Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

He doesn't have any money with him yet, so he can't buy any novel foods, but there seems to be a dearth of anything really new and interesting as compared to home. Food is definately more old-fashioned though: proper sausages instead of hot-dogs, they don't seem to have pizza, and jerky is sold as just 'smoked beef'. And its not just the food. It seems this entire society doesn't have the resources for proper variety: there are only two kinds of bricks and 90% of the doorknobs look exactly the same. The other 10% seem to be custom made from a forge. There is only one kind of car, one kind of truck, and they look like they both share parts with a single kind of tractor.

Goliath has actually already been fed table scraps. The women don't object to Peter having a dog, they object to having the dog inside the house. That said, he can't find any dog food: apparently its traditional to just feed them scraps. Rider comments the normal place to get good food is to ask the butcher for extremely low quality meat (which gives you things like the head of a cow, the hooves, or the spleen. Collars aren't hard to get, but their is only one kind in various lengths... a strong dull leather one with a large iron ring on it.

Bows are available ... and actually not that expensive: some of them are only 1 dollar, though they look like cheap work. Guns are more expensive, but not too much. They are sold at the same stores. Both are one of the few places were variety is common. guns feature everything from the revolutionary war to WWII. Bows include compounds, native american bows, recurves, and english long bows. All of them seem to have been used before. Or at least to have been made a while back. Ammunition more expensive than the gun prices would indicate though.

He doesn't see anyone who needs help, but its the thought that counts, right?

Rider: "Its mostly us. They're a tad 'superstitious'. can you blame them? they were superstitious when there wasn't spirits out there looking to share your body, offering power in exchange for your soul." The last part comes out bitter and sarcastic. "And we are nocturnal, and a lot of crime does have one of us involved, if only because that's the part of society we've been forced to work with."

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter will play with Goliath for a while, bounding around and playing fetch with a stick before heading back to go to bed in the shed.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Goliath is appreciative of the game, and greatly enjoys himself. When Peter gets home, he gets one last offer to leave Goliath outside and sleep in the bed inside.

Peter goes to bed and sleeps soundly in spite of the shed.

When he wakes up, he has enough to keep him busy: eating breakfast (corn mush), cleaning it up, getting to school and then to work. Goliath will have to stay home for most of it, or so Mrs. Coffin tells him.

The school has something of a rustic feel. While the construction is as modern as anything he's seen, The books are printed in black and white, all the pens are fountain pens rather than ball points, and there are certainly no computers or calculators. The subjects are fairly typical, and quite familiar. though the literature class seems to focus on really old stuff... nothing before WWII, and not much before WWI. And the history class looks fairly different: Its focused earlier in time and is split between old earth history and the history of the people here.

The kids are as well behaved as can be expected: There are about 30 people in each class. Peter gets a fair number of looks, but no one really initiates contact. He's sitting where-ever empty seats have been before. There is a dearth of riders among the students and teachers: Peter doesn't detect one all day at school (though he did catch one on his way there).

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter will do his best to be a good student and see if he can make some friends.

If they give him a local history book, he will be sure to bring it home, even if it is not needed for his homework. Peter is anxious to learn more about this place.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter finds he needs to request the book to take it home, but the teacher is quite accommodating of that particular request, seeing that its one of his weak spots. The book provides some nice information, as it actually talks fairly frankly about the riders, though it calls them demons:

Most of the time people brought to this world come in large groups: towns, army camps, and ships. Ships happen particularly often.
Most of the travel coincides with wars: The last large batches of settlers came during the world wars, and have made great inroads into the local culture.
World travel seems to be limited to the east coast. While the world has been explored, new people only seem to show up around the north atlantic coast. The rest of world is bronze age or more primitive.
The first travel was the colony of Roanoke (the famous 'lost colony'). The center of civilization is still in Virginia.
Riders have only been a problem a little over 200 years. The original settlers (1600s) did not have to deal with them. The Riders actually conquered civilization just prior to the American revolution. The camps of soldiers that went through were a great help in the liberation.
Riders seem concentrated on the east coast, and while they do work with other populations, they seem to have a special taste for civilized people.

Any way that he'll try to make friends, or types of people he tries to make friends with?

Work is somewhat boring and full of legal stuff ... the local government appears to think young boys are ticking time bombs. It takes him all of his work period to finish it up.

As he is finishing he senses a Rider come up and stand next to the door. He can't see the guy, but there is definitely a man, he's definitely got a rider in him, and the rider is definitely using some of his power... which is probably why Peter can't see him.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter is generally friendly, he doesn't spend extra effort to get in with any click in particular... though he would favor "good kids" over the "troublemakers" if he gets a sense about them.

He'll talk about "Scouting" and tell them about Goliath (and point him out f he's hanging around the school waiting for him).

'Senarich, we're being watched...' Peter thinks to his companion, trying not to be outwardly obvious that he's detected the invisible observer. 'What should I do?'

