Menaces and Mysteries: A Fallen London RP (closed, started)

[DarkRawen]

"They will fight. Better to end it sooner rather than later, yes?"

"I'll have no hand in needless bloodshed. But don't worry, I'll try to refrain from letting my humanity get in the way."

Seeing the two argue made Thomas feel calmer, if only because for once, it wasn't him either was fighting with. While he paid attention to their conversation, it wasn't before the guy with the glasses spoke up Thomas felt a reason to interfere, ignoring the rubbery man's gestures.

"Your humanity? What the bloody hell has that got to do with anything?" he asked, sounding curious more than anything else. "So, you don't want to fight? You don't want any blood to be shed?" Thomas kept holding onto the knife, trailing his finger along the sharp edges, careful not to get cut. He hesitated before he spoke, these people would probably think he was some sort of coward or weakling for saying what he was about to say, but, with as much as Thomas spoke of murdering people, that was anger speaking. Of course, there was pleasure in beating someone up, causing them harm, it was a way to feel less consumed by rage. However, unless he was told otherwise, he would shy away from murder, if only because of what being murdered the first time had meant to him. Not that he would ever admit that to anyone.

It's none of their bloody business.

"As much as I'd like to break someone's bones, I suppose I could go along with something like that. Just what the bloody hell are you suggesting?"

Thomas had no idea how the other intended to do something like that, and if it was stupid, he'd just go ahead and attack instead.

 

[Terratina.]

"...I'll have no hand in needless bloodshed. But don't worry, I'll try to refrain from letting my humanity get in the way."

Well, that was interesting. However, if one went to Spite or any of the less... glamorous areas of Fallen London, then stories like that were probably a dime a dozen. Viktor didn't have any sympathy for the bespectacled boy. After all, did he expect to be safe in the Neath? How stupid. The whole affair could have been completely avoided if the beanstalk wasn't weak or had some manner of escort or had shown his adversaries the anger he had shown to Viktor and the others. What a stupid boy and what a stupid old man for that matter. At least Viktor partly acknowledged his role in his own abstraction.

Again, the Tomb Colonist turned around to face Aiden, "Next time say that to my face, boy. As for the matter at hand, do whatever you like. I neither care or am forcing you to kill."

 

[Tortilla the Hun]

Aidan looked at Nigel with a mixture of curiosity and appreciation. He wasn't certain why the rubbery man would believe that a vial of clay shavings would put him at ease, though perhaps it was merely the gesture that was meant to do so. Which it had, but it put the chemist at an awkward disposition. If it was compensation for the vial that it was looking for, Aidan certainly couldn't provide it. "I'm...I'm terribly sorry, but I can't pay for this. I haven't any money..."

"As much as I'd like to break someone's bones, I suppose I could go along with something like that. Just what the bloody hell are you suggesting?"

"Well..." Aidan was at a loss, as he simply wasn't prepared for that question. "I'm not sure. I hadn't considered it, but there must be some alternatives. Less lethal ones, to be precise."

"Next time say that to my face, boy. As for the matter at hand, do whatever you like. I neither care or am forcing you to kill."

"I doubt you could. And that goes for both statements," the chemist added crassly. "But I can't just stand aside as people, albeit menaces to society, be killed like animals. Besides, something you will appreciate, there are more deserving fates for these deviants than death. The proper authorities will see to that, I'm certain. There's just the matter of apprehending them alive. If...if we catch them off-guard, a-and if we outnumber them, then...then perhaps...hmm."

One of the man's hands was busy scratching his head in thought while the fingers of the other were drumming against his satchel. There was brief silence from Aidan, apart from the sound of his fingertips tapping leather, before something had clicked in his mind.

"I think..." the chemist began as he rummaged through his bag. Withdrawing some water, an empty petri dish, and a medium-sized vial of fine, green powder. Holding the vial of powder between his teeth, Aidan poured a small amount of water in the petri dish then corked the water bottle before stashing it away. The vial of powder soon found itself in the man's freshly-freed hand and ready to be demonstrated. "I think I may have an idea--Mister Cutter! You seem a rather resilient gent, could I use your nose for just a moment? I promise, it will be quick and relatively painless."

