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Cthulhu PBEM: The e-mail game in 1920's
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The Season of Nightmares
"Man must be prepared to accept notions of the cosmos, and of his own place in the seething vortex of time, whose merest mention is paralyzing. He must, too, be placed onguard against a specific, lurking peril which, though it will never engulf the whole race, may impose monstrous and unguessable horrors upon certain venturesome members of it."
H.P.Lovecraft.
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The Luxury cruise
The Mauretania was not only to have been the fastest, but she was to compete in every luxury to be found afloat. Fine gilded Edwardian elegance would grace the public rooms, designed by Harold Peto, who had won acclaim for his decorations of English country house interiors. The decoration would boast a rich assortment of fine woodwork, all crafted at the Wallsend Shipyard joinery department.
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| Such notable interior appointments included a sweeping Grand Staircase, electric lifts for first class passengers, a two storey dining saloon panelled in straw-colored oak and featuring a domed ceiling decorated with signs of the Zodiac. The lounge was graced with warm mahogany panelling with gilt carvings. In every way, the Mauretania was a captivating show of tasteful elegance. |
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The boarding goes without any problems and the Investigators are shown to their rooms. At this point they don't know each other, and have different reasons to be on the ship.
See the picture set of RMS Mauretania:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13
The first two days go by as investigators get to know the ship and other passengers. For most of them this is the first time on one of the wonders of the 1920's.
The third day onboard Mauretania the investigators are just minding their own business when the ship starts to slow down. Finally the ship stops totally and people start to walk to the deck to see what is happening.
From the game: You make your way to the deck.... There are lots of people looking over the railing... some photographs are taken... as you close you can see a huge iceberg floating right by the ship.... the weather is great, sun shining and the wind can just be felt. As you look down you can see that some boats have already been lowered to the water. One of the grewmembers is telling the passangers that every one willing can have a photo taken sitting in a boat by the iceberg. He continues that it is rare to see such a large icebergs... actually this is the largest of the few he has seen....
The ship is stopped by a huge iceberg.
The crew lowers few lifeboats and stairs to the water, and informs the passengers that they can get photograsphs taken in the boats with the iceberg in the scene. A line to the boats forms quicly and some of the investigators get to the line.
From the game: After the photos are taken you stand on the deck and watch something interesting. You saw earlier three sporty American playboys, now they are arranging something with the grew. It seems that the three men have somekind of mountain climbing equipment with them and they intend to climb to the iceberg.... The men get to a boat and sail to the iceberg. And for the delight of the other passangers they reach the top of the iceberg in about 15 thrilling minutes. More photos are taken..... As the men wave the US flag on top of the iceberg you get a strange feeling... there is something in the air.... "Ah maybe it's nothing" you think when you see that something is happening.... The iceberg has been turning slowly revealing it's other side to the ship... people are pointing to the iceberg.... there is some big dark object in the side of the iceberg... it seems that it has just become visible from the thick layer of ice... "What is it?" people are asking.... well you don't know... it is too early to say.. now it is just something big and dark...
After the pictures are taken some men climb to the iceberg. They seem to be professional in this sport as they have proper equipment. Some recognize them as the three playboys making loud noise in the dining hall earlier. As the time passes the iceberg slowly turns and reveals it's other side. Something dark is spotted inside the ice, it can be seen easily from the ship, but it can not be identified. The three men ontop the iceberg make their way to the dark something and one of the men starts to climb down the icy wall to see it more closely. Some passengers are now looking the thing with binoculars, but it is still mystery, what it is.
From the game As you are watching the iceberg, you see that the men ontop the iceberg are climbing to see what is the dark thingy. One of the boats has also circled aroung the iceberg and is now just under the dark thing. One of the climbers is lowered with rope to see the thing more closely. The man has a small spiked hammer with him, the other men lower him untill he is on the thing. He examines the thing closely and shouts something to the men who in turn lower him a little more. The man hits the ice with his hammer few times and shouts something down to the boat. He continues the hammering, but then he stops suddenly, he starts shouting really loud. You can hear some of his words," .....Lift up! .... something!...... no! ...... God save us!" Now the man makes fast moves as if trying to get rid of something, his shouting has turner into screaming. The men start to pull him up as the man stops all movement, he just hangs from the rope like dead or unconscious. The men in the boat row around the iceberg to pic up the climbers. there is a strange stench in the air, you are now sure about it. It seems the wind has stopped totally... you turn to look at the sky... hmmm... there is no smoke coming out of the chimneys anymore.... You wonder why... There are some clouds gathering in the sky and it seems it's getting colder and darker. You turn back to look at the boat and the climbers, they are all now in the boat and coming back to the ship. There is some confusion between the passangers if this is just some show or if there is really something wrong......
Most of the investigators rush to see what has happened to the poor man.
After short first aid given by Mr.Stone the uncontinuous man is taken to the ships Doctor followed by the investigators. Doctor Harris invites Prof Pastorov in and examines the patient...
Later most of the Investigators gather in the bar to relax and listen to beautiful and glamourous Jade as she sings with the band.
The bar as seen from the stage.
Prof Pastorov comes from the Doctor and he and John follow a strange young man with a lifejacket to the highest deck.
From the Game The young man goes out and you follow. As you step outside you are surprised... it is really dark outside.. there is lost of fog around and the iceberg and the water have disappeared behind it... also the temperature is not so warm anymore. The young man continues fast to the stairs and goes up to the highest deck, there he just puts down the backbag and starts to stare at the fog. He notices you (John and Anikim) when you come up the stairs.
"Would someone mind telling me what's the deal with all this shit?"
*Gesturing at the fog*
"We took a sidetrip to Arcadia or Faerie something?"
"And why that lifejacket? Someone gone to feed the fishes?"
*John asks*
*staring into the fog*
"There is something terribly wrong, i have a really bad feeling about this! This lifejacket is precaution, enough srange things have happened allready, where did all this fog come from and why the engines are not running anymore? I don´t want to end up dancing with the fishes."
In The same time Mr.Stone and Kevin Wayland see two crew members helping third one to the doctors. The third man is mumbling and shouting strange things.
From the Game *Mr Stone*
I run and catch up to them,
"Who is mad, and what about the africans?"
*the wounded man shouts*
"Heretics! black magic! flee! flee!"
*other man says*
"he has hit his head... don't mind what he's saying"
*the wounded man*
"They had been beating those damned drums all day... Oh when we went to see... they took Henry... oooh. even in the dakness of the engine rooms... what a damned sight!"
*the wounded man faints.*
*the other man says*
"we just take him to the doctor... he just hit his head..."
*Mr Stone*
I stop and say,
"What happened to him?"
as I point at the injured person.
"just an accident at the engine room"
*one of the men says*
*the wounded man moans*
"they all gone mad..... MAD!"
*the men help him walk and he continues to talk to them*
"I told you not to trust those africans they are......"
*his voice fades as the men help him away from you to the doctor*
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PLACE: highest deck of Mauretania
TIME: Sunday 4.30 pm.
AT THE SCENE: Jesus Fernades, Jonathan Constantine, Anikim Pastorov, few crew members can be seen in the distance.
WEATHER: still thick mist.
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TURN NAME: On the deck.
