Timed Misery (1800's Supernatural Mystery Adventure, Closed Game Thread)

[MortifiedPenguin]

As she walked through uptown the residences became larger and wealthier, there were a few posh businesses but no inns or dos houses. None of them screamed wealth and luxury, none of them good places to rob. Until she reached 'The Lily'. It was styled upon the manors back in London, mimicking the extravagance, made of wood and plaster instead of marble and stone. Even so the place oozed with grandeur, there would be many affluent people here, owners of the coal mines and their wives.

She noticed the day watch was keeping an eye out for ne'er-do-wells and greeting who she could only presume were occupants of the 'The Lily' standing out in their opulent gowns and well tailored suits. She blended into the crowd and did a quick circuit of the inn, looking for any openings she could use later that night to discretely slip in and do some reconnaissance.

She noticed an urchin boy was selling papers and walked over to him.

"I'll have one of those lad, and I'll give you extra if you can tell me where the...seedier parts of town are."

 

[SkullKing84]

Harkstead, John outside of an Opium den

"Perhaps quickly Mister...?"


"Mahoney."

A few more crashes and and shouting from within the den.

"John Mahoney...from London. Perhaps we should find a friendlier area"

At first the two briskly walked away. Then as soon as they reached an alley, both of then ran like the dickens. Teagan in the lead, John following suite, cutting in and out of "short cuts". Until they emerged from the dank dark grim filled alley into what felt like another world.

"Who knew trying to find work as a pianist, would led me... where ever we are?"

 

[RaNDM G]

Donal - Down yonder

Donal FINALLY finishes pushing everything to the store. He walks inside.

Spoiler: OOC

Sorry for the lack of action on my part. Life stuff got in the way.

 

[Terratina.]

Lucrece Leblanc - Angels' Rest, Mid Town

The woman came quickly and cleanly, not a hair nor thread out of place. She greeted Lucrece first in the English fashion, then the French, which she found out. Then again it should be not suprised, as Lucrece was sporting the latest fashions fresh from Paris. That pinned this plain woman down as one with a keen eye, for fashion or for the certain way the French carried themselves about that suggested a certain je ne sais quoi or just snobbishness depending on who you asked. Whoever she was, she spoke again, as if waiting for a reply in the overbearingly polite way that servants sometimes acted.

"How can I help you madam?"

"A room for one, please. With a view." Lucrece answered, "I can pay in dollars or francs."

The porter was there resting on one of the seats in the lounge area, no doubt he would have to battle through the exhaustion and summon up more strength if he was to carry all that luggage up to an upstairs room. Lucrece faintly smiled to herself, there was something endearing about the poor porter.

 

[Raynoson]

<spoiler=OOC>Sorry, I've been feeling a bit listless and depressed. Dealing with some minor issues in life and trying to keep things in check. For now feel free to answer this simple question for me... How do you like the RP so far, and is there anything you want improved? Put it in the sign-up/ooc thread, or simply PM me.

Harkstead, Up-Town, The Lily, Jacqueline

Merely pointing out the direction to down town and giving simple instruction to reach there as the exchange of funds was completed, the boy was a bit sharper in appearance then the average seller.

While scoping out the building, the place was built like a small wooden fort manor. Fences on the sides of metal, windows built higher on a base of stone, with rows of smaller ones to let in light at all angles at lower floors. No entrance was visible to force entry, but the back doors looked open and welcoming. As both servants and others went through double doors carrying goods and providing services.

As for the paper...

Glancing the paper in any event would lead to the front liner of "Hark! The Herald!" paper, it's obvious one being that describing a recent rash of attacks, most involving young men and women at night, found dead mostly. Orifices sewn shut and done so well, they are horrendous to witness. Some escape and scream, tearing at the thread that binds them, but most die in the end due to disease.



It'd describe quite well how the eyes, lips, ears, and other areas were sewn so well and what must have been fast compared to any human. Occasionally arms, legs, and appendages to each would be bound as well.