 

[Texas Joker 52]

Edward M. Cutter, Esq.​

Edward was caught slightly off-guard with Mister Pottinger's reply in regards to his suggestion, particularly the thought of killing these spirifers. With a thoughtful frown, he realized that he spoke a little too casually about killing them, which was a little shocking to him too. While he had joined the Department of Menace Eradication to find greater quarries to hunt, he had initially thought they would be like the Unfinished Man they were currently tracking: Incorrigible monsters that preyed on the weak. Then again, to his mind, spirifers qualified for just that.

It was Viktor's response and the ensuing conversation between him and the young chemist that had him grimacing. While he could certainly see Mister Pottinger's point of view, he had to agree with Viktor. The spirifers were a threat to the more helpless citizens of the Bazaar. To him, the best way to deal with that threat was simply to kill them, distasteful though that may have been.

But when young Aidan spoke up, Edward's head shot up and he blinked.

"I think I may have an idea--Mister Cutter! You seem a rather resilient gent, could I use your nose for just a moment? I promise, it will be quick and relatively painless."

"I'm sorry? I was lost in thought for a moment there, but of course, what idea might that be Mister Pottinger?" he asked politely as he leaned forward to oblige the man.

 

[Tortilla the Hun]

"Thank you kindly, Mister Cutter," said the chemist cheerily as he approached the large man. With his arms fully extended and wasting no time, Aidan sprinkled a little of the powder into the petri dish, maintaining a close proximity between the glass and Edward's nose. "As you all can see, merely a pinch is harmless--in fact, it's quite the aid for congestion and sore throats. The powder, when it comes into contact with moisture, evaporates rapidly and the resulting gas expands as rapidly as it's created. To a great great extent, might I add. This vapor causes a cool and somewhat tingly sensation in the sinuses, mouth, and esophagus--a pleasant minty flavor is also apparent. But a liberal dash-"

Knowing what was coming firsthand, the chemist swiftly turned away from his demonstration with his lips and eyelids tightly shut. The moment the majority of what Aidan poured was in contact with the water, there was an explosive mist that expanded from the dish. Having given some time before taking another breath, he continued with his lecture.

"-the lungs are now drawing in air that is in no way toxic, but giving the sensation that they have been coated in ice--rendering them incapable of drawing great breaths and, shortly, putting them into a state of unconsciousness. Or, at the very least, rather discombobulated."

 

[Texas Joker 52]

Edward M. Cutter, Esq.​

As the young chemist prepared to make a demonstration, the hunter relaxed slightly and held his Elephant Gun at ease, then he tilted his head as Mister Pottinger began to explain just what he was about. As he spoke, he placed some powder in a small dish filled with a little water, all while keeping it underneath Edward's nose.

He obliged with a puzzled expression, inhaling the mist that lifted from the dish while he explained the effects. As it was, his breathing felt a little clearer, and his throat had a pleasant, tingly sensation. In fact, he was about to ask how this would be a solution regarding the spirifers when Aidan turned away and sprinkled a larger dash of powder in the dish.

Within seconds, a thicker mist practically engulfed Edwards head, and he backed away, sputtering. He had managed to take a rather deep breath to speak right when the chemist continued his demonstration, and his lungs felt like they were frozen over, making it hard for him to breathe.

He wheezed for a few moments, but he managed to catch the last bit of what Mister Pottinger had said.

"--but giving the sensation that they have been coated in ice--rendering them incapable of drawing great breaths and, shortly, putting them into a state of unconsciousness. Or, at the very least, rather discombobulated."

"Something... Something of an understatement, Mister Pottinger." Edward managed after a moment, coughing once before thumping his chest with a fist.

He was rather lucky he reacted in time to avoid being knocked out himself. He could hardly forgive himself for it if he had, seeing as that would leave the group one less man capable of standing toe-to-toe against the Unfinished Man that was their target.

"But, can you make it so that affects all the spirifers we come across?" he asked after another cough.

 

[Terratina.]

Viktor just folded his arms and huffed at the whole matter. Capture the curs and bring them to the proper authorities? That just didn't appeal to the Tomb Colonist; for one, New Newgate Prison was somewhat tame - even an old man could escape from that place - and for another, dogs deserved to die like dogs. Spirifers were a leech on society, sucking it dry, any mercy for those hyenas was patronizing at best and stank of collaboration at worst.

