Play@YSDC

Tuesday 25th October, 1881, 9 am

Wilson’s Music Hall, Stepney

The morning newspapers have brought word of the latest killing in the East End, which again seems to be the work of the same person.

At 4 o’clock on the morning of October 24th, a man’s body was found by a watchman in the railyards by Aldgate Station. The details are few, but it seems again that the body was mutilated in some way.

The Clark inquest is busy again, but the mood has changed somewhat from the previous day. Some of the crowd were obviously enjoying the scene as a lark, but today the atmosphere is more serious and somber. The unruly Scotsman and his thuggish looking friends are present, and there seems to be more of them than before. Uniformed police keep a careful eye on the crowd.

Dr. Lucius Raffin is giving evidence today, as the inquest is focused on the cause of death. Again clad in black, he gives his testimony in a quiet and clear voice, avoiding direct eye contact. He tends to dwell on the gruesome details, and describes at length his autopsy procedure. Several in the crowd look quite ill, and Partington-White asks him to tone down the language used.

Clark’s throat had been slit ear-to-ear with what Laffin believes to be a straight razor. His shirt had been ripped open, and a symbol carved into his chest.

“Please describe this symbol to us” asks Partington-White.

“It is a circled x” comes the reply. “Of fairly large diameter”.

“A ‘circled x’?” echoes Partington-White.

“Yes. An x inside a circle. A circle divided into four quarters of equal size. I believe that the circle was carved first, and then the x. It was done most carefully. Whoever did it, didn’t want to make any errors.”

Laffin takes a sip of water.

“Death was probably due to loss of blood. The large quantity at the scene indicates the killing happened there, probably between 2 and 3 am on the 20th October. The deceased’s money, wallet and personal effects were missing.”

After more sundry details, the session comes to an end at around 11.30. Partington-White announces that the Rodrigues inquest will continue at the same venue from 1 pm.

As the crowd starts to leave, Melody is approached by the Scotsman. He appraises the other companions, but addresses her.

“Are ye havin’ much luck lassie?” he asks facetiously. “It disnae look like it. This butcher struck again, eh?”

Crozier:

This morning, Crozier attends the inquest in a good, dark grey morning suit, top hat and cane, foregoing the nautical look.

Tooling Up,In light of the visits yesterday to dangerous parts of London and the aggressive, common types attending the inquest, [b]Crozier[/b] has decided to do what any good gentleman should and bring along his little Webley British Bulldog revolver. He'll keep it in an inside jacket pocket, with some spare rounds in the opposite pocket to balance the weight.

Harry notices the rather gruesome descriptions of Dr Raffin and wonders whether he might be enjoying them a little too much.

Harry Psychology 13%,[dice]0[/dice] FAIL

Isolde frowns, “ Partington-White didn’t say whether the symbol was carved before or after the throat was cut; Id have thought that was quite relevant. And do we think these men are connected or just randomly in the wrong place at the wrong time. And we should mark the murders on a map to see if there’s a pattern. I suppose I could ask him about the wounds but he may not talk to a woman.”

“There’s no reason why he shouldn’t answer our questions just because we’re women,” bridles Vic. “Let’s go and find him and ask!”

"Perhaps we'll have better luck if we work together," suggests Alexander to his fellow Scot.

OOC,aine I think you mean, Laffin, the doctor, not Partington-White? Laffin was describing the wounds. To get information from Laffin requires a successful Law roll and a convincing explanation.

The man turns to Alexander. He is interrupted by a painful coughing fit, but eventually says,

“We have patrols now every night. We’ll catch ‘him, sooner or later.”

"It would be better to catch him sooner," says Alexander. "Fewer dead that way. I'm Alexander Campbell." He holds out his hand to shake.

Crozier:

Crozier casts a weather eye about for Inspector Cleveland, hoping to speak with him.

“Estes Hackett” says the man, holding out a grimy hand. “Yer nae wrong, Mr. Campbell. But as yer may ken, thurs nae shortage of crime an’ delinquency in these parts. And we dinnae get much help, so we hae look efter oursels, is tha’ nae correc?”

He cocks his head.

“I know it were Nash hired ye, but tha’ fella is mae concerned wi’ his pub then helpin’ tae’ make life mae tolerable for the folks here. Whit about you an’ yer association eh?”


Looking around, unfortunately, neither of the police inspectors are attendant at this inquest. The only officials are Partington-White, who is hurrying to leave, and Laffin.

A small crowd of men is gathering around where Melody and Alexander are conversing with Hackett, but they do not seem threatening.

Harry has returned to his usual place at the back of the room, with one eye on the inquest proceedings and the other on the crowd. He tries to pick out anyone whose reactions to the evidence might suggest they have some other interest in these events, perhaps that they seem unsurprised. He is also looking for anyone who might be showing unusual levels of interest in his companions talking to the East End committee.

Spot Hidden 66%,[dice]0[/dice]

OOC:   Success

“We can but try I suppose.” Isolde says to Vic. She leads the way over,
“Excuse me, Dr Laffin, could you spare a moment of your time?”

