Melted reflections: Soul of the show

[Witch]

Just as she was about to take another step toward the employee area, there was a tug and a stop.

Tensing, her fingers curling automatically, she managed to bite back a quick verbal snap. Instead, she took a breath and listened to what Skye said, though it did bring forth the hint of a frown line between her eyebrows.

Should she point on that it was Skye who wanted to find the Ringmaster? No. That was ... unproductive communication. Pulling her clothing straight, she shook her head slightly, "We already played with fire with a first unnecessary split ... let's try to avoid one so soon again?"

So, stepping after Skye, she moves toward the tent. Stepping in, she noted Skye's placement quickly before moving to the first display and thus out of the way of other folks trying to enter. Say like Asclepius .

Also, it gave her a cover as she leaned in and did her own study of the wax figures. Yes. Definitely of the wax figures. And not the supernal haze that drifted through the area.

2 successes

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2024-09-30 13:06:20	[01] Witch rolls 6 to Scrutiny (Int+Occult)(Composition>Identification>Potency>Targets>Duration>Power>Mastery) (10 Again)	8, 3, 1, 1, 8, 4	2 successes

2 successes

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2024-09-30 13:06:20	[02] Witch rolls 6 to Scrutiny (Int+Occult)(Composition>Identification>Potency>Targets>Duration>Power>Mastery) (10 Again)	2, 4, 1, 3, 10, 9, 3	2 successes

1 success

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2024-09-30 13:06:20	[03] Witch rolls 6 to Scrutiny (Int+Occult)(Composition>Identification>Potency>Targets>Duration>Power>Mastery) (10 Again)	9, 1, 2, 4, 4, 3	1 success

[Asclepius]

Like all good plans made, this one fell apart before it even began. Asclepius prepared himself to talked to the employees as to enquire where the ringmaster was to distract them. However no sooner did he make moves to do so, and for not splitting the group out of safety reasons, followed his fellow investigators into the tent of horrors. “I think Lucy just wants us to be fully spooked before speaking to the ringmaster for a photo Morgan, don't let her get to you. I bet this is why she is leading us here to the horror tent.” He spoke at full volume using the banter to cover and blend in with the other conversations of the crowd.

While his Companions seemed to take full interest in the wax figures and the 'Miasma' inside the tent, he decided to investigate the tent and its contents. “I'll just make my way around the tent guys I will let you know if they have any cool wax models worth looking at.” He tried to perceive anything out of the ordinary in this tent under the guise of taking photos of the various wax works. No doubt anything supernatural would be picked up by the other two, so lets see if we can find anything mundane out of place.

2 successes

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2024-09-30 17:31:00	Asclepius rolls 5 to Perception (Wits 2 + Comp 3) (10 Again)	1, 1, 4, 9, 10, 3	2 successes

Gear

Sports Bag (attached via strap over shoulder)
Smartphone (in pocket)
Cash (in pocket)
Car keys (in pocket)
Kevlar vest thin (Worn under shirt)
Combat knife (dedicated tool attached at belt)
3 Glowsticks (In Sports bag)
Pepper spray (In Sports bag)
Wedding ring (worn)
First Aid Kit (In Sports bag).
Bottle of water (in Sports bag)

Spells

Night sight,
Organic Resilience (Pot 1)

Stats

Health: 7
Mana: 7
Defense: 2
Speed: 9
Initiative: 5
Willpower: 3/3 (usable)
Armor: 4 / 5 Kevlar vest thin (1 /2) + Organice resilience (life 3)
Spell tolerance: 2/2
Active spells: 1/4
Paradox spells cast: 0

[ReubanBrightwood]

I ma so sorry this one slipped the net for a few days, remember If I am late you can bump me just as much as I bump players!

So with a social faux par from Skye, one that could have far greater ranging consequences in their world they all know that, as she grabs the guardians clothes and brings about a change in course and a change in plan.

All three enter the poorly lit tent a series of weaving pathways create by draped and slightly fluttering fabric, shoot off and spiral away from each other leading to pedestals, separate and out of site from each other, on which the horrors of history stand proud adorned in their respective finery, great detail has been paid to the attention of the outfits here.

The miasma thick and dark to their supernal awareness in this chamber of horrors layering in a smothering blanket to muffle all other trace of resonance.

Skye tries to under stand the stuff itself, it reaches her understanding that this is like a protective shell, a sort of resonance terraforming to blanket an area and make it so the natural resonances can't be felt or detected, the closer to the source they go the harder it will be come to see the fallen world as it is. In here they will be walking without their unseen senses.

Witch finds her way to the a state of Jimmy Saville, no sign or plaque adds any detail of his crimes safe in the knowledge the monstrous acts are well known. But her senses need not see this poor wax covered animatronic she also studies the haze and as seems to be a repeating pattern with her she breaks through enough of the twisting, turning obfuscating stuff to feel the wave of corruption and nausea redouble in her gut this stuff hidden by itself from their supernal awareness is not real, it is not really from the abyss its lie ka dream of the abyss but the nature can be felt.