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter is able to get to talking with some of the boys. The ones he hits it off best with are ones who enjoy the outdoors. They've never heard of scouting, somehow. They find it kind of odd that an organization would sponsor those kind of activities: those are the kind of things people try to get them NOT to do.

These particular boys chafe particularly at the curfew and the general instruction to stay out of the wilderness. They do believe in the demons, but they don't really think it will ever happen to them. Rider is muttering things about paranoia and 'Thus I had to wait for a complete outsider'.

The boys work at an automobile shop... it seems most of the cliques around here work at the same place. They seem to have choosen the job for the owner rather than the work... the guy is fun and sometimes lets them work during the evening rather during the day.

-------------------------------------------------

Rider: "Well, he's either waiting for us to go home so he can talk to Kissinger or he's waiting for someone to walk past him so he can jump them. I'd guess he's more interested in Kissinger than us. Though personally I'd like to know which of us are in on this..."

Rider: "We could just walk out and bet that he doesn't want to attack us. I could turn you invisible and we walk out that way. I could turn you invisible and we stick around and listen. What I would not suggest is telling Kissinger about him."

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter thinks to Rider... 'Ok, when I'm done, we'll listen in.'

Peter finishes his work day and keeps track of the invisible guest...

When it comes time to leave, he'll bid his farewells and head out... then return invisibly to eavesdrop.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter leaves, rounds a corner, and checks that no-one is watching. Senarich turns him invisible, and sharpens his senses as well.

After two or three minutes, Kissinger opens the door so his invisible guest can come in, and Peter slips in at the same time. Kissinger leads the man into the back, and the visitor becomes visible.

Its a woman, wearing a crisp, dark, stifling dress and her hair done quite tightly. She is obviously wealthy, and while she is probably only in her early thirties, she acts as though she is much older. Certainly Kissinger's superior.

Woman: "Any luck so far?"

Kissinger: "They still don't trust me. Fancy that."

Woman: "And why not? you work for Morgan Freight. If that isn't..."

Kissinger: "They know that Morgan's one of us, and he hired me. Which makes things really blasted hard. They're trying to use me to my full potential as a tool without telling me anything. Though I can read between the lines enough to tell what they're thinking."

Woman: "Then how do you know..."

Kissinger: "They let me know that early on. I put on a good act and everything, but I don't think they completely bought it. They're not moving against him right now because they want to use him to track down others. So its a good thing you're talking to me instead of him."

Woman: <some strange cuss word>

Kissinger: "I am sorry, master, but what is done is done. We will eventually loose him."

Rider: "She must have one of our more ancient members in her. I wonder who..."

Woman: "How much do you know about their identities?"

Kissinger: "I know only who they suspect. They've been quite good about keeping their own identities a secret. Right now they are investigating Elijah Rancurrot, Thomas Shortwater, and Martha and Ivan Derrick."

Woman: "And Morgan knows..."

Kissinger: "Morgan knows nothing of my role. He will have to be insulated from our activities. He will understand eventually. Particuarly if we can get him out of this mess. I have been warning him about people trying to look into his affairs, and that he should lay low for the time being."

Woman: "Poor Irodontus. He made such a large gamble, and did so much for us... and didn't really get much out of it."

Kissinger: "For the cause, right?"

Woman: "I hear you got a new assistant. I hope that means you'll have more time to devote to coordinating our movements."

Kissinger: "We'll see how he does. He's pretty good, but he's also really green. He showed up all by himself. Just him and a dog. Have you heard of anyone else coming through?"

Woman: "No, not really. Thats really odd. Have you considered turning him to our--"

Kissinger: "Of course the thought has crossed my mind. But I don't know him well. I wouldn't have him turning me in... he's green yes, but I don't know where all the chips will fall yet."

The conversation starts talking about politics, and lamenting of how paranoid the society they live in is. Several times they talk about how much easier things would be if enough people were 'snatched' to overwhelm the existing society, and reminice about the 'good old days' up until the take over when they were kicked out of their hosts, defeated, and forced into hiding.

OCC: sorry if this is long, but I'm not sure how to give all the information across without being really vauge.

OCC-PS: I've been reading Dresden files, and the two entities in one body is really reminding me of the Denarians. That was not intentional at all.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

((OOC: Don't fret about a long post, I don't mind at all. So there is an ancient "rider" in the woman and they are keeping secrets from Morgan... Not sure what to do with the information though...))

Peter sneaks out and heads home for dinner, pondering all he's hear and trying to make sense of it.

He thinks to Rider, 'Should we warn Mr. Morgan? Sounds like he could be in trouble."


-------------------


After dinner Peter helps clean up and then plays some catch with Goliath, before tuning in early. He concentrates on the images from his strange dream, hoping to call up the images once again and make more sense of them.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Senarich: "Warn him? I suppose. I'm trying to figure if Irodontus would appreciate it though. And I'm not fond of the idea of re-entering society via Irodontus."

