Pride Cometh (IC)

[Shadowy]

Rainbow Laundromat

Run by one Maria Fernanda, this looks to be an incredibly average place.
However, the owner sleepwalker working with the mages in exchange for protection.

And above the laundromat is a flat, rented out at a very reasonable rate, that plays host to five of the most powerful people in the city.

Currently, they are in the midst of preparing for a task assigned to them by Caesar, Hierach of the Boston Consilium, and by all accounts, a bloody tyrant. However, the system is functional, and everyone gets a fair share of tasks when they have to be done.

The task is to investigate an auction happening in town, and investigate for any potential magical treasures. The mages have some time to spare, and are casting their final spells to be ready for the trip and conversating amongst themselves.

[PwntQ]

Pocus is sitting down, wearing his usual raggedy threads. A coin flips along his fingertips, making its way back and forth. The mage has already cast Prime Mage Sight, Unseen Shield (2), and Incognito Presence on himself. Now he waits as the others finish their preparations. "So...I'm thinking we just pop into the back, find where they keep the stuff that is going to be auctioned, I look over everything for whats magical, and Span just pops the stuff back here. Any other ideas?"

[XianTheCoder]

Span sits in contemplation over their task. An auction seems so pedestrian, we might as well go investigate a garage sale, Caesar must suspect something, which makes me think we need to be extra careful. Teleporting myself and any objects I can carry is simple enough, if we come across something larger it may prove more challenging. Getting us all into the back room would take me several hours, however, I could leave the route open to return through. Obviously, we would need a staging ground away from the sanctum just in case someone else comes through the portal. Not wild about how many problems could arise from this plan, Span ponders the various permutations. Why don't we send 3 into the auction, those most equipped to sneak around, they can relay the situation, and create a much easier connection for me to scry from. Once we have the lay of the land, and know where things are, we can make a more solid plan? I can't say I'm wild about splitting the cabal up though.

Active Spells:

Untouchable: +4 Defense
Spacial Awareness: Space Mage Sight

[baerun]

Pulse paces along behind the couch as they discuss the plan. I definitely don't like going in there without assuming that we will be in direct competition to gain whatever artefacts might be there. If Span is to stay here, one of us should be in direct communication with him at all times. Pulse stops for a moment before continuing to pace Don't auctions normally lock the stuff up after the auction and make sure they receive payment before sending the items away? We should use this as a reconnaisance mission and plan on getting into the back room after they close for the day. I mean, this plan will go to **** the moment a Seer walks through the door and goes after an item. Pulse wonders to himself if they have really done enough to prepare if the idea is to just, as kids say' take a 5-finger discount.





Unseen Aegis , Matter 2, 4 armor
Read Matrices , Mage Sight, Forces 1

[Samshiir]

Procyon waits patiently and listens to the other Mage's conversations. He was curious and anxious to get to the auction to see what kind of magical treasures they would have. The teenager was intrigued at Span's idea to send 'those most equipped to sneak around' ahead as scouts.

"I'll volunteer for the reconnaissance mission, Span." The Acanthus says with a mischievous smile. "Perhaps I'll get lucky and find something useful."


Fortune's Protection (Fate 2, 3 Armor)
Winds of Chance (Fate 1)

[PwntQ]

Pocus stops playing with the coin and makes it disappear. Fine then. I'll go out with Procyon. You guys can just stay here. Then he frowns. Actually I don't think either of us have a cellphone to reach you with though.


Prime Mage Sight
Unseen Shield (2)
Incognito Presence

[XianTheCoder]

Span, not wild with his own plan, continues to consider what everyone has offered. Well I wouldn't stay here, I'd would theoretically operate out of someplace removed from sleepers, but close enough that I could arrive via mundane means if necessary. Splitting the cabal is going to be a mistake, I'm not advanced enough to get anyone other than myself in and out quickly. Splitting the group could be dangerous. So let's consider this variant, We head to the auction together, myself and Sirius will remain outside watching events via a scry window. The rest of you are sufficiently sneaky or manipulative enough to look around without rousing suspicion. Once we have the lay of the land, we can decide proper tactics. It may be something as simple as Pulse setting off a carbon monoxide detector to empty the auction house, and then sealing the doors of the vault while the rest of you search, in the interim I'll be casting the portal that will act as your escape route. Sirius can monitor the happenings outside, and do what he can to slow down the response times of the fire department. The flaw in the plan is that a portal will take me 3 hours and there's no guarantee I can keep it open long, so once it's open you need to be back through. IF we meet with other interested parties, we may end up creating our own prison cell. I can freely come and go, but it'll take a 3 hour casting of portal to get the rest of you out. Pulse will need to keep the doors sealed off during that time and/or find a way to keep people out of the building for the duration of that time. Unless someone is sufficiently capable of conning their way into the vault, the only two ways in are via me with a portal or Pulse with all his Matter tricks. Alternatively, we could just go and sit in the crowd, watch the auction, toss a few random losing bids in on mundane items, and winning bids in anything magical. This limits our exposure and gives us the opportunity to watch for other interested parties. We can even lose the bid and attempt to take the item after it's paid for from its new owner. It's riskier since it could end up being won by a Seer, but it's also got the advantages of uncovering a Seer on our terms, and if it's just sleepers, an easy acquisition. Thoughts?



Untouchable: +4 Defense
Spacial Awareness: Space Mage Sight

[baerun]

Pulse stops pacing long enough to listen to Span's ideas. That could work. I am referring to the idea of following whoever purchases the items. However, should there be 10 artefacts and all get bought by someone else, we couldn't accomplish the mission at that point. No one is going home with their purchases today anyway more than likely, so we have time to go in today, see what is there, and if we have to, break in after hours. Pulse looks to begin pacing again and stops before he begins If we're all going, lets get whatever equipment we need, and get going.



Unseen Aegis , Matter 2, 4 armor
Read Matrices , Mage Sight, Forces 1

[Failed Phantasm]

'Did we only get this assignment today or something?' Sirius tore open a sugar packet, perhaps a bit more vehemently than usual, and stirred it into his fresh cup of coffee. It was starting to feel like the kind of day where he'd need the caffeine. 'What the hell was Caesar thinking? We should have had days in advance to scout out the place and find out what's being auctioned, but instead we're going in blind on the day that the auction's happening?' From the kitchen, he could hear the ideas that the rest of his Cabal were discussing and, as expected, the lack of intel was making it difficult to come up with a solid plan. Who knows what they'd be walking into? And, of course, their first and most persistent idea was just to break in and steal what they needed — that made Sirius roll his eyes — but, ethics aside, he worried about the long term consequences of doing so. It was certainly a workable plan, assuming Span could make the sympathetic connections he needed for his magic or if Pulse didn't mind annihilating the vault door or turning it into Play-Doh or whatever, but they couldn't honestly expect that the theft would go unnoticed. Sirius breathed a sigh and then took a long drink from his mug, the hot coffee leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. He walked towards the living room to rejoin the Cabal, mentally coaching himself on what to say and how. 'Be straightfoward. Be honest. You're an Arrow. Pointing out what's tactically unsound is your duty."

Sirius entered the room just as Pulse finished talking, and he spoke up before anyone else had the chance to comment or leave. "Not so fast, guys. I haven't had my say yet." Taking another sip of coffee, his eyes darted briefly from Procyon to Pocus before settling his gaze on Span. "You know I don't like involving the authorities whenever it can be helped, and you know I don't like breaking the law. But setting aside my personal objections, have you thought about what else could go wrong besides your magic? Just off the top of my head, what happens if any of you are seen?" Sirius made a sweeping gesture with his free hand, indicating everyone in the room, " And I don't just mean by other people, because this place is probably going to have surveillance cameras. What happens if, while you're performing recon, you make someone suspicious enough to call the police? Sure, you can screw with their thoughts, but if you're really worried about the Seers, the cops showing up in the first place might just be enough to tip them off. Properly paranoid, and all that. And then," Sirius started pacing slowly towards the front of the room, the sound of his boots punctuating his sentences. "What about the long term consequences of this? What happens when — and I do mean 'when', not 'if' — when the theft is discovered? For all the clever ways you may have of getting us in and out unnoticed, and even if we managed to pull this off flawlessly, people are going to notice this stuff disappearing. And while you might stump police detectives, this just screams 'Magic!' to every mage in the city who's paying attention to this auction."

"The fact of the matter is that we're walking into this blind. Things are bound to go wrong. 'No plan survives contact with the enemy.' If you all can think of some way to address those problems, I'd be willing to go along with this. Otherwise," he nodded to Span, "I'd rather go with that last plan of yours, Span. Better that we keep a low profile and find out if there are any Seers or Banishers or whoever the hell else there, rather than alert them to our presence. And even if we can't win some or any of the auctions, all of you are skilled at getting people to see things your way. Between the four of you, it would probably be easier to convince somebody that the item they won is stolen or a forgery — anything that would make them want to hand over the artifacts to us — than it would be to break into a vault. Hell, if you can convince the auctioneers that they've got stolen goods, we even skip the risky part of letting the artifacts be bid on."



Instant: cast Body Control as a Rote (Life ●●, Covert, 0 Mana)
Wits + (Athletics + 1) + Life: [roll0]
10-again (from left to right): [roll1]

1Active Effects:
Active Spells = 3/4 (Gnosis + 3), Spell Tolerance = 3 (Stamina)

Body Control (Life ●●) — Initiative +1, Bashing wound healing time: 7 minutes; Prolonged (one scene), Potency 1.
Organic Resilience (Life ●●) — Armor +3; Prolonged (one scene), Potency 4.
Temporal Eddies (Time ●) — Mage Sight; Prolonged (one scene), Potency 3.

[PwntQ]

Pocus gives another possibility. "What if we go into the room where they're keeping the items and chip a small piece of the floor off to take with us. That should give Span enough sympathy to open a portal back there. But that will take awhile, so we call in a bomb threat afterwards to buy time. Not on the auction house, but whatever is right next door. They'd evacuate both buildings."He turns towards Sirius. "That would involve the law, but when the items are discovered missing they'll assume the bomb threat was a distraction to give thieves time to work. As for cameras, we've got enough Force to disable any we find, and to see any we might miss."


Prime Mage Sight
Unseen Shield (2)
Incognito Presence

[Samshiir]

Procyon was surprised at the last request. "Right, because calling in a bomb threat won't come around to bite us when they start investigations. Let's save the drastic measures until we actually need them, and try to keep attention off our backs, at least for the time being. I say we just go to the auction and check the situation out."


Fortune's Protection (Fate 2, 3 Armor)
Winds of Chance (Fate 1)

[XianTheCoder]

Span holds up his arms, Alright everyone, let's get back on the same page. First turning to Pulse, While finding 10 artifacts at a random auction house, would be amazing, a dragon horde that would instantly result in our names being spoken of by every mage in the region, I think it's very highly unlikely we would ever find more than one. Even finding one is rare enough. So I doubt we have to worry about following more targets than we can handle. That being said, I think it's probably 50:50 that the artifacts remain the night at the auction house, in my experience, it's dependent on the value. If this is a low price auction, where items go for no more than a few thousand dollars, then we are probably looking at a quick turnaround. If it's an auction with tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, then I would agree with you, they aren't releasing the items until the funds clear the bank. I'm unfamiliar with the auction house, and it lacks a website. All that being considered it sounds like your vote is perform more recon and chance the acquisition once the auction ends? Correct me if I'm wrong.

Span will wait a moment for Pulse to confirm or correct him, after which he will address Pocus. I'm in agreement with procyon, that course of action is too drastic we can get in and out in more subtle ways. You are correct in regards to the cameras, with our collective capabilities in Matter and Forces, any surveillance system is easily removed as an obstacle. While I am not learned in Forces myself, I know that jumping, interrupting, and replacing transmissions is a fairly simple task that even Apprentice level mages are capable of performing.

Finally, Span turns his attention to Sirius, and attempts to generate an appropriate response to the most difficult comments in the conversation, trying not to come out as arrogant, nor condescending, Your concerns are valid and heard, we are here brainstorming our thoughts, I don't think anyone lacks an understanding of what could go wrong, that is why we hold these discussions. All that aside, what concerns me the greatest are the undertones of Sleeper thought in your comments. Don't want to break the Sleeper's laws? We are awakened, the laws were not meant for us, some may suggest we are better than the laws, but I like to view it as the laws were never intended to apply to us. If you feel the need to adhere to a sleeper moral code I would recommend the Geneva Convention. When your soul traveled across the abyss and awakened to one of the five towers, you were immediately entered into a war, a secret war, but a war still. Individually we may not want to be a part of that war, but it will find us regardless. Even the sleepers recognized that laws change when you are at war. "Theft" and "Murder" become "acquisition of resources" and "self defense" or even simply "for the greater good of the war effort". We avoid the collateral damage when possible, but inevitably it happens. Now... onto some of your more specific concerns, I think we already covered the issue with surveillance. Being seen directly is less of a concern, between our natural affinity for sneaking around and the Mind magic at our disposal, we won't create too much notice. Besides, every cop knows that eyewitness accounts are the most unreliable, and with the amount of people that will be in and out, as long as we don't attract notice there won't be a need for anyone to remember or consider us. As for long term consequences, my immediate thought is "who cares?" We're doing this for Caesar, ten seconds after we acquire it, he's holding it, keeping it safe is his problem. We don't have any ties to the auction house, so who cares if we leave a beacon for others that something magical happened there, we're gone, even if the go and inspect, there are no reliable witnesses and no cameras. The best they could do would be to scrutinize the spells cast. Maybe they follow my portals back to the casting ground, but unless they are very powerful that's where the trail will end. So that leaves, what, the sleeper police? Unless they are sleepwalkers and being run by a Seer Pylon that feeds them leads, I'm not concerned about them getting close to solving the case. Span basically shrugs. All that being said, I agree with you, I think a recon mission is the right course of action. I believe Pulse agrees? Span will glance at Pulse for confirmation. So that just leaves Pocus and Procyon? Span will turn to them for their final thoughts.

[Shadowy]

It was at this point their conversation was interrupted by some angry shouting from outside. Followed by a pair of gunshots. Followed, somewhat reasonably, by people on the street outside screaming in panic and fleeing.

Those who care to look out the window can see a man leaning out of a window a few buildings down, holding a pistol in one hand and what looks like a detonator in another. He is also screaming angrily. "Come out! I know you're around here! I've got three hostages! I'll do it! Don't think I won't!"

After the fit of screaming, he leans back inside and closes the window.

The conversation may resume now.

[XianTheCoder]

Span drops his head and sighs, then raises his head and turns it to Procyon, I think the Fate wards have expired, can you plan to take some time tomorrow to recast them? I should probably recast the anti-Portal and Scrying wards as well, it's been a while.. Glancing out the window Span's voice sounds annoyed, We should probably make sure that the bomb isn't capable of being detonated, I don't feel like putting, "Find new sanctum" on my to do list. The sleeper police can handle it after we're sure the building isn't going to explode.

Settling himself near the window, Space proceeds to cast Angled Vision, allowing him to curve his vision out the window and through the window where the man with the gun had poked his head out. Once it was in sensory range, Span proceeds to cast Scrying to get a better vantage of the on goings inside the room.


Cast Angled Vision: [roll0]
10-Again and Mods: [roll1]

Cast Scrying: [roll2]
10-Again and Mods: [roll3]



Untouchable: +4 Defense
Spatial Vision: Mage Sight
Angled Vision
Scrying

[Samshiir]

Procyon, distracted with trying to see the actions happening outside through the window, acknowledges Span's request about the fate wards with a dismissive nod "Fate wards. Right. Tomorrow. Got it."

Procyon steps back from the window once he realizes that there was nothing to be seen anymore. The teenager glances at Pocus with a half-accusing, half-joking look. "You realize this is your fault, right? Mentioning that plan about calling in a bomb threat was just begging Arcadia to mess with us."

Procyon will wait for Span to finish his Scrying magic, and will then say, "So whats the plan, Mr. Span?"


Fortune's Protection (Fate 2, 3 Armor)
Winds of Chance (Fate 1)

[Shadowy]

Through the scrying window, Span can see the entire room. It's an apartment bedroom that has been cleared out, and has two windows, one of which has a fire escape outside. The man holding the gun and detonator is next to the other window, nervously looking between the window, door, and hostages.

There are three hostages in the room, two men and a woman cowering in the corner, looking fearful, though one of them is fearfully clutching a phone behind his back that the gunman seems unaware of.

The room is filled with pressurized gas cans, and a thin layer of petrol has been splashed on the floor. The slightest spark in here would destroy the building.

Everyone's mage sights can detect some kind of magic here, though whatever it is, you're unfamiliar with it. Everyone in the room is a sleeper.

[PwntQ]

Pocus pulls his head back from looking out the window and wiggles his fingers at Procyon. He says sarcastically "Abracadabra! I conjure forth a bomb."

To Span he says "Can you use Mind from here to mess with his head?"


Prime Mage Sight
Unseen Shield (2)
Incognito Presence

[XianTheCoder]

Someone conjured forth that bomb, there's magical residue. Everyone in the room appears to be sleepers though. There's limited effect I can have once someone is so far gone that they've strapped a bomb to them self. Letting Pulse destroy the bomb, and having Procyon bestow a little bad luck on the hostage taker seems like a nice covert resolution. We can monitor from here and move to more extreme measures if necessary. The magical residue warrants investigation, but it also warrants a cautious intervention.

[baerun]

Pulse stopped and rested his arms on the couch as Span talks of the plan to go in to the auction. Nodding confirmation when questions were directed his way, Pulse was sure this was the best course of action, they couldn't plan properly without getting more information.

"We should...", Pulse began as the gun shots rang out. Previous thoughts lost, Pulse ran to the window to get a look.

Knowing Span's strengths, Pulse waited until the cabal was informed of the situation to take action. Taking a step back from the window, Pulse whispers a few phrases in Atlantean as he reaches out to remove the threat from the room.


Not sure if I am considered in sensory range, if not, I probably wouldn't attempt anything at this point.

And I was attempting to get the + 2 bonus for using words of power, not sure if that can apply to all rolls , or only the first casting afterwards. So I didn't actually add that into the base rolls.

Cast Alter Conductivity on the detonator(Matter 1)

Cast Transmute Water (changing the gas/liquid in the cannisters to a liquid/gas of a similar color that would be harmless to bystanders (Matter 2)

Cast Alter Integrity on the pistol (firing pin if possible) (Matter 3)

Rolls didnt work originally, see the OOC post for rolls



Unseen Aegis , Matter 2, 4 armor
Read Matrices , Mage Sight, Forces 1

[Shadowy]

The alter conductivity spell works like a charm, rendering the detonator incapable of setting off the explosives.

The second spell also takes effect, transmuting all the gas in the room into a harmless liquid. Unfortunately, this has the side-effect of the new liquid not emitting petrol fumes. The man smiles in vindication. "Shame. I wanted you to come in." Then he hits the button....and stares at it in confusion for a moment.

The mages, meanwhile, know about disbelief. They have only seconds before the abyss takes root through the sleeper's soul, transmuting the liquid back into it's deadly form.

[PwntQ]

Pocus slips out the front and starts walking towards the building, trusting in his Incognito Presence to hide him. Just in case though, he grabbed his trusty Guy Fawkes mask, a useful tool for any Free Councillor, and dons it before he goes.


Prime Mage Sight
Unseen Shield (2)
Incognito Presence

[XianTheCoder]

With little time to waste, Span reaches into his pocket, grabbing his keychain, and spinning his rubics cube foci while immediately casting Suspension. Hoping to prevent the hostage taker from igniting the fumes if they succumb to disbelief, prepares to follow up with a Teleportation. STOP him from acting! We need to extract him quickly now that the bomb is inert.


Cast Suspension: [roll0]
10-Again and Mods: [roll1]

[Samshiir]

Procyon follows Pocus toward the building as he checks to make sure his deck of cards are readily available.

If Procyon can get into a position to cast a spell on their adversary, he will draw the top card of his deck and use it to curse the bomber with bad luck.

If he can, Procyon will get into position to cast The Evil Eye
(Covert, 1 Mana, Gnosis + Fate)

[roll0]

10-Again: [roll1]

Subtract Fate Dots (3) from the next dice pools of the target's next (Success) rolls.

1 Success, so 3 Dice subtracted from his next roll.

[Shadowy]

Pocus slips out the front and starts walking towards the building, trusting in his Incognito Presence to hide him. Just in case though, he grabbed his trusty Guy Fawkes mask, a useful tool for any Free Councillor, and dons it before he goes.


Prime Mage Sight
Unseen Shield (2)
Incognito Presence


Nobody is on the street to watch him, and those hanging around the edges, observing are looking at the angry shouting man.


With little time to waste, Span reaches into his pocket, grabbing his keychain, and spinning his rubics cube foci while immediately casting Suspension. Hoping to prevent the hostage taker from igniting the fumes if they succumb to disbelief, prepares to follow up with a Teleportation. STOP him from acting! We need to extract him quickly now that the bomb is inert.


Cast Suspension: [roll0]
10-Again and Mods: [roll1]

Span fails to cast the spell, the man's movement still unimpeded.


Procyon follows Pocus toward the building as he checks to make sure his deck of cards are readily available.

If Procyon can get into a position to cast a spell on their adversary, he will draw the top card of his deck and use it to curse the bomber with bad luck.

If he can, Procyon will get into position to cast The Evil Eye
(Covert, 1 Mana, Gnosis + Fate)

[roll0]

10-Again: [roll1]

Subtract Fate Dots (3) from the next dice pools of the target's next (Success) rolls.

1 Success, so 3 Dice subtracted from his next roll.
The spell takes effect, strands of fate cursing the man's next action.

[XianTheCoder]

Quietly speaking the Atlantean words of power, Span decides on a more covert course of action, and attempts to impart the feelings of Remorse in the hostage taker.


Cast Emotional Urging: [roll0]
10-Again and Mods: [roll1]



Untouchable: +4 Defense
Spacial Awareness: Mage Sight
Angled Vision
Scrying

[Failed Phantasm]

Sirius glanced askance at Pocus as he volunteered the idea of calling in a fake bomb threat, not quite sure how he wanted to respond; thankfully, Procyon was in his right mind and the Acanthus quickly headed off that line of thinking. Span tried to bring things back to order, but as he turned to face Sirius, the younger man had a gut feeling that he knew what was coming next. To his credit, Span was certainly capable of maintaining his composure; Sirius could tell that he was trying not to sound condescending, but who could mistake it? The tone of his voice was even, manicured, betraying nothing, but his words dripped with condescension, if not for Sirius, then for the unAwakened, for the rest of humanity. He took another sip of coffee, his face likewise betraying nothing: Sirius was just as good at Span at keeping himself composed.

'A mage's greatest enemy is his own hubris.' That was the first thing Officer had hammered into his head, before telling him anything about magic, about his Path, about the Supernal Realms, about the Abyss, about the Adamantine Arrow, about the Consilium, about the Seers and Banishers and Scelesti. He believed it. Adamantly. Span was hardly the first mage to try bending Sirius' opinion the other way — Caesar had tried it after Sirius had been presented to the Consilium after his induction into his chosen Order — and the only response he could muster was disappointment. It was not an opinion he could respect. But for one ineffable twist of Fate that determined who would Awaken and who would not, any one of them might never have become a mage. And were that so, every last one of them would most certainly protest the idea that their lives were so casually expendable. 'Why didn't I ask Officer if I could join the Civil Service when I had the chance?' It was a nagging question that he hadn't yet been able to lay to rest, but he knew the answer, or least he'd managed to convince himself of an answer: because this Cabal is where he was needed. Because every mage had to make his or her own choice to heed Wisdom or discard it. And, in fairness, he didn't really know with certainty where Pocus, Procyon, and Pulse stood on the matter, nor could he honestly tell if Span was being genuine in his belief. "Existence is war," that much he knew, and sometimes war made people find themselves and their ideals wanting. If nothing else, people could change. It wasn't fair to treat them — any of them — with anything less than respect until they went so far as to betray that respect, to prove themselves unworthy of it. But for his part, Sirius would not be moralizing to his peers, not like Span was being. He was not a particularly skilled speaker anyway, but he didn't have to be. A good Arrow led by example. No matter how much his Cabal might screw things up, Sirius would be there to try making the best of a bad situation for the people caught in the crossfire. If he didn't, who else would?

Their pre-mission discussion was interrupted by the sound of gunfire, and Sirius sprang towards the window to see where it came from. Span promptly created a scrying window while the others traded banter and discussed the situation; Sirius took just enough time to analyze the situation before turning and sprinting past Pulse, who was chanting the High Speech, and straight on into his room. His familiar was lying on the bed, the sheets utterly unwrinkled by the spirit's ephemeral presence, dozing lightly (or at least appearing to) in the sun. Its ears perked up at Sirius' entrance, and he felt his familiar's curiosity become piqued, but he was too busy grabbing and donning a jacket to cover his vest and slipping his heavy reinforced gloves over his hands. "Come along, Howl. We've got trouble," he said as he flexed his fingers to relax the leather. Rising silently, the wolf-spirit padded after Sirius as he dashed back out of the room and past Span and Pulse and, noting that the other two weren't present, leapt down the stairs and sprinted the rest of the way out of the building. He spotted Procyon down the street, noting that he was studying the building where the hostages were being held, and Sirius hustled towards him. Span's scrying mirror provided a good view of the room where the hostage-taker had holed up, including the fire escape which seemed to be a promising point of entry, but Sirius needed to see the rest of the exterior before he could decide on the best way to get inside.

[baerun]

Pulse grips his head as his spell goes off and the paradox lashes back into his mind. **** that stings. At least they hostages are safe for now. Pulse, in haste, grabs a jacket. Before heading to the door, he looks to Span. Are we following the others, or is there an alternate plan from here? Pulse looks around, appearing completely uneasy at creating plans on the fly.

[XianTheCoder]

Keeping his eyes on the scrying window Span responds, I can do more good here. Plus, I consider running into a bomb rigged building to face a man with a shotgun, who coincidentally appears to be waiting for us, as a bad idea. I'll continue to monitor the situation, and work whatever mental stimulation and urgings I can on the gunman. While leaving 'running in and tackling him' to those more suited. Obviously, you need to do what you think is best, but your skill in Forces and Matter could be useful here. The police are going to be on their way, and we have 3 comrades going into that building. We're going to need to get them out without being seen or drawing attention to them. Perhaps going over the radio and redirecting some of the responders, or preparing to seal doors if the police do come. Also, you are the most qualified to keep that bomb from being effective. With some luck, the others will manage to subdue the gunman, and will get him out before the police arrive. If not, I'll go in and Teleport them out or we will find another method.

[PwntQ]

"Hmm not close enough" says Pocus. Heedless of the danger, he goes to enter the building and head to the third floor. Just what magic is at work here?

[baerun]

Why didn't I think of that? Pulse scolds himself as Span suggests ideas he should have been more prepared for himself. Reaching into his pocket, Pulse grasps the lead coin residing there and attempts to reach out and send a new dispatch signal to the police responding to the gunman.


Cast Transmission (Forces 2) (Gnosis + Forces) [roll0]
10-Again and Mods [roll1]




Unseen Aegis , Matter 2, 4 armor
Read Matrices , Mage Sight, Forces 1

[XianTheCoder]

Frustrated by his second straight failure to affect the gunman, Span makes another effort at causing the gunman to feel remorse.


Uses Atlantean High Speech again.

Cast Mental Urging: [roll0]
10-Again and Mods: [roll1]



Untouchable: +4 Defense
Spacial Awareness: Mage Sight
Angled Vision
Scrying

[Shadowy]

Why didn't I think of that? Pulse scolds himself as Span suggests ideas he should have been more prepared for himself. Reaching into his pocket, Pulse grasps the lead coin residing there and attempts to reach out and send a new dispatch signal to the police responding to the gunman.


Cast Transmission (Forces 2) (Gnosis + Forces) [roll0]
10-Again and Mods [roll1]




Unseen Aegis , Matter 2, 4 armor
Read Matrices , Mage Sight, Forces 1




The signal is sent out, and Pulse can detect a large number of police cars that should be present in no less then two minutes. Sleeper police officers, active conduits for the abyss that might invoke more disbelief.



Frustrated by his second straight failure to affect the gunman, Span makes another effort at causing the gunman to feel remorse.


Uses Atlantean High Speech again.

Cast Mental Urging: [roll0]
10-Again and Mods: [roll1]



Untouchable: +4 Defense
Spacial Awareness: Mage Sight
Angled Vision
Scrying

The gunman has the spell cast on him, the remorse settling into his mind.

He smirks. "Ohhh. I felt that one. Nice try."

[XianTheCoder]

Oh for three.... Span can't help but be disappointed with himself, his lack of effectiveness was both embarrassing and frustrating. To Pulse, He's shaken off a couple Mind spells, he's definitely no normal sleeper.

[Samshiir]

Procyon calls upon his Time magic to prepare for his next action. He didn't want to go in against the gunman unprepared, and wanted more than his arcane luck to aid him.

Between his uncanny luck and timing, Procyon was confident that he would be capable of doing whatever would be required of him- whatever it may be.

Cast Perfect Timing: Intelligence + Composure + Time, 1 Mana, Covert.

[roll0]
10-Again: [roll1]

3 Successes: +3 to my next dice roll.

[baerun]

So he's more than just a sleeper, but not quite a sleepwalker? Is this someone trying to locate us specifically? Pulse asks the last question rhetorically, but wishes an answer would show itself.

I guess at this point we can wait and see what the others are able to accomplish and assist them if needed.

[XianTheCoder]

Span nods, Could be a sleepwalker, it's hard to tell though. Let's hope the others can extract him quickly, we still have the auction house to get to.


Untouchable: +4 Defense
Spacial Awareness: Mage Sight
Angled Vision
Scrying

[PwntQ]

Coming up to the door of the apartment the man is holed up in, Pocus takes a moment to settle himself. Alright Pocus, just open the door and walk in. Pocus casts Influence Speed, directing any sound around the door back into the hallway. He shouldn't be able to hear me open the door, but what if he is looking at it? He casts another spell, Influence Light on the doors peephole, allowing him to look through it into room and see where the man is looking.

[Shadowy]

The man lets out a long, faked sigh. "Well, this has gone boringly. Let's raise the stakes a little, shall we?"

He raises the gun, waving it gently over the three sleepers before settling for one on the right. "Let's see if this brings them over."

[PwntQ]

Pocus's eyes widen slightly as the man puts his gun to one of the sleepers. Not on my watch he vows. Quickly he opens the door and rushes forward, bringing his swordcane up and thrusting at the man's head. He still wants to take him alive, so the blade remains sheathed.

[Failed Phantasm]

It only took a few moments for Sirius to find the fire escape he'd seen in Span's scrying window, but he still weighed the possibility of going through the building itself and up the stairs; after all, he'd be more exposed on the tenement's exterior and he didn't stand a good chance of making it undetected because of the sound his heavy footfall would make. Pocus made up his mind for him when he headed into the building, which was probably for the best since he didn't — to the best of Sirius' knowledge — have a bulletproof vest, and it wasn't the wisest idea to spend too much time deliberating in the middle of a hostage situation. Keeping his gaze fixed on the window from where the man had first shouted and fired his gun, Sirius walked over to Procyon and murmured, not wanting anyone to overhear, "If Pocus is taking the stairs, I'll go up the fire escape and try to cover him from that direction. Do whatever you think is best, but we could use some help getting the hostages out while we keep this guy tied up." Speaking a bit more clearly, but still quiet enough to not draw attention, he glanced down and addressed his familiar, "Howl, follow Pocus and let me know when he's about to make his move." The wolf-spirit uttered a growl that was equal parts anticipation for the hunt and acknowledgement of Sirius' desire before sprinting off into the building, disappearing quickly into the structure. Sirius glanced up and down the street since, unlike the incorporeal spirit, he did have to worry about oncoming traffic; when he saw a break, he dashed for the alleyway into which the fire escape exited and promptly started mounting the stairs two or three at a time, the unmistakeable *clank* of boots on metal accompanying him up. As he neared the floor where the hostages were being held, he slowed down to a much more cautious pace, carefully planting his feet so as to make as little noise as he could, which might still be noticeable, given that Sirius was hardly a skilled or experienced sneak. As he reached the window, he straightened up and put his back to the wall, carefully leaning to the right so that he could peer inside and assess the situation.

The three hostages were still in the corner, just as they had been when Span scryed on the apartment, and Sirius breathed a mental sigh of relief. 'So they're all right.' The gas canisters were still lining the room, causing him to add the hasty amendment, 'For now.' He could definitely sense magic in the room, coruscating motes of golden light clinging heavily to the abandoned detonator that had been tossed aside as well as above and through the liquid that had been poured all over the floor. Whenever his magical senses were colored by the lens of the Time Arcanum, whenever he viewed the temporal eddies, they always managed to remind him of the archetypal sand-in-the-hourglass, golden flecks swirling and flowing most strongly in and around the most recent of events, lensing around and catching on the imperceptible hooks of the past. He shifted back and hoped he hadn't been spotted yet, putting his full weight against the wall once more. 'Seems like recently-cast magic — probably Pulse's work — and it looks like that's bought us some time.' There also appeared to have been older magical resonance clinging to the hostage taker, but a myriad number of spells from every Arcanum could affect the Pattern of a living person, so Sirius couldn't determine with only a glance what magic might be affecting the man. His assessment was momentarily interrupted as he felt the anticipation of his familiar surge with the palatable energy of a predator readying itself to pounce. Pocus and Howls-at-Still-Shadows were in position. Sirius risked leaning towards the window again, eyes growing wide with shock and a rising sense of horror as he saw the man level his gun at the head of one of the hostages. "No. You. DON'T," he growled.

Not even bothering with his pretense of stealth any more, Sirius quickly spun around to lean against the rail, lining himself up with the gunman. He crouched down in mimicry of a football player, careful to keep his feet planted on the fire escape — there wasn't much room to maneuver or gain speed up here — and he gathered his strength, feeling the muscles in his legs become tense. He'd have to go straight through the window, but he could do it. Someone might die if he couldn't. No point leaving it to chance. Sirius mustered his reserves of power, focusing on the flow of time around him, waiting for the exact moment when the man would be at his most distracted, most vulnerable. But really, there was a two hundred and forty pound man about to put all of the considerable force his body could muster against the old warped wood and dirty glass of a window and its frame. He knew he could do it. 'Now.' It was as if he'd been launched from his starting position, rocketing himself through the window and straight at the man who had dared to pull a gun on an innocent person in Sirius' presence. He was actually roaring with rage, if only for the surprise and not the intimidation, though he didn't notice: the adrenaline was pumping in his veins now. He was vaguely aware of Pocus opening the door and rushing in himself, with Howl right on his heels; the wolf-spirit was wagging its tail excitedly at his bonded mage's vigorous charge. Sirius leapt forward, soaring towards the man, fully intending to tackle him and try to either wrest the gun out of his hand or get him in a lock so that he couldn't stop the hostages from escaping.



