The Devil's Due IC

[Human Paragon 3]

The Devil's Due Part I - The Holy Roller

Damen sat in a familiar chair, a stool at the bar of a watering hole known as the No Name Cantina. The place was growing very familiar indeed. He had lived above it for some time now, and had become quite friendly with the bartender, Tristan was his name. Damen knew most of the regulars by face, if not by name, and tonight it seemed like all of the regulars were in attendance. The music was loud, the conversation spirited to keep up with the fiddler's volume and tempo.

Tristan laughed as he put down Damen's refill. The No Name had the coldest droughts in San Fransiado thanks to its deep cellar. The gambler felt comfortable for the first time in... he couldn't remember when. Laughing, he reached for the beer. Then, a queer feeling came over him. Something was wrong.

The mug was full, not of lager, but of blood. A rock formed in Damen's gut. He looked up at Tristan, puzzled and afraid. He meant to ask why--why was there blood in his glass, but the words wouldn't come. Tristan's face was full of apprehension and fear. He looked pleadingly at Damen and nudged the mug back toward the gambler.

"What is this?" Damen finally managed to choke out.

"Just drink it lad... please." There was an urgency in the old barkeep's voice. His eye line reflexively darted over Damen's shoulder--at what? Another customer? Damen looked over his shoulder but the room had grown hazy with smoke and he could no longer make out anyone's face.

"Tristan, this is blood."

"Shh..." The barkeep's face went pale and sweat formed on his brow. "Please, you have to drink it."

"No."

"You have to drink the blood, Nick," Tristan used Damen's given name. Normally this would surprise the grifter, but for some reason it seemed all too natural.

"I'm not drinking this," he firmly stated, and pushed the drink back at the barkeep.

"Just a sip." Tristan's eyes turned to daggers as he forcefully pushed the mug back to Damen. The gambler's heart was pounding now. Something was extremely wrong. All of this was wrong.

"I WON'T!" he screamed, picking up the mug and hurling it at the mirror at the back of the bar. It smashed, shattering the mirror into a thousand shards. Blood and glass exploded in a dazzling display, like an Independence Day fireworks show.

Lookout chattered.

Damen looked down at his custom wristwatch, designed to tell him the presence of evil instead of the time of day. The skull's teeth chattered and the hands spun wildly. The totem had never done this before. Suddenly, the hands stopped, pointed at attention. Then, slowly they started to turn. He couldn't take his eyes off of the dial. The hands turned slowly, so slowly. It seemed to take an eternity for them to wheel around, but finally they stopped and pointed--directly at him.

His blood turned to ice water in his veins, and he felt like he was sinking onto his stool, like he was falling downward, and then...

He was in bed, back in his room over the No Name bar. His body shook, covered in sweat. Instinctively his hand darted out and snatched Lookout off his night table. The teeth were silent. The hands were still. Another nightmare... nothing more. What time was it? Sometimes he wished he owned a real watch.

Outside his window it was still dark, the gas lamp was lit, but he was too shaken to go back to sleep. Wearily, he dressed himself, splashed some water on his face from the basin and rinsed out his mouth. His hands batted his shirt pocket looking for his tobacco and paper. Yup, he was still all out.

He trudged down stairs. Tristan would likely be down there - he was there almost all the time - and would be willing to front him his breakfast. He walked the hallway that led to the barroom and stepped through the door. Tristan was there. He waved Damen over.

"Hey," he said. "That guy over there came looking for you." There was thin man sitting at one of the tables nursing a beer. He had a face like a piece of wood and was in need of a shave. His clothes were black. Damen felt a rush of relief as he realized that he did not recognize the man. "Told him I never heard of you, but he asked for a beer and said he'd just wait."

End past tense! The world is your oyster.
The man looks up, spots Damen, and smiles.

[Realms of Chaos]

Nodding slowly, more to myself than to Tristan or the stranger, I walk over to the bar and sits down on the stool beside the stranger. I'm careful to pay the man no obvious mind, however, instead looking lazily at my watch and saying, both to the watch and the stranger, "So... what's going on here, then?"