His dreams that night feature a number of people in cloaks and hoods. Peter is actually reminded somewhat of the KKK, but wearing browns instead of white. They refer to each other by something between titles and code names. One prominent member is known as "Brother Iron". Another is known as 'Brother Sword'. Most of the names are objects or substances clearly associated with what the locals would call 'civilization': Sword, Iron, Wheel, Road, Sythe, Book-- The titles are usually brother, but Peter does here titles like 'Master', 'Father', 'Keeper' and 'Sir'.

They mostly talked about others: Those not in their organization were mostly refered to by what seemed to be real names, but every so often they had other names, such as 'the scorpion'. The seemed to be mostly engaged in spying on their neighbors...

Peter woke up feeling a little more tired than normal.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

OCC: Mostly I was expecting an reply on warning Mr. Morgan before going on, or a mode of investigation to capitalize on what he already knows. Possible modes of exploration include investigating how Riders are usually discovered or trying to figure out who the woman is. If he's not going to act on curiosity that's fine, I just need to know. a hook will come at the end of the (in game) week.

about a week goes by. Peter continues his studies, and tries to make progress with the boys he thinks he can befriend. He's decently successful, but realizes soon his disadvantage is not merely one of time or foreign culture (though both seem to apply), but that his place of employment is another obstacle: they all work at the same place.

School is kind of hard; Peter has always been a good student, but several of the subjects are new are quite difficult to pick up quickly, while others are laughably easy (and thus boring) or just plain tedious. Rider offers to help Peter with a few of the subjects he struggles with. The first idea of 'help' comes pretty close to cheating: strait out answering the questions for Peter on the history quiz. He also offers to 'help' with the wood-shop class is an equally domineering fashion: he claims to be able to guide Peter's hand. He is quick to point out he can't do this without Peter's express permission. He also offers hints about technique or fills in details that the book seems to gloss over.

He is unable to make much progress at getting Goliath allowed in the house, but the old ladies do seem to like the dog and rub his ears and so on.

Kissinger doesn't seem to talk with the woman again. He assigns Peter more and more work, mostly paper-work. He's slow to give Peter tasks that are remotely delicate (or even important) but Peter does get the impression those tasks will eventually come up. Perhaps he's getting some of it. One day he's assigned to go through a book of businesses (something like a phone book, but with just addresses, only businesses, and it claims to cover the entirety of civilization) evaluate box-makers, and get Kissinger a list of the best 10 for custom made packing crates.

His dreams flit between Riders running around in the woods or alleys (but they seem to prefer the woods) to ships on the ocean to a few more of the strange meetings. None of them give him too much information.

OCC: This would be routine establishment time, but this society has mostly established that for him. He still has the evening hour to set a routine for though. I'd also like to know what kind of relationship he's aiming for with the ladies at home and with Kissinger, as well as any long term goals (and what skills are most important for him to work on).

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter will keep an eye out for the woman and try to determine her name and role in the town. He decides not to warn Mr. Morgan until he learns more, as he does not know if he will do more harm than good.

Peter dissuades any assistance that he feels would be cheating, but happily accepts being pointed in the right direction or other kinds of assistance that would be like having his own private tutor. He'll only allow Rider to guide his hand to demonstrate techniques, but not for any work that would be graded.

He tries to form good relationships with the ladies of the house, but does not try to form a strong attachment. Peter has always been an independent boy, and is hoping for more independence still.

He'll also look for a lace with good foot traffic that he will spend his free time at occasionally, singing songs and passing a hat to try and supplement his income.

((OOC: Peter will take any opportunity to work on his outdoors skills, and once he has enough money, will buy a bow. He plans on trying to find some time for hunting. Hos goal is to become self sufficient so he can get a place of his own so he and Goliath can sleep somewhere other than a shed.))

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Investigating the identity of people is an interesting trick: They don't have the internet around here, and Photos are rare and expensive-- often a drawing is cheaper, particularly for newspapers. He can't find her in any of those, or even in documents describing the notables of the town: lists of city council members, large business owners at the chamber of commerce (he does find both Morgans there though), or anywhere else. He also doesn't see her on the streets.

Rider seems happy enough to just guide Peter, but Peter does pick up a little frustration: Rider is going along with it mostly because Peter has asked him to. 'Guiding the hand' is a little scary: Rider has complete control of the hand at that point, though Peter gets the full sensory feedback. Some of the techniques shown are not standard, but they are quite effective. Rider seems to get most frustrated during the history tests, and at least at first, is constantly checking the grammar and spelling on anything he writes.

Going out into the wilderness is a limited opportunity unless Peter is willing to directly go against both his gaurdians and town law and custom. He does get enough of it to stay up on his craft though.

