Re: Before Going To Horizon-Downtime Scenes IC Thread

[Anja Rebekka Schultze]

[Nicole's Apartment, Monday Evening]

Colin arched an eyebrow at Nicole, "Your call, Nick - but there is one thing we should clear up first."
Turning to the rat spirit, he continued, "By what name should we call you? I am not demanding your True Name, but some reference by which you could be summoned and addressed would be rather crucial."

"I am simply Big Fat Rat."
The rat spirit said happily.
"Though incarnate companions have given me other names at times, like Trashcan or Doris...either will do."

[Labyrinth, Tuesday Morning]

He nodded, "Sorry, to clarify - I doubt most who are recruited join with full awareness or have other options.

"You think the Nephandi incapable of seeking out those who is as corrupted and cruel as themselves. Some are lured in but most I suspect are very much guilty."
The old war mage replied.

The ones who actively seek them out, on the other hand, no, there's little going back for them. Even the poor chap who Fell after losing his last apprentice to the bloody Ascension War acknowledged that he'd made his bed, and wasn't going to turn that around, even if he surrendered fully and talked after I showed him some of his apprentices reborn... For a lot, the only viable mercy is a clean, quick death. But even if I am inclined to grant a chance to set things right, I'm not keen on breaking the law to do so."

"I am not without sympathy for the man you are talking about Mr Wainwright...I know the pain of loosing apprentices."
Jeffry said softly sadness in his eyes.
"But he made his bed as you say and will have to face justice, and his fate will not be a kind one. As for the woman with the shard cluster if the law allow and she was lured in you may try to aid her but if she went to the Nephandi of any choice of her own she burn, as simple as that."
He said sternly.

Moving on to the next uninvestigated room, Colin waited calmly for Anna to give the 'all clear' concerning wards.

You got into another bed room, there was a bed, a desk, some chairs and a sofa, a TV, a wardrobe, a ritual corner and a few book cases, everything looked normal, save for the chained up, rotting corpse in the middle of the room. The dead person had been a man, but he was at least a week dead with horrible signs of torture. A ghost, a dark shadow with a roughly human shape stood next to the corpse weeping.

[Jeremy Silverstein]

[Labyrinth, Tuesday Morning]

You found three porn magazines, several pairs of dirty socks and a plate that should have been taken to the kitchen for washing a long time ago.
"Did you find anything Sir?"
Anna asked.

"I found.....vindication." Serge said unsure of whether he should feel disappointed or triumphant. "But nothing of actual value. How about you guys? What's your magick scan say?"

[Nicole Bouchard]

[Nicole's Apartment, Monday Evening]

Anja's Post:

'Yes. Though with conditions. Like you won't be simply take what food you like; you have to ask or be offered it.' Nicole replied, tone firm. 'If you get too big, you won't be able to do your job, will you?'

Anja's Post:

'Doris?' she echoed, a little surprised. 'Well, would you like a name? “Big Fat Rat” is more like a description...'

Colin's Post:

A pause, before nodding 'Yes... you're right. I should have obeyed my orders.'

Colin's Post:

'Don't see it as fair that you should cough up for the Chantry...' she replied, sounding doubtful. 'But I can't really bitch on that front. Helena and me found 'bout a hundred-k in cash. Even with my costs, taxes and paying for that BAR from Waltham I'm still fairly in the black...'

[Labyrinth, Tuesday Morning]

Anja's Post:

'I see... thanks.' she replied, giving Anna a nod. Then turned towards the Chief. 'This brain is active, sir. I believe the cables are too.' moving over to start to shut down the PDA.

[That is a point which *still* has not been cleared – the division of 'loot' from missions. I propose a simple system of: value of looted items, minus costs, minus Chantry 'tax' (15%?) then divided by amount of members on that mission. My napkin says that for the Seattle mission each member is looking at about $3000 each and the Waltham mission about $500 each. If nothing else, it means Serge has quite a bit of spending money for Horizon...]

[If Chantries have lots of independence it means Horizon isn't ordering them about. QED. I think here we have the argument of 'authority vs power'. I argue that the Horizon splat makes it fairly clear that they don't have the legal authority to order the examples to be done (or order much, in fact). However, it is possible for Horizon to work the levers of 'power' to get it done if they need to. For example, Spence 'having a word' with the appropriate people to see if a 'redeployment' can't be done.]

[Anja Rebekka Schultze]

[Labyrinth, Tuesday Morning]

"I found.....vindication." Serge said unsure of whether he should feel disappointed or triumphant. "But nothing of actual value. How about you guys? What's your magick scan say?"

"Exactly what I expected Sir, Resonances but no actual active magick other than the wards which was dealt with."
Anna replied.
"So what did you find Mr Yager?"

'I see... thanks.' she replied, giving Anna a nod. Then turned towards the Chief. 'This brain is active, sir. I believe the cables are too.' moving over to start to shut down the PDA.

"Very well, can anything be gained from it Miss Bouchard?"
Jeffry said and he gave the brain a skeptical look.

[Nicole's Apartment, Monday Evening]

'Yes. Though with conditions. Like you won't be simply take what food you like; you have to ask or be offered it.' Nicole replied, tone firm. 'If you get too big, you won't be able to do your job, will you?'

"Off course I can, I am Big Fat Rat..."
The rat spirit said.
"But very well I will ask first."
She agreed.
"You got nom noms?"

'Doris?' she echoed, a little surprised. 'Well, would you like a name? “Big Fat Rat” is more like a description...'

"Most names are, they are addresses to find someone, but yes you can give me a name."
She said and she played with her long tail.

(OOC: No such system have ever really bet set in place since looting have never been the point and generally pepole have taken what might benefit them and then the rest have gone to the Chantry which benefit everyone, Nicole is free to offer such a arangement at a Council meeting though.)

(OOC 2: Like I said it have already been established how this game run the Traditions and I am not looking to change that. I also disagree I think Horizon Stronghold of Hope make it very clear Horizon have authority to enforce laws and yes give orders tot he rest of the Traditions. But things are generally not micro manages, most Chantries rule themselves but under the laws of the Traditions as a whole.)

