MagnificentBastard

I am a big fan of Fabula Ultima, it has very few rules, very anime esque, you dont gain XP from combat. Having set that I dont think it can work in forum setting given the XP system is entirely designed around the concept of sessions.

Just glad to see you in higher spirits, take whatever time you need.

Edmund’s expression remained a placid mask, but TIAL-V’s report landed like a lead weight in his gut. Sixty-three percent. The cold, analytical number was far more chilling than any rumor. Even a thirty six percent that would be an unacceptably high number. His first, primal instinct was to leave immediately and find Jane Montgomery, to wrench her from Thane's grasp. But that impulse was violently shoved aside as the doors swung open and Aldert Helsink strode in, flanked by his grim-faced entourage. The hunt for Jane would have to wait; a different predator had just entered his territory. A flicker of his eyes towards TIAL-V was the only signal needed. "Track him down, you took her under your care and therefore mine" Edmund murmured, his voice a low, private command meant only for the automaton. "The sheriff is a dangerous man. I want to know where he is and most importantly if Miss Montgomery is safe." The words were a bitter pill, Edmund did not care much for truth, but he feared young woman's life was in danger. As Helsink approached, Edmund’s gaze drifted past the man, catching the eyes of two of his girls near the bar. A subtle, almost imperceptible nod was all it took. They understood their cue, their practiced smiles widening as they began to drift towards Helsink's men, their movements promising distraction and company. A charming, disarming smile spread across Edmund's face as he turned his full attention to his guest. "Lord Blackwood," he repeated with a deep, theatrical laugh, the sound rich and warm. "Please, my friend, it is simply Edmund. We save such titles for the opera houses in London, not for gambling halls in the west." He gestured expansively to the lavish room around them. "But I do understand your concerns. A man must be vigilant." He leaned in conspiratorially, his voice dropping to a more intimate, yet still audible, level. "However, in my considerable experience, there is no such thing as a dangerous woman. Only... misunderstood ones. And they are often the most interesting." Straightening up, his voice boomed with practiced hospitality. "But talk of such grim matters is no way to spend an evening! Bartender! A round of the Stag's finest whiskey for Mr. Helsink and his men and myself, on the house!" He watched them accept the drinks, a predator's calculation hidden behind a host's smile. Let them drink, he thought. Let their senses dull and their tongues loosen. Alcohol and women were the finest ways to unlock a man's secrets, and Helsink looks like a man with a great many of them.

My flight was delayed so I couldn't today tomorrow for certain, sorry for the wait.

I'll try to reply later today.

As Edmund strides into the Golden Stag, the opulent interior envelops him in luxurious and decadent embrace. The high ceilings are adorned with intricate wood carvings imprt3d all the way from London, casting a warm, inviting glow over the room. Plush velvet curtains frame the expansive windows, allowing a soft, filtered light to dance across the polished mahogany floors. The air is filled with the gentle hum of conversation and the clinking of glassware, punctuated by the occasional jingle of spurs and the rustle of silk dresses. Edmund's eyes scan the room, taking in the elegantly dressed patrons who move with an air of sophistication. The casino floor is a sea of green felt, where the clicking of ivory dice and the shuffling of cards create a symphony of chance and fortune. Behind the bar, a row of crystal decanters and gleaming glassware reflects the flickering light of the gas lamps, offering a selection of the finest spirits from around the world. As he makes his way through the crowd, Edmund is greeted by the soft, sultry notes of a piano, played by a skilled musician whose fingers dance over the keys with practiced ease. The melody is one of seduction and allure, perfectly complementing the atmosphere of the establishment. Beautiful women, dressed in skimpy yet elegant outfits, move gracefully among the patrons, serving drinks and offering flirtatious smiles and much more for the right price. Their presence adds to the allure of the Golden Stag, creating an environment of indulgence and desire. A particularly striking woman with hair like gold nd captivating eyes approaches him, her dress cut low to reveal her cleavage, and hands him a glass with a sultry smile. "Your whiskey, Master Blackwood," she purrs, her voice a low, inviting whisper. The soft whirl of gears signals the approach of TIAL-V, as he approaches his Master. "Welcome, Lord Blackwood. I successfully escorted Miss Locke and Miss Cross back. I took the liberty to send them to your room" "Excellent TIAL-V, you've outdone yourself," Edmund murmurs, taking a sip and savoring the smooth, amber liquid. "Now, tell me, where is Miss Montgomery?" TIAL-V's mechanical voice responds with a monotone delivery. "Miss Jane Montgomery has been taken under the protection of Sheriff Joshua Thane. He insisted on escorting her to a secure location." Edmund's eyebrow arches in surprise, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features. "Thane, you say? How... unexpected. Do we have a file on him?"

