"OI, you got a letter." The clamour the bustle of morning suddenly gains clarity as you are woken from your sleep by the owner of the hostel. The ruckus of the several dozen residents getting ready to take on the fresh day serves as background noise as the man standing over your meager bed once again speaks. "Letter came for you just a bit ago. Looks pretty fancy. You piss off the gentry?" The owner of the hostel flashed a quick smile at this before tossing the letter onto your bed and unceremoniously taking his leave. There now lies at the foot of your bed a clean cut envelope made of decent quality paper and sealed with red wax and a coat of arms. Written on its surface: To Jason Elric Lord
Rubbing the sleep from his eyes he sat up feeling groggy before turning his attention to the then leaving man and the envelope now sitting on his chest. He didn't recognize the seal nor had he told anyone that he had rented a room the last few nights to get out of the cold. He had not gone out looking for trouble in months and he doubted anyone he might have had a drunken brawl with in some rundown pub had a coat of arms. He stuffed the letter in his fraying trousers and headed to a nearby water bucket. With the bathrooms so few in this place people had a number of cold washing up buckets around for various needs.
He stared at his own reflection a ritual that had become his newest daily obssession since hew had found out the general idea behind his curse from Constantine. Nothing seemed different at first glance same shoulder lank dark hair along with his now paling complexion. Something that he reassured himself was from weeks of not having a solid meal and not some affect of hidden magicks. All told he seemed perfectly human, and in that moment jace was all to happy he did not have enough to his name to own a mirror for it might be the death of him.
With his morning ritual done he headed out grabbing what food he could either from the hostel or a nearby stall for scraps and then headed out to find a spot where the light made its way through the sky for better reading. Once he had found a space somewhat out of the way he dug the letter out and popped the seal.
The spring weather is clear and sunny, if only because the fires of industry have yet to be fully stoked this early in the morning, and clear enough to easily make out the contents of the envelope. The letter contained within the envelope is simple. In the center of the field of the page there is a short message: Mr Jason Elrik Lord, You are cordially invited to attend an audience with Lord Blackblade at his London residence at three o'clock on this afternoon.
Jace blinked as he stared at the letter. He then looked at himself in his worn clothes that were only a few step above rags and nearly broke into laughter. The idea of going to some noble's house let alone an unknown persons house who could very well be a trap of some kind of trap seemed insane. But as he stood there out on the streets thinking about his future prospects for the day and his future he had to admit he was curious. He couldn't be sure if it was his time without stable work and living or if the curse was subtly poking that bestial part of his brain, but if he wanted to change his current path he could not afford to shun any real opportunity.
"Fuck it Jace are you a man or a dog? The worst thing that could happen is that you end up dead right and at least you'd still be human." He knew very well deep down that there were obviously far worse fates for him then death the least of which becoming some kind of side show exhibit. But he refused to allow those fears to get to him in that moment he could not afford to wallow in his own nightmares and he was to much of a superstitious man and a coward to try and end things on his terms. So he would need to play the hand he had been dealt.
Like a gambler who had bet his entire worth on one hand he stuffed the letter into his pocket careful not to lose it in case he needed it later he walked off. He didn't have any odd jobs to do today so he was simply passing the time aimlessly to around the appointed time that he would arrive to the address on the envelope on foot.
You find yourself in a very well to do part of town. The rows of townhouses are both tall and wide, with impecably maintained facades. Wealthy folk stroll down the street with the typical upturned posture of the high class, occassionally casting a pence or two to the occasinal beggar. but otherwise continuing on with a complete obliviousness of anyone other than those of similar station. The beggars are few and well behaved, though they eye you and your poor dress with a territorial wariness. Their hostility is kept in check by the occasional openly patrolling constable, who gives you a look of careful scrutiny at seeing what they also consider a new beggar on the street. Finally you arrive at the appointed address, where the looming stone and brick construction stands flanking a heavy oak door. A brass knocker with the shape of a stag's head gazes at you from the middle of the wide door.
He felt as out of place in this neighborhood as the looks he was getting from other people. He made sure he was keeping his head down and as invisible as possible with this isolated world. When he got to the door in question he stopped for a moment and stared at the knocker. It felt somehow menacing to him in that moment despite its regal barring,"Alright, Jason don't back out now. He furrowed his brow and worked up his courage. He grabbed the stag firmly and purposely gave two solid knocks before stepping back and giving the door space to open. His hand was shacking but he wasn't letting that fear sit in his gut for long as he clenched a fist. He felt just how thin his clothes were becoming as he felt a light wind against his skin leaving him vulnerable.
The door is opened by the large, gloved hands of an ogre dressed in a dapper butler's uniform. Short for an ogre, the manservant still towers over you with the default neutral expression and ruler straight posture of a professional servant. The butler's eyes scan up and down your figure as he takes a moment to examine you. His expression flickers ever so slightly with distaste before returning to its stone-like default. "I would have you know vagrant that there are constables within earshot and that if you do not remove yourself from this lordship's property I will have you taken away. Now begone with you, the Lord Blackblade is expecting guests and I would have you gone before they arrive."
Jace grimaced he knew he looked like some overage newsie with his hair tied back in a short ponytail and his clothes were a complete mess, but he had come there for a reason. Despite some part of his mind wanted him to simply apologize and turn away never to return he stood his ground. Taking a small breath he spoke in his light well read accent "I was invited friend." He dug through his pants to produce the letter once more. "My name is Jason Lord. His lordship should be expecting me. Though I cannot see I remember meeting him." He shoved the note into the butler's hand. "Can we at least move this inside I'm not one for stares."
Yet again the butler's facade breaks for but a fraction of a second into a look of horror before resuming it's bland gaze as he examined the letter. He then swiftly pocketed the letter, seemingly assured of its authenticity, before speaking again "I see, I apoligize for my rudeness mister Lord, I had mistakenly assumed from your name you would have been one of... different attire..." With this backhanded apology the butler pulled the door open to its widest, stepping to the side and motioning with his hand as he bowed his head. "If you would be so inclined to come off the street mister Lord. His Lordship is awaiting you" Despite maintaining his composure, the butler seemed unnerved as his eyes continue to dart quickly to the street and the socialites watching the new local gossip story unfolding before their eyes as they walk down the street. "His Lordship is in the ground floor parlor, the second to last door on the right."
Walking in Jason wanted to tap the ogre on the shoulder but stopped short. Saying that he would not want to be seen like this either didn't really seem to cover it. He didn't blame the butler for his dirty looks he felt the same way if he was the one to have seen what he had become. But so far he had maintained being himself this far and that was worth more to him at the moment then a bit of dignity he may lose. However, it was his appearance and the fact that he was not wearing socks that he did not stop to ask and see if he should take his shoes off before following deeper into the home. He had not hat or jacket to take off at the moment his one good piece of clothes squirreled away in Constantine's office.
He ran his hand through his hair in a fruitless effort to seem more presentable. When he made his way to the the door in question he knocked once and then moved to open the door. "Lord Blackblade, I'm Jason Lord you sent for me by name?" He was acting cautiously at this point worrying that he was being used on some noble man's whim. Plus his own personal history ensured that he was a little afraid that he might be ending up with another curse by the end of the night.
The hallway is well furnished and its dark wood paneled walls display many paintings and tapestries. The parlor is much the same. Soft lamps light the windowless room with a warm feel. An unattended billiards table off to one end, and a fireplace at the other. Above the fireplace is displayed a coat of arms, the very same coat of arms on the letter you recieved, and underneath it a massive sword made of black iron rests upon the mantle. It is before this fireplace that several large leather chairs sit, each easily able to sit an ogre in great comfort. Indeed, this is what you find sitting in one of the chairs. An ogre, both wide and tall even by the standards of their subrace sits smoking a large pipe which rests under a large waxed moustache. He absentmindedly twirls his moustache, grey with age, until hearing you announce yourself at which point he rises from his chair with about as much speed as his paunchy belly would allow. "Ah mister Lord, I'm glad to finally meet you face to face. I am Lord Erik Blackblade of Lancaster. I'm glad that you accepted my invitation. Come, sit, we have much to discuss." He returns to his seat and motions for you to choose one of the other seats arrayed around the fireplace.
Jace was surprised to see a man of this stature greeting him. The social norms of someone of his breeding being so high up in the social structure was not usual. Not that it was completely unheard of nor did he have any particular issues with it beyond the initial shock growing up in an orphanage you learned to see past things like breeding. "It is my pleasure sir, but you will have to forgive, but I am unfamiliar with your name Lordship. I'm not much better then a work hand, and I would remember if a gentleman like yourself had inquired about me before now. Is there something specific you wished to see me for your Lordship?" He moved into the room slowly feeling less likely that this was a trap.
