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Post by Hammett on Dec 22, 2020 18:13:25 GMT
I awoke at dawn and readied myself, a shower, a clean shave and fresh clothes. I gathered the gear and headed downstairs and outside. Two of my Nagual retainers, Alistair and Markem, were already there, ready and waiting. I handed off my gear to them to carry and with a few simple words raised the spells and wards back around my home.
Arkham was quite at this time of morning, it was a “night city” for the most part. We headed off down the lane making seeming random turns as we headed generally towards the city center, or more specifically the river that flowed through it. As we walked things changed, like walking through shadow, although we stayed in the same shadow, don’t ask me to explain. There are still things here that I do not fully understand. By the time we reached the river’s edge, Arkham (as we knew it) was gone, and all that remained was the tiny farming village that it must have been hundreds of years ago. Or more correctly the dream of what the city would have been like hundreds of years ago. I was pretty sure Arkham had been created already fully formed and had remained unchanged for much longer than a few hundred years. Again, don’t ask me by who. Whoever had created his place, this shadow Carcosa, had locked it up and abandoned it long before I found it and took it as my own.
At the river’s edge there was a small dock and frail looking boat tied up. The silent Ferryman, dressed in his monk-like robes, waited like he always did. We climbed aboard the boat as he untied it and pushed it out into the river proper. Without a word he steered us out into the center of the mighty Miskatonic and by unnatural means we began to drift upstream, against the strong current. I didn’t give a destination and he never asked for one. He just knew, like he always did.
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Post by Hammett on Dec 23, 2020 8:37:01 GMT
The journey was quick, although time and space seemed altered along the quick moving river, days and nights passed in moments and the scenery changed from the deep untouched New England woods, to rolling fields and finally to rough, red rock canyons that towered high above us, allowing only faint starlight to trickle down. The Ferryman lit a torch and we traveled on in silence but here I could feel, rather than hear, the growing roar of primal power we were drawing closer to.
Not much further the ferryman began to steer the boat to shore. Shore in this case being an ancient stone dock hewed out of the canyon walls and as we pulled closer we could see that at the end of the dock an equally ancient tunnel had been carved into the canyon wall.
He didn’t bother to tie off at the dock. He wasn’t going to wait here for us. Either you completed your journey and your return home was assured, or you were not going to return at all. I had been here twice before.
I climbed out onto the dock and waited for the Nagral to join me. As soon as they did the Ferryman handed me the torch, then pushed off from the dock. This time the current swiftly carried him away from us in the correct direction.
I turned my attention to the tunnel entrance and after a deep breath, led the way in.
The tunnel was smoothed to a polished finish, no hands of man had carved it; this was the work of magic. It wound down and deep into the earth and after a fair distance began to split and divide into different passages. Those passages would split again and loop around and around, never quite following the laws of distance, geography or really, nature in general. I had got caught up in them the first time I was here and it was nearly the end of me, but I eventually figured out its tricks. I had even adapted similar effects for my own guarded passages in this realm. So this time I used a sense that cannot be easily described and felt my way through the maze of passages, always closing in on the silent roar of power that swirled below us, growing ever closer.
In time we arrived.
The tunnel opened on to a ledge looking out into in to a vast camber, flooded with a red and orange light emitting from the ever swirling and awe-inspiring Source that filled the space. I had no idea how large the camber was, the surging waves of primal energy blocked all views and beat down on us with an almost physical force. It was like being at the surface of the sun in those amazing video some of the smarter shadow folk had been able to record. But thankfully without the murderous heat. No, this chamber as cool, cool to the touch. Like a Trump.
At the edge of the ledge we were standing on a rough alter had been created. Not by me. And not by the original creator either, if style and aesthetic were taken into consideration. This was something added much later.
A walked up to it, my loyal Nagrals close behind. Despite the look, it wasn’t actually an alter, up close you could see that it was a worktable. There was a sizable work area, plus two shallow bowls carved into the top. I took my things from the Nargals and began laying out what I needed on the surface of the work table, each item in a particular place, ready to be taken without looking if need be. I motioned for the Nagrals to fall back in to the tunnel, for both their own safety, and mine. I stretched a little, took a deep breath and began to channel the magical forces up inside myself.
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Post by Hammett on Dec 24, 2020 5:26:43 GMT
I slid the gold bar over into one of the bowls as I channeled some of the awesome power into the workstation, forcing it to turn from cold to hot. As the gold began to warm, then melt, I slowly removed my ring from my finger and when the time was right, a channeled even more energy into the bowl, and added the ring. It soon also began to warm and melt, the red ruby that was imbedded in it floated to the top of the molten gold.