[Warpmind]

[Nicole's Apartment, Monday Evening]

"I am simply Big Fat Rat."
The rat spirit said happily.
"Though incarnate companions have given me other names at times, like Trashcan or Doris...either will do."

'Doris?' she echoed, a little surprised. 'Well, would you like a name? “Big Fat Rat” is more like a description...'

"Most names are, they are addresses to find someone, but yes you can give me a name."
She said and she played with her long tail.

Colin chuckled, "I suppose Doris is a pretty good name to call anyone by. But you know, Nick, spirits are their Names, more so than anything with flesh is. Just the way it is."

A pause, before nodding 'Yes... you're right. I should have obeyed my orders.'

He shrugged, "Showing initiative is fine, but you can't handle everything on your own - especially not when there's a rank issue. Knowing when to backpedal and kick something back up the chain of command can save your posterior from the most surprising fires."

'Don't see it as fair that you should cough up for the Chantry...' she replied, sounding doubtful. 'But I can't really bitch on that front. Helena and me found 'bout a hundred-k in cash. Even with my costs, taxes and paying for that BAR from Waltham I'm still fairly in the black...'

He smiled wryly, "Well, now, I can't make offers on behalf of the Chantry, just on my own behalf... I'm sure the Chantry would like a cut of that loot, though. Where was that from?"

[Labyrinth, Tuesday Morning]

"You think the Nephandi incapable of seeking out those who is as corrupted and cruel as themselves. Some are lured in but most I suspect are very much guilty."
The old war mage replied.

He shook his head, "The ones already inclined that way will find the Nephandi as likely as the Nephandi finding them... far too many are only guilty of associating with a honeypot, and then believing they'll be given the harshest punishment if exposed, after learning the truth... Far too many indeed..."

"I am not without sympathy for the man you are talking about Mr Wainwright...I know the pain of loosing apprentices."
Jeffry said softly sadness in his eyes.
"But he made his bed as you say and will have to face justice, and his fate will not be a kind one. As for the woman with the shard cluster if the law allow and she was lured in you may try to aid her but if she went to the Nephandi of any choice of her own she burn, as simple as that."
He said sternly.

He nodded, "I'll assess her, and if she is indeed inclined to the Malfean cause, well... burning might be a bit much. You know how good my marksmanship is."

You got into another bed room, there was a bed, a desk, some chairs and a sofa, a TV, a wardrobe, a ritual corner and a few book cases, everything looked normal, save for the chained up, rotting corpse in the middle of the room. The dead person had been a man, but he was at least a week dead with horrible signs of torture. A ghost, a dark shadow with a roughly human shape stood next to the corpse weeping.

He wrinkled his nose at the smell, "Oh, God... bugger... Sir, victim in here, murdered before we took the place, I'd say..."
He stepped up next to the ghost and laid a hand on the incorporeal shoulder, "I'm so sorry, we couldn't get to you in time... who were you?"

[Anja Rebekka Schultze]

[Nicole's Apartment, Monday Evening]

Colin chuckled, "I suppose Doris is a pretty good name to call anyone by. But you know, Nick, spirits are their Names, more so than anything with flesh is. Just the way it is."

"We are what we are."
The rat spirit replied.

[Labyrinth, Tuesday Morning]

He shook his head, "The ones already inclined that way will find the Nephandi as likely as the Nephandi finding them... far too many are only guilty of associating with a honeypot, and then believing they'll be given the harshest punishment if exposed, after learning the truth... Far too many indeed..."

"That someone is blackmailed into the Nephandi happens Mr Wainwright but far more often someone gets seduced in and eventually is as dark as the rest of them, most of the Nephandi are not innocent victims they are the worst people in existence, torturers and murders who want to destroy existence itself."
Jeffry said sternly.

He nodded, "I'll assess her, and if she is indeed inclined to the Malfean cause, well... burning might be a bit much. You know how good my marksmanship is."

"What was the tool Prometheus taught us to use?"
Jeffry say quoting a famous speech from the start of the Schism War
"But yes a bullet will do Mr Wainwright."

He wrinkled his nose at the smell, "Oh, God... bugger... Sir, victim in here, murdered before we took the place, I'd say..."
He stepped up next to the ghost and laid a hand on the incorporeal shoulder, "I'm so sorry, we couldn't get to you in time... who were you?"

Jeffry came rushing in.
"Damn Nephandi...well let us get the poor man down and cover his body, we will take it with us to make sure he get a proper burial...but try to find out who he was...is that his spirit?"
The old mage said and the ghost nodded.
"My name was Jacob Larrman, I was a convenience store cleark when they took me."
The spirit said.
"Listen I don't know how long I can stay...my dog is in my apartment, please go get him, he had plenty of water and food when I was taken he might have survived."
He said and an address was written in blood on the floor all of a sudden.
"Please he is just a little dog left all alone, get him somewhere where he will be safe..."
The ghost begged.

[Nicole Bouchard]

[Nicole's Apartment, Monday Evening]

Colin's Post:

'Fine, Doris.' ending with a sigh.

Anja's Post:

'There will be other rules, too. Like not going into other apartments without asking, and not telling outsiders about the things you learn while being here. But we will talk about them later.' 'After I've asked about this kind of thing' she mentally added.

Anja's Post:

Silently, she moved over to the kitchen and located an apple and a catering packet of walnut pieces. Put a few into a plastic tub, along with the apple.

'We have a deal, then?' she continued, holding out the tub to the spirit.

[Labyrinth, Tuesday Morning]

Anja's Post:

A short silence, as she unhooked the scanner from the PDA. 'Think it is working as a kind of organic file server, sir. Accessed by them computers.' gesturing towards the bank of them nearby. 'I can't get nothing off it... well, not in any sneaky method at least.'

Colin's Post:

Nicole had come into the apartment to ensure there wasn't anything a threat; on encountering the decomposing body, main thought 'poor fucker', secondary thought 'I may be a bitch, but at least I don't do shit like that...' a little pleased she was sucking on a ludicrously strong mint and couldn't smell a thing.