Reflexive: Expend 1 Mana to cast Perfect Timing as a Rote (Time ●). 6/10 Mana remaining.
Intelligence + Composure + Time: [roll0]
10-again and/or modifiers (from left to right): [roll1]
Result: 5 successes (10, 9, 9, 10, 8). +5 to next non-spellcasting roll.

Instant: Charge the hostage taker and attempt a grapple maneuver. No Defense against attacks this turn.
Brawl + Strength + Sap Gloves: [roll2]
10-again and/or modifiers (from left to right): [roll3]
Result: 6 successes (10, 10, 10, 8, 8, 9).

1Active Effects:
Active Spells = 3/4 (Gnosis + 3), Spell Tolerance = 3 (Stamina)

Body Control (Life ●●) — Initiative +1, Bashing wound healing time: 7 minutes; Prolonged (one scene), Potency 1.
Organic Resilience (Life ●●) — Armor +3; Prolonged (one scene), Potency 4.
Temporal Eddies (Time ●) — Mage Sight; Prolonged (one scene), Potency 3.

[Shadowy]

One moment, the man points a gun at the sleeper.

The next moment, the door and window explode inwards.

The next moment, the man is hit, twice, hard.

The next moment, the man falls unconscious, crumpling to the floor without even a sound.

The sleeper who had the gun pointed at him curls in on himself, scared. The other two stand up, the other man raising the phone as some sort of shield. They can see he's not even hit the right buttons for calling the police, the camera or something recording instead.

The woman manages to talk. "Who....who are you?"

[XianTheCoder]

Span turns to Pulse, Can you call one of them and make sure they confiscate that Sleeper's camera? We don't need that coming back to bite us in the ***. I'll keep monitoring.

[PwntQ]

Pocus looks over at the woman and raises a finger to his mask's lips, to shush the woman. He turns to the man with the phone and does the same. The he takes the phone from the mans hand and indicates to Sirius to grab the unconsious man.

[baerun]

Pulse nods to Span and reaches into his pocket and pulls out his phone. Siri, call Pocus. Pulse taps his foot patiently as he waits for the other end to pick up.

Hey, make sure you confiscate any cell phones. And excellent job with the dbag with a gun. Here, talk to Span Handing the phone to Span, Pulse continues to gather his belongings for the trek out to the auction and to clean up after the gunman.





Unseen Aegis , Matter 2, 4 armor
Read Matrices , Mage Sight, Forces 1

[Shadowy]

The man pulls back, holding onto his phone. "Hey! That's mine!"

It's also at this point that Pocus and Sirius, with their prime sight, can get a far better view of the magic in the room. It's present on the unconscious man, the man currently holding the cellphone, and the phone itself. Without study, it's hard to tell what exactly the spells do, but they seem quite potent.

[PwntQ]

Pocus frowns behind the mask as he sees more clearly the magic around the two men and the phone. Which made getting the phone even more important. He waggles his finger at the man, the hits it out of his hand with his cane.

[Shadowy]

The man jerks back from the phone being hit away, then suddenly smirks, his tone of voice completely changing. "Ah well. The recording will do to set you up. We were hoping to get a bit more, but this'll work nicely."

He points accusingly at Sirius. "And when you get tired, hunted down, broken, just remember. You should've joined the seers."

The spell on the man and his cellphone are dispelled, and he suddenly looks very scared and confused.

[Shadowy]

The supernal resonance, when examined through mage sight, sorts itself into what appears to be something very similar to mind magic. If it was mind magic, it'd be incredibly potent, cast by a master at the least. But something is different about it. It's something new, something you've never seen before. This effect did not originate from a mage.

[XianTheCoder]

Seeing what transpires with the phone, and the hostages causes Span to just groan...I knew it. I should have stopped them from going. At least I kept Pulse and myself out of the immediate cross-hairs. Looks like "Find New Sanctum" is going on the list of to Dos after all. Speaking into the phone, Guys get out of there! Hoping they heed his advice, Span tries to discern as much information about the Mind magic that he can before the cops arrive and disrupt his investigation. First, Span scrutinizes with his more powerful Space sight, then he will convert over to Mind sight.

[Shadowy]

Sirens can be heard in the distance. It shouldn't take more then a minute for the police to arrive.

[baerun]

****, did I just cause all of this? Pulse cringes at the sirens getting closer, knowing his failure to divert the police didn't help at all. I think it's time for us to vanish and meet with the others elsewhere. Pulse indicates to Span. I don't think we want to be around when the police start looking around for witnesses.

[PwntQ]

Pocus, hearing the sirens, breaks his gaze away from studying the man that is still ensorcelled. Strange that, while the possessed man who had the phone was so easily able to leave the body he was possessing, that whoever is possessing the unconscious man has not let. That, and what he's gathered from the spell not originating from a mage, but still being a spell, leads him to think that some powerful item is being using. The unconscious man's possessor must have been knocked unconscious as well, and so is unable to break the connection.

But that's all he has time to think on it with the sirens getting closer. He grabs the phone that was knocked out of the man's hand. Then he hurries out of the building as quickly as he can and starts walking back to the Sanctum, trusting in his Incognito Presence to keep the police from looking too closely at him.

[Shadowy]

Span considers, and remembers a few salient points of information from a mysterium codex. It's not a mind magic spell, but is definitely some variant of the Supernal laws. As such, there are only a few options. A powerful artifact, a high-ranking attainment from a legacy, or a supernal being itself.

And whatever it was, it was done twice.

[XianTheCoder]

To Pulse, I'm not worried about us, we stayed out of the scene. I am worried about leaving the sanctum unprotected though. The Seers are likely to have recorded everything, meaning they will eventually track Sirius back to this laundromat. It won't take a Master to figure out this is our sanctum. Not happy with the turn of events, Span tries hard to control his annoyance. Best I can determine, this Mind magic isn't from a Mage. Possible a Supernal being or an artifact, but it's tough to tell beyond that. One thing that worries me is the implications of Seers with that kind of Ally. It certainly made them brazen, not only did they expose themselves, they also showed us a powerful ability that they possess. I wonder what abilities they haven't shown us. Something worth noting, it looks like they put some kind of Force based scrambler on that phone. If we managed to get our hands on that phone, do you think there is any chance of breaking it and finding out where the video was transmitted to?



Untouchable: +4 Defense, Space
Spacial Awareness: Mage Sight, Space
Angled Vision: See telescopically around corners
Scrying

[baerun]

Perhaps the phone could be investigated, but with such powerful magic being used, I doubt any of us here can replicate or descramble anything that's been done. I think some of us should still head to the auction, the seers are trying to scare us away from something. Why else us and not another random cabal? Pulse looks visibly nervous but also a little excited to try and descramble the Force magic if given the chance.

[XianTheCoder]

Span nods to Pulse, While I'd prefer to know more about recent events, maybe it's best to try and clear the current mission first.

Once the others return from the hostage scene, Span will recommend that they get moving quickly, so that they aren't gone long. Taking his own advice, Span packs a couple items and prepares to leave. Once ready, Span will head down to the car and wait for the others.

Once in the car and driving, Span will address the previous events, So regarding the Seers, I think we need to be extra careful going forward. Once we are done with this mission, I plan on trying to locate this Pylon, before they manage to frame us for whatever it is they have planned. Span will proceed to tell his cabal mates about his scrutinization of the Mind magic and thoughts regarding the potential sources.

[baerun]

Pulse grabs the few things he needs on their way out the door. Seers or not, we should look into establishing a backdoor that exits into the alley or into another building

As they ride to the auction, Pulse starts planning in his head for different outcomes at the auction. What is the plan if the Seers are at the auction? Are we remaining as hidden as possible and following them to their destination afterwards?

[XianTheCoder]

Let's hope it doesn't come to that. If they do make an appearance, then we'll have to deal with it, but hopefully today's events were an unrelated occurance. I have the ability to put a Space tracker on them. There was no Space Resonance this morning, so hopefully they are weak with that Arcana.

[baerun]

We'll just have to hope that Fate is on our side. Pulse comments with a smirk.

We won't find an artifact without a fight for it. I definitely don't believe in coincidences, and if it was just the auction or the seers by themselves today, that would be one thing, but the seers appeared as we were discussing the auction. Pulse shakes his head slightly Don't mind my rambling, I just prefer being more prepared and not getting surprised like that. Guess I should start getting used to it now.

[XianTheCoder]

Span nods, You and I both [re: being prepared]. On the topic of the Seers, we should discuss how we plan to respond, they appear to have covered their tracks well [Explains the Forces Trick]. My first reaction is to find Cerberus and mess with him, but I have other long term plans for him. Later today, I plan on discussing the days events with Nightingale, she what her thoughts are. I think we need to discover what today was all about, it's clear they were there for a reason. The question is the method, I'm more suited to subtle tracking of leads. Span waits for an answer before moving the conversation to a topic that continues to perplex him, Do you know what I find interesting? After exposing his face to an antagonistic Pylon of Seers, we are given a mission direct from the Heirarch, and Sirius chooses not to stick with us, instead going out on his own? I'm not sure if he's politically daft or just suicidal. From what I can tell, he's the weakest Mage amongst us, although perhaps he has us all fooled and is truly some second degree master? He would benefit the most politically from success, and is the least likely to survive on his own against the Seers, the whole thing doesn't make sense to me.. Span shrugs while shaking his head, indicating he can't wrap his head around the logic that Sirius is using. Suddenly, Span grins and in a jovial tone says, I hear there is a Life rote that pumps you up physically, like magical steroids. Before Sirius gets himself killed, we should get him to cast it on us for its longest duration. I wouldn't mind being more agile or tougher for a while. Checking where they are verse the NAV, Span turns his attention to more pressing matters, We're getting close, I guess we should discuss the Auction House. Thankfully, Space and Matter are likely the two arcana most useful for robberies, so it's looking like it's a likely direction we'll take. I can use Mind to blend into the crowd, I'll make my rounds and get a layout of the place with my cool Space vision tricks. Since it's just the two of us, I should be able to get us in and out of the area quickly, provided we don't run into any wards. Matter will be great for creating distractions and slowing down sleepers. Perhaps while I'm getting the layout you can be looking through any auction materials to see what's coming up today and over the next few days? Once we have a layout and you've had a chance to review potential distractions, we can put our heads together and make a more formal plan. Thoughts?

[baerun]

Neat trick, we should look into setting up something similar on our cell phones. We can be certain they had a hunch someone was around, not necessarily us, but they were definitely after something, so I agree that we need to investigate further. Pulse shrugs at the mention of Sirus. I can't really say much about his decisions, but I would hope he doesnt get taken by seers. I'm sure they could interrogate him and find out more about us than we want them to know. At the mention of Life magic, Pulse looks more interested. That would be interesting to learn, I've heard of rotes that combine Matter and Life, makes me think of the childrens movie Iron Giant.

I'll look through the auction materials, but I doubt the name of an object is going to be of any help to us identifiying whether its an artifact or not. Would it be a good idea for us to be in communication constantly during this endeavor?




Unseen Aegis , Matter 2, 4 armor
Read Matrices , Mage Sight, Forces 1

[XianTheCoder]

I agree, the small amount of Fate can explain how they got next door, it certainly wouldn't get them across town. Boston may be small, but there also aren't many of us here, they must have suspected we were in the vacinity. No question, the phone trick was creative... annoying... but creative. Definitely worth the effort to consider ourselves. Since you're the resident Forces student, I'll leave that to you to figure out. I've never seen Iron Giant, but Life magic has it's uses, especially in tandem with other arcana. With my current abilities in Space and Mind, IF I were proficient with Life I could actually create complete replicas of myself, each able to walk and talk independently... imagine the possibilities... Span appears lost in thought for a moment as he ponders just how useful the ability would be. Sadly, Life will never be high on my list of things to become proficient in, I have a bit more to learn about Space and then I want to focus my energies on learning the various aspects on Mind. Where do you see yourself growing as a Mage? Span sits and listens, learning more about his cabal-mate.

[Re: Auction House]
You never know, "Supernal Artifact" would increase the price tremendously, one would think. Span is clearly kidding, and smiles as he says this. Really, i just want to have an idea what is in the auction house, and what is being auctioned soon. In the event we find something, but can't easily free it, I'd like to know how long we have until it's auctioned off. Whether that means acquiring it ahead of time, stealing it from the new owner, or bidding it ourselves is a matter for discussion after we know what's there. Honestly, if it's being auctioned today, I'd rather just bid the damn thing, portal us into a bank vault to acquire the requisite funds, and then pay for it in cash. If it's not being auctioned today, then just steal it tonight. Unless we meet with opposition, this should be a simple job that we don't need to get to cute with. Span will nod at Pulse's recommendation about being in contact, I have some minor telepathic abilities, usually it's just a couple words ar a time, but the spell is fast and I can keep recasting it. It does make long thoughts painful to listen to. Assuming I'm speaking to a willing person, the spell is effective for short quick thoughts. Doesn't help you speak to me, but we do have cellphones as well.

[baerun]

I'll see what I can do to configure our phones in a similar way. Pulse shudders at the thought of multiple Span's running about. I think that would be an unwise use of the power, we saw what happened in The Matrix when Agent Smith had a million copies of himself. As for me, I would define myself as a man of physics. My current focus is Matter and Forces, perhaps someday I will attempt to learn more about Prime, Life or Time, who knows what direction I may go. So many variables could change my choice between now and then.

I could only hope that they labeled it such. Hah, that would be the day. Pulse nods in agreement as Span discusses the different options depending on the scenario. Is who bought an item public record? I think having our names listed as the recipients of an artifact , depending on how much the Seers know, could cause more headaches than we need. Pulse reaches in his pocket and pulls out his bluetooth, clipping it to his ear. Perhaps this would be useful Pulse says as he clicks the button on the side of his earpiece, activating the Telepathy magic imbued into the item.

This should suffice I would think.


Unseen Aegis , Matter 2, 4 armor
Read Matrices , Mage Sight, Forces 1

[XianTheCoder]

Span smirks, Agent Smith was my favorite character in those movies..., Sometimes I question how I've gone this long with so little understanding of the Prime Arcanum... having been a bit of an artifact hunter.

That's a very interesting trick you have there, and a very useful one as well, it should make communication much easier. Sadly you will have to suffer through slightly more rigid responses from me. As far as I know, unless the item being auctioned is something that requires disclosure, real estate for example, the Auction Houses keep the buyers private. A little Fate magic should take care of the paperwork though.

[Failed Phantasm]

As the gunman collapsed to the floor, unable to stand up against the combined assault, Sirius could feel a surge of relief underneath the adrenaline-fueled anger — the hostages were safe for the moment — but there was also a quiet, almost visceral, thrill that mingled with it. What a theatrical stunt that had been. And better yet: it worked! All of that quickly gave way to a sharp terror as the man appeared to have stopped breathing; he'd yet to have that kind of accident at the dojo, but there was always, always the fear that he'd seriously injure someone during an exercise, and he wondered if he'd done just that in his recklessness. His training took over almost immediately, and Sirius dropped to one knee at the man's side, checking for vital signs. The motions had become nearly automatic from the sheer repetition, and there was still the question of the man's strange behavior, so as soon as he was satisfied that the man was not injured to the point of needing serious and immediate medical attention, he started to analyze the magical resonance that clung to him and tried to commit every detail to memory, under the pretense of a more thorough assessment.

'Just my luck. Mind magic.' Sirius knew he wouldn't ever be able to make much sense of it, but Span probably would. As he rubbed his chin pensively, he heard the sound of something being thrown or smashed to the floor, and he glanced up to see Pocus twirling his cane and one of the hostages recoiling slightly from the blow. It didn't seem as if Pocus had hit him, so Sirius returned his attention to the unconscious gunman and wondered what to do with him now. No doubt an interrogation was being planned back in the apartment, but it would require Sirius to haul him out of the building without being seen and there wasn't much chance of that. Howl chose that moment to come over to his partner, wagging its tail and panting slightly, sniffing at the unconscious man as he lay mostly-motionless.

Sirius let himself become so caught up in his own thoughts — Pocus and Howl were right there, after all; they could see to things — that he almost didn't notice the man Pocus had attacked, much less what he was ranting about, but he caught the tail end of the invective, "You should have joined the Seers." Sirius arched an eyebrow at that, but the man shuddered and shrunk back when finished, as if having been possessed and suddenly freed of his possessor. 'How typically callous of them,' he thought, shaking his head.

The sound of sirens rang out in the distance, becoming worryingly loud as they drew closer; Pocus snatched something from the floor before sweeping out of the room without having spoken so much as one word. Perhaps that had been the smart thing to do, but then again, Sirius hadn't said anything either. Yet. That was probably the most worrying thing to the men and woman in the room right now, the confusion and fear clearly evident on their faces. He could have left, familiar in tow, just as easily as Pocus had, leaving the messy clean-up to the police. But these people needed someone to reassure them right now, and after what he'd said in the apartment before coming, Span couldn't honestly pretend to be surprised at what Sirius was about to do.

Offering a gentle smile and speaking calmly and clearly — just like the manual stated — Sirius rose from the unconscious man's side and said, "My name is Matt Reinhardt. I'm a paramedic." He glanced down at the man at his feet and added, very matter-of-factly with the hint of a grin on his face, "I'm also a black belt." Perhaps a tad inappropriate given the circumstances, but he had to at least try to be disarming. They were no doubt as afraid of him as they had been of their captor. "I know that all of you have just had a very stressful and frightening experience, but right now, I need you to follow me out of this room because you're still in danger here." He swept his arm, indicating the canisters scattered around and the gasoline on the flooe. No need to let them examine Pulse's magic any more closely now that the danger had passed. The sirens were getting louder. "The police are going to be here soon, and I'm going to stay with you until help arrives."


Attempt to memorize the details of the resonance on the unconscious man.
Intelligence + Composure: [roll0]
10-again and/or modifiers (from left to right): [roll1]
Result: 3 successes (10, 9, 9).

1Active Effects:
Active Spells = 3/4 (Gnosis + 3), Spell Tolerance = 3 (Stamina)

Body Control (Life ●●) — Initiative +1, Bashing wound healing time: 7 minutes; Prolonged (one scene), Potency 1.
Organic Resilience (Life ●●) — Armor +3; Prolonged (one scene), Potency 4.
Temporal Eddies (Time ●) — Mage Sight; Prolonged (one scene), Potency 3.

[baerun]

Pulse looks to Span Speaking of Agent Smith, perhaps Jack will have more information for us when we get there. This feels like the longest drive ever.

[Shadowy]

There's a certain level of inconvenience for Sirius. The people follow him out, the police arrive, and deal with the situation. He's taken in for questioning, and ends up in a small interrogation room with a lamp pointed at him.

A uniformed officer starts to enter the room, then is pulled back. Sirius can briefly hear a heated argument, before the door opens again and Officer walks through, a short, slightly plump woman who is somewhat well known for going between being sweet and caring and vicious and callous very quickly. In the twilight, she has a large bear spirit familiar. She makes a dismissive gesture at a wall, apparently being a one-way mirror.

She points the lamp away from Sirius, and raises an eyebrow at him disapprovingly, letting him speak first.

[Shadowy]

The auction, meanwhile, is slightly outside of the city. The two mages meet up with their companion who was on an errand.

The auction itself seemed to be taking place in a small countryside church having been temporarily repurposed for the task. It's atop a hill, the bottom of the hill surrounded by a tall stone wall with iron spikes on top. There's a graveyard near the back, and a very tall belltower.

Despite the auction being soon, the gate is closed, there are very few cars, and absolutely no people around.

To anyone observing with mage sight however, they can see a large ritual, with components of death and time on a contingent trigger overhanging the entire church grounds. They can also detect a small amount of magic on the belltower, on a figure they can spot lying down, hiding up there. Inside the church, another ritual is brewing. They can tell it'll be several hours before the ritual is done, but it is potent magic at work.

[ZhangoSqu]

Jack stands near the gate, watching both the mundane and preternatural going-ons with his dark brown eyes, waiting for his friends and colleagues to arrive. His hands in his dark over coat's pockets, he catches sight of Span and Pulse as they arrive. Waving them over with a gloved hand, he begins walking over to greet them.

He extends his hand to Span and Pulse in turn, shaking them in greeting.

"Hey, I was beginning to wonder where you were, cutting it a bit close aren't you?" Looking behind them and not seeing the rest of the cabal he casts glances of uncertainty to the two that are here. "Where are the others?"

After the events earlier this morning, in any degree of detail, are shared with him Jack's expression turns dark. Darker still are the portents of the rituals being cast mean. "I was uneasy to begin with but this feels more and more like a trap if you ask me." He looks to Span "What's the plan?"


The Sybil's Sight (unroted)

[XianTheCoder]

Pulling up, Span is struck by the desolation. Auction? Why does Caesar lie to us.... Getting out of the car, Span walks up to Jack, shaking his hand. We were sidetracked, long story short, Seers. Best we can tell, they were looking to root us out. You know how impetuous others can be, Sirius, while being seen and recorded by the Seers, decided to stay behind and help the Sleepers. Span shrugs before turning his attention to the grounds. This isn't what I was expecting, and I was expecting a trap. I guess we start with a little recon, let me scry and see what I can find.


Span casts both Angled Vision and Scry. The scry window will start around the grounds, and he'll slowly move it towards the tower.

Angled Vision: [roll0]
Mods and 10-Again: [roll1]
Scrying: [roll2]
Mods and 10-Again: [roll3]



Spacial Awareness
Untouchable
Scry
Angled Vision

[baerun]

Pulse is surprised, to say the least, of the situation unveiled as they pull up to the church. Probably a good thing we didn't send only one of us ahead of time. As he steps out of the car, he arches his back to stretch briefly before walking over and shaking Jack's hand. Well isn't this just a **** show we're walking into. Good thing everyone came with us and we didn't split up. Pulse's sarcasm is dripping in his last comment.

Any ideas so far of what foul play is at work right now? Pulse looks to Jack. Well' let's get to work figuring out what is going on here.



Unseen Aegis , Matter 2, 4 armor
Read Matrices , Mage Sight, Forces 1

[ZhangoSqu]

Jack nods to Span as he begins his Scrying.


Any ideas so far of what foul play is at work right now? Pulse looks to Jack.

"Your guess is as good as mine, though, given the forces at play here I would say whatever it is, isn't good. I haven't done any further investigation since getting here, I figured I would wait for the rest of you."

Looking back to the bell tower of the church he closes his eyes and breathes in deeply gathering his composure, his hand going to the broken fob watch in his pocket. When he opens his eyes he sees things differently.


Jack is switching his Mage Sight to Temporal Eddies but trying to use it in a more advanced and holistic way. The intent is to not only see if he can't discern any specific details about the nature of the time magic being cast, e.g. is it directed at the grounds themselves, the graveyard, is it a time-lock, etc. but also feel it was well. In hopes of discovering anything he do for his companions companions in terms of defenses against the time component of the magic.


Advanced Temporal Eddies - [roll0] (9d10; Wits + Investigation + Time)
Advanced Temporal Eddies - (9d10)[8][10][1][4][8][6][4][3][5](49) (9d10; Wits + Investigation + Time) (see: http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=17141302&postcount=335


(( Please let me know if there are any considerations or impacts to the character that I need to record, I'm re-familiarizing myself with the rules as we go. ))



The Sybil's Sight (unroted)


Edit 3/8/2014: I used "roll" instead of "rollv", my bad. Old roll was a cumulative of 39 so if you'd like to impose any penalties against the re-roll, feel free.

[Shadowy]

The scrying attempt revealed nothing unusual about the church grounds.

His angled vision couldn't actually see into the church itself. The only window was made of stained glass.

The clocktower is a different story however. Up there is a man, lying perfectly still, wearing a blue shirt and jeans, with a sniper rifle at his side. He's not moving, not even breathing. He's just staring at the gates intently.
He was also covered in death magic, with a time vision spell on his eyes.

Jack's time vision revealed the nature of the spell. It was conjunctional with death, and could be activated by the caster at any time. The spell, when activated, would send a death effect at a dozen different targets on the grounds, reanimating them as zombies under the caster's control.

[ZhangoSqu]

"That's not good." Jack looks to Pulse, "not good at all." Jack relays what he sees in terms of the time magic and the trigger associated with the death magic and the arcane "Zombie Ray" pointing at the grounds.

"Span, what about the figure on the bell tower?"


"Advanced" Temporal Eddies, (unroted)

[XianTheCoder]

Zombie Sniper. He's watching the gate, but doesn't have his rifle aimed. Span continues his scrutiny. The Death magic on his eyes indicates, to me, that the second he sees someone walk through that gate he's going to raise the dead and snipe the intruders. Span watches the figure for a moment while considering their options. It would take strong powers in Death to raise zombies, we may be in over our heads. What a day to be short cabal-mates... The last part is said with a touch of annoyance. Anyways, I think our options are clear: If we take the sniper out, we likely alert those inside. If we move through the gate, we trigger the spell, alert those inside, and have to fight our way in. That leaves sneaking in through other means. Teleportation can get us all inside, but that might be a little hasty and dangerous. Pulse, can you do something about that window over there? If I can see through it, then I can move my scrying to within the church. Span will point to the stained glass window.

[Failed Phantasm]

'So much for being questioned on the scene,' Sirius thought, crossing his arms as he leaned back in his chair and stretched out his legs, waiting for an officer to come speak to him. The light shining straight into his face didn't bother him too much: his attention was elsewhere anyway. He glanced down and to his left, where Howl was sprawled out on the ground, muscles tensing and eyes darting around as it took in the details of the small, cramped room; it's not as if the concept of space mattered terribly much to a being who could walk through the walls as if they weren't there, but Sirius sensed that the wolf-spirit still couldn't help but feel a little caged. Also, it had its name for a reason: Howls-at-Still-Shadows could be very... suspicious. Of everything. Unfamiliar situations moreso.

At any rate, they weren't kept waiting for long: the door swung open and a uniformed officer strode in. Howl perked up and growled at the stranger, even though it couldn't be heard except by Sirius, though it settled down with a satisfied look on its canine face when the man turned around and left the room. Sirius smirked, but the sound of an argument could be heard through the closed door, and it suddenly dawned on Sirius that one of the voices he heard was very, very familiar. A bear-spirit lumbered through the wall, not bothering with the pretense, and Howl was on its feet in an instant, glaring at the bear intensely, ephemeral lips twitching spastically as the wolf-spirit tried to decide if snarling at it would be appropriately brave or monumentally stupid. Sirius didn't want to risk talking his familiar down, because to any ordinary observer it would appear that he was addressing a point in midair and he really didn't want his sanity to come into question at a time like this. Besides, between the bear-spirit and the familiar voice on the other side of the door, Sirius had a good idea of what was coming next.

The door swung open again, and a uniformed Officer strode in instead, causing Sirius to straighten up immediately. 'Hoo boy, here we go.' In spite of having worked and trained with her for months after his Awakening, Sirius still couldn't quite read her expression or stance. She could just as easily have been worried out of her mind as she could be getting ready to rip Sirius a new one. Officer swung the light away from Sirius and arched an eyebrow at him, very pointedly saying nothing at all. She was on the job and Sirius knew the professionalism that demanded; she couldn't play favorites, and he knew to show her the respect her uniform deserved. She'd do the same for him. “Hello, Officer,” he said with a polite nod. “How can I help you?”

Howl recognized that as his cue. They'd had just enough time alone between the incident in the apartment and their being shut in the interrogation room for Sirius to coach his familiar on what to say. Namely, all the things that Sirius couldn't risk saying aloud. Of course there was the bear-spirit in the room, and Howl's ear twisted to one side as it considered the situation: it wasn't sure whether to address it or Officer. Howl compromised and said the first part to Officer. “The Seeing-Mages did this,” it said. Turning its attention to the bear, it continued, “They took humans and rode one of them. They made him use a telephone-machine and... grrr. They want to make it seem like we did a bad thing.” Sirius almost winced. He'd tried to account for the strange difference in thought process that spirits could have, and Sirius thought his familiar had done a decent job of it, but he hoped Officer found that comprehensible. And if only the other spirit could hear Howl, then he hoped that nothing was lost in the translation from Sirius to Howl to Bear to Officer.


Cast Organic Resilience, Pulse of the Living World, and Spirit Tongue as improvised spells prior to being questioned. In the event of failure, Spirit Tongue would have been cast repeatedly until at least one success was gained.

Instant: Cast Spirit Tongue as an improvised spell. (Spirit ●, Covert, 0 mana)
Gnosis + Spirit : [roll0]
10-again and/or modifiers (from left to right) : [roll1]
Result: 1 success (8).

1Active Effects:
Active Spells = 3/4 (Gnosis + 3), Spell Tolerance = 3 (Stamina)

Organic Resilience (Life ●●) — Armor +3; Prolonged (one scene); Potency 4
Pulse of the Living World (Life ●) — Mage Sight; Prolonged (one scene); Potency 4
Spirit Tongue (Spirit ●) — See, hear, and speak with spirits in Twilight; Prolonged (one scene); Potency 1

[Shadowy]

Officer listens to her bear translate, then nods. She spends a few moments casting some forces magic.

"You can talk freely now. Anyone still listening, not that they would, will just hear a fairly rote interrogation. So, let me tell you what's going on. There's been a series of major attacks, for the first time in years. Me and Hawk got a fairly similar situation to yours, and dealt with it, despite Hawk catching a bullet in the leg for his trouble."

She shifts in her seat, looking around uncomfortably. "Some others haven't been so lucky. The sins got attacked by a pair of ghosts, while one of the watchmen got caught with a lightning bolt. The seers are making a move with power that they did not have last week, we're fairly certain some Scelesti have come to town, and even the Banisher gang have made their first move in forever. There's going to be an emergency consilium session very soon, and I'm currently just trying to keep everyone from the inconvenience of being arrested. You, meanwhile, need to get back to your cabal. I can loan you a police cruiser so you can get there quickly."

"When you bring it back, we can discuss you resolving your problems by punching hostage takers and sticking around."

[Failed Phantasm]

Sirius leaned forward, propping his elbows on the table, as he listened to Officer explain what she knew. He nodded sympathetically at the mention of Hawk's injury, furrowed his brow at the mention of Scelesti possibly having rolled into town, and snorted at the mention of the Consilium meeting. 'Because “politics as usual” is exactly what we need right now. All of the city's Pentacle mages in one place, shouting at each other and trying to cover their own asses while Boston burns around them. Fantastic.' On the other hand, it was likely that the Hierarch would have already known about the situation in the city and was keeping himself appraised of events as they were unfolding. What was his cabal going to find at the auction Caesar had sent them to? What weren't they being told?

At the mention of needing to rejoin his cabal, however, Sirius couldn't help but laugh. There were few people with whom Sirius felt like he could be brutally honest. Officer was one of them. “What do you think they need me for? They get along fine on their own. Hell, I know I catch all kinds of flak from them behind my back. They only keep me around because I can patch them up. But just you watch, Officer, once one of them finds the time to ask you or Nightingale for some training, I'm going to get thrown out on my ass faster than you can blink. None of them really gives a **** about me.” He leaned back in his chair and sighed heavily, a note of weary resignation audible in his voice, “but damn if I don't have any other choice. I'll take being a fifth wheel in a Pentacle cabal over being a Banisher or a Seer any day.”

“Oh, speaking of Seers and, heh...” he shot Officer a sly, if somewhat weak, grin that didn't reach his eyes, “punching hostage takers, I just remembered something about the phone that one of the hostages was carrying. I didn't have time to ask anyone else about it and I don't know much about magic other than my own, but it looked pretty powerful. And if this is some new trick of theirs, then maybe telling you will do us some good in the future. I've never been the kind to hoard secrets.” He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, taking a moment to note that he might need to trim his beard again soon, and tried to remember what he could about the spell. “It was some kind of scrambler, I think. It was doing something strange to the signal – breaking it down into lots of little packets and sending them out to other nearby phones.” He shook his head when he finished. “But that's all I could get from it. Does that sound familiar at all? Do you know any spells like that?”


Active Effects:
Active Spells = 3/4 (Gnosis + 3), Spell Tolerance = 3 (Stamina)

Organic Resilience (Life ●●) — Armor +3; Prolonged (one scene); Potency 4
Pulse of the Living World (Life ●) — Mage Sight; Prolonged (one scene); Potency 4
Spirit Tongue (Spirit ●) — See, hear, and speak with spirits in Twilight; Prolonged (one scene); Potency 1

[Shadowy]

"In all honesty, Caesar is probably thrilled. He gets to lead another glorious war effort to defeat the barbarians at the gates. Whatever else he may be, he's a good general."

She frowns at his talk of being a fifth wheel. "You're an arrow. Are you seriously complaining about getting all the petty tasks that nobody else wants to do? Remember, service is mastery. When the king sends out a knight to raze a village, the knight is the one with the power. When an emperor, thinking himself above such a task, has a man shave him, the arrow is the one holding the razor at his throat. If they really don't care about you, take on the petty jobs. Do all the demeaning work. Only then will you have the true power in your cabal."

"The forces trick is pretty clever actually. I saw it an out of town Arrow meeting. It does what you say, breaks up the signal into a bunch of other phones, then adds a bunch of chaff, then sends it to a receiver you prepared earlier. You can repeat it a few times, and you can't track it unless you manage to track down and study enough of the phones utilized. Costs some mana though."

[Failed Phantasm]

Sirius kept quiet through Officer's reprimand; though he felt as if she'd missed his point, neither was she entirely off the mark. His posture had quickly become much more stiff as he listened to her, jaw clenched and fingers flexing as he resisted making a fist. It wasn't that he was feeling angry, per se, or that he stubbornly rejected what she was saying, but he was just over a year out of his Awakening and everything was still so damn complicated, even before magic came into the picture. He'd have to carefully consider how he wanted to respond to her, and as the topic of the discussion swung back towards Forces magic, he welcomed the tangent so that he could collect his thoughts. “So it sounds like we're not going to be finding the Seers that way. We'd need to be lucky enough to catch another active signal while it was being transmitted across their network, and we'd be running all over Boston trying to find their receivers fast enough,” he noted, his tone thoughtful and subdued, and he crossed his arms again and tilted his head as he mulled over the situation. “Doesn't seem like we'll just stumble across them, at any rate.”