Law,5% [dice]0[/dice]

Isolde looks to Vic for some support.

Melody indicates herself, and Harry lurking at the back of the room, "Some o' us are from these parts Mr Hackett."

She smiles, "My Ma lives not half a mile from where we stand, in Limehouse. Lived 'ere all my life. Believe me, we care."

”If we may, we would like to ask you a few questions?” said Vic to Laffin. “We have been asked by concerned citizens to help resolve this matter, so anything you can tell us, would be helpful.”

Law,Law (5%) - [dice]0[/dice]

“Well, thas’ good tae see” says Hackett to Melody. He seems to be softening towards the investigators. “D’ye hae’ any idea aboot thas thang so far?”


Dr. Raffin touches his hat politely.

“I’m sorry, ladies” he says in his soft voice, not meeting their eyes. “Your concern is noted, but I must prepare for this afternoons’ session.”

He bows and strides away.

Harry,One of the men near the group, but plainly not of it, is listening intently to the conversation. [ooc]You can roll a halved Spot Hidden.[/ooc]

"We're still gathering information at this point," says Alexander. "The inquests have helped there, but there's still a lot we don't know. I'm hoping that science may help us solve these murders. Perhaps the victims had something in common with each other besides their location that will allow us to predict who might be targeted next. The symbol is a bit odd. If we could find its significance, that may lead to the killer. Perhaps there have been similar murders in the past that would provide clues that would establish a pattern."

Hackett snorts. “Och, thur’s always murders and stabbings an’ sichlike. It’s the way o’ life around here. But the symbols, those are different. Mebbe it’s them Masons. As far as we know, those men didnae know each other. The last fella, Tom Vernon, well he was a mutcher, as they say in these parts, an’ well-known fer it, so ‘e probably had it comin’. I dinnae know why the masons would do fer 'im though.”

Harry notices a man listening in on the conversation.

Harry half Spot Hidden 33%,[dice]0[/dice]

OOC:   Success

"Nor I," says Alexander. "They might kill to protect their secrets, perhaps. The killer left that mark for a reason. If we could find the meaning of the symbol, that could reveal the reason. That's where my friends and I might be able to help."

“It may be the way that you are dressed,” murmurs Isolde, “But the way he avoided looking at us, it seemed a little odd. We should find out where he lives perhaps.” She says to Vic. She then looks around to see if anyone else is watching them or the doctor.

Spot hidden,40 [dice]0[/dice]

”Normally men aren’t shy if they take offence to my choice of attire,” said Vic to Isolde. “But I agree, it was rude of him not to make eye contact. Should we follow him?”

Crozier:

Crozier looks quite scandalised. He whispers to Vic and Isolde, "Ladies, you cannot seriously suspect the police surgeon? And if you were caught following him, I'm sure you would be in serious trouble."

"My plan for today is not to skip lunch. There must be somewhere around here that serves edible fare."

Harry,Harry looks at the man closely. There is something familiar about him. He is roughly dressed, with a beard and a cap pulled down over his eyes. But the nose and jawline – then Harry realizes that he has seen the man in the inquest the day before. It is Sergeant Craig, operating in disguise.

Alexander & Melody,[color=#0040FF]“Wull, if ye can find oot, tha’ wid be grand” [/color]says Hackett. [color=#0040FF]“Thas whit them shopkeepers are payin’ ye for, isn’t it?”[/color] He winks facetiously. [color=#0040FF]“But if we find summat, we’ll share it.”[/color] Then his face darkens. [color=#0040FF]“If we find this murderer, then there might nae’ be mich left o’ him when we’re done. Remember tha’”.[/color] He beckons to his men, and walks away.

Isolde & Vic & Crozier,[ooc]Don't forget, Raffin said he would be preparing for the afternoon, so he will be returning.[/ooc]

Harry sidles up to Craig, trying to avoid any attention. He whispers so that only the policeman can hear, 'Sergeant, a word.'

'Sergeant Craig, my name is Harry Brown, I am an inquiry agent by profession, I am being retained to investigate these killings by a private organisation, 'The Seekers of Enlightenment'., he gestures towards the others looking conspicuous among the East End committee. 'I don't wish to interfere with your work but I think we might be able to share information.' Harry lets the possibility that he could expose the Sergeant's undercover investigations go unspoken, he is pretty sure Craig realises this.

Crozier:

"It's not so very far from here to the City of London. What say we catch a hansom, find somewhere that will do a sailor proud for lunch in the city, I'm sure the cabbie will have some suggestions, be back by the Afternoon Watch and the next session of this inquest. And at the end of the next session, I'll try talking to this doctor chap?" Crozier looks earnestly at Vic and Isolde.

“Luncheon sounds a marvellous idea, Captain! Just so long as it doesn’t involve those infamous biscuits of yours- or limes.” Isolde finishes darkly. “And I promise we’ll be on our best behaviour.” She says as Crozier hails a Hanson cab.

“I do have my suspicions about the police surgeon however, he looks so sinister. Now, what about the others; we seem to have lost them in the crowd.”