Anja's Post:

'Erm... if it's any help, chances are his barking would have pissed off your neighbours so much Animal Control would have rescued it, like.' she replied, feeling respect for... well, a possible former person who was more concerned over the well-being of another life form than being pissed over their demise. 'What's his name and what does he look like?'

[No. I do not believe that Steelhaven, a Hermetic-founded Chantry nearly 100 years old has never, ever had this question brought up? That no members have never, ever had a falling out over 'division of spoils'? $100k in cash can 'benefit' anyone, and people have killed for much less. I do believe, however that it's never come up in the game. But it's come up now, because Nicole is now mainly sticking around for mercenary reasons.

This is a simple 'flying patch' solution to the question – it sounds like a Hermetic 'rule' (they love their rules!), does not actually really change how things happen IC and doesn't really require you (as ST) to do anything. Win-win situation? Warp, your opinion would be valued too; you seemed to be fine with this idea last time it came around.]

[Once again, we can agree to agree. I agree that Horizon is mainly a 'court of final appeal' and in that capacity does have power over individual Chantries (at least in theory; for many rules are more 'honoured in the breach'). My argument was mainly that it was *not* a 'Ministry of Magick'.]

[Anja Rebekka Schultze]

[Nicole's Apartment, Monday Evening]

'Fine, Doris.' ending with a sigh.

"Doris...yes that works."
The rat said happily.

There will be other rules, too. Like not going into other apartments without asking, and not telling outsiders about the things you learn while being here. But we will talk about them later.' 'After I've asked about this kind of thing' she mentally added.

"Can I spy though the windows on other rooms?"
The rat asked.

Silently, she moved over to the kitchen and located an apple and a catering packet of walnut pieces. Put a few into a plastic tub, along with the apple.

'We have a deal, then?' she continued, holding out the tub to the spirit.

The spirit jumped of the sofa and replied.
"Yes...yes...agree agree...nom nom give give."
And buried her face in the bowl and you heard eager chewing noises.

[Labyrinth, Tuesday Morning]

A short silence, as she unhooked the scanner from the PDA. 'Think it is working as a kind of organic file server, sir. Accessed by them computers.' gesturing towards the bank of them nearby. 'I can't get nothing off it... well, not in any sneaky method at least.'

Jeffry gave a bit of a helpless look, he clearly did not understand what a file server was.
"So ehm...what would you need to make sense of it Miss Bouchard?"
He asked scowling at the computers.

'Erm... if it's any help, chances are his barking would have pissed off your neighbours so much Animal Control would have rescued it, like.' she replied, feeling respect for... well, a possible former person who was more concerned over the well-being of another life form than being pissed over their demise. 'What's his name and what does he look like?'

"I...did not think of that."
The ghost said looking a bit more hopeful.
"But I need to know he will be cared for I can not go...where I am going until I know he is safe. His name is Paprika and he is a mutt, I am not sure what went into him, something curly and something dark brown, he is smallish like a cocker spaniel but with much shorter ears and curly dark brown fur."
The man said.
"Listen I was not rich, I was a convenience store clerk as I said but I had a little rainy day fund hidden away in my apartment, if you promise to help my dog or at least make sure animal control was called and that he is in a shelter or adopted then I will tell you where it is. Come to think of it if he was found someone might be looking for me for Paprika was chipped and his vet record was up to date."

(OOC: I am sure there have been a conflict or two but Steelhaven is nto based around going around and raiding places so on the rare occasions when it happened everyone found a solution there was no need to make a rule about it no. Like I said Nicole is welcome to bring it up with the Deacon Council.)

(OOC 2: Well yes and no small things are not sent to Horizon, someone break the Law of Shade in a small way their Chantry will give them kitchen duty or some such, but that do not mean there is not a hiriachy in the Traditions or that Chantries can ignore Protocols as they wish, that there is no oversight.)

[Jeremy Silverstein]

[Labyrinth, Tuesday Morning]

"Exactly what I expected Sir, Resonances but no actual active magick other than the wards which was dealt with."
Anna replied.
"So what did you find Mr Yager?"

He wrinkled his nose at the smell, "Oh, God... bugger... Sir, victim in here, murdered before we took the place, I'd say..."
He stepped up next to the ghost and laid a hand on the incorporeal shoulder, "I'm so sorry, we couldn't get to you in time... who were you?"

Jeffry came rushing in.
"Damn Nephandi...well let us get the poor man down and cover his body, we will take it with us to make sure he get a proper burial...but try to find out who he was...is that his spirit?"
The old mage said and the ghost nodded.
"My name was Jacob Larrman, I was a convenience store clerk when they took me."
The spirit said.
"Listen I don't know how long I can stay...my dog is in my apartment, please go get him, he had plenty of water and food when I was taken he might have survived."
He said and an address was written in blood on the floor all of a sudden.
"Please he is just a little dog left all alone, get him somewhere where he will be safe..."
The ghost begged.

'Erm... if it's any help, chances are his barking would have pissed off your neighbours so much Animal Control would have rescued it, like.' she replied, feeling respect for... well, a possible former person who was more concerned over the well-being of another life form than being pissed over their demise. 'What's his name and what does he look like?'

"I...did not think of that."
The ghost said looking a bit more hopeful.
"But I need to know he will be cared for I can not go...where I am going until I know he is safe. His name is Paprika and he is a mutt, I am not sure what went into him, something curly and something dark brown, he is smallish like a cocker spaniel but with much shorter ears and curly dark brown fur."
The man said.
"Listen I was not rich, I was a convenience store clerk as I said but I had a little rainy day fund hidden away in my apartment, if you promise to help my dog or at least make sure animal control was called and that he is in a shelter or adopted then I will tell you where it is. Come to think of it if he was found someone might be looking for me for Paprika was chipped and his vet record was up to date."

"Some guys less-than-ideal Friday nigh...." Serge began before he heard Colin call out. He rushed alongside Master Morgan to see what the fuss was about.

Seeing the dead body and the weeping ghost, he felt a pang of remorse and empathy. He listened to the ghosts desperate pleas. Once heard he said, "We the could easily scry for the dog and see what he's up to. Hell with Master Nassa nearby couldn't he just teleport the dog here? For one last final goodbye?"

