002a: The Majordomo and Ms. Ryan

On/Under the streets of Yuggoth
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Joshua
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002a: The Majordomo and Ms. Ryan

Post by Joshua »

Early morning (for a rich person*) the Lord Bryce Williamson will lead a small group on a trip to level five**.

This starts with a walk to the nearby train station, and catching a 'hook car' up to level 5. Due to the perpetual motion requirements of the trains, they downshift to an ultra-low gear at the stations (which means you are still jumping onto a moving train, but it's only doing 1 - 3 MPH, more expensive trains slow down more). Then, the tracks go over a giant quarter-mile gap in the plate, with great chain loops with hooks. Said hooks catch the top and side of the hook car (always at the end) and decouple it, hauling it upward for 300 feet*** and coupling it onto the end of a train on level 4. Then a short trip on level 4, as the gaps in the plates don't line up perfectly, where the process happens a second time.

Thankfully, Lord Williamson has a car waiting for him at the level 5 train station to take the group to his manor.

His estate is exquisite, a moderately sized garden, with hedges and a grove of fruit trees. several outbuildings for carriages, cars and the help, and a large Victorian house with at least 40 rooms. They're very well styled and may get a longer description later****.

He will be greeted by several servants, and simply instruct that his guests be shown to the parlor where they will be meeting with Moses Conray as part of an investigation into the death of Erma Ryan. Oh, and please arrange for a replacement for Ms. Ryan while they're at it.

He is a busy man and, unless pressed, will leave people at the parlor.
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*: Since daylight is working hours and night work is difficult, rich people who don't have to work are more likely to sleep in. He's not terribly resistant to getting an early start.
**: Haven't figured out a better idea for level 5 then sun-towers. Basically, every mile or so, there's a giant tower with a sun-lamp on the top. That's.. kinda lame, so... I'd like a better idea (see OOC board).
***: 50 foot thick plate 10-ish feet of dirt and other stuff on top of it, and 240 feet of clearance (depending on if there's a hill there or not).
****: Guess a location thread is in order.
kitsunenotsume
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Re: 002a: The Majordomo and Ms. Ryan

Post by kitsunenotsume »

Lord Augustus Fairthingsworth will be among the group, if for no other reason than he really aught to travel home at some point. While not intentionally callous, Bertie will publicly treat any of the tea-house regulars as his own personal attaches for the investigation, while himself assuming something of the role of sponsor. While he would be perfectly content to differ to the experts under normal situations, the estranged lord has an image to repair, and being seen treating and being treated as a peer by one of his family's more vocal critics may assist with that.

When they arrive at the estate, Augustus will peruse the grounds, providing socially appropriate compliments and commenting on any additions or changes that he notes.*

Once they are within the Manor and waiting for their meeting, Augustus will look to Kin (et.al. as appropriate) between examining and talking to the furnishings. "I'm hoping you have some sort of idea what questions to ask?"


*: I am somewhat assuming there is a limited number of estates and aristocratic families, so even if parties here are rare, there is still some measure of the 'suburb neighborhood one-upmanship' going on.
Wyvern
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Re: 002a: The Majordomo and Ms. Ryan

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Kin is attending in her best attire - a red dress that (roughly) resembles a kimono; she nods in response to Augustus' question, "Yes, I do - obviously, the first cut should be the straightforward ones; where did she live, did she have a will or a family or other arrangements for the event of her untimely demise, and so on and so forth. After that, a repeat of the questions Lord Williamson couldn't answer seems fair, and we can go from there."
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Joshua
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Re: 002a: The Majordomo and Ms. Ryan

Post by Joshua »

A slightly dumpy man will enter after a few minutes. "Moses Conray, majordomo for the Lord's estate. I heard you had questions I might be able to answer?"
Wyvern
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Re: 002a: The Majordomo and Ms. Ryan

Post by Wyvern »

