Chapter the Eighth: Across the Channel

Romantic Horror, London, circa 1800

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Re: Chapter the Eighth: Across the Channel

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Under normal circumstances at such a cosmopolitan event, Ines would be inclined to find some congenial spot to perform - this time however, she cannot rid herself of the feeling that this Peeters still desires to embroil the company in some form of trouble - consequently, she is unwilling to stray too far from the others.
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Re: Chapter the Eighth: Across the Channel

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"I happen to be a member of an organization whose meetinghouse has a handful of vacant rooms," Peeters explains. "I cannot promise luxury, but reasonable comfort for those in your party. I ask only that you tolerate the activities of our members, and not speak of what you may see there. Not everyone is as tolerant of eccentricities as the English are reputed to be, you see." With that provocative statement, he awaits reply.
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Re: Chapter the Eighth: Across the Channel

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"Well, we are somewhat eccentric ourselves," says Henry. "We do seem to have been met with suspicion since our arrival in France. Because we came from England, people are liable to assume that we are smugglers or spies. As a result, we must be careful. If we are being watched, those who are watching us may observe you and your fellow members as well. May I ask to what organisation you belong?"
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Re: Chapter the Eighth: Across the Channel

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"I believe it would be best to leave that unspoken," Peeters replies. "Forgive me if I seem excessively cautious. These are dangerous times; as, perhaps, all times are. If you would prefer to fend for yourselves, I will leave you in peace."
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Re: Chapter the Eighth: Across the Channel

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"I'm inclined to accept your generous offer," says Henry, "as the last time we camped out in the open did not go so well. However, I can only speak for myself. What say the rest of you?"
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Re: Chapter the Eighth: Across the Channel

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"Indeed, it would seem our meeting was a fortuitous one," Lila agrees.
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Re: Chapter the Eighth: Across the Channel

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Ines nods, albeit more in acquiescence than agreement.
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Re: Chapter the Eighth: Across the Channel

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"Excellent! Please follow me."

A short walk through the crowded streets leads to a two-story brick building of no particular distinction. Peeters explains the plight of the travelers to the dozen or so persons within, who seem cautiously welcoming. It may be noted that they speak in a mixture of French, Flemish, and Dutch, and that all have enough of an understanding of English to make themselves understood to the new arrivals. There are no women among them. All seem to be educated gentlemen of moderately high social status. It is remarkable that no names are used during the brief conversation that ensues.

After being supplied with a meal of good, if simple, fare, the adventurers are shown to a pair of rooms on the second floor. Each contains a sufficient number of narrow beds to accommodate half a dozen persons, so it is evident that this building is no stranger to visitors. The ladies are shown to one room and the gentlemen to the other.

During the night, at times when not in the arms of slumber, each adventurer is able to detect a sound which resembles chanting coming from somewhere on the first floor, although the words being spoken -- or, indeed, the language thereof -- is indistinct.
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Re: Chapter the Eighth: Across the Channel

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Curious, Henry attempts to listen to the chanting and try to identify the language. He goes up to the door and puts his ear to it, but he doesn't open it.
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Re: Chapter the Eighth: Across the Channel

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Spoiler:
WIS = 11 = 3 GIFT FOR LANGUAGES = 14[dice]0[/dice]
Doctor North is able to recognize the chanting as consisting of Latin interspersed with less formal speech in French. Not being acquainted with the latter tongue, that portion is unintelligible to him. However, the more ritualistic portion appears to have something to do with architecture and geometry, as well as references to a temple of some kind and its three masters.
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Re: Chapter the Eighth: Across the Channel

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"Ah," says Henry to the others sharing the room with him. "They are Freemasons. This explains much."
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Re: Chapter the Eighth: Across the Channel

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Hearing the chanting in the night, Lila elects to respect the 'eccentricities' of these men who seem harmless enough and goes back to sleep.
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Re: Chapter the Eighth: Across the Channel

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Ines will request an explanation of what Freemasons are, which I assume Dr North will provide. She will respond with, "Perhaps Mr Peeters's coversation was leading to an invitation for you to join them."
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Re: Chapter the Eighth: Across the Channel

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When the adventurers come together in the morning to discuss what Doctor North was able to understand of the sounds in the night, what information they possess about Freemasonry is shared. There is much controversy about the practice, some contending that it merely consists of a number of benign fraternal organizations, albeit secretive; others claiming it to be part of a wide-ranging conspiracy of nefarious purpose. The established Church does not view it as a threat, and even some members of the clergy are members. (Mister Witherly is not among their number, and does not seem enthusiastic about the practice.) Some Nonconformist sects have a dimmer view, as may be witnessed in the words of a leaflet nearly a century old, of Presbyterian origin.