The singing doesn't pick up as much money as he hoped, but its more money per hour than what he is getting from his other job (which is an acknowledged unfair wage to 'repay' society). Its also a great place for people watching, which includes noticing Riders. Senarich gives some commentary on the people walking by, but his information does seem somewhat out of date.

Early in his singing career, he is approached by a policeman, who politely waits for the end of the song, then comes up and first compliments him on the singing, then asks where the money this generates is going.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"Thank you sir." Peter replies politely.

"There were some interesting foods I want to try in the market, and I want to get a collar for my friend here... A bow for hunting, all sorts of things."

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

The Police asks who is parents are and where he lives. When Peter informs him of his status as a newcomer living with the women in the receiving house, the man nods knowingly:

"Don't make yourself a nuisance, and I think we'll be able to leave you alone. Its not easy to make the change. wish you luck."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After about a week of this routine, Peter dreams of a murder.... The target is evidently a rich man, one he has noticed before, without a rider and unknown to Peter beyond his face. He does remember the man as rather self-important.

The man is in some sort of drawing room, next to a fire, reading some sort of document. There is a shimmer of light, and a transformed Rider appears: long claws, long fur, and animal ears and nose. Its next to a gun near a fireplace, which it picks up and fires into the target. The target falls backward, the bullet having struck it in the skull. screams are heard higher in the house, and the assassin dashes out the door, unlocking it from the inside.

A few people try to chase the assassin, but he goes mostly invisible and is aided by supernaturally strong legs. And yet Peter seems to follow the shadowy figure. It runs through the town for some time before climbing up a house into a window. Inside, it changes into a human. A recognizable human: Mr. Morgan.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter wakes from the dream with a start... "Oh my god!"

Goliath is on his paws, quickly moving his body next to Peter to comfort and protect him.

Sweat drips down Peter's face, and he puts his arms around Goliath. Letting out a brief sob, then breathing heavily for a few moments until he composes himself.

((Assuming Rider inquires...))

'I've been having these vivid dreams since I got here... '

The sun isn't up yet as Peter describes the strange councils in the woods and vision of murder to Rider as he hastily puts on his clothes and boots.

"I have to go check this out an see if it's real. If there is one thing I've learned since coming to this place, it's not to ever think 'it's only a dream'."

He turns his head back as he steps out of the shed. "C'mon boy" he says unnecessarily to Goliath, who is already on Peter's heels.

and Peter heads out into the pre-dawn determined to track down the victim's house to find out if what he's seen has really happened.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Rider is very relectant about the idea. Most of his objections are about getting involved 'in over your head'. He has lots of things to say about how Peter is still a nobody and how he (senarich) hasn't gotten the political lay of the land yet.

Not that he can actually do anything thing about it.

Its difficult to hunt down the house. Peter only really got glimpses of its location through the alley chase. Rider suggests that with enough details he may remember the building.

As they are looking around to figure out where the building could be (Peter has found at least one of the streets used), He senses a Rider coming down a neighboring alley.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter describes his vision of the house as best he can to Senarich.

When he senses the coming rider, he finds a place to hide and observe them as they pass. He wonders if his dream was prophetic, but not in time!

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

There isn't too much additionally to observe: the rider remains invisible (senarich assures peter not all of them can do that, but that its very common). He seems to be heading somewhere in a hurry.

On giving the description of the house, senarich seems to make a connection and says "Follow the rider! He's heading the right way!"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter asks Senarich to make him invisible, and gives pursuit!

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

The two invisible carriers (what else do you call someone with a rider) arrive at the house. There are already lots of police around it, and a huge bustle. twine has been used as the equivalent of police tape. Several servants seem to be huddled together to the side. The carrier leaps the twine and goes in the house.

(assuming Peter enters as well)

The scene is almost exactly as Peter left it: its the same room, and the same man is on the floor. The only people in there are a policeman watching the scene, and the other carrier.

Outside, the crowd is building.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter observes the scene from the far corner, so as to stay out of any foot traffic that may come in while the scene is examined.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

There isn't much foot traffic for at least the first ten minutes: the police seem to be waiting for someone else to show up and concern themselves primarily with controlling the crowd and talking to people... Peter really can't tell what determines who they are speaking to or not.

The carrier spends a decent amount of time right next to the body-- at least a good minute and maybe even three. Then he gets up and leaves the house.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter follows him, hoping to learn the observer's identity.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

The carrier hangs around the police for a couple of minutes, then heads out. Peter follows him quite a distance, through some of the nicer parts of town.

After a couple of blocks, Peter accidentally steps in a puddle, creating a splash. The carrier turns around and looks at where Peter certainly is, and remains watching.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter remains perfectly still, hoping he will be overlooked.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

The carrier sniffs, and then starts walking slowly towards peter.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter eases back and tries to quietly move down wind, hoping he'll lose him.

'I think we're in trouble Senarich'

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Senarich: "keep calm. And do I have your permission to do the talking if we're discovered?"

