[In Nomine] The City of Pentagram IC

[robnar]

Astarieth, Judgement

It's a relatively small estate as rich, retiree estates go. The overall space is probably half an acre, with high fences, and a beautiful 3-story house of Russian architectural influences. Agafonov is exiting the front door as you drive up to it.

Tommy steps out of the car and checks the environs, especially checking how ready the guards are. He expects them to be in a flanking position - that's what guards do - but wants to see how close their hands are to their hostlers and how nervous they are. Then he turns to Agafonov and offers his hand. "Hello! How are you? And how is Igor?"

As they start to walk into the house, Tommy asks the other question. "Before we begin, are you Fyodor Agafonov? And do all your workers seem normal?"

Spoiler

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Perception for general check for danger: (1d6)[6](1d6)[2] check digit: (1d6)[4]
Resonance: (1d6)[1](1d6)[1] check digit: (1d6)[6]

The question about if he is who he says he is an obvious check for shedim; the other question is a check for potential influence on others.

Assuming no demonic interference gets noticed, Tommy will let Fyodor lead him where he wants and start the conversation on the background and current extent of Agafanov's influence and operations against Madison O'Rourke.

[JeenLeen]

Astarieth, Judgement

Agafonov's guards seem tense, but their hands are away from their holster. Agafonov takes Tommy's hand when offered with a respectful nod. A couple guards seem perturbed at the deference the aged mafioso is showing to some street-level person, and eye Tommy suspiciously, but stand at their posts.

"I am tired but well. Igor is recovering well. Conscious now, and making some remarks I would consider wild dreams in simplier times."

At the question inside, he answers with a look of confusion. "I am Fyodor Agafonov. And, yes, my workers seem normal. But why do you ask?" His puzzlement turns to clarity as he adds, "Ah. I see. Possession, or the ability to assume another's face. Yes, that explains back in Moscow some years ago... A pity. I likely had an innocent man killed, then, for a vile creature wore his face for a day." His expression does show sincere sorrow, but the sort on a man who has done much to repent of.

He motions towards a small library, where there are some sofas, chairs, and a table. "Shall we sit and discuss how I can aid you?"

Spoiler: Resonance

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All honest, and no cause for concern. Igor has said some things about a "sword of light", strange singing and speech, his gun exploding, and unnaturally fast enemies, but he half-way believes it to be fancies of his mind and a concussion.

A couple decades ago in Moscow, Agafonov saw someone who led a small team of his, and who normally had 5 essence, suddenly have 9. He had him and his team killed in an 'accident'. His guess is accurate: a demon had posed as one of his people. OOC: this story is not a plothook. Just htought it'd be nice flavor of how his sorcery has been helpful in the past. If, well, not a great outcome this instance

Inian, War -- the results of that 6

While downloading the files, Inian notices that -- although the doctor doesn't have permission to read all the data -- there is some extra that he apparently has access to download. Likely a bug in whoever set up the software, but it allows Inian to get some additional files.

But of the data he can see, it's some analysis of infection and symptoms in the two vampires and Hideyoshi (mostly surprise about the lack of symptoms), as well as two others (based on data listed, likely mundanes) from earlier in the week. Looks like extremely shadey and illegal testing on humans, but for legitimate medical research. It does seem to be testing of the presence of the HIV virus, so the doctor is being honest about the nature of the testing.

[robnar]

Astarieth, Judgement

"I am tired but well. Igor is recovering well. Conscious now, and making some remarks I would consider wild dreams in simplier times."

"Igor and his men did well. We put down a great evil last night."

He motions towards a small library, where there are some sofas, chairs, and a table. "Shall we sit and discuss how I can aid you?"

"Yeah, that's great." Tommy takes a seat and asks a valet for some coffee. He waits in silence till the man leaves, and then starts. "I'm here in this city to identify and root out major corruption. Madison O'Rourke is the source of much, but nowhere near all, of it. There's a fair number of demons in town, each with different agendas. A demon was behind the school shooting - sh*t, was that only yesterday? Several demons were behind the Burnt gang. There are more here then there should be, and I'm pretty sure I don't know all of them yet."

"I want to know about how the city works. Where the money comes from - where O'Rourke gets the drugs, where the Burnt got the money to buy half of downtown. Who's buying the cops, and which cops are for sale. That sort of thing. What operations do you or your family still have going on? What have your people noticed? Have you seen many 'people' as or more powerful than I?"

"So, I want to talk to you about those things, and how you can help me find out the rest. I want a map of all the sh**bags in this city, and then we'll work our way up the list until we can get after the ones on top. That's how we'll get to O'Rourke - she's one of the big ones in town."

Spoiler

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Don't necessarily need to RP all the questions, more trying to lay out what Tommy wants to know and figure out how Agafonov can help him find it. I expect Tommy will be prying Agafonov for information for as long as he has new stuff to add.

[JeenLeen]

Fyodor listens over the questions with focus. He looks mildly surprised about the demonic influence at the school, which settles to a look of disdain.

"The money. Yes. I guess, for human or demon, that is much of what gives power.
"There are many wealthy people retired here. And many businesses that make a lot of money. That together pulls power. The Russian mob, the Italian mob, the Mexican cartels... all of us have people here, though most are here mainly to retire, enjoy our ill-gotten gains, and at times negotiate with the other heads of the families without as much fear of being assassinated. Perhaps it is a sin, but I'm still proud to say the Russians are one of the families to hold true power in this city. We smuggle weapons in, ship them out alongside normal orders to other parts of the country. Also provide it to the gangs and O'Rourke. I would cut her off, but we don't want her knowing we're investigating her.

"The police. The police in this side of town are all in someone's pay, directly or indirectly. The chief's job is to make sure we wealthy criminals are left alone. I know from parties and observation that the pompous oaf is also a friend of O'Rourke's. No doubt her puppet. Even if there are good officers working in the wealthy side of town, they are oppressed by an absolute miasma of corruption. O'Rourke has friends in high places; she has contributed much to the election funds of the mayor, the governor, the senate and representatives.
"The police in the poorer side, now... they have many virtues. I understand their chief is a man of respect. He does not take bribes, or at least rejected those of we Russians and I hear similar stories from others. He seems to know to fear O'Rourke, or see persecuting her as a lost cause. I sent some overtures to him to see aid against her, but they were ignored--yet in one call I got a sense he would like to see her behind bars, just he knows he cannot accomplish it.
"But I also hear that many are in the pay of the local gangs. Or, were. The Burnt have consolidated such influence, through bribery, threats, or blackmail."