The three men continued to stare at the mist, but nothing was happening. Only the sound of the waves splashing against the ship could be heard from the mist. The deck in now almost empty, only few members of the crew are lighting some lanters... you can hear the band starting to play at the bar.... you are feeling cold.
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From the Game *John*
"Ah hell, you can't see your own nose in this shit. I'm going to the engine room to see what's the deal with this blackout."
*Turning to the nearest stairs down*
"Feel free to follow if you like."
The same time Regina and Father Baldus are sitting in the bar
From the Game Regina turns a critical eye towards the shelves behind the bar.
"Scotch straight up. It looks to be a long night I might as well be in the best of humor."
*Father Baldus*
*Orders a whiskey from Tim. After digging in his pockets, he realizes he has left his cigarettes in his bag back in his cabin. Peering through the dim room, he notices Regina. Father stands up and moves through the room, keeping low as not to obstruct anyone's already poor view of the show. Arriving at Reginas table he asks*
"Excuse me my dear, but could I trouble you for a cigarette? Those are yours next to you aren't they? Sorry to have to ask, but I seem to have forgotten mine back in the cabin."
*Regina*
"Actually I think the gentleman that was here before me left them, but you're welcome to them. I don't smoke.." She holds the drink she's given, not actually drinking it but holding it as if it were some sort of comfort or reassurance.
*Baldus*
Strange evening isn't it? Very nerve racking being onboard a floating chunk of metal in a sea of Ice that could easily send us to our Rewards, eh? I hope I'm not making matters worse with talk such as this and all, oh... I apologize. My name is Father Baldus, very happy to make your acquaintance."
*Regina*
"Regina Cartwright. On normal occurrences I would shake your hand and say pleased to meet you as well, but I'm not pleased that anyone here is in this situation currently. It is nerve wracking and awful. But talking about it is well enough. If we hid from all of our fears we'd still be cave dwellers fearing bumps in the night. Talking about it helps, thank you."
Regina smiles a small smile with a bit of hope behind it before taking the first sip from her glass.
Mean while by the doctors door
From the Game **************************************************
PLACE: Mauretania, corridor in front of the Doctors Cabin
TIME: Sunday 4.30 pm.
AT THE SCENE: Mr. Stone, Kevin Wayland, Doctor Harris (the ships doctor), Jonathan McMiller, three members of the crew (one is wounded)
MISC: it is quite dark here as there is only one lantern in the end of this corridor. (the electric lights have been out since the engines stopped)
**************************************************
TURN NAME: in front of the Doctor's cabin.
Two members of the crew help the wounded man to the doctors door followed by Mr. Stone and Kevin. They knock on the door and Doctor Harris opens the door. At this time another passenger comes to the scene (Jonathan McMiller). Doctor Harris looks at the wounded man and asks what has happened. The crew members looks the you and say to the doc that it's better they come in. Doctor lets them in and closes the door, you stay standing in the corridor.
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*Johnathan frowned as he lifts a cigarette up to his mouth and lights it. The sizzling from the match crackled against the burning paper and tabacco. It then subsequently burns out as he threw it over his shoulder and glanced at Mr. Stone and Kevin.*
"Well, let's see here..."
*Johnathan winked at the other two and grinned as he placed his ear to the door and tried to eavesdrop on the conversation happening on the other side.*
Jonathan hides behind the corner as his eavesdropping is interrupted by John Constantine who passes by on his way to the Enginerooms.
From the Game *John*
*Looking at Mr. Stone*
"Oh great. It's the last boyscouts again. Why are you still here? Had a sudden fit of intelligence?"
*Muttering*
"Doubt it, though"
*Continues in a normal voice*
"Weren't you martyrs-to-be supposed to go kill a monster and save the day?"
*Spits on the floor*
"Well, no time to chit-chat, I'm sure you are busy saving the world and a lowly mortal like myself can't hope to help heroes like you..."
*Waves in a cheerfull manner and walks off...*
*Mr. Stone*
"It would be wise of you, not to mention life lengthening, if you >learned not to take out your aggresions at being such a spine-less >coward on others."
*John*
"Hey, heroes tend to die a lot, so I'm rather a living coward than a dead hero. No need to hurry death, one meets him just too soon anyways..."
*Muttering*
"And when I die, I don't think it's gonna be because of my sense of humour..."
*Cheerfully*
"But don't you worry, squire. Cheer up some, and learn to laugh at your sorrows."
*Gloomly*
"It's a good way to hold on to your sanity..."
*Walks away...*
*Johnathan, bored perhaps or just now knowing that there was no "danger" coming down the corridor, leaves his humble corner and walked back towards the door. He ignored the other three and took a puff from his cigarette. He then leaned his ear back to the door to continue his eavesdropping*
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PLACE: Mauretania, bar
TIME: Sunday June 6th 1920 4.40 pm.
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As Regina and Father Baldus sit in the bar Prof Pastorov comes in
From the Game *Baldus*
"I'm actually glad to be onboard, even if we are adrift at sea. With this cursed prohibition and all, seems that in order to get a good stiff drink, one has to go out to sea! Just goes to show, the Law of the All Mighty is infinitely more wise than those of man."
*Regina*
"I never thought that men of the cloth, forgive me if I'm assuming your faith but the title of 'father' is usually reserved for monks, saints, priests and the like, partook of anything stronger then that of the vine. It is very interesting to meet your aquaintance Father."
Regina smiles, amused and slightly weary.
*Baldus*
"Are you kidding? Any Priest worth his salt can drink any sailor under the table! You must have me confused with a protestant pastor! Care for another?"
Regina laughs. "Why not. Another one would be wonderful."
*Baldus*
*sees the Professor approaching*
"Good evening Professor! Please sit with us and share a drink."
Pr. Pastorov gladly accepts Father Baldus' invitation and joins their table. While sitting down he slightly bows his head towards the woman saying:
"I'm professor Anikim Pastorov of the S.-Petersburg University. And You are if I may ask..."
*Regina*
"Regina Cartwright, pleased to meet you professor. If you don't mind me asking which field do you teach?"
*Pastorov*
"I'm as much pleased myself, miss Cartwright. Correct me, please, if I'm wrong. As for the field of my studies - my original studies were directed in the field of anthropology, and somewhat history and psychology in addition."
*Regina*
"It seems we share a few interests then. My father was an anthropologist, an interest that we had shared greatly."
*Pastorov*
"But in last few years I have switched much to the studying of occult, paranormal and anomal things. And these are my major subjects nowdays. A few days ago I have been at the conference where I gave a lecture on the aliens influencing our world, and human beings as such."
*Regina*
"It must be a fascinating field to.. research.. So many pieces of history simply can't be pieced together you must have quite a broad field of occurrences to work with."
*Pastorov*
"So, what do you think about the situation? Any ideas what is happening?"
*Regina*
"That hell is freezing over and we're all in for a merry ride.."
she mutters under her breath then adopts a serious look.
"No idea professionally, philisophically or even theoreticly for that matter. How about you.."
