Adventure! RPG: Heroes of Our Time - episode 1: City of Thieves

[Count Janos Rakozi]

The Count will straighten up to his full height and nods to the Consul.

"Thank you sir, but no. I have a blade. First blood it is, then. This is merely matter of ill manners, not blood or family."

Janos reaches for his folded cloak, and pulls out a scabbarded blade from inside. The scabbard looks old, weathered, and unimpressive. Shabby, almost.

"I am ready, Herr Bradford, but I feel it would be better to retire to the lawn. More room there, and we shan't be damaging any of the finery indoors."

Janos motions to an exit opposite from the area were the cars are parked.

He cheerfully waits for Jameson to produce a blade, or one of his 'allies' to provide him with one.

[Dr. Mystery]

John switches into his coat, and pulls from it his cane. A smirk of anticipation shows itself on the corners of his lips. He straightens himself visibly.

"I am ready whenever you are, gentlemen. Tell me when you are ready for me to distract the guards."

[Andrew Murphy]

"Consul, I respect your choice, though I cannot help but realize that the tradition of fighting with swords is far from pervasive in the Americas compared to Europe ... And as you can see I will need to borrow a blade, thank you for the offer."

Jameson turns to the count and gestures toward the door. "After you, oh and may the best man win. But then by that look on your face I assume that you think you are that man."

As he walks outside Jameson passes by Rhiannon, he takes her hand and places a kiss on the back of it. "Wish me luck my dear!" he says as he continues outside.

[Blaine]

Blaine gives a slight grunt, perhaps the only indication that he was a little impressed by Dr. Mystery's trick.

"OK Doc it's your show here. Let me and Locky know where you want us to be. I think we should be out of sight, but close enough to help you out if things go wrong. Locky why don't you lead the way there and help me get out of sight."

[Alex Craft]

The party spills out onto the side lawn. The spectators gather, forming a circle perhaps ten meters across. The younger men have gathered toward the front ranks - both to get a better view and to prevent the fight from breaking into the crowd.

The circle is a featureless patch of lawn - scrubby grass over reasonably flat ground. The lighting is poor - primarily cast from the nearby building. This is relatively dim illumination, and is shredded by the shadows of the gathered spectators. Janos and Jameson’s eyes gradually adjust to the light levels, but these will not be good conditions to stage a fight. On the good side, the spectators won’t be able to see as well, but that could be quickly outweighed if one of you makes a mistake in the dark.

A runner approaches with a simple, unadorned rapier, and the Consul takes it - passing the blade to Jameson. As Jameson unsheathes the blade, the Consul asks, “It is your prerogative to choose the ground of the duel, but are you sure that you wish to fight here?”

Glancing around, Janos, Jameson, and Rhiannon note several soldiers in the crowd, but it is impossible to tell if they have drawn the guard set on the cars to the fight. If nothing else, the normal patrols should be interrupted by the mass of people on the lawn - allowing the other three members of the group to get the engine out the back and around the opposite side without issue.

[Locky McKenzie]

Locky turns to Dr. Mystery.

"Sure. Follow me, stay close, and when I signal to stop, for god's sake stop!"

[Andrew Murphy]

Jameson looks around the assembled crowd and the "arena".

"Here will be fine, my eyes are quite accustomed to the dark and I feel more at home on turf than the polished floors of you ballroom."

Jameson turns toward the crowd, scanning it for a worthy second. "Because this has gone far beyond simple satisfaction to a duel of honor I suppose a second will be required? Will any man here stand beside me as my second?"

[Count Janos Rakozi]

Janos smiles, gives Jameson plenty of room, draws his sword, and gives it a few practice swings. He will then stand with sword at rest, and scan the crowd for a man of aristocratic station to act as his second, or an officer of sufficiant rank.

The blade is rather simple and unadorned; a cavalry design two centuries out of date.

[Dr. Mystery]

John nods at Locky and Blaine, excitement showing in the corners of his eyes.

"Sounds good, Locky. When we get near the guards, tell me, and I shall distract them so that you can make the switch."

John winks at Locky and Blaine, grinning.

"Let's go"

[Rhiannon Lewis]

Rhiannon speaks up, her voice low and clear. "As this duel has begun over an insult to me, I must ask that two men of suitable rank or birth please step forward to become seconds for my escort and the Count. If so..."

She gazes around the courtyard, her voice ringing out like a contralto trumpet. "Please come forward!"

