Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter gives Kissinger a description of the man, and maintains his perceived ignorance at least a bit longer.

"...and the demon thing? People talk about them, and the ladies I live with warn me not to go out at night, afraid I'll get possessed or something."


----
Peter get's angry at the Reverend's comments, and points and thrusts an accusatory finger at him as he takes on a scolding tone with the man.

"You told me not to snoop! Just to tell you. I did exactly what you asked. My bosses would notice if I go opening their mail. If I did that they'd probably kill me if they're the bad guys, and fire me if they're not... You're just a big jerk!"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Kissinger: And what do you personally think of the whole thing? do you believe it?

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

Reverend Cole doesn't flinch. "I see you do not care for these matters. I will not waste any more of my time." He turns and walks away. Peter gets the impression he's been snubbed, but hopefully he's just declared himself neutral in all of this.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"Yeah, I believe it. Too many people are freaked out for it to be made up, I think.... Why, do you think it's made up to scare the new people or something?"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Kissinger: No, I believe it. I just wonder -- what makes us so sure they're demons? We never see angels, so how are we so sure thats what they are? Don't think I'm in favour of just letting them roam free -- they kill a lot of people, but I just wonder if they aren't what we think they are. Would negotiating with them be so bad?

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"I don't get the idea people think they're, like, 'sent by the devil' kinda demons... I guess they just get called that because they posses people and stuff. It's kinda hard to negotiate with 'em when you don't know who they are and they keep going around killing people."

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Kissinger: That is actually what a lot of people believe. Official church doctrine in most cases. But yeah, its hard to talk with people who only want to kill you.

Unless Peter presses, that is the end of the conversation.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"So, theoretically speaking, how could you, like, even open a dialog?"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"You'd need them to know that you're open to dialogue so they can find you and talk. Of course, we're just as hostile to them as they are to us, so if its well known that'd you'd stand and talk to one --- its a good way to get killed. I think thats the main difficulty, theoretically -- but would we even accomplish anything in this theoretical case?"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"I don't know... finding out why they're killing people so we can stop it would be goodest... er, best."

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"There's a lot of theories on that. An awful lot of theories. It'd be nice to stop all of this though."

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter doesn't want to overplay his hand (Passed his Overconfidence and Impulsiveness checks that would have forced him to do so), so he does not press the conversation further than to simply say

"Yeah, it sure would."

After talking to the preacher and going home for dinner, Peter sneaks off to the the woods for a while before the curfew. He has Senarich optimize his form for speed and stealth, and searches the woods around the town for familiar sites he might recognize from the visions of late night meetings.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

There is very little time between getting off work and curfew -- this is by design. Peter gets some snooping done, but not much. Senerich urges him to return home and slip outside again. Peter is a little tired from two nights ago, but he can certainly make it for a lot longer than the time given.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

He'll take the advice and check in at home and get a bite to eat before doing his exploring.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

As Peter is searching in the woods, he finds a gathering -- and it seems to be one of the brotherhood: the posted guards who seem quite human, and Senarich assures him the riders never had that kind of manpower.

That doesn't mean that there is no magic, however. a rider is in someone 15 yards beyond the guards, and a similar sensation -- but completely different, is right next to it.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter will approach and investigate this new flavor of weird... while trying to remain unobserved.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter gets closer and looks at the source of the weirdness.

A man has been bound and hooded in the center of circle of onlookers. The covering costumes are familiar. Everyone in the circle is holding a candle. A figure wearing some very pompous robes stands in front of the prisoner, holding a cross in one hand and a book(presumably the bible) in the other. He's the source of the weird feeling.

Senarich suddenly sounds very panicked. "Get out! Get away from here! I can't deal with this. I'll be driven out and have to start all over again! get away!"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter reacts to Rider's alarm immediately running away... After a moment he says mentally to Rider...

"Shouldn't we try and help him?"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"How? It'd be nice if we could, but just rushing in there will get us killed. If I get too close to the ceremony I'll loose all magic for the time being and they do NOT take lightly to people stumbling onto them."

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"How long does the ceremony take? We could go get others like Kissinger to help, or I could get my bow... or just grab some rocks and throw them from the trees... I don't know, I feel bad just doing nothing."

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"Throwing rocks? you'll get yourself killed. And that's about all we'll be able to do, unless you've got some magic trick up your sleeve. My magic and presence will end soon after they become aware of us, its near impossible to disrupt the ceremony, and I don't think we could talk to others into coming. And they don't even know for sure who we are yet. My identity is fairly well known."