[Warpmind]

[Nicole's Apartment, Monday Evening]

"We are what we are."
The rat spirit replied.

'Fine, Doris.' ending with a sigh.

"Doris...yes that works."
The rat said happily.

Colin chuckled softly, "Doris it is, then. Nice to meet you, Doris."

Silently, she moved over to the kitchen and located an apple and a catering packet of walnut pieces. Put a few into a plastic tub, along with the apple.

'We have a deal, then?' she continued, holding out the tub to the spirit.

The spirit jumped of the sofa and replied.
"Yes...yes...agree agree...nom nom give give."
And buried her face in the bowl and you heard eager chewing noises.

He nodded and spoke in a slightly ominous tone, "And so, the pact is made. The terms are in accord."
He grinned, speaking normally again, "Alright, I'll let the Chief know, and also about the security breaches."

Giving Nicole a small wave, he headed for the door, "Unless there's something more right now, I'll leave you two roommates to binge on Netflix or something."

[Labyrinth, Tuesday Morning]

"That someone is blackmailed into the Nephandi happens Mr Wainwright but far more often someone gets seduced in and eventually is as dark as the rest of them, most of the Nephandi are not innocent victims they are the worst people in existence, torturers and murders who want to destroy existence itself."
Jeffry said sternly.

He nodded soberly, "Few of the Fallen will even care about a shot at redemption. But it is those very few I'm willing to give a chance. Singular."

"What was the tool Prometheus taught us to use?"
Jeffry say quoting a famous speech from the start of the Schism War
"But yes a bullet will do Mr Wainwright."

He thought for a moment, "I've seen the argument that the gift was magic, the ability to channel Quintessence, in one of the books in the library. More mundane texts, however, have argued that it wasn't literally fire, but Agency - the ability to affect the world around us, rather than merely reacting to dangers... Having Free Will is largely meaningless if you don't actually have the power to do anything with it. Sort of like having a trillion dollars in cash, but you're stranded on a deserted island, all alone..."

Jeffry came rushing in.
"Damn Nephandi...well let us get the poor man down and cover his body, we will take it with us to make sure he get a proper burial...but try to find out who he was...is that his spirit?"
The old mage said and the ghost nodded.
"My name was Jacob Larrman, I was a convenience store cleark when they took me."
The spirit said.
"Listen I don't know how long I can stay...my dog is in my apartment, please go get him, he had plenty of water and food when I was taken he might have survived."
He said and an address was written in blood on the floor all of a sudden.
"Please he is just a little dog left all alone, get him somewhere where he will be safe..."
The ghost begged.

'Erm... if it's any help, chances are his barking would have pissed off your neighbours so much Animal Control would have rescued it, like.' she replied, feeling respect for... well, a possible former person who was more concerned over the well-being of another life form than being pissed over their demise. 'What's his name and what does he look like?'

"I...did not think of that."
The ghost said looking a bit more hopeful.
"But I need to know he will be cared for I can not go...where I am going until I know he is safe. His name is Paprika and he is a mutt, I am not sure what went into him, something curly and something dark brown, he is smallish like a cocker spaniel but with much shorter ears and curly dark brown fur."
The man said.
"Listen I was not rich, I was a convenience store clerk as I said but I had a little rainy day fund hidden away in my apartment, if you promise to help my dog or at least make sure animal control was called and that he is in a shelter or adopted then I will tell you where it is. Come to think of it if he was found someone might be looking for me for Paprika was chipped and his vet record was up to date."

"Some guys less-than-ideal Friday nigh...." Serge began before he heard Colin call out. He rushed alongside Master Morgan to see what the fuss was about.

Seeing the dead body and the weeping ghost, he felt a pang of remorse and empathy. He listened to the ghosts desperate pleas. Once heard he said, "We the could easily scry for the dog and see what he's up to. Hell with Master Nassa nearby couldn't he just teleport the dog here? For one last final goodbye?"

He nodded and noted down the address, "Very well, Jacob. We'll make sure Paprika is taken care of - I might know a few people willing to take the little guy in, too. Hum, do you have a key, or was that taken from you? I'd rather avoid, you know, burglary..."
He hesitated, "Also, is there anyone you'd want to know of your passing? Parents, siblings, romantic partners, friends?"

((OOC: Nicole, Colin's knocking on your door in the other thread, my next-to-last post there.))

[Anja Rebekka Schultze]

[Labyrinth, Tuesday Morning]

"Some guys less-than-ideal Friday nigh...." Serge began before he heard Colin call out. He rushed alongside Master Morgan to see what the fuss was about.

"Oh porn, well everyone have porn under their beds, well almost everyone, I am not that interested yet and when I am I will buy high quality drawn stuff that deserve to be on a shelf and not on a dirty floor but you get my point."
Anna commented.
"Ehm are you sure you should go in there Sir?"
The apprentice asked as she peeked into he room.

Seeing the dead body and the weeping ghost, he felt a pang of remorse and empathy. He listened to the ghosts desperate pleas. Once heard he said, "We the could easily scry for the dog and see what he's up to. Hell with Master Nassa nearby couldn't he just teleport the dog here? For one last final goodbye?"

"Well teleporting in and out of the Umbra is a bit more complicated but yes we could do that and certainly we could scry for the dog."
Marian said but the ghost shook his head.
"I do not want Paprika to see my body like this, we will understand what have happened, they understand more than you think, it is better that he remember the good times and are passed to a new forever home without having to see my body."

He nodded soberly, "Few of the Fallen will even care about a shot at redemption. But it is those very few I'm willing to give a chance. Singular."

"I can agree to that Mr Wainwright but just make sure you are not to naive and think most Fallen are like Anna or even that Julia creature that my filius talked into not blowing up the Umbra port."
Jeffry said sternly.

He thought for a moment, "I've seen the argument that the gift was magic, the ability to channel Quintessence, in one of the books in the library. More mundane texts, however, have argued that it wasn't literally fire, but Agency - the ability to affect the world around us, rather than merely reacting to dangers... Having Free Will is largely meaningless if you don't actually have the power to do anything with it. Sort of like having a trillion dollars in cash, but you're stranded on a deserted island, all alone..."