TO ALL GODLY PEOPLE, In the Citie of London.

Having thought it needful to warn you of the Mischiefs and Evils practiced in the Sight of God by those called Freed Masons, I say take Care lest their Ceremonies and secret Swearings take hold of you; and be wary that none cause you to err from Godliness. For this devllish Sect of Men are Meeters in secret which swear against all without ther Following. They are the Anti Christ which was to come leading Men from Fear of God. For how should Men meet in secret Places and with secret Signs taking Care that none observed them to do the Work of GOD; are not these the Ways of Evil-doers?

Knowing how that God observeth privilly them that sit in Darkness they shall be smitten and the Secrets of their Hearts layed bare. Mingle not among this corrupt People lest you be found so at the World's Conflagration.


Mister Peeters and his fellows are certain to be particularly discrete in a Papist country, as membership is forbidden by the pronouncement of Clement XII In eminenti apostolatus many years ago.

The conversation turns to other matters when the host returns. After providing a light breakfast, he advises his guests to make an early start if they wish to explore the braderie, as the streets will be very crowded. Almost any imaginable sort of merchandise and entertainment will be available, if one is able to negotiate the chaos.

Before withdrawing, Mister Peeters suggests that Doctor North may wish to return later in the day and examine certain objects that may be of interest to him. It may be noted that the invitation does not extend to the ladies nor to Mister Witherly, although they have not been explicitly excluded.
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Re: Chapter the Eighth: Across the Channel

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For her part, Lila is inclined to look upon such men's societies as benign and has no wish to seem ungrateful for their host's simple kindness. Immediately following breakfast she prepares to set forth to obtain some Holy Water and garlic bulbs before the streets are too crowded.
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Re: Chapter the Eighth: Across the Channel

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Obtaining garlic is a simple matter, as there is a wide variety of foodstuffs available. (Perhaps Madame would care for a freshly slaughtered rabbit? A little rosemary and garlic -- magnificent!)

Obtaining Holy Water will require a little more effort, it not being an item normally for sale at a market.
Spoiler:
DEX = 18[dice]0[/dice]
Miss Davenport is able to avoid bumping into a fellow, apparently under the influence of strong drink, who stumbles into her path.
Spoiler:
All players may wish to state with whom they are accompanied during the braderie.
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Re: Chapter the Eighth: Across the Channel

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Ines is used enough to disdainful judgement that she has no wish to exercise it upon the company's hosts (especially since they have not done the same to her, where many would have). Nonetheless, her worries have not subsided, and she is unable to rid herself of the feeling that there is some kind of trouble brewing in the town, regardless of the bona fides of these "Free Masons." Accordingly, she will suggest that company remain together as much as possible.

Should Miss Davenport choose to pursure her business alone or with Mr Witherly only, Ines will remain with Dr North and Miss Carrow, though without intruding on their conversation, and should Dr North accept the invitation to this meeting with Peeters, will volunteer to accompany Miss Carrow.
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Re: Chapter the Eighth: Across the Channel

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Having purchased some garlic bulbs, and a fresh rabbit as a gift for Peeters to thank him for his hospitality, Lila heads away from the crowded marketplace in search of one of Lille's places of papist worship. She had thought of asking Mister Witherly to accompany her but did not want him to feel any discomfort among clerics of a different denomination. Perhaps she will meet him and the others at the braderie afterward.
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Re: Chapter the Eighth: Across the Channel

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Spoiler:
DEX = 9 + TI = 10[dice]0[/dice]
Whilst in the company of Doctor North and Miss Carrow a clumsy young man bumps into Ines. He apologizes profusely in French and scurries away quickly.

A little while later Ines notices that a few pieces of costume jewelry carried on her person are missing.

______________________________________

A quick glance around the vicinity of the braderie reveals that Miss Davenport has the choice of visiting a small French chapel or the so-called "Irish College," an institution for the education of Papist priests who fled that island after it came under the governance of England.
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Re: Chapter the Eighth: Across the Channel

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Ines swears softly in Calo, and tries to recall the man's face, little good though it would probably do.
OOC:   Intelligence = 9, -3 Dull, +1 TI
SunlessNick rolled 1D20: 15  
... to no avail in any case. Still, she'll warn Dr North and Miss Carrow that the general danger of pickpocketing has become a concrete one.
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