Adventure! RPG: Adventures of the Mystical and Mundane - IC

[Alex Green]

The Ophidian turns his full gaze upon Adam Trooper, seeming to bore a hole through his Soul.,,

"Not rare, Misster Trooper. Merely beyond your noticsse."

Adam opens his mouth to reply then appearently thinks better of it.

He reads the contract, then signs.

[Blade90]

Marcus was quiet during most of this time. He was obviously surprised himself when the Ophidian removed his glasses, but in the end says nothing to that either. He would again just stare a moment before bringing his attention to the conversations. He listens, and thinks, but seems to have little to add himself at the moment. Then when the contracts are offered, he would take one and make sure to read it over carefully, but eventually he signs it as well.

[Jeremiah]

Odo reads over his contract quickly and carefully, finally signing it and sliding it back across the table with a nod.

[Shade Sentinel]

The man with the strange iron latch mask, walks around the table and collects the signatures of those present. He walks back to Algreto and hands them to him. Once his task is completed, he stands by the closed door.

"Welcome to the Pandora Garbage company.' Algreto's toothy grin shining again, his lightly stained teeth are very straight. "Now that the technicalities are out of the way, may I escort you to your transportation to the airstrip. We have work to do."

The agents by the door open it and escort the group up the tunnels back out into the chilling afternoon. The roar of the crowd, seemingly numbed by the conversation and board room, rush back to assault your ears. Holding their coats tight, the agents, lead by Algreto, move out of the stadium. Towards the rear area of the stadium, just before the ground turns to grass and snow and slush, is a rock walkway that leads to a fenced in area. Moving to the center of the column Algreto fetches a set of keys from his pocket and unlocks the gate.

"Agents, what you are about to see, is what we call classified. Meaning, its for your eyes only. Do not talk about it, do not write about it, to anyone...ever." The emphasis in his speech is not threatening, but merely factual. With that he pushes the gates open and leads the column to a set of large wooden doors, similar to hangar of sorts. Algreto haults the group about 10 yards shy of the doors as the other two agents move to either side to open the massive doors. They open outward and with ease. Inside the hangar resides dozens of automobiles, and one...thing.

The thing could best be described as a metal blimp. Its not as large as Zeppelin, more like a third the size. It fits nicely and neatly in rear of this massive hangar. Several people are milling about in the room with clipboards and jumpsuits, moving around like they have a purpose. Algreto walks you inside, passing all the cars heading towards the aluminum blimp.

"We're calling it an Airstream. It doesn't fly, but is modeled after they Zeppelin as you may have guessed. It is mobile though, can be moved virutally anywhere via car or horse." As you get closer, you notice it has wheels. "This is our mobile command center in this area. In this hanger, and this Airstream, you will find tools and equipment from firearms, to medical kits. Your drivers will take you to the airstrip and you will be airborne in no more than one hour. So spend your time wisely. If you're interested in anything...special, talk to Dr. Chase, she is inside unit. It has been a pleasure meeting you all, I will make sure you have all your directives for this case before you leave. Good luck.'

[Jeremiah]

The agents by the door open it and escort the group up the tunnels back out into the chilling afternoon. The roar of the crowd, seemingly numbed by the conversation and board room, rush back to assault your ears. Holding their coats tight, the agents, lead by Algreto, move out of the stadium. Towards the rear area of the stadium, just before the ground turns to grass and snow and slush, is a rock walkway that leads to a fenced in area. Moving to the center of the column Algreto fetches a set of keys from his pocket and unlocks the gate.

"Agents, what you are about to see, is what we call classified. Meaning, its for your eyes only. Do not talk about it, do not write about it, to anyone...ever." The emphasis in his speech is not threatening, but merely factual. With that he pushes the gates open and leads the column to a set of large wooden doors, similar to hangar of sorts. Algreto haults the group about 10 yards shy of the doors as the other two agents move to either side to open the massive doors. They open outward and with ease. Inside the hangar resides dozens of automobiles, and one...thing.

"We're calling it an Airstream. It doesn't fly, but is modeled after they Zeppelin as you may have guessed. It is mobile though, can be moved virutally anywhere via car or horse." As you get closer, you notice it has wheels. "This is our mobile command center in this area. In this hanger, and this Airstream, you will find tools and equipment from firearms, to medical kits. Your drivers will take you to the airstrip and you will be airborne in no more than one hour. So spend your time wisely. If you're interested in anything...special, talk to Dr. Chase, she is inside unit. It has been a pleasure meeting you all, I will make sure you have all your directives for this case before you leave. Good luck.'

Odo follows along, lagging a little bit behind, content to focus on his cigar without making conversation. He looks around as the group walks outside and then finally discards the smoking nub in his mouth while they wait at the fence. Odo takes in everything in the hangar, trying to get a feel for what everyone is doing as they run around.

When Algreto is done talking, Odo nods and shakes the mans hand, "Thank you very much"

Odo then immediately sets off to look for some useful items. He would take a large amount of medical supplies and tools, adding them to his back, with an eye out for anything particularly advanced or nice as well as anything that he may be running low on. He also searches out two more knives, a large one which goes on his belt and a smaller one for his shoe. Finally, he hunts down a shaving kit.

[tooho]

Having been intrigued by the Ophidian's appearance, Nadya kept her own countanence as she flips through the photographs of the mauled body. Regret and sympathy pass over her face but she says nothing.

Listening to the debates and minor arguments around her, she sits back in her chair and reflects on the depth of the cutting on the body, the location, and even the position of the remains. Finally drawn back into the conversation as the contract slides in front of her, Nadya signs in eloquent penmanship after a single glance at each page.

-----

Browsing the equipment as the others branch off, Nadya peruses the medical supplies. Taking a first aid bag, and as many swabs and bandages as fit, she smiles a bit at Odo. "Never know when they willl come in handy, no?" Making sure a suture kit is packed with the thread and needle, the ebony-haired woman turns towards the weapons a little distastefully.