There was a moment of awkward silence as he finished, and Sirius knew he couldn't avoid coming back to the issue he'd raised. Breathing a heavy sigh and lowering his head, he began, “Look, Officer, I... I know the Phalanxes. I know my duties. Yes, I wanted to help the people that the Seers had taken hostage — I hate when they use people like... like puppets — but I wouldn't have let myself be brought here if I didn't think it would somehow help clean up the mess I caused.” He looked up to meet her gaze, the weariness in his voice giving way to a growing certainty. “Without knowing what they recorded of me in that apartment, I figure I should expect my face to be on the evening news or the front page of tomorrow's paper or... or something. But if I could get myself cleared, get this out of the way sooner rather than later, we'd be in better shape to take on whatever the Seers are planning. I guess it was even for the best,” he added hopefully, “since you seem to know more about what's going on than we do. Caesar's been keeping us in the dark.”

“And, no,” came the quick segue into his next point, “I don't expect everything to be sunshine and rainbows all the time with my cabal. I knew there were going to be personality clashes. I think I started one with Span just this morning, to be honest, so it's not like I'm blameless here.” Sirius shook his head, wishing he'd chosen his words back in the apartment more carefully. “I just... don't feel like I can talk to them. About anything,” he added emphatically. “I need someone to keep me on the straight and narrow, someone to keep me honest, and I guess I've been holding that back so long that I vented at you. I deserve the lecture, don't I?” He glanced over at his familiar again. Howl had laid back down on the floor and was now panting quietly, eyes still warily fixed on the bear-spirit, but not otherwise showing any outward signs of stress or fear. Sirius reached out for the wolf-spirit's emotions and it certainly seemed at ease. His lips twisted into the barest of wistful smirks before he turned back to Officer and continued, quietly but with the genuine smile still on his face, “Howl's good at listening, but he's really bad at giving advice, you know?” Another few moments passed before he spoke again. “I should get moving, unless there's something else you need me for. And can you really just hand me the keys to a police cruiser? No paperwork, no fuss?”


Active Effects:
Active Spells = 3/4 (Gnosis + 3), Spell Tolerance = 3 (Stamina)

Organic Resilience (Life ●●) — Armor +3; Prolonged (one scene); Potency 4
Pulse of the Living World (Life ●) — Mage Sight; Prolonged (one scene); Potency 4
Spirit Tongue (Spirit ●) — See, hear, and speak with spirits in Twilight; Prolonged (one scene); Potency 1

[baerun]

Pulse attempts to study the complex magic at the same time as Smith, hoping to see additional information. What the hell is going on in this city today. Listening intently to the findings of the other two cabal members, Pulse nods grimly. Let's play this carefully and avoid making The Walking Dead a non-fiction story. Pulse grabs hold of his lead coin and points quickly at the stained glass window that Span indicated.

I know not enough of Death magic to assist in that matter unfortunately. I never was intrigued by Death and the like.


Attempting to change the stained glass window with Steel Windows

Steel Windows [roll0]
Mods and 10-Again [roll1]

Why is it only me that is casting vulgar spells? :smallmad:




Unseen Aegis , Matter 2, 4 armor
Read Matrices , Mage Sight, Forces 1

[Shadowy]

Officer shakes her head in disappointment.
"Yep. Seers tend to be pretty good at hiding their tracks nowadays. People are just resources to them. They'll twist and bend them to fit their agendas. Anyway, I only know what I know because I've been playing damage control. And it wouldn't do for one of the Pentacle to get captured and reveal everything, so cut him a little slack there."

"Spirits are pretty terrible moral advisors. It comes from having completely alien mindsets. I once met a justice spirit who wanted to behead everyone that jaywalked."

She grins, and tosses the keys over to him, numbered with the cruiser they correspond to. "You can have the lecture later. For now, just try and keep the city, and your cabal, safe. I'll just busy myself trying to get you out of police interest."

She stands up to let him out of the room. "However, if there is so much as a scratch on it, you're going to wish the seers got to you first."

She leaves the room. "Good luck."

[Failed Phantasm]

Sirius' eyes widened a bit as Officer tossed him the keys, but he still moved quickly enough to catch them, if not very deftly. He arched an eyebrow at her, fully believing the implicit threat that she would, in fact, maul him if he got so much as the tiniest scratch on the vehicle. As she wished him luck and strode out the door, he shook his head, feeling slightly bemused, and looked down at the keys in his hand. 'Wow, she wasn't kidding. How does she even do that? If I tried to drive off from work in an ambulance, I'd be out of a job and neck-deep in litigation so fast, it'd be months before Hawk could dig me back out again.' Planting his free hand on the table, Sirius pushed himself up, glanced down at Howl, and made a slight jerking motion with his head in the direction of the open door. The wolf-spirit sprang up eagerly, following at his heels as the pair made their way out of the precinct.

Out on the parking lot, Sirius walked alongside the rows of pristine white-and-blue police cruisers, quietly hoping that he could pass for a plain-clothes officer as he scanned for the one Officer was loaning to him. 'They look nicer than my car,' he admitted to himself, though at least he could afford a used Corolla on his salary; these things had to cost way more than that. As he spotted the right car, he strode up and unlocked it. Howl jumped through the door and lay down on the back seat, yawning after it had settled itself. After sliding himself in and playing with the seat until he was comfortable, Sirius slid the key in the ignition and murmured, “God, if I do scratch this thing, I really hope it buffs out. Or that Pulse can fix it. I don't think I could pay to have it done professionally.” With that pleasant thought in mind, he hesitated with his hand on the key, not quite ready to start the car. 'Hrm. Not sure I'll have much luck, but it's probably better to see if I can get this thing on my side.'

Leaning back in his seat, Sirius took a breath and started to mutter in the old Atlantean language, articulating the words that would help him draw down the magic from the Supernal. «Hear me, machine-spirit. Stir. Come to the edge of wakefulness. Yield but a moment of your power.» Not very imaginative, but it reinforced and refined the purpose of the spell and Sirius had always been taught that pragmatism trumps poetics, anyway. It served his purpose: the spell's Imago was easier to form in his mind's eye this way. He continued to chant in a low whisper as he leaned forward, closer to the instrumentation panel, willing the magic into being as he asked for the car's assistance. He laid a hand on the steering wheel. “Help me keep your form unmarred, its colors gleaming bright and proud.” Howl, feeling as though he could improve on Sirius' gently-worded request, added a snarl of dominance in the general direction of the dispatch radio.

They sat in silence as Sirius finished, but only for the briefest of moments before the car's spirit acceded to him. He could just feel a certain sense of eagerness shudder through the vehicle, faint though it was. Faint, but there. Breathing a sigh of relief that it actually worked, he turned the key and listened to the rumble of the engine as it started; it almost sounded excited. He toyed with the idea of using the siren, but he decided to hold off for the moment. Maybe the traffic wouldn't be so bad right now? Backing out of the parking space, Sirius took a moment to get his bearings and recall the directions to the auction before driving off, hoping that he'd get there before anything terrible happened to the cabal.


Chant High Speech (quietly) prior to casting Coaxing the Spirits on the police cruiser, so that the car will be easier to control or maneuver should any stressful situations arise on the way to the “Thriller” flashmob auction.

Instant: Cast Coaxing the Spirits as an improvised spell. (Spirit ●, Covert, 0 Mana)
Gnosis + Spirit + 2 : [roll0]
10-again and/or modifiers (from left to right) : [roll1]
Result: 1 success (8).

Active Effects:
Active Spells = 4/4 (Gnosis + 3), Spell Tolerance = 3 (Stamina)

Coaxing the Spirits (Spirit ●) — +1 dice bonus to any one Drive roll in the police cruiser during this scene; Prolonged; Potency 1
Organic Resilience (Life ●●) — Armor +3; Prolonged; Potency 4
Pulse of the Living World (Life ●) — Mage Sight; Prolonged; Potency 4
Spirit Tongue (Spirit ●) — See, hear, and speak with spirits in Twilight; Prolonged; Potency 1

[Shadowy]

The window turns visible, and Span can see inside. The church has been cleared, all the pews and several somewhat expensive items have been pushed to the walls.

In the center of the church there are two men, both wearing large, golden watches with a skull on them. The younger one is just standing around, looking nonchalant. The elder on is chanting, performing a ritual. The floor is covered in lit candles and a drawing of a pentagram, with a grandfather clock in the center. The clock emanating a strange resonance.

Both mages have death shields and time vision spells.

The younger on shudders. "Someone's casting. I'm releasing it."

The mage holds up his watch, and lets the ritual release, reanimating six corpses with an incredibly high potency. They emerge from the earth, not moaning and desperate, but perfectly quite, and with vicious efficiency. The sniper zombie begins scanning around, looking for targets.

~

Across the town, Sirius convinces the spirit, a mix between the car and old-western sheriff's horse, to work with him.

[ZhangoSqu]

Jack curses their ill luck as he observes the mages inside and their reaction, moving quickly to put his back against the thick stone wall while drawing the handgun from its shoulder holster under his left arm, flicking the safety off he motions to the others to take some form of cover.


(( Would it be possible at all to uses Forces (1) and Fate (3) together to extend the range of Jack's sidearm? If not I have another idea...))
____________________________________________
Active Effects:
Active Spells = 4/5 (Gnosis + 3), Spell Tolerance = 2 (Stamina)


"Advanced" Temporal Eddies, (unroted)

[XianTheCoder]

They know we're here. Stay out of sight of the sniper. Span will make sure he's out of sight before proceeding with a plan. There's two of them, with six zombies, Death and Time are prevalent. They were casting around a grandfather clock. There's something amiss with their watches, I think they are some kind of imbued items. The older mage seems like the more dangerous. Jack, can you snipe the sniper? Pulse, what do you think about a cave in? Maybe bring the roof down on top of them?I'll try and do some damage from here.


Hide: Dex+Stealth: [roll0]
Mods plus 10-Again: [roll1]



-Untouchable: +4 Defense, Space
-Spacial Awareness: Mage Sight, Space
-Angled Vision: See telescopically around corners
-Scry

[ZhangoSqu]

"I don't have the rifle on me, its back at the apartment." He informs Span and Pulse. "I wasn't exactly expecting a sniper at an auction..."

He looks to Span, "We have two options the way I see it: attack or run."

[XianTheCoder]

Span nods to Jack, How about a curse then? Maybe imparting some luck on us? Three on two, and we have position, attacking is correct here. As long as we can find a way of taking the zombies out of play.

[ZhangoSqu]

"I can see about jamming his gun or some other sort of curse, but barring that I may be able to lay down some cover fire at the very least to give us some time."

Preparing himself, Jack concentrates whispering to himself aligning the forces of Fate around him. As he does so, he draws out a bag containing two weighted dice and dumps them into the palm of his hand which is holding the gun, using them to coalesce the wild energies of the magic.


No High Speech, since I never declared I was using it before this casting.


Superlative Luck, roted: [roll0]
Mods and 10-again (left to right): [roll1]




Active Spells = 4/5 (Gnosis + 3), Spell Tolerance = 2 (Stamina)

"Advanced" Temporal Eddies, (unroted)

[baerun]

Looks like its time for the fun to begin Pulse rolls up his sleeves and puts his hands together cracking his knuckles. Let's get this party started boys. You might want to take a step back from the church, I can't guarantee where things will fall. With that said, Pulse takes a few steps forward and touches the side of the church while chanting under his breath. Expecto Papyrus!"It never gets old mocking those films while casting.

After casting, Pulse makes it a point to move away from the walls as quickly as possible and head for cover from the sniper.



Casting Lesser Transmogrification (Matter 4 - p201) Attempting to turn the two or more brick walls into paper.

Lesser Transmogrification (I feel like Calvin using that word) [roll0]
10-Again and Mods [roll1]





Unseen Aegis , Matter 2, 4 armor
Read Matrices , Mage Sight, Forces 1

[XianTheCoder]

Dissappointed that Pulse wasn't able to bring the church down, Span says, Paradox manifestations and backlash are becoming too likely for exchanging combat spells. We need to bring a lot of damage, or induce a stalemate where they will be inclined to surrender. Anyone have any ideas? Pulling out his small keychain rubiks cube, Span spins the top tile while he thinks.

[baerun]

Of all the times for this ****, ****. Looks like plan B I've always been a fan of running like hell while turning the ground to water behind us. Smirking slightly, as if it was only a partial joke, Pulse looks up at the sniper nervously. If nothing else, I can take out the sniper's effectiveness by removing the weapon, or walling off the zombies with air.

[ZhangoSqu]

"If I can cause the gun to jam or malfunction that might give Pulse enough time to take out the weapon and I can get a few shots off." Jack drops the dice back into their bag and returns it back to where they came from. "That still leaves zombies and two mages to deal with on the inside." His back to the wall, Jack slides toward the edge of the wall and the gate getting prepared.


Active Spells = 3/5 (Gnosis + 3), Spell Tolerance = 2 (Stamina)

"Advanced" Temporal Eddies, (unroted)
Superlative Luck (8 successes)

[baerun]

Well, I think its time to stir up the bees nest a little. Hand still on the coin, Pulse smirks a little as he chants this time, imagining the terror that it would be for the receiving end of this spell.



Shadowys genius idea - Clothes to acid [roll0]
Mods and 10-Again [roll1]





Unseen Aegis , Matter 2, 4 armor
Read Matrices , Mage Sight, Forces 1

[XianTheCoder]

Span follows Pulse's lead and follows up with an attack on the younger Mage, casting his homemade spell Displace Flesh, Hopefully this is enough to put the young one out of commission. Shifting his rubiks cube, Span begins his casting.


Displace Flesh: [roll0]
Mods and 10-Again: [roll1]

So if he has:
1 STA: 4 Damage (Lethal)
2 STA: 4 Damage (Lethal)
3 STA: 3 Damage (Lethal)
4 STA: 2 Damage (Lethal)
5 STA: 1 Damage (Lethal)

[ZhangoSqu]

I really need to make those dice more accessible... Jack takes mental note of how inconvenient the dice are while holding a gun. With the gun still in his right hand his left reaches for the bag holding the dice, hoping it will be enough. He peeks his head around to get a line of sight on the sniper for a moment and wills the threads of fate to cause the sniper's aim to be off. Quickly returning to cover after it is done.

Sensing at least a marginal shifting shift in their fates with respect to the gunman, Jack nods to the others. "It's done. I can't guarantee a gun jam but it should buy us enough time to make a dash for the church's doors. I can provide cover fire."

Jack will wait to provide cover fire for the other two until they start moving following behind them.


Jack is casting Evil Eye as a rote against the zombie sniper, giving them a chance to make a dash. Its not as prolonged necessarily as causing the gun to malfunction but has the better chance at success. I'm expending one of the superlative luck success on the roll. Also, if possible I'd like this to be triggered when he takes his shot, I'll spend the extra mana for the triggered spell if that is possible.

Jack will move and fire on the next turn if Span and Pulse decide to charge in.


Evil Eye (Wits [4] + Persuasion [2] + Fate [3]) against Zombie Sniper (left to right, less composure): [roll0]
Mods and 8-again: [roll1]


NB I took the Guardians of the Veil variant which is Wits instead of Manipulation (which is the Silver Ladder version). Why don't these rotes have a standard dice pool... the choices they've made in nWoD baffle me sometimes...




Active Spells = 3/5 (Gnosis + 3), Spell Tolerance = 2 (Stamina), Mana: 2/6

"Advanced" Temporal Eddies, (unroted)
Superlative Luck (7/8 successes)

[Shadowy]

A series of spells fly in succession. One of them turns the younger mage's coat into acid, pouring it over him while he breaks out into swearing, followed up by a chunk of his arm moving an inch away from his body.

The old mage keeps casting. "Keep them at bay! I'm nearly finished! Do not allow them to preserve this history!"

The younger mage grumbles, and begins chanting in high speech, preparing himself for what is to come.

The sniper rifle is cursed, doomed to bring bad luck upon the person firing it.

The mages can all detect the power of the ritual beginning to expand, knowing that have twelve seconds(Four rounds) to stop it.

And Sirius manages to beat the traffic, showing up at the church in time to see the dead walk.

[ZhangoSqu]

As Sirius pulls up at the church a crazed look enter's Jack's eyes.

Calling out to Span and Pulse "I have a way in for us, follow my lead!" Jack rushes over to the car. He nods a quick greeting to Sirius and in a knowing set of glances the two understand Jack's madcap scheme. As Sirius relinquishes the keys Jack hops into the drivers seat and begins backing up increasing the distance between the church gate and himself. Giving him enough distance to pick up enough speed to ram through the gate and continue into through the church's main doors. Luckily, the grounds were fairly spartan with only a few small shrubs, plants, and gardens to deter what Jack was about to attempt.

Gripping the steering wheel with both free hand and gun, he puts the weapons safety on--not wanting to shoot himself accidentally in the aftermath of the crash. Hoping his cabal mates follow him through the gates, he buckles the saftey belt and slams his foot on the accelerator. As he barrels toward the gate he braces for the first impact and keeps the car as steady as possible while trying to drive it through the church's front door--and if he's lucky enough--run over the riutal caster.


Perfect Timing (w/Superlative Luck applied)

Intelligence + Composure + Time [roll0]
Mods and 8-again [roll1]
Results: 2 successes


Drive Skill Test (w/ Superlative Luck)

Dexterity + Drive + Handling [roll2]
Mods and 8-again (left-to-right) [roll3]
Results: 6 successes, assuming the 3 Handling score and first two dice from the mods given the perfect timing, and the superlative luck re-rolls.


The above Drive Skill test assumes a handling of 3, and hopefully there are enough mods and 8-agains rolled to take care of any successes on Perfect Timing and 8-agains.

If I need to add any dice rolls I'll do it in OOC.



Active Spells = 3/5 (Gnosis + 3), Spell Tolerance = 2 (Stamina), Mana: 1/6

"Advanced" Temporal Eddies, (unroted)
Superlative Luck (5/8 successes)

[baerun]

Pulse blinks for a moment as Jack makes his dash for the arriving-just-in-the-nick-if-time police car. Shaking his head to snap out of it, Pulse makes a dash for the car as well, preparing his next spell on the run. As Jack climbs in and gets behind the wheel, Pulse slaps his hand down on the hood releasing his spell into the car. Hermes be with you.

Pulses steps back and nods to Jack as he speeds off.



Alter Efficiency [roll0]
Mods and 10-Again [roll1]

Cost: 1 Mana

Attempting to increase the acceleration by 10 (requires 2 successes) and the max speed by 10 or more (requires at least a third success)





Unseen Aegis , Matter 2, 4 armor
Read Matrices , Mage Sight, Forces 1

[XianTheCoder]

Span will begin making his way towards the church, staying out of the way of the car's path, and beginning the mutters of Atlantean High Speech. Once the car bashes through the doors, Span will enter the church behind it.


Since Span's action is heavily reliant on what happens with the car, you can assume that he attempts to enter the church, with the intention of performing some kind of offensive action. If he can't make it in the church then he will get as close as he can, while preparing high speech. If he can make it into the church, and has the ability to perform an offensive action, then once I know the resolution of the car crash I will announce my offensive action.

[Failed Phantasm]

As the cruiser sped down the last stretch of road towards the site of the auction — a small church outside the city proper, apparently — Sirius was starting to wonder why no one had tried to contact him after the incident at the apartment. 'It's not as if I don't have a cell phone, guys,' he thought, irked in spite of himself and the gnawing sense of worry that had been growing slowly ever since he'd left the police station. The only consolation he had, if one could even call it that, was the fact that they weren't so juvenile as to ignore Sirius just because he'd done something that they'd disagreed with. 'Or are they?' retorted the quiet doubt in the back of his mind. Sighing, he reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, keeping one hand on the wheel as he dialed Pulse's number. “Oh, Christ,” he growled as it rang for the sixth time without an answer. “Pulse, you guys had better be in trouble, because if I find out you put your stupid phone on 'silent' for no good reason...”

Once he was within a few hundred yards of his destination, Sirius' field of vision came alive with the elegant, multicolored, living resonance of the Tapestry, the power of some spell unleashed streaming away from the grounds in waves, while the gently thrumming pulse of something potent, something powerful, beat like a heart within the church itself. Because of the familiarity he had with the Arcanum, he could identify with a glance the remnants of Time magic hanging in the air — probably a conjunct to another spell, if he had to make an educated guess — but little else. “What's going on in there?” he murmured softly. 'After everything that's happened this morning, my first guess would be that the Seers are behind this, but...' Sirius drummed his fingers against the wheel thoughtfully. '...maybe not. If there really were some powerful artifact being sold here, wouldn't the Seers have just stolen it? Officer did say the Banishers and Scelesti might be on the move, too.' He sighed and shook his head. 'Guess I can't make that conclusion without seeing what's going on inside, though.'

“Howl.” The wolf-spirit's ears perked up. “With all of the magic that's been going on here, the spirits are bound to have taken notice. Some might have been drawn here from the city, or the locals might have fled from the danger. Could you reach out and sense for any? Maybe one of them might be able to tell us more about what's been happening here.” The spirit stretched out languidly before rising to its feet, sticking its muzzle through the window as it breathed in deeply and sought out the subtle traces of Essence that would identify the movement of the spirits.


Howls-at-Still-Shadows uses its Numen to seek out the presence of any spirits that may have swarmed to, or fled from, the area recently.

Instant: Activate Wilds Sense (Mage: the Awakening, pg. 322). (Spirit Numen, 0 Essence)
Finesse + Resistance : [roll0]
10-again and/or modifiers (from left to right) : [roll1]
Result: 2 successes (10, 8).

Active Effects:
Active Spells = 3/4 (Gnosis + 3), Spell Tolerance = 3 (Stamina)

Body Control (Life ●●) — +8 Initiative, Bashing wound healing time: 3 per turn; Prolonged; Potency 1
Organic Resilience (Life ●●) — Armor +3; Prolonged; Potency 4
Pulse of the Living World (Life ●) — Mage Sight; Prolonged; Potency 4

[Shadowy]

The gate is slammed open the car going through the gates with a sickening crunch. The zombies turn, seeing something enter the area they're after, and they sprint at the car at full speed. It's nowhere near enough though, and the car plows through the church doors, dodging the zombie's cursed shot.

The zombies turn, going to sprint after Span, who has decided to go on foot.

The car slams through the ritual trappings, and slams into the older mage.

That's when things get really weird.

The mages can detect massive magical surges, and the old mage starts screaming. The spell he was casting dissolves, moments away from taking effect, and he disappears into the abyss. Four times.

The younger mage starts screaming in panic and desperately trying to cast a spell. The clock starts glowing, awash in a practically blinding glow of Supernal power even as the concentrated buildup of abyss in the area causes the room to start being deathly cold, with strange, flat shadowy shapes forming on the walls.

The older mage is gone, as if he never was.

[XianTheCoder]

Span follows the car into the church, with the zombies hot on his heels. Hoping his hunch is correct that the wristband on the younger mage controls the zombies, Span rushes into the church and immediately casts Ward, attempting to keep the younger mage from using Space magic to escape. Halt! And we'll let you live! Make another hostile action or try and escape and you're dead!, Span yells to the younger Mage in an attempt to negotiate a surrender. Your comrade is dead and you are outnumbered. There is no need for you to die as well.


Cast Ward (Covert): [roll0]
Mods and 10-Again: [roll1]

Manipulation + Persuasion + Speciality: [roll2]
Mods and 10-Again: [roll3]



1. Angle Vision
2. Ward
3. Untouchable

Defense: 5 (Mage Armor 4, Natural 1)
Health: 7/8 (1 Resistant Bashing)

[ZhangoSqu]

Jack shakes off the initial impact only to see the end of the older mage's existence blink out one final time. After the door refuses to budge on initial push, Jack puts his shoulder into it and the doors swings wide open, allowing Jack to climb out of the driver's seat immediately following Span's warding of the area.

As if to punctuate Span's own offer, Jack flicks the safety off the gun and aims for the younger mage's right leg and fires off a single shot.

"Cease and desist. If you do not the next shot will not be so generous!"


Gunshot at Younger Mage's Right Leg (w/Superlative Luck applied)

Dexterity + Firearms + Damage (left-to-right less Armor) [roll0]
Mods and 8-again [roll1]
Results: 3? Successes


Jack's Walther PPK is a Strength 1 firearm.



Active Spells = 3/5 (Gnosis + 3), Spell Tolerance = 2 (Stamina), Mana: 1/6

"Advanced" Temporal Eddies, (unroted)
Superlative Luck (4/8 successes)

[Shadowy]

The young willworker screams as the bullet rips through his leg, then he casts a spell, turning him into a twilight state. "You psychopathic idiots! You've got no idea what you just let loose!"

As those with mage sight can faintly see him flicker and run through a wall to escape, the zombies burst in through the door, all savaging Span as their closest target, with horrible ferocity, tearing and kicking wherever they can.

[ZhangoSqu]

"Span! He's getting away!" Jack yells to Span, who is behind him, as Jack turns he sees the zombies attacking his friend. "****, I didn't know they were that close behind..."

Jack turns his head back to look at the pooling paradox in the church, and the glowing clock. Did we do the right thing? As the cold, dark, shadows play across the interior of the church Jack gives himself only a moment to doubt his actions, before turning his attention back to Span and resolving to do what he can inside the church to save his friend. Melchior's gonna be pissed...


Just narrative leading up to Jack's next action.



Active Spells = 3/5 (Gnosis + 3), Spell Tolerance = 2 (Stamina), Mana: 1/6

"Advanced" Temporal Eddies, (unroted)
Superlative Luck (4/8 successes)

[XianTheCoder]

As the Seer fades into Twilight, and the zombies surround him, Span kicks himself for not predicting what would happen. Hearing Jack call, Yeah, I'm a little.. GAH.. busy. OOF. Make sure to... ARG... collect some of that blood.. OOMPH.. for me! DAMNIT! Get off me you B******s! Desperately, while trying to evade the zombies attacks, Span uses his Angle Vision to try and determine where the Seer runs. SIRIUS! STOP THE SPIRIT, HE WENT [Input Direction]!


Right along with Jack... just narrative and dialogue

Shadowy: If you want a concentration check to see if Span can follow the Seer and avoid the zombies just let me know.



1. Untouchable
2. Spatial Awareness
3. Angled Vision
4. Ward

[baerun]

Span watch out, its about to heat up in there! Pulse yells at the top of his lungs as he remembers a fun childhood game. Hope these zeds aren't flame resistant, that would be unfortunate for all of us




Casting Transmute Earth [roll0]
10-Again and Mods [roll1]

Attempting to basically create a half circle of lava on the floor around Span that would be facing towards the majority of the zombies (wasnt sure if they were completely surrounding him, but wanted to give him an escape route)

I promise, this isnt vulgar :smallwink:




Unseen Aegis , Matter 2, 4 armor
Read Matrices , Mage Sight, Forces 1

[ZhangoSqu]

Without thinking, and seeing that Pulse's attempt at a spell appears to fail, Jack begins moving without even thinking. If I can get them to turn their attention toward me.... Unable to weave Fate enough to draw the zombies to him without provocation, he fires off a shot at one of the zombies on Span.

As the shot strikes one of the zombies, Jack can see it turn its attention toward Jack, but it is not enough. With five zombies still focused on Span, and uncertain whether the sixth will move away, Jack steps back over to the cruiser, keeping his eyes on the zombies. Whispering a few words of encouragement and beseeching the fates to bless Span, he reaches into the cruiser and flicks on the sirens of the police cruiser. As the shrill sound pierces the air, Jack watches for the reaction of the zombies on Span.


Jack is attempting a covert spell using Fate (3?) to make the zombies shift their attention toward him, instead of Span--offering Span a blessing to hopefully make the zombies believe Jack is closer than Span.


"A Matter of Perspective" (Gnosis + Fate) [roll0] (w/Superlative Luck)
Mods and 8-again [roll1]
Result 2 successes



Attack w/Walther PPK (Dexterity + Firearms + Damage) [roll2] (w/Superlative Luck)
Mods and 8-again [roll3]
Result 1 success




Active Spells = 3/5 (Gnosis + 3), Spell Tolerance = 2 (Stamina), Mana: 1/6

"Advanced" Temporal Eddies, (unroted)
Superlative Luck (2/8 successes)

[XianTheCoder]

Seeing Pulse fail, and with a paradox pool that no longer makes fighting a viable solution, Span grudgingly and annoyingly knows it's time for him to make the sacrifice that will likely take him out of the retrieval process. Blood, Clock, and check for clues as to why they were here. Span then casts Teleportation, attempting to take as many of this soulless husks along with him. Ideally dropping them off the side of a building.


Teleportation: [rollv][13d10/rollv]
Mods and 10-Again: [rollv][10d10/rollv]

[Failed Phantasm]

'Officer is going to kill me.'

He'd barely managed to get out of the car, and without so much as a simple “Hi, Sirius!”, Jack practically dove into the driver's seat of the empty vehicle. And Sirius, caught off-guard by the strange — almost crazed — glint in Jack's eyes, realized too late that he hadn't even thought to take the keys out of the ignition. Now he was staring disbelievingly at the iron gates that were hanging slightly askew on their hinges and the car-shaped hole in the church doors beyond them. However much he tried to tell himself that Jack was just doing what he judged to be the best course of action, such feeble attempts at rationalization were hastily and brutally suppressed by the thought of what Officer was going to do to him when she found out. Was the car even capable of being driven away from the church, or would it have to be towed? 'Oh God, I hope Pulse can fix that.'

The next few moments were a whirl, everything happening too quickly: Span ran inside, zombies followed hot on his tail, the church fairly exploded with magic, screams, shouts, spells, and a Twilight entity dashed out of the building towards the gates. Sirius' senses were still overwhelmed by the misfire of whatever ritual that had been held in the building, but Howl, lacking the ability to see what he did, knew only that there was fleeing prey to hunt and was ready to spring into action. The spirit's eager anticipation flooded their empathic bond and snapped Sirius back to the situation at hand; he looked from the figure to the church and then down at his familiar. Time to make a snap decision.

“We're going to give this one shot, Howl,” he said in a low whisper. “and if it doesn't work, then we have to leave him and go help Pulse, Span, and Jack. I'm going to cast a spell and then run to the church. If you can't bring him down—” the wolf-spirit bristled at that notion, lowering itself and getting ready to lunge. He managed a chuckle. “I know. I believe in you. But if something goes wrong, just let him go and follow me.” Sirius had never combined the power of two Supernal Realms into one spell before, and even as he did it now, forming an Imago in his mind's eye as he hastily pulled together Time magic from Arcadia and Spirit magic from the Primal Wilds, there was such an odd sensation that filled him. It wasn't quite a sense of opposition, per se, but there was definitely the feeling that he was trying to force a square peg into a round hole; yet it was also coming together so easily, like finding where the last piece of a jigsaw puzzle was supposed to go. How were they not meant to be combined? As Howl sprung into action, snarling and pouncing at the Twilight mage's throat, Sirius broke into a run, past the two spirits and into the building.


Instant: Sirius casts a modified version of Glimpsing the Future as creative thaumaturgy. (Spirit ●● + Time ●●, Covert, 1 Mana)
Gnosis + Spirit + Willpower : [roll0]
10-again and/or modifiers (from left to right) : [roll1]
Result: 2 successes (10, 9).

Instant: Howl attacks the fleeing mage.
Power + Finesse + Willpower - Defense : [roll2]
10-again and/or modifiers (from left to right) : [roll3]
Result: 2 successes (8, 8).

Reroll > Power + Finesse + Willpower - Defense : [roll4]
10-again and/or modifiers (from left to right) : [roll5]

Active Effects:
Active Spells = 3/4 (Gnosis + 3), Spell Tolerance = 3 (Stamina)

Body Control (Life ●●) — +8 Initiative, Bashing wound healing time: 3 per turn; Prolonged; Potency 1
Organic Resilience (Life ●●) — Armor +3; Prolonged; Potency 4
Pulse of the Living World (Life ●) — Mage Sight; Prolonged; Potency 4

[Shadowy]

The zombies attention is drawn, but only for a moment. The teleportation spell goes off, even as the abyss reaches in, cursing Span and marking his form with silver scales.

The zombies appear in midair, grasping after Span, standing on the roof of the Laundromat. They plummet, landing on the ground with a sickening crunch.

That's when the screaming begins. The thing about cities, they have people in them. People who are shocked about the sudden appear of six corpses falling from the sky....then getting back up. Some of them take pictures.

It's only for a moment, but then disbelief kicks in. The zombies stop moving, and everyone mills around for a moment, confused.

Now there's just six corpses in the middle of the street.

~

Howl lunges at the fleeing mage, taking a bite out of him. The mage is heavily injured now, limping along.

Unfortunately, the mage isn't done yet. Despite the massive buildup of paradox, he casts another spell.

The ground in the twilight rises up, becoming a large wall between Howl, Sirius and the young mage. It's wide and tall enough to inconvenience.

On the other side, every mage present can feel the paradox. Something has come from the abyss, and that's rarely good.

[ZhangoSqu]

Watching Span blink away with the zombies, Jack flicks off the siren; the wailing already becoming annoying. He could tell Span yelled something to him, and to the best of his knowledge it was regarding the clock and the young Seer's blood. "He probably wants me to peer into the past to see what those two were doing."

He looks back toward the entrance, where Pulse stands, expecting to see Sirius. Not seeing Sirius, Jack shouts to Pulse "we still have a sniper in the belfry. I can only assume Sirius is dealing with the seer--"

Jack stops, mid-sentance as he feels the build up of paradox. As the walls of reality tear and allow something unspeakable through. "--Pulse, did you...?"

The evidence Span wanted would have to wait. A sniper was bad, whatever was coming through was worse.


Just narrative leading up to Jack's action, and the start of the new round of actions.



Active Spells = 3/5 (Gnosis + 3), Spell Tolerance = 2 (Stamina), Mana: 1/6

"Advanced" Temporal Eddies, (unroted)
Superlative Luck (2/8 successes)

[XianTheCoder]

Landing on the roof, Span sighs with relief, even as the paradox takes hold and he feels the transformation cover his body. Watching the zombies plummet to their doom, brings Span a great deal of satisfaction, that satisfaction is quickly squashed when he notices the subsequent crowd forming and the picture taking. Span has a moment of panic, followed by him immediately barreling down the stairs to the ground level. As he runs, he casts the first spell he can think of, I hope these silver scales can actually help me. As Span hits the ground floor he runs out the door and into the street towards the nearest body. As he approaches the bodies, Span yells, SORRY EVERYONE! Damn college student stage hands knocked the dummies off the roof! I know you all got a kick out of seeing the zombies when we were first bringing them upstairs, but it's dangerous to linger underneath an active movie set. Was anyone hurt in the fall? Span prays that he's convincing enough in his lie, and scans the crowd in an attempt to read their reaction.