"O'Rourke is the dealer of drugs in the wealthy side of the town. The Burnt get some of their supply from her, but I believe they have make their own supply of some. For O'Rourke, I have tried but failed to trace her sources. I believe she imports some from other states, but it's possible she has her own laboratory set up somewhere, or in some retiree she has bedded, drugged, or blackmailed into helping her. Keep in mind that, of those who do not actively cross her, most seem happy to be in her service. I fear her drugs and pleasures have corrupted, or at least kept rotting, the minds of many wealthy who retire here. But her club peddles it to the young and upcoming generations."

"As for others with high... energy. Some of O'Rourke's personal guards have the same amount as me. I saw a glimpse of a bartender she had at the Gravel Pits last night--he had slightly more, but not as much as you did. At the local college, I have seen some students, and there is a professor. Also another professor at the university. But that was some months ago--I have tried to stay away from there, lest I draw attention I do not want."

Spoiler

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He's talking about Galafarsel, Seneschal of Fate, and Origenius, Seneschal of Destiny. Plus seeing budding sorcerers. I forget if I named their vessels already and aren't in a good place to trace through my posts to double-check. He gives the names, but they're already common knowledge to you.

Spoiler: Resonance

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All true, to his knowledge and ringing True. Beyond clarifications you already know, like the 'good' police chief is being blackmailed into some stuff. But he does have truly good motives, despite such hindrance.

[DoctorFaust]

"Hmph." Inian sits back as the data downloads onto a flash drive. "You're lucky. It looks like you were telling the truth about trying to find a cure for HIV."

He throws himself out of the chair and begins pacing around the room, quickly losing patience with the speed of the download. "So. You're doctors. It looks like you're doing legitimate medical research. Why are your patients locked up in a basement? And who on earth is this company connected to to have samurai as patients?"

[robnar]

Astarieth, Judgment

"Good. Thanks for the context. Next step is specifics. How do I get after these guys, and who can you help me find? I need a solid contact with access to information that I can get alone, and talking. I have a few leads, but haven't been able to pin them down enough to get after them."

"I'm mostly worried about the corruption the demons are helping along. I prefer to leave it to people to deal with the BS they inflict on themselves. I want to get rid of the extras out there helping each other make themselves miserable. You've figured out for yourself that there is more going on. Most people who know have been told by an angel or demon."

"Who should I pay a visit? You think the police chief is aware of what O'Rourke is? You know who's been funding the real estate buyout in downtown? Any ideas? Know anyone near the bottom of O'Rourke's organization I can start to shake down?"

"And of course, do you have any questions for me?"

[JeenLeen]

Inian, War

The doctor whimpers, but answers with a sincere nervousness. It seems fear of his situation is eliminating any hesitantancy he's had for hiding corporate secrets.

"I-I don't really know. I was sent here yesterday to help out, and I was as surprised as anybody when security brought them in. Dr. Rodriguez said they were criminals transferred here as part of some deal with the state. Honestly, I'm not sure if that's true. No, I'm pretty sure it's a lie, but I'm not really one to ask questions. Not sure if she--Dr. Rodriguez--knows or not, but I know she's pretty in with the higher-ups in corporate. She made the formula that does the cure, or, well--we don't have it 100%, but got some formulas of it that seem to work.
"This place is to test some of the more... experimental, risky formulas. We have something that should work--think it does--but trying to weed out some side effects before... more, well, legitimate trials."

By the end, shame is evident in his tone.
The file is downloaded, and cameras show that the doctor and her escorts are outside the safe room. She tries to enter a code, and then shows a look of extreme frustration when it doesn't make the door open. Inian sees a monitor by the door note that a legitimate code was entered, but the door is staying closed due to the failsafe switch he pulled. The doctor hits another button and her voice then comes through on an intercom--Inian can see where he can respond, if he wishes (it's like a walkee-talkee, you have to hit a button to let her hear you)--"Doctor, are you in there? What happened?"

Astarieth, Judgement

"Of the Burnt, I know little. I had heard of Balrog, but he is dead. I'll have my men look into the finances and properties.
"I do not know if the police chief knows what O'Rourke is. You could visit him; he likely does know of who is in whose pocket. And the mayor is her friend.
"Of others... that bartender. I could likely find his name, from some of the other workers there. It might get back to O'Rourke that someone was looking for his name, and she might trace it to me. He seems in-the-know, from what I saw of him, but likely a lower member.
"Hmm... someone else comes to mind. Back during the last election for mayor, about eight months ago, one of the candidates was found at O'Rourke's in a compromising position with an underage girl. He said he was unaware of her age--she had fake IDs to get into the club--and he wound up with probation, his name on a list, and his wife asking for a divorce--plus his chances at winning the election ruined. He left town. He was a friend, and I know he was a faithful husband beforehand. I figured it was just O'Rourke ruining a competitor to her 'pet' mayor, but... I was at the trial, watching, and I felt some of the disturbance, Noise, one sometimes feels from sorcery, or angels or demons, when she was talking. I didn't sense it clearly, but maybe it was her. Her name was Cindy Osmoleski. She would be 17 now, and she went to the school that had the shooting recently. I don't know if she worked for O'Rourke or was a tool used by her, but I could try to find her, if she's still in town. I can see if I can locate her."

"Do you have anyone else you'd like me to look into?"

Spoiler: summary

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So leads are
-mayor
-police chief (of rich district)
-barkeeper (it is Issac who Camael talked to, but Astarieth doesn't know that yet)
-Cindy Osmoleski

[DoctorFaust]

Inian snorts, derision clear in his voice. "You're not one to ask questions. Right." He takes a deep breath in and tries to squash his growing anger.

"Look, everyone makes mistakes. Even big ones like working for whatever this company is. But you're a doctor. Aren't your jobs basically to ask questions and make people better?"