The carrier looks about. Senarich's transformation included increasing his visual senses. He's quite silent, but his pursuer follows as he backs up.

Senarich: "Either let me talk, or lets run-- I don't think we can shake him with stealth alone."

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

'Okay, let's talk to him. I'll let you do the talking, you have my permission.'

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Senarich: "Yes, we're here. Just looking into the little murder back there"

Carrier: "You followed me. Who are you?"

Senarich: "I'd have opened with that if I was ready to tell you, now wouldn't I? guess away?"

Carrier: "There's no-one who fits and half a dozen who are equally candidates. Not ready to go public then? Or are you just spying on us behind Quirla's back?"

Senarich: "I just obtained a partner and became mobile."

Carrier: "You've figured out current politics rather smoothly by now, to catch this operation."

Senarich: "You'd be surprized."

Carrier: "Well, If you won't identify, then I won't either. I could give the identity of ..."

Senarich: "I know who our people are. I could probably give you new names."

Carrier: "Right."

Senarich: "So were you for his death or against it?"

Carrier: "I've been kept out of the loop. I'm mostly just finding out whats going on."

Peter makes a couple of realizations at this point:

1) he's been kept largely out of the loop by senarich.
2) the voice of the rider they're talking to sounds an aweful lot like Mr. Morgan.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

'You've been holding out on me Senarich... We'll talk about that later. For now, can you sharpen my senses? If we can smell gunpowder on him from the murder, we'll know if this is the culprit.'

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Senarich: "I've been easing you in. Here are the senses."

Peter sniffs, but he can't pick up any gunpowder on Morgan.

------------------------------------

Senarich: "Oh, just why are they keeping you out of the loop? I wasn't aware we'd turned on ourselves.."

Morgan: "We're close. If we can get rid of the current order of salem, we can pretty much take over. We're close. So close. And you know what happens when we get close."

Senarich: "Only the short sighted ones."

Morgan: "I don't think many care about that now."

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

'You guys are new level of cryptic! What happens??

Morgan did kill him in my dream... Could he have returned to the scene of the crime ya think?'

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Senarich: "when we get close? we turn on each other. We loose sight of our collective goal and start trying for individual power -- You're sure it was Morgan? Why would he come back? -- ahh, to be seen running away that first time. And to see the general reaction when he returned."

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter silently communicates with his Rider. 'It was a dream, something could have been muddled up I guess... I can't be sure. Why don't we just ask him. I'm pretty good at sussing out the truth.'

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Rider: "That would be tipping my hand -- of course, if he doesn't know who we are..."

Rider: "Not many care about that? about loosing everything we've endured for hundreds of years?"

Morgan: "I never said I wasn't worried about that."

Rider: "So did you kill Thueson for your own gain or for all of us?"

There is a pause.

"Thueson was dead before I showed up."

Rider: "Before you showed up the second time."

Morgan: "You're just..."

Rider: "Everyone else has forgotten the greatness of the past. Oh, they remember that it was great, but they forgot why. And why we always won. I have another form of magic that works around here."

Morgan: "Oh, which one? we tried ..."

Rider: "A new one. Still working with it Morgan. Now, why did you kill Mr. Thueson? For yourself or..."

Morgan: "He's with the Guardians. I'm being cut out of our circles. I killed him to show I'm still a player."

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

'Is it just me, or is that really foolish... seems you're a player or your not, and if you are, your better off if they don't know to look out for you. Unless it's personal power you're after... What are the Guardians? Spirit hunters or something?'

Peter thinks to himself, 'My dreams are visions, I can sense these spirit things... how did I get this magic? Must have been whatever brought me here.' he muses.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Senarich: "He's after personal power. He's displaying how useful he is to the other riders in order to further his personal power among us. I admit, we care a lot about who's important and who's in charge. 'Spirit Hunters' is close enough to what the guardians are. They're a secrete society of locals who are dedicated to keeping us out of society. With how far we appear to have penetrated, it seems they're the only real resistance left. And it looks like we're on the offensive to defeat them here."

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"This isn't good at all. Riders killing people for personal gain... does your society have rules about this sort of thing?

Why don't the riders just take their Hosts and from a village of their own? Seems allot smarter and easier than this infiltration thing they've got going. Have kids, teach them to understand the bond and if there is a Rider looking for a host, they get it when they come of age.'

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Senarich: "Of course we have rules against such things. I admit they are less strict amoung some other people. The main rule is one of war: a killing is justified if that person is in a state of war with us. And not just vague opposition: Thueson was a dedicated enemy belonging to an organization devoted to hunting down and killing our bearers. Morgan's element of self-interest was that he killed without consulting the rest of us to display his personal might and competence, not the killing itself-- that act serves all of us."

Senarich: "Because there are not enough of us. Because we're people. Because we'd be hunted down and killed anyway. And because we're proud creatures who seek more in life than farming or hunting. We wish to rebuild our society, and right now this is the fastest way to do so."