Other noticeable stories reported on death at the mines, minor parties and wealthy doings, and the political background rabble found so well.

Harkstead, John, Down Town. The Dim Light.

"Ah a fellow man of music, I could tell with those big clubbing hands!" Obviously joking, Tegan briefly looked around to get his bearings.
Quickly leading John to a nearby Tavern he entered briskly as ever, to an empty bar save the tender who knew him as a regular.
Sitting down and motioning John to join him, he ordered for the two of them.

Donal - Down yonder-Prices Long-Mid-Town

The store was large and even attached to a ware house that seemed to have a connection to the river leading out to sea. A few smaller boats were bringing in crates and cargo, and the doors were always open.

As Donal unloaded his goods to the last hair on their chinny, chin, chins. He was Approached by a well dressed and orderly man, looking sleek and thin, his brown hair was oiled back.

"Andrew L. Price, welcome Sir. How can I assist you today? Perhaps in selling some of your fine furs." Making careful glances to appearance and goods, it was clear Andrew was shrewd and calculating, just from what Donal could see in his eyes.

Lucrece Leblanc - Angels' Rest, Mid Town

The porter was plain and simple in appearance, white and brown for skin and hair, with eyes to match. Simple and obviously from the country judging by his strength and actions.

"Will that be all miss? Either payment is fine." The receptionist asked politely, motioning with a hand she called forth another porter, a strong, blond, and fair-skinned fellow, looking a bit like a professional in lifting and moving things, at the same time bouncing those out the door on their heads.

 

[SkullKing84]

John- Harkstead, Down Town. The Dim Light.

John and Tegan sat the tavern sharing stories of about life. John enjoyed being able to talk about the latest musicians and how the "classics" are still way better. Eventually the conversation turned to the underground fighting and few legit ones. The very few ears within the tavern all seem interested in his battles. John wasn't interested about talking about him self and wanted to know more about the first person he bumped into in Harkstead.

Spoiler: OOC

Not really sure where to go with this until something interesting or a time skip forward happens

 

[RaNDM G]

Donal - Prices Long

"Andrew L. Price, welcome Sir. How can I assist you today? Perhaps in selling some of your fine furs."

"Well Sir, t'is no ordinary stock of fur. T'is the culmination of twenty years hard work in t'e Western wilderness."

Donal pries open a crate, filled with four smaller boxes. He puts one on a table and pries it open.

"You will see here t'is pelt is from a buck, no less than five hundred pounds in weight. And here is t'e horns from the same animal. I have pelts and antlers from forty deer, each shot, skinned, and carefully tanned by my good self. I have a stock of dried venison as well."

He pries open a large crate, roughly his size in width and three quarters his height.

"T'is beaver. I stopped counting around five hundred. There are t'ree other boxes of t'ese."

He lifts another crate and puts it on the table.

"Wolves. Eight pelts."

He opens another crate on the floor.

"Rabbits. You can make fine boots from t'ese."

He pries open another.

"More wolves."

He motions Price to another box in the back of the pile. Very long and very wide.

"T'is be what I'm really proud of. Grizzly. Monstrous animals, t'ey can chase a man for miles and kill him with one swipe of their claws. You only see t'em in Oregon. I have four furs."

He shows Price several smaller boxes. Hatchets and blades carved from bone and stone, blankets, wicker baskets, beads, jewelry, items from Crow, Cheyenne, Blackfoot, and others. Knives, flasks, pocket watches, and other worthless treasure bartered from trappers.

"So... Can we make an offer?"

 

[Raynoson]

John- Harkstead, Down Town. The Dim Light.

"Me? What's there to say? I came here to the land of new freedoms and opportunity, putting my skills to use. Let me tell you friend, music soothes the savage soul, but here it barely fills my bowl. Maybe you care to team up with me, I'm sure a violinist and pianist can come up with something..."

Teagan was eager if a bit sad, obviously avoiding his own past and troubles from the tone of voice.