Once the file finishes downloading, Inian very responsibly ejects the USB from the computer before removing it. "I heard what they were saying about you before I closed the door, and it seems like they consider you expendable. How likely do you think Dr. Rodriguez, Timmons, or Samson are to shoot you when they see you inside? And do any of them speak Spanish?"

[JeenLeen]

Inian, War

The doctor simply looks ashamed and deflated at the well-deserved criticism, but it changes to panick and his face turns pale at the word 'expendable'.

"I--they said what? I'd heard a rumor about... one guy who was gonna be a whistleblower, but I thought he just got paid off. No... Uh, Spanish? I think she does. I don't know the security, but, yeah, I heard her speaking it with some of the nurses at the main lab. Why?"

[robnar]

Astarieth, Judgement

"Do you have anyone else you'd like me to look into?"

"Yeah. Actively, I wanna know where the money is behind the property acquisitions in the burnt district. If you have a money guy or a lawyer who can run that down that would help. I'd also appreciate if you could locate Cindy Osmoleski.

Passively, let me know about anyone you meet who's more powerful than normal, and especially anyone as powerful or more powerful than I. Finally, and this is gonna sound real strange - lemme know if you see anyone powerful at a fast food joint, or if you hear weird stuff about the new fast food chain opening up in town. Short version is, there are new demons in town who are dedicated to gluttony, and I don't know what they're up to.

I wish you good luck. I know you know this, but be careful. Let's meet again soon."

Tommy waits for any final questions from Fyodor, then asks to be escorted out. When he gets to his car, he sends a few texts:

To Joanna: <Hey, can you find the court records for a trial of a political candidate for sex with an underage girl? Wanna figure out who was in the room at the time and what went down. Also, do you know if the police chief on the bad side of town has town hall meetings or anything? Want to talk to him.>

To Adewale: <I'm considering looking into the police chief on the rich side of town. Will that compromise anything you're doing, or do you have any information on him?>

[JeenLeen]

Astarieth, Judgement

"I shall look into it." He pauses a moment and says, "A fast food establishment? Something I heard that is odd, but sounds more like something an angel would do. The CEO of the new Poppy's Diner, which I gather is trying to be a new fast food chain... he's giving away unlimited free basic meals through a "wall-through". It's been quite a blessing to the city's homeless and to the poor, especially with the burdens the fire has put on the inner city. His philanthropy is well-known, and it seems he's funding most of it from his personal inheritance. From what I hear, he's just odd in that he loved McDonalds as a child and wanted to make a new one to spread the joy to others. From the gossip, I hear he declined an invitation from O'Rourke to a private dinner for local philanthropists, claiming his work was more important than meals with those who care more about tax write-offs than people. That could be exaggeration, but I imagine there is a kernel of truth. I hear he often works a shift every other day, if corporate duties don't occupy him. Would like me to try to Look at him and see if he is more than human?"

---

With that, Astarieth is able to leave. Joanna quickly replies that she will pull the records and get info on the police chief's iterniary and availability. Adewale, a few minutes later, replies with a "No objections to you investigating. I plan to send information later."

Shortly after the message from Adewale, Joanna calls and says, "I haven't gotten what you asked about yet, but there's an impromptu press meeting at the school scheduled in thirty minutes, at 11. Sounds like the mayor, police chiefs, and maybe some other bigwigs are gonna be there. You want me to attend?"

Inian, War

The female doctor outside is no longer trying to speak through the intercom, but you see her gesturing towards the guards. The main one (who seems the leader) stays with her, but the other two head down the hallway. She hits the intercom again, "Doctor, if you're in there, please respond. If anyone else is there, I highly recommend you answer. We're not leaving this door unguarded, and my men are searching any other possible exits. If you're a spy for another company, you aren't getting out of this with our medicine. Surrender now and we'll be lenient with the courts."

Spoiler: lying?

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If you want to roll perception to try to detect lies, feel free. She's obviously strained on patience, frustrated, and angry, and the presence of heavily armed men doesn't lend a lot of credence to her words.

A thing I really like about In Nomine's system is that I feel like it allows a gradient of "detect lies" that games like D&D (at least 3.5) didn't. In D&D, it felt like a successful lie basically was believed. In In Nomine, you can fail a Detect Lies and still be uncertain about the person. Also, I feel like In Nomine doesn't have Detect Lies as just a passive thing, but rather is is active scrunity on the player's part. They can choose to believe or disbelieve a statement without rolling, regardless of how honest someone sounds.

(I'll reread the rules on how Detect Lies and Lying interact, if indeed she is lying and you choose to roll Detect Lies.)

[DoctorFaust]

"I was hoping I could confuse her and buy a little more time since I know some bits and pieces from working, but I guess that plan won't work. Are there any other exits?"

Inian walks over to the intercom, but before he answers, turns back to the Doctor. "Do you know if there's any other entrances to the panic room?"

After he gets a response, he takes a deep breath and keys the intercom. "****, I'm sorry, I don't know what's going on here," he says, pushing as much panic as he can into his voice. "I heard screaming through an open door out back and thought I should come in to see if anyone was hurt. But there was just...just so much blood, and some Asian guy with a sword, and I didn't know what to do so I ran in here and locked the door."

Spoiler

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Rolling Perception. What do I need to roll for my lie?

(3d6)[3][1][6](10)

[JeenLeen]

Inian, War

The doctor shakes his heads at your questions. "No other way in or out of here." He gestures to the room. "For the rest of the downstairs here, I don't think there's any other exits, either. Well, technically a fire exit, but it's magnetically locked unless the alarm goes off or the power is shut off. There is a ventilation shaft someone could use if desperate. Did that samurai guy go there? I guess that's where the others went, to check that door or the ventilation."

Spoiler: rolls

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Although this isn't how it would play out in a real life game, I'll give you the edge and NOT make you roll Lying, since she rolled so badly on Detect Lies. That is, I'm not risking you boosting her TN if you fail.
So her insight is only modified by how believable it is. Which isn't a TON, but she rolled really bad to detect your lies.

Her own rolls, if needed
(3d6)[5][3][6](14)
(3d6)[3][2][3](8)

Inian can tell she's at least partially lying about her claims of leniency. Whether that means she anticipates a bullet to your head the moment she sees you, or just a corporate cell, is hard to tell.