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

'Seems kinda dumb to me... Like there's any challenge to someone who can become invisible to kill someone, especially with a gun.'

Peter mentally bites his lip after that, waiting for Senarich to finish his discussion and see what he intends to do about this murderer. He has been trying to trust these creatures despite his worries, but his concerns about these riders are growing.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Senarich: <mental>"Ahh, the hard part isn't the kill. The hard part is knowing who to kill, and avoiding the fallout afterwards. But yes, I'd prefer different methods to display personal might-- as I have been displaying"

Senarich<out loud>: "You may have restarted the war here."

Morgan: "I'm the one with the most to loose. If anyone has the right to choose, its me."

Senarich: "Indeed. How do you intend to survive--"

Morgan: "Oh please. I survived when I lived with one of the most paranoid and outspoken members of the brotherhood. I can survive now."

Senarich: "We will see."

Senarich <mental>: "Anything else before we leave?"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

'No, we have his confession. I don't know how much good it will do if the other riders don't want to take action.'

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Senarich gives Peter control of his face again. Its an odd feeling, and Peter (presumably) goes home.

OCC: If you have anything else to do tonight, feel free to do it.

On his way to school the next morning, he notices that everyone is grabbing newspapers. The papers, unsurprisingly, have the murder as their headline. At school itself, the news is present, though it has to compete with the normal topics and the general desire of the teachers for students to stay quiet. Suspicion that a demon (a rider) is behind the murder is fairly high, but its mostly thrown around as one of many possibilities.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

(The following is meant to take place the evening before)

"Seanrich, the way your people are going about this is wrong. If the people don't want you here, you need to come up with an alternative. You can't invade their towns and political system, and then claim you can kill them in self defense when they try and protect themselves. It's not right."

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Senarich: "Invade? I hope you notice we are assisting members of their community. We don't bring in Iroquois to invade them, and you may have noticed that we can't do anything without the permission of of our carrier. Irodontus acts through Morgan, who is certainly a member of this community. We simply aid those members of the community who choose to aid us. How is that wrong?"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

'I dunno, I'm kinda freakin out. That guy just got shot, and Morgan thought it would make him more popular and important, and he might be right. That's just wicked wrong.'

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Senarich: "And if it had gone the other way? Would it have been wicked and wrong if Morgan was hanged simply because he had pity on one of us? Yes, the world is a dark place. Its one of the things everyone tries to hide from youth. They want you to grow up trusting the world and being a good naive citizen. The truth is the world is complicated. You know that killing is wrong. Sometimes, someone has to be killed. Yes, we -- and I mean you and I -- plan to avoid it. But its going to happen, and I'm not sure what we can do to stop it. In fact, I suspect it will happen alot in the next little bit. Iroduntus may have started something he shouldn't have."

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"Of course it would be wrong to hang him for having pity, but trying to become popular and important isn't the same thing at all.... Isn't it much better to avoid the killing whenever possible? Trying to get into influential positions is just asking for trouble.

We could travel to all the cities you know of and sniff out the riders, and go off and build our own village, hidden in the woods somewhere. You say there's not enough of you, but how many do we really need?"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Senarich: "Yes, its preferable to avoid killing. I completely agree with you there. But influential positions... Its human nature. The old and experienced have always gravitated towards such things. And to be quite frank, its only the powerful and wealthy in our old society that survived its fall -- they crave respect. Even I do. And most of the time we get along without any violence, just like any humans. You just showed up at an interesting time."

Senarich: "We could certainly find every one, but we couldn't persuade them to go and live in a small village by ourselves. There is more to life than survival. Think about why you choose to go to the city rather than staying out in the country. Culture is more important than life. What is the phrase? 'Give me liberty or give me death'. Its about culture. People give up their lives for ideas, for cultures. They kill themselves rather than face disgrace or a change in their way of life. What makes you think we are any different? And those who we ride with would object more than the rest of us. Its one thing to have an ageless advisor in your ear as you go about your otherwise unaffected life. Its another to exile yourself to care for an orphaned spirit."

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"Well, here you guys abandon your culture for the human variety... it's kind of sad."

The next day, Peter tries to keep a low profile from the goings on, but stays observant.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Senarich: "Our society is already dead. Trying to reform it out of the fraction remaining is impossible. but yes, I wish it wasn't".

The next day, Peter is finishing up work when he notices an invisible rider coming towards the shop. He thinks its the woman he overheard last time but isn't sure. Close to closing, when one customer comes in, the rider slips in with him, and seems to just wait around.

If Peter decides to fake leaving and try to come back in or eaves drop:



When he's back at the home, the ladies are talking all about the murder, and about how much the man did in the community and if they are going to see another spat of demon activity. They give him an extra lecture on avoiding such things (which Senarich makes sarcastic commentary to the entire time) and tell him to be extra sure to be home before dark.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter does his best to be "well behaved" and be as regular a kid as he can over the coming days. His imagination runs wild, thinking about the potential plots and mysteries afoot. Peter struggles with the questions of who is right and wrong, and if he should tell what he knows about the murder...