As he got closer he took in Lord Blackblade and this parlor in full. He had never been in a house this nice before, and felt defiantly out of place as he found himself sitting in one of the oversized leather chairs. For him it felt more like a throne his feet almost not touching the ground. Turning to face the other man again he waited for a response hoping to read any kind of hostile intent incase he needed to try and grab that blade on the mantle to attempt to escape.
"Ah, yes, I suppose you wouldn't have heard of me." The Lord leaned back into his chair and puffed a little on his pipe. "You see, that is somewhat by design. My lineage has tried to keep itself obscure as a force of habit as those of... my breeding... tend to be unherd of as a member of the peerage. As such, in order to minimize scandal my family has tried to keep our faces and names obscure." He let out a cloud of smoke before continuing. "So it has become a habit of mine to stay out of sight and deal in business by proxy or pseudonym. As such you would never have known me by name. But I did attend the resteraunt where you worked, or at least I was a patron. I tended to send Carlson in my stead and eat the meal in the comfort of my own home. Speaking of which..." At this the Lord reached over to a side table and delicately lifted a bell which he rang. Almost instantly the butler appeared between two of the chairs. "Yes m'lord?" He asked. "Tea for myself and our guest Carlson." Spoke the lord as he set the bell back down. "Yes m'lord." Replied the butler before he silently withdrew. "Anyways," continued the lord. "Because of my patronage of your resteraunt I was quite privey to the scandal with resulted in your removal. I mean, such a scene made by a mysterious noble of unknown origin? I likely would have heard the tale even if I wasn't particular to the sauteed goose hearts from the resteraunt. Irregardless, their loss is my gain." He took a long drag on his pipe. "Which now bring us to why I have asked you here. You see, while I maintain a level of secrecy, I am at heart a dutiful lord. Unlike many of my peers, I am not merely content with sitting upon the wealth of my station like an ancient dragon hoarding gold. The empire is in peril. The war in Crimea wages on still, the colonies are unstable, maelificous forces lurck the shadows, communists! I fear that something needs to be done to keep the empire together and as such have decided to be one who stands to maintain the order. It is in my blood to do what's right." He withdrew his pipe and pointed its mouthpiece to the crest over the fireplace and the script underneath the heraldry. "Fractum est Rigidum. Broken reforged. The motto of my house. My house earned its title defending the king beyond the duties of a simple servant, and that is how I intend to comport myself... I need good men. Men willing to walk the shadows and ferret out what lies there. I need you, to start. I'm inviting you to help me found a society that will work in secret to work for queen and country. So..." He leaned back in his chair and returned the pipe to its home between his lips. "What do you think?"
Jace was taken aback by the offer, he was wildest imagining had been that this was his one opportunity to get in front of a stove again, but to help create create what sounded to be a secret police force sounded insane. That trepidation was evident in his voice when he finally spoke, "Sir, I commend you on your commitment to your duty, but I doubt I'm much good to you in the shadows. As you are aware disgraced cooks in this city are not known for their sleuthing or combat abilities."
He paused for a moment longer before continuing more cautiously, "What's more there is some details of my disgrace that his lordship might be unaware of. From what I've gathered that noblewoman has a cruel strike. She cursed me for her displeasure, some esoteric power now hidden in my body. Currently I've managed to keep it dormant. But if what I've learned is true I could be turning into some horrific monstrosity that your lordship rightly would see as a threat with each passing day. I fear that this particular man is too broken to be reforged. I would not want to put your name or dreams at risk with actions which could increasingly grow out of my control."
He ran his hands through his hair yet again refusing to look the man in his eyes. He was the first person outside of Constantine he had told and he did not want to see the look of pity or disgust he assumed would be there. "I do know a curious PI who might find your endeavor of interest if you would like his place of living so that this was not a waste for you."
"I can see why you would be afraid. I once led a regiment back out in the orient. I know the look of a fresh recruit in an unfamiliar land so let me tell you a short story. You see that sword upon the mantle?" He nods to the hearth. "My forefather was nothing but a simple blacksmith's slave. But in the midst of a war his master was killed, and from the shattered scraps of a bloody battle, he forged that sword and set out to do something he saved his king who was fleeing a rout. You see, it doesn't take a knight to slay a dragon, just a man like you or I." He took another drag on his pipe. "Tell me, if you so fear what you will become with your curse, what are you going to do about it? Simply hide away and let the maelificum eat away at you? This is your chance. Those who weild such baleful powers need to be stopped. Or would you let others succumb to a similar fate because you stood idly by. Pick up the pieces. Make those fragments into a sword of your own."
Jason looked like he was about to protest once again but let the lord finish out of deference for his station. What he said stung deep he knew that he could not wallow in the dark forever if he ever wanted to find a cure before he ended up someone else entirely he could not afford to waste a moment. Plus he had only spent a few months on the street and he was already nearly falling to pieces he was so far not cut out for that kind of life. With a sigh that was a mixture of resignation and defeat he paused then made sure he was looking the lord square in the face with the burning of a starving man."You can have my service sir with some stipulations. One being that you knowingly accept the fact that I may very well bite the hand that feeds me as it were, and you will need to plan for that. You'll also have to bare with my lack of experience in the matters you are looking for me to pursue and it will most likely force you out of the shadows one day. And finally, you have to find me work as a cook be it here or some other establishment I don't care but I refuse to be going hungry if you have me doing work." He held out his hand then firmly for a handshake never breaking eye contact, "So do we have a deal your lordship?"
"Ah ha! There we go, that's the spirit!" Lord Blackblade got up from his chair and enveloped you hand in his massive paw giving it a firm shake. "Of course, I never intended you to go hungry if you are working for me. I sometimes forget about such things as a side effect of my priveleged upbringing. I can look into finding you a place to work, I can also see to arranging a stipend for you and while we are at it... Carlson, if you would make an errand to Weatherby's and see if they have anything in size for our friend here." The butler, who had somehow managed to bring in a tea trolly and appropriate snacks without making a sound, nodded and produced a length of measuring tape which he swiftly ran along your arms, legs, and torso with expert precision. "I will be right away m'lord. Is there anything else you would like procured?" Blackblade took a moment to ponder before responding. "No I don't believe so, I think getting some appropiate attire for our colleague would be of greater importance." "Yes m'lord." Responded Carlson as he bowed and quickly make his way out of the parlor.
Lord Blackblade walked over to the tea trolly and took a cup to sip from... "Now then, How's about we get down to business? You are not the only person I had hoped to found my this little association with so I need you to set out and have a talk with an old friend of mine: a man by the name Sir Albert Holt. You see I aproached my old friend but he rebuffed me in a way that was so wholly uncharacteristic of him that I fear something may be amiss. I don't suppose you could have a talk with him and see if there is anyhting you can learn?" He asked before taking a bite from a scone which he had loaded with fruit preserve whilst he was talking.
"Well, doing this work is my job now right? So I have no right to refuse to check in on this Holt, though I doubt I'll have more affect then you if you know him personally. But I'll set out to his house within the day if I can manage and see what I can accomplish. What can you tell me about him?" Jace greedily took a bite of a scone then loaded with similar preservers to his host savoring a taste that he thought he would never be had again. Taking a sip of tea however he studied his new employer looking over his jolly form and general air of wealth and power before frowning. If he was a military man as he had claimed he must be aware then him of what was required but looking at him now Jace had to wonder how long ago that was.
"Sir, I don't wish to be overly forward. But if you wish to accomplish your goals you are most likely going to be making a number of powerful enemies if you have not all ready." He stopped trying to choose his next words carefully, "One might start thinking about getting back to a fighting weight if you get my meaning." He pointedly looked at his stomach, "And trust me while I know better then most how decieving looks can be but it would make me feel more stable in this work environment if I did this work to find you dead or worse. At the very least I could write up a meal plan for you that would help with energy and general health." He looked earnest enough in that moment while he thought he might be able to get him to shed a few pounds. "I did not just learn the wondrous affects of butter after all".
[info]
Attempt to persuade him to at least hand a menu and some notes to his staff to get him in better form.