If the crowd appears to buy into the story, and no one approaches Span, then he will begin dragging the bodies into the building and covering them with anything he can find.


Creative Thaumaturgy:
Span would like to create a Mind 2 effect that is basically the complete opposite of Incognito Presence (almost like the Majesty Vampire Discipline). The goal is to make him appear more noticable, attempting to naturally draw all the eyes to him once he's in sight (considering he's silver scaled, he probably shouldn't need too much help). The goal is to have every eye on him when he attempts to weave his lie, ensnaring as many people as possible in it. I would think that the crowd gets a contested Gnosis + Composure roll against the spells affect.

Ideally Span would like to use a Willpower point on both the Majesty and the Persuasion rolls, IF you rule that it takes more than 1 turn to run down the stairs and into the street then he should be fine. If it is only one turn, then Span will only use Willpower on the Persuasion roll.

Majesty: [roll0]
Willpower(if applicable): [roll1]
Mods and 10-Again: [roll2]

Span will Spend a Willpower point on the Persuasion roll to appear more convincing:
Manipulation + Persuasion + Willpower: [roll3]
Mods, 10-Again, and any bonus from Majesty: [roll4]

EDIT: Whew! Those are some great rolls... thank god!

[Shadowy]

Sleepers are inspired by the Supernal.

They may destroy it, but that's the effects of the lie. Every sleeper has a true, supernal soul, and when they see acts of the awakened, even raising the dead, they are enlightened, and attempt to move towards the supernal.

But the abyss is in the way. Without the protective bridge of a watchtower, their souls strain into the abyss.

The sleepers buy the story. But when he comes down, they all stare at him, with glassy eyes. But it's the abyss watching, blinding them to what's happened.

The bodies are dragged inside, hidden in a backroom behind some dirty sheets. The sleepers watch. Then, slowly, they disperse, marching stiffly away.

None of them will remember.

[XianTheCoder]

Span breathes a sigh of relief once the bodies are hidden and the crowd has dissipated, That could have been really bad. Collecting his thoughts he proceeds up to the sanctum where he sits down and cast scrying on Jack to determine what has happened since he teleported away.


Scrying: [roll0]
Mods and 10-Again: [roll1]


Health: 3/8 (4 Bashing, 1 Resistant Bashing)
Mana: 3
Paradox: Branding-Silver Scales (+1 Defense)

Active Spells:
1. Angle Vision
2. Untouchable
3. Scrying

[ZhangoSqu]

Jack waits for Pulse's response before he informing Pulse (and Sirius if in earshot) that he is heading up to the bell tower. Jack intends on dealing with the zombie sniper if he's still there, and hopefully, also get eyes on the seer now in twilight.

Jack wills Fate to be on his side as he moves to find the staircase and upon finding it quickly ascends to the top of the belfry, gun drawn. As he nears the top he slows down and begins to move quietly hoping to surprise the sniper if he's still there.


Let me know if there is enough time to get up the stairs and take action this turn. If the sniper is still there, Jack will try to take him out at point blank range, using a willpower for extra dice.


Gnosis + Fate (w/Suparlative Luck) [roll0]
Mods and 8-again [roll1]
Results? 3



Dexterity + Firearms + Damage + Willpower (w/Suparlative Luck) [roll2]
Mods and 8-again [roll3]
Results? 3




Active Spells = 3/5 (Gnosis + 3), Spell Tolerance = 2 (Stamina), Mana: 1/6

"Advanced" Temporal Eddies, (unroted)
Superlative Luck (1/8 successes)

[Shadowy]

The zombie sniper is slumped over, a corpse once more. The young mage must've dismissed the spell once the manifestation occurred.

[ZhangoSqu]

Finding the zombie slumped over, the spell holding it having been released, Jack will push the lifeless husk to the side and pick up the sniper rifle, examining it. While holding it, he'll look through the scope toward where the seer was last seen running and the ephemeral mantle that formed a wall between the church and the gate was constructed.


Jack is looking to see if he can spot the seer at all, or the manifestation. As well as the state of the surrounding area to see what attention, if any, they've drawn.

Also, what type of rifle is Jack holding? Is it a professional sniper rifle or is it a standard rifle fixed with a sight?



Active Spells = 3/5 (Gnosis + 3), Spell Tolerance = 2 (Stamina), Mana: 1/6

"Advanced" Temporal Eddies, (unroted)
Superlative Luck (1/8 successes)

[Shadowy]

The zombie is using a standard rifle, but a fairly nice and new one.

The younger mage and his abyssal clone appear to have escaped.

[Failed Phantasm]

Sirius had only managed to dash about halfway to the church doors when he felt a chilling, clammy feeling wash over him from behind, assaulting his senses at for one brief, horrifying moment: his vision blurred and distorted as all of the light and color stretched and warped towards the church and away from the gaping hole in reality, and the cloying scent of rot and decay filled his nose as something rushed in to fill the emptiness, something that most certainly should not exist. Was it even possible to taste malice, have the bitterly acrid flavor of unabashedly naked hatred on one's tongue? Through his empathic bond, the sensation created a feedback loop, as his familiar — poor Howl, who was no more familiar with Abyssal spirits than he — experienced the same overwhelming terror and shared it through sheer reflex, unwillingly, with its bonded mage. It passed in the span of a single breath, but it was enough to make Sirius stumble, enough to make him look back towards the fleeing mage.

“Idiot!” he growled under his breath. 'What an absolute idiot. Would it really have been so hard to just give up?' Howl, at least, appeared to have landed on the right side of the wall that had been so hastily and recklessly created; his fear for his familiar's safety at least partially assuaged, Sirius bellowed to the wolf-spirit, “Quick! Follow me inside!” It wasted no time in complying, ears flat against its head and tail tucked between its legs, instinct compelling it to howl its fear but finding itself too afraid of drawing the attention of the unknown thing behind it. The two of them sprinted side-by-side the rest of the way into the church, hurrying past Pulse without stopping to acknowledge him.

It truly was a disaster inside. Wrecked car, blood on the floor, bits of zombie flesh lying here and there, pentagram-and-candles arranged in a ritual circle around a clock radiating Supernal power, Jack nowhere to be seen. Span was missing, too, but that was less unusual for a man who could teleport himself wherever he pleased. “What the hell did I miss?” he wondered aloud, stepping slowly towards the police cruiser as he surveyed the damage all around him. Howl whimpered rather insistently and lay down next to the car, still shaken by what had just happened; he didn't need to say anything for Sirius to understand. He walked over to the spirit and gave it a gentle stroke and rub behind its ears — something its dignity would not usually tolerate, but the need for reassurance won out over pride. After a few minutes of soothing Howl, and quietly waiting for either Jack to come back or Pulse to come over and talk, he straightened up and wondered what to do.

'Span would probably want something to make a scrying connection,' he thought, 'and we should probably investigate that clock with all of the power it's emitting.” Sirius rubbed his chin thoughtfully and scanned the room one more time before his eyes settled on the blood. It looked too far away from the car and the entrance to have been one of his cabalmates', but he didn't actually see what had happened, so he couldn't be completely sure. Shrugging off his jacket and laying it on the hood of the wrecked cruiser, he decided to take some of the blood anyway. After another few moments, his kevlar vest came off, and then his T-shirt. He held it up in front of him and assessed the left sleeve for a moment, before getting a solid grip and tearing to loosen the seam, which yielded with only a little effort on his part. With another, more powerful motion that he put his muscle into, the sleeve tore off completely; it was a mostly clean tear, if not a bit ragged. He stuffed it into his pocket — just in case he was wrong and needed the spare — and repeated the same thing for the right sleeve. 'Guess it's a gym shirt now,' he thought with a slight smirk. Slinging the shirt over his shoulder, and keeping the loose fabric in hand, he strode over to the blood and dipped the cloth in it. Hopefully, it was what Span needed. Once the sleeve was sufficiently bloody, he shoved it in his left pocket and walked back over the car so that he could put his clothes back on. Comfortable as he was shirtless, it probably wasn't the best idea to be without his bulletproof vest.


Active Effects:
Active Spells = 3/4 (Gnosis + 3), Spell Tolerance = 3 (Stamina)

Body Control (Life ●●) — +8 Initiative, Bashing wound healing time: 3 per turn; Prolonged; Potency 1
Organic Resilience (Life ●●) — Armor +3; Prolonged; Potency 4
Pulse of the Living World (Life ●) — Mage Sight; Prolonged; Potency 4

[ZhangoSqu]

Almost as quickly as Jack disappeared upstairs he returns downstairs, carrying the zombie's sniper rifle with him. He looks around the room. Seeing Sirius dealing with the blood he waves to him. "Sirius, thanks for letting me borrow your car." Explaining to Sirius and Pulse what happened with the zombie and reiterating what Sirius seems to already know: that the seer escaped and that something else came through.

With the din of battle settling and the adrenaline leaving his system Jack steadies himself on one of the pews pushed aside from the center of the church where the ritual was being cast. Taking a deep breath he glances around the room taking stock of the temporal sympathies of the church. As he does so, he pulls out the old pocket watch from his pocket and concentrates on it, still clumsy with the forces of time he strains to see what the mages were doing before they started the ritual two hours ago. Pushing and weaving through the different strands of time until he finds just the right one which he thinks will yield the most information that he can get. Holding on to it mentally he walks closer to the clock upon which the ritual seemed to be clearly directed.

"I'm going to try to see if I can't find out what this ritual was about. Span wanted to get better insight into the events in the church, and it looks like you're already collecting the seer's blood, thanks Sirius."

Closing his eyes, Jack separates the thread from the rest of them and begins watching, describing what he sees to the others in the church.


I've supplied rolls for both postcog and postcog with fate conjunctionally, using the highest applicable arcanum in the rolls.

Postcognition

Gnosis (2) + Time (2) + Willpower (3) - Temporal Sympathy (2) (w/Suparlative Luck) [roll0]
Mods and 8-again [roll1]
Results? 5


Postcognition (as Fate + Time conjuntional spell to find a "more perfect" moment)

Gnosis (2) + Fate (3) + Willpower (3) - Temporal Sympathy (2) (w/Suparlative Luck) [roll2]
Mods and 8-again [roll3]
Results? 2


EDIT: If you were allowing the Fate + Time conjunction I would have gone with that before knowing the normal post cog had better results. I did roll both though, so I'll let you decide which one is applicable in Jack's situation.



Active Spells = 1/5 (Gnosis + 3), Spell Tolerance = 2 (Stamina), Mana: 1/6

"Advanced" Temporal Eddies, (unroted)

[baerun]

Pulse snaps out of the daze he was in after feeling reality shake when the paradox filled the air thick like smoke. Jack, did you get a good view of anything up there? Pulse nods as Jack fills him and Sirius in on the scene from above. I'm not sure how much help I can be in the investigation, so I'll begin repairing Officer's car.



Pulse will chant in High Speech prior to casting (I think we are no longer using combat rounds, but if so, I will take two rounds to do this)

Repair Object [roll0]
Mods and 10-Again [roll1]

[Shadowy]

The clock's glow fades, incredibly quickly.

All the member's of the cabal hear a voice, then blackout for half an instant.

"Perfect."

It's but a single instant. One moment, and suddenly everyone is in a room together.

Everyone's spells have been dispelled by a great force, everyone can feel their wounds instantly heal, and are standing together on one side of a room.

It's a cold, completely stone room. Functionally bare, with no windows. The only decoration is a nicely made wooden desk, with a woman sitting behind it. She's wearing a sensible business suit, has very long, red hair, and speaks with a marked British accent.

Everybody's unseen senses are flaring. This is, bar none, the most pure supernal energy they've ever detected.

She addresses the party, grinning lazily.. "Sup. I wouldn't cast anything if I were you."

[ZhangoSqu]

After a few moments of silence, Jack steps forward addressing the woman. "Where are we? Who are you? What is this place?" He gauges the room's interior, carefully. Nothing to betray where it is. This can't be real, Span's here. Nothing can be that powerful... can it?

He shoots a glance to his sides to Span, Pulse, and Sirius. Span looked healthy, despite the dermatological condition he seemed to have suffered from the paradox.

"What does all this have to do with that clock and the seer's rituals?" Jack continues. "There are threats loose that need to be stopped, and we need to understand what is going on here." His body tense, trying not to show the confusion and the genuine fear he feels regarding their current situation.

[XianTheCoder]

Span blinks in surprise, Wha... How did I get here?. With his senses flaring, Span immediately becomes suspicious. The apparent confidence and ease by the woman further concerns Span. Letting Jack do the talking, Span concentrates on the woman and the room, in an attempt to uncover any hidden secrets.

[Shadowy]

After a few moments of silence, Jack steps forward addressing the woman. "Where are we? Who are you? What is this place?" He gauges the room's interior, carefully. Nothing to betray where it is. This can't be real, Span's here. Nothing can be that powerful... can it?

He shoots a glance to his sides to Span, Pulse, and Sirius. Span looked healthy, despite the dermatological condition he seemed to have suffered from the paradox.

"What does all this have to do with that clock and the seer's rituals?" Jack continues. "There are threats loose that need to be stopped, and we need to understand what is going on here." His body tense, trying not to show the confusion and the genuine fear he feels regarding their current situation.

"Kinda like Astral space, you wouldn't understand if I told you, see first answer."

"In simple terms, I'm from the Supernal, and I really want to go home. The fact that you just stopped me from being deleted from history is kinda a bonus here."

[XianTheCoder]

Span attempts to keep the look of shock off his face, in the presence of a true Supernal being... The possibilities and the answers to arcane questions was potentially endless. Span's natural suspicion immediately flagged several holes in the story.

In a respectful tone, Span begins the process of unweaving the incongruent statement by the being, Your word choice reflects a colloquialness to our realm, have you been here long? If you were able to pull us into this... Realm... Why were those other Mages a threat to you? One would think that pulling them inside your Astral Realm and subduing them should have been just as easy. After asking the questions he's immediately struck by another thought, Astral Realm... Strong Mind Magic... Ability to Read Thoughts! Crap! Wait... wasn't strong Mind magic used this morning...

[Shadowy]

Span attempts to keep the look of shock off his face, in the presence of a true Supernal being... The possibilities and the answers to arcane questions was potentially endless. Span's natural suspicion immediately flagged several holes in the story.

In a respectful tone, Span begins the process of unweaving the incongruent statement by the being, Your word choice reflects a colloquialness to our realm, have you been here long? If you were able to pull us into this... Realm... Why were those other Mages a threat to you? One would think that pulling them inside your Astral Realm and subduing them should have been just as easy. After asking the questions he's immediately struck by another thought, Astral Realm... Strong Mind Magic... Ability to Read Thoughts! Crap! Wait... wasn't strong Mind magic used this morning...

"Around twenty years now, with barely anyone to talk to. It got boring. The mages were a threat because one of them was a master of time trying to undo my summoning from history. Which would've gotten me eaten by the abyss. I also can't directly interfere with anyone. At all. I have to work through others."

"Oh, and a few other useful bits of info: was originally summoned by someone in the Pentacle, don't know who, they paradoxed it and caused an evil abyssal twin of me to come through as well. They didn't care, I gave them a ton of supernal power, they mostly won the war against the seers. Whoever summoned me screwed up the summoning so that the passage back through the abyss to the Supernal is barred by magical seals hidden throughout town."

She shrugs, then looks around the room, thinking. "Am I missing anything?

Oh, yeah. The two mages were scelesti created in England in a battle between some seers and a mysterium faction that caused a massive time magic paradox that turned them into abyssal mages with an evil, abyss summoning legacy. The real mages just got trapped in the abyss, but the younger one just summoned the Mysterium mage back, though he's going to disappear in about two days. I'll trade you his phone number if you want it."

She brightens up, smiling. "Any other questions?"

[XianTheCoder]

Well you have to appreciate her... its... conciseness. Twenty years past... Pentacle Mage... won the war against the Seers... Caesar? He's powerful, gained more power after the Supernatural cleansing, and isn't the type to care about how he steps on or what he unleashing in his quest for power. Best to keep that theory under-wraps until I have more information. Thank you for the recap. So basically those two mages are abyssal entities and killing them just sends them home where they wait to be resummoned... Fantastic. Span can't keep the annoyance out of his voice. Span studies the woman a moment, trying to decide if he believes her enough to ignore the remaining holes and unanswered questions in her story, deciding he does for the moment, he leaves his remaining questions for the future when he can be more subtle. After a long pause, finally, Span says, I guess introductions are in order, I'm Span, that's Sirius, Pulse, and Jack Smith. Span will indicate each in turn. We are a Pentacle cabal known as The Misfits, and amongst us represent four of the five Paths and Orders. Span will give a respectful bow of his head. By what name can we refer to you?

Span will wait for a response before continuing onto his next statement, mostly directed at the cabal. It would take a Mage of immense power to summon a being of the Supernal Realm, likely archmastery. Every mage has heard the tales of the a Mage who has a friend of a friend of a friend that reached such mastery of the arcana that he was able to leave the Fallen World and join the Oracles in the Supernal, never with any proof, but a long desperately held hope by those of us on this side of the Abyss. Even the rumor of a path to the Supernal Realms would bring every mage of all Orders and allegiances to Boston. Seers would come in hopes of communicating with the Exarchs, Pentacles would come in hopes of helping the Oracles, and the independents would come just for the raw power that they could command. This is an enormous secret that we need to withhold from all save those we absolutely trust. And who do we trust with such a secret? Even those that would help would pull rank to take the rewards for them self.

Span stops for a moment to let the gravity of the situation sink in, before turning his attention back to the woman. There are so many question that need answers, in order to help you, but helping you return home is something that I would like to do. First, do you have any idea what these seals look like, or how we could identify them and unseal them? Once you send our minds back to our bodies, how do we communicate with you in the future? Is your evil twin still in existence? Is there anything you can tell us about the Mage who originally summoned you, a description, or any memorable personality quirks? Do you have a physical manifestion in the material realm, if so, where is it trapped and can we free it? Span's mind flutters with many more questions, but he realizes that he may be overwhelming everyone and stops to let her answer.

[ZhangoSqu]

Jack stands silent as his questions are met, more or less, with evasive answers. I don't like this... at all. As Span asserts himself toward the being Jack watches her closely. Noticing that she gives a little more to Span, based on his line of questioning. Once Span gives his speech, regarding the care that must be taken in protecting this information, a sick feeling enter's Jack's gut. Span was a good person, but Jack had seen what an addiction could do; Span appeared to be teetering on the edge of a very dangerous precipice in what Jack could only assume was a play for more power.

Jack looks to the supernal being, "And if we were to refuse to help? What then?"

[baerun]

Pulse stands silently towards the back of the group, initially in awe of the powerful being before the cabal. Listening intently to the conversation between the being and Jack and Span, Pulse gets the feeling there is some misdirection being given. How could she summon us here if she can't interfere directly? That doesn't add up at all. Instead of voicing his doubt Pulse directs some questions at the being instead. "So what incentive do we have to help you more than we already have? The way I see it, you owe us a favor already for saving you from being erased, and whoever gained power through you also owes us. All that being said, how do we know you are what you say you are?"

[Shadowy]

Well you have to appreciate her... its... conciseness. Twenty years past... Pentacle Mage... won the war against the Seers... Caesar? He's powerful, gained more power after the Supernatural cleansing, and isn't the type to care about how he steps on or what he unleashing in his quest for power. Best to keep that theory under-wraps until I have more information. Thank you for the recap. So basically those two mages are abyssal entities and killing them just sends them home where they wait to be resummoned... Fantastic. Span can't keep the annoyance out of his voice. Span studies the woman a moment, trying to decide if he believes her enough to ignore the remaining holes and unanswered questions in her story, deciding he does for the moment, he leaves his remaining questions for the future when he can be more subtle. After a long pause, finally, Span says, I guess introductions are in order, I'm Span, that's Sirius, Pulse, and Jack Smith. Span will indicate each in turn. We are a Pentacle cabal known as The Misfits, and amongst us represent four of the five Paths and Orders. Span will give a respectful bow of his head. By what name can we refer to you?

Span will wait for a response before continuing onto his next statement, mostly directed at the cabal. It would take a Mage of immense power to summon a being of the Supernal Realm, likely archmastery. Every mage has heard the tales of the a Mage who has a friend of a friend of a friend that reached such mastery of the arcana that he was able to leave the Fallen World and join the Oracles in the Supernal, never with any proof, but a long desperately held hope by those of us on this side of the Abyss. Even the rumor of a path to the Supernal Realms would bring every mage of all Orders and allegiances to Boston. Seers would come in hopes of communicating with the Exarchs, Pentacles would come in hopes of helping the Oracles, and the independents would come just for the raw power that they could command. This is an enormous secret that we need to withhold from all save those we absolutely trust. And who do we trust with such a secret? Even those that would help would pull rank to take the rewards for them self.

Span stops for a moment to let the gravity of the situation sink in, before turning his attention back to the woman. There are so many question that need answers, in order to help you, but helping you return home is something that I would like to do. First, do you have any idea what these seals look like, or how we could identify them and unseal them? Once you send our minds back to our bodies, how do we communicate with you in the future? Is your evil twin still in existence? Is there anything you can tell us about the Mage who originally summoned you, a description, or any memorable personality quirks? Do you have a physical manifestion in the material realm, if so, where is it trapped and can we free it? Span's mind flutters with many more questions, but he realizes that he may be overwhelming everyone and stops to let her answer.

"Name? I never really thought about a name. Let me get back to you on that one."

"Yep, you should hide me. I could give the ability for any mage to win a war over his peers. I've seen people stab their best friends in the back for less."

"The seals tend to be powerful magical stuff like this clock, you'll recognize them by their resonance.. This clock is one of them, actually. But don't break it, it's the most convenient way to get in contact with me. Break it last. The abyssal entity is still around, making trouble. The mage who summoned me was a mastigos with enough power to keep me from figuring out who they were, and if I've got a physical manifestation I've got no idea where it is or what it's doing."


Jack stands silent as his questions are met, more or less, with evasive answers. I don't like this... at all. As Span asserts himself toward the being Jack watches her closely. Noticing that she gives a little more to Span, based on his line of questioning. Once Span gives his speech, regarding the care that must be taken in protecting this information, a sick feeling enter's Jack's gut. Span was a good person, but Jack had seen what an addiction could do; Span appeared to be teetering on the edge of a very dangerous precipice in what Jack could only assume was a play for more power.

Jack looks to the supernal being, "And if we were to refuse to help? What then?"

She slumps, frowning and losing the manic energy for a moment. "Well, I'd be sad. Then bored, and waiting around for someone who is willing to help me, or death."



Pulse stands silently towards the back of the group, initially in awe of the powerful being before the cabal. Listening intently to the conversation between the being and Jack and Span, Pulse gets the feeling there is some misdirection being given. How could she summon us here if she can't interfere directly? That doesn't add up at all. Instead of voicing his doubt Pulse directs some questions at the being instead. "So what incentive do we have to help you more than we already have? The way I see it, you owe us a favor already for saving you from being erased, and whoever gained power through you also owes us. All that being said, how do we know you are what you say you are?"

"Uh, power, backing of an incredibly wise, knowledgeable and incredibly attractive Supernal entity? I do owe you a little something for being erased, though the original summoner had his own deal. He doesn't owe you squat."

She grins, doing a quick spin in her chair. "This is the fun part though. You can't! I could be an abyssal entity trying to trick you into selling out the fallen world so I can devour it for myself. All I can do is be as honest and to the point as possible to try and convince you."

"Besides, it's not like I want you to sell your soul or something. Unless you really want to sell your soul for some reason, like me taking it with me when I go back up to the Supernal........Wait. That's actually a really good idea. I can try that if you want."

[XianTheCoder]

"Name? I never really thought about a name. Let me get back to you on that one."
Until you select a name for yourself, would you mind if I called you "Min"? It seems a fitting name for you.


"The seals tend to be powerful magical stuff like this clock, you'll recognize them by their resonance.. This clock is one of them, actually. But don't break it, it's the most convenient way to get in contact with me. Break it last. The abyssal entity is still around, making trouble. The mage who summoned me was a mastigos with enough power to keep me from figuring out who they were, and if I've got a physical manifestation I've got no idea where it is or what it's doing."
Ok, good to know. Do you know of any way that they can be located or tracked? Perhaps using some kind of Sympathetic connection that you know of?


"Uh, power, backing of an incredibly wise, knowledgeable and incredibly attractive Supernal entity? I do owe you a little something for being erased, though the original summoner had his own deal. He doesn't owe you squat."
Are you willing to tell us what the deal was? It may give us some clues into who the summoner is, if we knew what he cared about. On the topic of what you feel you owe us, far be it for me to disagree with the rescued, or with my cabal-mate. Span will smile, a bit too deviously for comfort. There are certainly things that I would be willing to accept from you, that would also help us return you home. From what I gather, you're likely from the Realm of the Mind, that's an arcana that I would like to explore in much greater detail.


"Besides, it's not like I want you to sell your soul or something. Unless you really want to sell your soul for some reason, like me taking it with me when I go back up to the Supernal........Wait. That's actually a really good idea. I can try that if you want."
Well, I am of the mind that my soul should fetch a hefty price, so lets not start those negotiations just yet. Span smiles as if that was a joke... or was it?

[ZhangoSqu]

Jack will listen carefully and nod, so far satisfied with the answers given by "Min" the supernal being, as Span has decided to dub her. He will also watch Span, growing concerned for his friend.

Jack speaks up after a period of silence. "Span, quit flirting."

He continues "I can't speak for my cabalmates, but I can for myself. Until given a reason to distrust you or your intentions, I see no reason not to help you return home." Jack will turn his attention to Span, Pulse, and Sirius momentarily "Power without discipline and wisdom is dangerous; as such--" he turns back toward "Min", "--I do not need or desire anything in return for my services, at this time."

Gauging the various reactions, Jack nonchalantly adds "how many seals are there, do you know?"

[Shadowy]

Until you select a name for yourself, would you mind if I called you "Min"? It seems a fitting name for you.


Ok, good to know. Do you know of any way that they can be located or tracked? Perhaps using some kind of Sympathetic connection that you know of?


Are you willing to tell us what the deal was? It may give us some clues into who the summoner is, if we knew what he cared about. On the topic of what you feel you owe us, far be it for me to disagree with the rescued, or with my cabal-mate. Span will smile, a bit too deviously for comfort. There are certainly things that I would be willing to accept from you, that would also help us return you home. From what I gather, you're likely from the Realm of the Mind, that's an arcana that I would like to explore in much greater detail.


Well, I am of the mind that my soul should fetch a hefty price, so lets not start those negotiations just yet. Span smiles as if that was a joke... or was it?


"Ohhh. Min. I likey. Min likey. It's actually pretty tough to track them. The only giveaway is that they're powerful magical objects, and if you use them or cast on them they can usually be used for something big and emit the really powerful resonance you saw."

"As for the deal, I'm perfectly willing to tell you! Just unable, sadly. I can tell you you're going to get a boost to your arcana working with me. It's best to invest in a soul before you start going after it." She smiles a slightly joking and devious smile of her own. Probably.


Jack will listen carefully and nod, so far satisfied with the answers given by "Min" the supernal being, as Span has decided to dub her. He will also watch Span, growing concerned for his friend.

Jack speaks up after a period of silence. "Span, quit flirting."

He continues "I can't speak for my cabalmates, but I can for myself. Until given a reason to distrust you or your intentions, I see no reason not to help you return home." Jack will turn his attention to Span, Pulse, and Sirius momentarily "Power without discipline and wisdom is dangerous; as such--" he turns back toward "Min", "--I do not need or desire anything in return for my services, at this time."

Gauging the various reactions, Jack nonchalantly adds "how many seals are there, do you know?"

"Oh, you're using Min! I really do like it after all. I'm glad for the help returning. However, there's quite a few seals. At least four, no less then ten, just because there's no way there's more then ten magical items to be used for seals in this city. However, people have probably already grabbed them for themselves. Powerful people. Agreeing to help me out, I can give you some knowledge in any arcana of your choice, except for Matter. If you don't want it, offer will stay on the table if you change your mind."

[XianTheCoder]

"Ohhh. Min. I likey. Min likey. It's actually pretty tough to track them. The only giveaway is that they're powerful magical objects, and if you use them or cast on them they can usually be used for something big and emit the really powerful resonance you saw."
I'm glad you like it, I think it fits you well, Span will wink at Min. Sounds like this could be a very extended process. I know someone with a large local library, I can see about getting research access to it. Those Scelesti knew about the clock, they may know about other Seals as well, tracking the remaining one should be a top priority. Min, any chance you know his name? And That phone number you offered would be very helpful.


"As for the deal, I'm perfectly willing to tell you! Just unable, sadly. I can tell you you're going to get a boost to your arcana working with me. It's best to invest in a soul before you start going after it." She smiles a slightly joking and devious smile of her own. Probably.
Span likes what he hears, but not necessarily in the way everyone may be expecting, I assume you must have gotten something interesting in return for your help, considering it sounds like the Summoner received much in return.


"Oh, you're using Min! I really do like it after all. I'm glad for the help returning. However, there's quite a few seals. At least four, no less then ten, just because there's no way there's more then ten magical items to be used for seals in this city. However, people have probably already grabbed them for themselves. Powerful people. Agreeing to help me out, I can give you some knowledge in any arcana of your choice, except for Matter. If you don't want it, offer will stay on the table if you change your mind."
Span frowns, Ten... This could take a while. It also presents ten potential opportunities for 'rewards'

[Failed Phantasm]

All Sirius had done was blink. He had the jacket sleeve over his left arm and was getting ready to pull the right one on when he blinked and suddenly he wasn't in the church any more. It appeared to be a featureless stone cage — room — with no windows or doors, and little in the way of furnishing; it could have been made of prefabricated concrete for how utterly plain it looked. Maybe that was the point. There was a certain weight in the air, a heaviness that bordered on suffocating that was pressing both down and in, leaving Sirius with the very distinct impression of being trapped. His muscles began to tense as he quickly glanced around to assess the location, futilely hoping to spot a means of escape, and there was a restlessness building inside him that made him want to pace. It reinforced the feeling of being trapped, of being imprisoned. Yet for all the discomfort it caused him, it also evoked a certain feeling of familiarity.

Independent of whatever it was that was bearing down all around him, so too was there an indescribably powerful presence that was making itself known: alien enough as to be beyond the comprehension of the human mind, majestic enough to touch the depths of his very soul and make him feel as if he were soaring. Sirius was aware that he had been here before. Or at least, that was what his senses were telling him, with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer to the face. But what could this possibly be reminding—

'The Primal Wild,' he realized, after only a moment. 'My Awakening.' This was noticeably different, though: there was an utterly unfamiliar quality to the power he was sensing and, in spite of the emotional barrage he was experiencing, his every feeling wasn't being heightened beyond the ability of his conscious mind to control. It was Supernal power, he concluded, but not that of his Path, not that of the Primal Wild. If he were right, the knowing of that was... anything but comforting. For all that the human soul longed for the Supernal, Sirius knew almost nothing substantial about the other Supernal Realms. Not beyond what he'd been taught during his initial Arrow training. And, in fact, this was only the second time that he'd experienced Supernal power at all after his Awakening. This sort of thing was far from an everyday occurrence, after all, even if only for him.

'What the hell have we just been forced into?' he wondered, realizing that he'd been silent for an inordinately long time. No one seemed to have noticed and that was probably for the best. He took a few deep breaths as quietly as he could to steady himself, and at least he didn't seem to have snapped or acted out while he had been struggling to maintain his composure. In fact, he'd managed to fully put his jacket on, cross his arms, and stand quietly, as if deep in thought. Which, in fairness, he had been. Sirius seemed to have turned his attention to the conversation just as Span was introducing the cabal. Seated behind a sleek-looking desk was a red-haired woman, dressed in a business suit and grinning like the Cheshire Cat. Jack, Pulse, and Span appeared to have been speaking with her already and, as they continued to do so, Sirius was at a loss as to what he should be saying or doing.

'They're all acting so casually,' he noted with wonder, as Span and Pulse apparently found the audacity to try bargaining with the entity. 'How am I the only one who's struggling to wrap my head around all of this? When have they ever run into anyone like her before? It can't just be because I'm the junior member of the cabal.' He assessed the woman as she babbled happily — and at one point, in response to Jack, not-so-happily — about her situation, and Sirius found himself wishing she were a spirit from his Path's realm. That was a surprising reaction; how could he possibly have a preference for what Supernal entities he dealt with when he'd barely dealt with any at all? 'Because the spirits of the Primal Wild never made pretenses for anything they did. They were straightforward.' He glared at the woman, his gaze hardening for a brief moment. 'They're honest. During my Awakening, when a spirit wanted to kill me, it tried to kill me. When it wanted something from me, it wouldn't bother being coy unless that was in its nature. Otherwise, it just got straight to the point. Not like this woman. No matter how much she wants to play the part of a laughing rogue, I'm not buying it. If—' His train of thought halted for a moment. 'I wish I could say that I know better, but I really don't. But that's what I get for being dumb as a sack of bricks, isn't it? Worst mage on the Eastern Seaboard. Why did I even Awaken?' he thought bitterly. It had come up when he was talking to Officer at the station and he was thinking it again now: magic was so damn complicated. 'For all I know, this thing's an acamoth with all its talk of 'removing the seals that bind it' and offering to grant us power.'



Active Effects:
Active Spells = 0/4 (Gnosis + 3), Spell Tolerance = 3 (Stamina), Mana = 5/10 (1 per turn)


None

[ZhangoSqu]

"Oh, you're using Min! I really do like it after all. I'm glad for the help returning. However, there's quite a few seals. At least four, no less then ten, just because there's no way there's more then ten magical items to be used for seals in this city. However, people have probably already grabbed them for themselves. Powerful people. Agreeing to help me out, I can give you some knowledge in any arcana of your choice, except for Matter. If you don't want it, offer will stay on the table if you change your mind."

Jack struggles with both the desire to increase his power and his apprehension that he is not ready for such knowledge. Besides, Melchior would become suspicious if he ever found out... not something that helps to keep this secret. "Like my friends, I do seek a greater understanding of magical forces, but I seek to do so knowing that I will be able to fully control and utilize them. If there is a way in which I can gradually learn what you have to offer, over time, that would be more palatable to me." At the same time, Jack is not certain that this power--gained slowly or quickly--does not come at a price. "If we are being perfectly honest with one another," Jack addresses Min, "then it is also worth stating that gradually learning the mysteries of the arcane from you will give me more of a chance to evaluate you and your purposes without sacrificing too much along the way."