[Human Paragon 3]

The man in black looks amused. He angles his hat so the rim is pointing upwards and he can make eye contact with the gambler.

Relax and have a seat. I'm here alone and I've not come to do you any harm.

There are three seats at the small table, one of which the man in black occupies, and the second two are empty. The stranger has his back to the door of the bar and offers the seat with its back to the wall to Damen.

[Realms of Chaos]

Raising one eyebrow, I briefly look over my "friend" and nod while stifling a yawn. I walk over the table and lean back against the wall, sinking into my coat and scanning the room for anyone paying a bit too much attention to the table. "Sitting's not the problem, friend." says I, letting out another yawn. "but if you want me to hear you out, I think that I'm going to need a drink."

[Human Paragon 3]

The man smiles--very friendly.

Barkeep! he calls. Two more of those famous cold droughts.

Then, to Damen:

Sit down, friend. I think I have a job for you. And if you say yes, you won't want for d rink for quite some time.


The establishment has just opened. In fact, it opened special for the man in black. You're the only two people in it, aside from Tristan.

[Realms of Chaos]

I finally take the seat against the wall, looking the man straight into the eyes. Hmmm... Let's see how talkative we're feeling today...
"Your offer intrigues me, Mr. Black, and I'm flattered that somebody would find me, but I hope you won't mind if I ask the five questions that govern all of my transactions. Just tell me what you can."

I clear out my throat, only slightly making a show of it, before I continue.
"What, who, by when, do you have a where in mind, and why should I?"

I go over the questions in my head, making sure that I didn't miss anything. Well, there's always the closer... but then again, it was called the closer for a reason.

Flashing the man a friendly smile, I add in "Needless to say, everything said here is all hush-hush. Most men like me can't afford customer dissatisfaction, 'specially when they know where to find us."

[Human Paragon 3]

Let me assure you that this is all confidential, the man in black begins. And I am not surprised by your line of questioning. I have you at a disadvantage. Let me put that to an end. The name's Bart. Pleased to meet you. And that's the all the who you need to know right now.

The when ain't worked out yet, I'm afraid. The what- well, that's easy. I'm planning to take a lot from someone what's got a lot. It's a person you've heard of, that I'm pretty sure of. And why should you? I should think that's self explanatory, especially for a gambler like yourself. We'll split the take three ways, and it'll be a significant take.

Bart removes a box from his pocket and unwraps a stick of chew. He chomps down on it and starts chewing with gusto.

But it strikes me there's another dimension to your questioning. Why... why you? Am I right?

[Realms of Chaos]

Weakly grinning, I give a solitary chuckle, "I'm lucky, I'm competent, and I work cheap. What more would you need to know?"

'Course I'd want to know why. Why do you know where I am when I keep low in my own neighborhood. Why do you know I do this when I normally con while in disguise. Why do you know me as anything other than a gambler, Mr. Bart? Then again, I don't expect you to answer me. Not honestly, anyways. Not now.

I take a deep breath and add, "I wasn't referring to you with the whole "Who" thing, by the way, Bart. Your probably better off if I pick you a name right ouf of a hat. The person I want to know about is him," At this, I motion to the empty air above the third seat. "Not all of us get along, after all."

[Human Paragon 3]

I do my homework, sir. You're not as hard to find as you think to us what know what we're looking for.

He takes another bite of chew.

There are a lot of good confidence men in this town. Fools with money tend to attract 'em. Now, you may not be the best of 'em, but I'm hoping you've got that special something that'll see us through this job. Call it luck.

Our third man has a bit of it, too. She should be arriving any minute, if she can follow directions.
That's your cue to show up whenever you want, Toliudar.

I know a lot about you, Damen.

He let's the statement hang in the air for a moment.

And I know you could use an infusion of cash into your life. The way I see it, you've got no choice but to say yes to me. Follow?