(Want to hold off that eventual time when the whole group goes to shit and we have to go it alone lol and it lets us figure out how to roll)
Etiquette to attempt to persuade and not offend him considering class difference
[blockquote]Rolled 5d6 : 1, 6, 5, 3, 4, total 19[/blockquote]
[/info]
[info]Black Pool (Difficult task)
[blockquote]Rolled 3d6 : 2, 2, 4, total 8[/blockquote]
Yeah, so with how kinda weird the black dice pool is feel free to roll your "normal" pool for any task you want to do and I can just roll black pool afterwards as needed. I believe philosophically that as far as difficulties go anything that would normally be easier than average difficulty is easy enough to just be written in as rp flavor.[/info]
Lord Blackblade looked down his chest to the belly below and let out a chuckle. "Hohoho, you do have a point there. It has been a long time since I was in fighting form. I guess being away from the fight has given me that certain bloat one tends to find in my class." He patted his paunch with his hand a few times. "Being as cooped up as I have here in London, I have gained some additional circumference and I appreciate the sentiments... As for Sir Holt, well we met back in the orient. He enlisted in the army and I was his commander. Together we fought plenty of pirates, bandits, and worse which is why I am so concerned with his behavior. An old comrade in arms wouldn't simply turn another away as he did. Anyways, after returning from his tour of duty I helped him set up an imports service from which he was able to make enough to purchase a knighthood. He was always an adventurer at heart, he enjoyed traveling to exotic places and tinkering with what curisotities he came across as a hobby. I figured he would be a valuble ally in these times."
[info]Lord Blackblade is unoffended by your remarks but you are unsure whether or not he will take the advice to heart.[/info]
Jace let the rest of his concerns for his new patrons wellness lie for now thinking that he would come back around to it when the next opportunity presented itself. Most likely those kinds of concerns could go through Carlton and end up with better affects then the man himself if what he had learned about nobles through the years were true. For now he had a job to focus on in order to get his next meal. He tried his best to push images of him just fetching sticks for treats out of his mind. He knew he was smart and knew how to run a team well from his times in the kitchen he only hoped the people he was gathering know what the hell they were doing because when it came to diving into the dark of London he was well and truly lost.
"If you could let me borrow something marked with your crest, a pin or a letter would be fine. I doubt that even with a clean set of clothes I can get in the door without anything to show that I'm worth letting in the door. I'm sure I look a bit of the more ragged then the average salesman." He gave a small laugh then a thought hit him like a lightening bolt. "I assume he has a home here in the city? I've never left the homeland and to be honest I don't know how long I would last alone in a foreign land."
"Ah, yes of course, I almost forgot." Lord Blackblade moved over to one of the cabinets along the walls and produced a small box. "I had these made for the occasion." He opened the box to reveal two silver rings adorned with his family crest, not unlke the golden version resting on his own hand. He proffers the box to you. "The second ring would be for Sir Holt. Maybe having it on you will help convince him." Suddenly, Carlson once again with devilish silence appears with a box in hand. "I have made a purchae of available clothes for mister Lord." At this he opens the box to reveal a full set of new clothes: trowsers, shirt, vest, and underneath it all a dark grey greatcoat. Lord Blackblade beamed. "Excelent, I believe that should help you get on your way. Oh, and Carlson, if you have any leftover funds if you could give them to mister Lord. I believe he is in need." At this Carlson slowly and deliberately withdraws a Shilling from his pocket and places it on top of the folded clothes before closing the box and offering it to you.
[info]You gain a set of fine clothes and a greatcoat.
You also gain the asset Middle class income rank 1 (and the associated shilling)[/info]
Jason took the bundle and nodded to Carlton. "I suppose I'll take that as my cue to get started then," he was starting to awkward never being a military man despite feeling like he was being sent on a hunt and still feeling uncertain about what exactly was going to be happening next. He had gotten swept up in the moment and now he had to deal with the consequences. He stood half nodded half bowed to Lord Blackblade and then followed the butler out of the room. Once the door was closed he gave a small sigh, he asked if there was a place he could get changed. Following Carlton's direction he quickly got changed. In the process realizing the butler was most likely outside the door he started some small talk. "Carlton, do you think you could right down the address of this Sir Holt for me? I assume you know his Lord's address book."
He paused for a moment then shock his head. "I must be mad throwing my lot in with someone who wants to go against the powers that be. I can only imagine that you are worried sick about what could come down on this household. Not that your duty would allow you to voice it I'm sure. You are a better person of character then I am Carlton, which is why its your job to look after that man and I'm acting the pawn. Sometime we should sit down and get to know each other if we are going to work together. I like to get to know those who I'm expected to work with."
He opened the door fully dressed looking a fair bit more put together he could be quite handsome given the opportunity despite his slight stubble and hair. "So how do I look," he asked fidgeting with the ring now sitting on his finger "will this Holt fellow pull a rifle on me if I'm dressed like this?"
"You underestimate the duty of my station. As the butler to the Blackblade household I am bound to serve any who bear the family crest and as of the moment you slipped that ring onto your finger, the very same ring that was given to me by his lordship's father, that includes you. However, being inducted does not entitle you to the same level of propriety as his lordship and his family. It is our duty to uphold the name of the house and that requires frankness and honesty amongst us to protect his lordship. To that end, my honest opintion of you has yet to be formed." He looked you over as you emerge from the closet you were changing in. "My first impression is... rough... However, it is a rough man who might be required by his lordship at this time. At least you know how to wear appropriate clothing. I will implore you to come to the house in pproprate attire in the future as to avoid future scandal. The Blackblade house's name is a delicate vase, requiring careful maintenence, cleaning, and appropriate handeling. A noble house of ogres is scandelous enough. So scandelous that few would even deign to serve them as their title would require. That is all I demand of you, to respect this house as a member of the House of Lords." He then produced a small card with the address for Sir Holt. "As for Sir Holt, he is a perfect gentleman, fully deserving of his title. He would never pull a rifle on you or anyone else without due cause. He is a man of the world and endlessly curious. I am sure your meeting with him will go smoothly."
Jason was taken aback by the sudden switch but understood the sentiment the moment that someone sat down to have a meal he made sure to give the costumer everything he could. "Well I'll try my best not to disappoint Carlton." He patted the taller man near the shoulder and then moved towards the door. "Wish me luck and lets hope I'm good enough to get our Arthur to pull that sword from the stone."
---
Once outside he turned up the collar of his jacket looking like a new man, he shoved his hands in his new coat feeling the ring box. Thinking about the up coming hunt and battle of wills. Not realizing how much time had passed if any he started his walk to the house of this strange inventor. The question was did he want to scope out the place first and try to get some more unbiased background or would it be better to dive in head first and let the man see honest interest. If what Carlton said was true about his curiosity he imagined he would be more open to a person who knew less of his stories. In fact, that moment a thought hit him he might be able to show him something that would spark his interest as an inroad to open conversation. Feeling the shiling in his pocket he headed out to grab any materials he might need to put on a little show. Hopefully this inventor had a few scraps in his fridge he could work with.
[info]
I'm still a little shacky on how the money works, and they don't have a ton listed here in terms of average items so just tell me where the line in terms of my shilling is.
---
A Backpack (Messenger bag) 4/10
A cheap bottle of red wine 4d (assuming prices)
Flour Unknown cost
Peas Unknown cost
Dried herbs Unknown cost
Apples Unknown cost
a bottle of olive oil Unknown cost
Cheapest flank of mutton/ or rabbit he can find Unknown cost
[/info]
Now laden down with various bags and began heading to the address he had been given before hand.
You find yourself in the neighborhood of Sir Holt's home. A much less lavish section of town, but still quite respectable. The row houses are quite a bit smaller but still high quality construction. The street is quite a bit quieter than that of Lord Blackblade's residence, perhaps it is due to the encroaching evening that casts a golden hue from the setting sun, now low enough to pierce under the smog cloud that had drifted into the sky throughout the day. Regardless of teh reason, you find yourself mostly alone on the street. You had passed a single constable on patrol but they seemed bored and payed you little mind, their boredom likely due to the lack of beggars on this street, and a couple headed off to some other engagement. Finally, you arrive at Sir Holt's rowhouse. A simple two story rowhouse, narrow (only perhaps twenty feet wide), but still a lavish home compared to the crowded hostel you are currently residing in. While the curtains are drawn they are illumintated from within by lamplight. At least someone seems to be home.
Jace now looking like a grocery delivery boy to anyone watching him on the street he went up to the door and gave it a solid pair of knocks. He didn't know how secret was secret for his new employer so it was nice to at least feel like he was getting rid of some suspicion if neighbors or more sinister onlookers were watching. "Groceries for you" He called up to the window after a moment.
The door is opened by a Bull beastman. He looks down at you and narrows his eyes. "You've got the wrong address. We're not expecting any groceries." He then swiftly slams the door closed.
"That was brisk." he said out loud before setting his shoulders and knocking again. "Groceries for you sir paid for by Lord Blackblade. As means of a care package." He was generally unaffected by the response because honestly this is was almost exactly what he expected to happen. That was why he asked Carlton if he looked alright, but he did not even get a chance to speak. Which all told was far from the worst end he expected.
The beastman opened the door again. "Sir Holt isn't expecting any care packages. Now, go away." You see a man descend the stairs within the home. This new man is dressed in the finery of a man attending a high class party of some kind. He comes to the door. "Bernard, I will be going now to Lord Darby's party... May I ask what is going on here?" He stops at the entrance, his way blocked by you and the beastman. He gives you a looking over. "I'm sorry, who are you?"