*Pastorov*
"If you ask me, I can't answer anything particular. As it seems, something unusual has happened or still happening, since I've tried to ask some members from the crew, and noone could answer me anything particular. Well, most of the time they didn't answer anything, but just shrug their shoulders. On my own observations, I can say that there is indead something strange. You remember this dark thing on the iceberg side, and the man that fell unconsciousness while being near it. So, I have been talking to doctor and have seen the man myself. There was some greenish stuff on the man, the doctor has removed it and told that it is some kind of poison. It was his guess, but when he gave something to the victim against poisons, it seemed like the man really started to feel himself better. He didn't come to the sense though, but his breath easied and the body relaxed. I hope he is going to be fine." *Regina*
"I hope he is too. What a dreadful thing to undergo."
*Pastorov*
"Well, back to the subject. I think there is something out there that's affecting now ! our ship. I have no idea if it is alive or is it just some kind of metheorological stuff, but it is the reason why the engines has stopped. I'm sure. And we will see what is going to happen, since there is nothing we can do about it, at least now."
*Regina*
"Magnetics and things such as that? I've read a few journals bandying about the waves, the moon and magnetic pulls and things such as that. Really I'd understand it better if the concept had tangible factors to work with. Perhaps that has a bit to do with it.."
While they continue talking Jesus Fernades and Jonathan McMiller enter the bar also.
*Jesus*
*I sit down and say to bartender:*
"something to warm my bones."
"Coming right up Sir!"
*makes the drink*
"It's getting dark out there.... indeed... Here you are sir."
*gives the drink*
"Thank you very much"
*I pay for the drink and give a good tip*
*speaking to bartender*
"It really is getting dark, and cold out there.Just wondering about this electricity problem, is this usual?"
After spying on the doctors door and some interesting conversation with Mr Stone, John head to the engine rooms.
After long search you find your way to the enginerooms, but you are stopped by two crew-members. One of them is holdin a rifle in his hands.
"Sir we have to ask you to leave."
You can hear shouting from the distance and then a shot is fired... the men look at each other nervously.
*Quickly flipping my wallet at them so they can catch a glimpse of some random card*
*Using thick english accent*
"Scotland Yard. Now lower those guns before you are in real trouble!"
*Insert gunshot*
"Oh, I see that you are, already. Now, what's goin' on? Speak up, man! What are WE against here?"
*Man 1*
"Sorry Sir, Just walk along this corridor and you'll find the security officer"
You walk around few corners and come to a strange scene. There are five crew members and one officer here. Also there are four dead bodies, two of which are in ship uniform and two blacks in dirty overalls. The blacks have somekind of a tribal signs on their faces. You recognice the marks as some Far East islands cult tattoos. The officer notices you and puls out a pistol so fast that you can't react... it seems they are really on their toes.
"State your business!"
the officer shouts. the other crew-members have all rifles. You can head strange drumming from somewhere.
*Radiating self-assurance and in a commanding tone of voice*
"Hey, easy on the trigger fingers. You in charge in here? Inspector Constantine, how do you do." *Offering my hand, not giving them too much time to think* "Now, what's the situation? How were you shooting at? And what are these *insert random name here* -cultists doing here?"
The officer lowers his gun and shakes your hand...
"It seem Sir that we have somekind mutiny here... the fireroom workers"
*he points to the dead blacks*
" have broken the engines and killed some of the engineers."
*He looks at the door behind him*
"We have taken the engine room back, but they are holding back in the fire room"
*point's to the door*
"that door leads to the engine room"
"Holding back? Have they managed to arm themselves? Or have they just locked themselves in?"
*Inspecting the corpses in case something can be learned. If the tattoos could tell me something, for example*
"How many of them are there? Are they all hostile? Have they any hostages?"
*Lights a fag*
"Any idea why this happened all of a sudden?"
"yep they have some firearms and other weapons"
*showing a dagger on the floor*
"I don't know how many there are... maybe 20?... I don't know any of them... most of them don't even speak English... and yes I think they have hostages... atleast the navigating officer is missing.. Some crew-members went to investigate when they heard this drumming and ran into somekind of a ritual... only one of them came back... he is now with the doctor of the ship... it seems they got angry because someone interfered their ritual and after that they killed/took away some of the engineers and broke the engines.. anyway even if we could fix the engines, we can't move as long as they are holding the fire room."
*John*
"Wonder where they got those?"
*Inspecting the dagger*
"Weren't they searched when they came on board? Or could someone have brought them these pig-stickers after we left the harbour? If so, they would have some accomplices..."
*Start pacing back and forth*
"Now, how many men do we have?"
*Suddenly a wicked grin forms*
"How's the ventilation? Should be mighty hot there, no? Could we perhaps smoke them out? A few wet and oiled rags burning near the right intakes..."
"Total crew is 812. and we have about 563 1st class, 464 2nd class, and 1,138 3rd class passengers."
"I was thinking about security personnel..."
"We must think about that... they might have hostages"
"Well, I doubt that the smoke'd kill them. But it would make it damned inconvinient for them. And then they would have to come out we'd be ready for them... and the doctor could be ready to treat the hostages, in the event that they would have waited too long. And even then, they would pass out before dying, and still be rescueable."
"Anyway, is there any way to speak to them? Besides going in and giving them another hostage?"
"no I don't think so.. they seem totally mad"
"have to wait for the captain to come here...."
So we wait... And I try to make them at least prepare for the suffocation plan, even if they won't try anything without the approval of the captain.
Suddenly the drumming ends... you hear screams... then it's silent for a minute... then you feel the ship lean to the other side >alittle... and then a loud sound as if from a fog horn, but ending in a roar.. the sound seems to come from outside. The men look at each other.
"what a hell?"
"Lady Luck, you bitch! Step on someone other's feet for awhile, will you?"
*To the officer*
"We should take those bastards down NOW! And someone go see what the hell that was!"
The men storm in the fire room... it is all quiet...
Carefully sneaking closer to the door to see. If no immediate danger presents itself, I go a little further. Repeat as necessary. And if someone (crewmember) sees me, try to appear confident.
After short search the security officer turns to John
"that is strange?"
"I can't find the Navigating officer from here... and there is so few of these 'cultists'."
*John*
*Examine the room, pay particular attention to any possiple hermitic circles & glyphs & whatnot (if so, use my notebook to copy them down for later study) and if someone would still be alive enouch to speak*
"I have a theory...but you don't want to hear it. So I won't tell it. Come on, let's see if there's one of them that hasn't stopped breathing yet."
The men search the room again and find out that the cultists have escaped through one of the furnaces. The men climb the ladder and find a small hatch leading to one of the lower decks. They continue to follow the dusty tracks.
What happend in the bar:
The ship leans to the other side alittle and you hear a loud voice from outside... it is like a foghorn, but ending with a roar. *Johnathn smiles at the bartender and lights up another ciggarette.*
"Martinee, shakened."
*He nods his head over to Jade*
"Who's the pretty dame?"
*Tim turns his smiling face to Jonathan*
"Oh, that's Jade our singer, Sir.... she's good isn't she?"
*Johnathan smiles*
"Yeh... she's... WHAT THE HECK IS THAT!!?"
*Johnathan runs up to the deck*
*Jesus*
"shit, what was that"
*i´ll charge to the window to look outside*
*Kevin*
I run outside to see what is going on.
*Father Baldus runs to the nearest window/porthole*
Mr. Stone starts to prepare a life boat and invites others to join him.
As Johnathan runs to the deck he notices the ship has been covered by a thich fog.
a thick fog has covered the ship and it's hard to see....
at first you think it was maybe just the fog horn, but then you feel the ship move again....