"Listen, I know a place that could use some music, and where you can get your hands to work, interested?"

Donal -(Wrong place) Prices Long

Simply going "Mhmm." Price began to examine some of the pieces and called forth an assistant or two to shift the boxes for ease of access and space.

"You've kept these well saved but time still has taken a toll on these, especially some of these older pelts. For the lot I'll give you enough for a decent lifetime in this city, and if you are wise, enough that would settle your income in good time. I know of one or two people who could use investors, it'd take a 3rd of these sold, but it'd get you a fair share in some of the shipping routes."

Prices voice was calm and assuring, his face best scene in games of dice and chance.

 

[SkullKing84]

John- Harkstead, Down Town. The Dim Light.

John's face lit up. Lifting Teagan up with one arm for a manly hug. Excitedly saying "Of course I'm interested!"

Like a child John asked a hundred questions in a few seconds. What, where, when, why and how. Until Teagan put his hands up in protest. John look over at his drink.

"Your right. After we finish.."

 

[RaNDM G]

Donal - Prices Long

Prices voice was calm and assuring, his face best scene in games of dice and chance.

"I would much rather sell and be done with it. How much is your offer?"

 

[Terratina.]

Lucrece Leblanc - Angels' Rest, Mid Town

They seemingly had everything here, from richly engraved wooden furniture, cushions full of embroidery, polite staff and decent porters. It was like comparing a common country nag to a prize stallion. The country lad was endearing, but when it came to the job at hand, the blonde was simply the better option.

"Will that be all miss? Either payment is fine."

"Oui," She replied with a sudden rush of tiredness overcoming her, "That will be will, I will be staying for about four weeks, how much will that be?"

 

[Raynoson]

John- Harkstead, Down Town. The Dim Light.

Coughing a bit awkwardly from the hug, Teagan looked almost to be turning redder, then again it could be just the drink.

"Right, mansion near here over past uptown, real fancy and real sweet. I've got to warn you they might like or frown at your size, but it's in a day or two and I'm sure we can get a tailor to fit you up. I know a guy that'll kill me if I didn't go to him."

Teagan spoke nervously and gained back his bravado in no time.

Donal - Prices Long

Prices voice was calm and assuring, his face best scene in games of dice and chance.

"I would much rather sell and be done with it. How much is your offer?"

The price was fair and if compared to say modern currency, would be enough to get a manor, have parties, and afford most luxuries of a modest affair.

Lucrece Leblanc - Angels' Rest, Mid Town

They seemingly had everything here, from richly engraved wooden furniture, cushions full of embroidery, polite staff and decent porters. It was like comparing a common country nag to a prize stallion. The country lad was endearing, but when it came to the job at hand, the blonde was simply the better option.

"Will that be all miss? Either payment is fine."

"Oui," She replied with a sudden rush of tiredness overcoming her, "That will be will, I will be staying for about four weeks, how much will that be?"

"Dear how can you charge anything for this dear friend of mine!" An old almost school like voice rang as someone approached from the sided. Energetic and clear it was doubt the owner in a modest blue dress and a bit on the large side. Hair at her shoulder in a tail, skin a healthy tan, and eyes a delicate brown.

"It is good to see you my dear!" She hugged Lucrece quickly and parting rather forcibly to take her hands.

She Knew. It was plain and simple in her mind. Much of it was blocked and the mental control was strong in her. Angeline was her name, she was the owner, she meant no ill will, and wished to speak to her in her office.

"Send the porter up and give him a cup of tea, Shall we talk of new times Lucy" Her mind still read honest and truth, with obvious affection.

 

[RaNDM G]

Donal - Prices Long

The price was fair and if compared to say modern currency, would be enough to get a manor, have parties, and afford most luxuries of a modest affair.

"Sir... You just made one Hell of a deal! Put her t'ere!"

He shakes Price's hand with great enthusiasm.

"Now t'ere comes the question of payment. T'is amount, will it be paid upfront? Every week? Every mont'? How?"