"My name's Jason Lord sir, I've got groceries here for you from his lordship Blackblade. He said he was worried he went to far with his previous conversation. He sent these groceries and my services for you tonight to make up for it. You know how he values a good meal. I don't have any duck hearts I'm afraid however." He made sure to make his ring visible in that moment and then continued to talk.
"I'm sorry sir but these bags are getting rather heavy can I come inside?" He tried his best to look pathetically and like a normal house servant as possible. He could probably attempt to sell himself more once he had managed to get off the street and into this man's own territory. People tended to open up when they thought they were the ones with the most amount of power compared to the other.
"I told Lord Blackblade that I am presently too busy to meet with him. If you truely insist on cooking a meal for me then you may do so under Bernard's supervision but it will likely go cold as I am engaged to attend a party this evening. A party which I will be late for should I spend much more time here. Being fashionably late is not an option I'm afraid. Now if you will excuse me... I need you to either come inside or leave." At this he stepped aside, motioning for you to walk past him, staring at you as he awaits your decision.
[info]Before responding looking for a more indepth description of the man and see if i can get a good read of the man.
Empathy (read intentions)
using 2 of 7 fate points to get 2 auto success on top of roll
[blockquote]Rolled 2d6 : 6, 5, total 11[/blockquote]
[/info]
[info]
expolding 6s
[blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 4, total 4[/blockquote]
[/info]
[info]
Also, do I know anything about this Lord Darby. There are alot of Darby's I'm sure but its worth a shot
High Class Knowledge
[blockquote]Rolled 7d6 : 1, 2, 4, 6, 1, 5, 5, total 24[/blockquote]
[/info]
exploding 6 on knowledge check
[blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 1, total 1[/blockquote]
[info]Black Dice for reading intentions
[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 3, 1, 1, 5, 1, 4, total 15[/blockquote]
High Class Knowledge: There are indeed a few darby households knowrather publicly in London, however the most famous of all is an Eldren family known for their rather potent magical might and possessing of a rather famous library in their country estate said to rival London's Guild headquarters. Needless to say, their wealth allows them to frequently host parties which makes them very influential in high society.[/info]
[info]Read intentions: You sense that he is indeed in a hurry and impatient to leave but there is something else that doesn't seem right which you can't put your finger on.[/info]
Jace simply smiled kindly. "I understand sir, I'll leave these with your man here then and be on my way. I'm sorry for the trouble sir I hope you have a good night. He moved to hand the various bags briskly to the male Minotaur making sure he brushed by Sir Holt as he moved past. Once he knew he had a good whiff of his cologne mixed with his scent as non-intrusively as possible he finished his task with a small nod then left the area.
[info]
can i smell fear when I get a lock on his scent?"
[/info]
---
He waited a few moments after he heard the door eventually close and Sir Holt begin to leave. It was time to perhaps rely upon perhaps one of the only upside of his curse. He did the best he could to hide the fact that his sense of smell had turned to the extreme capable of identifying and tracking smell from miles away. He knew that whether the good inventor liked it or not he would have an additional +1 to this party. If the rumors he had heard about the Darby's library and connections was true he had a sinking feeling about the type of trouble that his target may be in.
[info]Please roll a perception test for your smell fear.
Black Pool
[blockquote]Rolled 9d6 : 3, 4, 1, 4, 5, 4, 1, 2, 2, total 26[/blockquote][/info]
[info]
Perception
Using 1 fate point for 1 auto success
[blockquote]Rolled 7d6 : 1, 3, 4, 1, 2, 5, 6, total 22[/blockquote][/info]
Exploding 6
[blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 6, total 6[/blockquote]
Exploding again
[blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 5, total 5[/blockquote]
[info]While you do not smell fear you do smell something else mixed in with the heavy cologne, blood. Less than a day old.[/info]
[info]
Visual perception for bleeding
[blockquote]Rolled 5d6 : 4, 1, 4, 6, 3, total 18[/blockquote]
[/info]
Unless Jason sees that the man is currently bleeding he will allow the man to go and begin to tail him assuming that Holt in fact realizes he is bleeding. He will follow some distance behind but not so far that he could not attempt to aid him if need be. Otherwise he continues to rack his brain. Why would you be going to a party if you were just bleeding what he could only assume was a large amount. At least getting a doctor or healer in would be the obvious step. Unless there was something more serious or strange occuring and he needed further assistance. The Darby's supposed library was a wealth of information and Jace would want access to it himself if he had the station.
Better to let things playout as safely as possible while not ending up with a dry corpse. Images of bleeding cocks for cooking did not sit to well in his mind at the moment.
Exploding 6
[blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 6, total 6[/blockquote]
You do not see any visible bleeding as Sir Holt passes you by and makes his way down the street. You follow him as he makes his way on foot through the city and across a few districts before arriving at the Thames. There he makes his way towards a dock decked out in finery and where a large steamboat is moored. Violin music drifts your way on the winds as you watch high class guests arrive either by foot or by coach to board the boat. Sir Holt makes his way to the servants where you see him present himself before boarding onto the boat.
Jason gave a sigh "You better not die on me old man." He ran to make to the boat once there was a little lull in the guests arrival. He made it up to one of the servants purposely red in the face. "Sorry I'm sorry I'm late I'm one of the female servers for the party. Can you point me to the kitchen buddy? If I don't get in there soon and get changed then the chef is going to have my head." He did his best to bat his eyes and look the part of the roguish waiter as possible knowing full well how unreliable staff can be at times.
[info]Charm
Because I assume I need it to get on
+1 for handsome
using 2 fate pts
[blockquote]Rolled 4d6 : 6, 3, 3, 6, total 18[/blockquote][/info]
exploding 6s
[blockquote]Rolled 2d6 : 4, 5, total 9[/blockquote]
[info]Black Dice
[blockquote]Rolled 3d6 : 5, 2, 4, total 11[/blockquote][/info]
The servants give you a dirty look for a second before one of them speaks. "Well hurry up then. They're embarking in a few minutes and the horderves are about to be served and get into uniform for archons' sake." They motion over to the steamboat before returning to attending to the increasing numbers of geusts arriving for the party. A steam whistle toots two quick tones and one of the servants turns to you. "Thats the five minute warning. Better get on board."
Jace moved on board quickly with a nod leaving his head down and quickly heading on board and headed down to the smell of cooking food. His heart was beating he was about to be stuck on the Thames on a boat full of the high elite and a bleeding man who very well could fall to pieces. He breathed and steadied himself once things got started he could corner Holt if need be and force some further information out of him. Maybe then he would be able to figure out what the hell was going on here. But first he needed to be able to walk among people without notice.
Once he makes it to the kitchen he will enter and begin looking for both the chef and any left over uniforms that he might be able to disguise himself in. "Hello, head Chef I'm an extra server that was hired on at the last minute." He did his best to stand out of the way of any servants helping to set up with the first course. "They said I should chat with you and your head waiter and that you would have a uniform for me?"
You make your way onto the steamboat. Its decks are crammed with partygoers and the ship's compliment of servants. You make your way through the crowded corridors to the kitchen. The kitchen is chaotic, pots boil off delicious aromas and the sound of knives chopping away fill the cramped space. Servers rush past you out into the party or into the kitchen to restock on appetizers and drinks. The head chef responds swiftly without looking for you. "There are spares in the closet over there. Now get changed, if you aren't talking to the sous chef with a tray in hand in the next two minutes I'll throw you into the river myself." He points over his shoulder with the knife he is currently using to carve up a roast duck. A server brushes past you in a rush, stumbling on your heel. The tray they are carrying, loaded with delicate appetizers and sauces to go with them, slips from their grasp headed straight for the head chef.
[info]If you choose to do so, make a wits+dexterity roll to catch the tray[/info]
Jace does his best in a swift and trained motion to catch the tray not wanting to see good food get wasted.