*Johnathan grabs hold of the rails and tries to peer through the fog to see if anything is out there*
You don't see anything, but it sounds like there were hundreds of swimmers down in the water... Also you are quite close to the stairs leading down to the water.. you hear some noise from the stairs also... then you hear noise from another side of the deck... some shouting and then a sound as if someone preparing to lauch a lifeboat.. there seems to be atleast two persons by the lifeboat, but you can't see them from this distance.
*Johnathan moves over to one of the life boats and shouts*
"What is GOING on?"
The people gather by the life boat:
At the same time John armed with a nightstick walks toward the stern of the ship with the crew members. It is hard to see because the fog is so thick. Then he sees some ten figures standing by the stairs leading to the water.
"I wonder if those are perhaps, the half-naked blackies?"
John thinks by him self as he closed them. When John comes close enough he sees for his terror that two of the figures are indeed those black workers from the fireroom, but the rest are somekind of fishpeople.
"Shoot shoot SHOOT"John shouts as he leaps for cover.
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Some of the men start to shoot and some to run, while John run across the deck to hide behind a chimney... and then it is heard again.. the sound like a foghorn and a roar... but now it comes from somewhere up. John turns his face to look up and sees a huge dark shape,,, it is to the direction of bow from John. A large thing rising to the sky with wings and tentacles.... John starts to run again...
As John comes to the other side of the ship and he sees a bunch of people staring at him, their mouths open. Some of the people he has met are here including Mr.Stone who is preparing to lauch a lifeboat with Kevin. From the game *Coming to a stop, twitching a little (or a more than little...) keeps glancing back where I saw the mother-of-all-critters* *Wheeze* "You still want monsters? *Wheeze, cough* Well, no need to leave the ship! *Glance, shudder* Just follow the gunshots *Wheeze* and screams... the screams..." *Falls down to catch my breath, still glancing back and twitching, taking a long pull from my pocket flask, ready to run as if a bat from Hell was after me (For it is...)*
**************************************************
PLACE: deck of Mauretania
TIME: Sunday 4.55 pm.
AT THE SCENE: Jesus Fernades, John Constantine, Anikim Pastorov, Regina Cartwright, Hard Like Stone, Kevin Wayland, Jonathan McMiller
WEATHER: still thick mist.
**************************************************
From the game Jesus Fernandes:
*Speaking to john* "What is it? What the hell is going on?"
John:
*Shudder*
"You don't wanna know. Really."
*Takes a deep breath* "Some toads from Hell are boarding the ship, some bat-squid-thingey is flying around hooting it's horn, some tribal loonies are conducting summoning rites..."
*Gives Jesus a hard glance* "Other than that, things are going just swell. How's your day?"
*Johnathan McMiller pulls out his .45. He moves his head in the way of cracking his neck and looks behind John fromwhere he came.*
*Nods*
"Yes, man, what is it??"
"You sure you wanna use that thingy?"
*Pointedly looking at the gun*
"There are toads out there with their bellies full of boys with bigger toys... and they did them no good..."
Jesus:
"I´ve had better days. Any Ideas, other than drinking? Anyone?"
*I start to search my backpack*
Hard-Like-Stone:
"Everyone is going to die unless they leave now."
"SHIT!!!! We are too late. By the Spirits I will at least die fighting this monstrosity!"
I reach into my pockets and pull out some berries and herbs and quickly crush them together. I apply the warpaint vigorously to my face and pull out my rifle and war-club. "Today we die, but we die fighting!" I give a fierce warcry and charge off towards the monsters.
*Johnathan blinks again and watches the chief charge*
"So much for leaving. I doubt we'll be able to go anywhere since we are in the middle of nowhere."
*Johnathan looks at the rest*
"Well? Do we follow the chief there or should head below since that sounds like a safer thing to do? Personally, I'd take a chance below."
John:
"Well, I sure as hell am not going back there, but down below we could just become trapped and eventually forced to fight our way out... but we can't stay here either..."
*Johnathan winks and starts to head AWAY from the things*
John:
I follow... "Anyone have any ideas where they are keeping the big guns? I don't like the idea of fighting, but if it becomes necessary, I'd like to be armed..."
*Johnathan grins*
"Well sir, if you have a better idea, I'm all ears.
Jesus:
*loading my revolver*
"I´ll say lets kick some ass and may the spirits be with us"
*Johnathan scratches his head with the point of his revolver and makes a "You are Nuts!" face.*
"You are a nut! I'm not a bioligist, but when there are huge giant toads eating people with big guns up, I tend to rather spend my time at a Fendoo Buddist Meeting to clense my soul."
*Johnathan winks*
"I wish you well, and good luck with the toad things. I rather figure out what they are first than to go shooting at anything that's bigger than me!"
Anakim:
"Indeed... Hey, John, where are you going?! Wait to hear, what I have got to say, please. Gentlemen, I'd suggest... ough, sorry, and lady," Anikim quickly adds, "... yes, I'd suugest the following plan: probably, the life boat is the best way to escape whatever the fate has prepared for us on that ship. The life boat idea sounded like crazy one for me just a seconds ago, but when I know that there are some monstrous things attacking the ship, the angle at which I look at the things is changing. Then again we can't use that boat right now, since we didn't get any supplies. Thus, we must run through the ship to the other end. On the way, we grab whatever you think might be useful: food, water, your own things if you have anything valuable that you don't want to leave, and we meet at the other end of the ship. Then, we descend there a life boat on the water, and run, I mean, sail or row... I hope there are life boats, and that some of you knows how to get them down on the water. And we prey there is some land close by, and we find it.... Well, how is the plan?"
Anikim smiles weakly,
"I can't think about anything better now. Ough, one thing more -- if anyone of you sees Farther Baldus, please, explain everything to him, and ask him to join us. He kept my time on that ship at least somewhat excited with his talks..."
*Johnathan nods*
"That's a plan better than any I suppose. I take it some of us go for the galley while some head for the medics and the rest for a room to grab some blankets and stuff."
jesus:
"Hmmm...that sounds like a good idea, althougt i´d still like to kick some ass but i think i can do it later with some, well not so big and nasty bugs.But what if we get under attack on the lifeboat, if i remember right somebody said something about some flying critters or whatever?"
John:
"Well, we could get attacked be it here too, not to mention a few score cultists and those toad-thingeys. But now that you mentioned it, those toads sure looked like they could swim..."
*John gets up*
"Well, that sure beats dying. I'll get the medical stuff. At least I know the way there. So let's move it! We can speak while we run."
*Turns back*
"Oh, and someone should start lowering a boat already, for it's likely to take some time to finish that task."
jesus:
*speaking to everyone *
"What about those tribal loonies, they might be summoning more of those evil minions. Shouldn´t we try to stop them?"
John:
"Seems you'd have to go through all those other critters to reach them... I WAS following them, so I should know. There was a nice little ritual murder done in the engine room, they escaped through a chimney and came here with me and a few boys after them. And that's where the toadmen came in..."
jesus:
"Maybe we should think about this in that lifeboat.I can go to lower the boat but i think we should not split into too small groups, i mean like together we are stronger or something."
Johnathan:
*Johnathan follows the pair and listens*
"Perhaps staying together would be wise, but perhaps we can get the things faster if we split up and get off this bird."