The supernal realm was far from comfortable for Jack, but he was making his best effort to hide the fact that he felt completely out of place here. His limited knowledge of the astral realm was a deficiency that he knew he would have to remedy going forward. His "skin" crawled with every movement that Min made and every time he himself shifted. He kept the discomfort hidden well enough, but every fiber of his being screamed at him to get away. He felt somewhat fortunate though, if Min did not require their services and had evil intent they would be long dead by now he suspected. In time, they would know whether working with Min was the right or wrong decision. Until then they could only do their best to keep Min's power and influence from falling into the wrong hands.


Span likes what he hears, but not necessarily in the way everyone may be expecting, I assume you must have gotten something interesting in return for your help, considering it sounds like the Summoner received much in return.

Returning to the subject at hand, Jack underscores Span's last question. "I believe my friend already has his suspicions over who could have summoned you, judging from his line of inquiry. I, too, am interested to know what deal was made as it may lead us to one of the seals."

[baerun]

Pulse continues to follow the conversation between his cabal-mates and 'Min' , shaking his head or nodding along as the conversation goes. I'm of the mind that you are hiding more than you are letting on. Pulse addresses to Min, However, I like to consider myself a realist. We have the opportunity to assist, in whatever capacity, and be rewarded for it. As it stands now, we can be certain if we don't help, the next mage that comes along will, and they will gain whatever knowledge we could have earned. I also realize that I'm stating aloud what most of us are thinking. I am one to put all my cards on the table and still play my hand.

Pulse shrugs as he continues on talking. "You say you can teach anything except Matter. At this point, I am still interested only because you might be able to further my goals in other areas. I think we are all interested in learning something, even Sirius might be interested after a time if we can convince him you're not an abyssal entity in disguise. Of course, if you are, that would be very difficult indeed." Pulse laughs to himself at his slight joke.

[XianTheCoder]

Hearing Pulse and Jack express their opinions, and feeling fairly certain he knows what Sirius would choose to do, Span tries to close the loop, So I think we understand everyone's position. Pulse and Myself agree with Min, that a reward is in order for preventing her destruction. Pulse and Myself will accept the reward, while Jack and Sirius, I presume, will have a free Call Option on that reward at any time in the future. This reward is for Services Already Rendered, and binds no participant to any future obligations either now, or at the time of acceptance. Those of us who choose to help Min, can negotiate the terms of any future assistance in a seperate set of accords. Span will look to each member of the cabal to gauge whether they agree. Does anyone have any issues with that? Span will wait a few moments for any responses.

So I guess we can now discuss the actual reward. Span will look to Pulse for support. We don't want to be greedy. However, there are a couple major considerations. First, how does one put a price tag on Life? All I can do is think about the boons I would give or the sacrifices that I would make to keep myself alive, and use that as my guide. Second, should we decide to help Min return home, which I am of the opinion that we should, we will need far greater powers than we currently possess. We've already faced down a Master, and we're being told that there are more to come. To be effective in future endevours, Min will have to recognize that she needs to make a large investment in us initially. Span thinks for a moment, which is mostly just stalling since, oddly enough, this has been a fantasy situation that he has thought and dreamed about many times since his awakening. Finally he stops rubbing his chin, and looks to Min, Considering everything, I think the appropriate reward is 'Enough Arcane understanding, to bring a Mage uneducated in a specific arcana to Mastery, within that same Arcanum'. Span smiles, Of course this understanding does not need to be allocated within a single arcana, but spread amongst a variety at each Mages discretion, provided that the sum of the knowledge equates to mastery of a single arcana. That's a pitance compared to the boons bestowed upon our mysterious Mastigo friend, and puts us each in a good position to be effective against those that may try and stop us from succeeding at returning you home. And... it's enough power that even the likes of Jack and Sirius will feel compelled to accept, even if they still go through the process of 'vetting' our new friend. Thouhgts?

Yeah.. Span just asked for 105xp (give or take 15 depending on whether it's ruling, common, or inferior :D

[ZhangoSqu]

Jack will nod, regarding Span's assessment, speaking up to clarify his position. "If it is for services already rendered and within her power, I would like to take our new found ally here up on her offer of tutelage; but do so at a more discrete pace so that I know what it is that I am gaining, and learn to control and master it."

Jack hesitates a moment at Span's request, and his call for agreement. He's bold. I'll give him that. Mulling over the situation a bit, Jack resolves himself to back Span's request, albeit cautiously. I fear that a lack of balance and power in the cabal will only make things more difficult to manage, especially if one of us loses control. "It seems a bit much, Span--" Jack suggests aloud "--if it is all given at once. I believe even a supernal being, especially one such as Min who has been rendered incarcerated in the past due to other pacts made, may be hesitant to offer that much power. If she even can, in her current state." Jack will look to Min, giving her a chance to speak to confirm or rebuff Jack's assumption. Also seeing this as a way to ascertain, in part, how much power Min still holds despite being held captive as she is.

"However, you do make a good point that in order for us to help Min, we will need to become more experienced than we already are and we may not have the luxury of gaining the skills necessary in the most conventional of means."


Basically, I'm looking for Jack to stay competitive with the rest of the cabal in terms of experience gained, but will apply it gradually and not all at once. So, as a player I would like to set up Jack in such a way that he can acquire the XP immediately but it will take time, maybe with occasional meditations, etc. to increase his over all skills. This will probably demand that Jack begin shoring up his Mind arcana which was one of the arcana of interest to me in order to study from Min (if that is at all possible).

[baerun]

Pulse nods in agreement. Span is correct Min. I know not what I would pursue, but I do know we will all need to gain more knowledge to assist. I am, at the moment, hopeful that you are not lying and we are doing the right thing by helping you. Either way, investigating the doppleganger and helping one of them will be a good endeavor.

[Shadowy]

I'm glad you like it, I think it fits you well, Span will wink at Min. Sounds like this could be a very extended process. I know someone with a large local library, I can see about getting research access to it. Those Scelesti knew about the clock, they may know about other Seals as well, tracking the remaining one should be a top priority. Min, any chance you know his name? And That phone number you offered would be very helpful.


Span likes what he hears, but not necessarily in the way everyone may be expecting, I assume you must have gotten something interesting in return for your help, considering it sounds like the Summoner received much in return.


Span frowns, Ten... This could take a while. It also presents ten potential opportunities for 'rewards'

"The Scelesti's shadow name is Timothy Dexter. They both answer to it though. And what I got was pretty fascinating, yeah."

"Oh, and the phone number will be on your cellphone when you get back. Consider it a freebie."


Jack struggles with both the desire to increase his power and his apprehension that he is not ready for such knowledge. Besides, Melchior would become suspicious if he ever found out... not something that helps to keep this secret. "Like my friends, I do seek a greater understanding of magical forces, but I seek to do so knowing that I will be able to fully control and utilize them. If there is a way in which I can gradually learn what you have to offer, over time, that would be more palatable to me." At the same time, Jack is not certain that this power--gained slowly or quickly--does not come at a price. "If we are being perfectly honest with one another," Jack addresses Min, "then it is also worth stating that gradually learning the mysteries of the arcane from you will give me more of a chance to evaluate you and your purposes without sacrificing too much along the way."

The supernal realm was far from comfortable for Jack, but he was making his best effort to hide the fact that he felt completely out of place here. His limited knowledge of the astral realm was a deficiency that he knew he would have to remedy going forward. His "skin" crawled with every movement that Min made and every time he himself shifted. He kept the discomfort hidden well enough, but every fiber of his being screamed at him to get away. He felt somewhat fortunate though, if Min did not require their services and had evil intent they would be long dead by now he suspected. In time, they would know whether working with Min was the right or wrong decision. Until then they could only do their best to keep Min's power and influence from falling into the wrong hands.



Returning to the subject at hand, Jack underscores Span's last question. "I believe my friend already has his suspicions over who could have summoned you, judging from his line of inquiry. I, too, am interested to know what deal was made as it may lead us to one of the seals."

"Fair enough. You can claim the power at whatever rate suits your fancy, I don't mind."

"I would tell you about the deal, but I can't discuss the details."


Pulse continues to follow the conversation between his cabal-mates and 'Min' , shaking his head or nodding along as the conversation goes. I'm of the mind that you are hiding more than you are letting on. Pulse addresses to Min, However, I like to consider myself a realist. We have the opportunity to assist, in whatever capacity, and be rewarded for it. As it stands now, we can be certain if we don't help, the next mage that comes along will, and they will gain whatever knowledge we could have earned. I also realize that I'm stating aloud what most of us are thinking. I am one to put all my cards on the table and still play my hand.

Pulse shrugs as he continues on talking. "You say you can teach anything except Matter. At this point, I am still interested only because you might be able to further my goals in other areas. I think we are all interested in learning something, even Sirius might be interested after a time if we can convince him you're not an abyssal entity in disguise. Of course, if you are, that would be very difficult indeed." Pulse laughs to himself at his slight joke.

She shrugs. "If you're just doing it for a reward, doesn't really matter to me. I'm fairly certain nobody else could match my offers."

She stares at the ceiling for a moment, pondering. "I do wonder if abyssal entities know that they're from the abyss. That'd be a pretty terrible thing to find out."


Hearing Pulse and Jack express their opinions, and feeling fairly certain he knows what Sirius would choose to do, Span tries to close the loop, So I think we understand everyone's position. Pulse and Myself agree with Min, that a reward is in order for preventing her destruction. Pulse and Myself will accept the reward, while Jack and Sirius, I presume, will have a free Call Option on that reward at any time in the future. This reward is for Services Already Rendered, and binds no participant to any future obligations either now, or at the time of acceptance. Those of us who choose to help Min, can negotiate the terms of any future assistance in a seperate set of accords. Span will look to each member of the cabal to gauge whether they agree. Does anyone have any issues with that? Span will wait a few moments for any responses.

So I guess we can now discuss the actual reward. Span will look to Pulse for support. We don't want to be greedy. However, there are a couple major considerations. First, how does one put a price tag on Life? All I can do is think about the boons I would give or the sacrifices that I would make to keep myself alive, and use that as my guide. Second, should we decide to help Min return home, which I am of the opinion that we should, we will need far greater powers than we currently possess. We've already faced down a Master, and we're being told that there are more to come. To be effective in future endevours, Min will have to recognize that she needs to make a large investment in us initially. Span thinks for a moment, which is mostly just stalling since, oddly enough, this has been a fantasy situation that he has thought and dreamed about many times since his awakening. Finally he stops rubbing his chin, and looks to Min, Considering everything, I think the appropriate reward is 'Enough Arcane understanding, to bring a Mage uneducated in a specific arcana to Mastery, within that same Arcanum'. Span smiles, Of course this understanding does not need to be allocated within a single arcana, but spread amongst a variety at each Mages discretion, provided that the sum of the knowledge equates to mastery of a single arcana. That's a pitance compared to the boons bestowed upon our mysterious Mastigo friend, and puts us each in a good position to be effective against those that may try and stop us from succeeding at returning you home. And... it's enough power that even the likes of Jack and Sirius will feel compelled to accept, even if they still go through the process of 'vetting' our new friend. Thouhgts?

Yeah.. Span just asked for 105xp (give or take 15 depending on whether it's ruling, common, or inferior :D

"No future obligations, verbal contract, sounds really good about here. Only thing is that I would bring you up to mastery...if I could. I've been locked in the fallen world for over twenty years now, from a botched summoning, with powerful magical seals keeping me around. I can't provide that much. Yet. Break the seals, get a good working relationship and I'll be able to get you bigger and better."


Jack will nod, regarding Span's assessment, speaking up to clarify his position. "If it is for services already rendered and within her power, I would like to take our new found ally here up on her offer of tutelage; but do so at a more discrete pace so that I know what it is that I am gaining, and learn to control and master it."

Jack hesitates a moment at Span's request, and his call for agreement. He's bold. I'll give him that. Mulling over the situation a bit, Jack resolves himself to back Span's request, albeit cautiously. I fear that a lack of balance and power in the cabal will only make things more difficult to manage, especially if one of us loses control. "It seems a bit much, Span--" Jack suggests aloud "--if it is all given at once. I believe even a supernal being, especially one such as Min who has been rendered incarcerated in the past due to other pacts made, may be hesitant to offer that much power. If she even can, in her current state." Jack will look to Min, giving her a chance to speak to confirm or rebuff Jack's assumption. Also seeing this as a way to ascertain, in part, how much power Min still holds despite being held captive as she is.

"However, you do make a good point that in order for us to help Min, we will need to become more experienced than we already are and we may not have the luxury of gaining the skills necessary in the most conventional of means."


Basically, I'm looking for Jack to stay competitive with the rest of the cabal in terms of experience gained, but will apply it gradually and not all at once. So, as a player I would like to set up Jack in such a way that he can acquire the XP immediately but it will take time, maybe with occasional meditations, etc. to increase his over all skills. This will probably demand that Jack begin shoring up his Mind arcana which was one of the arcana of interest to me in order to study from Min (if that is at all possible).


"Yeah. Poke the clock whenever you want a bit more power, I'll provide it however slow you want."


Pulse nods in agreement. Span is correct Min. I know not what I would pursue, but I do know we will all need to gain more knowledge to assist. I am, at the moment, hopeful that you are not lying and we are doing the right thing by helping you. Either way, investigating the doppleganger and helping one of them will be a good endeavor.

"I'm hoping for the same things."

She looks over at Sirius quizzically. "Hey? What's up with you? You not want in or something?"

[XianTheCoder]

"The Scelesti's shadow name is Timothy Dexter. They both answer to it though. And what I got was pretty fascinating, yeah."

"Oh, and the phone number will be on your cellphone when you get back. Consider it a freebie."
Span nods in appreciation.


She stares at the ceiling for a moment, pondering. "I do wonder if abyssal entities know that they're from the abyss. That'd be a pretty terrible thing to find out."
If every day is a rainy day, would you really miss a sunny day? I once knew a Mage who believed that the Abyss both simultaneously exists and does not exist, from my limited understanding it was something akin to much more complex version of Schrodinger's Cat. He suggested that the denizens of the Abyss where able to understand this paradoxical circumstance in a way that those from the Material Realm never could. Using his theory as a guide, it would imply that Abyssal Entities would know that they are denizens of a Realm, and since they spend every day in the Abyss, they probably don't view it as 'terrible', at least by our understanding of the concept. My friend also advised me never to try and understand the motivations of the Abyss.


"Only thing is that I would bring you up to mastery...if I could. I've been locked in the fallen world for over twenty years now, from a botched summoning, with powerful magical seals keeping me around. I can't provide that much. Yet. Break the seals, get a good working relationship and I'll be able to get you bigger and better."
Good to know. Just so we have an understanding, how much arcane understanding can you impart?

[Shadowy]

Span nods in appreciation.


If every day is a rainy day, would you really miss a sunny day? I once knew a Mage who believed that the Abyss both simultaneously exists and does not exist, from my limited understanding it was something akin to much more complex version of Schrodinger's Cat. He suggested that the denizens of the Abyss where able to understand this paradoxical circumstance in a way that those from the Material Realm never could. Using his theory as a guide, it would imply that Abyssal Entities would know that they are denizens of a Realm, and since they spend every day in the Abyss, they probably don't view it as 'terrible', at least by our understanding of the concept. My friend also advised me never to try and understand the motivations of the Abyss.

"Abyssal creatures are weird as hell yo."



Good to know. Just so we have an understanding, how much arcane understanding can you impart?

"Enough to bump someone up to an initiate, at least. Anything more might take more knowledge, but it's still a pretty hefty boost."

[Failed Phantasm]

In spite of being stunned to the point of silence by where he was and what he was dealing with, Sirius was trying to follow the conversation as best he could. He knew there was little chance of him actually remembering every word, but the gist of the thing was alarming enough, even when approached from a broader perspective. The entity had told them a story that seemed compelling enough, and hadn't Officer even told him earlier that there were rumors of Scelesti on the move in Boston? But as it kept talking, it was coming up very short on details. It offered no evidence to corroborate its story, no reasoning or explanation for anything it said, or even why it couldn't tell them anything, and even for one so untrained in Abyssal and Supernal lore as Sirius, it strained his credulity to even entertain the notion of believing half of what it had said. It seemed to expect them take its word at face value, and while Sirius desperately hoped that none of the rest of his Cabal was actually doing that, he was completely dismayed at how easily they abandoned their questioning and jumped straight into trying to extract favors from it and falling over themselves to do its bidding so long as it promised to give them even more power.

Span was the worst of the three, trying to bargain for instant Mastery rather than trying to earn it — typical, really; for all that the other two might believe Span had good intentions, Sirius had never known him to be anything but selfish — but Pulse wasn't much better, masking his greed under the guise of so-called “pragmatism”. Who cared if someone else came along and found the clock? With all of the goddamn lies the Pentacle mages told each other and secrets they squirreled away out of sheer paranoia, how and why did the Pentacle still exist? How on earth would more knowledge of the Arcana help them, if they had never learned how to make the most of the power they already possessed? There was more to magic than just having information crammed into one's mind! It was one thing to know, and quite another to understand! Even a first-degree initiate, with only the most fundamental grasp of magic, had the power to impact the world in meaningful ways, to see the world for what it truly was. Alarmingly, even Jack was giving in, no matter how much he might protest that he was being cautious. How did he expect to keep this a secret from his own Order, the one that was rumored to know the skeletons in every mage's closet?

Sirius could feel the frustration and anger mounting inside him, white-hot and ready to burst forth. He would have clenched his fists were his arms not crossed, but he was certainly starting to feel warm enough to regret putting his jacket back on. 'You three won't even bother to find out if it's telling us even a single, solitary, goddamn iota of truth before diving headlong into this? Please tell me that dangling power in front of your noses isn't all it takes to make you idiots throw good sense and caution out the window!' “Incredulous” didn't even begin to describe his disbelief at his Cabal. Had he the presence of mind to do it, Sirius would have been mentally composing the — to be quite honest — rant he would have for them as soon as they were back in the material world.

But then it addressed him, mocked him with its jocular voice, taunted him with its quizzical expression, one eyebrow arched as a slight frown tugged at its face. “Hey? What's up with you? You not want in or something?”

“NO.”

It was vehement, defiant, furious, bellowed without hesitation and ringing with clarity and conviction. It had slipped out without Sirius bothering to stop and think. Not that it would have mattered: even if he were calm and collected, he would have said exactly the same thing, felt exactly the same way. But now that he'd finally spoken up, he seized the initiative and continued on. He narrowed his eyes at the thing that claimed to be a Supernal entity and glared as he spoke, struggling to keep his deep voice low and even and calm, but not quite succeeding. “No, I do not.” He turned to his cabalmates and glared at them for good measure, too: he knew he'd never convince them of anything — no one ever listened to him — but maybe he could rattle them slightly. Maybe, just maybe, by sounding sure of himself, of seeming to be convinced that he was right, he might be able to snap at least one of them out of the delusional, foolhardy, self-assured, utterly self-destructive, and totally, idiotically misplaced sense of confidence they were suffering under. And even though, physically, he wasn't trembling or shaking to betray his emotions, his voice certainly was. “And you three can be damn sure that I have a hell of a lot to say about this entire thing but,” he jerked his head to the side, indicating the entity, “I'm not saying another word until we're out of here.”

[ZhangoSqu]

“NO.”

“No, I do not.” He turned to his cabalmates and glared at them for good measure, too ... even though, physically, he wasn't trembling or shaking to betray his emotions, his voice certainly was. “And you three can be damn sure that I have a hell of a lot to say about this entire thing but,” he jerked his head to the side, indicating the entity, “I'm not saying another word until we're out of here.”

Jack, shocked by Sirius' sudden outburst snapped his head as if he'd come out of a trance. Sirius seethed underneath it all, that much Jack was sure of. It must have been boiling up this whole time..., Jack's eyes narrowed slightly as he studied Sirius' reactions. Silently cursing himself for not paying more attention to Sirius prior to this whole development. Sirius had taken a decidedly more defiant stance than Jack's foot-in-the-water inquiry, as he turned his gaze back to "Min", he watched intently as Sirius addressed her in his speech to the cabal. Serious Sirius... Jack smirked a little to himself, well, at least one of us still has an ounce of dignity. Jack still rationalized to himself that his pursuit of power was noble and "for the greater good", while part of him couldn't help but feel he was just grasping after what he saw Pulse and Span being granted and not wanting to be left out.

Jack will nod at Sirius' final words the slight smirk disappearing by the time he turned around to face Sirius once again and address him "Perhaps that's for the best." Not waiting to see Sirius' reaction, Jack turned his attention back to Min, to study hers.

[XianTheCoder]

Highly suspecting that an outburst is coming, Span clenches slightly while waiting for it...

As Sirius finishes, Span sighs audibly, Well at least he isn't going to say another word. His constant inability to control his emotions, and his inability to understand that there are a variety of tactics available to get to 'Truth', are going to make him a liability. What am I saying... Sirius isn't interested in 'Truth', he's only interested in his narrow belief of 'Truth'. Span shakes his head, partly in mirth, partly in exasperation, I was really counting on a reliable Thrysus in the cabal so I could avoid learning Spirit and put off learning Life, maybe I need to revisit the Life decision... as much as Forces would be beneficial, both Pulse and Jack already have a basic understanding of it. Damnit Sirius! Span turns to Min, with a smile and a shrug, That's Sirius for you. You might not agree with him, but you have to admire his conviction to stick along the path he views as 'right'. Span smiles at Sirius, and attempts to make it look genuine, before he continues, I hardly consider 'Initiate' as the type of power that allows Mages to win wars, nor do I consider it a fair trade for your life. Span shrugs before changing the subject to one that he appears genuinely interested in learning about, So what is it like being trapped? If you have no known material manifestation, are you just stuck within your own Astral Realm? How are you aware of what happens with the clock, or anything else around you? Here's an even better question, why are 'you' 'here'? What makes this clock special, or do you have an awareness around each of the different seals? Clearly you know details of events beyond those that happened here, how do you learn those?

[Shadowy]

“NO.”

It was vehement, defiant, furious, bellowed without hesitation and ringing with clarity and conviction. It had slipped out without Sirius bothering to stop and think. Not that it would have mattered: even if he were calm and collected, he would have said exactly the same thing, felt exactly the same way. But now that he'd finally spoken up, he seized the initiative and continued on. He narrowed his eyes at the thing that claimed to be a Supernal entity and glared as he spoke, struggling to keep his deep voice low and even and calm, but not quite succeeding. “No, I do not.” He turned to his cabalmates and glared at them for good measure, too: he knew he'd never convince them of anything — no one ever listened to him — but maybe he could rattle them slightly. Maybe, just maybe, by sounding sure of himself, of seeming to be convinced that he was right, he might be able to snap at least one of them out of the delusional, foolhardy, self-assured, utterly self-destructive, and totally, idiotically misplaced sense of confidence they were suffering under. And even though, physically, he wasn't trembling or shaking to betray his emotions, his voice certainly was. “And you three can be damn sure that I have a hell of a lot to say about this entire thing but,” he jerked his head to the side, indicating the entity, “I'm not saying another word until we're out of here.”

"Ok, sure. No hard feelings, hopefully."
She looks away, dismissing him completely.


Highly suspecting that an outburst is coming, Span clenches slightly while waiting for it...

As Sirius finishes, Span sighs audibly, Well at least he isn't going to say another word. His constant inability to control his emotions, and his inability to understand that there are a variety of tactics available to get to 'Truth', are going to make him a liability. What am I saying... Sirius isn't interested in 'Truth', he's only interested in his narrow belief of 'Truth'. Span shakes his head, partly in mirth, partly in exasperation, I was really counting on a reliable Thrysus in the cabal so I could avoid learning Spirit and put off learning Life, maybe I need to revisit the Life decision... as much as Forces would be beneficial, both Pulse and Jack already have a basic understanding of it. Damnit Sirius! Span turns to Min, with a smile and a shrug, That's Sirius for you. You might not agree with him, but you have to admire his conviction to stick along the path he views as 'right'. Span smiles at Sirius, and attempts to make it look genuine, before he continues, I hardly consider 'Initiate' as the type of power that allows Mages to win wars, nor do I consider it a fair trade for your life. Span shrugs before changing the subject to one that he appears genuinely interested in learning about, So what is it like being trapped? If you have no known material manifestation, are you just stuck within your own Astral Realm? How are you aware of what happens with the clock, or anything else around you? Here's an even better question, why are 'you' 'here'? What makes this clock special, or do you have an awareness around each of the different seals? Clearly you know details of events beyond those that happened here, how do you learn those?

"Yeah, can't really blame him. I am, pretty much by the nature of these circumstances, untrustworthy. Anyway, the initiate thing is only the first of what I can give you. Work with me, there'll be more. Or break it off at any time any of you feels uncomfortable."

She leans back, putting her feet up and staring at the ceiling. "Honestly, not as bad as you might think. I'm from Pandemonium, being trapped is kinda normal there. I've mostly just been bored. Though I have entertained myself with scrying, I can still do that. I can see mostly around the city, but no luck on finding the seals. I can only see around this clock, and that's because it's been moved from the ward I presume it was under. The thing that makes this clock special is that it was very old, and full of resonance, so it was used in the summoning, in some weird way to make it the seal on my power it is now."

[XianTheCoder]

Anyway, the initiate thing is only the first of what I can give you. Work with me, there'll be more.
How does "working with you" equate to your ability to increase our power? Is it something as simple as, 'Break a Seal and you regain some of your old power' or is it more complicated than that?


She leans back, putting her feet up and staring at the ceiling. "Honestly, not as bad as you might think. I'm from Pandemonium, being trapped is kinda normal there. I've mostly just been bored. Though I have entertained myself with scrying, I can still do that. I can see mostly around the city, but no luck on finding the seals. I can only see around this clock, and that's because it's been moved from the ward I presume it was under. The thing that makes this clock special is that it was very old, and full of resonance, so it was used in the summoning, in some weird way to make it the seal on my power it is now."
Span nods, accepting the answer, Surely the other seals must have been unwarded at some point during the last 20 years, where you ever aware of any of the others? Enough to give us a vague idea about the type of items they may be? And where the others also directly used in the summoning? If not, do you have any idea how they became Seals?

[Shadowy]

How does "working with you" equate to your ability to increase our power? Is it something as simple as, 'Break a Seal and you regain some of your old power' or is it more complicated than that?


Span nods, accepting the answer, Surely the other seals must have been unwarded at some point during the last 20 years, where you ever aware of any of the others? Enough to give us a vague idea about the type of items they may be? And where the others also directly used in the summoning? If not, do you have any idea how they became Seals?

"That, and Supernal resonance. You just existing near me helps a little bit. Anyway, I don't have a clue about the other seals. They're all, undoubtedly, highly coveted and fought over artifacts that were used in my summoning. The Zone, the area held by Banishers could have one."

[XianTheCoder]

"The Zone, the area held by Banishers could have one."
Span looks thoughtful and considering for a moment, While I appreciate the lead... Any reason why you think there is one there?

On another topic, purely from curiosity standpoint. Is there a difference between perceived time and actual time while we are here with you?

Span will listen to the answers to first last couple questions, before nodding and giving a small bow, Well Min, it was been a pleasure, and one I hope we can share again in the future. My main focus will be on locating this Scelesti, and wringing any information he has about other seals out of him. I thank you for your generous reward and assure you that it will be used effectively to further our shared goals.

[baerun]

Pulse is shocked at the outburst from Sirius. Not really being aware of his other cabal mates emotional states, Pulse had not foreseen this coming. Pulse runs his hands through his hair. "Do we really have time for this? I think there are more pressing things at hand. Pulse clearly smirks as Sirius declares he has 'words' for him and the rest of his cabalmates. Does he not realize that there is more going on than what is being said?

Looking at his wrist as if to check the time, Pulse shakes his head when he realizes he no longer wears a watch. ****ing outburst has me forgetting things. Apparently someone never learned tantrums aren't allowed. Pulse looks to his companions and then to Min. As great as this has been, I think we have a doppleganger to chase down. And apparently a tirade to listen to instead of getting something accomplished. Thank you for being a gracious hostess Min. Pulse will bow with a flourish as he finishes his sentence.

I hope to find this doppleganger and possibly one of the seals so we can further our work relationship.

[Shadowy]

"Awright. Nice talking to you all, hopefully this'll work out."

She spins in her chair again, staring at the ceiling and looking bored.

"......Oh, yeah. To get out, just focus on where you last were. Like forming an imago and casting a spell, kinda. You'll just instantly be back where you were."

[XianTheCoder]

"Awright. Nice talking to you all, hopefully this'll work out."

She spins in her chair again, staring at the ceiling and looking bored.

"......Oh, yeah. To get out, just focus on where you last were. Like forming an imago and casting a spell, kinda. You'll just instantly be back where you were."

Span does as she advises, and concentrates on the sanctum.

[Assuming it works]

Once Span comes to, he immediately checks his watch in an attempt to guage how much time has passed. He then calls Pulse on his cellphone.

*RING* *RING*

[Assuming Pulse Answers]

Hey, do you guys need me to return to help, or are you able to wrap and transport the package without me? If you can manage without me, then I'll start looking into our slippery friend.

[ZhangoSqu]

Jack's eyes open back in the church. Having collapsed on the ground he pushes himself to a sitting position and blinks, rubbing his eyes. Picking up the sniper rifle and standing he looks around the room for Pulse and Sirius, also assaying the current state of the church. He'll pull his phone out of his pocket and glance at the time, to get an idea of how much time has passed since they were drawn into Min's realm.

When he hear's Pulse's phone ring, he'll glance over to Pulse and nod to him while he goes back to gathering his wits.

[baerun]

Pulse nods to Min as he forms an image in his head of the church.

As he appears back in the church, Pulse scans the vicinity nervously expecting an ambush. After a few seconds, he gathers his wits and begins rescanning the area, hoping to find some more evidence of where the scelesti went or more details to corroborate what the Supernal being stated.

*Ring* *Ring*

Pulse nearly jumps out of his skin as his phone begins ringing. He reaches up and clicks his ear piece to answer "Jesus Christ man, were you trying to make me **** my pants, because you almost succeeded. It's probably best if we operate all out of the same location at this point. Can you just reverse that trick you pulled earlier and come back?"

[XianTheCoder]

Pulse nearly jumps out of his skin as his phone begins ringing. He reaches up and clicks his ear piece to answer "Jesus Christ man, were you trying to make me **** my pants, because you almost succeeded. It's probably best if we operate all out of the same location at this point. Can you just reverse that trick you pulled earlier and come back?"

I... can... Span doesn't sound very excited about the prospects, But I'd prefer to keep the vulgar and costly displays to a minimum... They are starting to make me hungry.

OOC: Span is at 3 Mana, and Teleportation costs 1, so he's starting to get very low... plus... he may still be silver scaled... depending on how Shadowy views the scene ending.

[Shadowy]

Only around five minutes have passed. It felt a bit longer, but that could've just been the shock.


I... can... Span doesn't sound very excited about the prospects, But I'd prefer to keep the vulgar and costly displays to a minimum... They are starting to make me hungry.

OOC: Span is at 3 Mana, and Teleportation costs 1, so he's starting to get very low... plus... he may still be silver scaled... depending on how Shadowy views the scene ending.

(You still have scales.)

[baerun]

I... can... Span doesn't sound very excited about the prospects, But I'd prefer to keep the vulgar and costly displays to a minimum... They are starting to make me hungry.


"I suppose we can wait and head back when we are done here. It would be easier to begin our search from here I think. Then again, Sirius will need to bring the car back to Officer anyway. I guess we will wrap it up here and head back as quickly as possible. Gather as much recon as you can in the meantime." Pulse clicks his headset off and looks to Jack and Sirius. "Looks like we are on our own for now. Span is in bad shape and getting back here quickly isn't a good idea Pulse will assess the damage of the cruiser and see what he can do to repair it further while the others gather what needs to be grabbed.



Repair Object [roll0]
Mods and 10-Again [roll1]

(From text) Successes repair Structure points on a one-for-one basis.

[XianTheCoder]

Span hangs up with Pulse, I hope they remember the blood. With so many things to research, Span takes a second to consider all the options and then lists them in the order of importance. Deciding that it's better to try scrying on the Scelesti once he has the blood and backup, Span tables that. Researching the London Mysterium battle or the Seer purge of Boston twenty years ago would likely require a larger library. Leaving two topics to research, trying to track the clocks location twenty years ago and researching the Timothy Dexter.

Span will start with an internet based investigation using the name Timothy Dexter and the phone number that Min provided. Specifically Span is looking for anything that links that name and/or number to London or Boston.

Span will use the Willful Process spell [Myst 200] to aid his attempt.

Accidently posted before adding rolls... see OOC

[ZhangoSqu]

"Looks like we are on our own for now. Span is in bad shape and getting back here quickly isn't a good idea Pulse will assess the damage of the cruiser and see what he can do to repair it further while the others gather what needs to be grabbed.

Jack will nod at Pulse's address. "Thanks for the heads up." He will look to the clock and evaluate the cruiser which Pulse is repairing, assessing whether or not it can fit in either the cruiser or the cabal's car. "I'm going to see if we can't find some sort of transport for that," he says gesturing over to the clock, "think it will fit in the car?"

While walking around the room, Jack will scan for anything else in the room by way of antiques that look like they may be valuable or take a walk through the holding area where the pieces may be held. Keeping an eye out for any form of surveillance that may be installed outside of the main chamber of the church.


If the clock is too large to fit in the car, Jack will take a look out back to see if there is any sort of loading truck, or something which was used to deliver the items to auction or not. Beyond that, I'm wondering if there is any surveillance which could lead us to clues regarding the scelesti. Jack is also trying to take stock of what was actually held here for auction, and the general value of everything. Let me know what rolls you need from me.

[baerun]

Pulse looks at the clock and looks back to the car. " I have a hunch that it won't, but we can always strap it to the roof" Pulse chuckles a bit, and then begins helping Jack search the area for anything of interest.

[ZhangoSqu]

"Sirius was collecting the blood, the last thing I recall. Aside from the clock, and securing the area, as well as trying to find some sort of temporal resonance about what the Scelesti were up to, I don't think there is much more we can do here." Jack scratches the side of his head in absent thought. "I don't think its wise for us to overstay our welcome though, I want to take a quick round of the place and get out of here as fast as possible. We don't need sleeper law enforcement coming here, let alone Officer. Besides, I'm worried about Span being at the sanctum alone if it is now compromised, following the events of this morning."

[baerun]

"Agreed. Let's get out of here ASAP. I'd rather not be here when any other mages or law enforcement show up.