Fixed typo, Devlin -> Damen

[Realms of Chaos]

OOCSwitching into less-awkward third-person.

Damen watches the the man across him for a couple moments, scrutinizing the man in black for a couple of seconds before giving a good nod. "Sure. I'll go along with this."

[Human Paragon 3]

Bart smiles, wide.

I knew you would! Now, the mark I've got in mind is pretty... upper echelon. A rich man with considerable protection. He's... security minded, let's say. It won't be easy, and we'll only get one shot. So.
He spits out a mouth full of chew.

Before we even talk about the job, I'm gonna need you to prove you're up to the task. I've got another little side job for you. A test run.

[Realms of Chaos]

Damen nods a bit as he tips backwards in his chair to rest against the wall. "Test run, huh? Sounds fine to me, Bart. Tell me what you've got in mind."

[Toliudar]

A skinny young woman, very short and apparently unarmed, slips in the door of the Cantina and steps to the side of the door, waiting for her eyes to adjust. She looks around the room with solemn face and nervous eyes, not obviously spotting anyone in particular. She takes a moment to loosen the catch on her cloak, revealing shapeless dark clothes underneath.

She slips over to the bar, sliding up onto the stool with the practiced resignation of someone for whom the world was not designed. While ordering a glass of white wine, she makes fleeting eye contact with Damen, wondering if he was mixed up in this as well.

[Human Paragon 3]

And there she is.

Bart holds up a finger to Damen and turns toward the bar.

The lady's drink is on me. Why don't you come over here join us, Ms. Fyedi? You can call me Bart. And I believe you've met my friend Damen before?

[Toliudar]

Pausing only to collect her wine, Fyedi shuffles over to the table with Bart and Damen. She smiles warmly.

"Damen, so good to see you again. And Bart, a pleasure to meet anyone who can introduce himself with such style."

Fyedi kisses Damen on the top of his head, and extends a hand in greeting to Bart. She sets her drink down and gets settled at the table. Throughout all of this, her eyes never quite leave Bart.

"So. What's the gig?"

[Human Paragon 3]

Well, as I was telling Damen, there are two: a big job and a little job. The big job is real big. But we'll only get one shot, and I've never worked with either of you before, so I want to take it slow, do a small job first, sort of get our bearings. Follow?

I already have the mark picked out for our test run. A man named Lucien Tate. Crooked preacher outta Arkansas. He's been putting on faith healing shows here in San Fransiado for the last couple weeks and making a killing. 'Course, it's all phony balogna. I'm looking to run a short grift to relieve him of some of that money. We'll split the take three ways, and if things go right, I'll tell you about the big job. That'll be split three ways, too.

Good so far?

[Toliudar]

Fyedi glances over at Damen, and rotates her glass several times, thinking.

"Unlikely to draw the bluecoats. Always nice. Your basic pigeon drop, or do you have a play in mind?"

[Human Paragon 3]

For this operation I'd like to see what you two have in mind. I pick out the target...

Bart spits his payload of chewed tobacco into a spittoon.

Then follow your lead. So. Ideas?

[Toliudar]

Fyedi purses her lips. She takes a sip of the wine, letting it roll around before swallowing. There's a bit of regret in the gesture of returning the glass to the table. She fingers the pearls at her throat and glances again at Damen.

"I'd like to hold off answering that until we've had a chance to do a scout of his operation. What do you say? Daddy want to take his sick little girl to the healer-man?"

[Realms of Chaos]

Damen listens intently to the description of the job, courteously tipping his hat to Fyedi as she comes in with a small smile.

"Only the best fake healers for my little girl," chuckles Damian, "I must say, I'm curious what tricks this fellow's using. This could be a learning experience."

[Human Paragon 3]

Wouldn't have it any other way. I do my homework and I expect the two of you to do the same.

The preacher man's working out of a tent chapel that his guys set up in Salamander Square. He doesn't have a real church. Go and check him out sometime. We can meet here again, say, three days time? Eleven o'clock.