She picks up knife, looks at it a bit, but its obvious it's not her style. Picking up a slim, but lethally sharp silver dagger, she slides it up the sleeve of her coat. She grabs a gun barely mindfully of what, and ammunition. "Not that it'll do any good," she mutters. "Always miss the dubiina target. What else?... Matches." Grabbing handfulls of the long stemmed matches and hiding them about herself in the pockets of the fluffy fur, she smiles like a kid with a new toy.

[Jeremiah]

Browsing the equipment as the others branch off, Nadya peruses the medical supplies. Taking a first aid bag, and as many swabs and bandages as fit, she smiles a bit at Odo. "Never know when they willl come in handy, no?" Making sure a suture kit is packed with the thread and needle, the ebony-haired woman turns towards the weapons a little distastefully.

She picks up knife, looks at it a bit, but its obvious it's not her style. Picking up a slim, but lethally sharp silver dagger, she slides it up the sleeve of her coat. She grabs a gun barely mindfully of what, and ammunition. "Not that it'll do any good," she mutters. "Always miss the dubiina target. What else?... Matches." Grabbing handfulls of the long stemmed matches and hiding them about herself in the pockets of the fluffy fur, she smiles like a kid with a new toy.

Odo looks at Nadya and blinks when she speaks to him, a bit caught off guard. Lost in his own thoughts, Odo was paying little attention to the others and he certainly didn't expect the mysterious Russian woman to be the one to address him.

"Ah...yes, yes indeed. They always seem to come in handy more often than one thinks. Unfortunately."

Watches the Russian woman for a moment, a strange look on his face, confusion mixed with other emotions. He follows behind, grabbing a pack of matches as well, along with flint and any small piece of wood he can get his hands on.

Satisfied with what he has (for now), Odo searches out a mirror, a chair, and a place to get a little water. Without worrying about calling attention to himself, he sits down and removes his suit, stripping down to just his undershirt. His huge arms and body are now fully on display, his muscles ripple unnaturally under skin that seems a bit too tight as he reaches to his belt and takes out his long kinfe. Then, one at a time, he grabs hold of one the thick braids growing out of his head and cuts it off as close to the scalp as possible. Running a hand through his now short, and very uneven hair, he sighs once in the mirror.

"Forgive me..."

Taking the straight razor from the shaving kit he begins to shave his head, using only a bit of water. After a few minutes he is finished, leaving him with a bald, but bumpy, head. Getting near him at all reveals the bumps to be large scars that have healed long ago, but are still raised and criss cross his head. His arms bear similar scars although not as raised, so they are not as evident to those far away.

Odo wipes down his head and neck with his hand and redresses himself. He picks up the long braids and stairs at them for a moment before stowing them away in his bag. He then sits down, takes out a small leather bound journal and pencil and begins to write. He'll stay this way until they leave unless something of note happens or someone engages him in conversation.

[tooho]

Watches the Russian woman for a moment, a strange look on his face, confusion mixed with other emotions. He follows behind, grabbing a pack of matches as well, along with flint and any small piece of wood he can get his hands on.

Aware of the confusion, Nadya smiles politely, holds out a single match far from any source of fire, takes a breath then the match lights itself. Gently blowing it out, she watches Odo's actions thinking how ritualistic they seem as she turns to see what Dr. Chase might have.

[SkyLion]

After the meeting, The Ophidian walks back to the entrance road, where his Rolls Royce Phantom is idling softly. Leaning against the sleek exterior is his right hand man, puffing on a Nat Sherman. Malcolm stands up easily at his employer's approach.

,,

"Everything on the level Boss?"

,,

"Sso it would seem."

,,

"So where to?"

,,

"Georgia. But firsst, we must retrieve a few items from home."

,,

The Ophidian arrives at the airfield on the minute of the hour. From his estate he had collected a few various tomes regarding the subjects of lycanthropy, demonic possesion, tectonic entities as well as his venerable copy of Tobin's Spirit Guide.

,,

In selecting his armaments he brings along the Taipan, a Death Adder, and several young Copperhead vipers (the Tiger snake was due to feed within the next day and would remain sluggish for the next week) which reside on his person, some visible and some concealed.

,,

He also brings along a silver plated gladius. It had been recovered from the ruins of a remote Roman outpost in northern Africa near the remains of ancient Carthage. Also, a ceremonial banishing dagger, and several flasks of holy water.

,,

His serpentine cadeucus cane did not in fact conceal a blade, as he considered such tomfoolery to be both embarrasingly obvious and exceedingly gauche. It was custom however in the fact that the hardened Oak concelaed a full tang, from pommel to tip should there be a need to block an assailent with haste.

,,

Malcolm brings along a high powered hunting rifle with scope, several handguns, 2 shotguns with both conventional and silver shot, and a Thompson machine gun.

[Blade90]

Marcus would quietly head out with everyone to the hanger, and then after they enter he looks about at the verious things there, obviously rather impressed. Still, he says little as Mr. Algreto gives his instructions, and then nods when he finishes before heaing over to look at the things available.

First Marcus would look over the various firearms there, and if they had a better quality pistol than the one he already had, he would take one as well as get some ammunition and put it in the inner pockets of his coat.

She grabs a gun barely mindfully of what, and ammunition. "Not that it'll do any good," she mutters. "Always miss the dubiina target. What else?... Matches."

Marcus turns to Nadya when she says this, smiling lightly. "Well, better safe than sorry as the old saying goes. Best to be prepaired for anything, considering those pictures." Marcus then would head over to where the rifles were stored, picking one out and getting ammunition for it as well. As he just said, better safe than sorry. From the looks of things they may well need a little more firepower than just some pistols.

Aware of the confusion, Nadya smiles politely, holds out a single match far from any source of fire, takes a breath then the match lights itself. Gently blowing it out, she watches Odo's actions thinking how ritualistic they seem as she turns to see what Dr. Chase might have.