"Yes, thank you - we're here to see to the affairs of - and investigate - the late Ms. Ryan..."
(Having just, above, written down Kin's initial questions, it seems a bit silly to repeat them. Kin will, also, explain why an open-casket funeral would be a poor idea, leading into the same question that was asked of Lord Williamson: if Ms. Ryan had recently had any sudden changes in habits or mannerisms.)
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Joshua
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Re: 002a: The Majordomo and Ms. Ryan

Post by Joshua »

"oh, that explains the recent opening. I had hoped the Lord had simply fired her in one of his trysts. Anyhow, yes. Her home was on level four, I can get you the address... plate 4 I think." He will shuffle some papers he's carrying. "That will take a moment, before you leave. Her behavior? wasn't unusual. No changes that I noticed anyway*."

He'll talk a bit about her activities as a bodyguard and what little he knew about her. mostly it was a working relationship, but she did have some interests in firearms, magic** and poetry.
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*: With further questions, alienism etc... it seems fairly consistent. If she was replaced, it was by someone planning for the long-haul.
**: Interest in magic is bad luck, so this is notable. And fairly consistent. in the years she's been employed by the family.
kitsunenotsume
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Re: 002a: The Majordomo and Ms. Ryan

Post by kitsunenotsume »

Augustus will lurk throughout the room, peering inquisitively at the pictures and trinkets about the mantelpiece. "I didn't know they had gone and gotten married. When did that happen? Really? Oh, I suppose that does make sense, I was a bit indisposed at the time, but I always though he had eyes for, well you know, that rather buxom lass down at ..." He startles slightly after the pair has begun their conversation, and ceases his own discourse with a lithograph.

After the heavier inquiries are managed, he will return to the pair. "You almost make it sound as though such a dismissal has happened before. You have our most sincere condolences in this unfortunate time, Mister Conray. You mentioned that Miss Ryan had an interest in the unnatural arts and gun-play, and I find myself curious to know either was acquired during the course of her duties, or part of her ... professional repertoire preceding her employment. I understand it may be a sensitive manner, but it can be prudent for a valet to know the basic vulnerabilities and methods of the things that roam after dark. Why, my own Hertzfield trains to give those crawlies the good-ol' one-two with his eyes closed. Mind you, he still seems more keen on the flight rather than fight, but we're ... " It is at this point that Kin's mildly disapproving glance is noted and he catches himself with a polite cough. "Aah, yes, right. I hope it isn't too much to ask, but we thought it might be worthwhile checking with any previous employers about any incidents or misfortune Miss Ryan may have been involved in, if any of her employment references might still be valid."
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Joshua
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Re: 002a: The Majordomo and Ms. Ryan

Post by Joshua »

"Well, usually he forgets he fired them. Although once or twice there was reason and I kept them let go."

"As for Ms. Ryan's interest, I believe she had them for as long as I've known her. She was hired for her sharpshooting, and willingness to stand against the mythos is something we prize in out bodyguards." He will shrug. "so long as they're not practitioners. No... no offense intended, bt you are not seeking employment here anyway."

"Employment references..." Moses will trail off. "I suppose I can at least find those with her hiring information. If you can give me a short time. I do prefer to keep meticulous records."

He will bow out, unless stopped, and, frustratingly, take a while to return*.
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*: As this is not a 'let's see how long PCs will wait'... he will return, but it will be almost a half hour.
kitsunenotsume
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Re: 002a: The Majordomo and Ms. Ryan

Post by kitsunenotsume »

"Aah, wonderful, thank you. I am quite looking forwards to making further progress on this investigation."

When Moses turns to leave, Augustus will follow along shortly behind, as one might if being escorted to the office wherein the paperwork would be handled. It is possible he will be informed otherwise, but no-one told the slightly off-kilter nobleman to wait here while the man went looking.
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Joshua
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Re: 002a: The Majordomo and Ms. Ryan

Post by Joshua »

"I'm sorry, but the records office is private..." Moses will say... "I'll be back quickly... In the meantime, I can send some tea and cakes."
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