[Alex Craft]

As most of the guests in the ballroom spill out onto the lawn to watch the coming duel, a door opens unnoticed in one of the Consulate's back hallways. First out is Locky, staying a little ahead of the other two. His attitude would suggest to an onlooker that he belongs here, but the more observant might notice that he makes almost no noise - particularly when nearing an intersection.

Blaine and John follow a few paces behind with the trolley. Blaine pushes while John helps him maneuver - the overloaded trolley is sluggish and has trouble turning corners.

With Locky's guidance, the three intruders quickly arrive at the steps down, where they lift the trolley off the ground and slowly, carefully bear it down the staircase. The engine block is quite heavy, and the narrow edges of the trolley provide a poor grip.

The three men get to the bottom without incident, but - while setting the trolley on its wheels - Blaine's right hand loses its grip. As he utters a muffled grunt (and before the other two realize what happened), his end of the trolley drops a few inches to the floor - the metal frame resonating loudly with the impact. The three freeze for a moment, waiting for someone to investigate the noise ... but nothing happens. Either nobody heard, or nobody was interested enough to check it out.

The basement follows a simple layout: a large square, divided into four square storage rooms, with a long corridor wrapping around the outside of the floor plan. Both the device's storage room and the doors to the access ramp are around a corner from Locky, Blaine, and John's current position.

* * *

At Jameson's call for a second, the men gathered around the dueling ground start looking to each other uncomfortably. Neither Jameson nor Janos have anyone with them to serve as seconds, so according to tradition someone ought to step forward ... but no one really wants to get involved.

Then, Rhiannon speaks up - her plea oddly compelling. In response, two of the men crowding the edge of the circle suddenly step forward, apparently overcome by a desire to help settle the issue. One is a young officer of minor rank. He takes Jameson's side while the other volunteer, a middle-aged nobleman, steps up behind Janos.

They introduce themselves hesitantly - their confusion at stepping forward evident - but they soon adopt a self-assured mask. After all, it's too late for them to go back without embarrassment.

The formalities taken care of, the Consul asks, "You two gentlemen are quite certain that simple apology is impossible? Yes? Very well then - you may begin at your pleasure."

The Consul and the two seconds fall back to the edge of the crowd while several of the younger men and soldiers edge out the circle - insuring that the duel will not break into the spectators.

[Count Janos Rakozi]

The Count will take a moment or two to confer with his second in hushed tones. Though they should be talking about the minutia of the duel, Janos makes small talk and tries to put the man at ease.

"I was quite good at this at the Imperial Academy," he whispers to him.

As they part, the Count will thank the man, then turn to face Jameson.

"You two gentlemen are quite certain that simple apology is impossible?

Janos shakes his head and eyes Jameson warily.

Yes? Very well then - you may begin at your pleasure."

When the circle has cleared, he brings his sword to the en garde position and gives his opponent a nod.

[Andrew Murphy]

Jameson looks from his sword to the count and back. Back and forth. He steps toward the center of the ring with his blade held upended in front of him so that the blade is parallel to his body with the tip pointed toward the ground.

He pauses for a moment, looking rediculous, "I saw this move once in Hong Kong..." he begins. Suddenly his blade is making a sweeping arc so that the tip of the blade swings from his knees toward Janos' throat in a blur, "...KI-YA!"

[Dr. Mystery]

John turns toward Lockie and Blaine

"Well, gentlemen, I believe this is my cue for action, eh? When you hear a clatter, and rushed footsteps, it is time for you to act. I will be in the room waiting for you.

John approaches the corner, and he goes invisible. After this he turns the corner and approaches the door, looking for any small stones or other objects on the ground.

[Blaine]

Blaine hunkers down behind the trolley around the corner, and pulls the kid down with him, protecting the smaller individual with his considerable mass. He sits quietly in the dark for a bit and then glances at Locky's shoes.

"You get your shoes custom made Kid?" he whispers. "It's best to do that you know. They fit your feet better and don't cause 'em to get bunched up. You take good care of your feet?"

[Locky McKenzie]

Locky turns to Blaine. "Well, actually, I don't generally have the bread to get custom shoes. If I do, there's usually more pressing concerns, you know?"

[Blaine]

Blaine takes a quick look around to make sure they're still hidden, and then turns back to Locky.

