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.

Here is the roll. http://roll.coyotecode.net/lookup.php?rollid=301028

I assume the the roll I want is good then? I post it here or the roleplay thread?

Let's see I have relationship with Alicia that seems quite relevant, I am claiming authority to tell him what to so Power? And Magical Legacy specifically has Persuasion as an ability assuming you are okay with all of that the roll would be D6+D12+D10. That leaves me to my next question. How/where do I roll?

@WickedCadrach Edmund's annoyance at being stopped is palpable. His words are curt but measured, and despite this, his gaze settles upon Missy's cleavage before reluctantly gliding to her face. "There's more going on here than you could possibly understand, or that I have time to explain," he says, his voice tinged with a mix of impatience and superiority. He pauses, his tone dropping to a low, almost conspiratorial whisper. "But if you require an explanation, suffice to say it's every man's prerogative to run into danger, just as it's every woman's right to flee from it. A right I suggest you employ now!" With a final, appraising glance at her, he turns and strides towards the stage with hurried, long strides, aided by any magicks he is able to muster. His mind races as he approaches, trying to piece together the enigma of Red Jenny. 'What is she?' he wonders to himself, his eyes narrowing as he takes in the chaotic scene. 'A real spirit? A myth made flesh by a charlatan? Or something else entirely? I must know.' As he approaches the stage, his gaze momentarily lands on Alicia, her hands and clothes stained with blood, and the whispers of blame that swirl around her. Realizing that despite his haste, he failed to reach the apparition in time, he stops. Edmund's eyes then dart totowards a stranger, his expression hardening. "Enough!" he barks in Helsink's direction, his voice sharp with misdirected anger. "If you have time for accusations, you have time to assist with the evacuation. This is no time for finger-pointing; it's time for action." His jaw tightens as he acknowledges the anger is internal; he had failed to reach Red Jenny in time. The thought gnaws at him, fueling his determination to understand the true nature of the phantom.

@WickedCadrach Edmund is only going there because you tied Red Jenny to him via "she has been in his bed" trying to figure what is going on. But he won't tell your character that.

The sudden plunge into darkness and the eerie humming that followed had just disrupted Edmund's pleasant evening. As the lights flickered back on, revealing the gruesome sight of Silas Ward's throat being slit, a flicker of annoyance crossed his features. This was not part of the plan. Edmund Blackwood's eyes, sharp and calculating, scanned the chaos unfolding belo, before taking a delicious. "TIAL-V," he murmured, his voice low and controlled, "it seems our evening has taken an unexpected turn. Security assessment!" TIAL-V's response was immediate, a discreet hum near his ear. "Sir, the situation appears to be a targeted attack. The assailant, identified as Red Jenny, has a history of violent behavior. Her presence suggests a deliberate disruption. I recommend you withdraw..." Edmund cut him off with a raised hand, his gaze never leaving the stage. "That can wait. First, ensure our associates are safe." He turned to Vivienne and Helena, his expression softening slightly. "Ladies, it seems our evening has been cut short. TIAL-V will escort you to safety, do as he says you have my word no harm will befall you. I will deal with this." With that, Edmund stood, his brandy glass untouched, and strode towards the stage, his mind already racing with the implications of this unexpected turn of events. The night had started with promise, but the apperance of Red Jenny had changed things, a new mystery to uncover.

I assume this is Red Jenny, according to chart she has been in my bed do I recognice her?

I assumed you brought it up because it was something Edmund should notice. It may not be a threat that doesn't mean it isn't worth his attention. I don't believe Edmund knows about Carlo's magic this could give him a clue. But I'll decide later what I do with he reply. Thanks.

@IsabellaRose Is there some kind of perception check I can use to notice and/or identify the hum?

Edmund Blackwood surveyed the grand hall from above, a cacophony of fleeting emotions and simple desires, it was quite the turn out, anyone that was anyone seemed to have made it. 'Assuming our singer doesnt disappoint it should be an interesting evening.' Edmund thought to himself His focus then shifted to the redhead next to him. Slowly, he traced his thumb over the swell of Vivienne's breast, his touch was hot and electric, and her whole body jerked in response. A sharp, shaky gasp tore from her throat as her nipple hardened instantly against the silk. A fresh wave of wet arousal flowed from her nether regions. In the back of her mind, a voice screamed that this was too much, too public. But the thought was instantly incinerated by the heat of his touch. It was always like this with Edmund; whatever limits she defined for herself crumbled the moment his skin met hers. On his other side, Helena knelt, her head bowed in perfect submission. Edmund's free hand drifted down, his fingers tangling in her dark hair before tightening into a firm fist. He gave a sharp, commanding tug, hard enough to make her gasp and arch her back, her body instantly responding to the dominant gesture, her breathing quickening her legs parting. He kissed her, a sensuous and teasing touch that left her yearning for more. But he wasn't done. With a hand on the back of each of their necks, he pushed their faces close together. They froze for a heartbeat, their eyes wide with a flicker of hesitation as they looked at each other. "Kiss" he commanded, his voice a low, firm order. Suddenly, their lips met in a soft, passionate embrace, their arousal and desire to please him showing in full. TIAL-V's awaited for an appropiate moment before speaking, his voice was a discreet, resonant hum near his ear. "Sir, would you care for me to extend an invitation to any patrons who may be receptive to a more... exclusive engagement this evening? Alternatively, arrangements at the casino may be prepared should you wish the night to continue under more controlled conditions. Unless, of course, your two companions will provide satisfactory enough entertainment." "No invitations." He gave Helena's hair a gentle, final pat before releasing it. "If any of our business associates should wish for an audience. Inform them I will be receiving during the intermission" He picked up his brandy again, swirling the amber liquid. "Until then," he added, his voice dropping back to a low purr as he met Vivienne's hungry gaze, "ensure we are not to be disturbed." He leaned down, his lips brushing her ear.