. Personal objects are opened or otherwise turned over, piece by piece. It's time-consuming, and most of the effort is probably going to be fruitless. But he'd seen too many investigations take too long, with too many sequel crimes resulting from sloppy work. The Method is slow, painstaking and sure, and it would see this through, if he just applied it correctly.

Vito · Post by **Vito** » Sat Feb 26, 2022 8:04 pm

Vito is bent over the corpse, gawking at the edges of the cut while idly tracing a finger along one of his several front teeth and twisting his neck slightly at an odd angle. At first, he is startled at being addressed at all, much less in a manner outside his usual role of "team eye candy." A scowl blinks for just a moment on his face before he subdues the thoughts of some obvious ulterior motive behind @Gaspard 's greeting.

Uh, you got it, horny guy, er, sorry I'm no good with names. Comes from all the transfers.

Relaxed, perhaps almost gleefully, the hulking sea creature relatively tromps after the d'norr, occasionally making "kch-zzzz" noises in-between chuffs as he pauses to supply the requested images.

I'll try to not get my thumb in any of these. Uh-heh!

Dominic Skodati · Post by **Dominic Skodati** » Sun Mar 06, 2022 4:17 am

I have a healthy sense of self preservation, meaning when I see a dead guy I don't want to be dead too. Always give me the edge I need when looking at a body cause I can ask myself one important question.

"What do I have to do to avoid ending up like this shmuck?

Seeing the grisly scene . He begins to twitch and look around the room for threats, ignoring the bodies and instead in closets, rooms, and hatches for any threats that may be lurking.

"We sure as hell don't want to end up like that dude."

Kidemonas · Post by **Kidemonas** » Thu Mar 10, 2022 7:17 pm

Seeing nothing of interest outside and not having the stomach for what was inside Kidemonas pretended to make an effort to go in again. "What have you learned? Is there something I should be looking for out here?"

Post by **Snake Eyes** » Thu Mar 10, 2022 8:02 pm

The 12th sets about cataloguing the scene and inspecting every inch of the cottage with eyes, ears, and nose. With a full and thorough look-see complete, you've noted that Elsie Burns, the decedent, wore her love and obsession with the sea and its creatures on her sleeve. Literally. She has an inordinate number of tattoos of squids across her body. Peeling away any clothing (while still presumably leaving her dignity intact) reveals more of the same. Curiously, none of the squid tattoos seem to have anything resembling eyes.

The scene itself doesn't look like there was much of a struggle. There are no overturned chairs or upset tables. There are no scattered papers, and as far as you could determine, there doesn't appear to be anything missing. The decapitation itself appears to have been clean. One swipe, no hacking.

Being a businesswoman, Elsie kept a ledger in her workshop. @Gaspard Gillead takes particular interest in this. Going through the revenue, expenses, and her personal outflow, he notes that she appears to be very generous. Most of her net revenue is being given to a single, unnamed individual or account. For as much as she earns, she's barely making her bills, with all excess going to this blank entry. There even appears to be recent sales of personal goods, with those allocations earmarked for the blank entry. Unfortunately, even after combing through everything you can find, you see no indication of who or what the blank entry represents.

As you conclude a few hours later, you exit the cottage to find Mustaine just walking back up. "Y'all missed lunch. It's okay though. I don't think I'd be able to eat after being in there that long. Find anything we didn't?"
He marvels at whatever you might relay to him. "Guess it's a good thing you guys came along. What do you think? Want to tour the other crime scenes? Those have been cleared awhile and they're both buried, but the homes haven't really been touched since. We could start with Toby."

Instructions

instructions edit

Adriana · Post by **Adriana** » Thu Mar 10, 2022 8:17 pm

Seeing the plethora of eyeless squid, before they leave, Adriana activates Detect Conceal Arcana.

Adriana isn't much of a persuader, she tends to be more the type to growl them into submission, but she tries her best to help those better at it, accomplishing very little really. (Failed to support)

She isn't as knowledgeable as she'd like about magic and things related but she let's the ideas percolate and talks it out with the others. She's a bit more helpful here pointing out a particular detail that was missed. (1 sux)

Repair...uh, what's a wrench? She wisely decides to stand guard instead so that she doesn't break stuff rather than help. However, she picks up a schematic drawing that even to layman's eyes the symbols are clear. (1 sux Notice)

(Generally support)

Dice

She does scan the various scenes with detect arcana again.

