Any mage can enter this scene and thus the plot no invitation needed
Philips reconnaissance had lead to some startling and interesting revelations, he knew more now about the pieces involved and that meant preparation, and research would be in order. Many questions left answered and many more arising. And a mage is at his best when in the know and prepared for the dangers that must be faced.
When facing down another awakened the risk is always high because reality no longer just bends to you, a contest of wills ensues and the better mage is left standing on top.
Charging back in would be fool hardy and dangerous as Philip has come to realise, he is not that reckless with his unseen senses going off mere seconds before a significant crash he was lucky to walk away from unhurt. He knows this is well within the ability of one who used fate. Was it Mr. Cartwright? was it some hidden foe? Either way the forces arrayed against the enchanter are ready to play dirty.
(In DYLF: Back to the Lounge):
Gear: backpack with: 1 L plastic water bottle, lighter, cigarette pack, can of hairspray, hair comb, order-tool-slash-phone, first aid kit, wallet
Health:
Mana
Willpower
Total spells: 1/6 Spells,
Spells on person: 1/2 (Fortunes Protection)
Stats 2
(all other scenes):
Mana:
Willpower:
Health:
Spells: (in Fallen Power: The Community Center (FP:TCC)): 1/6 Spells,
Spells on person: 1/2 (Fortunes Protectionl)
0/6 Spells and 0/2 Spells on person in all other scenes except FP and DYLF
Armor: 0 Defense: 3 (+4 in scenes with FP on), Speed 10
Nimbus: Green objects within 10 yards of him become sharper, more focused, and brighter.
On vulgar casting, the accentuated green objects become even brighter and glow in the dark.
Arriving at the Circle at [time], after the debacle with the crash, he was dressed in casual. Gray-green shoes, blue jeans, gray jacket, carrying his better backpack. he considered his options. Getting out his laptop, he continued his research, unable to get anything done at his place following the whirlwind of stuff that had happened. Grabbing a chair and taking out his laptop, he busied himself, casting Library of time to speed up the process once he was ready to start.
6 successes
Date
Action
Roll
Result
2024-05-12 16:06:34
Philip Crosen rolls 6 to Library of Time (Gnosis 3 + Time 3) (10 Again)
4, 8, 7, 3, 10, 10, 10, 10, 8, 5
6 successes
One last look at the clock, taking another 45 minutes to research anything else pertinent he could find about Mr. Cartwright.
5 more suxx, 10 suxx total, 6/6 rolls, 45 more mins elapsed
Date
Action
Roll
Result
2024-05-12 16:08:54
[03] Philip Crosen rolls 8 to research (int 3,+ acad.3, +1 research spec., +1 laptop, +1 internet, +1 keywords, -2 unusual topic) (10 Again)
3, 2, 7, 9, 5, 1, 5, 2
1 success
2024-05-12 16:08:54
[02] Philip Crosen rolls 8 to research (int 3,+ acad.3, +1 research spec., +1 laptop, +1 internet, +1 keywords, -2 unusual topic) (10 Again)
3, 7, 4, 2, 10, 6, 3, 3, 8
2 successes
2024-05-12 16:08:54
[01] Philip Crosen rolls 8 to research (int 3,+ acad.3, +1 research spec., +1 laptop, +1 internet, +1 keywords, -2 unusual topic) (10 Again)
8, 5, 7, 2, 6, 8, 9, 5
3 successes
Mana from 4 up to 7 because of the hallow, WP up to 5 because of the small successes with scrutiny, as discussed.
spells , effects and gear
Speed 10, Armor 0, Init +6, Defense:3 , Total spells active 1/6:([6]Library of Time), Spell tolerance: 1/2, Vulgar spells: 0, Health: Mana: WP: (max WP/scene 2) Gear: backpack with: 1 L plastic water bottle, lighter, cigarette pack, can of hairspray, new hair comb, order-tool-slash-phone, PC(Laptop), first aid kit, wallet: with car key, 20$ cash, various mundane ID`s and membership cards, in car that was parked some distance away from location: additional first aid kit, fire extinguisher, unloaded shotgun with ammo in seperate compartment, katana.
(in DYLF: Taking stock and making plans)Mana: Willpower: Health:
( Library of Time) Speed: 10, Defense 3, Armor 0
Dark shadows scatter in ordered symmetrical patterns traversed by a crackling pallid silver light that wraps Winter in a pleasantly numbing and icy coldness.
When vulgar magic is cast, the frequency of the oscillation of the dark fluid surges until the shadows arrange themselves in a solid black halo around Winter's head, the white light darkens into a fiery black sunlight and his eyes are set ablaze with vivid incandescence.