At least that was his opinion on the matter.

Spectacles's little show may have demonstrated a way of handling things non-lethally, but seriously, who was going to lug all of those spirifers into jail? So naïve. It surprised Viktor that the team's attack dog was willing to go along with a less violent method. Then again, he might be thinking along the same lines Viktor was: discombobulated spirifers were easier to get rid of. Nevertheless, no one except the bandaged gentleman knew that Devils could possible be thrown into mix.

Of course, the bandaged gentleman was put up with the others' antics, just as long as he was free to try some of his own...

Viktor gave a slow clap, "That is all very good but time is of the essence here, or will you all insist on lingering around and enjoying the pleasant view of shadows in the mist?"

 

[Tortilla the Hun]

"But, can you make it so that affects all the spirifers we come across?"

"Ah, yes! Well, no. I mean not precisely," Aidan fumbled, thoughts clashing together as he was contemplating an effective method of administering the vapor. He stashed his demonstration dish and fished around for small, empty vials. Distributing the green powder amongst them evenly until there were nine half-filled little glasses. All corked and set aside in a pocket, he began to fill several larger bottles with water.

"That is all very good but time is of the essence here, or will you all insist on lingering around and enjoying the pleasant view of shadows in the mist?"

Good Lord, Aidan thought, my great aunt Margaret's terrier has more patience than that man.

"If you'll kindly--ah, there we are--just give me a moment," the chemist said aloud as he corked the last of nine water vials. Going to each member of the group, he handed each of them a bottle of water and a vial of powder. "Now, I've handed each of you a hopefully sufficient amount to create a large enough vapor cloud to engulf each, well, target. When you're prepared to use these, just uncork the both of them, drop the little vial of powder into the larger bottle, re-cork the bottle, give it a good shake, then throw it right at their feet. Overhanded is what you'll need, ensures a forceful, swift impact that will shatter the glass and provide a good area for the reaction. Underhanded and you may end up just looking like someone who has taken notice to their nasal troubles and is kindly tending to their discomfort by rolling some decongestant at them. So remember, under means blunder, over means...erm...better."

 

[sage42]

Priscilla had tuned out the rest of the group as they headed towards the shack. She didn't need to hear their petty squabbles over right and wrong. Not now. She needed to think how she was going to avoid getting hurt in the coming fight. She had no combat skills to speak of, her best weapon was the Skyglass Knife in the top of her boot, and she lacked the strength to do any sort of damage that didn't involve catching someone unaware. Why hadn't she objected to the violence when she had the chance. That would have been the wisest course of action. Why hadn't she....Priscilla fumbled with the vials that Aidan had handed to her, almost dropping them at her feet.

"Now, I've handed each of you a hopefully sufficient amount to create a large enough vapor cloud to engulf each, well, target. When you're prepared to use these, just uncork the both of them, drop the little vial of powder into the larger bottle, re-cork the bottle, give it a good shake, then throw it right at their feet. Overhanded is what you'll need, ensures a forceful, swift impact that will shatter the glass and provide a good area for the reaction. Underhanded and you may end up just looking like someone who has taken notice to their nasal troubles and is kindly tending to their discomfort by rolling some decongestant at them. So remember, under means blunder, over means...erm...better." She stared at the vials as her mind flashed back over the past couple of minutes. Knockout gas, that in smaller does left a simple minty smell and cleared the sinuses. Priscilla smiled. Perfect. Perhaps this man could provide me more than I had thought. She thought eyeing Aidan through the fog.

"Thank you Mr. Pottinger. This will be extremely useful. I will admit I was worried about heading into a situation with only surprise at our side. I do believe this just leveled the playing field." She said examining the Vial's closer. "And I may ask for the ingredient list later on. The effect's of a smaller dosage sound incredibly relaxing."

 

[Tortilla the Hun]

"Thank you Mr. Pottinger. This will be extremely useful. I will admit I was worried about heading into a situation with only surprise at our side. I do believe this just leveled the playing field. And I may ask for the ingredient list later on. The effect's of a smaller dosage sound incredibly relaxing."