Blackfish · Post by **Blackfish** » Fri Mar 11, 2022 1:48 pm

1 Success to assist with Repairs

Narrate (Got busy with work sorry. Ill post next time) -Dan

Vito · Post by **Vito** » Fri Mar 11, 2022 2:54 pm

Lead roll on repair (add +1 if field repair kit is applicable)

Repair 1d6!!+3: [3]+3 = 6
Wild 1d6!!+3: [4]+3 = 7

Gaspard Gillead · Post by **Gaspard Gillead** » Sat Mar 12, 2022 9:40 am

OOC Comments

Gaspard doesn't usually tap into his kin's insidious charm, as he rarely has any interest in normal conversation. But sometimes, you have to use the tools you've been given, even if they're a bit rusty. So he begins talking to the friends and neighbors of Toby, the first victim.

With Kidemonas running interference on potential distractions, Gaspard is able to get a decent picture of the victim. He reports his findings to the others.

"Okay, so Toby used to be laid-back, casual--not necessarily lazy, but happy to earn enough to live and still take time to enjoy life. But lately he's been working up a storm, even isolating himself from his friends to spend more time working." He taps the business books they took from the third victim, Elsie. "Combined, this suggests both victims were looking for money, kind of urgently. Still too early to jump to conclusions, but I wouldn't put loan sharking--no offense, Vito--out of the picture."

Kidemonas · Post by **Kidemonas** » Sat Mar 12, 2022 10:24 am

Speaking with the neighbors sounded like an excellent idea to Kidemonas. When @Gaspard Gillead heads out Kid follows him, letting himself change into his smaller more frail human form. Kidemonas focuses his attention on making sure that distractions are taken care of as Gaspard does his work. If someone comes to interrupt the conversation Kid intercepts them, trying to help solve those problems. When a toddler begins crying for attention kid simply plops to his knees and begins drawing on the ground to play with the child calming it.

Support Gaspard +2!

Vito · Post by **Vito** » Sat Mar 12, 2022 11:43 am

Uh, thanks. I'm not sure I get the reference, though. We've always been extremely fair...good rate...generous time tables. I mean there are an unfortunate few that...oh I get it now. (CHUFF)

Gaspard Gillead wrote: ↑Sat Mar 12, 2022 9:40 am "Combined, this suggests both victims were looking for money, kind of urgently. Still too early to jump to conclusions, but I wouldn't put loan sharking--no offense, Vito--out of the picture."

Dominic Skodati · Post by **Dominic Skodati** » Sat Mar 12, 2022 4:59 pm

Unable to find anything useful in his hurried search Dom looks and listens to what the others found out. The tattoos hold interest to him. Obsessions like that usually meant something. So did the decapitation. Cutting off someone's head was a peculiar act, done to keep them dead or send a message. For now however, the message, and those intended to receive it elude him.

Heading to Toby's house Dom start trying to put the pieces together. Heather hadns off her field computer for some fast researching,and Dom thanks her with a sly grin. As she takes off to do psychic readings he opens the computer and temporarily forgets the assignment as he trolls through her personal files, especially the camera roll. Distracted and embarrassed he leaps up as she comes back into the room knocking over some containers on the counter...spilling out some magical reagents.

Holding them up he grins, "Looks like Toby had his hand in the cookie jar."

Occult (distracted -2) = 2

Fernando · Post by **Fernando** » Thu Mar 17, 2022 7:24 pm

Roll Notice 1d8!! 1d6!!: [6]+[3] = 9

Benny 1d8!! 1d6!!: [9!!]+[2] = 11

After composing himself, Fernando comes back in. He notices @Dominic Skodati looking about, and being a curious type, decides to help. Dominic must have found some valuable information in the laptop. He's about to ask what was found when he hears it, a gentle rustling noise. He uses his sensitive ears to locate the source of the noise, a large burlap bag. He peeks inside and hisses instinctively.

"A snake. The kind they use for black magic, I think."
He casually tosses the bag to Dominic. "Have a look."