Is it possible to make a bag of holding in Mage? Wondering if Xian and I can combine our powers with matter and space to do something like that?

[Shadowy]

"I suppose we can wait and head back when we are done here. It would be easier to begin our search from here I think. Then again, Sirius will need to bring the car back to Officer anyway. I guess we will wrap it up here and head back as quickly as possible. Gather as much recon as you can in the meantime." Pulse clicks his headset off and looks to Jack and Sirius. "Looks like we are on our own for now. Span is in bad shape and getting back here quickly isn't a good idea Pulse will assess the damage of the cruiser and see what he can do to repair it further while the others gather what needs to be grabbed.



Repair Object [roll0]
Mods and 10-Again [roll1]

(From text) Successes repair Structure points on a one-for-one basis.


The car is repaired, not at all looking like someone was using it as a battering ram. It's still got a bit of resonance on it, so a mage looking over it in detail will see a lot of matter magic has been used on it.


Span hangs up with Pulse, I hope they remember the blood. With so many things to research, Span takes a second to consider all the options and then lists them in the order of importance. Deciding that it's better to try scrying on the Scelesti once he has the blood and backup, Span tables that. Researching the London Mysterium battle or the Seer purge of Boston twenty years ago would likely require a larger library. Leaving two topics to research, trying to track the clocks location twenty years ago and researching the Timothy Dexter.

Span will start with an internet based investigation using the name Timothy Dexter and the phone number that Min provided. Specifically Span is looking for anything that links that name and/or number to London or Boston.

Span will use the Willful Process spell [Myst 200] to aid his attempt.

Accidently posted before adding rolls... see OOC

Apparently, the mage is either an Acanthus and a history nerd (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timothy_Dexter), or a master of deception, based on googling his shadow name. The phone number appears real, if unused for a while. There's no public history of the London Mysterium battle, even in censored sleeper understanding.


Jack will nod at Pulse's address. "Thanks for the heads up." He will look to the clock and evaluate the cruiser which Pulse is repairing, assessing whether or not it can fit in either the cruiser or the cabal's car. "I'm going to see if we can't find some sort of transport for that," he says gesturing over to the clock, "think it will fit in the car?"

While walking around the room, Jack will scan for anything else in the room by way of antiques that look like they may be valuable or take a walk through the holding area where the pieces may be held. Keeping an eye out for any form of surveillance that may be installed outside of the main chamber of the church.


If the clock is too large to fit in the car, Jack will take a look out back to see if there is any sort of loading truck, or something which was used to deliver the items to auction or not. Beyond that, I'm wondering if there is any surveillance which could lead us to clues regarding the scelesti. Jack is also trying to take stock of what was actually held here for auction, and the general value of everything. Let me know what rolls you need from me.


(I want a Strength + Atheletics/Survival/Brawl/whateveryoucanjustify to lift the clock to the car. Target number is three successes, everyone can contribute)

There's no form of surveillance that Jack can see. This was an out of the way auction.


"Agreed. Let's get out of here ASAP. I'd rather not be here when any other mages or law enforcement show up.




Is it possible to make a bag of holding in Mage? Wondering if Xian and I can combine our powers with matter and space to do something like that?


(That's straight up space 4, no matter required)

[XianTheCoder]

Apparently, the mage is either an Acanthus and a history nerd (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timothy_Dexter), or a master of deception, based on googling his shadow name. The phone number appears real, if unused for a while. There's no public history of the London Mysterium battle, even in censored sleeper understanding.
Hmm... Well that's less helpful than I was hoping for. Thankfully the blood is my Ace in the hole. Span decides that this is probably a good time to check in with Nightingale, being her Provost was not without it's responsibilities, and a lot had transpired this day. Span pulls out his cellphone and makes the call.

* RING * * RING *
[Assuming she answers]
Hi, it's me. Just checking in to see if you needed anything from me today?


Span's call is multi-purposed, starting with checking in and taking any orders from her, followed by a description of the hostage situation this morning, butbhe plans on avoiding discussion of the church for the time being.

[ZhangoSqu]

(I want a Strength + Atheletics/Survival/Brawl/whateveryoucanjustify to lift the clock to the car. Target number is three successes, everyone can contribute)

There's no form of surveillance that Jack can see. This was an out of the way auction.

After surveilling the grounds Jack and Pulse return back to the clock. Not having found any form of on-site video that might help them, or anything of particular value or interest beyond the clock at the auction. "Pulse, mind helping me with this, lets see if we can get it to the car... I think it might fit." Jack will go over to the clock; after a moment of looking at it he will bend down and test its weight.

As he attempts to lift it he shakes his head. "Ugh, this thing had to be heavy and awkward, didn't it? I'm not sure the two of us are going to be able to get it into the car without damaging it." He will look to Sirius, calling him over "Sirius! We need some help over here."


Attempt to lift the clock (Strength + Athletics): [roll0]
Mods and 10-again: [roll1]

Edit: Time for Jack to start working out.

[baerun]

Pulse strains with the effort of trying to lift the clock as Jack's efforts prove fruitless. "Perhaps some gym time and some protein shakes are in your future, eh Jack?" Noodle arms magoo over here trying to lift this heavy ass clock with me, might as well have had help from a banana. "Perhaps there is a dolly or something around to move any of the items for auction?" While waiting to try a second time, Pulse will look around for a furniture dolly or straps that can be used to gain leverage over the clock.

[ZhangoSqu]

Pulse strains with the effort of trying to lift the clock as Jack's efforts prove fruitless. "Perhaps some gym time and some protein shakes are in your future, eh Jack?" Noodle arms magoo over here trying to lift this heavy ass clock with me, might as well have had help from a banana. "Perhaps there is a dolly or something around to move any of the items for auction?" While waiting to try a second time, Pulse will look around for a furniture dolly or straps that can be used to gain leverage over the clock.

Jack laughs, in good humor at Pulse's comment. "Yeah, looks like I've been slacking off." He steps back from the clock, scratching his forehead some as he contemplates the current situation. Jack will analyze the clock a bit more, while waiting for Pulse to return with some tool for leverage.

After waiting for a few moments, Jack will help Pulse look for the dolly which must have been used to move this clock while on the premises.


Jack will use Fate to guide him to a dolly which can be used to move the clock.

Spell: (5d10)[6][1][9][3][9] (see http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=17284925&postcount=1030)
Mods and 10-again: (5d10)[7][5][8][9][10] (see http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=17284925&postcount=1030)

2 successes.

[Shadowy]

Hmm... Well that's less helpful than I was hoping for. Thankfully the blood is my Ace in the hole. Span decides that this is probably a good time to check in with Nightingale, being her Provost was not without it's responsibilities, and a lot had transpired this day. Span pulls out his cellphone and makes the call.

* RING * * RING *
[Assuming she answers]
Hi, it's me. Just checking in to see if you needed anything from me today?



Span's call is multi-purposed, starting with checking in and taking any orders from her, followed by a description of the hostage situation this morning, butbhe plans on avoiding discussion of the church for the time being.


"Stop calling me while I'm a-. Oh. Sorry, wrong phone. I assume you took out one of the little parties the Seers have been throwing? I dealt with one too. I'm currently interrogating the person who tried it."

There's a sudden thud and a squelching noise in the background of the phonecall.

"Turns out, this one was actually carrying a little tape around, I want one of your cabal to go over it with Mind and Forces magic, see if there's anything useful. I'll have it sent to your sanctum. Also, there's going to be an emergency consilium war session later, in about....eh, three, four hours."


Jack laughs, in good humor at Pulse's comment. "Yeah, looks like I've been slacking off." He steps back from the clock, scratching his forehead some as he contemplates the current situation. Jack will analyze the clock a bit more, while waiting for Pulse to return with some tool for leverage.

After waiting for a few moments, Jack will help Pulse look for the dolly which must have been used to move this clock while on the premises.


Jack will use Fate to guide him to a dolly which can be used to move the clock.

Spell: (5d10)[6][1][9][3][9] (see http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=17284925&postcount=1030)
Mods and 10-again: (5d10)[7][5][8][9][10] (see http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=17284925&postcount=1030)

2 successes.


Low and behold, the mystic might of the Supernal was pulled down into this world and provided Jack with a handcart in a closet, because he couldn't be bothered to do some pushups.

The clock is easy enough to load after that.

[Failed Phantasm]

'“Like forming an Imago?” Riiight,' Sirius shook his head, 'and this is the part where we get trapped in a Lotus-Eater Machine of this thing's making. Farewell, Reality. I hardly knew ye.' He had a very fresh image of Officer's wrecked car in his mind, made all the more vivid by the thought of what she was going to do to him when she found out, but the miserable prospect, even if it were only a self-invented one, of being trapped in his own mind with no hope of escape or even any knowledge of being imprisoned caused old memories to well up. A weathered old suburban home with fading sky blue paint and a front yard that refused to be tamed. Camping trips in Yosemite, where the spirits danced at the edge of a campfire. The copse of trees where Aidan would go and hide from the world when he'd done something wrong and couldn't tell anyone else but Craig, because he was the only one who understood and didn't judge or panic. It was homesickness, and it wrapped around his heart and squeezed so tightly and so much that it hurt. Physically hurt. But how could he go back? There was no way he could tell his family the entire truth about what he'd been doing in Boston, much less about what it is that he'd become. All it would do was put them at risk, endanger them in ways they could never comprehend or see or defend themselves against, raise uncomfortable questions for which there were no answers.



And in spite of every shred of sense he possessed telling him that he shouldn't — couldn't — do it, for a fleeting moment, there was a very clear image of Cheyenne in his mind, and every fiber of his being longed with a desire that defied words to just go and never look back.

'But you're a mage, Sirius,' came the quiet whisper at the back of his mind. Or, more accurately, from deep within himself. 'There's no going back to Sleep now.'



Sirius breathed a quiet, resigned sigh. 'I guess it's true. You can't go home again.' If nothing else, he had Howl waiting for him back in the church, as strange as it was to have a spirit as one's closest friend. Did spirits other than friendship-spirits even understand the concept? Even if they didn't, at least Howl thought of Sirius as part of its pack — a battle-brother — and that was a somewhat comforting thought, if not an utterly bizarre one. 'What a ****ed-up life I live.' The scene slowly began fading to black, and this time he was conscious of the feeling of sensory deprivation, of sound and touch and taste and smell fading to emptiness in the eternal split-second that it took to leave the entity's domain. His mind's eye, however, did not waver from the painfully-clear image of the church and wrecked cruiser and the ritual circle of candles and the damnable grandfather clock that had started this whole blasted mess.

When the world resolved itself into clarity, Sirius found himself standing exactly where he had been before the incident had occurred, and in exactly the same situation: his jacket was only over his left arm. As he tugged his jacket on again, he glanced at the spot where Howl had been lying down and, after not finding him, started to look around in a slight panic. 'How long were we gone? Where could Howl have—' There was a soft whimper at Sirius' feet, where the wolf-spirit had apparently taken it upon itself to stand guard, hackles raised and worried expression on its — his — face, a strong but rapidly-subsiding sense of fear echoing along their bond. It even seemed as though he'd manifested, difficult as it was for Howl, and had been tugging at Sirius' pants and the sleeve of his jacket, hoping for some reassurance that his mage was all right. A smile tugged at Sirius' lips. He bent down to give the spirit a gentle rub underneath the chin, and whispered a heartfelt, “Thank you, Howl.” The wolf-spirit straightened up and wagged his tail a few times, opening his mouth slightly in a lupine grin.

Sirius was only vaguely aware of what Jack and Pulse were saying and doing, at least until Pulse came over and started casting spells at the wrecked cruiser, to which Sirius merely nodded once and moved away, wistfully revisiting his thoughts of home as the other two went about their business. Jack's cry of "Sirius! We need some help over here." snapped him out of his thoughts and, if only for a second or two, the barest flicker of irritation crossed his face when he noticed them fiddling with the clock again. He strode over, purposefully cracking his knuckles and adjusting his gloves as he did so. “The only reason I am helping you move the clock is so that some hapless innocent can't stumble across it instead.” As he stepped over the ritual circle, his gaze met Jack's and Sirius stared searchingly, perhaps a bit more intensely than he'd intended. He finally added, “I do not trust anyone with this thing. Not even me. Especially not us.”

He very much wanted to add, “And Span, least of all”, but Pulse was still in earshot and, to be honest, there wasn't much point to saying something like that anyway. For the sake of the cabal's unity, and also admittedly because of a certain amount of distrust, Sirius remained silent about his feelings towards his cabal. He tried to ensure that his objections were centered around their plans and not who they were as people; nevertheless, Span had a way of provoking or outright offending Sirius, even if it was unintentional or merely a side effect of whatever outrageous thing Span wanted to do. Worst of all, he was easily the most dangerous of the four of them, and he seemed all too willing to casually discard lives without so much as blinking. Was the thin veneer of ideology really all that separated Span from the Seers? Sometimes it seemed that way. It probably would gratify his ego to learn, but Sirius was afraid of Span — his Path was part of the reason; he loathed the very existence of magic that could warp or dominate the mind of another — and there were days when he just wanted to abandon the cabal before they loosed some unspeakable horror on the world. But on the other hand, he had to admit to himself that he could be unfairly harsh on Span, too eager to pounce on his worst qualities, too unwilling to see things from his perspective. Maybe a good man was buried somewhere in there, and Sirius simply didn't try hard enough to see that. When Jack went off to join Pulse in their search for some moving equipment, Sirius dropped to the ground and did some push-ups to warm up: he had a very good record for not hurting himself while lifting and he had no desire to change that now. Curiously, there was also a mounting sense of frustration building in his chest that he needed to work off.


Active Effects:
Active Spells = 0/5 (Gnosis + 3), Spell Tolerance = 3 (Stamina), Mana = 5/11 (max 2 per turn)


None

[XianTheCoder]

"Stop calling me while I'm a-. Oh. Sorry, wrong phone. I assume you took out one of the little parties the Seers have been throwing? I dealt with one too. I'm currently interrogating the person who tried it."

There's a sudden thud and a squelching noise in the background of the phonecall.

"Turns out, this one was actually carrying a little tape around, I want one of your cabal to go over it with Mind and Forces magic, see if there's anything useful. I'll have it sent to your sanctum. Also, there's going to be an emergency consilium war session later, in about....eh, three, four hours."

Span is initially caught off guard with the way Nightingale answers the phone, but he regains composure once she realizes it was Span on the phone and she settles into the conversation. Listening to her with interest, Span tries to keep his excitement contained at being given a Seer related task. The news about a War Session concerned, if not surprised, Span, after this mornings hostage taking situation. However, realizing that this event could be used for further political gains, Span was supportive of a little volatility. Yes, send the tape over, or just give it to me at the session. I'll make sure my cabal is well represented at Consilium. We did have an early morning run in with the Seers, I can fill you in on the details in person tonight, but the little dialogue that passed between us leads me to believe they were setting us up for something. Our party host decided to use sleeper surrogates, we're still in the process of trying to track him down. One curious thing that we discovered was that they are using an interconnection of Force based transmissions to prevent tracking of their phones. We'll find them though. Do you have any idea what they may be after? They question was part curiousity, and part concern that a wider audience already knew about the clock, Caesar himself did send them to that remote church auction after all. What are we going to tell Caesar about the clock, we can't just hand it over to him... even Sirius would probably agree with that. Also, if you have a minute after Consilium, I'd like to pick your brain about a couple things, I'm a bit stuck on a couple pieces of research and could use your experienced input.

[ZhangoSqu]

As Sirius was snapped out of his daze, Jack waited for him to come over.


He strode over, purposefully cracking his knuckles and adjusting his gloves as he did so. “The only reason I am helping you move the clock is so that some hapless innocent can't stumble across it instead.”

"Works for me." Jack said, with a shrug. As the two of them struggled with clock due to its awkward size while Pulse wandered away, Jack takes a step back. "This isn't working. I'm going to see if a supply closet has a dolly or something, be right back."


Low and behold, the mystic might of the Supernal was pulled down into this world and provided Jack with a handcart in a closet, because he couldn't be bothered to do some pushups.

The clock is easy enough to load after that.

Jack wanders back with the dolly, and with the help of Pulse and Sirius they move the clock to the car and, surprisingly manage to fit it in. Wiping his brow, Jack realizes that he has been disregarding his other training regiments, focusing mainly on the magic since he awakened.


[Sirius] finally added, “I do not trust anyone with this thing. Not even me. Especially not us.”

Jack raises an eye brow at Sirius' comment. "Look, I can understand your frustrations and concerns, but if anyone is going to watch over this thing and keep it safe, I'd rather it be people I can trust. Right now, that's you--and the rest of our cabal." Jack will jerk a thumb back at the clock. "I can't speak for the others, but I'm not convinced that 'Min' in there isn't an abyssal abomination. I sure as hell hope she isn't. But following up on the leads we have is the only way we're going to learn anything that either corroborates or refutes her story. We just have to be smart--and clear minded enough--to pass our own judgment and not be swayed by the bull**** stories that might be fed to us."

Jack will go about loading the sniper rifle into the car along with the clock. "Besides, if anyone is going to keep us in line and on the straight-and-narrow, it'll be you Sirius. If you wash your hands of this, who's going to keep Span in line? Me? What if I fall prey to my own base nature?"

Jack will shake his head, leaving Sirius with that. "I should drag the sniper corpse down here and at least give him some peace. I'm not re-burying the body, but at least he won't be left to the elements up in the belfry." Jack will walk off and deal with the corpse, resisting his interest in lifting a few of the more valuable pieces to take along with the clock as he does so. As he reaches the belfry, he will check to make sure the corpse hasn't moved since he pushed him off to the side, and pay more attention to the corpse to see if he is recently deceased or has the signs of a prepared death from funerary services. He'll also check to see if there is any identification, and anything else Jack may have missed when being less concerned with the corpse than the scelesti and the sniper rifle.

Jack will drag the corpse down the stairs and find something to shroud him with before returning to the group.


If the corpse is "fresh"--meaning that it was not prepared for burial in a coffin at some previous point in time--there is likely to be some identification on it. He will thumb through that identification (ID, credit cards, etc.) and take pictures with his phone for cataloging purposes, but otherwise leave the contents of the wallet alone. Unless, of course, there is something of considerable interest--badge, note, cell phone, etc. found.

[Shadowy]

Span is initially caught off guard with the way Nightingale answers the phone, but he regains composure once she realizes it was Span on the phone and she settles into the conversation. Listening to her with interest, Span tries to keep his excitement contained at being given a Seer related task. The news about a War Session concerned, if not surprised, Span, after this mornings hostage taking situation. However, realizing that this event could be used for further political gains, Span was supportive of a little volatility. Yes, send the tape over, or just give it to me at the session. I'll make sure my cabal is well represented at Consilium. We did have an early morning run in with the Seers, I can fill you in on the details in person tonight, but the little dialogue that passed between us leads me to believe they were setting us up for something. Our party host decided to use sleeper surrogates, we're still in the process of trying to track him down. One curious thing that we discovered was that they are using an interconnection of Force based transmissions to prevent tracking of their phones. We'll find them though. Do you have any idea what they may be after? They question was part curiousity, and part concern that a wider audience already knew about the clock, Caesar himself did send them to that remote church auction after all. What are we going to tell Caesar about the clock, we can't just hand it over to him... even Sirius would probably agree with that. Also, if you have a minute after Consilium, I'd like to pick your brain about a couple things, I'm a bit stuck on a couple pieces of research and could use your experienced input.

"Good, the tape'll be there soon. Your encounter with the seers seems to fit the pattern. They're doing fate assisted strikes to try and get as much information about their foes as possible. This is likely a prelude to further, personal attacks to try and weasel out weak mages to kill them. I'm running an interrogation, trying to figure out if their dupe knew anything."

There's another uncomfortable Squelch and what could be a faintly muffled scream from her end of the phone.

"No problem with the research though. Anything in particular?"

~~

Elsewhere, the sniper has been stripped of all personal details. There's nothing in it's pockets but ammo.

[XianTheCoder]

"Good, the tape'll be there soon. Your encounter with the seers seems to fit the pattern. They're doing fate assisted strikes to try and get as much information about their foes as possible. This is likely a prelude to further, personal attacks to try and weasel out weak mages to kill them. I'm running an interrogation, trying to figure out if their dupe knew anything."

There's another uncomfortable Squelch and what could be a faintly muffled scream from her end of the phone.

"No problem with the research though. Anything in particular?"
Yeah, Sirius decided that letting our dupes be taken by the sleeper police was the correct approach to take. It's clear that Span isn't happy about Sirius's decision. Thankfully, that means they are within Officer's reach, if you haven't spoken with her yet, it might be worth comparing notes with her. Truth be told, I'm having a little difficulty bringing Sirius to heel. He's... Devout... In his beliefs, which would be fine, except that he believes every Abyssal Being is a Supernal Being and every Supernal Being is an Abyssal Being, effectively seeing what he wants/expects to see. Don't get me wrong, he's a wonderful and convenient tool, and I'm happy to have him in the cabal, especially for some of his less common skills. Being so predictable and so passionate, yet so blind, makes situational manipulation of third parties very effective when using Sirius. The problem is that he doesn't trust me to lead the cabal, and I fear he'll be a poison as time passes. Span sighs and shakes his head, As for the research, Sirius needs to learn to trust my judgement, and part of that should be resolved when I repeatedly show superior knowledge of various topics. The most recent disagreement is over non-material realm denizens. Being a Thrysus, like yourself, he already has a bit of a head start with spirits, but I think if I concentrate on Abyssal, Supernal, and Astral Beings coupled with my already advanced Arcanum knowledge, plus he'll get to witness a few of my slick plans come to fruition, then he'll eventually be forced to begin trusting me and my judgement. The problem is that my research materials are limited on those topics. As for the other topics, as you already know, I'm quickly approaching Mastery of Space. I'm also on the verge of becoming a Disciple of Mind. I'm finding that the more I study Pandemonium, the quicker I grasp the elements of it's ruling arcana. However, at the present time, I've exhausted every resource I have on the realm. The third, and perhaps most important, is that I believe I'm ready to begin the search for a Legacy.

[Shadowy]

Yeah, Sirius decided that letting our dupes be taken by the sleeper police was the correct approach to take. It's clear that Span isn't happy about Sirius's decision. Thankfully, that means they are within Officer's reach, if you haven't spoken with her yet, it might be worth comparing notes with her. Truth be told, I'm having a little difficulty bringing Sirius to heel. He's... Devout... In his beliefs, which would be fine, except that he believes every Abyssal Being is a Supernal Being and every Supernal Being is an Abyssal Being, effectively seeing what he wants/expects to see. Don't get me wrong, he's a wonderful and convenient tool, and I'm happy to have him in the cabal, especially for some of his less common skills. Being so predictable and so passionate, yet so blind, makes situational manipulation of third parties very effective when using Sirius. The problem is that he doesn't trust me to lead the cabal, and I fear he'll be a poison as time passes. Span sighs and shakes his head, As for the research, Sirius needs to learn to trust my judgement, and part of that should be resolved when I repeatedly show superior knowledge of various topics. The most recent disagreement is over non-material realm denizens. Being a Thrysus, like yourself, he already has a bit of a head start with spirits, but I think if I concentrate on Abyssal, Supernal, and Astral Beings coupled with my already advanced Arcanum knowledge, plus he'll get to witness a few of my slick plans come to fruition, then he'll eventually be forced to begin trusting me and my judgement. The problem is that my research materials are limited on those topics. As for the other topics, as you already know, I'm quickly approaching Mastery of Space. I'm also on the verge of becoming a Disciple of Mind. I'm finding that the more I study Pandemonium, the quicker I grasp the elements of it's ruling arcana. However, at the present time, I've exhausted every resource I have on the realm. The third, and perhaps most important, is that I believe I'm ready to begin the search for a Legacy.


There's a sharp intake of air, and the sound of something hitting the floor. "Span. Listen to me very closely. If Sirius, you, or anyone you know of has come into contact with some kind of abyssal being you need to tell me right now. If you've found one, you need to tell me where and let me deal with it straight away. I'll have all the relevant knowledge for everything else you're looking up ready at the meeting, but you need to tell me if you've encountered something powerful and otherworldly."
(Xian, rolls Wits + Empathy)

[XianTheCoder]

There's a sharp intake of air, and the sound of something hitting the floor. "Span. Listen to me very closely. If Sirius, you, or anyone you know of has come into contact with some kind of abyssal being you need to tell me right now. If you've found one, you need to tell me where and let me deal with it straight away. I'll have all the relevant knowledge for everything else you're looking up ready at the meeting, but you need to tell me if you've encountered something powerful and otherworldly."
(Xian, rolls Wits + Empathy)

Span takes a steadying breadth, Ok, this is going to take some finesse... I have reason to believe that an adversarial Mage paradoxed and unleashed a doppleganger manifestation. I didn't see the paradox with my own eyes, so I can't tell you definitively if this Doppleganger is actually in the Material Realm or where it is exactly. The Consilium has enough to worry about, I don't want to get everyone riled up chasing imaginary dopplegangers as well. Be assured, I'm researching it, and will tell you as soon as I locate a Seer Doppleganger. As your Provost, it's my job to handle the monotonous tasks of research and tracking leads. Span smiles to himself, very impressed with the way he handled that, no lies and a very believable story.

[Failed Phantasm]

“'Keep it safe'?” Sirius echoed incredulously. “Us? Did we hear two completely different conversations in there?!” As Jack climbed up towards the belfry to deal with the last of the previously-reanimated corpses, Sirius turned away and scowled at nothing in particular. It passed after a moment, though, and Sirius took a deep, steadying breath to calm himself, unconsciously unclenching his fists and being surprised at himself to discover that he was still that shaken by the experience. 'Come on, Craig, get a grip. You have a better handle on your emotions than this, otherworldly entity or no. Still...' He leaned back on the hood of the cruiser, rubbing his chin, '... that's not the kind of encounter one has every day of the week. How is it that I'm the only one who seems even remotely freaked out about this?'

An arrythmic thumping sound alerted Sirius to Jack's return, and it was almost (almost) comical to watch him struggle to drag a corpse down a flight of stairs; the fireman's carry wasn't that difficult. When he was finished being disrespectful to the dead— no, wait: Jack had just started rifling through the corpse's clothes. As he continued being disrespectful to the dead, Sirius shook his head disbelievingly and decided to try continuing from where they'd left off, but with a different approach now that he was feeling calmer. “It should go without saying that none of us believe everything we're being told. And I think even Span hasn't totally discounted the possibility of that thing being an abyssal creature in disguise or... or whatever else.” He was speaking more slowly than before, taking the time to at least try choosing his words carefully.

“But what I'm taking issue with right now isn't who we're choosing to trust, how much of this story we're believing, or whether or not we're taking things at face value. It's that none of you,” he continued, putting heavy and deliberate emphasis on those three words, “even bothered to investigate first. In fact, all it had to do was dangle the offer of arcane power in front of your faces and all three of you practically threw your suspicions out the window and jumped at it, with nothing more than the flimsy rationalization that it was a reward for “services rendered”! And then I had to listen as Span tried bargaining for more!” He shook his head in disbelief. “Can you at least try to understand how deeply disturbing I found that? Is that really all it takes for the three of you? Because I don't care what you say to me about not trusting it or about how you want to investigate. Especially since, apparently, now we have to hide this from everyone else in the city, even your own Order! Did the thought of having to conceal this from the Guardians not tip you off that this might be a really bad idea, by the way?” Sirius found himself hesitating as he finished that sentence, biting his lip before he could say anything more. He was going off on a tangent that was both unnecessary and would likely be quite uncomfortable for Jack. Of course he'd considered it. How could Jack not have considered that?

After a moment of uncomfortable silence, he breathed a quiet sigh and tried to return to the topic he intended: “It's not what you say. It's what you do, Jack. And when it promised to give you power, every single one of you gave in. If it could have proven its story with something — anything — that even came close to being evidence, if it had proved that it was what it says it was, I wouldn't have been so damn furious with all of you.” Sirius straightened up and made sure that he was staring eye-to-eye with Jack as he delivered his next line, “But the truth of the matter is that it didn't. It was anything but straightforward with us. And all of you gave in anyway, without bothering to learn the truth first. Even you, Jack. What am I supposed to think? How did you expect me to react? And now, who knows what you three have implicitly agreed to by accepting what it offered?” He glanced back at the clock resting in the back seat of the cruiser, and a thought suddenly occurred to him. “I mean, really, did you even learn anything from that spell you cast on the clock? Is there anything stopping you from casting it again and trying to learn more?”

Shaking his head, he looked back at Jack and launched into a different topic. “And I did not sign up to be this cabal's moral compass.” Under his breath, he added as an aside, “Apparently, the Arrow volunteered me for that.” As if he hadn't said anything, he then persisted, “Hell, let's say I don't have a problem with being a mother to three grown ****ing men who are not only older than I am but who also, presumably, ought to have a sense of right and wrong that isn't totally skewed. Even when I try, I get belittled and dismissed for it anyway, so why the hell should I bother trying to keep you three on the straight and narrow?” Sirius shrugged indifferently. “Relationships are a two-way deal, Jack. If all of you want to keep treating me like an ignorant child, go right ahead. But if you get yourselves balls-deep in a bargain with an acamoth, don't complain to me that I should have stopped you.”


Active Effects:
Active Spells = 0/5 (Gnosis + 3), Spell Tolerance = 3 (Stamina), Mana = 5/11 (max 2 per turn)


None

[Shadowy]

Span takes a steadying breadth, Ok, this is going to take some finesse... I have reason to believe that an adversarial Mage paradoxed and unleashed a doppleganger manifestation. I didn't see the paradox with my own eyes, so I can't tell you definitively if this Doppleganger is actually in the Material Realm or where it is exactly. The Consilium has enough to worry about, I don't want to get everyone riled up chasing imaginary dopplegangers as well. Be assured, I'm researching it, and will tell you as soon as I locate a Seer Doppleganger. As your Provost, it's my job to handle the monotonous tasks of research and tracking leads. Span smiles to himself, very impressed with the way he handled that, no lies and a very believable story.

There's another meaty Squelch.

"Alright then. I'll take quick look through the archives for examples of that paradox, right after I finish chopping these steaks. See you at the war session, usual place."

The phone line goes dead.

[ZhangoSqu]

“An arrythmic thumping sound alerted Sirius to Jack's return, and it was almost (almost) comical to watch him struggle to drag a corpse down a flight of stairs; the fireman's carry wasn't that difficult. When he was finished being disrespectful to the dead— no, wait: Jack had just started rifling through the corpse's clothes. As he continued being disrespectful to the dead, Sirius shook his head disbelievingly and decided to try continuing from where they'd left off, but with a different approach now that he was feeling calmer.

Jack stands up, stretching after doing so. His slightly-taller than average lanky body arches as he adjusts his muscles from the task of dragging the body down the stairs. He drapes a stray piece of cloth from the church over the body and shakes his head. "No identification." His words, to no one in particular echo in the quiet church. He kneels down beside the body and gives the sign of the cross in respect for the dead man and then stands, walking back over to Sirius.


“[COLOR="#466D2A"]It should go without saying that none of us believe everything we're being told. And I think even Span hasn't totally discounted the possibility of that thing being an abyssal creature in disguise or... or whatever else.” He was speaking more slowly than before, taking the time to at least try choosing his words carefully.

“But what I'm taking issue with right now isn't who we're choosing to trust, how much of this story we're believing, or whether or not we're taking things at face value. It's that none of you,” he continued, putting heavy and deliberate emphasis on those three words, “even bothered to investigate first. In fact, all it had to do was dangle the offer of arcane power in front of your faces and all three of you practically threw your suspicions out the window and jumped at it, with nothing more than the flimsy rationalization that it was a reward for “services rendered”! And then I had to listen as Span tried bargaining for more!” He shook his head in disbelief. “Can you at least try to understand how deeply disturbing I found that? Is that really all it takes for the three of you? Because I don't care what you say to me about not trusting it or about how you want to investigate. Especially since, apparently, now we have to hide this from everyone else in the city, even your own Order! Did the thought of having to conceal this from the Guardians not tip you off that this might be a really bad idea, by the way?” Sirius found himself hesitating as he finished that sentence, biting his lip before he could say anything more. He was going off on a tangent that was both unnecessary and would likely be quite uncomfortable for Jack. Of course he'd considered it. How could Jack not have considered that?

After a moment of uncomfortable silence, he breathed a quiet sigh and tried to return to the topic he intended: “It's not what you say. It's what you do, Jack. And when it promised to give you power, every single one of you gave in. If it could have proven its story with something — anything — that even came close to being evidence, if it had proved that it was what it says it was, I wouldn't have been so damn furious with all of you.” Sirius straightened up and made sure that he was staring eye-to-eye with Jack as he delivered his next line, “But the truth of the matter is that it didn't. It was anything but straightforward with us. And all of you gave in anyway, without bothering to learn the truth first. Even you, Jack. What am I supposed to think? How did you expect me to react? And now, who knows what you three have implicitly agreed to by accepting what it offered?” He glanced back at the clock resting in the back seat of the cruiser, and a thought suddenly occurred to him. “I mean, really, did you even learn anything from that spell you cast on the clock? Is there anything stopping you from casting it again and trying to learn more?”

Jack waits, silently, for Sirius to run his course. "And how, pray tell would you have suggested that we investigate Min's claims from within her own realm?" Jack stresses the last bit. "You say you would have accepted anything she could have given as evidence, yet what is there to stop her from presenting false evidence? How would you corroborate it from inside her own realm?" He shakes his head, following his chastising. "Sirius, I like you. You've got integrity--something you don't see a lot of in this world today, sleeper or awakened. But, whether hostile or not, how would antagonizing a being that pulled all of us into her domain have helped to uncover the truth? You say we weren't investigating." A moment passes. "We were investigating. Investigations, have to look at all sides of a story without bias in order to ascertain the truth. Keeping Min happy not only buys us time to look into things on our own schedule, but also gives us opportunity to question her further as need be. The world isn't black-and-white... would that it were, it would be much easier to navigate. No, it's one long-and-drawn out game of poker, where everyone is trying to bluff and deceive everyone else. We're left with a world that is colored in shades of gray."

Jack's dark, almost black eyes search Sirius' young face for some hint of understanding. Even though Jack was only about ten years Sirius' elder, he had experienced a lot more of the world's darker side than the young Thyrsus. He scratches his head of dark hair, trying to work through his own conflicts but to also convey to Sirius how bad their situation was in the astral realm. "I'll say it again, power without wisdom is dangerous, but a puritanical approach to how that power is gained without thinking outside of the box is what will always separate the powerful from the weak." Jack pauses for a moment, too much? He watches Sirius for a moment before continuing "--I've been there before and I never want to be there again. I want the power to protect myself and those I care about. Unlike Span, however, I will never accept power blindly."