I then drew my knife from my pocket and flipped open the blade. A quick cut along my index finger got the blood flowing. I quickly used my bloody finger to write a few mystic symbols on a piece of special parchment paper and then drew out a rough diagram of my intent. When done this parchment was placed into the molten gold where it quickly burst into flames, its ashes and my blood mixing into the metal.
I passed my hands above the bowl, willing thing into shape and being. Theatrical, I know, but that is just how things worked sometimes. I was making connections that transcended space, matter and physics so it was bound to get a little flashy. A couple of minutes of this and I was done. The energy began to withdraw from the workstation and the temperature began to cool rapidly.
When the temperature dropped to an acceptable level I looked into the bowl to see if my efforts had paid dividends. They had. A golden orb with the ruby inset so it was flush with the surface was cooling in the bowl. Faint streaks of red ran through the gold, like bloodshot eyes. Which was more then fitting. Not for the first time I wondered if this place had a mind and will of its own? Or at least a sense of humor.
I reached down and picked up the orb. The power flowing through it was noticeable to the touch. I really hoped my calculations were correct in this. I gently pressed the sides of the still warm orb. They were malleable to the touch, but sprung back into shape when the pressure was released. That is what I wanted.
Well, here went nothing. Or maybe everything.
I reached up and pulled off my eye-patch, tossing it aside. I then rotated the orb to the correct position and began forcing it into my eye socket. Gross, yes, I imagine it would be to any onlookers, but my Nagrals were back in the tunnel and no one else was around for eternity, or close to it.
With a last bit of force the orb went fully in to its new home. It was still warm, but it was pleasant warmth. I could feel the orb move and adjust shape to fit, yes it was unsettling. Finally it seemed to find its alignment and settled down. Nervously I opened my eyelid... it worked. I could see out of my left eye again, but more than that... What I could now see and the warmth of the power contained in it. It would be hard to describe, probably impossible to most people, and I don’t think I will spend my time here and now try to do that. I still had other work to complete.
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Post by Hammett on Dec 26, 2020 22:12:44 GMT
I could feel, and now see, the lines of power emanating from the primal chaos before me and in moments I understood more of this power then all the years of research in the past had taught me.
I reach out for the next step in my plans and unrolled the diagram and laid it out on the workstation, using my knife, and a rock from the water’s edge to hold it open. I knew the plans inside and out but it was good as a focus for my intent. I began to will some of the energy from the chaos back into the alter and up into the focus, I drew still even more lines of power to special areas of the plans, willing them to cling to material forms thousands of miles away from where I now stood.
It was a time consuming process, maybe hours passed or longer, there were links and intent and if/then rules to construct and imbue. I was thankful I had created my new eye first, if all it ever did was to help me in this process, then it was well worth the effort, as I do not know if I would have been able to manage all the lines of power without it. Then I was almost done, one last act. I grabbed the last item I had placed off to the side of the table. My trump card of Wormwood’s and placed it directly in the center of the diagram and then quickly, before it could roll up, a grabbed my knife and plunged it into the center of the trump, piecing the card and the diagram. A massive wave of energy flowed from the trump card and into the focus and off to the real Wormwood’s, crating the final bond in the process.
I withdrew my knife and set it aside then carefully folded up the plans around the punctured trump, sealing it in like an envelope. Another word of magic was said over it, and then I flicked the plans and card into the maelstrom before me where it vanished in a flash of power.
I almost fell over from the release of tension now that I was finished, and I took a few moments to regain my breath and balance. I then gathered all of my possessions, pausing to look at my knife. I had an idea for that, but didn’t know if I would have the strength to perform any more magic right now. It would have to wait. I then signaled for my Nagrals to rejoin me. Thankfully I hadn’t needed their help or lifeforce to complete my work. I asked them to take their spirit forms, which they did, and then gather close to me.
I took one last look around the chamber, making sure nothing was forgotten, and then willed myself to Wormwood’s.
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Post by Hammett on Dec 27, 2020 8:56:06 GMT
I appeared in the center of the bar area, but that got barely a raised eyebrow from all my staff rushing about and finishing up last minute details. They were used to my odd comings and goings by now. Alistair and Markem reformed at my side, and thanked them for their assistance, then told them to grab a drink and rest before helping the others.