"Well yes there are arguments for that, however picking apart a great speech...ehm...just don't let Amadeus hear I said that."
Jeffry said with a chuckle.
"Now that being said Creo Ignem solves 90 percent of my problems and would have solved more if not for the Protocols."

He nodded and noted down the address, "Very well, Jacob. We'll make sure Paprika is taken care of - I might know a few people willing to take the little guy in, too. Hum, do you have a key, or was that taken from you? I'd rather avoid, you know, burglary..."
He hesitated, "Also, is there anyone you'd want to know of your passing? Parents, siblings, romantic partners, friends?"

"Thank you so much, thank you. I had a key on me but these maniacs took all my things, they are probably around here somewhere, but Mrs Longcreek just two doors down the hall from my apartment have a spare key for emergencies."
The ghost said.
"Would it be possible to leave my body where it can be found? I have parents, grandparents, two aunts, friends, people I would like to get closure. They know I loved them I have nothing unsaid but I would rather they know I was murdered on my way home from work so they can grieve and get on with their lives than wonder where I went."
He said sadly.
"Ah yes the payment, my rainy day fond is in my coffee jar, at the bottom, it is not much but it is something and it is money I got doing odd jobs where and there, fixing things and moving lawns and such so no one knew I had it so it is clean for you to take in payment for making sure Paprika is taken care of."

[Nicole Bouchard]

[Nicole's Apartment, Monday Evening]

Anja's Post:

'You'll really do that, climb up the outside walls to see in?' giving a raised eyebrow to Doris.

Anja's Post:

'Well, at least it didn't complain it wasn't snacky crap.' she mused, watching the spirit eat.

[Labyrinth, Tuesday Morning]

Anja's Post:

Another short silence. 'A Virtual Adept. Or p'haps a Thig, but we don't have none of them.'

Anja's Post:

'Well, if Paprika was all registered, like, he might already be being looked after by a relative or your vet or something.' Nicole replied, taking a glance at the body, wondering how long he'd been here. Didn't mention that if it had been too long the shelter might have killed the dog... or not, if the cops believed the guy had gone missing.

Anja's Post:

Colin's Post:

'Think I might know someone too.' she replied, remembering an off-hand comment about her Uncle currently being muttless. 'And if we do it, we'll make sure Paprika ain't renamed.' remembering a line from... somewhere about not doing that.

Anja's Post:

'Well, there's a chance your folks are already on it, like.' she replied. 'Wait... where are you from?' looking at the address on the floor, trying to recall if she knew where it was. After all, there was no assumption the guy was either from Greater Boston or had even been living there.

[Which I would agree with... except *everything* known about SH points against that conclusion. A professionally organised, formalised Chantry, Hermetic-dominated and with some age behind it. You *really* telling me that they did not ask a Quaesitor to provide a 'Chantry rulebook' and that Quaesitor would not try to do the best job they could and answer these questions *before* the problems arose (thousand years of organising Chantries good experience of 'what problems' might come up)? To hell they didn't. Even Nick would admit that while she hates most attributes about Hermetics, they at very least know how to organise and plan.

Though really, Great One; why the hell are you digging your heels in here? Literally, I'm just trying to do a little patch mainly for story purposes, like when we talked about SH probably having some Sleeper lawyer/accountant in Boston who deals with the needed Mundie paperwork. In IC terms, nothing will really change; like the Sleeper lawyer, the 'Chantry Tax system' can be alluded to as/when it comes up in IC discussion, like right now with Nick/Colin and left at that.]

[Anja Rebekka Schultze]

[Nicole's Apartment, Monday Evening]

'You'll really do that, climb up the outside walls to see in?' giving a raised eyebrow to Doris.

"Sure, I am good at climbing, rats get everywhere."
The giant rat said happily.

Well, at least it didn't complain it wasn't snacky crap.' she mused, watching the spirit eat.

The spirit enjoyed the food and looked so happy. Once she was done the food was still there but it looked...withered and old in a way, as if it had been stored for a long time. The rat jumped back up on the sofa.
"Thanks."
She said happily scratching her ample belly.

[Labyrinth, Tuesday Morning]

Another short silence. 'A Virtual Adept. Or p'haps a Thig, but we don't have none of them.'

"We could ask someone from Westchapel to help."
Jeffry asked sounding uncertain he did not know much about computers and was uncomfortable around them.

Well, if Paprika was all registered, like, he might already be being looked after by a relative or your vet or something.' Nicole replied, taking a glance at the body, wondering how long he'd been here. Didn't mention that if it had been too long the shelter might have killed the dog... or not, if the cops believed the guy had gone missing.

"I hope so, but I need to be sure I can not find peace before knowing Paprika is not locked in my apartment starving."
The ghost said. The body looked like the poor guy might have been dead a week, maybe a week and a half.

Think I might know someone too.' she replied, remembering an off-hand comment about her Uncle currently being muttless. 'And if we do it, we'll make sure Paprika ain't renamed.' remembering a line from... somewhere about not doing that.

"I mean I hope so but what if they have not checked yet? I usually call my folks twice a week but I mean there have been busy weeks where I have not called, they might not know I am missing."
The man said.
"Thank you I don't think dogs enjoy having their names changed, Paprika know his name."

(OOC:Everything you have understood about Steelhaven perhaps. I however say they have never had the need for formal rules and I do not have the time for never ending debates about every little thing in the game. So no they did not ask a Quesitor for a rule about loot they managed to settle that like friends, the very, very few times such a thing came up. Now some times in a RPG you do not get your will, deal with it.

Now as for a mundane lawyers yes they probably do have that, that makes sense.)

[Jeremy Silverstein]

[Labyrinth, Tuesday Morning]

He nodded and noted down the address, "Very well, Jacob. We'll make sure Paprika is taken care of - I might know a few people willing to take the little guy in, too. Hum, do you have a key, or was that taken from you? I'd rather avoid, you know, burglary..."
He hesitated, "Also, is there anyone you'd want to know of your passing? Parents, siblings, romantic partners, friends?"