 

[MortifiedPenguin]

Jacqueline - Uptown, Heading Downtown

The owner of The Lily had gone to great length to keep out thieves and miscreants. The mock mansion was built like a small fortress; metal fences surrounded the building, the windows that let light into the basement were covered by ornate grills, the windows for the guest rooms were built higher then normal and probably locked from the inside. It was highly improbable that a guest might leave it open for her saunter into, in her experience those that were rich wanted to stay rich. However there was one weakness, the back doors seemed open to anyone who were carrying trade goods, it would be simple to cobble together a disguise.

As she followed the paper boys direction down town she glanced over the newspaper. A spate of murders were afflicting the city, each one gruesome, the victims orifices were sewn shut leaving them helpless to wander the streets blind until they succumbed to their wounds. It described that the victims were for the most part, ladies of the night, strikingly similar to Jack the Rippers choice of quarry.

The paper mentioned a few other things, minor parties of the rich and other wealthy doings, but nothing major enough to catch her attention.

As she made her way towards the seedier parts of town, there was a noticeable shift in architecture. Buildings were made for practicability not grandeur. There was also a drop of presence from the Day Watch, happy enough to watch over the wealthy, but not the poor. No wonder there had been so many murders.

She kept her eyes open for a pub or inn, those would be the best places to find a fence, or find someone who knew where to find a fence.

Spoiler: OOC

Sorry about not posting in a while, it's been the first time for a while that when I sit down to write something for this my mind hasn't gone blank

 

[Terratina.]

Lucrece Leblanc - Angels' Rest, Mid Town

Before the receptionist could announce the price, she was assaulted, some would say hugged, by a woman clearly of larger size and greeted with what seemed like genuine joy. Something was amiss, though, this plain woman made an all too eager grab for hand, was she trying to make sure that her memories were absorbed? Lucrece found this strange, no-one willingly had gifted her with their memories. Maybe in this foreign land this was simply the manner of greeting another? Lucrece had seen the confused faces of tourists watched as one Frenchman greeted another by two pecks on the cheeks. Whoever this was guarded their memories with thick walls, worse still, she knew of her gift. Lucrece decided that the best course of action was to play along with this women's game, good intentions or not. Sure, the paperboy had spoken of the owner's friendliness, but hadn't expected this.

"Angie! It has been too long!" She replied in the same tone and returned the hug, "Yes, we must speak of these things..."

 

[SkullKing84]

John- Harkstead, Down Town. The Dim Light.

The two men finished their drinks and John was ready to get "prettied up" for the gig.

 

[Raynoson]

Donal - Harkstead-Prices Long

"Of course, I have several plans that we can establish and I'm open to discussion." Quickly ushering Donal in to a nearby office space and giving him a seat. Reaching in to a cabinet the clinks of glass and swish of liquid was quite evident.

"Would you care for anything to drink before we discuss, Wine, Brandy, Whiskey? On me of course."

All the while preparing the drinks and back facing Donal, the office was cluttered and cramped but spacious and clear for the desk and immediate surroundings. Allowing access and plenty of room to maneuver well enough. Storage arrangements and such filled the walls, and the desk was completely clear oddly enough. It gave the impression of being made to work, as the windows let in enough light and were easily opened, excluding the metal bars. Brown predominately, it matched the warehouse just to a slightly higher level.

Jacqueline -Downtown

A few places arose and most looked worst for wear, some clearly establishments of ill virtue and respect, others simply smarmy with smell and such alike. Choosing from the best, of the worse, two became clear.
"The Trotters Twine." Nodding perhaps to butchers with their gristly work, the sign painted on rough wood and attached to bricks showed a pigs head, and green vines. Surprisingly fresh, clean, and vivid it called to attention all who saw it.

The other bore no name but was clearly an inn/tavern. Multiple windows and similar in appearance to any other building, its size and frequent arrivals/departures made it clear the intent and purpose. The smell and sound of drink and merriment, in combination with the fact that bags and cases accompanied others.