'That's a very savvy question Sergeant, the East End Citizens Committee called on the Seekers to ask them to look into these killings, given their experience. So we've agreed to look at the murders. My friends are talking to the Committee members trying to find if there's anything more known about these murders. Looks to me like you might be doing the same thing.

Harry holds up his hands in a gesture of openness. I'm not working for the East End Committee, they seem a rough lot even if their concerns are genuine. I work for the Seekers, and the Seekers are looking to help solve these murders. They've agreed to help the East End Committee as far as that.

But they're more interested in helping the police bring the killer to justice. Which is why I've approached you. I think we could help each other. We've got access to the Citizens Committee that you need, you have access to the police and their investigations that we need. If we pool our resources we might get this thing solved a bit quicker. And hopefully there won't be so many bodies.'

Vic allows herself to be lead outside by Isolde. She thinks the police surgeon’s response was suspicious but doesn’t intend to try to follow him on her own.

As Melody watches Hackett and his thugs walk away she says to Alexander, "The murders are so wicked. Would it be so bad if Estes Hackett and his men were to get to the killer first?"

Crozier:

Crozier hails equine locomotion for Vic, Isolde and himself. He instructs the cabbie to take them somewhere in the City of London where "gentlemen and ladies might find a decent luncheon." Crozier promises an extra half-crown if the cabbie can transport them in good time and the destination does indeed look to have good food.

(If Crozier can see the other Society members, he will invite them to follow.)

Harry,Craig nods. [color=#0000FF]“Very well, Mr. Brown. I’d appreciate being kept appraised of anything you find. As for us, we don’t have much to go on so far. We don’t know what the symbols on the victims signify, and we cannot find any connection between the men themselves. We have patrols in the streets every night, at the moment all we can hope for is to catch the killer in the act, hopefully before Hackett and his mob get there first. Be careful with that lot, Mr. Brown. I fear they have their own agenda, and you wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of the law.” [/color] He stands up. [color=#0000FF]“I’ll be here during the afternoon session. And, I’d appreciate your discreetness in the matter of my disguise.”[/color] He winks and nods in farewell.

OOC,Maybe we can move on to the afternoon session now.

"It's tempting to say nae," says Alexander, "but it wouldna be right. I dinna think they'll find him first anyhow, nor that he'd be so easily defeated if they did."

OOC,I'm ready to move on to the afternoon.

After lunch, it is time for the Rodrigues inquest to continue. The crowd is less rowdy than previous, as those with little invested in the murders look for more amusing pastimes. Hackett and his associates are here, as is a contingent of newsmen, scribbling in their notebooks. The disguised figure of Sgt. Craig can be seen too.

Again, the tall figure of Dr. Raffin is giving testimony, describing the details of Rodrigues’ death. Again, Partington-White asks for a less graphic account.

“The throat was slit, from ear-to-ear. The weapon was most likely a straight razor. But it was a clumsy job – the cuts were irregular. More like a hack, than a clean slice”.

“Doctor, please!” cries Partington-White, wincing.

“The victim sustained many lacerations on his face, arms and hands, indicative of defensive wounds” Raffin continues. “His shirt was cut through, and a symbol was cut into his stomach, but much more hastily this time. The victim’s wallet and watch were left behind.”

“The same symbol?” asks Partington-White.

“No. Similar though. Again, a circle, but this time containing a square, with its four corners touching the edge of the circle.”

“A square within a circle?”

“Yes”.

The circumstances of the death are recorded, and the session eventually drawers to a halt. Partington-White announces that they will resume at 9 am at the same venue tomorrow.

Harry recounts his discussions with the undercover Sergeant Craig. 'He says the police don’t know what the symbols on the victims signify and they cannot find any connection between the men themselves. They have patrols in the streets every night hoping to catch the killer in the act. He also warned us off "Hackett and his mob" who he thinks have their own agenda.'

Isolde is in a good mood after such a fine lunch.
“I wonder, does one cut a throat from the front or behind the victim? If behind then one might surmise that there were two murderers. One for the defensive cuts and one for the throat.” She thinks about it and shudders. “ I suppose we could research into the meaning of the symbols.”

”Where would we find such information?” asked Vic. “Do libraries have books on occult symbology?”

"It depends on the library," says Alexander. "The British Museum's Reading Room probably has the widest selection of books of all kinds, but it's not easy to get access. There are also all sorts of specialty bookshops on Charing Cross Road. I'm also of the mind that there may be more than one killer."

Crozier:

Capt Crozier is in a happy haze, fueled by tasty crustacean and (cheeky) French white. He wanders over to Dr Raffin, politely raises his top hat, and breathes in slowly to try to hide the aroma of garlic sauce.

"A pleasant afternoon to you, doctor. I wonder if I might have a few seconds of your time?"

Law 25%,[dice]0[/dice]

OOC:   Not having a lot of luck with these Law rolls...

"Please excuse me, sir. I have another appointment."

Raffin tips his hat politely and moves on.

OOC,Shall I move things forward?