[Toliudar]

Fyedi smiles and nods, her mind already racing at the possibilities.

"That should be perfect."

She takes another sip of the wine and smiles up at Damon.

"Would you like to head there today? I think I've still got my Little Cindy outfit."

[Realms of Chaos]

Damen nods, standing up and stretching his limbs, "Sounds like an excellent plan. I'll be waiting for you at the corner of Dante and Lion in about an hour... if you can make it there that quickly..."

[Toliudar]

Slugging down the rest of her wine, Fyedi nods and rises.

"It'll be tight, but I think I can do that. Don't give up on me if I'm a little late."

She turns and nods to Bart, then beelines out of the Cantina.

Fyedi does a quick detour through a narrow alley to confirm she's not being followed, then heads to her crib to change and meet Damen as described.

[Human Paragon 3]

Bart puts a dollar coin down on the table.

If there's nothing else?

Fyeidi: Spot check please.

[Toliudar]

Fyedi spot: [roll0]

[Human Paragon 3]

You're SURE nobody's following you.

[Toliudar]

About an hour later, Fyedi stands near a wall at the corner of Dante and Lion, trying to ignore the smell wafting up from the bay. She'd never felt particularly comfortable in this dress, but her own discomfort seemed to work well for the persona of a young girl itching in her best dress. She remembered Damen as a master of disguise, so had left her own face in plain sight for now, and looked through the faces of men passing by, looking for the telltales of Damen's eyes, and hoping that no one took her frank gaze the wrong way.

[Realms of Chaos]

Passing through the crowd at the intersection, Damen finally spots Fyedi and walks up behind her. At the moment, Damen is wearing his dark brown "bounty-hunter" coat, his face is clean-shaven, his normal slouch is absent, and his complexion is slightly darkened. "Good to see that you've worked on your acting. I almost mistook you for a child this time."

Using one use of disguise kit.
[roll0]

[Toliudar]

Fyedi smiles, and gestures for Damen to lean closer.

"And you look very dashing, and perfectly nondescript. You're very kind, but I still lack your sense of style. I seem to recall a certain panache that you brought to that casino job over at the Embarcadero. Once we get close to the tent show, I'll complete my disguise, but I'll only have half an hour before I'll need to renew it."

Stepping back, she reaches up to take Damen's hand. Might as well get into the character now.

[Realms of Chaos]

Damen smiles and takes Fyedi's hand, nodding slightly as he starts walking towards the tents, engaging in seemingly idle conversation.
"If our friend is putting on a show for the public, we should go and ask if he's taking real volunteers. How's your cough been, by the way?"

OOCBluff check to pass on a secret message [roll0]

[Toliudar]

Fyedi nods, and does her best to fake a phlegmy cough.

"I'm feeling much better now, Father. Maybe this time, we should just watch?"

Bluffing back to convey the opposite message: [roll0]

[Realms of Chaos]

Damen nods, understandingly, "Well then, Cindy, let's go witness a miracle."

With that, Damen continues walking towards the supposed location of the no-good, flim-flam medicine man. Something tells him that things are about to get interesting.

[Human Paragon 3]

The square has been utterly monopolized by the enormous, wall-less tent. White canvass covers the majority of the square, shading honest-to-goodness pews set up in rows beneath it.

It's still early, but the "show" is set for 7 o'clock A.M., and men in cleanly-pressed suits are meticulously prepping the area. A small crowd has already started to form up, chatting like old friends.

"I nearly broke down last week whenever I saw that lame man walk!"

"He's so handsome and well-groomed."

"I'd really like to get my hands on that cake recipe of yours."

"I shook his hand! You can tell a lot about a man by shaking his hand. I looked into his eyes and saw the goodness in his soul."

"Do you think he can help me?"

At 6:30, one of Lucien's helpers unhooks the rope that symbolically separates the "church" from the rest of the square and people begin to shuffle in.


Your move guys.