She, however, gets an agonized look on her face as she hears your sob story, apparently believing it. She looks to the guard with her, who simply shrugs, and then says into the intercom, "L-listen. That's admirable, but was really stupid. We're testing diseases down here, and with all the blood, it's possible you were infected. Would you please open the door and let me examine you? I also need to pat you down to confirm you aren't a thief, or else corporate will have my head. Also, there was a doctor down here. Have you seen him?"

She sounds honest. Agitated and stressed, but honest.

[DoctorFaust]

Inian tosses the USB into his mouth and after some brief difficulty, swallows it. "Well, this is only going to hold up until they check the tapes," he says to himself. Glancing back at the doctor, he adds, "You should hide under a desk. If this turns out peacefully, think of a simple lie and stick to it. Or throw me under the bus once I'm off property, I guess. And then get out of this company as fast and as quietly as you can."

He pulls off the scrubs and throws them into a corner away from the door, making sure to retrieve the work glove. Keying the intercom again, he says, "Alright, I'm going to come out now. There's another man in here, and I guess he's a doctor, but he hasn't really said anything. And please don't shoot me."

[JeenLeen]

Spoiler: timing OOC

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robnar's absence actually is working well to get y'all on the same time table.
Also, I should probably split up the below into a few "do you go with her?" posts, but I figure it's better this way for PbP. Just if Inian makes a run for it, let me know when and I'll retcon what didn't happen.

Inian, War

As the doors opens, the man raises his gun in a tense position but is not actually aiming it at Inian. After seeing him as unarmed, he lowers the weapon slightly.

Doctor Rodriguez sighs and says, "I'm Doctor Leah Rodriguez, and this is my chief of security here at this research facility. This is a branch of Charon Pharameuticals. I'm sorry for what you had to see. There's some tests I should do before it's safe for you to be around the public." She sighs. "I should test myself and security, too, sad to say. But is there anyone you need to call first? I don't want you to lose your job if you had an afternoon shift, or worry your family. If all's well, we should be able to release you by day's end. And, either way, Charon will cover any medical expenses."

She glances to the doctor cowering under the desk, and lets out a sigh with some resentment. "Doctor, please go see the other security and wait for me. There're down the hall."
She then asks you to let the security guard pat you down, to check for any stolen documents or computer components.

Assuming no resistance, she takes Inian to a room that looks like a legitimate medical room. As they walk, she asks, "So, did the guy with the sword kill the other two? Did you see if he escaped up the elevator?" She readies to take a few blood samples, explaining the process as checking for contagions. If all that goes without resistance, she prepares a needle and says she wants to administer an antibiotic.

Spoiler: angelic biology

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(3d6)[2][5][1](8) if needed

Vessels are biologically human, so normal medical examinations will not reveal anything odd. Yes, wounds heal faster, but scars and healed injuries don't appear different after healing. The most that usually shows is a stomach, bowels, and/or bladder unusually empty if the celestial avoids eating or drinking.

Some medical tests might show oddities, such as immunity to disease and unusual resistance to alcohol and other drugs.

On that note, things like active Numinous Corpus deactivate if the angel/demon dies. So a dead vessel looks like a normal dead human, except perhaps having taken several rifle rounds to take it down where one should have sufficed.

[robnar]

Astarieth, Judgement

I hear he often works a shift every other day, if corporate duties don't occupy him. Would like me to try to Look at him and see if he is more than human?"

"Nope. Not right now. Be careful if you run into him - I don't know what he's up to."

Text to Adewale: <thumbs up>

Astarieth picks up the call from Joanna. "Nope, thanks though, I'll go. And let you know what I hear. You get enough sleep yet?" with a slight emphasis in tone on 'hear'. When he hangs up he texts Carol - <press conference with Mayor and police chief at school. Wanna see if you can wrangle an interview?">

Then he gets in the car and drives down there... hopefully he'll make it with California traffic.

[DoctorFaust]

Inian offers no resistance to the pat down and walks alongside Dr. Rodriguez and the guard towards the security room. "I didn't see anyone else, so I guess he killed them," he replies. "Maybe he ran into the vents or something? I'm just glad he didn't try to kill me as well."

Once they reach the legitimate-looking medical room, Inian waits for the door to shut and the doctor to get within arm reach. Once the metaphorical stars are aligned, he lunges forward and slaps one hand over Dr. Rogriguez's mouth, grabbing her throat with the other. "I'm sorry, I really am," he whispers as he starts trying to choke her into unconciousness.

Spoiler

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Doing a choke hold, and I'm just going to roll now in case it has mechanical affect so as not to hold things up more.

(3d6)[4][1][3](8)

[JeenLeen]

Astarieth and Inian

Joanna gives a tired sigh and says, "Not quite enough, but some. But, hey, it's the good fight, right?"
Astarieth gets a quick reply from Camael. <Sounds juicy! I'll be there. Just finishing up at the hospital.>
And then driving. Some traffic, not to terrible, though...

Across the city, a doctor starts to flail with a wild look in her eye as the chokehold subdues her. She quickly succumbs and is limp. She did knock over a couple medical supplies, but the guard outside seems not to have noticed any noise it made.

Both receive a text at 10:40. Astarieth is at a red light, and Inian has just laid the unconscious doctor down.
Inian also recalls something. He thought her name sounded familiar, and now he recalls it as the name of the doctor that the odd Vassal of Lightning, Frez, was looking for.

Spoiler: read when your PC reads it

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"There is Jeremiah. Ramiel's parents coming to the bar with a guest inside. Estimate 28 minutes until it comes out. Confirm receipt and if coming."

Spoiler: realized this after I wrote the above, for the Seraph (but DoctorFaustus can read it

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First, just realized I gave this NPC the same last name as your character. Unintentional coincidence.

And this is the doom of a Seraph with loose lips.
"I'll go." You can probably stretch the limits of the truth and still get to the Howlitzer on time. Would it be honest techincally if you go to the site of the conference, but don't stay to watch? How much can Tommy stretch it? Or should you tell Jerechial you can't make it?
Did you earlier definitely affirm you would make it to Jerechial, such that it'd be dissonant not to come? (I haven't checked.)
ALSO, I set the time at 10:40. Press release starts at 11, and the shedite should be coming out at 11:08. There's a couple ways you could make it on time. I'll spoiler them in case you want to think of it yourself first. And there could be other solutions I hadn't thought of.