After picking out a rifle, Marcus would turn his attention to Odo for a moment, but his attention is quickly pulled back to Nadya when the match she was holding seems to ignite all by itself. He'd pause a moment, just watching, then gradually smiles again as he starts to follow her over to where Dr. Chase was, simply saying "Should I even ask?" before also turning his attention to the things Dr. Chase had, and if he didnt see anything of the sort, he would ask if they had any portable camera equipment.

[Shade Sentinel]

Those of you who head in to the Airstream to meet with Dr. Chase are greeted by a woman with striking red hair pulled tight into a pony tail, red square rimmed glasses and a white lab coat. She appears to be in her late twenties early thirties and has that sexy nerd mystique that fits the stereotype.

"Good afternoon, I trust that you have been informed as to what you're up against. Hopefully I can tailor things for you that will be useful in the field. For this particular mission I have rigged up these goggles. They are quite remarkable actually. They may look cumbersome, but trust me this is small in comparrison to the originals. I got them down to roughly 10 lbs, or 4.63 kg depending on conversion types. Heh' The goggles she holds up for inspection are not much different then you would find attached to a deep see diving bell. The lenses are wide and shaped as one giant oval of thick glass, inside is a yellowish fluid that seems to swish as she handles them. There are various small tubes that run from the goggles to a modified satchel pack.

"The power pack here is the energy source and is good enough for about 15 minutes of use or say 10 minutes straight. The pack heats the ether in the lenses and when you look through the heated liquit, it illuminates the entire area of vision including, various eminations which are difficult to detect otherwise. Scents, liquids, oozes things of this nature. It may not seem like much now, but trust me when you use them its incredible.' Dr. Chase puts them down on a tray next to a few other devices that appear to be in pieces or various stages of construction.

"These others should be done within a few days. Feel free to take the goggles, and good luck out there.'

((Anyone who wants to include them in the inventory may do so. There is one pair of ether goggles.))

((All equipment that you seek is in this area. Anything within reason up to resources 3 in the way of medical supplies, weapons, etc. Sorry no jetpacks or rocket launchers...for those see the Ophidian :-P ))

[Jeremiah]

Odo writes intently in his journal, oblivious to everyone around him. After fifteen minutes he looks up, realizing he doesn't see any of his new co workers. Standing and putting the journal in his back pocket, he lifts up his satchel and looks around the large room. Being so tall affords him a certain amount of ease in searching a crowd, but he still isn't able to find anyone. He looks at the Airstream and walks towards it, ducking inside the door, finding the rest of the group.

He catches the end of Dr. Chase's explanation of the goggles. He stares at them for a moment until he realizes no one else is making a move to take them. Picking them up, he examines them for a few minutes, looking through them without turning them on. Although he feels competently prepared for the journey with what he picked up outside, he slowly browses through the equipment in the trailer. He'll take any sort of medical supplies that might not have been outside as well as (more discreetly) poking around for any sorts of useful chemicals (anything that could be used as a poison...?).

After picking through things for a few minutes, Odo is ready to go.

[Shade Sentinel]

Three cars speed from the warehouse, filled with loads of gear and the new fellowship as passengers. Though snow and ice cover almost everything, and the wind howls awfully, you have a relatively easy passage. As you near the airstrip, a large passenger looking plane is there with its propellers spinning vigorously.

As the cars arrive, they note a Rolls Royce Phantom sitting idly nearby. The luggage is stowed by the crew as you are all hastily seated and stationed aboard the plane to head out into the awful weather. The idea is that perhaps you should not fly in these conditions, but pilot won't hear of it, he thinks that this breeze will blow over once you're airborne.

***

[tooho]

Loading Up

Marcus turns to Nadya when she says this, smiling lightly. "Well, better safe than sorry as the old saying goes. Best to be prepaired for anything, considering those pictures." Marcus then would head over to where the rifles were stored, picking one out and getting ammunition for it as well. As he just said, better safe than sorry. From the looks of things they may well need a little more firepower than just some pistols.

Nodding, Nadya looks contemplative but merely shrugs. "There are other ways."

After picking out a rifle, Marcus would turn his attention to Odo for a moment, but his attention is quickly pulled back to Nadya when the match she was holding seems to ignite all by itself. He'd pause a moment, just watching, then gradually smiles again as he starts to follow her over to where Dr. Chase was, simply saying "Should I even ask?" before also turning his attention to the things Dr. Chase had, and if he didnt see anything of the sort, he would ask if they had any portable camera equipment.

Dimples appear but she tries to keep her calm demeaner. "Never ask a question for which you do not wish to know the answer." She slides the burnt match back into her pocket. "I am not one who enjoys... flying. The gods gave me no wings."

-------

Dr. Chase's Wonder Emporium and the Great Blue Yonder

Nadya looks intrigued by the goggles but settles for a few extra suture kits before turning to leave. Checking to make sure her bag arrives safely and her luggage is stored in the vehicle before she seats herself.

Nadya's blue eyes stare apprehensively at the 'metal bird' as the passengers alight from the automobiles. As the blustery wind pulls at her hair and jacket, she makes a quick protection sign, but keeps pace with the others entering the plane.

She'll take her seat, trying to unobtrusively sit nearest an exit. She'll buckle immediately and sit staring straight forward. Dark blue eyes stare unseeing as her lips move quietly. Chanting prayerlike gaelic whispers around her, seeming to give her comfort until finally she'll quiet down and ignore her misgivings even if the pilot isn't as wise. "May his soul rot in Abbaddon for all eternity does this plane take me to my death."

[SkyLion]

As the other vehicles make their approach, an imposing looking (although not quite as imposing as Odo) man of color exits the driver's seat of the Rolls. Dressed equally impeccable although less stylistically as his employer he makes his way around the car to open the door for his passenger.

Exiting into the wind-chilled bite of the evening air, The Ophidian pulls his hat a bit lower to shield himself from the icy assault. After whispering something briefly to the large man, the latter returns to the limosine and parks it in a nearby hanger before returning. The man boards the plane first and inspects the passenger compartment for several minutes before signaling that it is safe to board.