[Realms of Chaos]

Well, Damen certainly hadn't expected the healer to be this famous. As Damen walks into the tent, he searches for any area less packed with people, somewhere apart from the front of the crowd where Fyedi could get a half-decent view. At the same time, he keeps an eye out for anyone in the crowd with particularly obvious injury or illness. If there are any plants out there, it would be helpful to locate them.

"You've got sharp eyes, right?" Damen whispers Fyedi under the the dull roar of the crowd.

Spot check [roll0]

[Toliudar]

Fyedi nods emphatically as the two of them find place towards the rear of the tent. She masked her curiosity with curiosity, making no pretense of staring with interest at everything going on all around them. She takes special note of where Tate's obvious colleagues were working, and the overall layout of the tent. Perhaps the best time to strike would be at the end of the service, when there were still crowds milling about and the collection money hadn't yet been secured.

"This is great, Daddy. When does the service start?"

Spot: [roll0]

[Realms of Chaos]

"Very soon, I think." says Damen, tapping his foot impatiently as he looks around the tent, "they don't want to make people wait for too long,"

OOCHow clear is the view of the "stage" in the tent.
Also, how much of the audience can clearly see what's going on?

[Human Paragon 3]

There is very good visibility in the tent, unless you're unlucky enough to be seated behind a tall man or a woman with a foofy hat. There are only about 10 rows of pews, so even the people in the back can see all right (it's about 60 feet). However, you don't know whether all the action will take place on the stage...

[Toliudar]

Fyedi takes Damen's hand in mock-excitement. She begins a running tally of the number of staff she can see, helping people find their seats, and where they seem to come to rest.

[Human Paragon 3]

Fyedi: Spot and sense motive, please. You may take 10 if you wish.

[Toliudar]

Taking 10 sounds good to me. 16 for both spot and sense motive.

[Human Paragon 3]

There are four staff members. Two of them are obviously in on the con. They are monitoring the crowd, searching for marks, keeping track of everyone. They occasionally exchange meaningful waves and glances. The other two are probably hired help. They seem earnestly interested in seating people for the performance. Besides, they're young and look local.

[Toliudar]

Fyedi snuggles in closer to Devan as they get ready for the show to start. She murmurs to him.

"Brunos at one and eight o'clock. Yokels at three and six. Can't tell if the brunos are wearing iron. Savvy?"

[Realms of Chaos]

Damen pauses as he looks where Fyedi points considers the options. Two yokels, Two brunos, and the puppeteer above them all. Unfortunately, only two pairs of eyes. Still no sign of the puppet, either, if there even was one.

"Savvy," says Damen, briefly licking his lips, "I'll keep an eye open for the Brunos, see if they're just helpers or if they play a role. Keep your eyes on the big man, see if his hands aren't slower than your eyes."

[Toliudar]

Fyedi nods and brings her eyes back to the flaps behind the platform, judging them the most likely point of entry for the faker.

[Human Paragon 3]

At 8 o'clock, heavenly music fills the pavilion. One of Lucien's helpers sits at an old harmonium at the front of the stage, playing a simple melody, perhaps by Handle or Bach. Something vaguely familiar and pleasant.

Before too long, the curtain at the stage parts and the man himself appears. He's a little overweight, but his white suit fits him perfectly. He's tall. His light brown hair is impeccably parted, held in place with some sort of styling wax. He smiles broadly at his assembled audience.

Brothers and sisters! I thank you for coming out to join me on this beautiful morning. You don't know how much you all mean to me. I feel I am the luckiest man alive, preaching the LORD's word to fine people like you... He loves you, and he has instructed us all to love each other, and I love you like you're my brothers because you are. My brothers and sisters.

I want you all to turn to the people next to you and introduce yourself. And to the people in front and the people behind. No such thing as strangers here, we're all in this together. That's right.

I saw something the other day--something wonderful, and when I saw it I knew it was a sign from the lord... I knew he meant for me to see this.