*Johnathan thinks*
"I believe the galley is nect to the bar, I'll go there and grab as much as I can. I'll meet everyone at the meeting point. If anyone wants to come help me, you better catch up!"
John to Johnathan:
"Right. You get the galley, Jesus gets the boat and I get some medical stuff. Rest, perhaps, should get plankets and stuff, and a weapon or three would be nice."
*Johnathan grins and screams "YEE HAW!" and bolts to the galley dodging people left and right, his revolver posed and ready to shoot and thing that is not of this earth*
Regina:
"Giant Frogs? Tribal murderers? This is ludicrous! Listen to watch you're saying.. It's not making sense. The ship could very well be rocking due scraping against other iceburgs in the water. People are panicking and acting rashly due to fear. Please be calm. You're acting on the words of some obviously unstable people, try to be calm about all of this. We can't well go out to sea in a little lifeboat. You'd suffer exposure and dehydration long before reaching land.. Professor, you of everyone should be rational in all of this. It's clearly hysteria.."
John:
*Gives her a sour glance*
"Well, lady, if you like, you can just go there *pointing to the direction I ran from earlier* and be as reasonable as you wish with the critters there."
*Evil laugh*
"I'm sure they'll listen to your arguments carefully before ripping you into little pieces and having a light snack."
*Shrug*
"So if you have trouble believing, just go see for yourself. Me, I'm for running for my life but suit yourself. See ya later."
*Sprinting of with Johnathan & Jesus & whoever else decides to follow...*
Regina glares at him.
"Good day then. But for the record, should you care to think of it, a small craft such as a life boat might not be ideal should you face what you think. Aquatic creatures such as the common every day man eating toad might find your small craft quite athe delicacy floating waywardly alone with nary a coastline in site."
She smiles, tips the proverbial hat towards him.
"Evening,"
she says, plesant as can be before turning to the professor.
"You both are talking sense, no matter how impossible the thing can be that John is saying about. Although, you, Regina, might be right about rocking due to the scraping against the icebergs, I, basing on my previous studies, which I have told you something about back in the bar, might believe John. We also can take into account the preceeding events: man gets poisoned on the iceberg with something that doctor can not recognise, the engine stops to work that never should happen on the ship as big as Mauretania, especially at night and near a such big iceberg.
Regina:
"Cold environments house all kinds of bacteria and contaminates. More so then dry arid ones and just think of all the odd diseases found in the great tombs.."
Anikim:
Regina, you can go and check, but if you go, I go with you. And, please, promise me that if we see anything terrible, you will follow my plan, since if it is all true I'd expect the ship be overwhelmed by aliens quite soon. Did I say aliens?! Well no matter how we call them."
Regina sighs.
"All right. Should it be aliens or man-eating frogs or mass delerium anything is better then a slow death of dehydration. Should we go then."
She holds out her arm for him to take. Anikim:
For a moment Anikim looks like lost in his own thoughts, he quietly murmurs don't paying attention if anyone overhears:
"Hm, aliens. Actually all this may support my theory, but who knows how they are going to react if we approach them. This all needs additional studies, and in more friendly circumstances. If I only had more time to think..."
If anyone looks at Anikim and he noticed that he says, loudly:
"Ough, sorry. Never mind my talking, I'm just trying to find reasonable solution to our tricky situation. So, Regina, do we go and check?"
Regina clears her throat lightly.
"Yes Professor. I am ready."
********************************************
PLACE: deck of Mauretania
TIME: Sunday 4.58 pm.
AT THE SCENE: Father Baldus, Kevin Wayland, John Constantine
WEATHER: Thick mist.
**********************************************
Until now Father Baldus has been in the bar.. he has been trying to see what is happening outside.. finally he runs outside, but he must stop.. a thick fog has covered the ship and it's quite dark here... hard to see.. he starts to walk with his hands in front of him... from the distance he can hear strange voices... after a short while he finds a lifeboat, just as he is about to walk past the boat he notices a dark figure in the fog closeby, and he desites to back behind the boat... the figure walks towards him and when our dear Father is sure it will see him it turns away and disappears to the fog, but Father has seen enough... a monster of a man... half fish and half man... Father turns to run...
John and Kevin make their way in the fog ... coming around one corner they almost run into Father Baldus... Baldus seems pale and not feeling ok.
John:
*Coming to a stop to avoid a crash*
"Hello, father. Sorry, can't stop to chat now, we're in a hurry. Oh, Ankim wanted to see ya. Wanna tag along? For you certainly don't wanna go there."
*Gesturing to the direction we came from*
"The crowds are a bit wild. Y'know, eating people and stuff. So we're getting the hell out of here."
*Beginning to (try to) tow Father Baldus along*
Baldus:
*looks confused*
"Eating People?"
*follows while looking back over shoulder*
Kevin:
Coming to a stop:
"What happened? Are you alright?"
Baldus:
* in a quick rapid fire voice *
"Did, did you see that... that thing? I swear it was a large fish! Except, hands, and a trident! Did you see?!!!"
John:
*Spitting* "Yep. Him and his 20 friends. And the bastards who invited him to this party."
Kevin:
First the zombies now this!!"
*sobbing and screaming at the sky*
"When will it end?!"
John:
*Blink*
"Zombies? And where might those be? You mind telling me about your misadventures while we run? Sounds mighty interesting... considering we might run into them."
*Fingering something in my pocket nervously* *In a low voice*
"Great, all we need is Papa himself swingin' his cane..."
*A nervous grin*
"Anyone have a knife a could borrow?"
Kevin:
In Arkham, New England I was hired to guard a morgue. There had been rumors that a mob boss might try to steal a corpse. About halfway through the night the CORPSE got UP and started attacking ME! It took FIVE bullets in the HEAD to just knock it down!!
When Prof Pastorov and Regina disappear in to the fog to investigate, Jesus stays alone to ready the boat...
Jesus:
It´s sooooooo nice to be alone in the mist..... and i´m NOT scared!
********************************************
PLACE: deck of Mauretania
TIME: Sunday 4.58 pm.
AT THE SCENE: Father Baldus, Kevin Wayland, John Constantine
WEATHER: Thick mist.
**********************************************
The three men continue to walk slowly in the fog... strange sounds can be heard all around and it makes them nervous... Finally, they see a shape standing by the door that leads to the corridor of the doctor. it is hard to tell in the thick fog but from this distance it seems just a fat guy standing there...
John:
*Having a bad feeling...*
*Whispering*
"OK, this is the deal. You two hide here in the shadows, I'll go and see who or what that thingey is, and if it's a critter, I'll run back here so you can whack it's arse to next tuesday while it's back is turned."
Kevin:
In response to this I draw my 45.
While planning they hear some noise from the door.. a group of men (or monsters) come out carrying something resebling a body.. they disappear to the fog... there's no-one standing by the door anymore... the men sigh... the road is clear... all three men walk to the door and enter the corridor...it is still dark here... finally they come to the doctors door...it is ajar.... once they enter the room they find the doctor on the floor... he seems uncontinuous...
John:
I grap a knife and some bandages (I assume a doc would have some within easy reach) and and turn to leave.
*Whispering*
"You mates deal with the doc and grap some stuff. I'll try to follow them critters and see what they want with the patient. See ya later."