***

Taking a seat directly across from Nadya, The Ophidian smiles with a vageuly predatory grin at her muttered prayers and threatening curse. In a near-whisper he intones,

"And lo, the Locusts which arose from the Earth at the sounding of the Fifth trumpet; they had a king over them, which is the Angel of the Abyss, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is 'Abaddon', but in the Greek tongue hath his name 'Apollyon'."

He looks at her with his one "good" eye while the other merely stares with a cold serpentine malice.

"I ssee you payed due attention in Sunday school Misss Cinaed. Tell me...what else do you know of the Bottomless Pit, and That which dwells within...?"

,,

From the sleeve of The Ophidian's jacket, a young copperhead had cautiously ventured forth and was now slowly making it's way down his thigh. It raised it's head several inches off that well-dressed knee and flicked the air with it's tongue at the Russian woman, echoing it's master's curiosity.

,,

[Jeremiah]

Odo stops outside the plane, staring at it for a moment. He was no stranger to flying, but had no love for it either. Not that he would ever show these new people. He hikes up his bag on his shoulder and squeezes himself through the door on the plane. After a bit of wrangling, he fits himself in one of the seats and simply stares straight forward. He is determined not to show his discomfort on the plane and pays no mind to the chanted prayers or the suddenly appearing snake nearby.

[Blade90]

Nodding, Nadya looks contemplative but merely shrugs. "There are other ways."

Marcus shrugs to this. "I never said there wasn't. Just said better safe than sorry. Believe me, I prefer to keep the violance to a minimum myself when possible."

Dimples appear but she tries to keep her calm demeaner. "Never ask a question for which you do not wish to know the answer." She slides the burnt match back into her pocket. "I am not one who enjoys... flying. The gods gave me no wings."

Marcus chuckles at her first comment. "Well thats the whole point of the question. Im not sure if I want to know or not. Or was that your way of saying I dont want to know?" Then when she remarks about not enjoying flying, his smile fades a little and he nods. "Well.......I can certainly understand why some people feel that way. But try not to worry. I've flown several times now, and as you can see, Im still just fine."

Then when they get to Dr. Chase, Marcus listens with a slight bit of interest as she describes the goggles, and once she finishes, he would ask if he could try them out. And if allowed, he would activate the goggles and put them on before taking a moment to look around the room. When he takes them off though, he wouldnt really seem all that impressed, and puts themaway until Odo arrives, at which point he would describe their effect to him, if Dr. Chase doesnt do so first, and tells him he could take them, as it didnt seem like Nadya was very interested either. Then he would ask Dr. Chase if she had any decently portable camera equipment. If so, he would gather it and pack it up, and if not he would just head to the car that would take them to the air field.

Once at the air field, Marcus gets out of the car, looking over and then entering the plane calmly. As he had already mentioned, he has flown a few times before, and hedidnt really mind it. He typically even rather enjoyed it. The bad weither was a light concern, but Marcus figures they might as well just trust the pilot. So he would just settle himself in one of the seats and sit himself back. Then he would simply listen to the conversation between Nadya and Ophidian, and eyes the copperhead that comes out of Ophidians Jacket. The guy was creepy, but Marcus figured he might as well do his best to get used to it, as it seemed they would be working together now.

[Shade Sentinel]

The snow assaulted the metal plane as it soared through the afternoon sky. The ride was extremely loud with the roaring of the engines, though relatively comfortable. The wicker seats had cushions and there were plenty of blankets available to battle the cold temperature. Hours later, just before 9pm the Ford Tri-motor touches down outside of Milledgeville Georgia. When the plan comes to a rest, the pilot moves back through the plane to the rear door and opens it.

"Told the lot o' you. We'd make it with out a fuss..." His words are slurred a bit as if he'd been drinking.

As the door drops open, the warm humid air rushes through the plane in a nearly offensive manner.

"Ooo. Its gonna be warm tomorrow I'll bet." The pilot muses a bit to Odo, who happens to be the closest to the door. The smell of some type of alcohol wafts at him.

Moments after the door is flung open, several men in jumpsuits are at the rear of the plane with steps as they help offload you and your things.

They all take a wide eyed look at Odo, and give him an extremely clear path. Outside the plane, are 1 police vehicle and two horse carts. The carts have benches in them and room for luggage. Several policemen are standing in a single line to for a semi circle around the side of the plane the party exits from. It appears they are trying to impress the group...perhaps. The first one to speak is a man in his late 70's by the look of him

"Good afternoon ya'll. Welcome to Georgia! Names Deacon, I'm the Sheriff o' Baldwin county. Ya'll come this way and my men'll give ya'll a hand to the carts. From here we'll take ya'll to the scene o' the crime fer ye investigain'." He looses a wad of spit into the dirt at his feet as he wipes the dirty sweat from his face. His eyes widen a bit, as do the others as Odo gets off the plane.

"Well now, don't ya'll have yourselves one monstrous nigger." The others laugh a bit at that.

[Jeremiah]

As the door drops open, the warm humid air rushes through the plane in a nearly offensive manner.

"Ooo. Its gonna be warm tomorrow I'll bet." The pilot muses a bit to Odo, who happens to be the closest to the door. The smell of some type of alcohol wafts at him.

Moments after the door is flung open, several men in jumpsuits are at the rear of the plane with steps as they help offload you and your things.

They all take a wide eyed look at Odo, and give him an extremely clear path. Outside the plane, are 1 police vehicle and two horse carts. The carts have benches in them and room for luggage. Several policemen are standing in a single line to for a semi circle around the side of the plane the party exits from. It appears they are trying to impress the group...perhaps. The first one to speak is a man in his late 70's by the look of him

"Good afternoon ya'll. Welcome to Georgia! Names Deacon, I'm the Sheriff o' Baldwin county. Ya'll come this way and my men'll give ya'll a hand to the carts. From here we'll take ya'll to the scene o' the crime fer ye investigain'." He looses a wad of spit into the dirt at his feet as he wipes the dirty sweat from his face. His eyes widen a bit, as do the others as Odo gets off the plane.

"Well now, don't ya'll have yourselves one monstrous nigger." The others laugh a bit at that.