[info]
(http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/envision2013_smf20_rev3/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 6d6 : 5, 5, 5, 3, 3, 4, total 25
[/info]
The platter seems to move in slow motion before your eyes as its contents fly againts the back of the chef's head, knocking his tall hat onto the meat infront of him. The kitchen is deathly silent as the platter clangs to the floor. All the servants stare to watch what happens next. The chef takes the knife he was using to carve and stabs it point first into the cutting board with a loud thud. Everyone in the kitchen flinches and the server who had tripped practically jumps at this. Then in a fit of rage the cheft upends the cutting board with a loud yell. He grabbs his soiled hat and turns, slapping the server with it. "You clumsy lout! And you! Standing there like a baboon! Both of you get out of MY kitchen or the next appetizer with be miniature sandwiches made with your tongue meat!" He turns around to the rest of the kitchen. "Why are you all standing around gawking? Get back to work or I'll have every one of you fired! And someone..." He picked up some of the scatered food off the floor and angrily tossed it at the nearest servant. "Clean this wasted food off the floor!" He growls and roars and turns around to suddenly turn deathly quiet and pale as he looks to the door out to the party where there stands a tall man in a black soldier's uniform. The man stands rigid and tall, a tightly cut thin moustache marred by a scar that runs across his face. A saber hangs at his hip, a revolver holstered on the other side. He speaks with a quiet voice but is easily heard as the kitchen seems even quieter than when the chef was on his rant. "Chef Andre, your outburst was heard by some of the guests and the interruption to the service of Lord Darby's guests has begun to be noticed. I have come to see if there is anything that might be amiss..." His eyes have been drifting across the faces of all the servants, coming to you he looks you right in the eyes. "Who. Are. You?" His hand drifts down to his sabre.
"Help hired for the party sir. I know my way around a kitchen and needed the extra money and as you can see the Chef need the help." He pointed look at the now mess on the floor. "I apologize for the distraction sir. It was my fault for being late I'll go about cleaning this mess up right now. I really need the money sir." He made sure to keep his hands away from his waist to show no weapons or trouble were to be had. He also kept eye contact learning that if one was spinning a story the delivery was that much more important. Then to break that stalemate he interjected turning his attention to the chef. "That beurre blanc sauce smells like its going to burn soon if someone doesn't attend to it sir. You cannot afford another set back" He hoped that commenting on the food would force the frozen kitchen to start moving again like the giant steam locomotives. Once a kitchen began firing on all cylinders even the queen would have a tough time getting it to stop.
[info]
high class to sell the station and lie
[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 1, 5, 6, 6, 1, 1, total 20[/blockquote]
Cooking knowledge to seem useful and maybe get vouced for
adding +2 for smell
[blockquote]Rolled 9d6 : 2, 6, 6, 1, 3, 3, 4, 4, 1, total 30[/blockquote]
[/info]
[info]for presence high society role
[blockquote]Rolled 2d6 : 5, 1, total 6[/blockquote]
For cooking prowess
[blockquote]Rolled 2d6 : 2, 1, total 3[/blockquote][/info]
The man draws his saber from its sheath. "Nice try, but if that was the case I would have met you. Everyone else has." He slowly waves the blade across the room before pointing the saber at you. Indeed, everyone definately looks like they know the man and they look terrified. "Now, I will ask you again. Who. ARE. You?"
Jason took a breath slowly his mind moving what seemed a million miles an hour he needed to buy more time at the very least. If he could not talk his way out of what was to sure be incident reported on the next day's Gazzette he was going to let his one chance at employment slolip through his finger tips. He allowed himself to deflate in that moment letting his own crushing anxiety cross over his proformance. "My name is Carroll sir Lewis Carroll. I'm a cook sir, and a bloody good one too, Let the chef tell you he'll attest to his burnt pot now gone to waste. I snuck on board because a buddy of mine his master got an invite. And I know I'm good enough to work. I only needed a chance so I snuck on board knowing a kitchen always needs extra hands."
He paused and decided to go one step further. "I want to work sir, and with each passing second you need the help. Every moment the guests do not have there needs met is another blemish on you and the house Darby as hosts. What's more you are almost ready to set sail meaning the upper deck is filled with noble eyes. To throw a man into the Thames possibly to drown or.break his neck would ruin the entire evening. So from what I can see it's in your best interest to let me work as a hand I'll carry trays help cook the meals. I'll make up for the trouble i've caused with honest sweat, and bask in the complements for the food tonight. It's honestly the best way to maintain face sir and keep me watched."
[info]wits high class
+1 fate point
[blockquote]Rolled 7d6 : 6, 4, 4, 3, 4, 3, 2, total 26[/blockquote][/info]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 5, total 5[/blockquote]
[info]Black Dice
[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 2, 6, 4, 3, 5, 5, total 25[/blockquote][/info]
The man looks deeply into your eyes for an excrutiatingly long second before sheathing his blade. "Unfortunately for you you've done fouled up. If your intentions are so pure, then you will come with me. My job is to keep his lordship safe, not pretty. The rest of you can get back to work." The tension of the air relaxes greately and the servants get back to work, making sure to give the two of you a wide berth. He reaches out and gets a very firm grip on your shoulder and steers you towards the door to the aft of the ship.
[info]The man initiates a partial grapple on you. If you wish to escape, you may initiate combat with surprise.[/info]
Jace had sold the lie regardless of the intended affect now was the time to put on the pressure if he was going to get thrown off the boat. Before leaving he did a quick scan to make sure that the kitchen had portable burners a key for almost any ship needing to economize space as a glimmer of a plan took form. Parties like this always needed entertainment and he would be more then happy to put on a show if need be. It was going to be a gamble but then when was not fighting for survival not a gamble?
For the moment he didn't struggle and allowed himself to be slightly pinned. He tried his best to read his new helper's body language to see if he was getting ready to throw him overboard or to his master like a cat with a mouse. "Where are we going?" He asked attempting to keep his voice calm. He would start screaming and drawing attention if he thought he was being shafted but if he was going to be presented then all the better for his plan. He had a bet to place with the Lord Darby.
[info]
Using Empathy to try and read the guard and see if I can get more info about what he's planning to do with me before hand to set up my next few steps of the plan.
Empathy presence adding +2 die for common skill get +2 black die
[blockquote]Rolled 4d6 : 3, 2, 6, 3, total 14[/blockquote]
[/info]
[info]exploding 6s
[blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 4, total 4[/blockquote][/info]
[info]Extra d6
[blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 6, total 6[/blockquote]
incase of explosion
[blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 2, total 2[/blockquote][/info]
[info]Black pool
[blockquote]Rolled 5d6 : 2, 4, 3, 2, 2, total 13[/blockquote][/info]
[info]From what you can tell, the man doesn't seem intent on harming you in any way. Nor does he seem intent on discharging you from the boat. He does seem intent on keeping you detained. His trust in you seems to be minimal.[/info]
For now Jace will wait and see what happens not looking to press his luck until the proper moment. He made sure to keep his eyes open and watching for anything odd including the general layout of the ship. "What's your name sir?" He asked just trying his best to break the ice.
[info]
Wits Perception
check just to see what I can see and learn
[blockquote]Rolled 5d6 : 4, 6, 2, 4, 1, total 17[/blockquote]
[/info]
[info]Exploding 6s
[blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 5, total 5[/blockquote]
[/info]
"I am Lord Darby's bodyguard and that is all you need to know." The man took you out onto the aft deck, the dark city lit by sparse lamplight in the background. Here, there were no partygoers, only servants and the boat's sailor compliment taking a break fromtheir duties. The man points ot one of the sailors leaning on the rails, watching the paddle wheel turn. "You, I need to come with me." The sailor shrugs and follows the two of you as you round a corner into a corridor which leads to the front of the ship. The bodyguard opens up a slatted door revealing the storage for the steamboat's life preservers. "You are going to stay in here for the duration of the party and if you manage that, we can talk about seeing if you can be hired onto his lordship's staff." He turns to the sailor. "You, keep an eye on him. I'll be back when you need to prepare for mooring." With that the bodyguard turns down the hallway to where the sounds of the party continue.
Jason sighed now staring in the dark of a closet. "Well I can't say this was not totally unexpected." He needed to start rethinking his plan his lie was still a worthwhile usage. But he had to gather himself first. Locating Holt would be a good step foward in terms of the first thing and he was worried that his wounds might have opened up. He took a moment closing his eyes and shutting out the sounds of the party limiting himself to the smell.
[info]Perception wits smell looking for Holt and fresh blood
+2 for smell and +2/Black dice for common check
[blockquote]Rolled 9d6 : 5, 5, 3, 4, 3, 4, 6, 3, 3, total 36[/blockquote]
[/info]
---
"Nobleman am I right," he called out to the sailor at the other end of the door. "Who the hell throws someone in a closet? Now we've both got to sit here for who knows how long sorry about this man. I simply wanted to work in the kitchen I'm good too." he said loud enough for the sailor to hear. "Name's Carol what's yours?"
[info]Charm to get to the sailor chatting.
+2/black Dice for common skill
[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 3, 3, 3, 5, 3, 4, total 21[/blockquote][/info]
[info]
Exploding 6 smell
[blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 5, total 5[/blockquote]
[/info]
[info]Black Dice
Smell Check
[blockquote]Rolled 5d6 : 1, 4, 4, 1, 2, total 12[/blockquote]
Charm Check
[blockquote]Rolled 2d6 : 5, 6, total 11[/blockquote][/info]
There must be something you're allergic to in the musty mouldy dark because you sneeze with your deep inhalation. Your eyes begin to water slightly as your sinuses suddenly feel clogged. The sailor pays little mind and merely leans back onto the door obscuring anything you might have been able to see between the slats with his buttocks. He fishes a pouch of of his pocket but then hesitates and puts it back, grumbling under his breath.