Sometimes it's all too much, and there are tears. When Senarich asks, he tells him it's because he misses his home and family, which is at least mostly true.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

In the next three days word comes in of other murders in other towns: Roanoke and New York have two apiece, and quite a bit of the country side has murders of their own. The Atlantic seaboard (which is the heart of the world around here) has 14 murders all told. All of them are wealthy businessmen, statesmen, and public figures. Three of them (including the first) are in Boston. Many accusations of demon possession are made, and while all of those are still in the process of trial, it adds to the upheaval, though Morgan's name does not make the list. On the third night, burglaries of shops by emboldened thieves are added to the headlines.

Senarich tries to be comforting, but he really isn't that good at it. For one, he doesn't know of any way for peter to get back home, and he's something of a brooder himself. And senarich doesn't know the whole story behind the tears.

Peter notices that riders are talking to each other quietly in the streets more and more often. Senarich is torn between Peter's policy of staying low (with which he at least partially agrees), and a desire to participate in the upcoming war and know what's going on. Kissinger seems to be taking everything smoothly -- he at least doesn't feel like he's at risk. At least one man (not a rider) asks him why he's so calm and Kissinger replies that he stays away both sides, and both sides don't bother him.

Peter's dreams feature meetings late at night, from both the brotherhood and bands of riders (who are either invisible or physically altered enough to be unrecognisable). They discuss people killed, and plan more people to kill. Peter doesn't get enough hints to figure out anything about who the people are though.

As Peter is going home on the third day, he is approached by a heavy man in a suit. Peter thinks the man is some sort of clergy or the other. The man says "Son, come on over here. I have a few things I'd like to discuss with you about your employment." The man seems quite solemn, and quite friendly.

Senarich gets tense and even a little panicked: "Its a priest. He's an exorcist. one of the enemy!"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

'Stay calm Senarich, he can't detect you, can he?' he thinks to his companion as he turns to the exorcist.

Peter musters his boyish charm and innocence as best he can and replies...
"What can I do for you sir?"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Senarich: "You're the only one who can do that, and it hasn't been enough to stop us from being hunted down all the other times. Be careful. Don't tell him too much! I'll be stranded but they'll kill you!"

The priest, who introduces himself as 'Reverend Cole' obliquely approaches the matter of the increase in attacks, making sure that Peter is aware of the situation ("I struggle figuring out what the younger generation pays attention to and what they ignore"). He tries to figure how involved or concerned Peter is, and expresses that if Peter ever feels unsure about the situation that he can confide the reverend ("I know your situation, and I understand you may not be comfortable bringing up some of these topics with your guardians. If you need anything, I'll be there"). He seems sincere in his offer.

Then he asks "Can I trust you to be discrete? Gossip is dangerous at the best of times, and right now it can kill. I'm worried about the business you work at -- Morgan Freight."

Senarich is seething: "Careful peter. Careful--"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter convey that he is aware of the attacks and concerned about them, but has a general impression that it's a "grown up" thing, and he carries the invulnerability of naivety

"All these folks getting killed is terrible! It's really scary... It all seems so random. Luckily I have my best friend looking out for me." He reaches out and scratches the big dog between is shoulder blades.

At the mention of his workplace, Peter becomes wide eyed and animated.

"They've always been nice enough to me... Oh no! Do you think they might be next!?!? "

Peter calms down, visibly steadying himself, and glances to the left and right, checking to see who might be in earshot.... then looks back at the Reverend with hi most serious gaze...

"I can keep a secret, sir. I'm the Fort Knox of secrets!"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"Worse, I think one of them might know who's involved in the killings. I can't tell you why I think that, but I think someone is using that company's resources to organize the deaths. I don't want you to look into anything -- we certainly don't want you to get yourself killed, but you haven't seen anything that could indicate clandestine activity have you?"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter furrows his brow in thought... He's wanted to stay out of what's going on, but now he's been singled out. He had hoped that despite having a rider of his own that he would be able to avoid picking sides. That luxury quickly evaporated standing before the Reverend Cole.

He hopes this moment of introspection will be mistaken for him trying to think of suspicious activity to share.... as he shakes his head no.

"I can't think of anything. What should I do?"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Reverend Cole:"Just keep an eye out for communications that could relate to the murders. You don't need to go snooping. These are dangerous people. Just let me know if you see anything fishy. Lives could depend on it."

After the man leaves:

Senarich: "nice acting. I wonder if he's trying to track down Morgan or Kissinger?"

Another murder is committed in Boston that night. Peter dreams of another council of the brotherhood --- and he thinks he sees Reverend Cole in attendence.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"I hate lying... but I don't see much of a choice. He's looking for Morgan, 'cause he's the one who started the killing, but I doubt he knows it."