Asclepius takes the tour without mage sight and is so unhampered by the miasma he can't perceive. Winding his way through the exhibit out of sight of the others he comes across wax covered mannequins of

1. Sir Jimmy Saville


2. Chairman Mao


3. Malcolm X


4. Guy Fawkes


5. Genghis Khan


6. Saddam Hussein


7. Kray Twins


8. John Reginald Christie


9. Neville Heath


10. Adolf Hitler


11. Vlad the Impaler


12. Ned Kelly


13. Ruth Ellis

A few safe choices and a few controversial ones to be sure for a chamber of horrors. But is mundane senses do pick up on something, a gaggle of sleepers taking pictures rightfully disrespecting the fuhrer of the third Reich have pulled a pristine knife out of its scabbard on his waist and are cockily waving it around making jokes that cross the line into obscene about what it might have been used for.

[Skye]

Noticing the reaction of their none arrow, taking heed to be more careful there in the future.

A bit surprised that they both decided to come with her, true when seeing a clearer source of something that to her stood out, that was off so did she want to gather data. But also having expected that she would have to sneak after them.
”Yes thats right, and I want our gallant defender here to not miss out on the sights inside.”

Taking a deeper and deeper look, leaning in closer and closer to the stuff, fully using her small frame to its full advantage to make it easy for anyone close, anyone walking near her to slip her by or even miss someone so small. Cocking her head with a lightly puzzled look, this really was not her area, nor from what she knew of her fellow arrow was it his meaning she would hope that Morgan knew something.

Moving up to her side, making certain to not get into contact with her just share in looking at what she might be seeing as she speaks in a whispering voice.
”Do you know how to see the source of this? What actually brings it here or what it is truly emanating from, else I believe we have two choices back to our original plan I interrupted or try to find its depths. I do have some ideas but would like your input.”

An eye thrown to Asclepius, mainly making sure he was safe and to make sure she knew where he was.

Gear

cellphone, cash, archery glove on, light gloves covering her hands and fingers, knivesx2 (in purse), throwing knife x5 (in purse), purse, kevlar vest thin under shirt, zippo lighter, athletic running shoes, wooden coin necklace (dedicated tool).

Spells

Combo Organic Resilience and pulse of the living world (pot 6, armor 4)
Body Mastery +2 (pot 7)
Honing the form dexterity +4 (pot 8)
Night Sight 5
Sense life 5

Stats

Health: 8
Mana: 8
Defense: 2
Speed: 15
Initiative: 11
Willpower: 2/2 (usable)
Armor: 5/6 - bulletproof (Life: 4, Kevlar vest thin 1/2)
Spell tolerance: 5/3
Spell control: 5/6
Paradox spells cast: 0

[Witch]

Straightening from her observations, a small frown made a crease between her eyebrows and she gave a small shake of her head.


"They are just ... echoes. Memories." Witch answered, her frown still directed at the figure, at the miasma surrounding it, in front of her.


"I mean, obviously right?" she added with a forced chuckle, "Wax figures. It's in the title." And her tone shifted, clearly no longer talking about the wax figures, but using them as a decoy word. But they're really good- whoever the artist is. They managed to give such an ... air of reality that you really have to look close to see that it isn't really the person, just an echo of it."


"I think you were right. We should see if we can find the artist behind all this awesome ... work." Looking around for their third member to see if he found anything else or was similarly ready to return to the outside and subsequently the staff.

Equipment & Stuff

Backpack, phone, notepad, writing bag. Multitool & sample collecting kit.
Willpower

[Asclepius]

Glancing between the Wax figures and taking not of each of them, he internally names the ones he knows off in his head. Some of them hard not to know due to their history and some only known because of his schooling. He gave the tent the respect it deserved with a look of mild frustration at each figure, casting his mind to offer his condolences in his mind to their respective victims. None of which personally effected anyone he knew, but to him it did not matter, the remembrance is what distances the us of today from them of the past.

With this in mind, he could barely contain himself when his pauses of thoughts and sightseeing of the wax figures was constantly interrupted by the gaggle of rude Sleepers. Of course of all the ones to make fun of and laugh and joke with....number 10. He gave a moment to hope one of them came to their senses, but alas such brain function was not possible it seemed. He decided that someone needed to say something, if not anyone else then it was himself. A loud whistle rang out in the tent an attempt to draw the attention of the sleepers. “Now I am one for messing around when suitable, and while this is a place of fun and entertainment, it does not give you the right to perform this tomfoolery in this indecent manner. Have some dam respect for those that lost their lives to that vicious man, surely your elders would be disgusted by your actions.... I suggest you return the knife before I go and get an employee to escort you out of the Carnival.” His face at first seemed that of mild annoyance but as he continued showed more frustration and outrage at their actions.

failure

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2024-10-08 13:30:08	Asclepius rolls 2 to Intimidation (Manipulation 3 + Intimidation -1) (10 Again)	3, 7	failure

The words seeming come off more anger then coherent as he speaks.

