I nod sympathetically.
"OK. You've earned it... and more. In fact, I'm headed out to the library now."
I stand up, and glance over toward the model.
"Oh, last question for now. Do you remember why those locations are numbered?"
Oak Outsider
(217 posts) (3 voices)-
Oak
MemberOOC: What surface thoughts (if any) accompany this conversation?
"OK, thanks. Get some rest..."
I spend several moments more examining the model, while at the same time gathering any additional telepathic information I can on these subjects from Bob.
Then I check on any last needs of Mouse and Mister, gather the wallet and keys and map, and head for the library.
Once there, I first look for a few George MacDonald historical romances. What they lack in trash, they will hopefully make up for in spiritual feeding. Bob's soul is one of my many concerns in this troubled universe.
Then I pray for wisdom and guidance, and I go over to the recent newspapers, and I skim the major articles from the last month (covering the period of Bob's memory gap), to see if there is anything interesting that jumps out at me...
Tue Aug 17 2010 12:20 am # -
Tadeusz
MemberDespite the tiredness, you find yourself running into a solid wall in looking at Bob's thoughts.
Mouse barks and it sounds kinda let 'get moving'. Mister wants out to deal with another usurper.
Its a 'hammer on the head' really hot sort of day. A helpful librarian gets you a cup of water, and shows you the system, which is not Dewey, but similar. You find only three GMcD books as the rest are checked out.
Newspapers....
1. A statistical plot that shows steadily rising number of fires along with a plea for more money for firefighters.
2. A vicious editorial by Howard Dodd that slams SI, Lt. Karrin Murphy, and without using your name, but using your services as one more reason to slam SI.
3. An alleged group of serial killers who used dogs to rend their victims died in a rogue wave on a boat on the Great Lake.
4. A highly unusual 4.2 earthquake, preceded by boiling water in the GL.
5. Pressures to form an expanded Arson Task Force which the Police Chief is resisting.
6. Marcone linked to a murder execution of Tong gunmen.
7. The upcoming O'Leary Festival with the Shakespearan plays attached.Tue Aug 17 2010 3:01 am # -
Oak
MemberOOC: Ouch. The reason I shared the images with Bob telepathically is because we originally made contact telepathically, and conversed telepathically, when I was probing the skull from upstairs. Was the mental projection of images something significantly different enough to trigger his defenses?
BTW, when I first arrived, I clairvoyantly saw someone reading a newspaper about the Velvet Room burning down, and it was dated October 1988. But it is now May 2010? Am I confused, or was that a typo retcon? :o
Tue Aug 17 2010 3:34 am # -
Oak
MemberOOC: So each date had a different typo? ROFL! :p
I'm sad about Bob's Brick Wall, though... :(
Encouraged by the newspaper tidbits gleaned from the missing month, I proceed to also look over the newspapers from the month leading up to the memory gap as well, to see if I can spot any clues in what circumstances led up to the memory gap situation...
Tue Aug 17 2010 4:21 am # -
Oak
MemberI take in the information thoughtfully, and then head back to the apartment.
As I drive, I have Ring update me on the current analysis progress.
And when I get back, I give the library books to Bob, bring the appropriate folio(s) upstairs, and do some research on the NeverNever...
Tue Aug 17 2010 5:08 am # -
Tadeusz
MemberYou learn more about world and local affairs from the Ring. Bob accepts the books, but he grumps about the lack of trash on the covers, and goes back to sleep.
Its four o'clock as you start to dig into Paths of the NeverNever. By five, you've determined that the NeverNever is humanity's dreams and nightmares. And some of them are enough something that they can cross from the NeverNever to normal reality. Also, that the Paths in the NeverNever are less dangerous than simply tromping through it, but the key word is 'dangerous'. You've also determined that really understanding the folio is going to take you at least three days.
What do you do for the rest of the night?
Tue Aug 17 2010 2:30 pm # -
Oak
MemberWell, my powerful vision experience included a fragment referring to 'the ladies three', and my attempts to postcognitively examine Bob have been hindered by the image of a female.