I took a deep breath and took a moment to enjoy the sight and smell of the establishment. It was identical to the old Wormwood’s, but a little bigger. More seating in the bar area, and a longer bar. The dining room was likewise larger and same with the private casino behind the closed door to the back. Bigger, but still retaining the same style and charm of the old one. I was able to have more staff here, so might as well make use of them. Out of sight, but I knew my private quarters, up and beyond the VIP area, were also now complete.
After checking that everything was in order and would be ready for the re-opening, I made my way up to my private rooms. Everything was how I planned them, I was missing a couple of mementos that I would need to reclaim from the old Wormwood’s when I had the chance, but it was close to perfect.
I poured myself a drink and sat down behind my desk. As I sipped my drink and rested I pulled out my trump deck and absentmindedly looked through the cards. I knew which one I was going for, Wormwood’s wouldn't be Wormwood’s without all the old characters kicking around it and one of the most important ones was still absent.
Rested, I pulled Renault’s card from the deck and set it down in front of me. Last time I had tried to reach him, he was being held prisoner and used as bait for me. The ghostly man had tried to dominate me, and I had to sever the connection before I could save Renault. This time though, I was ready. Here in Carcosa I had access to immense power and abilities that I didn’t have a way to tap last time, but now I could, plus my new eye would help me focus that power to an even greater degree. Or at least that was the plan. Actually, hopefully, the plan was that they had given up waiting for me to try and rescue Renault, and were no longer wasting their time guarding him so well. If that was the case and luck was on my side, I could reach out to him and have him back here in mere moments.
Well, only one way to find out. I finished off my drink with a long pull, then picked up the card and focused on it.
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Post by Admin on Dec 29, 2020 7:10:22 GMT
There is a barrier to the connection. Hammett feels the ghostly presence of Renault just beyond the reach of the call. Pressing harder with Psyche might connect or might trip a warding spell of some sort...
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Post by Hammett on Dec 29, 2020 18:47:21 GMT
Hammett pauses his attempt at the barrier and feeds more energy into the connection via his new eye, and then attempts to "mold" the reality of the Shadow just enough that if there is a barrier/warding spell in place his contacting Renault won't trigger it. [[OCC: Using the "Mold Shadow Reality" ability pg. 70 of the original rule book, but instead of trying to mold the whole shadow he just want to effect this one small area, which is hopefully easier and quicker.]] If necessary he will also fall back on using the Power Word: Magic Negation to assist him. [[OCC: Power word section of original rule book, pg. 59 "it can also fizzle trap spells or wards before they are unleashed"]]
If that seems successful he will quickly establish the connection with Renault and pull him through, before dropping his changes and closing the connection.
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Post by Admin on Dec 31, 2020 8:53:13 GMT
Whatever is interfering with the connection can't be broken with shadow molding, so the power word was necessary to breakthrough. Renault is seen still in his battered state but in a different jail cell than before.
He stands on shaky legs and runs his hands over his face and through his hair.
"Wormwood's, eh? I will take a snifter full of Napoleon Brandy if you still have the bottle," he says then collapses onto the sofa.
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Post by Hammett on Dec 31, 2020 15:04:01 GMT
Hammett rushes over to his office door and calls down to his staff for medical aid, food, and a bottle of our finest napoleon brandy, "and not necessarily in that order."
He then pours a glass of water from the pitcher on his desk and crouches down next to the police captain, "Here take this. Brandy is on its way." He then opens the window and lets some fresh, warm air and sunlight into the room.
When the brandy arrives he pours Renault a full glass and carefully hands it to him, then he pours himself one as well and sits back in his chair, close to the sofa in case he is needed, but giving Ranault his space.
"I am sorry it took so long to rescue you. They were taking unusual precautions guarding you that took me time to circumvent. But you are safe now and when you are ready, I'll fill you in on everything that has been happening."
Hammett then waits for his friend to recover enough to talk.
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Post by Admin on Jan 3, 2021 8:36:17 GMT
"I spent ages being locked up in different jail cells, my friend. Oh, the deprivations!" he says between sips. "Do you happen to have cigarettes? A plate of Roquefort? Chateaubriand?"
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Post by Hammett on Jan 3, 2021 18:06:16 GMT
Hammett holds back a grin, Louis was going to was going to milk this for all its worth, and Hammett was going to let him.
"Here you go." Hammett hands over his metal cigarette case to Louis, along with a lighter and at just that moment there was a knock on the door. "And that will be the food."
He gets up and takes the tray from one of his staff, and sets it down on a table near Renault's reach. There was plenty of bread, cheeses and meats, some of what he had been asking for, and lots more.
As Renault eats, smokes and drinks Hammett busies himself with a few minor tasks around the office, then sits down across from him again.