The dream comes as no surprise, Peter tries to recognize any others that he can from the dream.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Senerich: "He's not looking for a killer-- he's looking for riders, regardless of how guilty we are or aren't. Though I suppose we technically have all killed someone on the other side.

Peter sometimes gets suspicions about people being in that dream, but he never really sees enough of them to be able to tell if they are that person or not -- it isn't too fruitful.

As he is doing the books the next day, he comes across a note left out. it reads "2 AM at my home." It isn't signed.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter looks at who's other stuff is in the immediate vacinity of the note, and compares the writing to samples around the office (Mr. Morgan and Mr. Kissinger's script muse be all over invoices and whatnot I would think).

'What do you think Richie? Should we be spies?' Peter thinks to Senarich, trying out a nick-name for his body-guest.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Senarich: "Spy on -- You are aware which side I'm on, right? I don't care how guilty Morgan is, we won't be turning him in. I'm not about to turn on my own at this moment."

Its not hard to verify that the handwriting doesn't belong to either Kissinger or Morgan. Its obviously left for Kissinger to read though. Peter can't find the handwriting anywhere in the office-- at least not without turning the whole thing upside down -- no one with that handwriting has left anything over the past month.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"Not spies for the preacher, for ourselves... I just meant to figure this out. Maybe follow Kissinger and see who he's meeting.

Both sides are willing to kill to manipulate things to their favor... I'd rather find some other way."

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Senarich: "A way out without killing, there may be. A way without manipulation? That I cannot see. Yes, lets spy for ourselves. I certainly think we should find out who left the note."

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

At the end of the work day, Peter has Senarich turn them invisible, so they can follow Kissinger and gather more information...

"If it we can come up with a plan that will save lives.... I think I can live with a little manipulation."

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Following Kissinger home is not hard. Peter will be in lots of trouble though if he doesn't show his face at home before sneaking out again. Kissinger goes inside his home (sneaking into the house will be tricky).

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter goes home for dinner and pleasantries with his hostesses, and heads back to Kissinger's house to keep an eye on him after the ladies retire for the evening.

(He obviously has Senarich return him to normal for the return home, and re-optimize for stealth and speed when he goes back out to follow Kissinger to the mystery note writer's home.)

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter makes a good showing of eating dinner and going to bed like a good boy. Then he ducks out and heads back to Kissinger's house again easily. Its not hard to verify that he's still there. Peter can sense his presence, and looking through the window is trivial as well. He has a young wife (maybe five or more years younger than the 30-something year old man) and two kids. He is putting the children to sleep, and seems to be rather wary, constantly glancing out the window.

Peter and Senarich stake out the place, patrolling with eyes, ears, and nose. Kissinger goes to bed --- and sleeps right through 2:00 AM. They double check the scents to make sure that he hasn't left, and Peter can't sense any magic being used beyond the basic connection.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter keeps watch for a while, seeing if the mysterious person who left the note comes calling after being stood up...

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter stays around for well over an hour after the appointed meeting, and no one shows up.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter heads home to get some sleep before school.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

No one died in Boston last night, but everyone is tense. Peter is walking to work when Reverend Cole approaches him.

"Peter! My boy! I was hoping to see you. Have you given any thought to what we talked about before?"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"Hello Reverend. I've been keeping an eye out, but I haven't seen anything suspicious."

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

The reverend is rather surprised at Peter's response. "Really? nothing? Hmm -- well, I appreciate the effort."

During work, a man comes in while Kissinger is out. He looks extremely nervous and hands Peter a piece of paper. "Please give this to Mr. Kissinger -- its very important. And... umm.... please don't read it." The man rushes out.

Senarich: "Do you get the impression we're being set up?"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

'Oh yeah... Mr. Subtle there was really convincing.'

Peter of course does not take the bait. He does exactly as instructed and does not read the letter before delivering it to Kissinger on his return. He gives it to him with the description of the person delivering it and says "that guy seemed shifty, what's this all about?"

When he is questioned after work (He's expecting to see the Reverend again) he will tell him all about the strange man who came in, and how he did not look at the letter, as he was fearful of discovery, but that it was suspicious.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Kissinger looks at the note in disgust when its delivered. "Son -- I think someone is trying to frame me. What can you tell me about the man who delivered this note? And as you are new here, what do you understand about the whole demon thing?"

Senarich: "He's starting the recruiting process. This is interesting --- to join or not to join? Color the answer to reflect if you will be inducted or not."

There is another murder that night.

Reverend Cole is quite disapointed. "It was that obvious and you didn't look? I suppose I over-estimated you. Well, thank you for the information you did provide. I suppose its all that you could do."

OCC: you should congratulate yourself on points spent on acting -- you barely beat his detect lies in the exchange taken as a whole.