"Ain't much in life more important than your feet Kid. Where you gonna go without 'em? And you only got one pair. You lose a hand, you can still make due with the other. You lose a foot though...Take my advice Kid. I seen soldiers die from nasty diseases and infections in the War, but none were as bad as watching their feet get eaten from under them by fungus and rot. Ain't much more pathetic than someone hobbling around with no feet.

"With the money you get from this, you should see a real cobbler and have him make you two pair, and get at least seven pair of good cotton socks. You'll thank me later. That's why grammas always give socks for Christmas. They know what's what." he whispers taking another quick look for the Doc's performance.

[Alex Craft]

The Doctor turns the corner, strolling toward the sound of voices just down the hall. Poking his head around the corner, he sees the two soldiers playing cards - much as they were when Locky came by earlier.

[ooc note: While these guys are 'guards,' they are not really guarding. Therefore, Cloud the Mind works automatically unless John draws attention to himself.]

Seeing that the men are not paying particular attention to their surroundings, John steps through the door and surveys the room. The machine's crate is sitting in the middle of the room - currently being used as a makeshift table by the two guards. Scattered over the crate's top are a deck of cards (in use), a bottle of scotch (mostly full), and local money (all of low denomination).

Laying near the crate are a crowbar, a hammer, and a box of nails - presumably left from sealing the crate earlier in the day. Aside from the machine's crate, there are about a dozen smaller crates and boxes lining the room's walls. The room is illuminated by a single, uncovered lightbulb screwed into a socket in the ceiling.

[Locky McKenzie]

Locky thinks thoughtfully, then whispers back. "Maybe, but a guy I knew once told me that while your shoes are important, you gotta remember to keep the rest of yourself rugged up. It'll do you no good to have warm feet if you're frozen solid. And Baltimore gets mighty cold in winter. You want that extra warm stuff."

"No, first things first - you wanna get yourself rugged up, then your shoes. I mean, what'd you prefer? Third-degree frost-bite, or sore feet?"

[Blaine]

Blaine nods and looks around again. "Geez when's this show gonna get on the road?

"Yeah wrappin' up is good, but when it gets really cold most people get frost bite on their feet first anyway, see? With the money you're gonna get from this, get yourself some good shoes. You'll thank me later."

[Count Janos Rakozi]

"KI-YA!"

The Count barely manages to get his blade up in time and deflect it over his head. Jameson's power is obvious to everyone, as the next series of attacks push the Count back, as attacks keep him on the defensive. While Jameson's fencing skills are impressive, they are more a highlight of his great strength, than finesse. A pattern of fast cuts and long overhead and across body arcs follow. With some difficult {or so it hopefully seems} the Count backpedals and keeps barely bringing his own blade up in time. Jameson appears to be in control of the fight, and even lands a kick to the thigh that sends the Count sprawling into the men crowding the cordon.

With that last manuever, though, Janos seems to actually get his wind. Janos leaps toward Jameson and the next series of blows are a give and take, followed by a clinche and then a fist from Jameson to Janos' cheek that staggers him back. Before Jameson can close, Janos' sword springs up again.

Another series of blows follow, with the Count deftly avoiding another clinche and beginning to get the upper hand. A subtle strength seems to be guiding his hand, as his blocks deal with Jameson's powerful blows. His sword point keeps flashing up to keep Jameson at bay, as his own sharp strikes rob the big man of his momentum. Still, Jameson Bradford is a cagey fighter, famed for his quick wits and innovative approach to any fight.

[Andrew Murphy]

The fight ebbing from his initial onslaught Jameson begins to allow the count to direct the fight. Realizing that he's lost track of time Jameson decides to scan the courtyard to determine if the other fellows have completed the job.

Jameson whips his sword in a flat right sided sweep which the count blocks squarely but no sooner than the crash of steel on steel if heard than Jameson has pivoted on his left foot and spun a full circle arcing his blade into a wave which comes slicing up from ankle level into Janos' midsection meeting his own blade at the hilt.

Not seeing any of the others in the crowd Jameson decides it is time for the initiative to swing back into his favor. A quick low strike to Janos' left side allows Jameson to deliver a powerful (looking) backhand to the counts face driving him back to the edge of the circle.

Jameson takes the opportunity to regain his previous momentum and follows the count hammering blow after blow which the count (apparently) only barely counters.

"You may have a slight edge in training and style sir," Jameson says between blows, "but I have the advantage of righteousness in my corner!!"

After a minute or two of driving Janos around the circle and Jameson decides to again turn the tables. If the fight is to look convincing than they must appear to be evenly matched.