He emerges from the Guardian's wing, seemingly attracted by the noise. He's surprised to see the other mage working there. And here he thought he was the only one retired.
"Work from home?", he says, moving closer.
Equipment
Wedding band, moleskine notebook + pencils, black stones catholic rosary, brass knuckles, Kevlar vest (thin), Wallet, iPhone, flashlight
Stats
Health: 8
Mana: 10
WP: 2 (5)
Armor: 3 (1 from Equipment|2 vs Firearms - Lethal to Bashing)
Defense: 3
Active Spells: 0
Personal Spells: 0
Vulgar Spells: 0
(In DYLF: Back to the Lounge):
Gear: backpack with: 1 L plastic water bottle, lighter, cigarette pack, can of hairspray, hair comb, order-tool-slash-phone, first aid kit, wallet
Health:
Mana
Willpower
Total spells: 1/6 Spells,
Spells on person: 1/2 (Fortunes Protection)
Stats 2
(all other scenes):
Mana:
Willpower:
Health:
Spells: (in Fallen Power: The Community Center (FP:TCC)): 1/6 Spells,
Spells on person: 1/2 (Fortunes Protectionl)
0/6 Spells and 0/2 Spells on person in all other scenes except FP and DYLF
Armor: 0 Defense: 3 (+4 in scenes with FP on), Speed 10
Nimbus: Green objects within 10 yards of him become sharper, more focused, and brighter.
On vulgar casting, the accentuated green objects become even brighter and glow in the dark.
He briefly looked up from his research about Mr. Cartwright at Winter, still frustrated. Feeling the need to vent somewhat about the previous evening, but also to get Winter interested in helping him, he started:
[color=green]"Yeah, I needed to clear my head. I had a very frustrating day yesterday. Have you heard of Harringwood Community Center and the drama sorrounding it? I`m feeling generous right now, so here`s some interesting info about it. The soccer coach of this center is Awakened. And, for whatever reason, he randomly threw a couple of vulgar Fate spells pretty openly around, yesterday to get the side he was `coaching` to win against a clearly superior adversary. And I suspect foul play beyond the match is at play here. This `s been creating quite a hassle at my work as well. By the looks of things I think he`s been doing this for a while and now the resonance of the center reads `frustration.` And believe me, I had a hell of a time figuring out what I just told you. Making the connection between the trouble at work and Mr. Cartwright and his spells."
Philip was careful to not mention his tailing or car crash to Winter, knowing he could use it to find out things about him. That was a secret that would (hopefully) get buried with time, although he knew he`d need to perhaps help that along with some hacking. And with that said, he went back, and engrossed himself in his research. Annoyed at himself for the slight hiccup he had caused with his almost-rant.
Just noticed I somehow accidentally wrote Temporal Eddies instead of Library of Time last time, in the SPELL BBcode. But I believe it was clear Library of Time was meant as was highlighted in the text and correctly marked spoiler. I have corrected this for this post. Sorry about this.
Also, since the result hasn`t been narrated yet, the research is still ongoing and Philip`s comment to Winter was a brief break, to respond to Winter, while researching. Despite the long rant. I hope this is OK.
spells , effects and gear
Speed 10, Armor 0, Init +6, Defense:3 , Total spells active 1/6:([6]Library of Time), Spell tolerance: 1/2, Vulgar spells: 0, Health: Mana: WP: (max WP/scene 2) Gear: backpack with: 1 L plastic water bottle, lighter, cigarette pack, can of hairspray, new hair comb, order-tool-slash-phone, PC(Laptop), first aid kit, wallet: with car key, 20$ cash, various mundane ID`s and membership cards, in car that was parked some distance away from location: additional first aid kit, fire extinguisher, unloaded shotgun with ammo in seperate compartment, katana.
(in DYLF: Taking stock and making plans)Mana: Willpower: Health:
( Library of Time) Speed: 10, Defense 3, Armor 0
Dark shadows scatter in ordered symmetrical patterns traversed by a crackling pallid silver light that wraps Winter in a pleasantly numbing and icy coldness.
When vulgar magic is cast, the frequency of the oscillation of the dark fluid surges until the shadows arrange themselves in a solid black halo around Winter's head, the white light darkens into a fiery black sunlight and his eyes are set ablaze with vivid incandescence.
He could immediately tell that the guy was giving him a press release of the events. The accusation of breeching the veil was - after all - serious enough to warrant a dose of doubt and double checking even more copious than usual.
He hated lies.
What he hated more was Free Council lying pipsqueaks who underestimated his intelligence. Images of Shodan came to mind.