Spoiler

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Be at the school at 11, then go celestial. Find the Tether to the Howlitzer and descend. Time moves differently enough in Heaven that I wouldn't say this is 100% safe to an IC perspective, but OOC I'll say it'll work. Cost is essence, though. I think 4 total: 2 to go celestial to get to Heaven. And since you have to assume a vessel to go to earth, it'll take another 2 to go celestial again once you're back on earth.

Be at the school at 11, then speed like crazy to try to get to the Howlitzer in time. On a good Driving roll (Precision + Driving or Agility + Driving, I'll let you pick), you can make it. And if you don't have points in Driving, I'll let that be your freebie point like I gave Inian a point in Medicine. So no essence cost, but it risks dissonance if you get a bad roll.

Oh--as I was editing this, another solution: be at school at 11, go celestial and then fly to the Howlitzer. You can't fly as fast as a car, and might be seen, but should work. With 10 Perception, I'll say you're fast enough.

On that note, if Joanna dies and you can't talk to her in the afterlife, the "let you know what I hear" could also be dissonant.
So a note to be careful! But I hope this feels like a fair stressor and not a "DM gonna make the paladin fall"-kinda trap. Based on a roll earlier in the game, I tried to find a way to make this difficult but not impossible.

[robnar]

Astarieth, Judgment

Astarieth checks the text, notes the time, and swears. He'd gotten caught up in conflicting promises, and there's nothing to do about it. He swears again, grimaces, and turns towards the howitzer.

"Hey siri, send a message to The Lawyer Lady - 'not gonna make it to the press conference, something big came up. If you can get there on time would appreciate it.'"

He swears to himself again. But when it comes down to it - a known demon in the trap is worth more than a potential lead to a potential demon.

Spoiler: OOC

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Astarieth did commit to helping with taking down the Factions demon, and that's more important to him than showing up at the press conference. I'll take the dissonance hit for failing to deliver on a promise, however casually stated. Astarieth has priorities, and one of them is eliminating a known source of murderous corruption. Getting there and leaving immediately to avoid dissonance seems as wrong to me as just not going - it's lawyering the semantics of the statement while disregarding the intent. I would take that as much as a material breach of the intent as just not going at all.

Fundamentally, I don't feel like Astarieth lied anywhere in this, but I'm not willing to fight it. Feel like he was just incorrect about his priorities because of information he didn't know at the time.

RP note - I feel like dissonance should just feel wrong - like, at the moment, Astarieth should feel something like revulsion. For example - I (robnar) once broke my shoulder, and thought momentarily about slamming it into a tree to reset it. My whole body rebelled at the notion. Is Astarieth's spidey-angelic-sense telling him one course of action is better than another, or does he have the sense that he's already screwed in between mutually incompatible promises? Like the realization that shrimp he ate a few hours ago was probably spoiled?

[DoctorFaust]

After Inian sets the female doctor on the ground, he pulls out his phone and checks the message against the time. Got it. Downtown. Will try. he texts in reply

He sets to tying her arms and legs with whatever medical tubing is lying around, and then walks quietly to the door. Inian takes a deep breath to steady himself, pulls the door open, and throws himself at the guard stationed outside to lock him into a choke hold.

[JeenLeen]

Spoiler: general note

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I have things planned if both of you missed the shedite fight. I doubted you would, but FYI that I would have had someone lose Forces or die celestially without your help. So good call!

Also, I took the liberty of rolling Round 2 in the OOC thread for fighting the guard. I did not expect him to roll Dodge so well!

Inian, War

Spoiler: dissonance note

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I hadn't thought of it before, but technically I guess staying with her for examinations today (e.g., not moving when you could) would be dissonant for an Ofanite.
Not that I figured you would choose to, so it hadn't occurred to me, but noting that you couldn't safely have stayed anyhow.

Spoiler: original post

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Okay--so I forgot you had the Seraph of War attunement, so I first wrote up a wildly different post as he had great Dodges... here it is, but just because I already wrote it

Spoiler: did not happen

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Inian throws himself towards the guard, but he was standing fairly at alert, gun drawn, and manages to not be caught by surprise. Still, the Ofanite's speed locks onto him--but he manages an impressive pivot which relieves most of the chokehold's pressure and then fires a shot of his rifle towards Inian's gut. Fortunately, while the bullet grazes his clothes, it doesn't even leave a flesh wound.

Spoiler: Round 1

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Note: acrobatics does not apply to firearms. Oddly, you can dodge a bullet, but not gracefully dodge it? Reckon it's to compensate for Etheral Forces not boosting the TN of firearms accuracy.

It's also iffy that you can Dodge while chokeholding, but I'll say you can for leniency's sake. Acrobatics wouldn't apply even if it normally would, though.

Dude takes (3+4) - 6 = 1 non-lethal damage.
Inian takes (2+3) - (3+2) = 0 damage.

Soon after, Inian is able to <you can choose if lethal or non-lethal>, but he again manages to evade most of the force of the blow, and he returns fire... but again fails to effectively do any harm.

With a look of frustration and hatred, he glances in the medical room and sees the doctor prone and bound. You also hear footsteps of others running towards you, likely the other two guards who were seeking Hideyoshi.

Spoiler: Round 2

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Also, he's taken 2 damage total and Inian 0 damage.
Really did not expect those 6s on his Dodge.

Inian throws himself towards the guard, but he was standing fairly at alert, gun drawn, and manages to not be caught by surprise. Still, the Ofanite's speed locks onto him--it looks at first like he is going to pivot to avoid the force of the grab, but Inian feels the force of his blow aiming as true as Michael's own. The hold does not subdue the man instantly, but the force of it stuns him. It struggles a few more seconds, but soon also falls unconscious.

Inian is able to make it to the elevator and out unaccosted. The other two guards seem to be searching elsewhere for Hideyoshi.