"As for the Guardians," Jack exhales slowly, almost dejectedly. "I would rather be cast from their ranks then let this fall into Caesar's hands--which it would undoubtedly--if we informed anyone about it. For all we know Caesar is the one who used Min to defeat the seers and rise to power--do you want to consider what he'd do to us if he discovered we knew about Min. I don't think he's beyond labeling us traitors, regardless of what we do now."


Shaking his head, he looked back at Jack and launched into a different topic. “And I did not sign up to be this cabal's moral compass.” Under his breath, he added as an aside, “Apparently, the Arrow volunteered me for that.” As if he hadn't said anything, he then persisted, “Hell, let's say I don't have a problem with being a mother to three grown ****ing men who are not only older than I am but who also, presumably, ought to have a sense of right and wrong that isn't totally skewed. Even when I try, I get belittled and dismissed for it anyway, so why the hell should I bother trying to keep you three on the straight and narrow?” Sirius shrugged indifferently. “Relationships are a two-way deal, Jack. If all of you want to keep treating me like an ignorant child, go right ahead. But if you get yourselves balls-deep in a bargain with an acamoth, don't complain to me that I should have stopped you.”

"No, I suppose you didn't." Jack responds to Sirius' comment regarding being the cabal's moral compass, ignoring his under-the-breath sidebar regarding his order inclination. "The only advice I can give to you Sirius is to open your eyes a bit more. The world is not as simple as you--or I--may want it to be."

Jack will turn brushing off his overcoat a bit before he opens the door to the cruiser and removes the sniper rifle. He begins walking away, stopping a few paces beyond the car and addresses Sirius over his shoulder. "However, if you don't want to be treated like a child, then act like a man." As he turns his head back toward the door of the church that lays broken and shattered, he adds "all men must take responsibility for their own actions, I have. Tell Pulse I'm going back to the other car. I'll let you two deal with the clock. Don't forget the blood for Span."

Jack will walk away from Sirius to let him take a moment to think, as he walks out of the church toward the car Span and Pulse came in. When he reaches it, he wills the Fates that Span left the keys in the car and that they are still there. Finding the keys there, he will open the trunk and pack the sniper rifle in. He'll quickly send off a text to Span: Leaving Pulse and Sirius with the clock and cruiser, coming back to the sanctum now with the car.


Fate + Gnosis: [roll0]
Mods and 10-again: [roll1]

1 Success

[Shadowy]

At the sanctum, a sleeper comes, bearing a package holding a disc. It's from Nightingale.

Whenever Pulse arrives at the Sanctum, Maria addresses him. "Someone named Robin called. Left a phone number for you, said to call him. Council business."

She hands over a bit of paper with a number on it, then gets back to work.

[XianTheCoder]

At the sanctum, a sleeper comes, bearing a package holding a disc. It's from Nightingale.
Span takes the disc and retreats into his room where he begins listening and analyzing it.

When Pulse arrives, he'll call him in. Pulse, can you come in here, I need you to listen to something.

When Jack arrives, Span shows even more interest, Jack! I need your assistance ASAP!

Let me know what you want me to roll to analyze it.

[ZhangoSqu]

Jack enters the apartment, calling out "I'm back."


When Jack arrives, Span shows even more interest, Jack! I need your assistance ASAP!

Somewhat surprised, Jack tosses the keys to the car where the cabal usually leaves them, carrying a large and bulky object in his overcoat. "What is it, Span?" He asks, unwrapping the coat from the sniper rifle and walking it over to the small armory in his room that he's been amassing and adding it to the collection. Tossing the overcoat on the bed and removing his gloves he relaxes a little bit, now inside and away from the church.

Jack will wander toward Span's room, it taking him a few moments between announcing himself and actually arriving in Span's doorway. "What's this about?" Looking up he stops short, blinking as he sees the result of the paradox backlash. "You might need to apply some cream to that," his tone wry as he leans against the door.

[XianTheCoder]

Since Jack left the church earlier than Sirius and Pulse, he would arrive back at the sanctum first, so I am going to assume that Span is still analyzing the tape and Pulse is not with him yet.


Jack enters the apartment, calling out "I'm back."
When Jack arrives, Span calls out, Jack! I need your assistance ASAP!


Somewhat surprised, Jack tosses the keys to the car where the cabal usually leaves them, carrying a large and bulky object in his overcoat. "What is it, Span?" He asks, unwrapping the coat from the sniper rifle and walking it over to the small armory in his room that he's been amassing and adding it to the collection. Tossing the overcoat on the bed and removing his gloves he relaxes a little bit, now inside and away from the church.

Jack will wander toward Span's room, it taking him a few moments between announcing himself and actually arriving in Span's doorway. "What's this about?" Looking up he stops short, blinking as he sees the result of the paradox backlash. "You might need to apply some cream to that," his tone wry as he leans against the door.
Span's door is open, and Span is bent over his desk with his ear to a speaker. Upon hearing Jack's joke, Span will crack a smile, Yeah... I'm having some trouble getting the cream to absorb. Span shrugs with a grin on his face. There's 6 corpses in the closet, we'll need to take care of them after dark. Span will motion for Jack to come in and sit down at the cushioned reading chair in the corner of his room. So we have a couple things to discuss, First, the Consilium is holding a war session in a few hours, we need to be in attendance. Second, we need to analyze this tape for Nightingale, it was supposedly carried by one of the sleepers that was involved in the attack on her this morning. It appears that the Seers are mobilizing against the Boston Consilium. Third, we need to keep on lid on everything related to this afternoon. Nightingale knows about the doppleganger manifestation, I have assured her that I'm tracking it down and will let her know when I know where it is. I think that we should consider using some Fate magic to help keep anyone, outside the cabal, from uncovering what happened until we know who can be trusted, and what we witnessed exactly. We don't want to answer uncomfortable questions until we have more information. Span is being intentionally vague. Span will then sit and let Jack process all the information and see what he thinks.

[baerun]

Jack raises an eye brow at Sirius' comment. "Look, I can understand your frustrations and concerns, but if anyone is going to watch over this thing and keep it safe, I'd rather it be people I can trust. Right now, that's you--and the rest of our cabal." Jack will jerk a thumb back at the clock. "I can't speak for the others, but I'm not convinced that 'Min' in there isn't an abyssal abomination. I sure as hell hope she isn't. But following up on the leads we have is the only way we're going to learn anything that either corroborates or refutes her story. We just have to be smart--and clear minded enough--to pass our own judgment and not be swayed by the bull**** stories that might be fed to us."

Jack will go about loading the sniper rifle into the car along with the clock. "Besides, if anyone is going to keep us in line and on the straight-and-narrow, it'll be you Sirius. If you wash your hands of this, who's going to keep Span in line? Me? What if I fall prey to my own base nature?"


Pulse wanders back to the auction storeroom as Jack and Sirius get into yet another discussion about 'Min'. Walking through the miriad of items being put up for sale, a knife here, a hat supposedly from Teddy Kennedy. Why are they discussing the whole scenario again anyway, its pointless to discuss without the whole cabal present. Span is by far the one most likely to take risks or sacrifice something to gain knowledge, these talks are moot without him there. Pulse shrugs to himself. They are probably pointless if he is there too. Seeing nothing of immediate interest Pulse will wander back to the crusier, not particularly in a rush. Thank goodness they are apart, I wont have to listen to either side right now. I know why I chose to take the boon from 'Min', and explaining myself makes it sounds like I'm trying to justify doing something wrong. I mean, turning that mage's clothes to acid was wrong. Agreeing to gain minor knowledge for assisting in destroying some evil mages, not so bad.

For a second, Pulse paused as his mind went back when he cast that vulgar spell. What was I thinking? Am I no better than those that we fight? No, I may not be playing fair, but mages don't abide the Geneva convention, nor do the bad guys ever follow 'rules'. I am still fighting for what I believe is right, whether I use these powers in ways that others might call unethical or not. Shaking his head, Pulse continues walking back to the cruiser. Looking over to Sirius "You taking the cruiser back to Officer? Need Jack and I to follow to give you a ride back?"

I wonder what he thinks of me in all this. I can't fault his stance in the matter, but we risked our lives going to that auction. Don't we deserve something for almost dying? No matter, I'm sure we'll get to hash all this out back at the sanctum. Pulse pulls out his cellphone to look at the time. "Hey Jack, think we can stop and pick up some Taco Bell on the way back, I'm wicked hungry. All this running around worked up my appetite."


******Some time later*****

Pulse nods to Maria as they enter, taking the note from her. "Thanks Maria. I'll give them a call asap." I wonder if they have any idea what went down today at the church or if its just a coincidence. Pulse takes off his jacket as he walks up the stairs. "Honey, we're home!" Pulse calls out as he enters, looking for Span. Probably lounging around licking his wounds. Always makes injuries out to be worse than they are. "Got any more info for us since you've been lazing about? I'm going to go make a phone call, we can talk more in a bit."

Pulse hangs up his jacket near the door and then heads to the roof to give Robin a call.

*Ring* *Ring*

[ZhangoSqu]

It was never really clear to me what car we loaded the clock into. I guess it makes the most sense that we loaded into the vehicle Span and Pulse came in, rather than the cruiser provided it would fit. So I'm just going to go with that. If that is the case, Jack would have waited for Pulse and/or Sirius to drive them back to the sanctum.


Earlier, back at the car...


"Hey Jack, think we can stop and pick up some Taco Bell on the way back, I'm wicked hungry. All this running around worked up my appetite."

"Sure thing, but you're paying." Jack replies with a grin.


Sometime later...


Span's door is open, and Span is bent over his desk with his ear to a speaker. Upon hearing Jack's joke, Span will crack a smile, Yeah... I'm having some trouble getting the cream to absorb. Span shrugs with a grin on his face. There's 6 corpses in the closet, we'll need to take care of them after dark. Span will motion for Jack to come in and sit down at the cushioned reading chair in the corner of his room. So we have a couple things to discuss, First, the Consilium is holding a war session in a few hours, we need to be in attendance. Second, we need to analyze this tape for Nightingale, it was supposedly carried by one of the sleepers that was involved in the attack on her this morning. It appears that the Seers are mobilizing against the Boston Consilium.

Jack will walk in and collapse in Span's reading chair. "Emergency war session? This must be serious. What exactly happened this morning? It sounds like there were several timed and coordinated attacks across the city." He nods as Span continues.


Third, we need to keep on lid on everything related to this afternoon. Nightingale knows about the doppleganger manifestation, I have assured her that I'm tracking it down and will let her know when I know where it is. I think that we should consider using some Fate magic to help keep anyone, outside the cabal, from uncovering what happened until we know who can be trusted, and what we witnessed exactly. We don't want to answer uncomfortable questions until we have more information. Span is being intentionally vague. Span will then sit and let Jack process all the information and see what he thinks.

"I agree, I have little interest in talking about the clock with anyone that doesn't already know about it, and whether or not we all like it, we have to trust one another with its secret." Jack will draw the dice out of his pocket, as Span mentions shifting the sands of Fate to assist in the occlusion of the events at the auction house this morning. "It may take some time, we're all pretty exhausted from the auction house--I don't think any of us were expecting that. I can possibly put something up, but anything requiring a longer duration will take a bit more preparation. I'm not sure that we have that time before the war council." Jack will shrug. "I'll see what I can do though, we only need it to last until just after the council meeting I expect and then we can apply a stronger filter ritually, if we still need to."


Jack is something like 6-8 XP away from Gnosis 3 given the way I've allocated things tentatively. I can shift some of that XP allocation around to actually get Gnosis 3 right away, but still we're going to have a tight schedule. Plus I think Jack only has 1-or-2 mana left, he'll need to recharge (unless mana recharges between scenes, I still need to review that set of rules).

Regardless I think your suggestion with respect to base-lines for the spell to cast in OOC make sense.

[XianTheCoder]

Sometime later...
Jack will walk in and collapse in Span's reading chair. "Emergency war session? This must be serious. What exactly happened this morning? It sounds like there were several timed and coordinated attacks across the city." He nods as Span continues.
Apparently, a series of tactical strikes against members of the Pentacle. It's believed they are looking for the weakest targets first to soften us up. You can guess what will be discussed at Consilium, likely a lot of "hold hands" and "buddy system" type non-sense, but we need to keep each other alive, so we don't have much choice.


"I agree, I have little interest in talking about the clock with anyone that doesn't already know about it, and whether or not we all like it, we have to trust one another with its secret." Jack will draw the dice out of his pocket, as Span mentions shifting the sands of Fate to assist in the occlusion of the events at the auction house this morning. "It may take some time, we're all pretty exhausted from the auction house--I don't think any of us were expecting that. I can possibly put something up, but anything requiring a longer duration will take a bit more preparation. I'm not sure that we have that time before the war council." Jack will shrug. "I'll see what I can do though, we only need it to last until just after the council meeting I expect and then we can apply a stronger filter ritually, if we still need to."

I don't even want to speak of the item and location aloud, in our world, there are ears everywhere. Yes, anything helps for now, when we have more time we can discuss a stronger and more robust spell. As soon as Pulse is freed up we should all sit down to work on this tape, I'd love to have something to report to Nightingale by tonight's meeting.

[Failed Phantasm]

Under the pretense of inspecting the cruiser more thoroughly, Sirius remained at the church for a few more minutes after Jack and Pulse had driven off, having silently waved off Pulse’s offer. Sirius had run the city’s marathon last year; walking from the station to the sanctum wouldn’t bother him at all. ‘I wonder if Caesar knew that the clock would be here?’ He stopped, hand lingering on the headlight he’d been checking. Where had that thought come from? And why hadn’t it occurred to him earlier? Caesar could easily have withheld that information from them: they really weren’t told much about what it was they were going to find at the auction, and hadn’t the precise wording of the mission been “investigate for magical treasures”? Was there a bit of presupposition hidden there? And even if he didn’t know the clock would be there, then perhaps he suspected? And what it would mean for the cabal if he did know and they lied straight to his face at the upcoming meeting? Sirius rubbed his chin thoughtfully for a moment before shrugging. Whether he would be proven right or wrong, Span or Jack would be doing the talking anyway. Sirius just got dragged along for the ride.

He stood up and got in the driver’s seat, slamming the door as he checked to see that Howl was lying down in the back, which he was. An amused smirk crossed his face as he imagined himself running off to the Canadian wilderness, far from human civilization and most of the intrigues of Awakened society: just Sirius and Howl, alone and free, learning about the near-infinite splendor of magic and the Realms Invisible and the world around him, one hard-won experience at a time. The way it should be. ‘God, that is tempting. Just pack up my stuff and leave, say “**** it” to all of this. No Consilium, no cabal, no clock.’ A wistful smile crossed his face as he thought about it, even though he knew deep down that there was no escape from the life he’d been thrust into, knew that he’d never be free again. And at least he didn’t delude himself into thinking otherwise, that magic somehow set an Awakened soul free. If anything, it made them slaves to their own power. It let them see the world for what it truly was, and that meant that sometimes one looked in a mirror and saw a monster staring back. ‘Maybe I ought to have more grandiose goals. It seems like every mage starts out with some hopelessly idealistic goal like “defeat death, cure cancer, solve world hunger, end poverty”. That sort of thing. I wonder how telling it is that the goal that’s most important to me is to not become the sort of monster I know I’m capable of being.’ He snorted quietly in amusement. ‘I can just imagine the writing on that trophy: “Craig Baxter — Maintained Minimum Standards for Being a Decent Human Being”.’ The amusement faded almost instantly. That had been a very sobering thought.

He turned the key and the cruiser roared back to life, as if it hadn’t just been used as a battering ram. ‘Oh, good. Officer won’t brutally murder me now. I’ll remember to thank Pulse when I get back.’ It was still radiating a very strong Matter resonance after all the spells Pulse had cast on it, but that couldn’t be helped. He didn’t have any intention of lying to Officer about what they’d done with her car, anyway. Putting the vehicle in reverse, he carefully navigated his way out of the church and back onto the road. He’d call Officer when he was near the station — if he could find a place to park and make the call, naturally; absolutely no breaking the law in a police cruiser — to let her know that he was almost there. Even after only a few minutes of driving back to Boston, he was wondering what he was going to tell her and how to say it. It was all just so… insane. How would she react? What would she want to do about it?

“What am I going to do about this?”


Instant: cast Pulse of the Living World as an improvised spell. (Life ●, Covert, 0 Mana)
Automatic success: Potency 5 (Gnosis + Life).

Active Effects:
Active Spells = 1/5 (Gnosis + 3), Spell Tolerance = 3 (Stamina), Mana = 5/11 (max 2 per turn)


Pulse of the Living World (Life ●) — Mage Sight; Prolonged (one scene), Potency 5.

[ZhangoSqu]

I don't even want to speak of the item and location aloud, in our world, there are ears everywhere. Yes, anything helps for now, when we have more time we can discuss a stronger and more robust spell. As soon as Pulse is freed up we should all sit down to work on this tape, I'd love to have something to report to Nightingale by tonight's meeting.

"I can agree with those sentiments." Jack stands up. "Let me begin putting something together, but, we'll have to wait for everyone--or as close to everyone--to be back to cover all our bases." Nearly out of Span's room, Jack pauses and turns around, almost as an afterthought. "Sirius has the blood from Dexter, he was going to be bringing the cruiser back to Officer before coming back. I think he intended on walking given that he declined Pulse's offer for us to follow him and give him a ride back from the station."

Jack will exit Span's room, wave to Pulse while he's still on the phone and go back to his room to sort through some notes and old journals Melchior left him. To see if he can't find some sort of suggestion from Melchior's past experiences that will help to mask their current subterfuge.

[Shadowy]

The disc begins to play it's video.

~
A darkened room, though everything inside is clearly visible through clever, professional lighting. Five mages are gathered around a really, incredibly fake ritual, chanting in faux latin. They appear to be order stereotypes: A cavemanlike Arrow, Computer nerd Libertine, Shifty Guardian, Graybearded Mystagog, clutching a book, and Napolean, wearing a Silver Ladder badge.

The camera cuts to the back of a limousine, where four people dressed in almost blinding amounts of jewelry are laughing, sipping alcohol, and taking drugs with reckless abandon. The armored limousine bursts through the wall, ramming into the various mages, sending sacraments scattering everywhere. The windows roll down, and one of the people, dressed like a rapper, lights a cigar with a 100$ bill, and tosses it on their twitching forms.

A middle-aged driver with a well-trimmed silver mustache cheerfully suggests "Join the Seers!", before driving off, through another wall, to raucous laughter.

There's nothing significant, or magical in this. Nothing weird even shows up on the mage sight.

The video ends with an image of coins, backed by an inscrutable seal, which does appear weird. There's a tagline.

"Mammon: Run while you can."

~

Robin answers the phone. "Look, stop calling me, the plea is your best opti-, oh wait. Sorry, wrong phone. Is that you Pulse?"

~

Officer doesn't appear to be in at the moment, but the police are just generally grateful that the cruiser was returned safely.

[Failed Phantasm]

As he pushed past the double doors that separated the private offices from the station proper, Sirius was shaking his head incredulously. The officers didn't seem to be bothered in the slightest that a civilian had driven up in a police cruiser, nor did any of them so much as ask how he'd gotten it or why he had it in the first place. They didn't even ask for the keys, for Christ's sake. 'How does she do that? Did she get promoted to chief of police when I wasn't looking? I don't come here that often, do I?' Perhaps in response to his own question, he looked up and realized that he was standing right outside the door to her office, having come to the station often enough that he knew the way there by memory. 'Well. Obviously, I do.' he thought, fighting back the urge to facepalm at himself. 'I did tell her I was coming, at least. Maybe that's why they let me in without stopping me.' He raised his hand to knock on the door, but then hesitated.

'She miiight not take the whole “we wrecked the cruiser” thing very well,' he thought, 'even if Pulse did fix it afterwards.' He breathed a quiet sigh, slumping forward slightly as he rubbed the back of his neck. 'She's given me a good thrashing over less. Usually well-deserved,' he admitted to himself, 'and even though I really don't want to deal with any more crap today, I'm still owed that lecture from earlier. She might go for the twofer before the Consilium meeting.' He took a deep breath and hastily wove some magic into his Pattern, feeling his body become sturdier and tougher as the spell took effect, even as he was steeling his mind for whatever would come next. 'Ok. Let's get this over with.' He knocked twice, and then turned the knob and opened the door.

Officer was seated at her desk, an array of paperwork laid out before her. It was likely that her bear familiar was nearby, possibly in the same room, but he hadn't cast any spells that would let him see it, and Howl was on the prowl in the lobby, sniffing around for any signs of other spirits coming and going. If she noticed him entering, she gave no acknowledgement of that, so Sirius spoke first. “Afternoon, Officer. Back from my mission and ready for my lecture. I'm not interrupting, am I?”



Instant: cast Organic Resilience as an improvised spell. (Life ●●, Covert, 0 Mana)
Automatic success: Potency 5.

Active Effects:
Active Spells = 2/5 (Gnosis + 3), Spell Tolerance = 3 (Stamina), Mana = 5/11 (max 2 per turn)


Organic Resilience (Life ●●) — Armor +3; Prolonged (one scene), Potency 5.
Pulse of the Living World (Life ●) — Mage Sight; Prolonged (one scene), Potency 5.

[baerun]

Robin answers the phone. "Look, stop calling me, the plea is your best opti-, oh wait. Sorry, wrong phone. Is that you Pulse?"


Pulse pauses for a moment when it's answered on the other end. "It is. I was left a message to call you back, but I swear that girl told me she was 18." Pulse pauses for a moment to see if the lawyer appreciates his off-color joke. "Jokes aside, to what do I owe the pleasure?" Pulse begins his slow pacing again as the conversation continues.

[Shadowy]

Officer shuffles a few papers, and looks up.

"Oh, good, you're back. How'd it go, anything important happen? And did you hear about Caesar trying to organize the war session? Usual place."

~

There's a snigger, and a cough from Hawk's end of the phone.

"Simple question really. Have you heard about any new Free Council mages moving into town lately? The MiT Council had some new resonance around when I paid them a visit, shut-ins that they are, so I just wanted to check with you."

[XianTheCoder]

There's nothing significant, or magical in this. Nothing weird even shows up on the mage sight.

The video ends with an image of coins, backed by an inscrutable seal, which does appear weird. There's a tagline.

"Mammon: Run while you can."

Mammon? The Demon of Gluttony, richness, and injustice? This is a strange marketing tactic, I wonder how the focus groups went. Span thinks in jest with a smirk. Why make a video like this?


1. Does Span know of any relevant references linnking Seers and Mammon?
2. Has Span ever seen/encountered the coin/seal, the tagline, or any of the people in the video before?

Int+Occult: [roll0]
Mods plus 10-again: [roll1]

[baerun]

There's a snigger, and a cough from Hawk's end of the phone.

"Simple question really. Have you heard about any new Free Council mages moving into town lately? The MiT Council had some new resonance around when I paid them a visit, shut-ins that they are, so I just wanted to check with you."

"To be perfectly honest, I haven't been around there lately, but I have definitely not heard of any new Free Council mages. Do you have any speculation on what Caesar is calling the emergency council for?"

[Shadowy]

Mammon? The Demon of Gluttony, richness, and injustice? This is a strange marketing tactic, I wonder how the focus groups went. Span thinks in jest with a smirk. Why make a video like this?


1. Does Span know of any relevant references linnking Seers and Mammon?
2. Has Span ever seen/encountered the coin/seal, the tagline, or any of the people in the video before?

Int+Occult: [roll0]
Mods plus 10-again: [roll1]



Mammon is a seer group, based on capitalism, and causing scarcity. They're probably the second most powerful bunch of seers in the America, behind the Panopticon. The seal itself looks like an Iron Seal, the name of the Exarch of Matter, The Chancellor. There's nasty rumors about studying them too deeply making mages go mad. The people in the limo itself all looked to fit the profile of Mammon seers.


"To be perfectly honest, I haven't been around there lately, but I have definitely not heard of any new Free Council mages. Do you have any speculation on what Caesar is calling the emergency council for?"

"Probably due to the series of vicious attacks around town. I caught a bullet taking one out, so I might not be there. If there's new mages...The Council might be gearing up to take advantage of the sudden instability to do something big while Caesar is distracted."

[XianTheCoder]

Mammon is a seer group, based on capitalism, and causing scarcity. They're probably the second most powerful bunch of seers in the America, behind the Panopticon. The seal itself looks like an Iron Seal, the name of the Exarch of Matter, The Chancellor. There's nasty rumors about studying them too deeply making mages go mad. The people in the limo itself all looked to fit the profile of Mammon seers.
Span sits back in his chair while he thinks, Well, at least we know who's likely behind these attacks, for whatever good it will do. No magic... just a video... I wonder if there is anyway to tell where it was made... Span pulls the tape out of the player and visually inspects it, looking for any distinctive markings, logos, etc. [If it's a DVD] he flips it over to see if it's purple (writtable/homemade dvd) or if it's Silver (professionally made).

[Shadowy]

It's a plain disc. It's purple, but considering the extensive resources seers have at their disposal it doesn't mean much.

[baerun]

"Probably due to the series of vicious attacks around town. I caught a bullet taking one out, so I might not be there. If there's new mages...The Council might be gearing up to take advantage of the sudden instability to do something big while Caesar is distracted."

"I anticipate this being one of those meetings you'd rather be there for than hear about second-hand, so if you can make it you should try. With an added bonus of getting to see new mages if its not something shadier happening over at MiT. " Pulse nods to himself as he continues his 'I'm-pacing-because-I'm-on-the-phone-and-don't-know-what-else-to-do', confident that there is reason to be suspicious of new resonance that just coincidently happens right before the entire city of mages gets attacked. When magic is involved there is no such thing as a coincidence.

[Shadowy]

"I anticipate this being one of those meetings you'd rather be there for than hear about second-hand, so if you can make it you should try. With an added bonus of getting to see new mages if its not something shadier happening over at MiT. " Pulse nods to himself as he continues his 'I'm-pacing-because-I'm-on-the-phone-and-don't-know-what-else-to-do', confident that there is reason to be suspicious of new resonance that just coincidently happens right before the entire city of mages gets attacked. When magic is involved there is no such thing as a coincidence.

"Yeah, probably. I'll be there. It's just....my stake is in my neighborhood, with Officer. I don't want that to go wrong. Hopefully they're just bringing in new reinforcements to fight off the seer advance."

[XianTheCoder]

It's a plain disc. It's purple, but considering the extensive resources seers have at their disposal it doesn't mean much.
At an impass given his current abilities, Span decides to put the disk down for a minute to think while he 'spells-up' in the hallow and to take the opportunity to speak with Min before Sirius returned.

First, Span wants to speak one more time with Min. Walking out of his room, Span looks to see where they put the clock (If they didn't bring it upstairs, then Span will go and find it in the car). Once he finds the clock, he will seat himself next to it, and knock. If someone is in the room, where the clock resides, then Span will simply say he 'needs clarification on something Min hinted at, and they are welcome to accompany him.'


In case you want to speed things along and consolidate posts, this is what Span intends to speak to Min about:

Span will greet Min with a bow, and aplogize for interrupting her so soon after departing.
After performing some research I realized that I am currently ill-equipped to venture into The Zone. However, shortly after my awakening I was a recruitment target for the Guardians, they spoke of me as a potential candidate for some Legacy that is prolific within their ranks. I know little but rumor of this Legacy, but the rumors I do know call these Mages 'Invisible, Shadows, and Ghosts', they can obfuscate their comings and goings and bewitch the minds of those that see them. Training in this Legacy would make me much more equipped to enter The Zone to track the next Seal. Is there anything you can tell me about the Legacy and specifically, if there is a Mage in the Boston area that can teach me?

Regardless of the answer, Span will thank Min for her time and hurry back to the Material Realm, not wanting to be caught spending too much time within Min's realm.


After he returns from his foray with Min, he will walk into the Hallow where he will cast Angle Vision/Spatial Awareness (combined), Untouchable/Mental Shield (Combined), and Gain Skill (whatever is most appropriate for dealing with the tape... Science?).

Since all these spells are Insant and spammable plus he's at the Hallow, Span will keep casting Gain Skill until he has at least 2 success (which is his max buff.. and he's rolling 7 dice so it's kind of trivial)... let me know if want me to actually roll for it though.

Once Span is finished at the Hallow he will return to his room where he picks the disk back up and decides to study it further.

Span is still waiting for Pulse.. this would be a good time for him to enter...

At this point, Span would start trying mundane technological methods of analyzing the tape.
Int + Science: [roll0]
Mods Plus 10-Again: [roll1]

[Shadowy]

Min is sitting at her desk, rolling a pen back and forth. She didn't have a pen before.

"It's been like fifteen minutes dude, haven't you done anything yet?"

"...Oh, a legacy huh? Never heard of them. Sorry."

~

The metadata doesn't pull anything useful. Or...anything at all. Whoever made this was trying very hard to prevent backtracing, and was very good at it.

[baerun]

"Yeah, probably. I'll be there. It's just....my stake is in my neighborhood, with Officer. I don't want that to go wrong. Hopefully they're just bringing in new reinforcements to fight off the seer advance."

"Just remember, that whatever you hold onto, if we lose to the Seers, they won't stop with just removing Caesar. So whatever differences and disagreements there are, we all have them with the others from time to time, we need to put them aside and work together. Sort of like the Avengers. Now that was a good movie." Pulse starts rambling on about the different avenger related movies and generally going on a tangent.

When Robin finally interrupts Pulse and gets off the phone, Pulse will head back down to see Span. "What's up aquaman?"

[Shadowy]

"Just remember, that whatever you hold onto, if we lose to the Seers, they won't stop with just removing Caesar. So whatever differences and disagreements there are, we all have them with the others from time to time, we need to put them aside and work together. Sort of like the Avengers. Now that was a good movie." Pulse starts rambling on about the different avenger related movies and generally going on a tangent.

When Robin finally interrupts Pulse and gets off the phone, Pulse will head back down to see Span. "What's up aquaman?"

Hawk just says that he always liked Daredevil.

[XianTheCoder]

The metadata doesn't pull anything useful. Or...anything at all. Whoever made this was trying very hard to prevent backtracing, and was very good at it.
Swing and a Miss! Strike 2! Span lets out a frustrated sigh, puts his head in his hands, and sits in that position for a solid two minutes. Finally, raising his head, Span decides that he needs to do what he really didn't want to do, and begin using Space magic. Just as Span is about to start casting a spell, Pulse walks in. Hey, it's about time. Here, sit down and look at this. Span will play the tape for Pulse. Thoughts?

[baerun]

Swing and a Miss! Strike 2! Span lets out a frustrated sigh, puts his head in his hands, and sits in that position for a solid two minutes. Finally, raising his head, Span decides that he needs to do what he really didn't want to do, and begin using Space magic. Just as Span is about to start casting a spell, Pulse walks in. Hey, it's about time. Here, sit down and look at this. Span will play the tape for Pulse. Thoughts?

"Hmm, It doesnt look like it will be easy to recognize the location based on the video. Any chance of identifying the limousine or the people in the video? We could try and match them up with local actors or college students and see if someone paid them a lot of money to 'shoot a scene' like this." Pulse shrugs "I could also call Hawk back and see if he has a digital forensic contact that could help, lawyers make use of those guys all the time. I'd rather avoid owing a favor to anyone that likes Daredevil though." Pulse shakes his head at that thought. What a terrible movie, this will probably bother me for a while. You think you know a person and then this happens. "Last option I would suggest is to use magic to locate the people or the location where the disk was made. Would I be able to assist using any of my abilities?

[Failed Phantasm]

“Honestly? 'Important' doesn't even come close to describing it,” Sirius said with a weary sigh as he flopped down in the chair opposite Officer. “I'm not sure where I should begin.” He flashed her a faint, lopsided grin and added, “And of course I know about Caesar's war meeting. You were the one who told me about it this morning, remember?” A warm feeling of satisfaction echoed along his empathic bond, causing him to glance towards the still-ajar door and turning his weak smile into a more genuine one, if only briefly. 'Didn't find anything, did you? Well, that's a good start, but it doesn't mean we're not being watched.' Leaning to the right and reaching an arm out, Sirius managed to grab hold of the edge of the door and, carefully measuring his strength, flung it shut with just enough force to keep it from slamming loudly.

He settled back into his chair and fixed Officer with a very serious gaze, brow furrowed slightly and arms folded across his chest. “Officer, you know that you're one of the very few people in Boston to whom I would never lie,” he began, adding an emphatic, “and I have no intention of lying to you now.” He paused, assessing her reaction. He wanted the impact of his words and the honesty in his voice to set in. “But I... ” He reached up to rub the bridge of his nose briefly before continuing, “I'm still trying to wrap my head around what happened at the church today. It's...” He leaned back in his chair and looked up towards the ceiling, searching for the right word, but only one was coming to mind: “It's insane! Utterly insane! If you were the one telling me the story, I wouldn't believe a single word of it.” He sighed and looked back at Officer. “However, I'm worried that I can't speak freely about it here. There are too many ways to eavesdrop on this conversation, and while I trust you, I don't know who else might be watching or listening.”

Sirius abruptly turned his head to the right, a blur of motion coming from the door and catching his attention, just as he was talking about being spied upon. The jolt of suspicion evaporated as he saw who it was: it was just Howl, panting excitedly and holding his tail high after a job well done. Sirius uttered something that was halfway between being a sigh of relief and a chuckle as the wolf-spirit sat down next to him. “Worst time to make an entrance, Howl. You had me worried for a second,” he said in a low whisper. He looked back towards Officer and offered her a slight, helpless shrug. He lowered his voice and continued, “Sorry about that. You know how they can be, coming and going as they please sometimes. Wouldn't trade a friend like him for the world, though.” A wry smile tugged at his lips and his eyes lost focus, as if he'd just remembered something. “And they can do all sorts of things without anyone noticing.”

The smirk lingered for a few seconds before he shook his head and started again from where he'd left off, resuming his normal tone of voice: “I have work tonight, so I won't be at the meeting. I know I'm not going to win any favors or standing by hopping in an ambulance and, y'know, saving lives instead of listening to Caesar's realpolitik, but you know how it is.” It had been a sarcastic quip, but that was abandoned for an honest conviction in his voice as he nodded confidently at her and said his next two words. “Duty calls. I'll have to get the CliffsNotes version from Jack or Pulse, assuming either of them are in the mood to fill me in later.” Sirius leaned forward. “I'm going to guess Caesar will be asking for a debriefing from my cabal, and I have the strangest feeling that he either suspected or outright knew what we were going to find at that church and what would happen when we did.” He paused again, this time looking towards Howl as he considered what he was going to say next. “Span is probably going to be the one doing the talking, though it could be Jack instead. Listen to their version of what happened at the church today. When it's all over, and if you can find a safe place where we'll be mostly safe from being spied on...” Sirius fixed Officer with a very direct stare, one that was more intense than those he usually shot her. “Come find me and hear what I have to say.”