"Well teleporting in and out of the Umbra is a bit more complicated but yes we could do that and certainly we could scry for the dog."
Marian said but the ghost shook his head.
"I do not want Paprika to see my body like this, we will understand what have happened, they understand more than you think, it is better that he remember the good times and are passed to a new forever home without having to see my body."

"Thank you so much, thank you. I had a key on me but these maniacs took all my things, they are probably around here somewhere, but Mrs Longcreek just two doors down the hall from my apartment have a spare key for emergencies."
The ghost said.
"Would it be possible to leave my body where it can be found? I have parents, grandparents, two aunts, friends, people I would like to get closure. They know I loved them I have nothing unsaid but I would rather they know I was murdered on my way home from work so they can grieve and get on with their lives than wonder where I went."
He said sadly.
"Ah yes the payment, my rainy day fond is in my coffee jar, at the bottom, it is not much but it is something and it is money I got doing odd jobs where and there, fixing things and moving lawns and such so no one knew I had it so it is clean for you to take in payment for making sure Paprika is taken care of."

"Ugh...." Serge said grumbling at the ghosts refusal at seeing letting his dog seem him one last time. He understood the reason but still felt bad about the whole situation all the same. "We should still scry for the dog at least. So that you can see Paprika one last time. If you'd like that of course."

[Anja Rebekka Schultze]

[Labyrinth, Tuesday Morning]

"Ugh...." Serge said grumbling at the ghosts refusal at seeing letting his dog seem him one last time. He understood the reason but still felt bad about the whole situation all the same. "We should still scry for the dog at least. So that you can see Paprika one last time. If you'd like that of course."

"I would like that."
The ghost said softly.
"You are aware that scrying usually do not let others see what is being scried Mr Yager, it is not usually a television set that show scenes, though something like that could be done."
Jeffry said raising an eyebrow.

[Warpmind]

[Labyrinth, Tuesday Morning]

"I can agree to that Mr Wainwright but just make sure you are not to naive and think most Fallen are like Anna or even that Julia creature that my filius talked into not blowing up the Umbra port."
Jeffry said sternly.

Colin nodded, "I am quite aware that Anna, and also Kyle, are among the rare exceptions to the rule. And I'll be wary of trusting just any honeypot agent. But I can hardly turn away from someone needing help..."

"Well yes there are arguments for that, however picking apart a great speech...ehm...just don't let Amadeus hear I said that."
Jeffry said with a chuckle.
"Now that being said Creo Ignem solves 90 percent of my problems and would have solved more if not for the Protocols."

He arched an eyebrow, "Speech? Ah, must've been before my time, I gather... can't say I recall it. Particular to the Order, I take it?"

"Thank you so much, thank you. I had a key on me but these maniacs took all my things, they are probably around here somewhere, but Mrs Longcreek just two doors down the hall from my apartment have a spare key for emergencies."
The ghost said.
"Would it be possible to leave my body where it can be found? I have parents, grandparents, two aunts, friends, people I would like to get closure. They know I loved them I have nothing unsaid but I would rather they know I was murdered on my way home from work so they can grieve and get on with their lives than wonder where I went."
He said sadly.
"Ah yes the payment, my rainy day fond is in my coffee jar, at the bottom, it is not much but it is something and it is money I got doing odd jobs where and there, fixing things and moving lawns and such so no one knew I had it so it is clean for you to take in payment for making sure Paprika is taken care of."

He pondered, "Then I might have your key already... I'll need a piece of, hum... if you will excuse me?"
He carefully plucked a hair off the corpse, making sure not to get too much of fleshy bits, "Rust collected keys on his staff, it's quite plausible he added yours to his collection. If so, I should be able to find the one that resonates with your hair..."
He looked thoughtfully at the body, "Considering the state you are in... leaving you to be find might be more traumatic. Cremation and returning your remains to your parents with some plausible story about an accident and it taking an unfortunate amount of time to find them might be preferable..."

"Ugh...." Serge said grumbling at the ghosts refusal at seeing letting his dog seem him one last time. He understood the reason but still felt bad about the whole situation all the same. "We should still scry for the dog at least. So that you can see Paprika one last time. If you'd like that of course."

"I would like that."
The ghost said softly.
"You are aware that scrying usually do not let others see what is being scried Mr Yager, it is not usually a television set that show scenes, though something like that could be done."
Jeffry said raising an eyebrow.

He pondered, "Mr. Larrman, if you could come with us out of the Labyrinth once we've searched it today, whoever goes to find Paprika could make a video call back here. I believe you could see the screen on the phone, even if you wouldn't be visible on it?"

[Anja Rebekka Schultze]

[Labyrinth, Tuesday Morning]

Colin nodded, "I am quite aware that Anna, and also Kyle, are among the rare exceptions to the rule. And I'll be wary of trusting just any honeypot agent. But I can hardly turn away from someone needing help..."

"Normally I would agree with you Mr Wainwright but if the one who need help want to destroy reality then I can very much turn them away or take them down."
Jeffry said firmly.

He arched an eyebrow, "Speech? Ah, must've been before my time, I gather... can't say I recall it. Particular to the Order, I take it?"

"It was a speech..."
Jeffry said and he lowered his voice to avoid Amadeus catching wind of it.
"That the Primus of House Flambeau said to rally the House to war against House Diedne. It begins What was the tool Prometheus taught us to use."

He pondered, "Then I might have your key already... I'll need a piece of, hum... if you will excuse me?"
He carefully plucked a hair off the corpse, making sure not to get too much of fleshy bits, "Rust collected keys on his staff, it's quite plausible he added yours to his collection. If so, I should be able to find the one that resonates with your hair..."
He looked thoughtfully at the body, "Considering the state you are in... leaving you to be find might be more traumatic. Cremation and returning your remains to your parents with some plausible story about an accident and it taking an unfortunate amount of time to find them might be preferable..."

"Certinly."
The ghost said. You got some hair but the corpse was in pretty bad condition.
"Well if you think it is better to cremate me and let my family know I was in an accident then that is acceptable to me. I just want them to stop worrying about me so they can move on with their lvies."
He agreed with a sad look in his eyes.

He pondered, "Mr. Larrman, if you could come with us out of the Labyrinth once we've searched it today, whoever goes to find Paprika could make a video call back here. I believe you could see the screen on the phone, even if you wouldn't be visible on it?"