Odo nods at the pilot as the humid air rushes over him. He sniffs the air once or twice as he stands up.

"Yes, I do believe you are correct. But it is as they say, it is not the heat that will get you...it is the humidity."

Odo shoulders his bag and steps out of the plane, ignoring the looks given to him by the men in jumpsuits. He stops in front of the semi circle and listens to the sheriff speak, ignoring the slur. He stares at the sheriff with half-lidded dead eyes and his eyes sweep the group of them as they laugh, his eyes never opening fully or warming. From their appearance he is not impressed...definitely.

[Alex Green]

Loading up.

From the equipment locker Adam examines then picks out a pair of hand guns, a pair of high powered rifles with scopes, a seperate telescope, a pair of shot guns, a machine gun, plenty of ammo and a pair of knives. Then he gets carrying cases for everything. Observing his fellows packing medical equipment he doesn't bother with more than the minimal. Looking over everything he notes the one thing that's missing and sighs.

Adam says, "The one thing missing here is lots of loose cash. Bribe money to open doors and loosen tongues."

Those of you who head in to the Airstream to meet with Dr. Chase are greeted by a woman with striking jet black hair pulled tight into a pony tail, red square rimmed glasses and a white lab coat. She appears to be in her late twenties early thirties and has that sexy nerd mystique that fits the stereotype.

::blush *Well now.I

Adam gives Dr. Chase a big smile, which she misses, and he shrugs and goes back to gathering equipment.

"The power pack here is the energy source and is good enough for about 15 minutes of use or say 10 minutes straight. The pack heats the ether in the lenses and when you look through the heated liquit, it illuminates the entire area of vision including, various eminations which are difficult to detect otherwise. Scents, liquids, oozes things of this nature. It may not seem like much now, but trust me when you use them its incredible.' Dr. Chase puts them down on a tray next to a few other devices that appear to be in pieces or various stages of construction.

"These others should be done within a few days. Feel free to take the goggles, and good luck out there.'

Adam says,

"Thank you Doctor."

The Air Trip

Adam enters the plane without discomfort, he's done this before. Then he mostly sits back and observes his fellow. Finally he nods towards the Ophidian's snake and asks,

"How often do they bite you?"

Moments after the door is flung open, several men in jumpsuits are at the rear of the plane with steps as they help offload you and your things.

They all take a wide eyed look at Odo, and give him an extremely clear path. Outside the plane, are 1 police vehicle and two horse carts. The carts have benches in them and room for luggage. Several policemen are standing in a single line to for a semi circle around the side of the plane the party exits from. It appears they are trying to impress the group...perhaps. The first one to speak is a man in his late 70's by the look of him

"Good afternoon ya'll. Welcome to Georgia! Names Deacon, I'm the Sheriff o' Baldwin county. Ya'll come this way and my men'll give ya'll a hand to the carts. From here we'll take ya'll to the scene o' the crime fer ye investigain'." He looses a wad of spit into the dirt at his feet as he wipes the dirty sweat from his face. His eyes widen a bit, as do the others as Odo gets off the plane.

"Well now, don't ya'll have yourselves one monstrous nigger." The others laugh a bit at that.

Adam reflects, *Ah yes, the more things change, the more they stay the same. And of course these are the locals and our guides.*

Adam glances at Odo to see how he takes this, but he'll ignore it if Odo will.

Adam answers,

"Good. Have there been any more deaths or other developments?"

[SkyLion]

The Air Trip

Adam enters the plane without discomfort, he's done this before. Then he mostly sits back and observes his fellow. Finally he nods towards the Ophidian's snake and asks,

"How often do they bite you?"

,,

Without moving his head, the Serpent's Eye looks sidelong at Adam.

,,

"Never. They recognizsse their own..."

,,

The Copperhead spirals its way up The Ohidian's arm and burrows back under his scarf to the join the others.

,,

He turns his head to face Adam with a genuine curiosity.

,,

'And what makes you special, Misster Trooper? Why have you been selected for our little jaunt?"

[Shade Sentinel]

Adam reflects, *Ah yes, the more things change, the more they stay the same. And of course these are the locals and our guides.*

Adam glances at Odo to see how he takes this, but he'll ignore it if Odo will.

Adam answers,"Good. Have there been any more deaths or other developments?"

Deacon's interest in Odo is quickly replaced as Adam speaks at him. "None, te' be honest. We have a pretty clean crime scene fer ya'll. Everything has been left alone as your office requested. The area is quite ripe, believe you me...but is as we found it."

He motions to the vehicles.

"Ya'll can head with me and I can take ye straight there or to lodgings so you can freshen up...if that is needed. Make sure to keep a leash on your colored friend there. The locals may not be too friendly towards him."

He and the other men escort you to the wagons and help you load all your gear. Once loaded, they pull away towards town.

[Alex Green]

Without moving his head, the Serpent's Eye looks sidelong at Adam. He turns his head to face Adam with a genuine curiosity.,,

'And what makes you special, Misster Trooper? Why have you been selected for our little jaunt?"

Adam says,

"Me? Oh, experience I would imagine. I've travelled the world, speak a number of languages, know many cultures and customs, that sort of thing. Lot's of varied experience. I know how to use a bow, ride a horse, bandage a wound, navigate a boat, run a bar, and I can drink any two men under the table. I'm hell on wheels in a bar fight and swing a truly mean fist. Most important at the moment is I've hunted and tracked big game and I'm pretty good at it."

Adam pauses, frowns, then continues,

"And our lives might be on the line here, right. OK, let's expand on that. I'm one of those modern day warriors he was talking about. I've had extensive millitary training and small unit combat experience. I'm expert with guns and knives and way beyond that with swords."

[Alex Green]

Deacon's interest in Odo is quickly replaced as Adam speaks at him. "None, te' be honest. We have a pretty clean crime scene fer ya'll. Everything has been left alone as your office requested. The area is quite ripe, believe you me...but is as we found it."

He motions to the vehicles.