A series of hard arcs ensues and then Jameson "accidentally" oversteps and opens his left side to the count. Janos' taking the opportunity delivers a side blow with his fist into Jameson's kidney (apparently) winding him.

"I see that I'm not the only one of us willing to win," Jameson spits as he feigns gasping for breath.

[Dr. Mystery]

John smirks, and uses his telekinesis to crush the lightbulb in the room. If the men exit and are out of view, he returns to the hallway, becoming visible again and approaching Locky and Blaine.

[Count Janos Rakozi]

"As you said, Herr Bradford, Justice cries out for the wronged to triumph," the Count quips.

The two men trade some more rapid, but weakening blows, when the Count steps back and says,

"Care to stop for a spot of wine, good fellow?"

[Andrew Murphy]

Jameson pauses in mid-swing and looks thoughtful for a moment, "A whiskey would liven my step."

He slashes out at the count, "But I hardly think this is the time or the place. Besides I'd sooner run you through."

[Count Janos Rakozi]

A parry, then a quick nod follows the strike.

"Very well, then!"

Blow, parry, riposte ... the duel goes on in a blinding pace. Only a truly skilled duelist would realize that as the men twist and circle that one of them always keeps an out for Rhianon, and the signal that mission has been accomplished.

[Alex Craft]

Darkness falls as shards of glass from the lightbulb shatter further on the concrete floor of the storeroom. There is confused silence for a moment before the two men begin cursing the dark. As they get up from their makeshift table, there is the sound of the box of nails being kicked over.

The soldiers step out of the room looking quite irritated at the interruption. One of them has rescued their bottle, and they each take a quick nip of what is now discernable as a rather cheap Egyptian scotch whisky. After a brief argument over which of them should get a replacement bulb, one (apparently the one who was losing at cards) walks away, heading for a staircase. The other slowly paces back in forth in front of the doorway, periodically taking a pull from the bottle.

Thankfully, the man heading off to get a new lightbulb is walking in the opposite direction from Locky and Blaine, and given that most of the servants upstairs are watching the duel, it is possible that he could be gone some time. His partner, however, still remains a problem.

[Dr. Mystery]

Still invisible, John crouches in the hallway. Smirking, unseen, he exerts an intense mental force upon the lights in the section of the hallway with his mind, willing them to crush as well.

[Blaine]

Blaine seems like he was about to say something more about feet and shoes perhaps when all of the lights go out. He hushes real quick as he hears retreating footsteps. Then he pats the kid quietly on the arm.

"Get ready Kid, we're almost up." he whispers.

[Alex Craft]

The outer hall falls into sudden darkness - first in the hall outside the machine's storage room, then rolling to wipe out the lights in the rest of the corridor. The remaining guard yelps out, "What the hell?!"

Getting over the surprise, he mutters, "Never saw a brownout do that before. Damn Egyptians ..."

The hall is punctuated at infrequent intervals with tiny light wells, but these only provide enough light to make out the vaguest of shapes. The guard starts walking hesitantly down the hall after his companion. It takes him a while, but he finds his way down the hall and around the corner, leaving our heroes crouched in the dark.

[Dr. Mystery]

Fading into what would be sight if there were any light, John feels his way into the room with a self satisfied gait, taking care to avoid where the broken glass fell. Leaning against a wall in the room, he waits for Blaine and Locky.

[Locky McKenzie]

"I think you're right. I just heard another guy move off."

Locky then turns to Blaine "I'd tread carefully, or those custom shoes are gonna need new soles when this is done..."

[Alex Craft]

The three thieves meet again just inside the entrance of the storage room, their trolley in tow. Gradually, their eyes adjust enough to make out vague forms in the room, but there is not near enough light to work by.

[Blaine]

"Crap." mumbles Blaine. "Anyone got a light?" He waves his hand carefully in front of him so as not to bump into anything.

[Andrew Murphy]

Jameson circles around Janos parrying and slashing like a madman. It is starting to become obvious that though he has the momentum of the fight for the time being Jameson is expending a great deal more energy than the count. A sheen of perspiration covers his forehead and has wetted his head, the still night air, though cooler by far than that afternoon, is still much warmer than Jameson has been exposed to in the past few months of cold Baltimore winter.

"You know," Jameson says to Janos, "It's only a matter of time before I beat you. I may look tired but it really just an act. Why don't you give up and admit that you were in the wrong like a good chap, eh?"