*Turn to leave*
I try to follow the things silently, mostly trusting me ears to guide me. Hiding in this fog shouldn't be too hard...
You walk towards the bow in the mist... and there in the bow you see it. oh, yes there, standing like a tower.... what you thought was something flying in the ear, must have been just the head of this monsrosity.. you feel your head spin and legs go numb... this is something totally unearthly.. forms and shapes so inhuman, so corrupted and evil.. and in his feet the horde of these fish/frog-like men humming and croaking,,, swaying from side to side slowly... you can just keep your self from screeming in terror.. it is just too much to behold.... again the moster gives out his shout!!... you know it will see you... it will see you forever,,, where ever you go, it will find you... and finally it will have you.. as you turn and crawl away you don't even notice the foam coming out of your mouth and the stubid grin on your face.. you just must get out of here.....
John Constantine:
A bad day for a poor little occultist... :-( this is getting rather cheap lately, but as soon as my legs will work, I'll scramble backwards, and when in deeper shadows, run like hell... I'll try to hold back the screaming until I see someone... if I'm frightened, it's only fair to spread it among others ;-) Oh yeah, I'll head towards the meeting point. Better be a boat ready pretty soon or I'll go swimming...
Meanwhile Regina is not convinced about the monsters.
Regina clears her throat lightly.
"Yes Professor. I am ready."
"Ough, sorry, Miss Regina,"
professor responds quickly,
"just thinking, just thinking..."
He takes Regina's hand, places it on his forearm and adds with a little smile:
"If you please,"
starting to walk towards the intended source of the strange happenings. Allready on the way, he says:
"I hope we will find everything as you think it is. But, please, promise me -- if we find out that John was right you will consider my plan, although I'm myself starting to think that my plan is too bad, since no matter what waits for us there, " he moves his head as to point at something ahead of them,
"going in to the see out of nowhere on the tiny boat is indead not good idea."
They walk into the fog... towards the bow... then suddenly from the fog comes John running... he stops in front of them slobbering and grinning madly...
John:
*Giggling*
"...tentacles. *Giggle* Pretty tentacles. *Chuckle*"
*Suddenly graps Anikim, still grinning like a madman*
"You shouldn't go there, no you shouldn't. *Giggle* Wouldn't do to get yourself eaten, no it wouldn't do at all.
*Hee, hee*"
*Suddenly gives a small scream and rushes to cover behind a nearby box.*
"*Muttering something indistinctly, you can catch something about eyes and the futility of hiding*"
*Starts rocking and hugging himself, playing with a scapel and muttering something ominous in a unknown language.*
Watching at John and then at the direction John came from, Anikim says to Regina:
"Miss Cartwright, it is too strange. What can drive a man that mad in so short period of time? Maybe, we should consider once again our decision to take a look at whatever is happening there. Miss Cartwright, don't think about me as a coward, but do You still want to go there?"
Meanwhile in the doctors cabin:
Kevin checks the doctor for a pulse and surveys the room, looking for anything usefull. Then he tells Baldus to watch the door and offers him a pistol that Baldus turns down. After finding the doctor just uncontinuous he graps the stuff he found and tells Baldus to stay and take care of the doctor.
Kevin:
"Ok you stay and watch our friend here, I'm going to check on John and see if he is dead yet."
*smiles sarcasticly* (john was the one who went after the trident carrying thing)
baldus:
"I will do that. Allow me to offer a blessing for Saint Michael to Protect you in battle as well."
*proceeds with blessing*
"Now good Dr. Wake up, there is much I wish to ask of you."
kevin:
*Draws his .38 and clutches his rabbit foot for good luck, he sneaks out the door and in the direction John went*
Baldus:
Pulls a rosary from pocket and wraps it around his left hand.*
"In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirt"
*making the sign of the cross, begins praying the Rosary*
After a while the Doctor wakes up.
Baldus
"I am Father Baldus. A Priest and passanger aboard this ship. And you are Dr. (whoever). Do you remember what happened to you before you were knocked out? You have a nasty bump on your head."
As the doctor starts to tell that he does not remember anything, shots are fired outside. it is Mr Stone killind one of the Deepones. The shots are also heard by Kevin...
Baldus:
"Stay put! I'm going topside to check things out."
While sneaking in the mist Kevin sees John Constantine running from the bow but does not recognize him...
You follow the corridor back to outside... you head for the bow in the mist... then you hear a someone running toward you in the mist.. quckly you hide and the person runs past you... You did not recognise him, but you heard him giggling madly... it sounded like someone totally insane... he came from the bow... you turn again to the bow, but after few steps you hear something. "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.... kill kill kill kill!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" * it could be Mr.Stone... many shots are fired, and someone shouts in a inhuman voise* "AAAArrggghhhhh " *You can hear a sound like someone falling to the ground*
*wispering*"What in hell is going on around here?
After disappearing to the mist.... Mr Stone continues sneaking slowly it is really hard to me in the mist.. circling around he goes, looking for the monsters.. After a time that seems ages in the mist he sees John running madly from the bow, but continust to that direction. Then through the mist he sees someone standing by a door. After spying on the man for several minutes he desides to move closer to see who this suspicious figuge is.. Once close enough he sees that it is somekind a fishman.
Mr Stone:
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.... kill kill kill kill!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I fill it full of lead with my pistol until I get close enough to smash it with my club.
You take it/him by surprise and kill it easily... the first bullet goes past it and it turns towads you, the second bullet hits it to the right leg and the thing allmost falls, the third bullet hits it to the abdomen and the thing falls... you smash it's head with a mighty blow and when you are sure it's dead, you stop hitting it.. you stare at the dead body and start to feel strange.. the brain can be seen.. the thing looks lot like a human... you start to feel sick... you killed it, and now it's dead... it was a monster you try to convince yourself... before this you have killed only animals, and only when you and your family has needed food...
Mr Stone:
I'm gotta remember that the Spirits said that these things had to be destroyled. I've got to get myself together and go and destroy the rest of them.
At this point both Kevin and Father Baldus come to the scene:
Mr. Stone is standing on a something that is left of a corpse that resebles a human and a fish... His clothes are all in blood.. He holds a pistol in one hand and a mace in the other, the mace drips with blood... Kevin and Father Baldus can just see him, but not each other... Mr. Stone steps back from the corpse and turns around to find the rest of the monsters... Suddenly there is movement above Mr Stoen and the terrible roar is heard again... from too close.... from above Mr.Stone something emerges...in the same time the ship shakes alittle... It is a mass of tentacles.. behind the tentacles two glowing eyes can be seen... first of the tentacles passes by Mr. Stone even though he doesn't try to dodge it... he is just screaming in terror... the second graps him and he disappears to the fog... the roar is heard again but you Kevin and Father don't care... they just run...
Meanwhile Johnathan is looking for the galley. Despite the fog it is easy to find it. It is in the opposite direction from the possible monsters. He enter the galley and finds it to be a large room with lots of stuff in it. It seems there is no-one there. Johnathan looks around for a large sack and starts to load it up with and canned goods, cheese, bread, and any food that can last a long time without cold storage. He also picks up a sack of salt and throws a bunch of meat into the sack. As he comes around one cupboard he notices three men sitting under a table staring at him their eyes wide open. Quicly Johnathan identiies them as part of the kitchen staff....