Astarieth, Judgement

Spoiler: dissonance note

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You are correct about how being dissonant should feel. Or, at least, even if the canon is unclear, that's how I rule it should feel for angels. Being dissonant should, at least for those not dissonant or Outcast, be like committing some abominable act or something your mind/instinct rebels against.

Though I reckon it gets easier as you go on... and really it's up to the player to decide how it is internally, but I'd say your take on it is right.

Also, I decided a 123 on the dissonance roll, and your RP and willing to take dissonance despite me offering some outs, is good enough for a Christmas present of treating it like a 111.

The Seraph feels a bitter feeling of revulsion as he makes his decision, but the naseau (or at least, the angel suspects that is what humans call such sensation) and sense of utter, pure wrongness passes with an air of peace and rightness. His supernal awareness, starting to cloud, clears again, and for a moment he feels he hears his Superior's voice say, "Well done, good and faithful servant" -- Dominic is not one to easily forgive dissonance, but Astarieth perceives his Master's eyes were upon him and approving of his decision and self-sacrifice for the name of cleansing wrong.

Inian and Astarieth, at the Howlitzer

Traffic is somewhat interferring, but both angels make it to the place in time. Jerechial gives him a pleased greeting. Also gathered are Medim, Andreson, Rezzial, Valufiel, Frez, and two others the angels do not recognize. Jerechial introduces them as Malakim of the Sword who were free to come from Heaven to join the fight -- one of the perks of being a Vassal and Seneschal is to call on help, at least sometimes, from Heaven.

Jerechial relays that Gaspariel saw the shedite enter Ramiel's home, and soon after the parents got in a bad fight. It's not clear which one is possessed, so Ramiel knocked them both unconscious. A Soldier of Stone is driving Ramiel and his parents to the bar, with Gaspariel coming as a bird. A handful of Soldiers of Stone and The Sword are working to keep people away from the bar, to prevent the shedite from possessing anyone new. Ramiel is going to stay in his vessel and move his parents once the shedite exits, as it's too risky to have a human be nearby. Ramiel should be arriving in just a couple minutes, with a few minutes to spare.

Adewale and Origenius sent their regrets. Adewale said (in a Seraph-y roundabout way) that he would have come, but he's due to start a trial in a few minutes and his duties to Judgement preclude his skipping it. Origenius couldn't maintain his Role and fostering the Destiny of a certain student by skipping teaching a class today.

Tactics-wise, Jerechial plans to use his Song of Blades to help celestially strike anyone but those present. The others plan basically to keep attacking until the thing is dead. He is open to recommendations for better tactics, but notes that nobody present knows Songs that bind or ward effectively, so their only hope of keeping it from escaping to Hell is to keep it in the boundaries of the Tether. He hopes that their combined efforts will downgrade it to a sub-celestial soon enough that they can finish it off. Once it stops being a demon and reverts to an imp or gremlin, it won't be able to flee to Hell.

Most of the angels look antsy in anticipation of the fight. Medim looks excited, mentioning it's been a while since she could actually fight something and how eager she is to take out this shedite finally. Frez looks somewhat disinterested in the discussion about the fight, instead frustratedly listening to the local news (and kinda bored as it's covering the press conference) and looking on a computer at information about local hospitals and medical research facilities.

There's some time to talk or discuss tactics before Ramiel arrives and the shedite should be exiting.

Spoiler: Malakim dissonance, and Tethers

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I'm (maybe houseruling?) that you can't escape celestially to Heaven while in a Tether to Hell, or escape to Hell while in a Tether to Heaven. While a celestial can generally ascend/descend at will (with a successful Will roll), it makes sense that you can't go to the opposing realm in an area strongly attuned and metaphysically linked to the one realm. So, if the shedite wants to flee to Hell, he'll need a round or two (depending on his Perception) to run away first. And recall you can't move and attack in the same round in celestial combat.

There are a couple Songs that make celestial 'walls' that could trap him here, but none of the attending angels know them.

You can grapple in celestial combat, to keep the target from moving.

---

On Malakite dissonance: one of their Oaths is to not let evil persist (or some wording similar to that). For most Malakim, they interpret it strictly. So I can see it being a bit rude but very effective to go to Heaven and tell some Malakim "Hey, we gonna kill a demon. Want to help make sure it doesn't get away?" and they pretty much have to help. You might get in trouble later with a Superior if you abuse such, though Michael or Lawrence would likely be okay with it as long as the demon dies and their servitor survives.
Malakim of Flowers interpret that Oath rather loosely.

Spoiler: a summary of the future, from the press release

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Since I don't want to forget details or risk losing notes, these are the summaries that Joanna and Camael send about the press release.
Also, I guess you would hear some of this as Frez has the TV on.

-The offenders were the targets of teasing and ridicule from high school members of the Burnt.
-school is reopening on Friday. (It's Tuesday morning now.) There's some dissent about this as not giving students time to mourn or have relief, but the principal and mayor seem hard on this point. Some good points about not losing instruction time, and note that grief counselors are available free of charge.
-they are installing new security devices (metal detectors, sensors on doors) and having additional security guards. (There was one officer on campus, as a token to school safety, but now there'll be several.) Lockers are also being searched while school is closed and will be periodically searched.
-harsher punishments for gang- or drug-related crimes. Details are vague.
-In addition, the same private security firm that is helping the school will be putting security around downtown, to help deter the violence and aid the police. That is part of why the police chiefs are present.

Also, I'm just gonna throw out there as OOC info that the shedite was planning on having one of Ramiel's parents cause a violent scene during the press release. Or start a riot via Songs or Attunements. Didn't really decide on the particulars since I knew he'd be captured, but, still, FYI.

[robnar]

Astarieth, Judgment

Thank god he was at a stop light when he had to make the decision. A wave of fear and wrongness washed over Tommy, and he just sat there, slumped forward, with his foot mashing the brake pedal into the floorpad. When the Symphony sent him the voice of Domininc and the feeling, he shook his head, sat back up, and came back to the real world to the loud, continuous, impatient honking of the big GMC Yukon behind him.

So he put on his turn signal, and made a point of very slowly making the right turn to put him on the path to the Howitzer. As the truck roared past him, the animated waves and raised middle fingers of the driver rang with beautiful sounds of Truth. All was right with the world.