"I can certainly look at a screen. I am not sure I can leave the area my body is in though, but I can try."
The ghost replied.

[Warpmind]

[Labyrinth, Tuesday Morning]

"Normally I would agree with you Mr Wainwright but if the one who need help want to destroy reality then I can very much turn them away or take them down."
Jeffry said firmly.

Colin smiled wryly, "I'd be willing to help them cut ties the Nephandi, nothing else. If they're out to unmake the world, I'll show them mercy like the Euthanatoi would."

"It was a speech..."
Jeffry said and he lowered his voice to avoid Amadeus catching wind of it.
"That the Primus of House Flambeau said to rally the House to war against House Diedne. It begins What was the tool Prometheus taught us to use."

He nodded, "Hum, I might have to look it up... if you'd refer me to a book where it's written down one of these days? Might be suitable for some light reading on the Horizon trip."

"Certinly."
The ghost said. You got some hair but the corpse was in pretty bad condition.
"Well if you think it is better to cremate me and let my family know I was in an accident then that is acceptable to me. I just want them to stop worrying about me so they can move on with their lvies."
He agreed with a sad look in his eyes.

He looked down at the remains, "It might be preferable to them... allow them to grieve, but no need to let them know you were tortured to death. That'd just be... adding to the hurt. A small omission will be... better for their peace of mind."

"I can certainly look at a screen. I am not sure I can leave the area my body is in though, but I can try."
The ghost replied.

He shrugged, "Mohammed and the mountain... If you cannot leave, we can extend the phone signal in here. It's merely a question of the amount of magical work involved, not truly a significant issue."

[Anja Rebekka Schultze]

[Labyrinth, Tuesday Morning]

Colin smiled wryly, "I'd be willing to help them cut ties the Nephandi, nothing else. If they're out to unmake the world, I'll show them mercy like the Euthanatoi would."

"Just make sure you don't break any laws Mr Wainwright the Traditions take a dim view of associating with the Fallen."
Jeffry said sternly.

He nodded, "Hum, I might have to look it up... if you'd refer me to a book where it's written down one of these days? Might be suitable for some light reading on the Horizon trip."

"There are histories of the Schism War in the library, just make sure you don't show the book to Master Nassa if you don't want to get on his bad side."
The old Hermetic said with a wink.

He looked down at the remains, "It might be preferable to them... allow them to grieve, but no need to let them know you were tortured to death. That'd just be... adding to the hurt. A small omission will be... better for their peace of mind."

"I agree they don't need to know...those details."
The ghost said and a shiver went though him.
"I just want them to move on and have good lives, and I want Paprika to be taken care of."

He shrugged, "Mohammed and the mountain... If you cannot leave, we can extend the phone signal in here. It's merely a question of the amount of magical work involved, not truly a significant issue."

"Thank you I appreciate it. I believe I will quickly vanish once I know Paprika is safe though, just knowing someone is willing to make sure he is safe I can feel my connection to well life getting weaker and I am called....somewhere else."
He said, the shadow that made up his shape slightly smiling.
"I can hear my aunt Alice calling me."

[Jeremy Silverstein]

[Labyrinth, Tuesday Morning]

"I would like that."
The ghost said softly.
"You are aware that scrying usually do not let others see what is being scried Mr Yager, it is not usually a television set that show scenes, though something like that could be done."
Jeffry said raising an eyebrow.

He pondered, "Mr. Larrman, if you could come with us out of the Labyrinth once we've searched it today, whoever goes to find Paprika could make a video call back here. I believe you could see the screen on the phone, even if you wouldn't be visible on it?"

"I can certainly look at a screen. I am not sure I can leave the area my body is in though, but I can try."
The ghost replied.

He shrugged, "Mohammed and the mountain... If you cannot leave, we can extend the phone signal in here. It's merely a question of the amount of magical work involved, not truly a significant issue."

"Thank you I appreciate it. I believe I will quickly vanish once I know Paprika is safe though, just knowing someone is willing to make sure he is safe I can feel my connection to well life getting weaker and I am called....somewhere else."
He said, the shadow that made up his shape slightly smiling.
"I can hear my aunt Alice calling me."

"Wait what? Isn't showing others what your scrying the most common upgrade that most scryers get? I mean, I can show others what I'm scrying. If I can do it I'm pretty sure it should be easy for masters. The only reason I can't show him is cause he's a ghost." Serge said sounding confused.

"Anyways video call is fine. If you guys want I can teleport to wherever Paprika is and call back."

[Anja Rebekka Schultze]

[Labyrinth, Tuesday Morning]

"Wait what? Isn't showing others what your scrying the most common upgrade that most scryers get? I mean, I can show others what I'm scrying. If I can do it I'm pretty sure it should be easy for masters. The only reason I can't show him is cause he's a ghost." Serge said sounding confused.

"Your main Spheres the way I understand it Mr Yager is Mind and Correspondence, it is not hat hard to tend show what you see in the mind of others, for those not as comfortable with moving around in other's minds it can be more of a process involved in showing what you see to others."
Jeffry said simply.
"It depend on your other Spheres and your Paradigm."

"Anyways video call is fine. If you guys want I can teleport to wherever Paprika is and call back."

"Can you teleport between realms in the Umbra now Mr Yager?"
Jeffry said with a chuckle.
"My you develop quickly you will find that more complicated than doing so within physical reality but I can take you out of the Labyrinth so you can do so."

[Warpmind]

[Labyrinth, Tuesday Morning]

"Just make sure you don't break any laws Mr Wainwright the Traditions take a dim view of associating with the Fallen."
Jeffry said sternly.

Colin nodded, "Too dim view at times... it's how the bloody honeypot agents succeed. The law as it is needs a revision, to only strike down knowingly fraternizing with the enemy, rather than being duped into social encounters with them... well, that's a different debate altogether. I can't claim to disagree with prohibiting aiding and abetting the Malfean cause."

"There are histories of the Schism War in the library, just make sure you don't show the book to Master Nassa if you don't want to get on his bad side."
The old Hermetic said with a wink.