"My apologies in advance, I'm not particularly keen on giving out the recipe for one of my better-selling formulas," Aidan said passively. Though it was certainly pleasant for him that someone would be interested in a product of his, and though it wasn't as great of a seller as he made it out to be--he had but one person who regularly purchased a vial--it was a small but steady source of income that he had not desire of letting slip through his fingers. "Not that I believe you'd have any nefarious intentions, mind you, it's just that I'm not in a position where I'd be comfortable doing so. I'd be happy to provide with a sample after we've finished here and I've had an opportunity, and hopefully you'd be interested in doing business with me after you've tried it."

 

[IFS]

The plan hatched and the vials distributed the group made their way steadily towards the temple where the spirifers, and their ultimate target the soul devouring unfinished man, lay waiting. Viktor's guidance made the journey a brief one, and soon they could seen the hazy outline of the building through the omnipresent mist. Two spirifers stood guard outside, and seemed to have not yet noticed the group, likely due to the mist. The spirifers on guard were only visible as outlines due to light emanating from the temple behind them, the green light of foxfire candles mingled with tinges of red from something else.

This was it, the Unfinished man and spirifers had nowhere to run save into the murky unknown streets of the forgotten quarter, and late at night such a thing would likely only place them in greater danger. The moonish light shone favorably on the special constables, tonight perhaps would be a night for justice.

 

[DarkRawen]

Thomas had to admit the plan was smart enough for him to want do follow it, it'd allow him to watch people pass out because of something that smelled really strongly. So strongly, in fact, that when the scrawny man had put it forward for Cutter to smell it, Thomas had, without even thinking, stepped away. He was impressed, though he wouldn't admit it. He'd kept quiet as the others had discussed the details and such, planning wasn't the kind of thing he did.

I'll have to let lady Poet know about this, though.

It could be useful for several purposes. Suddenly, however, he was handed a vial. Then another one. Not having paid attention to the discussions that had followed after the demonstration, Thomas only sort of understood what he was being told.

"Now, I've handed each of you a hopefully sufficient amount to create a large enough vapor cloud to engulf each, well, target. When you're prepared to use these, just uncork the both of them, drop the little vial of powder into the larger bottle, re-cork the bottle, give it a good shake, then throw it right at their feet. Overhanded is what you'll need, ensures a forceful, swift impact that will shatter the glass and provide a good area for the reaction. Underhanded and you may end up just looking like someone who has taken notice to their nasal troubles and is kindly tending to their discomfort by rolling some decongestant at them. So remember, under means blunder, over means...erm...better."

Uncork, drop, ehm, shake, throw... why throw?

Wait, wasn't there something about how to throw it or whatever? Thomas kept trying to go through the directions in his mind as he walked, but he stopped as he saw the spirifers outside what seemed to be the building they were looking for. Without paying heed to any possibly directions from anyone else, he made a movement he deemed to mean: "I'll handle this," before running ahead, quietly, keeping to the thickest areas of the mist and getting close without being spotted. He then started mixing the contents, uncorked the bottles, poured the powder into the larger bottle and put the cork on, shook it, then realized that he'd made a mistake somewhere along the line.

Bloody....

What was he going to do now? Regardless, he settled at grabbing the guards and forcing them to be quiet by covering their mouths, before opening the vial and making them smell it, holding his breath as he did. That was what had caused Cutter to look rather light-headed, at least. It was quiet, quick, and he had experience making sure it was subtle. They were knocked out quickly, and he went back to the group, grinning, though clearly affected by the contents of the vial due to being so close.

"That's how you do it, though, I'll admit, that stuff was really bloody useful," he said, eagerly, though careful not to yell. "Can I have another one?"

 

[Tortilla the Hun]

"I'll handle this."

"Err..." Aidan watched warily as the stout man trotted off into the mist with the vials in hand. He wasn't entirely certain if the man could take on both of the guards at once. He wasn't even at all certain the makeshift gas bombs could have the desirable effect on that great of an area. Thomas disappeared into the fog before returning to Aidan's sight, if only just, much nearer the guards. As the largest of the figures crept closer to the guards, the chemist's heart rate climbed with every step the brutish colleague of his took. A pair of hands rose questioningly into the air before clutching the red-brown hair atop a head racked with nerves and exasperation. What the bloody hell is he thinking? Why hasn't he thrown the vials yet? They're sure to spot him if he doesn't do something. Why is he doing that?