Post by **Snake Eyes** » Tue Mar 29, 2022 6:39 pm

After finding some suspicious things at Toby Mitchell's, Mustaine pops back from handling town business to check on the 12th. "Yeah, now that you mention it, I guess I hadn't seen Toby around as much. I don't get into what people do for work as long as it's legitimate, but it does seem strange that he's building that kind of ship." He takes a bite of a piece of jerky, then suggests a next course of action. "Marley Blackwell's the last victim. Worst one, actually." He points at @Heather Todd's computer. "The pictures should be on there. Follow me."

Notice at -4

You arrive at the home of Marley Blackwell. The house is notably larger and nicer than the surrounding buildings. Like the crack team of investigators you are, you immediately set to determining what happened here.

Instructions

Kidemonas · Post by **Kidemonas** » Tue Mar 29, 2022 7:23 pm

Kidemonas heads out with the team to the new site, unfortunatly he had spent to long locked in his small mortal form and was growing tired. Having to revert to his true form he makes sure there is no one at risk near them before finally letting out. As he walks and tries to engage in conversation with people he finds they are too easily scared of him. But disguising himself as mortal again so soon was beyond him. Perhaps he should work on that...

Adriana · Post by **Adriana** » Sat Apr 02, 2022 11:08 am

Notice 6, Spellcasting 5

She notices the person but can't catch who. That they are being watched doesn't seem particularly strange to her. She studies the scene. It takes a moment but then she hrmps. "Was ritual kill. Not just random."

Vito · Post by **Vito** » Sat Apr 02, 2022 12:22 pm

Well I ain't too keen on computahs but my brother had one o those where you dial up a service and they show up an'...uh, well lemme take a crack at this...

Gaspard Gillead · Post by **Gaspard Gillead** » Sat Apr 02, 2022 7:33 pm

OOC Comments

Gaspard looks around, frowning. "He either knew the killer and let them in, or we've got a freakin' ghost. This security system would've gone off if anyone tried to break in." He shakes his head. "There's something else, here, too. I just can't put my finger on it...."

Dominic Skodati · Post by **Dominic Skodati** » Sun Apr 03, 2022 4:21 am

Of course the rich guy was into the dark arts...

, Dom easily spots a ritual but the nature of it is a bit beyond him. Gaspard was more the evil ritual type but he seems busy looking at other stuff.

Shrugging Dom pipes up, "This is different then the executions we saw earlier. In the Hand I saw some bad stuff when the real crazy guys wanted some extra magical juice. Kind of like this."

Kidemonas · Post by **Kidemonas** » Wed Apr 06, 2022 5:22 am

"Does that mean there is more than one killer? Maybe someone set up some fake kills to hide his real pray like in the Murder she Wrote with Angela Lansberry videos?"

Blackfish · Post by **Blackfish** » Wed Apr 06, 2022 8:30 am

Dominic Skodati wrote: ↑Sun Apr 03, 2022 4:21 am Shrugging Dom pipes up, "This is different then the executions we saw earlier. In the Hand I saw some bad stuff when the real crazy guys wanted some extra magical juice. Kind of like this."

The Ogre had stayed quite up till now. After Dom talks Blackfish nods and says: ”The ritual is trying to gain power and favor from a specific dark supernatural entity. Sick shi..stuff.”

Adriana · Post by **Adriana** » Thu Apr 21, 2022 12:42 pm

Kidemonas wrote: ↑Wed Apr 06, 2022 5:22 am "Does that mean there is more than one killer? Maybe someone set up some fake kills to hide his real pray like in the Murder she Wrote with Angela Lansberry videos?"

Adriana looks at Kid in confusion. She has no idea what he is talking about. But then she shrugs. Fake kills to hide real intent was the gist of what he was saying. She understood that part. "Could be."

Her gaze moves to the ogre when he speaks. "Know which?" she asks. He had obviously recognized something she hadn't. Maybe he had seen this before.

Kidemonas · Post by **Kidemonas** » Wed May 11, 2022 7:07 pm

When @Adriana agree with the possibility of Kidemonas being right he swells a little bit. Having felt useless on the mission the boost to his ego helped sooth some of his adolescent insecurities.