"Ya'll can head with me and I can take ye straight there or to lodgings so you can freshen up...if that is needed. Make sure to keep a leash on your colored friend there. The locals may not be too friendly towards him."

He and the other men escort you to the wagons and help you load all your gear. Once loaded, they pull away towards town.

Adam says, to everyone,

"I think we need to see the crime sceen first thing. We'll probably need to freshen up after that anyway."

[Jeremiah]

Adam says, to everyone,

"I think we need to see the crime sceen first thing. We'll probably need to freshen up after that anyway."

"Freshen up implies we might stay for an extended period..."

Odo takes a few steps towards the sheriff, his half lidded eyes locked on him with a steely gaze.

"...And I have no desire to stay here a moment longer than need be. Lead us to the crime scene, Deacon."

He spits the name out as if it is something distasteful and takes one more step forward, still a few feet away from the man.

"I would also suggest that you may want to put a leash your locals instead. I'm afraid I'm feeling rather unfriendly myself, and I do believe you would have a mite easier time putting a leash on all of them than any of you would getting one around my neck."

Odo finally releases the sheriff from his cold stare, takes a deep breath, and adjusts the bag on his shoulder.

"But make no mistake. As distasteful as I might find your town, manner of speech, appearance and general behavior, I am here to help and find out what happened to that poor girl. Do not interfere with me and I will not interfere with you. Now that we understand each other, do lead on Sheriff..."

The big African extends one large hand as if to say 'lead the way.'

[Shade Sentinel]

Deacon regards Odo for a time, eventually surrendering to the massive mans piercing stare. Dropping his eyes to the dirt and then to the men at his side. "Ok boys, lets get em' to the scene and fast."

He turns and retreats to his automobile, clearly marked 'Sheriff'. Sitting behind the wheel he looks again to Odo and the strange mass of new arrivals, then turns to the road again and drives off.

The journey through the small town and into the woods surrounding Milledgville is hot and rough, but not all that long. Within the hour the smell of death and decay begin to waft into the noses of all who venture there. The woods are sparse enough to see deeply into them, but thick enough that madness could easily find you if left alone at night. The horses bellow their protest and stop several hundred feet shy of the clearly marked scene. A flash catches your attention as a photographer is busy at work capturing the gorey scene.

As you arrive, a few of the men hand out hankies to cover your face with.

The body looks peaceful in its state. lying on its left side, naked as the day it was born. Definitely female, definitely Caucasian, and as you approach...definitely deceased. The mess of blood and other internal bits are visible from nearly 20 feet. Blood covers the grass, with various splatters on surrounding trees and vegitation. No clothes or personal effects are immediately visible.

[attachmentid=357]

Within five feet you can clearly see that there are large 7-9 inch gashes about the front of the neck and in the sternum. They are clean cuts, or were had the not already begun to fester with insects and rot.

"This is how we found her. Nothing has been moved, that I know of. She was found by a couple of kids who live in town. They told their folks who told the Sheriff. We ain't never seen anything like this before." The statement is made plainly.

"What ya'll think did this?" He finishes with a deep gulp as he looks at you all.

[Blade90]

Marcus would remain mostly silent during the flight, even getting a little sleep in, but was awake and ready to depart by the time the plane landed.

Once they did land, Marcus would remain mostly silent as the sheriff talks, letting Adam do the talking as he seemed to be saying and asking everything Marcus would have. Marcus would sigh and shake his head however at the racist remarks, and was in fact about to suggest himself that the Sheriff keep a leash on the locals rather than asking them to keep one on Odo. Odo beats him to though, so Marcus just nods to his remark.

"Freshen up implies we might stay for an extended period..."

Odo takes a few steps towards the sheriff, his half lidded eyes locked on him with a steely gaze.

"...And I have no desire to stay here a moment longer than need be. Lead us to the crime scene, Deacon."

To this however Marcus would move to lightly put a hand on Odo's shoulder to get his attention, and then tells him "As much as I hate to say it, we will probably be here for a while. Investigations like this are rarely solved quickly. Believe me I know, I've been an investigator for several years now. So while I can understand your desire to leave, you should still be prepaired to 'stay for an extended period. Just thought I should let you know."

The journey through the small town and into the woods surrounding Milledgville is hot and rough, but not all that long. Within the hour the smell of death and decay begin to waft into the noses of all who venture there. The woods are sparse enough to see deeply into them, but thick enough that madness could easily find you if left alone at night. The horses bellow their protest and stop several hundred feet shy of the clearly marked scene. A flash catches your attention as a photographer is busy at work capturing the gorey scene.

Marcus would once again fall silent during the trip, unless of course he was asked any questions. His eyes would narrow thoughtfully as the smells start to reach his nose, and then when they reach the sight Marcus jumps down off the cart he was riding in and starts toward the scene, perhaps surprisingly not taking one of the hankies, but reguardless moves right up to begin looking the area over.

[SkyLion]

When the plane lands, The Ophidian puts his darkglasses on and pulls his brim low and his scarf high, in spite of the opressive Georgian heat. Malcolm, his assistant follows, a large and solid looking african american man. He is well dressed and possess a shrewd eye and level head. Neither men pay any attention to the racial slurs. In fact, they don't seem to regard the local officials at all...

,,

"This is how we found her. Nothing has been moved, that I know of. She was found by a couple of kids who live in town. They told their folks who told the Sheriff. We ain't never seen anything like this before." The statement is made plainly.

"What ya'll think did this?" He finishes with a deep gulp as he looks at you all.

,,

Upon arrival to the grisly scene The Ophidian regards it calmly, perhaps even coldly. When Deacon mentions the find of the body, The Ophidian speaks, allowing his diabolical presence to fall upon the hapless official.

,,

"There is something not right here, ssomething amisss. We were told the body was found in a tree...What is it that you are not telling us Sherriff?"

,,

{{Awareness and Investigations roll at the crime scene please, Intimidation roll for the good Deacon... ::sly }}

,,

[Alex Green]

At the crime scene Adam frowns but lets those he assumes have more 'modern' investigative skills take the point and waits till they're done to approach the body. He does a full 360 degree turn and tries to immagine how a big cat would behave, then he moves away from the crime scene and tries to look for tracks or marks on trees where it would have sharpened it's claws or the like.