He goes on at some length describing a bird with a broken leg in the roadway, and a little girl picking up the bird and taking it in, and putting it in a box full of cotton and feeding it water, making a little splint out of a twig and so on. He likens himself to this little girl and the congregation to the bird, and tells them that the LORD has instructed him through this vision that HE is pleased with the preacher's work.

Then he announces that somebody in the audience needs his help... A man on crutches lifts one of the crutches into the air... He has a broken leg, same as the bird. He needs to be well again so he can work his land, or else he won't be able to make it to market.

Tate goes to the man and puts his hand on the man's forehead and invokes the LORD.

Can you feel is power? Can you feel the strength welling up inside you? He wants you to be well! He cares about you and your family and he wants you to be prosperous! Leg, you heal now, you hear? Heal! I command you to HEAL!

The man on crutches goes catatonic and slides down his seat and onto the floor, crying out in pain. A moment later his eyes flutter open and he stands, casting down the crutch.

It's a miracle! A Miracle!

The harmonium starts up again and some of the preacher's helpers hand out a collection plate.

And remember, the LORD loves everyone, but he loves those who give. I am but a humble servant of the lord, but he has done well by me. He tells us that those who give will get back what they've given ten fold, and the LORD will provide for the man who gives away his last penny - Amen.

[Toliudar]

With a few notable lapses, 'Cindy' manages to remain rapt in attention and delight throughout the revival meeting. She claps and praises, hallelujahs and waves. At the point where members of the congregation are encouraged to greet each other, she affects a sombre demeanour, and gravely shakes the hand of everyone within reach.

"It is a great pleasure to meet you. I am Cindy Applewhite. Peace be with you."

As the collection goes around, Cindy tugs at 'daddy's' sleeve.

"Please, Daddy. Can I put the money in this time?"

She reaches into a small pocket sewn into her dress, and pulls out a single, slightly bent silver coin, which she holds up triumphantly, waiting for the opportunity to add to the plate.

I'm now cursing myself for not thinking to cast Detect Magic when this all got underway. Ah well. Sense Motive to confirm that the lame man is faking: [roll0]
...and Spellcraft, to notice any use of magic in the service: [roll1].

[Human Paragon 3]

Poor roll, but his roll wasn't great either! Plus I'm giving you the +10 because this bluff is "hard to believe." You were told strait up the preacher is a fraud. I presume you're talking about Crutches Man? He is indeed faking it. You've seen this catatonic thing before while you were traveling through the bread basket. Usually it's used to fake an epileptic fit for alms or a diversion for a con, but it also works well here as a rapturous fit. You can roll again vs. Tate if you want, and of course Damen is welcome to throw in, too.

You don't notice anyone spellcasting during the above description.

[Realms of Chaos]

OOC: Sorry it took me so long to get back...
Rolling spot to see what the helpers are doing while the big man performs his routine. [roll0]

Of the many things that this fraud was lacking (a conscience, a mansion, and the ability to see his own toes among them), an excellent speaking voice was not one of them. Neither was charisma, judging by the cries of the crowd. Even so, Damen wasn't keen on watching the entire display, instead keeping his eyes on the man's thugs even as he introduces himself.

"Name's Simon, pleasure to meet you"

"Howdy there, name's Simon."

Distracted by "Cindy's" question, Damen takes a long, hard look at the Fraud and nods, adding "Let me get out my wallet" Damen slowly pushes his way towards the collection dish nearest to the fraud (if there are several).

Trying to lift a wallet (or, preferable, some change) from someone in the crowd as I move towards the dish and then strafing away from my mark as I continue forward. Hopefully, people will be rather distracted.

[roll1]

If the result of my roll is 8 or less, I'll use Lucky Fingers to reroll.

[roll2]

please not a low roll.

...wow, that stinks.

[Human Paragon 3]

Aw, tough break on the luck re-roll. I guess you'll have to pay out of your own money.

As for the henchmen, they are sort of glaring out into the crowd, trying to get a sense of the audience. You actually make an uncomfortable eye contact with the harmonium player at one point... he looks... suspicious?