[info]Foul Failures
You are denied your keen smell bonus for the remainder of the scene.
The sailor sounds upset and hostile.[/info]
[info]
Perception to figure out what was in the pouch.
[blockquote]Rolled 5d6 : 2, 4, 5, 1, 4, total 16[/blockquote]
[/info]
Straining in the dim light you can barely make out two letters Ch-. However, before you are able to get a better look the sailor stands up and you hear him speak. "'Ey, yer not supposed to be back hea-urk!" The sailor is slammed against the door. He struggles a little and you hear a soft gurgling sound. The sailor slumps, once again obscuring your view.
Not willing to question a gift when given he pushed past the now unconscious sailor. Looking around for whoever was the one who got him out of this sticky situation. Wiping some sweat from his brow wondering if anyone heard his captor heating the floor while at the same time getting ready for a fight if need be. "Well I might not be entire sunk yet." He did his best to clear his nose of that horrendous smell in the process.
You find the sailor dead, their throat slashed, blood seeping from the gash slowly down the front of their uniform like a red bib. Across the hallway you see Sir Holt kneeling in front of a door, a set of lockpicks in hand and a bloody knife on the floor next to him. He doesn't notice you, his focus entirely taken by his task. You hear a click as he opens the door, a look of relief on his face.
Jace sucks in breath quickly as he sees the spreading red. The smell of death filling his senses even more then whatever was in the closet. He would have left him to be found by the others. But he had to stow the body an alarm being sounded now would no doubt simply cause him untold trouble not to mention whatever Holt was doing. He did his best to lift him with the cut facing up giving a small prayer to the gods in the process and then did his best to conceal the body using the life preserves before shutting the door and doing his best to follow behind Holt getting ready for anything,
[info]Conceal check to stuff a corpse in a closet and not make a mess of it
[blockquote]Rolled 5d6 : 6, 3, 6, 4, 5, total 24[/blockquote]
to attempt stealthy following
[blockquote]Rolled 3d6 : 5, 6, 2, total 13[/blockquote][/info]
[info]Exploding 6s
[blockquote]Rolled 2d6 : 6, 6, total 12[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 1, total 1[/blockquote][/info]
[info]Black Pools
Conceal
[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 5, 5, 5, 2, 6, 6, total 29[/blockquote]
Stealth
[blockquote]Rolled 3d6 : 1, 6, 1, total 8[/blockquote][/info]
You are able to stow away the corpse in the closet but in doing so you slip on some of the blood leaking from the body, falling to the ground and causing life preservers to go flying. Holt, startled by this, quickly seizes the knife off the floor, spins, and lunges at you.
[info]Combat begins but you have been disadvantaged by your foul failure on your sneaking check and Sir Holt gains the initiative.
Attack roll
[blockquote]Rolled 4d6 : 3, 3, 3, 3, total 12[/blockquote]
Damage roll
[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 4, 2, 2, 3, 4, 2, total 17[/blockquote]
You may take an action to defend yourself if you wish[/info]
[warning]A note for future reference regarding the multiple actions system in Victoriana.
Because of the asynchonous nature of pbp as well as the inability of one to predict the future I am going to alter the multiple actions system for this campaign and future campaigns which I run (if such a thing happens). As it stands you need to essentially say at the beginning of the round how many actions you want to take for the whole round to determine how many times to divide your pools from the start even if you don't know how many times you will be attacked or will want to attack when you .
So from now on, my personal rule for multiple actions is that you simply divide subsequct actions by their number in order throughout the round. Eg: First action: no penalty, second action divide by 2, third action divide by 3, etc. There is still a hard cap on total actions by your dexterity.
Example: Round starts. Player A has a Dex of 2 and is attacked in melee by NPC B and evades, rolling Dex+Fisticuffs+Dodge (no penalty). They then attack NPC C with their fists, rolling (Dex+Fisticuffs)/2. NPC C attacks Playerr A, player A decides to try and counter instead of evade and rolls (Dex+fisticuffs)/3.[/warning]
Remembering his occasional time in a knife fight he let the older man's weight and his own awkward positioning to his advantage. His knife buries itself deep in the deck leaving the two mean to feel each others breath. "Well hello Holt, it seems I guessed wrong for why you were coming to the party. Regardless whatever you are planning you are on a clock and don't have time to try killing someone who wants to help you. None of the nobles will come back her until the party is over and then a guard will expect to see me sitting in that closet where know a corpse lies. At best you've painted me a murder at worst you've already ruined any chance you had. You need my help now and alive to get out of this mess and pull suspicion. So calm down and I'll follow your lead." Jace did his best to speak fast showing the ring on his finger to show he was no threat.
"Besides I don't think a wounded man will be able to pull off whatever you are planning without some help." He said for a final dig in order to prove his point. "time's ticking."
[info]
Rolling wits + acting + High society +2 from previous blood smell
[blockquote]Rolled 10d6 : 3, 4, 5, 2, 6, 2, 4, 3, 1, 5, total 35[/blockquote]
[/info]
[info]Exploding 6's
[blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 2, total 2[/blockquote][/info]
[info]Black Pool
[blockquote]Rolled 3d6 : 4, 1, 6, total 11[/blockquote][/info]
"No witnesses" Hisses Holt as he readies the knife for another go.
[info]Initiatives
Holt
[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 4, 5, 3, 6, 5, 5, total 28[/blockquote]
Jace
[blockquote]Rolled 7d6 : 4, 2, 1, 6, 3, 5, 3, total 24[/blockquote][/info]
"You stupid git how idiotic can you be I hid a body in a broom closet for you!" Jace hissed. "All I have to do is scream and not only does a sea of sailors descend on you but so does all the guests and royal guards. You have no one else to have your back but me because Blackblade thinks you have use and I'm really starting to question it. You seem to me to be nothing better then a murdring dog not capable of rational thought! I was told you were a man of science not one to stab someone who is simply trying to help you. Not that I should be suprised all you noble men are the same!" Jace quickly looked around knowing that the more they stayed in the open the more likely him getting stabbed would look better then trying to speak reason. If need be he could try to aim for Holt's wounds and sell him to the wolves. Blackblade be damned if he thought he was going to work with a man like this. If this supposed nobleman thought he could just go about stabbing people who were trying to clean up his mess he would be sadly mistaken.
[info]
Wits+Intimidate+ high society
possibly getting his class status involved iif not already covered by my high society dice
[blockquote]Rolled 9d6 : 2, 3, 2, 2, 6, 4, 4, 5, 3, total 31[/blockquote]
[/info]
[info]exploding 6s
[blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 6, total 6[/blockquote][/info]
[info]Black Dice
[blockquote]Rolled 5d6 : 5, 4, 6, 6, 6, total 27[/blockquote][/info]
Barely before you are able to finish your sentence Holt is on you again, knife slashing.
[info]Attack roll
[blockquote]Rolled 5d6 : 6, 4, 1, 3, 5, total 19[/blockquote]
Damage Roll
[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 1, 4, 1, 1, 1, 1, total 9[/blockquote][/info]
Jace seeing his verbal jab not working he grimaced. Doing his best to dodge out of the way and preparing for what was coming next now sick and tired of talking.
[info]dex + dodge+ fists/2
[blockquote]Rolled 4d6 : 2, 1, 2, 1, total 6[/blockquote]
[/info]
You manage to dodge the flurry of Holt's assault.
[info]New Round Initiatives
Holt
[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 5, 4, 4, 4, 6, 2, total 25[/blockquote]
Jace
[blockquote]Rolled 7d6 : 6, 4, 2, 1, 4, 2, 4, total 23[/blockquote][/info]
"Fine play it your way fool. I'll make sure to clean up your mess if I don't cause any serious damage in the proccess. He took the stance of a street fighter. aiming his shots for where h smelled the wounds from before hoping to end this as quickly as possible with minimal fuss. His face was cold and without emotion as he went about his work like he did when he was forced to ring the neck of animal or butcher a cow.
[info]Dex Fisticuffs aiming for week spots.