"The ceremony is of variable length. It depends completely on the person in the center. But I would expect it to take at least an hour, if not three"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter sets off for the town, increasing to breakneck speed once clear of the gathering.

'They'll come, if I have to drag them!' Peter thinks to Senarich as he bounds through the forest.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Senarich obliges with the running enhancement. Peter runs into town, and is about 100 yards from Kissinger's house (still with the stealth enhancements) when a bullet buzzes past him.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter finds some cover and looks for the shooter.

'oh crap! Someone's shooting at us!'

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter dodges off to the side of the road as a second shot is fired, going wide. Crouching next to a house, he sees a pair of policeman with riffles. One is staring just to the left of his location, and the other is scanning around, seemingly confused. The weapons appear to be among the newer weapons he's seen. He's not sure if they are bolt action or semi-automatic.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter pauses a moment to listen and observe the policemen... He wonders if they were actually shooting at him, and did they know what they were shooting at? he glances at his hands and body to check that Rider's "Stealth Mode" is working.

'Rider, do you think they're cracking down on "demons" all over town? '

If the men do not reveal any clues in the next moment, Peter resumes heading for Kissinger's house... bursting in on arrival.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Stealth mode is still on.

Rider: "I'd say they were firing at us. Yes, We're in the middle of a crackdown, and yes, the police are really jumpy. I'd guess that they could hear footsteps from running hard or see something different when our feet hit the ground -- we've been in conflict for a while. They likely have been trained on identifying the location of an invisible target."

The men are watching Peter's location, but he is able to stealthily double around and get to Kissinger's house. Bursting in is a problem though: the door is locked, and the house is very sturdy.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter heads around back to see if the door is open, and checks to see if he can see any activity through the windows on his way around. He knocks on the back door, hopefully out of most sight lines.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Does he remain in stealth mode while knocking on the door?

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

He does want to stay stealthy

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Someone comes to the door, stays there for a little while, and then starts walking away.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter knocks again, and uses a throaty false voice "Open up Kissinger, we need to talk!"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Kissinger: "Who in the blazes is up at this time of night? There's a curfew to observe! And show yourself, I'm not opening the door for just anybody!"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"No, I'm not ready to reveal myself, and the last thing you need is someone to glance into your yard and see a 'demon' appear out of thin air. Now open up!"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Kissinger: "You're a demon! get away from me! I'm not getting involved in demon business. I'm an honest man. Go bother someone who doesn't have a reputation to uphold! What are you doing outside at this unholy hour anyway? Don't answer! I don't want to know!"

This is much grumpier than Peter has ever seen Kissinger before.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"You're not fooling anyone, I know your true nature and habits and the company you keep, and I've had just about all I can take of your nonsense!"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Kissinger: "So you want to finish ruining my reputation? Go away. Talk to me at a reasonable hour."

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"By then it will be too late. Your brothers are falling like stars!" Peter embellishes, "Something must be done at once!"

'Help me out Senarich, I've got to get through to him!'

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Senarich suggests mentioning the brotherhood and the killing.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"The brotherhood is out conducting exorcisms, the police are shooting at gusts of wind because it could be one of us, and the deaths are mounting. Can you live with yourself if you continue to do nothing?"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Kissinger: "Alright, alright, I'll let you in. I don't know why you're bothering me, but you had better be police, or when you get in I'll blow you to ****"

The door swings open.

Senarich: "He's bluffing. It gives him plausible deniability if you're the authorities or with the brotherhood. And he will have the gun ready."

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"I don't blame you for being cautious, but we have to do something... " Peter recounts the forest exorcism and the police behavior.

"If you're too afraid to get close, maybe we can drop a rope from a high tree and haul him out... I think we should gather as many of us as we can, and put an end to this nonsense. I know of a number of us from my time in Boston, but they do not know me. I need your help, for the sake of all Riders... That's what I call these spirits within us, 'Riders' "

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Does peter become visible? does he enter the house? what does he physically do immediately after he enters?

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter entered when the door was opened, but remains invisible at first... He's waiting for Kissinger's reaction before revealing himself as the boy who works for him.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Sure enough, Kissinger is standing there with a shotgun. His rider is active and has enhanced Kissinger in some way (probably the senses). He seems to be able to tell where Peter is, and seems pleased that peter has the ability to be invisible, but doens't let his guard down.

Kissinger: "Close the door, then tell me who exactly you are, and what's so important as to come to my house instead of waiting until you can be more discrete? The brother hood suspects me already."

Peter launches into the problem, but Kissinger interrupts

"I'm not doing anything until you tell me who you are. At least one of your names."