[Toliudar]

Fyedi watches 'daddy' dart off into the crowd, and winces slightly as she sees him botch an effort to lift a wallet. Good recovery, though. Maybe I can help.

Sliding down off of the bench, 'Cindy' dashes off after 'Simon.' She places a petite hand at the small of his back.

"It's okay, Daddy. I saved my silver for this week. I know you love the Lord, but he sees all of your sacrifices."

Fyedi tries to steer Damen back to their seats so that they could see the rest of the meeting.

[Realms of Chaos]

Simon nods, glad that Fyedi is giving a reason to return to his seat and hoping that his slight blush comes across as that of a poor man sadly realizing he is unable to give of his heart and pocket to such a miraculous individual.

"Bruno with the harmonium seems to have more than music on his mind," mutters Simon.

[Toliudar]

Fyedi nods slightly. Waving her silver coin in the air, she stands again in order to look at the progress of the plate, and coincidentally to get a chance to look at the piano man.

[Human Paragon 3]

A few moments later, all the money is collected and ushered back up to the front. The same man who passed out the plate to begin with wisks it out of sight behind the curtain.

The harmonium player lazily tickles a light classical tune out of his instrument as this happens. The preacher man walks over to him and they speak a few quiet words to one another; by all appearances Tate is solemnly praising the player.

Good spot check to read lips?

When the music stops, the preacher performs a bible reading. Then he turns his attention to the crowd.

Does anyone else here need to be healed today?

[Human Paragon 3]

In the crowd, a man with round blue glasses stares intently at the preacher. Tate locks eyes with him and smiles. He walks down the aisle and stops in front of the blue glasses man.

A demon lives inside you, Tate says to the man. What is the name of your demon?

Lupus, says the man in the blue glasses.

Yes, I sense it. Tate solemnly nods. The LORD wants to see you healed. He wants to see the demon cast down. Are you ready to be touched by the divine?

Yes! says the man, tears practically in his eyes.

Then stand up and receive the power of the LORD!

The man stands and Lucien Tate presses his hand against the man's forehead.

Ah! The man cries out in pain. It burns...

In a moment it is over. The man's knees give out and he falls into his seat. The sign of the cross is emblazoned onto his forehead. The audience gasps.

It's a miracle, cries one woman.

Tate smiles beneficently then staggers backward. One of his helpers catches him before he falls.

A miracle... he mutters. Then louder, Praise the LORD and go in his name, amen.

Amen! Comes the response from the audience. The harmonium starts up again and with the help of his assistant, Tate makes his way back behind the curtain from whence he came, waving his goodbyes to the audience.

Oh, he looks so tired, says the woman seated next to Feydi.

That always happens, says her friend.

[Realms of Chaos]

Sorry for my absence. I'm back and dedicated to checking everything that I'm in daily. trying to read lips so spot check.

[roll0]

[Human Paragon 3]

@Realms:
The short conversation between Tate and the Harmonium Player:

Tate: What'dya hear, Carl?

Harmonium Player: Section B is restless. Possible Fly Gee in row 8.

LT: Anything else?

HP: Guy with the blue glasses in E laid down some serious bank.

LT: I feel a healing comin' on. Thank you son.

[Toliudar]

Fyedi clutches her father's arm and gasps appropriately as the man with 'lupus' collapses.

"Amen!"

She does her best to flush her face with blood and fervour. When the ladies next to Fyedi comment on the evangelist's patterns of behaviour, she leans over to them to murmur emphatically.

"Wow! You've come before? You are blessed. What else do they do at these meetings? Are they always this thrilling?"

[Human Paragon 3]

Oh, yes! the woman replies. It's so incredible, sometimes I just feel faint watching it all. I've been giving everything I can afford. A few weeks ago, Marty Green put in fifty dollars and after that, he finally sold his house! It's just like Mr. Tate says - The lord provides for those that give!