[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 3, 1, 2, 3, 1, 4, total 14[/blockquote]
Damage
[blockquote]Rolled 2d6 : 4, 5, total 9[/blockquote]
[/info]
[info]Black Dice for fighting unarmed against armed individual (forgot to apply this previously)
[blockquote]Rolled 3d6 : 2, 5, 2, total 9[/blockquote]
Counter attack
[blockquote]Rolled 2d6 : 1, 2, total 3[/blockquote]
Damage
[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 4, 2, 3, 3, 2, 3, total 17[/blockquote][/info]
Jace sighed as he got a good solid jab in to Holt's chest. "You done yet old man you didn't get the drop on me so I doubt someone in your condition or age could actually do much. Your just tiring yourself out and waste time before someone hears us. I don't even know why I offered to help rich people are all the same. Whatever you are looking for is slipping through your fingers" He doubted it would matter much but even if it made him falter it would be worth trying.
[info]Presence Bull and intimidate
[blockquote]Rolled 3d6 : 2, 4, 3, total 9[/blockquote]
[/info]
[info]Black Dice
[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 3, 2, 3, 2, 2, 6, total 18[/blockquote][/info]
Your comment seem sto only have further enraged Holt. He howels and lunges at you again, slashing wildly. He seems more feral beast now than any knight.
[info]Attack Roll (got mixed up on turn order, this is his second action this round)
[blockquote]Rolled 2d6 : 3, 5, total 8[/blockquote]
Damage
[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 2, 1, 1, 6, 2, 3, total 15[/blockquote][/info]
[info]New Round Initiatives
Sir Holt
[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 1, 3, 3, 2, 5, 4, total 18[/blockquote]
Jace
[blockquote]Rolled 7d6 : 2, 2, 5, 3, 2, 5, 6, total 25[/blockquote][/info]
Seeing that it was officially pointless to keep on arguing he continued making free floating jabs hoping to end the situation. Maybe then he could figure out what was making him so deeply insane. It was important that he hit any weak pont that he found open in that moment when things were running hot.
[info]Fisticuffs
[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 5, 3, 1, 3, 3, 6, total 21[/blockquote]
Damage
[blockquote]Rolled 2d6 : 6, 2, total 8[/blockquote]
[/info]
[info]
Exploding dice
[blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 1, total 1[/blockquote][/info]
Holt growls and swing his knife to meet your attack.
[info]Black Dice
[blockquote]Rolled 3d6 : 5, 3, 3, total 11[/blockquote]
Counter Attack
[blockquote]Rolled 5d6 : 3, 6, 6, 2, 1, total 18[/blockquote]
Damage
[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 2, 2, 4, 5, 2, 1, total 16[/blockquote][/info]
[info]
fisticuffs/2
[blockquote]Rolled 3d6 : 2, 1, 1, total 4[/blockquote]
Damage
[blockquote]Rolled 2d6 : 3, 4, total 7[/blockquote]
[/info]
[info]Black Dice
[blockquote]Rolled 3d6 : 3, 3, 1, total 7[/blockquote]
Counter attack
[blockquote]Rolled 2d6 : 4, 1, total 5[/blockquote]
Damage
[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 1, 3, 4, 6, 4, 3, total 21[/blockquote][/info]
The door at the end of the hallway bursts open. The bodyguard stands with revolver in hand. "What the hell is going on here!" He shouts leveling his revolver at you and Holt. Holt whirls in response, hissing at the bodyguard and brandishing his knife.
[info]Holt was out of actions. A new round begins with the bodyguard joining the fray.
Initiatives
Sir Holt
[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 6, 2, 5, 6, 1, 6, total 26[/blockquote]
Bodyguard
[blockquote]Rolled 8d6 : 4, 4, 2, 4, 3, 1, 1, 3, total 22[/blockquote]
Jace
[blockquote]Rolled 7d6 : 4, 4, 1, 4, 3, 5, 6, total 27[/blockquote][/info]
Holt's attention shifts to the newcommer and he charges at the bodyguard, aiming to plunge his knife into the man's chest
[info]Attack roll
[blockquote]Rolled 5d6 : 3, 6, 2, 3, 1, total 15[/blockquote]
Black Pool (for charging)
[blockquote]Rolled 3d6 : 6, 4, 4, total 14[/blockquote]
Damage
[blockquote]Rolled 9d6 : 2, 2, 1, 3, 2, 4, 6, 5, 3, total 28[/blockquote]
Bodyguard's dodge
[blockquote]Rolled 15d6 : 1, 1, 2, 1, 2, 2, 1, 3, 1, 4, 5, 6, 6, 1, 2, total 38[/blockquote][/info]
The bodyguard throws his arm into the way of the knife, blocking the strike at his heart with the flesh of his arm instead. Underneath his arm he aims his revolver and fires at holt. The knight continues to try and stab with his knife as the bodyguard fires.
[info]Attack roll
[blockquote]Rolled 5d6 : 6, 4, 2, 6, 2, total 20[/blockquote]
Damage
[blockquote]Rolled 10d6 : 1, 6, 4, 5, 4, 4, 2, 6, 1, 6, total 39[/blockquote]
Holt's point blank dodge pool is zero[/info]
Several shots ring out and three geysers of gore spray from Holt's back. He slumps onto the bodyguard who shoves the corpse onto the floor. He aims the gun at you. "So, little cook, give me one good reason not to shoot you."
"Hey look, I was in the closet like you told me and this man comes out of nowhere trying to open that locked door." He said honestly now perspiring with sweat pointing at the door that Holt had unlocked. "The sailor who was guarding me caught him after going to the water closet and then got himself killed. When he went to store the body in the closet he found me hiding. I did everything I could not to get stabbed myself. He was like a man possessed. Jace was honestly was sweating up a storm cursing his luck and wondering what the hell he should do now or even if he had a job to return too. What was meant to be an easy conversation and recruitment resulted in that very man dead. Perhaps he was cursed in more ways then one.
"I just want to go home, and it's not very noble of you to shoot an unarmed man." he said before turning his back on the man with the gun hands still raised and went to the railing retching over the side due to the overwhelming smell of death that now filled the area.
[info]
Rolling presence bull High Society
[blockquote]Rolled 8d6 : 4, 5, 2, 3, 5, 3, 5, 6, total 33[/blockquote]
[/info]
[info]exploding 6s
[blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 2, total 2[/blockquote][/info]
The bodyguard keeps his gun on you. "I'm not a noble man. I'm a soldier." He kneels down and begins to riffle through Holt's pockets with his free hand. Pausing for a second, he mumbles "Wait a second," and tears open the corpse's shirt to reveal the bullet wounds and another wound over the knight's heart. Despite the gore from the gunshot wounds, the bullet holes show no bleeding and the other wound is a sickley black. "Undead it would seem dear Harper." Another man speaks: a tall eldren in very fine clothes, some of the embroidery glows with soft light. His eyes glow with magical energy. "Necromantic magics seem to hve been at work here... Curious... What exactly was its goal..." The eldren kneels next to the corpse and examines the wounds on the body. He looks up at you. "And you said it wanted to get in... to..." You see his eyes focus on your shoulder. "Harper... our dead friend wasn't alone it would seem. Seize that beast and do keep him alive. I will need to question him."
[info]Jace regains a fate point due to the complication of his curse.
Initiatives
Bodyguard
[blockquote]Rolled 8d6 : 6, 3, 6, 5, 3, 5, 1, 3, total 32[/blockquote]
Jace
[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 1, 5, 4, 4, 2, 4, total 20[/blockquote][/info]
The bodyguard runs up to you and attempts to club you with his revolver.
[info]Attack roll
[blockquote]Rolled 4d6 : 2, 5, 4, 2, total 13[/blockquote]
Black dice from charge
[blockquote]Rolled 3d6 : 6, 6, 3, total 15[/blockquote]
Damage roll
[blockquote]Rolled 7d6 : 5, 2, 1, 5, 5, 4, 2, total 24[/blockquote][/info]
The bloodslick which once tripped you now runs afoul of the bodyguard as he charges for you but instead loses his footing and goes crashing to the floor next to you.
Jace's flight or fight response turned towards the former rather then the later. "I meant no trouble," Not wanting to be involved in whatever was meant to pass for questioning and fearing for his life he flung himself over the railings. with all the energy he had hoping he would hit water before someone attempted to grab him. In the water of the Thames he would at least have better cover from bullets and if he swam fast enough he would not be chopped to bits from the pull of the paddle wheel.
[info]Dex Athletics Might to dive as strong as possible.
using +1 fate point
[blockquote]Rolled 6d6 : 4, 3, 6, 2, 3, 3, total 21[/blockquote]
[/info]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 1, total 1[/blockquote]
As you sail into the Thames you hear more gunshots as bullets whiz by you splashing harmlessly into the dark river water. You hear the shout of the bodyguard as the steamboat continues up the river. "You might have escaped this time cook but we will meet again and when that time comes you will not fool me again!"