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter discusses the matter with Senarich... 'Which is safer, do you think? Revealing myself, which means he might spill my identity if captured... or giving him your name, and revealing you to the other riders?'

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Senarich: "Lets start them wondering about me. Give my name. And give this passphrase:"

he says something in a completely different language -- about 8 words long.

Senarich: "Be aware that will only work this one time. If we need this again, ask me for the new phrase."

.................................................. ........

Kissinger: Senarich! Welcome back. I have no idea how you found me, I'm glad you came to me instead of someone you knew was with us like Iradontus. We can worry about that later.

Peter can tell this is not Kissinger's normal behavior, but then the old Kissinger returns.

You caught the brotherhood performing an exorcism? On who? Do you think its a legitimate member? This might be a great coup --- Wow Senarich, you attached yourself to a real go-getter -- most of the time you'd be as against this as anyone. I agree, we should surround the group with conventional weapons and have us a turkey shoot. They're tracking the phone lines, so we'll need to deliver the message by hand. Here is the current phrase for us <more and different gibberish that senarich assures peter he will remember>."

Kissinger makes a list of people to notify -- as well as where in town to find them. Double names are provided. Senarich promises he is remembering all of this.

Senarich: "Could I have control of the body for a minute -- I want to ask some questions"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter allows Rider use of his body, but first specifies... "I think we need a better plan than a 'turkey shoot', more killing will only make our problems worse. We need to mount a rescue, but leave things so we have a place to open some kind of negotiations."

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"It won't hurt our negotiating position one bit. Killing each other is the status quo. If anything it might scare them into being willing to negotiate."

Senarich: "Is that Karokan?"

Kissinger: "Yes." <smiling broadly>

Senarich: "I had no idea. I am glad we met each other first. It has been a long time."

Kissinger: "Yes it has. You have met no-one else?"

Senarich: "I have not"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter mentally fidgets, uncomfortable not being able to control his body.

He thinks to Senarich 'I still think we need a better option than killing a bunch of people... We need to change the status quo and I don't think a massacre isn't going to sent the right message, do you?'

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Senarich: "The battle is being fought already. We tried negotiating. They don't want any of it. If they wish to surrender during this battle we can certainly give them the option"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter thinks of the insanity going on and police taking potshots...

'Ok, if we give them the opportunity to surrender first... I guess we don't have many other options.'

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Kissinger: "Agreed. How long do we want to meet back in? I don't think we'll be able to notify everyone?"

Peter goes off through town to notify their forces. What level of stealth is he using? On one hand, time is of the essence. on the other hand, the police are out in force and taking potshots at gusts of wind --

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"That ritual isn't going to take all night, We should pick a meeting place, and have the others we get help with gathering our forces, then all meet near that grain silo by Monro Farm in an hour. It's remote, but close to the woods where we need to go."

Peter tries to pace himself, moving quickly, but not so fast that he will cause too much of a disturbance with his passing. He speeds up in areas he feels are safer, and slows down when there are police about.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Kissinger: "Agreed. I will see you in an hour."

Peter is mostly successful at staying out of the sight of the authorities. At one point he accidentally steps loudly in a puddle when near a pair of police, but luckily, they either don't notice or aren't as twitchy as the other set he ran across*.

One interesting name on Peter's list is Irodontus/Morgan.

Each of the people Peter got brings a gun. Will he bring a weapon and if so how will he go about getting one?

An hour later they all meet at the mill. Peter got 6 riders in addition to himself. Kissinger got 3 and got himself shot.


* Peter rolled a 15 on his stealth. They rolled a 17. It was kind of funny.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter will stop by the shed and get his bow. He wants to be ready to make a show of force if needed, even though he's really hoping no one will get hurt.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Does he go for Morgan, avoid him, or just do what seems most efficient (note: the choice won't increase or decrease the number of people he gathers)

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter decides to leave him out of it. Should the situation lead to the possibility of negotiation, he doesn't want Morgan there to make things difficult.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

There are 11 riders at the mill, none of them looking quite human, but all of them visible. At Peter's request, Senarich had cooked up a look for Peter -- It was aimed at disguising his youth. Grizzled hair was all over him, and he had a long pair of fangs. Everyone but Peter has a gun, and the guns are well taken care of and on the modern side of what he's seen here. Which is to say only one guy had a gun that looked like a prop for Johnny Tremain.