"This...", he said before grabbing one of the wooden chairs that littered the cathedral and slouching like a snake by the table, "is relevant to my interests. Tho - as you claim - if this Mr. Cartwright is knowledgeable in Fate, chances are he could be a few steps ahead"
Just hoping in to add give the results of Philips research.
He now has the home address of Mr. Cartwright
He knows which casino he likes to frequent
He knows the veterans bar he like to socialise at
He also knows Mr. Cartwright was admitted to hospital last night (minor news story) with serve burns after his car broke down and caught fire. -- A brief clip shows some of the zealots from the centre are now picketing the hospital.
Keeping doing what you are doing and ignore my marble I will hop back in if/when needed.
(In DYLF: Back to the Lounge):
Gear: backpack with: 1 L plastic water bottle, lighter, cigarette pack, can of hairspray, hair comb, order-tool-slash-phone, first aid kit, wallet
Health:
Mana
Willpower
Total spells: 1/6 Spells,
Spells on person: 1/2 (Fortunes Protection)
Stats 2
(all other scenes):
Mana:
Willpower:
Health:
Spells: (in Fallen Power: The Community Center (FP:TCC)): 1/6 Spells,
Spells on person: 1/2 (Fortunes Protectionl)
0/6 Spells and 0/2 Spells on person in all other scenes except FP and DYLF
Armor: 0 Defense: 3 (+4 in scenes with FP on), Speed 10
Nimbus: Green objects within 10 yards of him become sharper, more focused, and brighter.
On vulgar casting, the accentuated green objects become even brighter and glow in the dark.
Ending his library of Time spell and research, getting Mr. Cartwright`s adress had been a lucky break too. Although it left the sour taste in his mouth of realising that his tailing the previous day had likely been completely pointless. So he was smug when he got the info of Mr. Cartwright`s crash, regardless of whether he was the reason for his own crash or not, if nothing else because of the undeserved win of his team the previous day and Philip`s own numerous frustrations and failures. So he was glad someone else had had a bad day too. Consequently, Mr. Cartwrigh`s woes sent a brief malicious joy through him as turned to face Winter fully, which was quickly replaced with apprehension at the gaze of the senior mage.
If nothing else because of the fact that Philip was uneasy talking to the mysterious Winter, who still hadn`t given him either Order or Path. He simply didn`t know how to classify him and it showed. The enigma that was Winter was simply impossible to figure out. After all, Winter seemed the kind of stern guy you only somewhat knew who you want to tell the truth, but you also always second-guess yourself if you tell him everything.
failure
Date
Action
Roll
Result
2024-05-15 15:00:02
Philip Crosen rolls 2 to read Winter(Wits 3 -1 (untrained in empathy)) (10 Again)
7, 3
failure
So it was clear that Philip was holding some things back, but not that he was outright lying. There was a reason after all why he was at the Circle and not at his own place. His smashed up car for one, and the need to get others to help him with the rogue and dangerous willworker for another. Things he did not want Winter to know about and were weighing on his mind. Although, if Mr. Cartwright was in a hospital as the article claimed that might make dealing with him easier. he figured. Well, for as long as he stayed wherever he was being treated.
failure
Date
Action
Roll
Result
2024-05-15 14:54:32
Philip Crosen rolls 4 to prevent being read(Manipulation 2+ Subterfuge 2) (10 Again)
2, 5, 4, 5
failure
And that was although he had given Winter the fruits of his research freely that he`d been able to find out the previous day. But he still acknowledged Winter`s words with a crisp nod. After a beat, he continued, sharing his thoughts and info on the crash with him.
"Yeah, so it would seem. He always seems to be a few steps ahead. But I doubt he expected to land in the hospital with severe burns. If we wanted to interrogate him this would be the chance. Here, have a look at this." he said, showing him the news story on his laptop, the hospital, and the zealots in the clip. Continuing, he asked him.
"So tell me, what do you make of this? I think from what I`ve seen he`s a somewhat newly Awakened Acanthus who somehow escaped contact with the Orders, or he`s a Seer or Banisher. What do you think?"
giving him a questioning look.
Just noticed I somehow accidentally forgot the [/color]... Also, because of the news article, does Philip get the name and location of the hospital Mr. Cartwright was sent to?
spells , effects and gear
Speed 10, Armor 0, Init +6, Defense:3 , Total spells active 0/6:(), Spell tolerance: 0/2, Vulgar spells: 0, Health: Mana: WP: (max WP/scene 2) Gear: backpack with: 1 L plastic water bottle, lighter, cigarette pack, can of hairspray, new hair comb, order-tool-slash-phone, PC(Laptop), first aid kit, wallet: with car key, 20$ cash, various mundane ID`s and membership cards, in car that was parked some distance away from location: additional first aid kit, fire extinguisher, unloaded shotgun with ammo in seperate compartment, katana.