"There is something not right here, ssomething amisss. We were told the body was found in a tree...What is it that you are not telling us Sherriff?"

Adam thinks, *Well, good. Someone else picked up on that.*

[Shade Sentinel]

Marcus would once again fall silent during the trip, unless of course he was asked any questions. His eyes would narrow thoughtfully as the smells start to reach his nose, and then when they reach the sight Marcus jumps down off the cart he was riding in and starts toward the scene, perhaps surprisingly not taking one of the hankies, but reguardless moves right up to begin looking the area over.

Un hindered by the scent of most certainly one in a long list of crime scenes, Marcus moves casually about the area but with a purpose. Crouching over the body, the wounds look like they were made from something powerful, though, they were not cut or carved into the skin...more like the skin was torn open. Bruising on the the forearms and thighs are in a split pattern that is instantly recognized as hand marks. The scary thing is, whatever did this has LARGE hands.

"There is something not right here, ssomething amisss. We were told the body was found in a tree...What is it that you are not telling us Sherriff?"

{{Awareness and Investigations roll at the crime scene please, Intimidation roll for the good Deacon... ::sly }}

Decaon stares at the Ophidian for a good second as if unable to move. The overpowering nature of his pressence was nearly unbearable. He managed to stammer a few words "We...we, aint got things like this happenin'....round these parts. Folks'd be scared if they...new it happ-" then falls silent, ensnared in the Ophidians grasp.

Staring at the scene, The serpentine eye is drawn to a large indent in the earth. What looks to be a foot print, of sorts, a size 20 at least. Its possible the Ophidian was mistaken, though, the eye does not make mistakes.

At the crime scene Adam frowns but lets those he assumes have more 'modern' investigative skills take the point and waits till they're done to approach the body. He does a full 360 degree turn and tries to immagine how a big cat would behave, then he moves away from the crime scene and tries to look for tracks or marks on trees where it would have sharpened it's claws or the like.

Adam thinks, *Well, good. Someone else picked up on that.*

Adam moves about the smells and gore trying to paint a picture of the scene with his mind. Moving to the trees he finds no defining marks or claw marks. Several branches though, have been broken off, a few stil haging barely. There is definate damage to a tree about ten feet up, where the majority of broken branches are. Something may have jumped up there...though he guesses that jump couldn't be made by more than 50 people in the world.

[Alex Green]

Adam moves about the smells and gore trying to paint a picture of the scene with his mind. Moving to the trees he finds no defining marks or claw marks. Several branches though, have been broken off, a few stil haging barely. There is definate damage to a tree about ten feet up, where the majority of broken branches are. Something may have jumped up there...though he guesses that jump couldn't be made by more than 50 people in the world.

Adam eyes the branches, looks back at the body, then decides this was a jump up rather than a jump down. Adam states,

"He landed there... and I think that's a jump up. He might have moved into the trees because it's harder to track him that way." Adam points to the tree... then starts to climb, being very careful to search for hair stuck to bark, blood, and that sort of thing.

Assuming he can climb up to the impact point, he uses that point to look for other tracks or tree signs. He'll mentally expand the level of athletics that the killer had in his mental view of what was possible.

[Jeremiah]

Odo quietly walks forward and observes the body. He bends over, giving it a thorough examination. He tries to determine how long it took the girl to die, if all of the wounds were made at the same time or over time, and tries to ascertain the cutting tool used-blade or claws. He carefully takes down all observations in his notebook, working methodically.

Afterwards he stands and makes increasingly large circles around the crime scene, examining ground and trees for any clues and evidence.

[Shade Sentinel]

Assuming he can climb up to the impact point, he uses that point to look for other tracks or tree signs. He'll mentally expand the level of athletics that the killer had in his mental view of what was possible.

Adam begins to scale the tree with relative ease as there are more than enough branches. When he reaches the point of impact visualized below, the damage to the tree is mostly bark and snapped branches. Something could have landed here, based on the angle of the branches the momentum definately came from below. Adam moves to continue his climb when his hand comes into contact with something that could only be described as gore. A small cluster of veiny, bloody, pulp was apparently splashed here; bits of hair still clinging to it. He easily follows the path up the tree as the broken branches and blood splotches, and smears go up much further. There is also something else up there, but from this angel Adam can't be sure.

Odo quietly walks forward and observes the body. He bends over, giving it a thorough examination. He tries to determine how long it took the girl to die, if all of the wounds were made at the same time or over time, and tries to ascertain the cutting tool used-blade or claws. He carefully takes down all observations in his notebook, working methodically. Afterwards he stands and makes increasingly large circles around the crime scene, examining ground and trees for any clues and evidence.

Odo's examination of the mutilated body reveals similar information as it did for Markus. The body's wounds were apparently torn into the body as opposed to cut or sliced open. The fringe of both wounds betray puncture wounds that could easily be rounded teeth, or even fingers. Odo's curiousity turns to something else entirely as he discovers that the body is missing various internal parts. Several glands have been removed through the tears.

A revolving search of the area reveals bloods splatters, and human hair caught on a few bits of grass and tree brush.

[Alex Green]

Adam begins to scale the tree with relative ease as there are more than enough branches. When he reaches the point of impact visualized below, the damage to the tree is mostly bark and snapped branches. Something could have landed here, based on the angle of the branches the momentum definately came from below. Adam moves to continue his climb when his hand comes into contact with something that could only be described as gore. A small cluster of veiny, bloody, pulp was apparently splashed here; bits of hair still clinging to it. He easily follows the path up the tree as the broken branches and blood splotches, and smears go up much further. There is also something else up there, but from this angle Adam can't be sure.

Adam pauses and examines the hair from the gore, then he takes out a hanky and wraps what he can in it. Then he continues to climb up, following the smears.