Post by **Snake Eyes** » Tue May 14, 2024 7:52 pm

New Members

The 12th AAT spends a few days in the town of Cullport investigating a rash of mysterious and brutal deaths. Suspects are narrowed, interviews are conducted with anyone who has an opinion on the perpetrator or the motives behind the killings. You discover that the shadowy fellow who has been avoiding you is a sea inquisitor by the name of Lars Hetfield. The decapitations were his work; he was dispatching members of a cult that worships the Lord of the Deep, an ocean-dwelling squidlike creature of vicious and evil intent. The slaying of town notable Marley Blackwell, though, was committed by his daughter Hilary, the leader of this Cult of the Deep. This was obviously a sacrifice to an evil entity with a little familial hatred mixed in.
The cult had secured a military-grade hovercraft which decapitated cult member Toby Mitchell had been working on in preparation for foul deeds on the high seas. Local trader John-David Alefant had recently sold a notable arsenal of weapons and armor to the cult. Clues found in discussions and on his person led the 12th to an orphanage on a small island near Cullport. There the cult was preparing to set sail to begin a reign of piracy and sacrifice to the Lord of the Deep. Lars joins the 12th in their assault on the orphanage.

During the investigation, though, several members of the 12th depart under various circumstances. @Vito bids goodbye as he has been given a pricey contract by The Black Company, an outside mercenary group that frequently contracts with the Tomorrow Legion for off-the-record operations. @Heather Todd is suddenly recalled back to Castle Refuge by your team leader, Setnaja; a portal is opened directly to his . The ogre mage @Blackfish follows her through, offering little of a farewell salutation. The portal does stay open long enough for new additions to step through to join you as you complete your investigation and prepare your assault on the New Dawn Orphan Home.

All members

Persephone · Post by **Persephone** » Tue May 14, 2024 9:35 pm

Adriana was called home as well zipping through the portal at the last minute. Atlantean Persephone and her wolf Cerberus come out to replace her joining the new group.

Edward · Post by **Edward** » Wed May 15, 2024 11:37 am

A somewhat disheveled looking man in an ill fitting suit of armor walks through the portal. He is armed with a laser pistol on his hip (it's facing the wrong way incidentally) and a deck of playing cards, which he smoothly shuffles with one hand. He looks amongst the group in their various states of damage/blood etc. and gives a little wave. "I'm Edward. They said to go through the portal and meet you all here?."

Kidemonas · Post by **Kidemonas** » Sat May 25, 2024 3:03 pm

Kidemonas greets the two new comers as they step through, leaning down to make eye contact the massive hatchlings head the size of a hovercycle. "Welcome, I am Kidemonas, but people call me Kid. I am training to be a great hero and robot slayer. What do you do?" He asks knowing the teams he gets assigned with always have cool powers.

Omitting Narrative

Gaspard Gillead · Post by **Gaspard Gillead** » Sat Jun 01, 2024 8:45 pm

The D'norr nods to the newcomers with a thin smile. "Greetings. I am Gaspard Gillead. Do not be alarmed by my... associates, here; I assure you they are well-leashed." As he speaks, he motions to three cloaked figures behind him. Two are relatively normal sized, though perhaps a bit hunched over, and their features in their cowls are obscured by shadow; the third is massive, easily 12' tall, with an equally oversized chainsword across its back, tinted with a sickly green color. Gaspard goes on. "The big one is Proditione, or Perdi if you prefer. The skulking duo are Skotia & Erebu. Trust none of them, but you may trust that I can keep all three controlled and compliant."

Edward · Post by **Edward** » Tue Jun 11, 2024 5:11 pm

Edward looks around. "Me? Oh, a bit of this, a bit of that..." he trails off, studying the cloaked figures behind @Gaspard Gillead. "Huh. You sure they're good? Look a little, uh, creepy, no offense."

He looks at @Kidemonas and suddenly he turns on the charm and it's jarringly different than his regular schlubby self. "Well kid, they call me a Mind Melter, which is a bit unfair." he winks. "At most I've only warmed one up!"

"So what is this outfit up to? I'm a bit queasy from the portal, anyone got anything to eat?"