And my attempts to postcognitively examine tonight's party invitation end in... lilac...
And Karrin was indeed interested in what that lead might offer.
Thus I find myself eating dinner, and taking care of Mouse and Mister, while figuring out how to navigate to the Windy City Civic Center in time for the festivities...
Tue Aug 17 2010 9:23 pm # -
Tadeusz
MemberYou arrive in the area, and see a sign 'Parking for Raith Gala'. You take the arrow's direction to a parking garage. The security guard, a man suited for a career in the NFL, and the valet are both dressed better than you.
The valet reaches for the door.
"Ah, the Wizard Oak, an unexpected pleasure."
Tue Aug 17 2010 11:38 pm # -
Oak
MemberOOC: BTW, I hadn't gotten as far as posting how I planned to dress... though my options may indeed be limited.
However, given that the invited dead magician had a tux, I would indeed be aware that the attire would be formal.
What clothes does my dop have in his apartment closet?
Wed Aug 18 2010 4:56 am # -
Tadeusz
MemberLong, black, leather trenchcoat. Black, broadbrimmed leather hat. Black, Brown, and Dark Green Pants (along with some more that are less formal). White shirt that looks like it might fit into the 1700's. Dark blue shirt. Dark green shirt. Dark purple shirt.
There are cowboy boots with an inscription on the bottom.
"From your pal, R. May you be light on your feet."
There is also a pair of dark, hiking boots with good treads. And a barely used set of wingtips which surprises you when blades pop out the front.
You also find a drawer with a half-dozen knives and rigs to go with them. One set of the knives looks to be silvered.
You also recognize that the staff behind the door, the black staff that come to think of it resembles the staff in your first vision, might be a fashionable thing as well. And upon closer looking at it, it is rune covered. Of course, you don't read Rune, but there is not the nasty vibe you got from the sorceror's tattoos.
And of course, there's your Warden's cloak.
Wed Aug 18 2010 5:02 pm # -
Oak
MemberI pray for wisdom and discernment, that the LORD would show me the nature of the staff, and whether or not I should carry it.
I also pray similarly over each other item, especially over the cloak.
And if Bob is awake, I tell him about the invitation, and ask his advice about what to wear, and what I should be prepared for at such a gathering...
Wed Aug 18 2010 9:22 pm # -
Tadeusz
MemberYou've heard of a blasting staff you carry. This is likely it. It seems a practical hand to hand weapon, well-balanced for your height.
The cloak is something of an official suit like a policeman's outfit or a judge's robes.
The trenchcoat, upon closer examinging, reveals to have thin, but solid plates in it, and symbols inscribed inside it. It feels safer.
Bob is asleep.
Wed Aug 18 2010 9:53 pm # -
Oak
MemberI pray over each of the sets of footware, seeking any indications of a non-mundane nature, particularly over the inscribed "light on my feet" boots.
How does the style of the dark green pants and dark green shirt compare to the protective clothing that I am wearing from Ring's space station?
Any non-mundane vibes from the knives, other than one set being silvered?
Wed Aug 18 2010 11:17 pm # -
Tadeusz
MemberThe space station stuff is pretty sleek in a grim sort of way as its a military costume. Its about as stylish in its own way as the other pants which are more urban slick in style.
You get nothing off the footwear.
Upon closer examination of the knives, you see one of them has the words 'Cold forged steel' imprinted in the handle. You know this one was chosen for that reason.
Fri Aug 20 2010 1:27 am # -
Oak
MemberI'll wear my space station clothing/armor and shoes with the trenchcoat. I'll carry the cold forged steel and silvered knives in a concealed rig, and carry Oak's wallet in a pocket, and carry the staff as a walking staff in my left hand.
BTW, is it an oak staff??? :)
And I'll have my usual gear (Ring, CU2, Empathic Field, Kinetic Repulsor, etc.) readily accessible through Ring's mental interface...