*Johnathan blinks and looks at the staff*
"Hey, you know where I can find a can opener?
they stare at Johnathan for a moment and then one of the point to one closet..
"There..."
*Johnathan grabs the stuff and winks at the staff*
"TOAD! BIG TOADS EATING PEOPLE! RUN!"
*He grins and takes off back to the meeting place*
Close to the meeting place:
Regina: "The more that I think about it no I don't. Call it that dark bit of mortal coil called terror dregging up. But then again if we don't know what it is that we fear how can we hope to combat it? The dark ages ended when man convinced himself that there was nothing more to fear then fear it's self. Perhaps we were a bit premature in making that judgement, but none the less, there is this predicament at hand."
"The good sir's condition could be attributed to a great many things. Perhaps there was an odd sort of illness creeping around that iceburg and it's spreading over the ship. Mass hysteria and delusions, even madness, can accompany high fevers."
Regina and Prof Pastorov are talking to each other and John is with them... Kevin and Father Baldus run from the fog to the scene... they both look little dis-oriented... they all can hear the Roars from the bow..
*Baldus holds his ears*
"No No No...."
Then something flies through the mist and lands near you with a loud splash... they go to see what it was.... it is a bloody body of a man... it is Mr.Stone.
"Ough, God,"
Anikim gapes at the fallen body,
"What is going on in here?"
He looks at the bloody body, barely keeping himself from throwing up, and if there is no way to say for sure that Mr.Stone is dead he adds:
"Is he still alive?!".
he pulls Regina's hand that is presumably still on his forearm and says:
"Now, do you believe John?!"
, than adds to everyone else:
"Although, I'm eager to see what is there. I understand it may sounds mad, but I'm not going there to see what it is, and I hope no one does. Not now, when it have done a such terrible thing with a man."
Anikim points at the body without looking at it.
"We MUST run from this ship, since I don't hear any sounds of resistance to whatever has aboarded our ship, and thus noone is going to save us, and I doubt these monstrous things or people will stop on a few bodies, so if we hide on the ship they are going to find us anyway, now or later, but soon enough. If we run, we have at least a slight chance to survive."
*John gives out a mad laughter*
"Haaa hahahaahaaarrhhh We are all going to die!!!"
*his whole body convulsing*
"Hmff.. hehehehe indeed..."
Anikim startles at the sudden laugh from John, amlost breaking to run, then calms himself down and explains to Kevin and Father Baldus:
"John has been there and says he has seen those creatures there. Fortunately, he was more lucky than Mr.Stone, if you can call this luck. No, I can't stay here anymore. We MUST do something!"
Baldus:
*shakes and begins to look around franticly. If the majority of characters try to leave, Baldus will grab their arm and stick close*
Kevin:
"I saw what attacked Mr. Stone, it looked like a giant octopus with glowing eyes."
*Pulling out his .38 and shooting several shots in the direction from where he ran, before John starts that way*
"Thats for Stone!!!"
"Kevin! Stop that, you attracting them to us,"
Anikim rises his voice,
"You can do nothing for Mr.Stone now, and by shooting at them from here you can bring doom on all of us right now. Also, I doubt you've got tonns of bullets, so save them for later use, when perhaps you own life might depend on that."
"So, are we going to stand here forever and let'em get us? Move, please! First, we go to the kitchen or bar -- whatever is closer -- and get some provision. Most important, we MUST get as much water as we can carry back to the boat, where Jesus is waiting for us. Once we get food and water to the boat, we leave provisions and run to grab whatever we might need of our own possessions from our cabins. First of all, take some warm clothers and blankets, cause it might get colder. What else do you need? Well, it's your right to think what is more important to you, and what you can't leave behind. Just keep in mind, that space in the boat is limited. So, that's the same plan as I suggested a while ago, do you agree with me?!"
Anikim turns to Regina:
"Miss Cartwright, I hope you are not going to complain, aren't you?! I'll help you if you please to get your staff from your cabin. I'm not that young anymore, but at least I still can carry something heavier than books. Ough, yes almost forgot. Does anyone have a map and a compass?! If not, we need to get them too."
"Everything that I need I have right here." Regina pats her little leather satchel, "Other then my research everything else can be replaced. Father raised a resourceful woman. And yes, I have a compass, but not a map of the middle of nowhere."
Anikim looks at all of them, then seeing John grining like an idiot, he asks John:
"John! Are you capable of taking care of yourself?"
, and to everyone else:
"Well, it's better if someone keeps an eye on him, and helps him if needed."
Kevin drops the medical supplies he is carrying and heads for his room to collect the rest of his lucky trinkets, his silver dagger, several blankets and his suitcase. He also looks for a lighter, anything that is a liquid and is flamable and as many glass jars as he can carry. ;-)
Jesus Fernades and Jonathan McMiller are waiting by the boat, when Professor Pastorov, Regina Cartwright, Jonathan Constantine, Kevin Wayland, and Father Baldus come to the boat one by one, some carrying their stuff with them... some have blankets and other stuff also.... The boat looks to be ready ... Jesus sits in the boat, his hands on the release mechanism...
John:
I'll jump in the boat as fast as I can, probably still looking quite strange, mumbling and occasionally twitching. And if someone thought to bring a bottle of something strong, I'll snatch it and do my best to get drunk real quick... a little alcohol to buffer the synapses might do some good to calm poor Johnny-boy...
When they all are there, Anikim says:
"Uh, Iet's hope we made a right decision, and let's look forward for a bright future and successful escape from this ship. Check last time before we depart that we've got everything needed: first, food and water, compass, a map... Ough, has anyone got a map? If not I doubt we can find one. We could check the captains cabin, but I suppose the cabin might be already taken by these monstrous creatures or their worshipers. So, we can't risk to go there. That's it. Father Baldus, please give us God's bless, and let's get us away from here."
He brings himself in the boat, then gives Regina his hand to help her to get in the boat too.
Johnathan:
*Johnathan tossed the huge sack of food into the boat and jumps in after the lady. Still standing he pulls out his gun and holds it up ready as the rest gets in*
"Come on, let's go, I think those unglies are getting closer"
Kevin jumps in the boat without another word, clutching his rabbit's foot, kissing his horse shoe, and mumbling something about hoping that he dosen't die.
Johnathan:
*Johnathan, while looking around catches a glimps of Kevin kissing his horseshoe.*
"Do you always carry a horseshoe with you?"
he says with a smirk.
Kevin:
Will all that is going on don't you think I NEED it? Or would just the rabbit's foot do?
Baldus:
*Making the sign of the Cross*
"In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen. As we offer this prayer, the response shall be "St. Peter pray for us". As we board this boat we ask for the intercessioin of Saint Peter himself who is the Patron of the Seas. R We trust in the protection of all the angels and ask that the will of God be done. R It is these things which we ask, in Our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus's Holy Name, Amen."
Ok, now move your asses over I gotta get on too.
Kevin:
"Amen"
"Hey don't talk to me like that!"
After you are all in the boat, Jesus lowers the boat to the water.. Any hesitations disappear when you hear the terrible roar again from the ship... slowly the ship disappears in to the mist and you are all alone in the darkness... after few minutes the mist begins to get thinner... after half an hour it begins to rain and the mist disappers.. you can't see far because of the rain... it still rains when it starts to get dark, but it is just a light rain...