"That's how you do it, though, I'll admit, that stuff was really bloody useful. Can I have another one?"

"I...but you..." Lost for words, the chemist just resigned to accepting what had just occurred, as frustrating as it was to witness. He looked into his bag and handed Thomas one of the spare pairs of vials before adding in a clear, slow voice, "I do hope you realize, given the amount of pressure the trapped gases generated, that you are extraordinarily fortunate the bottle didn't explode in your hands. Next time, to avoid something of that nature happening, I must ask that you follow my previous instructions and throw the mixture. Please?"

 

[Quintley]

Nigel stared with increasing amusement as Thomas went off to dispatch the sentries. It actually felt a little disappointment when the man returned apparently unharmed. But, Nigel considered diplomatically, it is improper to let one's personal opinions of a colleague affect the success of the mission.

"...you are extraordinarily fortunate the bottle didn't explode in your hands."

Nigel gingerly placed the two small bottles in separate pockets. It wasn't sure whether the chemist's judgement could be trusted, but the others had gone along with the idea. The gas seemed to work, though - or at least, on persons with a visible nose and/or mouth. Probably more effective than throwing rocks at the spirifers in any case, which had been Nigel's previous plan. That said, Nigel edged away from Aidan a little. Just in case something exploded.

 

[Texas Joker 52]

Edward M. Cutter, Esq.​

Clearing his throat one last time, Edward nodded and listened intently as Aidan explained that there was certainly a way to subdue the spirifers with his mixture. But as he explained what had to be done, the Hunter couldn't help but feel a little skeptical about it's complexity. When Aidan held out a vial and a small bottle of water to him, he shook his head and held up a hand.

"I won't be needing that, Mister Pottinger. My quarry is the Unfinished Man, not these spirifers. While you and the others take care of them, I'll be sure to keep the real menace busy." he said, smiling slightly as he hefted Victoria.

Then he turned and watched as Thomas ran ahead. The hunter grimaced and took hold of his Elephant Gun a little more tightly as he saw the thug resort to simply grabbing each guard and forcing them to inhale the gas. It seemed he had some trouble with his own vials.

When Thomas came back and asked for another pair, Cutter simply shook his head.

"I'm heading out. Take care of yourselves, and be vigilant." he said, nodding to them before looking back at Mickey.

"Lets begin the hunt, Mickey." he told the large Clay Man with a small smile before slipping into the fog and making his way around the shack itself, making sure to check for windows or other doors.

As he did, he moved slowly, silently, and kept his eyes roving, never keeping them fixed to one spot for long. He was determined to find this Unfinished Man and promptly make him a very much Finished Man. The sooner it was out of the way, the sooner he could rejoin his comrades and help them with what spirifers remained.

 

[IFS]

The temple was the size of a moderate house, and had thin slits of windows all along the sides, most of which were covered with sheets to keep the wind and fog out. Mickey followed Edward diligently, though the clay man was not exactly suited for stealth. Edward himself was out of his environment here, the ancient fog shrouded ruins of the fourth city were nothing like the wilderness he normally hunted in, and it was impossible to tell if it was him or Mickey that the spirifers saw or heard. Whatever it was they noticed though they reacted quickly, confused exclamations could be heard from inside and moments later the door swung open.

The sight of the two downed guards was all it took for the alarm to fully be raised, the unfortunate spirifer who had opened the door fumbled with his gun as he yelled "Intruders!" his ancient looking rifle swinging upwards as he tried to aim at whatever targets lurked in the mist.

The moonish light must have cast an imposing shadow through the covered windows, as a volley of shots rang out through one nearest to Edward, tearing the sheet apart. Flecks of stone flew from the temple as some shots ricocheted on their way out the slit, a few shards even grazed Edward leaving superficial cuts, though Mickey was quick to stand between the hunter and the hail of small arms fire, shielding him from the worst of it. What damage the clay man took from this action was hard to see, though his injuries didn't seem serious.

Spoiler: Watchful details

The light from inside the temple got brighter, likely from candles being lit when they noticed Edward and Mickey. Once the alarm was raised though the dirty red color Viktor noticed before became stronger, almost overpowering the candlelight.