Lucrece Leblanc - Angels' Rest, Mid Town

Leading her to an office up a small flight of stairs, it was white, pristine, and noticeably reinforced. The door to enter faced the desk, and it held little to be seen asides from paper, ink, a candle or two freshly placed, matches, and other small tools/aids. Two chairs facing were upholstered nicely and looking quite comfortable, and strong, the third behind the desk much the same but with an impression and worn down look of someone who spent much time in it.

The windows were circular and let in plenty of light, the shutters designed to fit in grooves of the wall giving the impression of a wings in flight. Metal bars were clear by barely clashed. Two large cabinets were present, one next to the door, the other behind the desk. Both looked, brown, plain, and somewhat imposing. The only difference between the two was that the one behind the desk had open glass to display drinks.

A small rope hung behind the desk and led to the roof, giving it a sharp tug, she turned and motioned for Lucrece to take a seat, the door closing to a sliver as Angie pressed something from behind the desk. Stepping on to the floors, the sound it made resonated with something harder and muffled. As for the door itself, it was definitely thicker and the hinges reinforced.

"Pardon for the rush of things, but I could feel someone vital was coming." Her tone still kind and welcoming assumed more of a business flare.
"I've ordered tea, but would you care for anything stronger? I have wine and the usual assortment, but I do dabble in a little brewing myself."

Smiling in a warm way as she place one hand on her chair and the other on the desk facing Lucrece.
"I'm sure you have many questions, and I hope just as many answers for me once we get down to things... Oh! Pardon my manners, but I am Angeline Barton of Angels' Rest, you need not tell me your name if you wish, I'll simply call you Lucy or whatever you'd prefer."

Oddly accommodating as it was, Angie showed no visible sign of distress, and even walking to the office towing Lucrece along did she detect anything other than what was intended.

John- Harkstead, Down Town. On route Tommy's Residence and Workshop

"Excellent! Timothy will just love paying back a favor he owes me, one of many in a long, long, list." Chuckling at an inside joke, the journey began.

Leading the way at a brisk pace and chatting Donal of the goings and comings of Harkstead, mystery murders, fancy parties, and riches from shipping. How the mines were doing and their condition wasn't as bad as people think (speaking from experience), and how those deaths must have been from accidents. He touched upon a little of everything, and was open to elaborate further as they moved.

 

[RaNDM G]

Donal - Prices Long

"Would you care for anything to drink before we discuss, Wine, Brandy, Whiskey? On me of course."

"I don't drink dealing wit' money matters, but t'ank ye all t'e same."

Donal feels uncomfortable in the office, almost as if he were trapped in a cage. He casts a glance out the window and tries to take his mind off his surroundings.

"Like I said, t'e sooner we get t'is over wit', t'e better. I'm a hunter, but I'm not very patient wit' people. Understand?"

 

[SkullKing84]

John- Harkstead, Down Town. On route Tommy's Residence and Workshop

"Murders? Anything unusual?"

 

[Raynoson]

John- Harkstead, Down Town. On route Tommy's Residence and Workshop

Going in to a rather descriptive tirade of how something or someone was going around sewing people up, their eye lids, lips, ears, and other parts closed or together. Sometimes leaving them alive like that all sewn up and in pain. Done so fast and quickly people rarely hear screams, a few manage to escape, and those that do usually die in some way.

Donal, Prices Long, Harkstead

"Very well." Taking a seat behind the desk,
"We can do this in quite a few ways, a direct payment in jewels and gold and other fine items that you can carry and sell at your own personal leisure. We can organize your new found fortune via the bank and their tellers within the city, while I could give you the funds directly as well, it'd take a bit to amass it all at a moments notice like this."

Tapping his finger on the desk in thought briefly, "I can also recommend you to someone who assists in management of accounts and further details for those who have amassed such wealth, he can even set you up with your own personal steward. Very reliable and recommend by the families here, and others."