Persephone · Post by **Persephone** » Wed Jun 12, 2024 5:19 am

Persephone nods at Gaspard's introduction. "I am Persephone, my companion is Cerberus. I am a Stone Master." Indeed, that much was made obvious by the stone staff she carried. The size of it would make it hard for most to carry easily. In her hand it may as well have been made of the lightest wood. The gems embedded in it gleam as though they had been worn smooth in a grinder or many, many years tumbling through water. The wolf at her side yawns widely and lays down next to her.

Gaspard Gillead · Post by **Gaspard Gillead** » Wed Jun 12, 2024 11:20 am

Gaspard looks over Persephone's staff with a keen eye. "Most impressive. I have not had the fortune to meet a stone master before, but I have heard of your art. I am sure you will be able to contribute greatly.""

Then he turns to Edward. "If by 'good', you mean in the moral sense, then no--they are demons, after all. But if you mean 'secure', then yes. As I said, I know my craft, and their bindings to my will are quite thorough." He continues after a moment. "Ah, another psychic is sorely needed after Miss Heather's departure. Welcome. Now, we should set about our business--we are investigating a series of murders with occult overtones." He explains, in outline form, the details of the murders, and the short list of suspects they've made so far. It's all done in a fashion that one might associate with the police procedurals of the Golden Age, if one had ever seen the old recordings of them.

During the subsequent investigation, Gaspard's aptitude with mind-reading proves quite useful, though he grumbles somewhat about 'shifts in the mana flow' that apparently now impede his former ability to completely dissect someone's thoughts with a single spell. Still, he is able to reliably extract true information from subjects without them even being aware he is doing it. And the two shadow-beasts prove extremely skilled in tracking and surveilling a target, which let them beard Lars and determine what was really going on.

Prior to their departure for the island, and based on the information provided by Lars, Gaspard convinced Dominic to go back to Castle Refuge with money and a request for reagents; Dominic did so, but then opted to send the components back, without coming along. Apparently, the Realm Runner's investment in the group drew a line at Lovecraftian horrors. Still, he did actually send back the material Gaspard needed, though he no doubt kept whatever share of the offered price he managed to bargain down as a handling fee.

During the fight, Gaspard was practically not involved in the battle at all--his three minions stayed close to him, forming a defensive screen, and instead of calling up the usual waves of gargoyles, he focused on one task only--banishing the Tentacle back where it came from. This exorcism would have been impossible without his allies, what with all the cultists and the big flopping tendril trying to flatten everything around them.

Kidemonas · Post by **Kidemonas** » Wed Jun 19, 2024 8:22 am

Edward wrote: ↑Tue Jun 11, 2024 5:11 pm Edward looks around. "Me? Oh, a bit of this, a bit of that..." he trails off, studying the cloaked figures behind @Gaspard Gillead. "Huh. You sure they're good? Look a little, uh, creepy, no offense."

He looks at @Kidemonas and suddenly he turns on the charm and it's jarringly different than his regular schlubby self. "Well kid, they call me a Mind Melter, which is a bit unfair." he winks. "At most I've only warmed one up!"

"So what is this outfit up to? I'm a bit queasy from the portal, anyone got anything to eat?"

Kid nods happy to have an opertunity as he transforms long enough to pull his pack off and pull out the rations. "I have food in here, but rarely need to eat. Here you go." He says offering the legion's issued meals to the human.

Persephone · Post by **Persephone** » Fri Jun 21, 2024 11:48 pm

"Rarely need to eat or just rarely need to eat those?" She asks sardonically. No one has ever accused rations of being tasty after all.

Edward · Post by **Edward** » Mon Jun 24, 2024 9:42 pm

Edward takes the rations, picks through them a bit and finally settled in a strip of some kind of jerky.

"Thank you, I appreciate it!" he tells @Kidemonas

He watches @Gaspard Gillead curiously tagging along if @Gaspard Gillead is ok with that, but just sticking to the background.

Persephone · Post by **Persephone** » Tue Jul 30, 2024 1:11 am

Persephone helps with the investigation by verifying whether or not those they interrogate are being truthful. If necessary she works to compel the truth from them with her magics. If they are at risk of flight she will sculpt the earth into a prison to keep them in place. When it devolves into a battle she lifts her staff touching various stones to attack their enemies with magical blasts until their enemies are subdued.