At the howitzer, Tommy nods and shrugs - "Once we figure out which one the Shedim's hiding in, knocking it out physically should be pretty easy with all of us around. When it gets celestial, that's when we need to work on it. I'm pretty much inclined to just grab it and hold on while the rest of you whale on it; I'm pretty tough. I can be hanging out celestially waiting to pounce on it."

Spoiler: Tactics

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If I get this right, you can grapple celestial forms, which slows them down; resistance is will+celestial forces. That means Tommy will initiate the grapple at a 12 (Will 6 + Fighting 6) vs. their dodge, and maintain the grapple at a 10.

Also, the grappled target has to spend a full round to shake him off if he successfully initiates the grapple, which will mean that if Tommy is good on his hits he can keep the target locked in place.

While they wait for the other shoe to drop, Tommy notes the updates from Carol and Joanna. He texts back, adding Inian to the line: <sounds like they're up to something. Hey, Adrian, want to go get jobs as private security guards? Something tells me they're gonna keep focusing on that potential tether.>

[DoctorFaust]

With the guard down, Inian retrieves Dr. Rodriguez from where she's lying tied up and leaves the facility with her stuffed in a body bag as a disguise. On the road, he pulls over for a few seconds to cough up the thumb drive, hopefully undamaged.

Once at the Howitzer, Inian leaves her locked in the trunk of his car and goes in to mingle before the Shedite arrives. He greets Astarieth as soon as he sees him, saying, "I don't know if I'll have time with my other commitments. Also depends on if I get too wanted because of the crimes I just committed. Speaking of, Frez, I have the doctor you were looking for in my car."

Once the talk turns to tactics, Inian asks if Jerechial can have one of his Soldiers move Inian's car if he feels having the extra body around poses too great of a risk and volunteers to help Astarieth pin down the Shedite if it comes to that.

[JeenLeen]

Frez looks up, slightly dumb-founded until he realizes the Ofanite of War is serious. "You--seriously, dude? Thank you! To be honest, I kinda feel like I gotta run out with her now to a safehouse, but I also feel like I owe you one. No, time to be sincere. As a Vassal of Lightning, I owe you a favor. Beyond this fight. In the meantime, though, take me to her and let me inject a tracer in her, just in case something happens while we deal with this garbage."

There's a bit of talk, and Jerechial calls in one of his people to move Inian's car after Frez has injected her with a needle he had secreted on his person. "Saline with a seditive and general antibotic, plus one microchip tracer. Should help keep her asleep and alive."
In the end, Frez decides to go with the car but says he'll be back in time. "Just look for the circle of fire and electricity coming in to fry this shedite."

---

The tactics are well-received, and Jerechial gives a word of thanks to Astarieth for taking on that role.

---

Soon, about right after Frez drives off with a Soldier and the doctor, a van that almost screams 'kidnapping' pulls up. Ramiel gets out from behind the wheel. He looks like he hasn't been sleeping and is somehow feeling the effects of it. A bird flies off as Gaspariel's amorphous bulk exits it.

Ramiel's parents look the worse for wear. Both are sprouting a nasty bump on their head, his mother also having a black eye and his father a bloodied knuckle. He has the two of them buckled to a stretcher--normally something hard to hold, but easy enough for a Servitor of War.
"Once the shedite exits, I'll take the two of them somewhere safe," the young cherub says between nervous breaths.

Jerechial nods, and the assembled angels take their celestial form. As the time draws near, Jerechials Sings his Song of Blades and Rezzial calls forth his flaming sword. One of the Malakim of the Sword's shadowy mouth starts to froathe with ethereal acid.

Spoiler: rolls

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I'll assume everyone makes their Will rolls to assume celestial form easily enough (no penalty for retrying), but Perception to see (and thus be able to attack) the shedite when he emerges.
There is a bonus since it's exiting the host.

Astarieth (3d6)[2][6][6](14)
Inian (3d6)[2][5][5](12)
Jerechial (3d6)[1][4][2](7)
Gaspariel (3d6)[6][3][6](15)
Valufiel (3d6)[4][2][4](10)
Rezzial (3d6)[5][1][5](11)
Frez (3d6)[6][2][5](13)
Malakite 1 (3d6)[3][1][2](6)
Malakite 2 (3d6)[1][4][4](9)

And if the shedite sees y'all (meaning if he can dodge)...
Astarieth (3d6)[4][3][2](9)
Inian (3d6)[1][5][1](7)
Jerechial (3d6)[1][6][6](13)
Gaspariel (3d6)[5][6][3](14)
Valufiel (3d6)[6][6][5](17)
Rezzial (3d6)[5][3][1](9)
Frez (3d6)[3][2][1](6)
Malakite 1 (3d6)[1][2][3](6)
Malakite 2 (3d6)[6][5][4](15)

Technically, each of you should roll to see if you 'see' each other, too, but that's too much rolling.

And Ramiel's father awakens with a shock as a mass of digusting limbs exits him -- one familiar to Inian. Ramiel whacks his father with a sap, putting him back into unconscousness, then heaves his parents to safety.
Also, a burning wheel of fire and energy arrives. Frez, Ofanite of Lightning, arriving just in time for the fray.

In the celestial realm, the battle begins.

Spoiler: Round 1

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Assuming your Perception roll didn't fail miserably and no Interventions for me to write up, write up how you do in celestial form and your initial rolls.

I'll re-read celestial combat, but I think that's right for how grappling works.

EDIT: every angel made their Perception roll, and the shedite fails to see Astarieth, so he can't try to dodge the grapple...

[robnar]

Astarieth, Judgment

Astarieth was hanging around the rafters of the bar, his long, serpentine form glittering and waiting. The cloud of abomination that is the shedim starts to exit, and roars towards the angels massed around it, Astarieth glides out and slides towards it. He rams the cloud, which resists like warm flesh, and snakes his body around it.

Spoiler: rolls

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Grapple: vs. 12 (6 will + 6 fighting) (1d6)[1](1d6)[4] check digit (1d6)[2]
Dodge (if needed): (1d6)[6](1d6)[1] check digit: (1d6)[6]

[DoctorFaust]

Once the Shedit reveals itself, Inian reaches out in his celestial body and strikes a firey blow at the Demon.