"Lets hope that never happens Harper" He thought to himself despite his own poor luck telling him otherwise. He swam slowly laden with clothes and gear getting eventually to a bank and shacking himself the best he could like most animals for lack of a towel. But first he said to the emptiness "I've got a ring to shove down someone's throat in the morning." For now he had to find a safe place that he could dry off and try to recover from the exhaustion that was soon descending upon him. He hated the hostel but the simple body heat would help him more then anything at the moment.
"Mister Lord, it's time to get up. His lordship awaits." Carlson's voice wakes you from your slumber. The hustle and bustle of th hostel in the morning just now beginning. Standing at the end of your bed and taking up a sizeable area of the cramped quarters is Carlson, looking as dapper as always. "Your clothes." He presents your clothes to you, they are neatly cleaned and folded. "They were... soiled, so I took the liberty of laundering them. Now if you would be so kind as to get dressed so that we might be on our way. His lordship was quite worried when you did not return yesterday evening."
[info]A new day dawns. You regenerate a fate point, and heal any damage that you can with a nights rest.[/info]
As he awoke seeing Carlton at the foot of his bed that image did something to quell the fire burning in the pit of his stomach since the previous night. While he was still fuming the new morning seemed to bring with it a bit of perspective and direction to his anger. He sat upright and got out of bed without saying a word feeling the sting of acid words mixing with bile that better left unspoken for now. He dressed quickly to fueled by his new found determination to look at his own reflection or eat.
He was failing miserably at hiding the fire that burned in him as he called from the hall, "I'm ready when you are Carlton." He was curt but trying his best to turn this anger into a blade that even that supposed lord might be taken aback by. His thinking about last night made him come to the realization that this Noble had no clue about how strong the forces he was thinking of facing truly were and what's worst did not have the heart to do the proper background work. He no doubt sent other similar souls to his into who knew what fires and then simply moved on to the next victim. Well he would see just what flippant behavior brought him.
If Carlton attempts to speak with him Jason will mostly ignore or wave him off unless forced. If that's the case then all he will say is, "Remind me the next time I ask you about someone's character to do the exact opposite. Because you Carlton, are uniquely inept at judging others." Before continuing forward.
Your walk to Lord Blackblade's home goes on in silence. You eventually arrive and Carlson opens the door, taking up his position inside and beckonging you in. "His lordship should be in the solarium, at the end of the hallway. I will fetch some refreshments." He closes the door behind you and heads off a side hallway, vanishing through a doorway. You find the solarium at the rearmost of the house, a room which seems to span the sizeable width of the home. Panes of glass compose most of the walls allowing the warm morning sun to shine into the room and displaying a courtyard filled with flowers and citrus trees. Despite the grand size of the room it still manages to be furnished quite well. Chairs and sofas with accompanying end and coffe tables are arranged throughout the room with one end spared for a sizeable dining table. The walls are lined with bookshelves packed with books and curios. Lord Blackbalde stands at the far wall, looking out into the courtyard, a trolly with a partially consumed plate of sausages, eggs, and grilled tomatos next to him. A look of concern is on his face but changes to relief as he turns upon hearing you enter.
"Ah, Carlson was able to find you! I had feared for the worst when you did not return yesterday and then there was the news I recieved this morning. I was worried you had befallen a fate worse than death." He pointed to a letter that lay open on a nearby coffee table. "I have recieved word of Sir Holt's death. What happened last night?"
"What happened last night was that I was raked over the coals by your obvious incompetence." Walking over he ripped the ring of his finger and slammed it hard on the trolley. "And that I am a fool for thinking that I could put my faith in your ability to do anything outside of sit here playing at saving the city!" His face was flushed and he was trying his best to keep his own temper from crossing a line to far and getting physical. His own past in the kitchen both adding fuel and the needed restraint. "Your Sir holt tried to kill me last night I hope you know. A man you claim to be a friend and a man of reason was no better then a rabid dog. What's worse I find out after all my effort to keep him safe I find out that he was already long gone before I ever met the man! You sent me hunting after a fucking ghoul sir an undead shell!"
He was screaming in rage at full volume at this point. "Do you understand what that means? The dead do not just raise on there own meaning that from the moment you called him he probably relayed your plans and my meeting him to whoever was puling his string. Your fucking crusade is still born, as dead and gone as your supposed ally. At best it means the powers at be know everything and know you are so blind that they can let you run around without causing harm. At worst we are all already dead and just do not realize it yet not to mention what could have happened to those guests if he had gotten the signal to go mental. And I do not appreciate that you broke our agreement within the very first night and left me to deal with the consequences!" He stopped out of breath having let his anger from the night before and then regained some composure, "You have lost your game sir before you even started."
Before you have a chance to react Lord Blackblade slaps you in the face with a speed and strength that his bountiful flab would never have indicated possible. The blow is enough to send you reeling. "You may impune my name, but I will not let you desecrate the title of a dead comrade!" A fire burns in his eyes. "Apparently I was wrong about you. You sir are a coward. A man is dead and you think NOTHING of what that means beyond the safety of your own hide. You think this is a game but you are wrong, it's a war. A war for the very soul of humanity is being waged where cowards like you refuse to go. If you are going to hide then start running now. I'm sure you will find solace in whatever cave you choose to wait out your days in." He took the ring off the trolly. "I regret giving you this. Apparently nobility is not a trait you have. You may go. I will uphold my end of the bargain and continue to provide you with a reccomendation and stipend. I am a man of my word. I will find others to take up the cause." He turns his back to you. His hands crossed at his back, he stares out the window.
Jace takes it with gritted teeth turning in the process to face away from his now former employer sobering in the process, "I care not what others think of me I know the quality of my own character. And it is I, and perhaps few others who is uniquely qualified to understand what your friend was forced through, and the possibility of what his soul must have suffered. I feel that pain most acutely myself. He was not in his mind, and if you find me inflammatory for saying that then take solice in his death because who knows what worse atrocities he may have been apart of that would ruin his name further. And if you don't have the stomach for thinking about that then it shows even more that you have no place crusading for anything." He paused for a moment before moving towards the door and opening it, "I've had my fill of needless death. If my words stop you from throwing yourself on your own rusted sword then I've done your friend the best eulogy I can for the dead do not wish for company. I am in this world those who but there is nothing in your duty that demands you be."
In that moment his rage gone he honestly seemed sad, to him Blackblade looked the former military general now lost in the flow of a new reality. But he could not have continued to work for a man who could not at the very least look at the full picture. In the kitchen if the runner was lost then the rest of the kitchen was doomed. He saw alot of his own future in Holt's actions and if Blackblade could not see the strings being pulled then he would not only have caused his friend infinitely pain but possibly destroyed the whole city. Fear was a useful tool for perspective, and a man who could not both accept and use fear to rally had no place in command. Jace wasn't afraid he was looking at the entire picture before letting his opponents make a better move.
As he walked down the hall he felt relief seeing Carlton he smiled honestly, "Well I hope now that the good knight won't have reason to haunt me. Do me a favor won't you Carlton? Cut off the stipend even I have my honor and he has better ways of spending his money that could help the city then looking after me or hunting in the dark. And apologize for me in a few days for his hurt ego."
"I have no reason to comply with your request. You are no longer are a member of this house and I would not make any effort to help someone who kicks a wounded man when he is down. You think you are the only one who has suffered in this situation but you have no idea what his lordship has expierienced. He has lost a dear friend and geniunely cared for your welfare but you can't think beyond your own self. His lordship has fought far more than you could ever imagine. You think it is a curse to die or to lose yourself. but you have no idea the foes his lordship has fought up to this point, the perils he has faced, the comrades that have died. He fights a faceless enemy and you have abandoned the fight, and him. You have run afoul a single foe and it has already broken you. I will not have your stipend canceled. I will have it be a reminder of what you have done this morning, a reminder of your cowardice." Carlson, never breaking his professional expression, opens the front door for you.
"I'm a chef, screaming at the wounded is in our very nature why do think we're considered the lower class. When we fail we get yelled at and expected to rise or crumble." Jace chuckled, "If you see me as a coward like I said in there I know my own character and I could not live with myself if I simply followed orders and tried to do the acceptable thing and tried to console his grief. I watched his friend die blown to pieces who would I be not to attempt to save a man he called friend form similar fates? Besides I warned him well before he hired me that there was a chance I'd bite him. I am not ashamed nor will I turn away from the path I must walk. We are fighting against people here who are playing a game and I'm going to play it with both eyes open and try my best to not lose pieces without going to hell and back..
He sighed it was worthless to attempt to explain, "I'm not going to give up I'm done and if you ever need something don't hesitate to ask. Hopefully the next time we meet its under better circumstances. But I imagine we both need some time." He felt bad in the moment but if he hadn't he would have been not able to look Holt in the face when he was eventually dead himself. He continued out the door with his head held high.
End of chapter 1