As I dress, I get the latest analysis update from Ring and CU2.
And as I drive down, I pray for the LORD's guidance, and wisdom, and discernment, and protection, particularly protection from evil.
As I arrive, I activate my language tap and surface thoughts taps...
I give a friendly nod to the valet, even as I telepathically seek impressions as to his expectations. How does he expect me to respond? Do I know him? Am I expected to tip? Am I expected to know which way to walk after getting out of the car? Which way should I walk after getting out of the car?
Fri Aug 20 2010 6:15 am # -
Tadeusz
MemberOOC: It HAS to be an oak staff doesn't it?
You feel surrounded by the almost visible Presence of God, and you know that you are 'walking into the valley of the shadow of death'.
::Oak. Hmm, Lara's scheme worked. Well here comes the bit about the Unseelie Accords. Sigh.:: Garble, garble. He has mind shields up, but he's undisciplined with them.
You touch his mind again, and suddenly you see something in his mind. A black worm that fills almost all of him. ::Tasty wizard. Yum. Down. Down. Remember the ...::
Fri Aug 20 2010 2:37 pm # -
Tadeusz
MemberValet. The security guard's thoughts are more simple and creepy.
They center on making Master Kevin happy by standing there.
Its obvious as others are walking by in very nice suits, and furs, and you need be but an ant and follow the scent trail of expensive perfume to arrive at the gala.
The Unseelie Accords are some form of general agreement between the various factions in the supernatural world such as the Wizard's Council and the White Court Vampires. You don't get more before you have to dodge the roving presence of the worm.
The valet is staring quizzically at you wondering why you are just standing there.
Fri Aug 20 2010 11:02 pm # -
Oak
MemberOOC: I do my telepathic searching while slowly gathering my stuff and exiting from the car, rather than just standing around... :p
I follow the crowd, scanning surface thoughts of those around me. I keep a sensitive heart toward any nudges the LORD might be giving me, to discern what to do or not to do, who to focus on or to avoid, etc...
Fri Aug 20 2010 11:53 pm # -
Tadeusz
MemberYou walk across the street on a walkway bridge, and enter in through a set of glass doors held open for you by a pair of lovely young ladies with minds like that of the security guard. Below you is a vast atrium with a second story walk-around balcony. In front of you is a grand staircase leading down to the first floor.
...Yea though I walk through the valley of death... You're aware you're in deadly danger.
::The Raiths have such wonderful parties. So clever.::
::The girls are so beautiful.::
::I hope these freaks can get my business permit through.::
A lilac fog.
::My boss is such a weakling to let these people into his circle. Pretty. Yeah. Sharks. Oh Yeah.::
::Everyone knows the Raiths are just a bit off. But such fabulous parties.::
A lilac fog.
::Old Man Raith has four gourgeous daughters. And they dance attendance on him. I just wish I could get my kid to mow the lawn.::
::These hellspawn and their corrupt clients deserve to burn.::The floor is covered in rice paper, and white streamers with kanji script drape down the walls. Thousands of white balloons hang in a fishnet over the center.
Littering in a deliberately careless seeming fashion the main floor are two dozen white trellises holding romantic paintings.
You smell peppermint mouthwash nearby, but see no one.
Sat Aug 21 2010 4:16 am # -
Oak
MemberOOC: Which people corresponded to which surface thoughts? Particularly the lilac fogs?
:: Ring. Access linguistic databases, and previous examination of my staff and trenchcoat. What do the symbols on them mean? ::
I keep reciting Scripture in the back of my mind as I walk, using it like a shield (spiritually, telepathically, and otherwise).
And I pray for the LORD to give me His perspective and help me see with His eyes, that He would again bless me with Sight to perceive the true nature of my surroundings, and the true nature of each being present. Hopefully this might reveal things hidden, in more ways than one...
Sat Aug 21 2010 5:18 am # -
Tadeusz
MemberRespectively...