Spoiler

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Attack:(3d6)[6][3][5](14)
I don't think I'll need a dodge, but here's one just in case: (3d6)[4][6][3](13)

[JeenLeen]

The shedite exits its soul, and starts to sneer at the angelic community. It knows it is outnumbered, but not nearly how badly.
But then the heavenly light starts to fry its flesh, and an unknown opponent binds him with serpentine entanglement. Then... heavenly justice strikes it. Again, and again, and again.

Near the middle of the onslaught, Rezzial's firery blade sloughs off a section of the abyssal flesh. The shedite's mass shrinks -- the tell-tale sign of a loss of Forces. When the onslaught nears its end -- as the acidic spit of one of the Malakim fries the shedite -- the unholy bulk shudders and outright warps, condensing in on itself. Soon, only a small, mishapen humanoid form floats, still in agony from the heavenly light. The shedite of Factions is a shedite no longer.
Still, its selfish nature seems to prevail. It offers no cries of mercy, but screams in indignation, continuing to strike out at its opponents... but its blows seem more futile now. As the onslaught continues -- none of the angels much interested in mercy towards such a being -- it is soon no more.

The two Malakim of the Sword give a noble bow, and then ascend to Heaven. Valufiel does the same, commenting it'd be the faster way to go back to the Tether to Flowers, with a joking comment about how Daisy will be a little angry with him for a few days after a final death like this--what a strange friendship between a violent Malakim and a Friend of Flowers. Frez says he's going to rush back to the doc, but he'll come back to the Tether with her and Inian's car. Rezzial heads back to the monastery.
Jerechial and Andreson start to resume corporeal form, and Gaspariel off to find a host after alerting Ramiel it's safe to bring his parents back.

Spoiler: narrative

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I hope this was still fun. It's hard to write a fight well, especially one that was as way more-sided than this. Anyway, I feel like it was a let-down and just 'going through the motions'.. so hope it was fun or some emotional goodness.

I also realized I forgot to factor in Andreson being there, or the damage a Heavenly Tether does to a demon in celestial form there. EDIT: AND also forgot about Medim... so that's at least 3d6 more he probably would have taken between NPCs and the Tether. Note to self: make killrooms harder to orchestrate in the future.

Anyway, he started at 8 Forces.
And, between Inian's damage and those I forgot about, it just puts him over the spot to drop to 6 Forces, and his roll makes him become a gremlin/imp. Bad luck, former shedite.

Let's see what Force he lost.
(1d3)[2] -- Ethereal Force lost
(1d3)[3] -- Celestial Force lost

[robnar]

Astarieth, Judgment

As the cloud of slime, evil, and abomination is cut to shreds by his colleagues, Astarieth holds on, feeling the screams of rage and defeat through his serpentine form. When Rezzial impales it on his sword, Astarieth releases and steps back. A few blows later and it is gone.

Astarieth's serpentine body coils down to the ground, his wings shroud over him, and a few moments later Tommy stands back up in jeans and an Oakland Raiders hoodie. Tommy is flushed with adrenaline, and beaming with energy. As the angels return to flesh around him he shouts happily "Bartender! I would like a cup of coffee! And probably a shot!"

He's wired, and he can't help but pace a bit as he levels out. He congratulates the angels still hanging about, compulsively checks for updates on his phone, and paces a bit. As he starts to even out, he starts to think.

Tommy googles the private security firm that the city is hiring - that's the next look, and the biggest place where The War might be getting involved in the melee that is this city.

[DoctorFaust]

Once the Shedite is defeated, Inian's celestial body collapses in on itself and shrinks down until his Vessel reappears in the Howtizer. He gives his thanks to the gathered Angels who volunteered for the fight and is preparing to retire to his car to leave when Frez reminds him that the other Ofanite still has his.

To pass the time, he wanders over to Astarieth and asks, "So what is this security guard company you were saying we should get jobs at? Does it have something to do with your work for the Agafonovs?"

[JeenLeen]

Jerechial also has a big smile on his face. He breaks out a bottle of expensive Scotch. "A shedite destroyed, and us without a scratch on our souls. Calls for a celebration!" He soon puts a cup of black coffee and a shot of something strong in front of Tommy. Even Andreson takes a sip of the liquor, though he wrinkles his nose in an obvious lack of appreciation for it.

No updates from Carol or Joanna yet -- the press conference is still ongoing, but seems to be wrapping up -- but a quick search into the company reveals it as a relatively new private security firm, having been in operation just under a year. It looks like they've mostly done small security for corporations throughout California, and that this is first big gig. Lots of ex-military or former police or prison guards, but their 'Careers' page notes anyone who passes the physical and mental evaluations, and background check, can be hired on a trial basis.

Meanwhile, two vehicles come up.
Ramiel and the Soldier of Stone carry in Ramiel's parents and take them to a back room. Ramiel gives a half-hearted whoop at hearing the shedite is dead, but is obviously still very worried about his parents. Another person, looking like a homeless person, also enters and identifies himself as Gaspariel. With a touch of kindness, he says to the young cherub, "Don't worry too much. My man has medical training."
The other vehicle is Inian's, and Frez and one of Jerechial's men soon carry in the doctor. Frez looks absolutely giddy and, with a laugh, asks Jerechial, "You still got that interrogation room in the basement?" Jerechial merely opens a hidden door behind the bar. As they carry the doctor downstairs, she starts to rouse slightly, but still seems very out of it. Frez offers, "If any of ya want to come with me, feel welcome."

Spoiler: new player?

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I reached out to another forumite, XIII. No promises, but he said he'd look over the game.

Spoiler: background check note

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If I read your char sheets right, Inian has a rank 3 Role and Astarieth has a rank 6 Role. So Astarieth will pass a background check no problem. I mean, your Role might raise questions, but your background check at least finding a background won't have problems. For Inian, I'll make it a relatively easy roll of TN 6 + Role, so TN 9. If success, they don't find any holes in your background. If a failure, the check digit will determine how much it looks missing; a 5 or a 6 will mean they realize it's fake, a 1 like some documents are missing but nothing serious, with in-between digits just looking a touch shadey.

Of course, whether any of this is an issue also depends on how seriously an effective merc company takes their background checks.