I'll post tomorrow then

I thought Edmund had already gone. I am waiting to know who exactly is coming to the Golden Stage so I can write his greeting you there.

Edmund smiles at Alicia when she takes his handkerchief, he turns to Missy with a confident smile, his eyes gleaming with a mix of amusement and authority. "I'm more than happy to vouch for Miss Alicia's character. We were all witnesses to the events of this evening, and I can assure you that her actions were above reproach. With that out of the way, I will, of course, comply with the sheriff's request to retire from the scene, would never dar to make your job more difficult." Says when he reaches the top of the stairs, he pauses, turning to face the sheriff once more. His voice carries a tone of arrogance and self-assurance, almost daring the sheriff to challenge him. "However, before I do, I believe it's my duty to address a matter of some importance." Edmund's eyes narrow slightly, his expression one of calculated intensity. "Much like Miss Alicia and Miss Gerenhart, the girls in my stablishment are understandably shaken by the prospect of an unknown killer still at large. I fear their ability to perform their duties will be severely compromised until this matter it's settled to MY satisfaction" He says a self satisfied smirk. "Of course, I will do all I can to keep my girls happy and working. However my efforts would greatly benefit from your cooperation, if you were to keep me abreast of the investigation, I am sure I can convince them to continue to lavish you and the rest of the Sheriff's department with the same level of attention and care you have all become accustomed" As he finishes speaking, Edmund leaves the stage entirely, ensurinh not to disturb any evidence, his eyes scanning the area with a keen awareness that suggests he is no stranger to such situations. "As for the rest of you, how do drinks at my stablishment sound? My treat of course"

I didn't realize you guys were editing for me I haven't seen Siren post she hasn't been around in a while. I'll post before the end of the day.

As he listens to her speak, Edmund's eyes once again wander to the allure of Miss Fisher's cleavage and the way her eyes sparkle with a mix of determination and vulnerability. "The Golden Stag is one of the safest and most reputable establishments in town, Miss. I assure you, Miss Montgomery will be in excellent hands there. As for playing amateur investigators, perhaps it would be wiser to wait for the sheriff to arrive and take charge of the situation. After all, we wouldn't want to compromise any potential evidence, would we?" His voice laced with a hint of amusement. Internally, Edmund hopes that TIAL-V has indeed escorted everyone to the Golden Stag safely. The thought of his automaton's efficiency brings a small smile to his lips, even as he maintains a composed exterior. He knows that the Golden Stag, with its discreet and secure environment, is certainly safer than the hall. He turns to Carlo, his gaze sharp and focused. "Carlo, I am sorry we are meeting under such regrettable circumstances, I was truly looking forward to hearing your performance. Can I ask you to make sure every employee in the hall stays for the sheriff? We can't have anyone leaving until this is sorted out." He says with a tone that makes it clear he is used to order people around all his life. Edmund reaches into his jacket and pulls out a pristine white handkerchief, offering it to Alicia with a gentle smile. "Here, Miss Alicia. Please, take this to clean yourself." [[OOC: Neither does Edmund, I am assuming this is the first time Edmund has spokem with Carlo and Alicia]]

I wanted to write my reply based on my success and failure, but since I don't have any investigative abilities and I dont want use magic, I won't investigate, I think what Edmund will do is use his status to throw everyone out with the excuse of preserving the evidence for the Sheriff and use him to get information.

@IsabellaRose Is there any roll/check I can do to figure out if Red Jenny is an apparition? Magic? Fraud?

Good that he knows his place

This made me laugh.