[Jeremiah]

Odo's examination of the mutilated body reveals similar information as it did for Markus. The body's wounds were apparently torn into the body as opposed to cut or sliced open. The fringe of both wounds betray puncture wounds that could easily be rounded teeth, or even fingers. Odo's curiousity turns to something else entirely as he discovers that the body is missing various internal parts. Several glands have been removed through the tears.

A revolving search of the area reveals bloods splatters, and human hair caught on a few bits of grass and tree brush.

Odo makes sketches and plenty of notes in his small book as he examines the body. He picks up the hairs and carefully presses them in the book, making notes about where they were found next to them. He attempts to find some sort of trail based on the blood and hair, or if it was just haphazardly strewn about. After that he'll return to the crime scene to see what everyone else has turned up. He'll also examine the body, trying to determine the size of the fingers and/or teeth necessary to make these kinds of wounds.

[Shade Sentinel]

Adam pauses and examines the hair from the gore, then he takes out a hanky and wraps what he can in it. Then he continues to climb up, following the smears.

As Adam climbs another fifteen feet or so, he notices another solid impact point. Two sets of five rather evenly spaced indents into the trees firm trunk. He also notices the increased blood, most of which has been soaked into the bark giving it a slimy quality. The heat begins to really affect him at this point, but he continues up out onto a branch towards something strange. Giving a weary look down to the ground, now approaching 30 feet below him, he closes in on the anomaly. Grabing it in his hand, its slick and black and almost rubbery. It could be organic, it could be synthetic. Its about a foot long and as big around as a broom handle. On one end of the flimsy evidence, there seems to be a grayish brown muck.

*SNAP*

Instantly the tree branch gives way without even a groan of protest. ((Botched climb :-D))

Odo makes sketches and plenty of notes in his small book as he examines the body. He picks up the hairs and carefully presses them in the book, making notes about where they were found next to them. He attempts to find some sort of trail based on the blood and hair, or if it was just haphazardly strewn about. After that he'll return to the crime scene to see what everyone else has turned up. He'll also examine the body, trying to determine the size of the fingers and/or teeth necessary to make these kinds of wounds.

Odo's medical experience could barely prepare him for what he was looking at. After further examination of the wounds he comes to understand that the flesh was literally torn open. The way the flesh was split, made him feel confident that none of it was cut first...it just pulled apart like a plastic bag. The organs removed were tough to identify at this point. A full Autopsy would be needed, especially given the few days of rot, and coagulation.

It then he hears the large invasive noise as the tree not 10 feet from him loses an arm...

[Alex Green]

As Adam climbs another fifteen feet or so, he notices another solid impact point. Two sets of five rather evenly spaced indents into the trees firm trunk. He also notices the increased blood, most of which has been soaked into the bark giving it a slimy quality.

*5 evenly spaced digits, so those aren't hands. Toes or paws? Heat is really starting to get to me, I should be wearing less.*

*Hello, what is that?*

The heat begins to really affect him at this point, but he continues up out onto a branch towards something strange. Giving a weary look down to the ground, now approaching 30 feet below him, he closes in on the anomaly. Grabing it in his hand, its slick and black and almost rubbery. It could be organic, it could be synthetic. Its about a foot long and as big around as a broom handle. On one end of the flimsy evidence, there seems to be a grayish brown muck. *SNAP*Instantly the tree branch gives way without even a groan of protest. ((Botched climb :-D))

Without thinking Adam drops the what-ever-it-is and spreads his arms wide to catch any branches he's going to hit. His legs bend at the knee to break his fall or land on a branch.

[Jeremiah]

Odo's medical experience could barely prepare him for what he was looking at. After further examination of the wounds he comes to understand that the flesh was literally torn open. The way the flesh was split, made him feel confident that none of it was cut first...it just pulled apart like a plastic bag. The organs removed were tough to identify at this point. A full Autopsy would be needed, especially given the few days of rot, and coagulation.

It then he hears the large invasive noise as the tree not 10 feet from him loses an arm...

Odo bends over the body, examining it, still making notes. As the branch snaps, Odos head jerks upwards to the noise. Taking in the situation in a moment, he sprints towards the tree, his mind racing with physics calculations...estimating the speed of the fall and the amount of force that Odo is putting himself in the way of as he attempts to catch Adam.

[Shade Sentinel]

The tree gives way and Adam falls. Moving his arms wide in an attempt to catch a branch is unsuccessful, he slams hard into few branches on the way down. Fortunately, the crash slowed him enough, as Odo moves extremely fast betraying his size, and plucks Adams falling from the air with little effort. As a few bits of tree and who knows what else pepper the two of them below.

[SkyLion]

Decaon stares at the Ophidian for a good second as if unable to move. The overpowering nature of his pressence was nearly unbearable. He managed to stammer a few words "We...we, aint got things like this happenin'....round these parts. Folks'd be scared if they...new it happ-"

"Quiet fool" the Ophidian snaps. The simpering civil servant was obviously in far over his head. "Don't you people have rules about tampering with a crime scene? I should ssspeak to the local commisioner about having your badge for my collection. Malcolm...make a note of it,." The Ophidian remarks to his assistant. That the well heeled man now diligently writing in his notebook was not only a man of color, but clearly of a status and education far beyond what Deacon could ever hope for added an extra special dimension to the torment.

,,

Staring at the scene, The serpentine eye is drawn to a large indent in the earth. What looks to be a foot print, of sorts, a size 20 at least. Its possible the Ophidian was mistaken, though, the eye does not make mistakes.

His malevolent Eye picking up on a strain of evidence, the Ophidian turns to investigate, momentarily forgetting his wrath for the poor Sherriff. He inspects the footprint, notes its size and direction, and begins looking for it's mate. If he can find the next stride he will continue in that direction and summon the others.

*SNAP*

Instantly the tree branch gives way without even a groan of protest.

When the branch cracks overhead, the Ophidian snaps up, along with a pair of serpentine heads from his shoulders. Following Adam's bruising tumble to the ground, he notes the quickness with which Odo intercepts the man, nods with satisfaction and continues his sleuthing.