[Dr. Mystery]

Still leaning against the wall, John turns toward Blaine, "I don't, sorry. Might you or Locky have a flashlight? Or, perhaps there's one laying around here somewhere."

[Locky McKenzie]

Suddenly, there's a bright flash, as a match is lit. The match moves around slightly before it suddenly splits, as Locky uses the match to light a very small candle.

"OK, we got some light, now make the switch, quick!" hisses Locky, "This won't last for long, and I can't really put it down!"

In the flickering light of the little candle, Locky is seen looking anxiously around the room.

[Alex Craft]

Outside on the Consulate's lawn, Rhiannon watches the 'duel.' Jameson and Janos dance in the open circle, their movements punctuated by the sound of skirling metal. She has to admit that they're playing it up well. If she didn't know better, she'd think it was all perfectly legit.

Rhiannon momentarily takes her eyes from the playacting - looking for one of the other three to be back from their part of the mission. Instead, she notices one of the Consulate's staff pushing his way toward her through the crowd. Bowing slightly upon his arrival, he says, "Miss Lewis? Your office has telephoned. They received an urgent telegram from New York and wanted the message to be relayed to you as quickly as possible."

He offers a sheet of paper with the transcribed telegram, bows as best as the crowd will allow him, then begins working his way back towards the Consulate. The telegram says:

MAY HAVE IDENTIFIED OUR COMPETITION STOP HIGHLY DANGEROUS STOP FINISH YOUR BUSINESS AND RETURN HOME AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE STOP PLANE IS BEING MADE READY STOP PLANE WILL BE READY TO DEPART TONIGHT OR TOMORROW STOP HASTE IS IMPERATIVE STOP

TONY

* * *

Underground, Blaine and John have quickly and carefully removed the crate's lid - revealing the intricate piece of machinery stored inside. The engine's innards are concealed partially inside a box of steel sheeting, punctured in places to provide access to the machine's inner workings. The top edges of the steel box have several handlebars welded to the frame - making it relatively easy for the two men to haul the massive device out of the crate and slide it into the side of the trolley.

It is not quite as easy to lower the partially disassembled engine block into the crate, but John and Blaine do so without incident and lift the top back onto the crate. Locky hurridly closes the door while the other two pull nails and hammers out of the trolley and reseal the crate - trying to minimize the noise while sustaining their quick pace.

With the crate resealed, Blaine replaces the side panel of the trolley, loosely bolting it into place to hide the trolley's valuable contents.

Meanwhile, John works to return the room to the condition the three of them found it in, retrieving their tools and replacing the soldiers' belongings. He is on his finishing touches (laying out the soldiers' hands of cards) when Locky drops his candle as the flames begin to lick at his fingers.

Locky retrieves the stub of his candle as Blaine and John wheel the loaded trolley back into the hall. The heist is going great so far - if the three thieves don't get caught now, nobody should notice the switch until Luqmani and his gang crack open the crate tomorrow.

Two routes present themselves. The three can unlock the doors to the basement loading ramp and take the trolley outside and around to the front of the house. In this case, one of them would have to stay behind to relock the exit and head up to retrieve Janos, Jameson, and Rhiannon.

Alternately, they could manhandle the trolley back up the stairs and just roll on out the front doors. That option has the most potential for running into guards, but it is also less likely that the guards will take notice (as compared to if a guard comes across the group pushing a catering trolley across the deserted back lawn).

(Or they might come up with something else. They can be surprising that way.)

[Count Janos Rakozi]

"Why don't you give up and admit that you were in the wrong like a good chap, eh?"

"Odd, I was thinking along the same lines. Why don't you be a good little colonial, apologize for your surprising lack of manners, and we can end this like gentlemen?"

Blades ring as they continue to spar.

"After all, your companion ... Ms. Lewis, is it? She seems to be the perfect young lady traveling abroad, even if she chooses to keep your company. I would not at all mind apologizing to her for any misunderstandings or misstatements on my part ... once you acknowledge your buffoonery."

[Andrew Murphy]

"I would not at all mind apologizing to her for any misunderstandings or misstatements on my part ... once you acknowledge your buffoonery."

"Are you implying that I am a buffoon?" Jameson asked in a shocked tone. "Mr. Rakozi, if you feel the perpetual need to insult me simply because I am an American perhaps we should drop is pathetic charade right now!! I think I may demand my satisfaction be gained by pistols at 30 paces. Frankly I doubt that these swords will cut deeply enough to settle things for either of us at this rate."