Mrs. Rich and Jaded.
Mr. Junior Partner
Mr. C.H. Cash
A man in a white suit who passes handsome and goes to beautiful
Mr. Worried Assistant
Miss Tourist
An astonishingly beautiful brunnette walking toward you now.
Mr. Boss to WA
Mr. Poker Faced Waiter::Runic. Control of fire. Protection from fire and kinetic damage.::
You See, and you throw up in your mouth. The dozen or so beauties are each almost consumed/transformed by a black worm. They look with hunger and desire on the humans around them. Treachery, manipulation, and seduction are their nature before final consumption.
And turning about, you see a shimmering Veil around Molly who is standing two feet to your right. She's the source of teh peppermint.
Sat Aug 21 2010 4:27 pm # -
Oak
MemberIs the brunette worm still coming toward me? If so, what is her ETA?
I check Molly's surface thoughts (as well as the brunette's, if she is on an intercept course with me), without letting on that I am aware of either one of them.
Does my Sight reveal anything unusual about the surroundings themselves? For example, are those paintings really portals to Entropy that I can TK the worms into? :p
Sat Aug 21 2010 6:50 pm # -
Tadeusz
MemberAbout twenty seconds.
Molly. ::Keep the Veil up. Man, Oak is such a stick. I've proven I'm powerful enough to handle things. He will be so shocked later when I show him I was at the gala thing. Heh. Maybe he will start treating me like an adult.::
Brunnette. Familiar lilac fog.
No. And no.
"Hello Oak. So good of you to join us." The brunnette says with a smile, and suddenly you can't see the worm as she cranks up whatever she has. You feel the magnetism of her beating on your shield.
Mon Aug 23 2010 3:46 am # -
Tadeusz
MemberBlue jeans, tennis shoes, and a green terry cloth pullover is Molly's apparel. Her hair is tied up in a ponytail. She looks dressed for action.
"Yes." She agrees, but you see a faint flicker of puzzlement cross her face. "How do you like our art exhibit. 'True Love as Illusion'?"
Mon Aug 23 2010 1:26 pm # -
Oak
Member"It is indeed the case that what most of the world thinks of as 'true love' is an illusion. For there is only One source of True Love."
"So to give a complete treatment to such a theme, the illusion must be compared and contrasted with the reality."
"As it is written, 'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.'"
I look at her kindly.
"Illusion is certainly not lacking here... but a proper treatment of the Reality is. For how can True Love be put into true perspective, without reference to the LORD Jesus Christ?"
Mon Aug 23 2010 5:35 pm # -
Tadeusz
MemberShe winces, and you feel her power rise even higher so much so that there seems to be a faint glow to her skin, and the men around you are staring at her.
"Master Oak has followed the swordswinger into delusion. Now that is unexpected. I always knew you played for the white hats, and not the white court, but a fool...I think less of you now."
Mon Aug 23 2010 11:15 pm # -
Tadeusz
Member"You are not nothing. You are a wizard of undoubted power, and a very handsome man." She smiles, and its hard to think straight for a second, or think at all.
"However, perhaps you can explain to my father, The Raith, your newfound beliefs?" She gestures to lead you up to what looks like a rather distinguished group of people surrounding a man in white.
Tue Aug 24 2010 2:26 pm # -
Oak
MemberBTW, do I sense any verser vectors?
I incline my head agreeably, and walk with her to the group quietly, not yet risking trying to talk again.
After the momentary muddling of my thoughts, I pray with renewed fervency for the LORD's strength, and protection, and wisdom, and discernment.
And I pray that I may be a faithful witness. A nest of vampires may not be the most promising ground to hope for repentance from, but who knew what ears might hear, and what seeds might be planted?
After praying I mentally recite relevant Scripture...
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Wed Aug 25 2010 4:50 am # -
Tadeusz
MemberYou walk up, and you see and hear Mr. Boss to WA, and WA making an attempted subtle pitch to The Raith for him to intervene for a permit. Several others are standing about him, and right behind him is another female of astonishing beauty with red hair.