(in DYLF: Taking stock and making plans)Mana: Willpower: Health:
( Library of Time) Speed: 10, Defense 3, Armor 0
Dark shadows scatter in ordered symmetrical patterns traversed by a crackling pallid silver light that wraps Winter in a pleasantly numbing and icy coldness.
When vulgar magic is cast, the frequency of the oscillation of the dark fluid surges until the shadows arrange themselves in a solid black halo around Winter's head, the white light darkens into a fiery black sunlight and his eyes are set ablaze with vivid incandescence.
He examines the evidence, investigation is, after all, part and parcel of his trade. He remains pensive for a good minute, before he speaks.
"When we rule out the impossible, what remains is usually the truth", he clear his throat. "According to your observations, he seems to be knowledgeable of the intricacies of Fate. Then he must be an Acanthus or - if awakened to another path - someone with a handy access to a source of mana. An Obrimos perhaps. However, the fact he ended hospitalized suggests he may not be able to slow down energies or prevent burns, which would rule an Obrimos out", he shrugs.
"Banishers are disgusted by magic, they are not going to play lottery with fate, and Seers rarely operate alone. So, it boils down to an Apostate or someone left-handed", he concludes.
"We could pay him a visit"
Equipment
Wedding band, moleskine notebook + pencils, black stones catholic rosary, brass knuckles, Kevlar vest (thin), Wallet, iPhone, flashlight
Stats
Health: 8
Mana: 10
WP: 2 (5)
Armor: 3 (1 from Equipment|2 vs Firearms - Lethal to Bashing)
Defense: 3
Active Spells: 0
Personal Spells: 0
Vulgar Spells: 0
(In DYLF: Back to the Lounge):
Gear: backpack with: 1 L plastic water bottle, lighter, cigarette pack, can of hairspray, hair comb, order-tool-slash-phone, first aid kit, wallet
Health:
Mana
Willpower
Total spells: 1/6 Spells,
Spells on person: 1/2 (Fortunes Protection)
Stats 2
(all other scenes):
Mana:
Willpower:
Health:
Spells: (in Fallen Power: The Community Center (FP:TCC)): 1/6 Spells,
Spells on person: 1/2 (Fortunes Protectionl)
0/6 Spells and 0/2 Spells on person in all other scenes except FP and DYLF
Armor: 0 Defense: 3 (+4 in scenes with FP on), Speed 10
Nimbus: Green objects within 10 yards of him become sharper, more focused, and brighter.
On vulgar casting, the accentuated green objects become even brighter and glow in the dark.
"Words to live by. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was a wise man. Although I think that wasn`t exactly it."
he admitted to Winter with an attempt at a smirk, though still somewhat maintaining his look of apprehension as he faced him. As one did when facing an unknown, that Winter was, and telling him all your latest news. Well, most.
"Although I`m still not discounting the possibility he might be working together with others, just because I didn`t find any. And just because Banisher`s are disgusted by magic, doesn`t mean the won`t use it for their purposes. But you`re right. That was actually quite a blatant display and, unlike the MO of banishers. So I`d still have to agree with your conclusions. Most likely is a left-handed errant Acanthus."
Philip said, mostly agreeing with Winter, although Philip was less certain than Winter made his argument sound. Philip still hadn`t completely dismissed the possibility of Mr. Carwright being a Seer.
"So yeah. I mean, it`s pretty clear where he is and I`d say we take the chance. But even wounded he`ll be dangerous."
Winter seemed to agree with Philip`s idea to visit him, which suited Philip fine. But still, Philip felt caution was in order and needed to be stated.
spells , effects and gear
Speed 10, Armor 0, Init +6, Defense:3 , Total spells active 0/6:(), Spell tolerance: 0/2, Vulgar spells: 0, Health: Mana: WP: (max WP/scene 2) Gear: backpack with: 1 L plastic water bottle, lighter, cigarette pack, can of hairspray, new hair comb, order-tool-slash-phone, PC(Laptop), first aid kit, wallet: with car key, 20$ cash, various mundane ID`s and membership cards, in car that was parked some distance away from location: additional first aid kit, fire extinguisher, unloaded shotgun with ammo in seperate compartment, katana.
(in DYLF: Taking stock and making plans)Mana: Willpower: Health:
( Library of Time) Speed: 10, Defense 3, Armor 0
Imbibe
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Presence
Self Healing ritual, 
Occultation