 

[DarkRawen]

"I...but you... I do hope you realize, given the amount of pressure the trapped gases generated, that you are extraordinarily fortunate the bottle didn't explode in your hands. Next time, to avoid something of that nature happening, I must ask that you follow my previous instructions and throw the mixture. Please?"

Thomas shrugged, taking the bottles eagerly and putting them away within another pocket in his suit-vest. "I wasn't paying attention back then, but sure, I'll throw it. I can take more than a little bottle exploding in my hands, though," he then remarked, grinning. "Besides, I'd already removed the top of it, so I don't think that'd have happened. No bloody pressure to build up or whatever happens." He wasn't completely sure how it worked, but he knew that it was a little like steam, if there was a hole for it to escape through, it wouldn't explode.

"I'm heading out. Take care of yourselves, and be vigilant."

Cutter said, and he and the clay man went ahead. Of course, the two of them being large and bulky, they quickly brought attention to themselves, causing an alarm.

I might not be as clever as some, but at least I'm not that much of a bloody moron!

Thomas thought to himself, and stretched. There wasn't much worth in trying to do this peaceful now, and he growled.

"Apologies, science-man, it seems the "gentleman" has managed to make a mess out of this instead, so I won't follow your plan." With that, he ran ahead, though still attempting to move stealth-fully. There were guns involved, after all, and he'd rather not risk getting shot just yet. Moving closer to spirifer, a shot grazed Thomas, but by then he was close enough to move up and disarm the guy. He took his gun, and, while he'd rather shoot the guy, hit the spirifer's head with the back of it, knocking him out.

Hoping that the others got the point, he checked the inside of the building, if there was spirifers there, he avoided their gazes, until he could sneak inside and get somewhere he could get a better view of the situation.

 

[Quintley]

Nigel watched with vague interest as various members of the group blundered inside the temple. It was rather getting used to spontaneous violence by now. After Thomas had run off (probably to murder somebody else) Nigel took the opportunity to search the pockets of the two unconscious sentries. A few coins, pieces of string, nothing particularly valuable. There'd probably be something much more exciting inside, though. Sir Byron hadn't said anything about not looting. If anyone protested, Nigel could always claim it as expenses.

Paying no attention to personal safety, Nigel peered round the doorway of the temple. Edward's plan to focus on the 'real' menace apparently wasn't going particularly well. There was no sign of the Unfinished man at all, in fact. In that case, Nigel reckoned Edward could handle the situation for now, what with his giant gun and clay man bodyguard and all. It lingered by the door anyway. If things got too out of hand, Nigel could always toss in the exploding gas thing, or give the spirifers a threatening glare.

 

[Tortilla the Hun]

"Apologies, science-man, it seems the 'gentleman' has managed to make a mess out of this instead, so I won't follow your plan."

As the stout man lumbered off again, Aidain just looked on with exasperation. 'Science-man'? Does he really not know my name? I mean I know we haven't been working together for very long, but...'science-man'? The very least he could have done was ask my name.

Shortly after, Nigel had moved up towards the temple and, by the looks of it, robbing the unconscious men. "No shame in that one, that's for sure. Suppose they had it coming though."

Aidan had no real intention of moving forward until most of the commotion outside had died down. Though it seemed clear now, he didn't quite feel like taking that risk just yet. A little more time and he'd see if they needed any further assistance.

 

[sage42]

Priscilla just covered her eyes and tried not to sigh as Thomas walked off, casually dismissing the dangers he had just barely side-stepped. His Mistress must either trust him completely, or have him on very short leash. She thought before trying to get a better look at her surroundings. Low visibility, unknown amount of adversaries, and worst of all no one she could rely on should it come to combat. She bit her bottom lip. This was a situation she would have preferred to avoid, but she would have to work with what she had. Of course what she had was a chemist, a squid, and a sour corpse. At least the chemist could be reasoned with, the squid was so far in his own world that he would probably do whatever he wanted anyway. The Corpse could be dangerous though. Just as dangerous as Thomas but actually seemed to have a brain in that skull. "Well Gentlemen," She said in a whisper. "What shall we do? None of us, save you Mister Viktor, have any combat prowess." She asked those that remained. "Should we wait here or follow after Mr Thomas or Sir Cutter?"