The Raith cuts off the Boss smoothly as you and the brunnette come up.
"Gentlemen, one of the loveliest flowers in all the Windy City. My daughter, Lara, and of course, her companion is welcome as well. Well done, Lara."
Lara preens a bit, and the redhead looks a bit put out.
"By the way, do you know where Cantos is?"
Lara shakes her head.
"Hmm."
The Raith turns to you with a charming smile.
"He is a devout friend, truly so, Father." Lara says low enough not to be an interruption that seems ungracious.
Wed Aug 25 2010 4:53 pm # -
Oak
MemberBTW, do I sense any verser vectors?
I continue my silent fervent prayers and Scripture recitations to strengthen me as I interact in this perilous setting.
While doing so, I acknowledge his welcome with a respectful inclination of the head, and a kind smile. My voice is quiet but friendly.
"Have you an interest in things devout?"
Thu Aug 26 2010 3:18 am # -
Tadeusz
MemberOOC: No.
He smiles back, and you feel a moment of pride in your skills that you let expand, and suddenly you realize your shield is gone. And the massive charm being put out by these vampires washes over you. Desperately, you fight back, and hold on to your mind.
"More in beauty and the profane, sir. Unless you mean the devout worship of beauty."
He holds out his hand, and you can see a ruby ring on it. And inscribed in the depths of the ring is a rune like on your staff. A rune for 'Fire'. You feel your mind falling into the ring.
More OOC: Botch. Followed by successful roll by you.
Thu Aug 26 2010 2:04 pm # -
Oak
Member'O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.'
'Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake.'
'Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?'...
I prayerfully cling to relevant Scripture with great fervency, and silently cry out to the LORD, confessing my sin, and beseeching His deliverance...
Thu Aug 26 2010 2:41 pm # -
Tadeusz
MemberYou pray, and feel rescued, but then The Raith speaks.
"Your god has abandoned you, hasn't he?"
A moment of doubt, a moment of distraction, and you've fallen into the ring.
But here, you feel peace.
You stand, or seem too, on a pavement of fired stone, and around you at a physically, if not mentally comfortable distance are jets of fire. In the stone is a rune of enormous size taking up most of the pavement.
"I do not doubt your god, fleshling. In this place, of the NeverNever, my particular corner of it, half dream and all real, the lies of the White Court Vampire who sent you here, cannot exist." The voice is like a crackling fire, and it seems to come from all around you. Its male, and has a somewhat friendly tone to it.
Thu Aug 26 2010 5:08 pm # -
Oak
Member"Your god has abandoned you, hasn't he?"
I shake my head.
"It is written, 'Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.' "
-=-
"I do not doubt your god, fleshling. In this place, of the NeverNever, my particular corner of it, half dream and all real, the lies of the White Court Vampire who sent you here, cannot exist." The voice is like a crackling fire, and it seems to come from all around you. Its male, and has a somewhat friendly tone to it.
:: Dearest LORD, please guard and guide me now, I pray... ::
I look at my surroundings, and listen thoughtfully to the voice.
"Please, who are you? And why have I been sent here?"
Fri Aug 27 2010 3:58 am # -
Tadeusz
MemberThe Raith steps back as you quote that verse with a grimace, and then you're not there, at least in mind.
"I am the the Firey Rock that Rests Under the Waters, but that is too short for my people, and too long for yours. Call me Madric, its what the servants of Thor, who made my bed called me."
It pauses, and you feel a sense of sorrow.
"Your kind, child of Adam, and mine, are of the fabric of this world, but the vampire who sent you here is not. However, it is not good for you to meet me, for I burn up what is about me. Soon, I will burn your will, your understanding, and then the twisted thing will draw you back by the ring that holds me, and you, and he will use his charms on your weakened mind. I apologize for this, but fire is my nature."
Fri Aug 27 2010 3:53 pm #
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