John:
*Takes a long pull from his pocket flask*
"...and good riddance to that bleedin' sailing mortuary."
*Lighting a cigarette, you can notice his hands still shaking*
"Anyone have any idea where we could head to?"
*With a half-hearted attempt of a sneer*
"Any paradice island nearby with lots of young lasses with too little clothes on and interesting drinks made from pineapples?"
*Wraps his trenchcoat around himself, lies down and tries to find a relatively comfortable position to get some sleep*
Kevin:
"Yeah there is one, it also has talking animals, giant lollipops, and a brewery run for a family of 30 ft giants. HA"
Johnathan:
*Laughs*
"If he keeps up his drinking, I am sure he'll see paradise island."
*Johnathan thinks a bit and frowns.*
"Maybe we should go back and see if Chief Running Bull is alright?"
John:
*Eyes widening* "You're nuts, mate! If he's lucky, he's been made into meatballs by now. And if not... better not to think about it. *Taking another long pull from the aforementioned bottle*"
*Muttering*
"... told him heroes die young... but, did he listen... no, of course not... after all, what does an old coward know about anything...*Sigh*"
Johnathan:
*Johnathan rubs his chin.*
"Well, I liked Chief Running Bull."
*Johnathan looked up into the sky as the rain fell on to his face*
"Well Chief Bull, I hope you are having a nice time up in the great heaven smokin' your peace pipe."
*Johnathan then looked at everyone.*
"Well, I guess while we're out here floating in the great ocean in the rainy dark, we might as well get to know each other. I am Johnathan McMiller."
"Peace be with you all, my name is Father Baldus."
"I'm Regina Cartwright,"
the woman says while fishing through her satchel until she finds a small copper engraved compass which she hands to father Baldus.
"I believe we were looking for one of these?"
"Kevin Wayland, Private Eye."
*Shakes Johnathan's hand vigouriously*
Baldus:
*takes the compass*
"Hmmm, well, I'm not sure what to do with this. I think that if we actually tried to head in any particular direction, using this small boat, we would soon wear ourselves out. This current is mighty strong and we will probably end up going wherever the ocean wants to take us. I say we conserve our strength and await rescue. Besides, Saint Peter is praying for us."
*Turns to whoever it was that had the horse shoe and rabbits foot*
"And you sir, away with those useless totems."
*Pulls a miraculous medal from around his neck*
"Here, put this on. Our Holy Mother will keep you close to her breast, you have no need for those useless items. Mother Mary will ask her Son to preserve us, and he is a good son. He honors his mother still you know. He will do as she pleads."
"Well, I guess while we're out here floating in the great ocean in the rainy dark, we might as well get to know each other. I am Johnathan McMiller."
John:
"John Constantine. I would say it's nice to meet you, but in these circumstances..."
Johnathan:
*Johnathan groans and shakes his head.*
"Let's try not to have a holy war brewing on this little boat."
"As some of you already know I'm called Anikim Pastorov,"
Anikim slightly bows his head.
"I'm a scientist of anthropology and astronomy, and somewhat familiar with archaeology, occultism and psychology. That's if you would like to know that too, cause I wish myself to know what all of you are professional or familiar with. It just may help us all in the nearest future, if you know at least somewhat about each other capabilities."
Johnathan:
*Johnathan takes a puff of his cig and slowing draws out the smoke*
"I am an archaeologist myself."
*He smiles.*
********************************************
PLACE: lifeboat
TIME: Sunday night.
AT THE SCENE: Father Baldus, Kevin Wayland, John Constantine, Professor Pastorov, Regina Cartwright, Jesus Fernades, Jonathan McMiller
WEATHER: dark, the rain has just ended.
**********************************************
John Constantine takes a small wooden idol from his pocket and examines it... after a while he puts it back to his pocket...
Anikim looks at the idol then asks John:
"Excuse me, may I take a closer look at this item?"
Johnathan:
*Johnathan folds his arms to the top of his head and leans back again looking into the sky then glances over to John Constantine*
"Say bloak, What's that?"
John:
*Idly fingering the talisman*
"Hmm? Oh, just a little souvenir from the sons-of-bitches who invited those critters to our little party..."
*Handing it over to Anikim, with a look saying "I want it back"*
"No markings or symbols I can see. But it *Shudder* resembles the guy I met on the ship..."
After examining the small idol, Kevin, Prof Pastorov, and John come to the conclusion that it is a statue of the Great Chtulhu.. A strange and gruel God worshipped by some natives of the Far East islands..
*********************************************
PLACE: lifeboat
TIME: Tuesday.
AT THE SCENE: Father Baldus, Kevin Wayland, John Constantine, Professor Pastorov, Regina Cartwright, Jesus Fernades, Jonathan McMiller
WEATHER: Clear, soft wind.
**********************************************
Third day in the boat and you are running out of food soon... the sun is shining so you have managed to dry your clothes...
Johnathan:
*Johnathan, on the third day looks around the ocean, squinted against the sun looking for any dry land anywhere*
"Damn. I just realized something. If no one radioed about the ship going down, there will be no rescue."
*Johnathan thinks a little and calculates the six days they've been out to sea and the remaining days till the ship ports into England*
"If that's so, they won't know something is wrong until the ship will port and that is in 1 day."
*Johnathan frowns and looks into the food sack*
"We're running out of food as well. Unless we figure out something fast, one of you will be dinner soon and that would really ruin my day."
*Johnathan grins trying to give a little humor to the weary band of sea faring folk.*
John:
"Well, squire, as I see it, there's not much to do. We have no way of fishing, and doubtfully any fish could be found very close to the surface in these deep waters anyway... and rowing is a waste of time, as the currents carry us where they want in any event. You could shoot some seagulls, bút they are only found closer to the shore, so..."
Johnathan:
*Johnathans hair is a mess. He's grouchy and hungry. His looks up into the probally now baking sun and wonders if there is anything that can be done than floating an around and in boat and dying of hunger.*
*Johnathan grabs an oar and looks at John hoping he'll give some kind of direction at least.*
"Really, I rather just get going somewhere and doing something. come on people, grab an oar and let's get to it. I'm not going out like this!"
John:
*Trying to shade himself with his trenchcoat, he stares at Johnathan while scratching his stubble*
"Squire, you wanna to row, then east is as good direction as any. You'll tire soon, and the currents will continue taking us where they want. You'll only get more tired and more thirsty."
*Turning towards Father Baldus*
"It's all in the hands of the Allmighty now, ain't it Father?"
*Trying to spit, without much success because of his thirst*
"So, any plans when you gonna arrive to the World After?"
Baldus:
"Indeed we are child, indeed we are."
*looking around the horizon*
"St. Peter, pray for us."
"Hail Mary, full of Grace the Lord art with thee, Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now as in the hour of our death, Amen".
*again looking around the horizon*
"Over all though, I'd say its not a bad place to be. God has spared us from going to the bottom of the ocean for some reason. Be patient and all will be revealed."
Jesus:
"Does anyone know anything about astronomy, I mean we could try to navigate by stars.At least we would know where we are."
And then after few more days of hunger the darkness comes for everyone releasing them from the agony and pain...
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