He smiled wryly, "Hell, I could probably get away with asking him for references for the Diedne viewpoint. Besides... there's cause for concern for an attempted rerun of certain events... Might be useful for us all to identify the repeating patterns."

"I agree they don't need to know...those details."
The ghost said and a shiver went though him.
"I just want them to move on and have good lives, and I want Paprika to be taken care of."

He nodded, "I'm sure we can provide you and them closure. And do our best to secure Paprika's well-being."

"Thank you I appreciate it. I believe I will quickly vanish once I know Paprika is safe though, just knowing someone is willing to make sure he is safe I can feel my connection to well life getting weaker and I am called....somewhere else."
He said, the shadow that made up his shape slightly smiling.
"I can hear my aunt Alice calling me."

He smiled, "Well, give your dear aunt our regards, we'll see how quickly we can take care of it."

"Wait what? Isn't showing others what your scrying the most common upgrade that most scryers get? I mean, I can show others what I'm scrying. If I can do it I'm pretty sure it should be easy for masters. The only reason I can't show him is cause he's a ghost." Serge said sounding confused.

"Your main Spheres the way I understand it Mr Yager is Mind and Correspondence, it is not hat hard to tend show what you see in the mind of others, for those not as comfortable with moving around in other's minds it can be more of a process involved in showing what you see to others."
Jeffry said simply.
"It depend on your other Spheres and your Paradigm."

He shrugged, "It depends on the tools you use, as well... I made contact with Freddy in a distant future, with Lady Crexia in the room. She was only able to see and hear my half of the conversation, despite her power - and I've had little luck simply sharing any observations I make through my scrying bowl, too. Opening a direct portal to somewhere, on the other hand, is a very different matter. But those have the drawback of going two ways."

"Anyways video call is fine. If you guys want I can teleport to wherever Paprika is and call back."

"Can you teleport between realms in the Umbra now Mr Yager?"
Jeffry said with a chuckle.
"My you develop quickly you will find that more complicated than doing so within physical reality but I can take you out of the Labyrinth so you can do so."

He looked at his phone, "While outside the Labyrinth, could you get someone to extend phone signals to Toby, as well, so we can make that video call?"

[Anja Rebekka Schultze]

[Labyrinth, Tuesday Morning]

Colin nodded, "Too dim view at times... it's how the bloody honeypot agents succeed. The law as it is needs a revision, to only strike down knowingly fraternizing with the enemy, rather than being duped into social encounters with them... well, that's a different debate altogether. I can't claim to disagree with prohibiting aiding and abetting the Malfean cause."

"I agree that the law have to be changed Mr Wainwright however there is a real danger to working with the Nephandi, they are masters of corruption."
Jeffry grumbeled.

He smiled wryly, "Hell, I could probably get away with asking him for references for the Diedne viewpoint. Besides... there's cause for concern for an attempted rerun of certain events... Might be useful for us all to identify the repeating patterns."

"Just be aware that it is a controversial topic among the Verbena Mr Wainwright."
Jeffry replied.

He nodded, "I'm sure we can provide you and them closure. And do our best to secure Paprika's well-being."

"Thank you."
The ghost said ernestly.

He smiled, "Well, give your dear aunt our regards, we'll see how quickly we can take care of it."

"I will and thank you again I really appriciate the help."
The ghost replied.

He shrugged, "It depends on the tools you use, as well... I made contact with Freddy in a distant future, with Lady Crexia in the room. She was only able to see and hear my half of the conversation, despite her power - and I've had little luck simply sharing any observations I make through my scrying bowl, too. Opening a direct portal to somewhere, on the other hand, is a very different matter. But those have the drawback of going two ways."

Jeffry nodded his agreement with that.

He looked at his phone, "While outside the Labyrinth, could you get someone to extend phone signals to Toby, as well, so we can make that video call?"

"Someone at Westchapel might be able to help us with that."
Marian chimed in.

[Warpmind]

[Labyrinth, Tuesday Morning]

"I agree that the law have to be changed Mr Wainwright however there is a real danger to working with the Nephandi, they are masters of corruption."
Jeffry grumbeled.

Colin sighed, "This is true. Perhaps one in ten thousand, perhaps less, wants out and can be saved. Fallen, the number is possibly a little higher, but once the Nephandi have them..."

"Just be aware that it is a controversial topic among the Verbena Mr Wainwright."
Jeffry replied.

He nodded, "It's... not the only sore subject of which I am aware. Hum, what, I wonder, would it take for the Order of Hermes to apologise for it?"

"I will and thank you again I really appriciate the help."
The ghost replied.

He smiled thinly, "Literally the least we could do... It seems I inherited a few more obligations than I immediately expected with this Labyrinth."

"Someone at Westchapel might be able to help us with that."
Marian chimed in.

He pondered, "Have Master Sharaya call them and ask for that small favour?"

[Anja Rebekka Schultze]

[Labyrinth, Tuesday Morning]

Colin sighed, "This is true. Perhaps one in ten thousand, perhaps less, wants out and can be saved. Fallen, the number is possibly a little higher, but once the Nephandi have them..."

"I do hope there are not 10 000 or more Nephandi Mr Wainwright but yes I do get your point."
Jeffry said with a sigh.
"But make sure you follow the Protocols."

He nodded, "It's... not the only sore subject of which I am aware. Hum, what, I wonder, would it take for the Order of Hermes to apologise for it?"

"That is hard to know, quite a bit though with a different ehm...leadership perhaps it would be possible."
Jeffry said with a frown.
"House Diedne was sacrificed to keep the Order together, that is the truth of the matter, the House that was most different from the rest was singeled out as the scapegoats."

He smiled thinly, "Literally the least we could do... It seems I inherited a few more obligations than I immediately expected with this Labyrinth."

"I am non the less grateful to you Sir."
The ghost said politely.
"And I am afraid my rainy day fund is the only thing I have to replay your kindness with."

He pondered, "Have Master Sharaya call them and ask for that small favour?"

Jeffry nodded at that.
"Good idea, if you can call my Cabalmate and inquire about that possibility Mr Yager?"
The old Hermetic asked.
"Once you are out of the Labyrinth."

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