"Feeling a bit better? Don't over do it right now. There is plenty of everything and it'll take some time for your system to adjust. You'll be happy to know Strasser is dead. I took care of him myself after his people took you. Unfortunately at this time Kasaba is still under their control. Plans are in motion to change that, but are slow going. Did they ever say why they took you? And did you learn anything of their plans?"
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Post by Admin on Jan 8, 2021 5:40:46 GMT
"They rounded up all of the local government officials and jailed us," Renault says between bites, "Then replaced us with their stooges. I don't know what happened to the others, but I was sent to different jails in Morocco and France, then later to somewhere strange like those shadows you have spoken of. Motion, gravity, and distance were strange in that place; I kept to my bunk for fear of tripping over my feet or falling up to the ceiling.
"Rudely, they didn't tell me anything about their plans."
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Post by Hammett on Jan 8, 2021 8:17:35 GMT
Hammett pours himself a drink and shakes his head, "Nazis these days. They have no respect for the traditions. No big siliques. No gloating over their master plan. No style. Its a shame. Makes you wonder if their hearts are really in it at all."
He downs his drink, "But it is good to have you back. I'll let you get some rest. Eat, drink, nap." He motions to a door in the back, "There is a shower back there and some clothes that will fit. If you need anything just call down and someone will get you what you need. And when you are ready come on down to the club. I'll be in and out for a little bit, taking care of some last minute stuff before we reopen. Don't try and leave Wormwood's though. This isn't the same one as in Kasaba. The doors, even if you could open them, don't lead anywhere just yet." He raises his hand, "I'll explain everything later, when you have recovered."
Hammett gets up and murmurs a few words of a spell and in the other room a fresh, exact replica, of Renault's police captain's uniform appears, hanging outside the shower door. It was important, even just psychologically, for despite what might be happening in Kasaba right now, the man was still it's Prefect of Police and it was important for him to look the part.
Hammett leaves and heads down to the bar below. He gives a few words to the staff about the plans, and how things are progressing, and to keep an eye on Renault, get him anything he needs, but not to let him leave or reveal too much information about where exactly the new club was. Hammett would explain everything to him when he returned.
He then reaches out and adjusts the time flow back to Amber standard. Only a couple a few hours would have passed back in Amber, Ceradin and Begma since he left, but that should have been enough time for his staff to have got things in motion.
He pulls out his trump card for Begma and steps through to the office there.
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Post by Admin on Jan 10, 2021 8:10:58 GMT
OOC: Continue when you like.
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Post by Hammett on Jan 13, 2021 6:58:08 GMT
[[OCC: Edit. Went to Begma first.]]
Once back in Begma, Hammett tells Dalton to get ready for Wormwood's reopening, and then heads out into the alley alongside this building and begins to create the door. He had his people find perfect locations like this, right on the edge of both the seedier "dockside" of the city or town, but close enough to the nicer parts that well-off customers will still come, in droves in fact, because it was just seedy enough that they probably thought they were living dangerously when they came, while still being perfectly safe. Especially since Dalton and his crew were running the area. After the door was done he created the light fixture above it and its single green bulb in it. When lit Wormwood's was open, when off closed. It was going to be rarely off. He finished the connections then went back inside and collected Pinky, she would be coming along with him for now. He first gave a note to Dalton to have one of his men deliver to Captain Brennon down and the his ship, or one of the bars near-by it. An invitation to stop by this new Wormwood's if and when had the chance, then Hammett shook hands with Dalton and said he'd see him tonight in the club, then fished out the next trump card he needed.
Hammett made a few more jumps to various shadows around the outer edge of, and in, the the golden circle. Setting up doorways where his people had found good locations, a couple of nice, fancy cities, in the golden circle, while most of the ones outside the golden circle, were more like the way Kasaba used to be. Sketchy, home for all sort of deals and unusual shipments and people.
He still had a few more doors left to make, the one in Amber City would be a bit harder to get going, he couldn't just mold the shadow there to make the doorways. So that one would have to wait a bit. He also now wanted to set one up in Delgos, that seemed like his kind of town and that lady there needed more investigation. Also he needed to reach out to his friends on the chaos-side of things and find some good locations in their side of infinity. He had a few other ideas floating around his head, but those would also have to wait. Still no matter how many other doorways he put in, it wouldn't really be Wormwood's until he could reconnect to the original one in Kasaba.
He finally ended up in Ceridin and after a quick "hello" to Conrad, set up the doorway there, before heading back into his office to rest, and find out the latest news from Conrad, Ugarte, Yvonne and the rest.
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