Active Effects:
Active Spells = 2/5 (Gnosis + 3), Spell Tolerance = 3 (Stamina), Mana = 5/11 (max 2 per turn)


Organic Resilience (Life ●●) — Armor +3; Prolonged (one scene), Potency 5.
Pulse of the Living World (Life ●) — Mage Sight; Prolonged (one scene), Potency 5.

[XianTheCoder]

"Hmm, It doesnt look like it will be easy to recognize the location based on the video. Any chance of identifying the limousine or the people in the video? We could try and match them up with local actors or college students and see if someone paid them a lot of money to 'shoot a scene' like this." Pulse shrugs "I could also call Hawk back and see if he has a digital forensic contact that could help, lawyers make use of those guys all the time. I'd rather avoid owing a favor to anyone that likes Daredevil though." Pulse shakes his head at that thought. What a terrible movie, this will probably bother me for a while. You think you know a person and then this happens. "Last option I would suggest is to use magic to locate the people or the location where the disk was made. Would I be able to assist using any of my abilities?

I have a few Space tricks I was considering just before you walked in. Amongst them was tracking the people in the video, while they likely are not Mages, it could lead us to the Mages if we track it long enough. I tried extracting any data off the risk that could give us a lead to its creator, but it was wiped clean. I'd prefer not involving anyone outside of the cabal unless absolutely neccessary. The Mammon are a sect of the Seers, a large sect, so either they are behind these attacks or someon wants us to believe that they are. If you could go over the video again with Force and any mundane meeans, for anything I missed, that would be great.. Span will stand back while Pulse works. After a few minutes he'll saySo... Sirius... You think he's going none a problem? And what are your thoughts about what to tell Caesar tonight at Consilium?

[baerun]

I have a few Space tricks I was considering just before you walked in. Amongst them was tracking the people in the video, while they likely are not Mages, it could lead us to the Mages if we track it long enough. I tried extracting any data off the risk that could give us a lead to its creator, but it was wiped clean. I'd prefer not involving anyone outside of the cabal unless absolutely neccessary. The Mammon are a sect of the Seers, a large sect, so either they are behind these attacks or someon wants us to believe that they are. If you could go over the video again with Force and any mundane meeans, for anything I missed, that would be great.. Span will stand back while Pulse works. After a few minutes he'll saySo... Sirius... You think he's going none a problem? And what are your thoughts about what to tell Caesar tonight at Consilium?

Pulse nods and touches the disk as he attempts to discern any data that Span may have missed. "I am unsure on Sirius, he obviously follows a different code than the rest of us, but he seems a bit extreme in his ways sometimes. I think he honestly thinks we all just take Min at face value and arent going to investigate further" Pulse looks back to the disc briefly, furrowing his brow as he attempts to examine deeper. "On the other hand, I don't know that he has much to stop that assumption given our past interactions, at the very least we need to sit down and talk to him, and soon. As for the Consilium, I am still unsure. Caesar obviously sent us there for a reason, he either knows of the clock, or at least suspected something would be happening. Perhaps he sent us there because if Min was erased then his rise to power would be? This is all speculation, but if I'm even close to correct here, he won't want this to be public knowledge. PUlse pauses again briefly before continuing "In fact, I think if we did mention this story, we might be 'removed from play'


Attempting to cast Electronic Eye (forces 2) pg 108 Free Council book

Electronic Eye [roll0]
10-Again and Mods [roll1]

Basically looking for anything hidden on the disc that would not be readable via normal means.

[XianTheCoder]

"I am unsure on Sirius, he obviously follows a different code than the rest of us, but he seems a bit extreme in his ways sometimes. I think he honestly thinks we all just take Min at face value and arent going to investigate further"
Span nods, Exactly, and that is one of my biggest concerns. We are suppose to be a team, and we are suppose to rely and trust in each other, can you honestly say that about Sirius? We all have different beliefs, but we are able to discuss and come to consensus, there is no discussion with Sirius, there is no compromise, and there is no trust. I have serious concerns about how to proceed, what to include him in, and what to keep from him.


As for the Consilium, I am still unsure. Caesar obviously sent us there for a reason, he either knows of the clock, or at least suspected something would be happening. Perhaps he sent us there because if Min was erased then his rise to power would be? This is all speculation, but if I'm even close to correct here, he won't want this to be public knowledge.[/COLOR] Pulse pauses again briefly before continuing "In fact, I think if we did mention this story, we might be 'removed from play'
I can't say that I disagree with you. Min said Mastigos, which is the only reason that I don't suspect Caesar in the first place. It would line up, locked away for twenty years, it's been twenty years since he came to power. As far as I know though, Caesar doesn't have a Mastigos in his cabal, although who knows what other Mages may have been present twenty years ago. At consilium tonight, I plan on making the rounds and talking with a few people, I'm planning on putting feelers out about several topics, amongst them Mastigos, under the guise of hunting for a Legacy tutor. While at Consilium, make sure to keep an eye on Sirius, I want to know who he talks to. As for Caesar, if he asks about the mission today, what do we tell him? Perhaps the simple truth, 'We were delayed by a Seer attack, and by the time we got to the auction, another group of mages was finishing up a ritual, who retreated. No magical artifacts or imbued items were discovered by us, but we have a lead on one of the Mages, and we are actively following that lead.' Span will wait to see how Pulse reacts to the story he's proposing that they tell.

[baerun]

Span nods, Exactly, and that is one of my biggest concerns. We are suppose to be a team, and we are suppose to rely and trust in each other, can you honestly say that about Sirius? We all have different beliefs, but we are able to discuss and come to consensus, there is no discussion with Sirius, there is no compromise, and there is no trust. I have serious concerns about how to proceed, what to include him in, and what to keep from him.

"Can't say that I disagree, maybe we just need to sit down and have a rational conversation with him. Perhaps without you leading the conversation since you butt heads with him more than the rest of us."




I can't say that I disagree with you. Min said Mastigos, which is the only reason that I don't suspect Caesar in the first place. It would line up, locked away for twenty years, it's been twenty years since he came to power. As far as I know though, Caesar doesn't have a Mastigos in his cabal, although who knows what other Mages may have been present twenty years ago. At consilium tonight, I plan on making the rounds and talking with a few people, I'm planning on putting feelers out about several topics, amongst them Mastigos, under the guise of hunting for a Legacy tutor. While at Consilium, make sure to keep an eye on Sirius, I want to know who he talks to. As for Caesar, if he asks about the mission today, what do we tell him? Perhaps the simple truth, 'We were delayed by a Seer attack, and by the time we got to the auction, another group of mages was finishing up a ritual, who retreated. No magical artifacts or imbued items were discovered by us, but we have a lead on one of the Mages, and we are actively following that lead.' Span will wait to see how Pulse reacts to the story he's proposing that they tell.
"Who says Min is telling the truth about a Mastigos. Perhaps that was part of the deal that sealed her away, that she couldn't reveal actual facts about the mage?" Pulse pauses for a moment considered what Span wants to tell Caesar. "I'm not sure we want to actually lie , not sure how good any of us are at lying, especially me. Seeing as we did find a magical item of sorts, I dont know how we can say anything without looking like we are hiding something."

[ZhangoSqu]

Jack will walk back in to Span's room after his short absence. "I think I have an idea of something that I can do to obfuscate our actions regarding the clock at the church today..." He stops. "Oh, Pulse, didn't see you in here, figure anything out with the tape?" Jack will listen to a run down of everything that SPan and Pulse have been talking about and as it comes back to the topic of Sirius, Jack will frown. When it comes to the discussion of what to do at the meeting, Jack shrugs.

"Lying is going to be a problem, I'm all for avoiding the topic entirely. We can omit facts: we saw the Scelesti there and we found evidence of a ritual. But I don't even know if we want to offer up any details. Let them search for the questions to ask." Jack will lean against the door frame.

[Shadowy]

There's nothing magical hidden on the disc from the Electronic Eye spell.

[XianTheCoder]

"Can't say that I disagree, maybe we just need to sit down and have a rational conversation with him. Perhaps without you leading the conversation since you butt heads with him more than the rest of us."
If you think you can get through to him, then I implore you to try. Personally, I think we need to start considering potential alternative resolutions to this problem.
"Who says Min is telling the truth about a Mastigos. Perhaps that was part of the deal that sealed her away, that she couldn't reveal actual facts about the mage?" Pulse pauses for a moment considered what Span wants to tell Caesar. "I'm not sure we want to actually lie , not sure how good any of us are at lying, especially me. Seeing as we did find a magical item of sorts, I dont know how we can say anything without looking like we are hiding something."

"Lying is going to be a problem, I'm all for avoiding the topic entirely. We can omit facts: we saw the Scelesti there and we found evidence of a ritual. But I don't even know if we want to offer up any details. Let them search for the questions to ask." Jack will lean against the door frame.
What are these guys talking about? Who said we were going to be lying? Span kind of looks confused, We found a clock with resonance on it... clearly NOT a magical item. And we didn't meet a Scelesti, we met an Adversarial Mage of Unverifiable Alliegance. I'm not sure what lies you guys are referring to. I'd love to avoid the topic, but we may not have that luxory, so I'd like to have a sync'd up story.

Jack will walk back in to Span's room after his short absence. "I think I have an idea of something that I can do to obfuscate our actions regarding the clock at the church today..." He stops. "Oh, Pulse, didn't see you in here, figure anything out with the tape?" Jack will listen to a run down of everything that SPan and Pulse have been talking about and as it comes back to the topic of Sirius, Jack will frown. When it comes to the discussion of what to do at the meeting, Jack shrugs.
Anyways, so you have an idea for keeping the events of this morning hidden? What have you come up with?

[baerun]

Jack will walk back in to Span's room after his short absence. "I think I have an idea of something that I can do to obfuscate our actions regarding the clock at the church today..." He stops. "Oh, Pulse, didn't see you in here, figure anything out with the tape?" Jack will listen to a run down of everything that SPan and Pulse have been talking about and as it comes back to the topic of Sirius, Jack will frown. When it comes to the discussion of what to do at the meeting, Jack shrugs.

"Nada. This tape is clean as can be, whoever made it was either not a mage at all, or a really powerful one.



"Lying is going to be a problem, I'm all for avoiding the topic entirely. We can omit facts: we saw the Scelesti there and we found evidence of a ritual. But I don't even know if we want to offer up any details. Let them search for the questions to ask." Jack will lean against the door frame.

Pulse will turn to Span "Whether you consider twisting the words to make it seem innocent lying isn't the question, its obvious when people words things like this that they are hiding something and will only arouse suspicion. Don't you ever wonder why we always know when you are trying to hide something? All that being said, I'm for not speaking of as much as we can within reason. Ultimately, I think we all value our lives and if it comes to telling the truth and losing the clock, or hiding it and being tortured, killed or what have you, I think we all choose the former."

[ZhangoSqu]

"More or less a misdirection of fate surrounding all occurrences of the clock, sort of like a curse--I guess--" Jack makes a sound that does not inspire confidence before continuing. "Basically, making it very difficult to find information about the clock through normal channels of investigation: no record trail of the church or its whereabouts, or origins. Things like that." Adding quickly "... yet exempting us from that--hopefully."

Jack will shrug. "You're all a lot more talented and have had more proper training at this then me. Provided the Fates respond though, I think I can help us out for at least a little while."

"Having said that though--" he'll look to Pulse and Span "--none of us are particularly high ranking, so if we can avoid talking at the meeting in general..." Jack will focus his eyes on Span for a moment, implying that Span need to curb his urge to talk on end "... we may be fine."

[XianTheCoder]

"Nada. This tape is clean as can be, whoever made it was either not a mage at all, or a really powerful one.
Span will frown, I was really hoping that I was wrong, so much for that. Jack, think you can try and use Fate to determine the sympathetic connections of the people in the video, at least enough to tell how they are conencted to this video? Both of us, Span will indicate himself and Pulse, have struck out finding anything useful.


Pulse will turn to Span "Whether you consider twisting the words to make it seem innocent lying isn't the question, its obvious when people words things like this that they are hiding something and will only arouse suspicion. Don't you ever wonder why we always know when you are trying to hide something? All that being said, I'm for not speaking of as much as we can within reason. Ultimately, I think we all value our lives and if it comes to telling the truth and losing the clock, or hiding it and being tortured, killed or what have you, I think we all choose the former."
Obviously, I am being a bit glib, what I mean to say is that people are riled up about Seer threats, we don't need to mention that we suspect Scelesti, leave it vague and let the others natural assume that we are talking about the Seers. We can't verify the accuracy of Min's statement, for all we know those were out of town Pentacle mages, so we have clear plausible deniability. Let's just be as vague as we can be, and let the others make their own assumptions. If we play this right, the clock will never even come into the conversation.


"More or less a misdirection of fate surrounding all occurrences of the clock, sort of like a curse--I guess--" Jack makes a sound that does not inspire confidence before continuing. "Basically, making it very difficult to find information about the clock through normal channels of investigation: no record trail of the church or its whereabouts, or origins. Things like that." Adding quickly "... yet exempting us from that--hopefully."

Jack will shrug. "You're all a lot more talented and have had more proper training at this then me. Provided the Fates respond though, I think I can help us out for at least a little while."
Span nods, Sounds good to me. Is there any chance that someone suspicious could determine that Fate magic has been used and attempt to unravel it?


"Having said that though--" he'll look to Pulse and Span "--none of us are particularly high ranking, so if we can avoid talking at the meeting in general..." Jack will focus his eyes on Span for a moment, implying that [i]Span need to curb his urge to talk on end "... we may be fine."
Well, now you're just asking some of us to act out of character and be all suspicious, Span will grin before getting more serious. I'm not sure there's going to be a lot of discussion, Caesar isn't the type to hold Q&A sessions. Likely he'll tell us what he expects, and we'll all just do it. If he wants to know something specific we'll be summoned. Who knows though.

[ZhangoSqu]

Span will frown, I was really hoping that I was wrong, so much for that. Jack, think you can try and use Fate [Interconnections] to determine the sympathetic connections of the people in the video, at least enough to tell how they are conencted to this video? Both of us, Span will indicate himself and Pulse, have struck out finding anything useful.

"I can try." As Span plays the tape again, Jack requests he slows its playback down to 50% of its speed, and less at times, so he can spend more time focusing on the interconnections. As he strains to make the connections with through magical means, he can feel as he tries to sift through the various strands of fate and destiny, trying to pluck the right one from the ether that will lead him to some thing useful.


Span nods, Sounds good to me. Is there any chance that someone suspicious could determine that Fate magic has been used and attempt to unravel it?

"Possibly?" Jack shrugs "You know as well as I that anyone with enough power can unwind just about anything." Jack's mind wanders a moment, leaving him quite for a little bit before he continues and then listens to Span's response. What he knows, and understands of the history of magic and the orders has at times given him cause to worry about magic as a whole. Especially as to whether or not it should be wielded by such flawed creatures as humans. Still, he rationalizes, its the power to protect and improve the lives of the people you care about. Even if there is a danger attached to it. A burden that we have no choice but to bear and in time hopefully use responsibly. "I'll do my best to secure it from any unwanted tampering and resonance that might lead it back to us, at the very least. A repeating-signal if you will, like you see in TV shows and movies where a villain doesn't wanted to be tracked down so they route their cell phone through 100's of different towers. Something like that."


Well, now you're just asking some of us to act out of character and be all suspicious, Span will grin before getting more serious. I'm not sure there's going to be a lot of discussion, Caesar isn't the type to hold Q&A sessions. Likely he'll tell us what he expects, and we'll all just do it. If he wants to know something specific we'll be summoned. Who knows though.

Jack chuckles, and nods. "True enough."


Cast interconnections (rote) on the video to determine any sort of sympathetic connections. Which is probably more difficult due to it being a tape rather than in person.


Wits + Investigation + Fate: [roll0]
Mods and 10-again: [roll1]
Successes: Possibly 5

[Shadowy]

Fate does not work on the people on the disc, them being only images. The tape itself has only one sympathetic connection older then a day, which is strange. It was clearly magically scoured of sympathetic connections, and the old connection is too weak to scry through or interact with without strange and unique magic.

[ZhangoSqu]

Fate does not work on the people on the disc, them being only images. The tape itself has only one sympathetic connection older then a day, which is strange. It was clearly magically scoured of sympathetic connections, and the old connection is too weak to scry through or interact with without strange and unique magic.

Jack will shake his hands after the interconnections fall through his grasp. "This is an impressive piece of work." He shakes his head. "It's been scoured clean--even of the interconnecting weaves of the tapestry of Fate." He looks to Span and Pulse. "I found one sympathetic connection beyond a day, and then its too weak to interact with, without possibly damaging it. Someone stronger in the field may be able to offer suggestions on how we can revive that thread and pull on it. Possibly outside help might give us a new perspective but I don't think she's in much of a position to help right now."

[XianTheCoder]

Frustrated, Span returns back to his original plan prior to Pulse entering his room. Starting with an attempt to increase the weak sympathetic connection that is currently present [New Thread: See OOC for rolls]. Once he feels the spell take hold and the connection strengthen he will stand up with the disk in hand, and begins walking to his door. Let's take this up to the roof, I'm going to attempt to scry using the connection, and I would rather not do it from within the sanctum... just in case.

On the roof, Span sets the disk down in front of him and mentally reaches out to feel the sympathy, as soon as he has it, he begins casting Scrying.


Scrying (13-6=7): [roll0]
Mods and 10-Again: [roll1]

EDIT: 1 Success

Max Spells: 3/6 (Gnosis+3) ● Spell Tolerance: 3/3 (Stamina)
Mana: 3/12 ● Willpower: 6/7 ● Health: 8/8 [No Condition]

Spells:

Spacial Awareness/Angle Vision: Mage Sight, Space/See Around Corners
Untouchable/Mental Shield: Mage Armor +4, Space/+2 Against Mind Affecting Effects
Gain Skill: +3 Science

[ZhangoSqu]

Frustrated, Span returns back to his original plan prior to Pulse entering his room. Starting with an attempt to increase the weak sympathetic connection that is currently present [New Thread: See OOC for rolls]. Once he feels the spell take hold and the connection strengthen he will stand up with the disk in hand, and begins walking to his door. Let's take this up to the roof, I'm going to attempt to scry using the connection, and I would rather not do it from within the sanctum... just in case.

On the roof, Span sets the disk down in front of him and mentally reaches out to feel the sympathy, as soon as he has it, he begins casting Scrying.

Jack will follow Span up to the roof top and lean against the door frame while he watches Span do his tricks. "Anything?" He'll call out.

[Shadowy]

Officer sits still, listening patiently. She considers for a moment, then, slowly, speaks.

"If you really think that my police station is compromised or trustworthy, I'll meet up with you later, when you say. If you don't have a very good excuse for everything you just said, then you'll regret it."

[Shadowy]

The scrying works. A window is opened into a small meeting room.

The four seers from the video are in there, grinning, and staring directly at the window like sharks.

They're all dressed far more conservatively, except for the rapper, who seems unable to wear less then three golden chains at a time.

The window is focused on a youngish black woman, with a space sight spell on her. She speaks up. "Nice to meet you. Make this window two-way right now, I want to chat."

[XianTheCoder]

Span covers his face with his shirt and converts the spell. You have thirty seconds, go...

Span will be ready to sever the spell at the first sign of a threat.

[ZhangoSqu]

Span covers his face with his shirt and converts the spell. You have thirty seconds, go...

Span will be ready to sever the spell at the first sign of a threat.

Jack stifles a snicker as he see Span pull his shirt over his face, but watches with interest.

[Shadowy]

One of the seers in the back loses it, laughing and slapping the table until another elbows him.

They all grin though.

The scry target addresses him. "What's with the time limit? I thought you'd be eager to talk, doing your scrying so eagerly. I assume you've taken the message to heart? We could get you a proper mask, for a start."

[XianTheCoder]

One of the seers in the back loses it, laughing and slapping the table until another elbows him.

They all grin though.

The scry target addresses him. "What's with the time limit? I thought you'd be eager to talk, doing your scrying so eagerly. I assume you've taken the message to heart? We could get you a proper mask, for a start."

Get to your point... 25 Seconds...

[Shadowy]

Get to your point... 25 Seconds...

She crosses her arms. "You're pretty confident for the losing team. So. Mammon is coming to town, and we're taking charge. Everyone who goes against us is either going against the wall, or if they're lucky, running as fast as they can."

She smirks, and continues. "We're hiring though. If you want to be on the winning team, now is your chance. Join the Seers."

The rapper in the background concurs by throwing up a large handful of hundred dollar bills. That he had inside his jacket for exactly that purpose.

[XianTheCoder]

She crosses her arms. "You're pretty confident for the losing team. So. Mammon is coming to town, and we're taking charge. Everyone who goes against us is either going against the wall, or if they're lucky, running as fast as they can."

She smirks, and continues. "We're hiring though. If you want to be on the winning team, now is your chance. Join the Seers."

The rapper in the background concurs by throwing up a large handful of hundred dollar bills. That he had inside his jacket for exactly that purpose.

Sorry, I have too much time and energy invested in achieving renown within the Pentacle to start over with a new organization. They might be dopes, but the Pentacle is a wonderful means to an end, and they have fight in them. You win a couple battles and then we can talk about converting. In the meantime, that doesn't mean there isn't still potential business to discuss. Perhaps if you prove useful to me I won't hunt you each down and kill you before this war ends. I really do hate wasting resources.

[Shadowy]

Sorry, I have too much time and energy invested in achieving renown within the Pentacle to start over with a new organization. They might be dopes, but the Pentacle is a wonderful means to an end, and they have fight in them. You win a couple battles and then we can talk about converting. In the meantime, that doesn't mean there isn't still potential business to discuss. Perhaps if you prove useful to me I won't hunt you each down and kill you before this war ends. I really do hate wasting resources.

There's some catcalling from the background, along the lines of "Oh, look who thinks he can play with the big boys."

The woman, meanwhile, just frowns. "I don't think you understand this works boy. Don't get smart with me. But we're Mammon, let's make a deal. You should know that Seer groups infight. I've got some nice information on a seer, what have you got?"

[XianTheCoder]

There's some catcalling from the background, along the lines of "Oh, look who thinks he can play with the big boys."

The woman, meanwhile, just frowns. "I don't think you understand this works boy. Don't get smart with me. But we're Mammon, let's make a deal. You should know that Seer groups infight. I've got some nice information on a seer, what have you got?"

You call me 'boy' again and the only deal you'll be making is one with the creator. Now... Perhaps we can get on with this, I'm a busy mage. As for information that I have, perhaps information on a Pentacle mage or two that I see little benefit to keeping around, perhaps the location of a group of Banishers, perhaps the secret as to why you're invasion will not succeed. Lets start small though, for all I know your just a couple of ****-ups, after all, I did see your video, it's hard to have confidence in someone who's put there name on that piece-of-****. Now is not a good time to discuss, so Tomorrow, 10am, I'll contact you, be ready with something to trade, I'll have something for you in return.

[Shadowy]

You call me 'boy' again and the only deal you'll be making is one with the creator. Now... Perhaps we can get on with this, I'm a busy mage. As for information that I have, perhaps information on a Pentacle mage or two that I see little benefit to keeping around, perhaps the location of a group of Banishers, perhaps the secret as to why you're invasion will not succeed. Lets start small though, for all I know your just a couple of ****-ups, after all, I did see your video, it's hard to have confidence in someone who's put there name on that piece-of-****. Now is not a good time to discuss, so Tomorrow, 10am, I'll contact you, be ready with something to trade, I'll have something for you in return.

"No. You really don't get it. This is your one chance to get in good with the winners. You give us something useful now, or I tell you the one thing you really don't want to know."

[XianTheCoder]

"No. You really don't get it. This is your one chance to get in good with the winners. You give us something useful now, or I tell you the one thing you really don't want to know."
Span rolls his eyes, Why don't you just tell me what I don't want to know now, so we can move past this pathetic attempt at fear-mongering..

[Shadowy]

She smirks. "My name is Sarah Lael."

She then snaps her fingers, firing off a bolt of Celestial Fire at Span's Pattern.

Span has just gotten Sarah's real name, which gives you an intimate sympathetic connection.

However, she's quicker then you, and gets a spell off, which, since she's casting through your scrying window, suffers a -2 now.

She casts Prime 4 Celestial fire, which ignores your mage armor and subtracts your stamina.

12-2-3 = 7 dice.

6,3,5,5,5,7,9.

One damage.

Paradox: 7

Paradox Pool is now +1.

[XianTheCoder]

She smirks. "My name is Sarah Lael."

She then snaps her fingers, firing off a bolt of Celestial Fire at Span's Pattern.

Span has just gotten Sarah's real name, which gives you an intimate sympathetic connection.

However, she's quicker then you, and gets a spell off, which, since she's casting through your scrying window, suffers a -2 now.

She casts Prime 4 Celestial fire, which ignores your mage armor and subtracts your stamina.

12-2-3 = 7 dice.

6,3,5,5,5,7,9.

One damage.

Paradox: 7

Paradox Pool is now +1.

Span severs the scry window and slams a ward down on the area.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[ZhangoSqu]

Not fast enough to react to help Span, Jack launches himself from the doorway as his friend recoils from the magical attack. Reaching Span's side just after the scrying window is dispelled and the link severed. Jack feels the ebb and flow of magic and Span raises a ward, although weak. "Are you alright?" Jack places a hand on Span's shoulder to steady him.

[XianTheCoder]

Excuse the change of format, while Xian is doing his 3 hour drive, his wife will be posting and format is changing to make it easier for her.

Span grabs onto Jack's arm to steady himself before unwrapping his face. Span's face is split broadly with a giant, devious smile. He looks at Jack and says, "I'm excellent. That went splendidly.", without even a hint of sarcasm. Span proceeds to whisper a few words degrading his sympathetic connection to the Seer [Described Connection]. "Come on, the Mammon Seers are recruiting before they invade, and we have a War Consiulim to prepare for." Span makes for the stairs, grabbing the disc on the way. He heads immediately to his room where he replays the disc, pausing to capture facial images of the four Seers, which he prints and sticks into a folder, after writing some quick notes on the back of each picture. He will then proceed to the Hallow.

Span will change his Gain Skill from Science to Politics.
Shadowy- how much time before the meeting? Does Span have time for an oblation?

[baerun]

Pulse watched from the stairwell, finding himself more intrigued of the Space arcana being used than he usually would. I wonder Pulse's mind starts to wonder about applications using Space and Force together to improve the cell phone trick from earlier.

As Span gets hit and Jack rushes out to help him, Pulse snaps out of it. "****! You ok Span?" Pulse holds the door open as Jack and Span return inside. "Did you get any good information?"

[XianTheCoder]

Pulse watched from the stairwell, finding himself more intrigued of the Space arcana being used than he usually would. I wonder Pulse's mind starts to wonder about applications using Space and Force together to improve the cell phone trick from earlier.

As Span gets hit and Jack rushes out to help him, Pulse snaps out of it. "****! You ok Span?" Pulse holds the door open as Jack and Span return inside. "Did you get any good information?"

I'll be fine. We learned that the Seers are looking to recruit before they invade. They aren't very smart though, that black w**** from the video tossed a weak a** spell at me, and in the process gave me her real name. I call that a win guys. Now were is Sirius? We need to have a conversation with him prior to the meeting.

Span will respond to dialogue, but otherwise, once he is done with his previously listed actions, he is ready for the Consilium meeting.

[ZhangoSqu]

As the three head back downstairs, Jack will notice that Sirius has yet to return. Resigning himself to the fact that Sirius won't be there for the obfuscating Fate spell, Jack will grab the dice from his pouch and will begin the process of casting a spell using Time and Fate together to obstruct and obfuscate any attempts to find evidence of the whereabouts of the antique clock holding Min, as well as the cabal's involvement in its recent procurement. Leaving the pathways of chance open to the scelesti who had originally been in possession of it prior to the cabal's interference.


Jack is ritually casting, if we have upwards toward 2 hours to do so, he will continue casting for that length of time (up to 4 applications of the spell). He will be attempting to effect the liklihood that anyone will find information about the clock, but more specifically what happened to the clock after the scelesti found it and began their own ritual. Any attempts to link the clock to the cabal will lead in numerous directions, but there will never be a tangible link. Time comes in as a further obfuscating factor in which various accounts of when the auction actually started, when the church was rammed, etc. are all misleading and imply that everything took place before the cabal arrived.

First and foremost I'm aiming to cover duration and the cabal by proxy of the clock (single target).


Fate + Gnosis: [roll0]; Mods and 10-again: [roll1]
Fate + Gnosis: [roll2]; Mods and 10-again: [roll3]
Fate + Gnosis: [roll4]; Mods and 10-again: [roll5]
Fate + Gnosis: [roll6]; Mods and 10-again: [roll7]

Upwards toward 5 successes, if there is enough time to cast this four times.




Jack has nothing more to do in this scene, and is ready to move on to the war council.

[Shadowy]

No further attacks seem incoming.

The spell works, confusing any attempts at investigation.

People have their few hours, then it's time for the war council.

[ZhangoSqu]

I'm taking the liberty of placing Jack at the location of the war council, with Span and Pulse. I'm not bothering with interim-travel scenes. Also, can you give a bit of description of the location, where we are, how publicly it is located, etc.?


As Jack approaches the location of the war council he looks around, scanning the surroundings for anything that seems "off". This would be a perfect time for any of our enemies to attack. The thought causing him to scowl. All of the leadership and the mages of the city in one location? He shakes his head. "Pulse, Span; be on guard. If I were a Seer, this is exactly what my attacks would have been about: drawing all of the mages into a single spot to attempt to take them out in a single go."

Jack had a certain penchant towards paranoia, he never truly trusted anyone or anything. Melchior, Span, Pulse, Sirius--they were all friends and he felt comfortable with them, but his trust only went so far. Seeing their flaws, questioning their motives, it led Jack to be very cautious around them; always wearing a mask and always hiding his true feelings.

... and then there was Min; especially Min. Even if her story proved true, Jack wouldn't trust her. Supernal or abyssal, she was still an aberrant being--something which he could never fully understand and similarly who could never fully understand him (or the rest of humanity). Good and evil, supernal and abyssal, seer and pentacle--they all wanted the same thing: control, power, and dominion. Some, of course, were better at disguising their lust for power than others, posturing themselves as champions for the "greater good", whatever that was. At the same time there was something refreshing about those who embraced their baser natures without reservation. Pushing Min and the rest of his philosophical thoughts from his mind, he focused on the immediate concern in front of him: the consillium, Jack spoke up again "shall we go in?"

[Shadowy]

A few mages are outside the consilium, discussing the local situation idly. There's a lot of tension in the air.

Nearly every Pentacle mage in the city is present. Even the MiT cabal, which usually never attends, has send out Joan to watch. Hawk is sitting inside, with some medical dressings on his leg, chatting with Officer.

Wrath and Pride are talking with the Magellen and Octavia, while Vanity is in a corner, conversing with a short man wearing a trenchcoat and hat, who is probably Jeeves.

Mackenzie is inside, apparently haggling with Nightingale over a rote.

Caesar is nowhere to be found. However, the consilium hasn't started yet, and he is a fan of both punctuality and dramatic entrances.

[ZhangoSqu]

Jack will acknowledge the mages he passes by either directly or indirectly depending on how much attention they pay him, Span, and Pulse as they arrive. Stopping to exchange pleasantries but, beyond that he will enter the room where the meeting is to be held, take a seat and stay quiet. He will not go out of his way to engage anyone, but will be friendly with anyone who approaches him.

He will absentmindedly glance at the broken fob watch before realizing, and then switch to the phone in his pocket, checking to see how long it is before Caesar makes his grand appearance.


I have nothing in particular planned for Jack's actions until after the council, unless he or the cabal are directly engaged by other mages.

[XianTheCoder]

Span nods to Jack and proceeds to walk in.

Once inside, Span takes a survey of the surroundings, seeing all the Mages present that he wants to speak with brings a smile to his face. Starting with the greatest importance, Span will make his way to Mackenzie and Nightingale, clearing his throat when he gets close, so as to not appear to be eavesdropping Span will attempt to interject, Excuse me Mackenzie, would you mind if I stole Night for just a minute? There is an urgent matter that requires her attention before the start of the meeting. Span will speak in a respectful tone, trying to make it clear that he means no insult to Mackenzie by interjecting and is simply doing his job.


Span will lead Night to a remote part of the room, where they can speak without anyone hearing, I have confirmation that the Seers are not just preparing to invade, but they are also attempting to recruit mages away from the Pentacle before their offensive. That tape you had me investigate led me straight to a group of four of them. Personally, I am not impressed with this groups tactical decisions, or their magical prowess, but who's to say what some other mage may think of them. If I had my way, I'd lead my cabal in a surprise offensive against these four and take them out, but you tell me what you want me to do?



Is Span still scaly and Silver?

[Shadowy]

Mackenzie seems slightly upset, but mostly at Nightingale, who seizes on the chance to get away from an impudent upstart. Mackenzie fumes, muttering something about hoarding Thrysus tick-eaters.

Nightingale frowns, listening intently. "If you can lead a surprise assault on Seers, do so. But they tend to be very good at not letting you know where they are, and setting up wherever you're going with a smoking gun and a SWAT team on call."

She shakes her head, pinching her brow. "Listen, I have to run the meeting, Caeser is *cough*dramatic twist*cough* currently escorting Cerebus to explain the current situation, so I'm going to start the meeting. Tell me whatever's relevant as quickly as you can, and give me the detailed version afterwards."

[XianTheCoder]

Cerberus is coming? Knowing what we know, letting him speak at this meeting, even letting him near this meeting, could be a grave mistake. Span hands the folder he prepared to Night, I couldn't get much in so short a time, but here are pictures of the four Seers, along with notes about their observed behaviors and the spells they cast. You'll also find a short write up on the faction of Seers that they belong to. I'll work on getting you more, but it's the best I could do in a couple hours. Span will give Nightingale a minute to look over the folder, prepared to answer any questions she may have.
Span did NOT include the Seer's real name

I realize you have been busy, but did you get a chance to put together information that may be relevant to my abyssal/doppleganger investigation?