[ReubanBrightwood]

Wrapped up in the haze only supernal senses can perceive Skye and Witch cannot see Asclepius as he has ventured further into the attraction through the very real veils and curtains designed and placed to block lines of sight, to increase the sense of claustrophobia to make it tighter and darker and and less comfortable. This is not a place glorifying the villains of history but a place to grasp the wisps of their reputations and spark the dark disgust of the imagination. They so close to the entrance do make way for others entering, a very certain sub group of people either overly excited, or noticeably uncomfortable. The choice facing the arrow and the guardian now is do they venture to seek to find which of the twirling paths their fellow has traversed or do they head out and try and locate the mastermind behind the show?

wits + investigation -2 to find Asclepius in the maze

The arrow himself confronts the disrespectful youths, coming off rather more like a disappointed gentleman then any kind of authority figure, his choice of vernacular clearly at odds with audience he seeks to influence. The youths engage in what can only be described as a display of the highest dishonour demonstrating for all to see clear their utter lack of both empathy and respect.

Until it escalates. "Oh yeah and what if I don't who cares it's just a knife they can get another." the particular pertinent and infuriatingly arrogant tones of the one holding the knife, tightly, to tightly, his knuckles are white. "What are you going to do, make me?" To gales of false laughter from his hoodlum companions at the expense of the lone arrow. Others who approach to see what lies around this corner back off or turn around as they realise a confrontation is taking place and want nothing to do with it.

All mages who remain in the tent in their next post need to make a resolve+Gnosis roll

[Skye]

Letting her eyes slowly wander over the statue closest to them, careful to not let her sight linger upon it.
”That does sound like the art they were going for dying as it is but” taking in a silent rapid glance of the statue ”you are indeed right. Whomever created these did do a splendid job of it.”

Nodding at her as she looks through the haze for their third friend, but clearly seeing that searching for him will most likely not yield more than getting them further spread apart.
”Ill text our gallant knight, had hoped we would see well something more in here.”

Grabbing her phone as she sneaks outside with a rapid text to Asclepius.

We΄re done, waiting by the front entrance to the tent. Need me/us to come to you or are you ready to carry on?

Gear

cellphone, cash, archery glove on, light gloves covering her hands and fingers, knivesx2 (in purse), throwing knife x5 (in purse), purse, kevlar vest thin under shirt, zippo lighter, athletic running shoes, wooden coin necklace (dedicated tool).

Spells

Combo Organic Resilience and pulse of the living world (pot 6, armor 4)
Body Mastery +2 (pot 7)
Honing the form dexterity +4 (pot 8)
Night Sight 5
Sense life 5

Stats

Health: 8
Mana: 8
Defense: 2
Speed: 15
Initiative: 11
Willpower: 2/2 (usable)
Armor: 5/6 - bulletproof (Life: 4, Kevlar vest thin 1/2)
Spell tolerance: 5/3
Spell control: 5/6
Paradox spells cast: 0

[Witch]

Witch was fine with following Skye out, less fine with leaving Asclepius in, but at least this way it was a 2 & 1 versus full three way split.

Outside she scanned the area, a double check to make sure that the Ringmaster hadn't concluded his break and was back to promoting while they waited for a response from Asclepius.

Equipment & Stuff

Backpack, phone, notepad, writing bag. Multitool & sample collecting kit.
Willpower

[Asclepius]

He could feel the tension around, no other sleeper wanting to get involved and who could blame them. This was a classic case of someone who thought themselves too big with a weapon in their hand. Appealing to their better nature and the treat of an authority figure had seemingly failed, no doubt this sleeper was not disciplined enough as a child for them to act in such a way. “Oh I see you for what you are now, another poor person ruined by a lack of morals instilled into them as a growing child, and now you run amok thinking your a big boy because you have a knife to play with...” He felt the buzz in his pocket, and he reached for the phone before he continued. “...What am I going to do you ask? Nothing, My years of being a paramedic have taught me that you are not special. I have attended many scenes of people like you, thinking they are the big men, and where did it get them? Bleeding out in the back of my ambulances with a knife sticking out of their guts. I suspect your ignorance to not pay heed to my words and I have better places to be... so I will no doubt see you again when you pull this crap in front of the wrong person.”


He turned and read the text on his phone from his ally.

No problem, I am making my way out now. Assuming these troublesome sleepers don't stop me.

He continued his way out of the tent, but he listened intently for the distinct sounds of a rapidly approaching person from the rear. Years of being in London and Knife crime being one of the highest he knew to keep an ear out when turning his back on someone he knew had a weapon.

4 successes

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2024-10-11 14:54:48	Asclepius rolls 5 to Perception (Wits 2 + Comp 3) (10 Again)	10, 1, 5, 9, 10, 6, 9	4 successes