Each of them has a basic understanding of what the gathering is for. The other riders are all for going out to the forest and assaulting the clearing. No one is sure who the man in the center of the exorcism is. There is a lot of talk of being ready for your rider suddenly being unavailable in combat.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

'Senarich, if we lose our connection, will I change back to normal and become visible?'

Peter speaks to all present in his most grown up voice, "What we need to do, is to surround them, and once we're in position, all move in at once so they know there is no where to go, and try to force them to surrender. If we can get our man without hurting anyone too badly, we might be able to show we're not the monsters they think we are, and negotiate some kind of treaty. "

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Korithan (rider): We're offering them the chance to surrender? Are you sure its Irodontus in there? It sounds like one of Karokan's plans.

Kissinger (Karokan): Its too brash to be one of mine. I have no idea who he decided to inhabit, but the man seems to have a mind of his own.

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

Irodontus: "Yes, of course. Didn't you hear what I was saying before? That might be cause to try and disguise ourselves, but once the battle starts, you'll be completely on your own.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter thinks about the carnage that could happen if one of these guys gets too excited and starts shooting before they can form a dialog...

He thinks back to the men surrounding the bound "demon" and tries to remember the layout of the surrounding trees.

((Was the prisoner tied TO anything, or just bound in the circle? Peter is brewing an alternative plan... if they run a rope over a high branch in a nearby tree, they might be able to lasso the prisoner, and haul him up to the tree tops in a matter of moments of a pair of them jump out of the tree holding the other end of the rope. they could leave another in the tree waiting to cut the prisoner free. If Peter thinks it's feasible he will run it by Senarich, and if Senarich thinks it could work, he will suggest the alternate plan to the others. If someone is good with a rope, they may be able to rescue the prisoner without getting too close.))

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Senarich apparently has a perfect memory, and is able to provide him with the details he needs.

The prisoner is not bound to anything, at least not yet. The rescue attempt is at least possible, but relies on someone (not a rider) being good with a lasso. Alternatively, a good distraction and careful timing is needed. Senarich isn't sure if anyone has the appropriate skill, but is confident the riders have the skill needed to cook up a good distraction -- if the humans have the wits and calm to pull it off without support.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"Who's host is good with a rope?"

Assuming these Riders know their Hosts well enough to estimate their capabilities, Peter starts the discussion on implementing his plan to snatch the prisoner from the circle. He mentally reviews what he plans to say just before saying it, to give Senarich the chance to give him advice on the best ways to get the Riders to respond favorably.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

No one is good with a lasso: its a fairly specialized skill and you are in a city far from proper cattle country.

Peter is advised to take the 'lets not take more risks than we have to' tack, with the suggestion that the tactical planning aspects of this will be difficult. He gets a good response, particularly setting all the riders into tactical planning mode. Senarich requests control of the body to participate in the planning.

The end result is much more complicated than this, but the basic idea is an attack from one side, followed by a few people sneaking in and grabbing their ally. Peter can end up in either group. It initially looks like he will end up on the rescue crew, but if he wants to issue the challenge to combat or keep control of negotiations he can do that as well.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter let's rider have control.

He will continue to advocate for as bloodless a course of action as possible... if only in Senarich's ear.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

The tactical planning goes quite in depth, most of it about the distracting crew. Senarich is the only one who has seen any of it, and gives lots of details about the setup.

Peter's role in the operation will be as a supporter of the rescue. He will be on the lookout, take out anyone who needs to be in order to get the prisoner, and protect the man who is going for the prisoner. He is moderately stealthy in the woods, particuarly if they loose their riders.

As they approach the place, they hear the screams of someone, and a man yelling "Relinquish the demon! save yourself from hell! There is still time!"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter thinks to Senarich...

'It sounds like we're running out of time! We have to move!'

Senarich can feel Peter's sense of urgency. Were Peter in control, he might well have jumped the gun and fouled the plan, so it's fortunate for all he's not currently in control.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Senarich: "Stick with the plan. We've been over this. You can't panic when we aren't around. We need to leave sooner rather than later so we can return. This is just up to just the humans, and remember its your idea"

Peter and three others crouch in the bush nearby. One of them is a massive man, one a hard faced woman, and the last a thin, shrewd looking fellow. The shrieking dies down a little, into sobs.

Shots ring out on the other side of the clearing. The sentries look sharp.

Senarich: "You know the plan. Anything before I go?"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

'I need to stop anyone who gets in the way of our guys getting the prisoner clear'

Peter's mouth goes dry and there is a lump in his throat, he swallows hard and steels himself, he's never shot a person before. He raises his bow in preparation...

"I've got this."

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

And like that, Senarich is gone. Peter can still feel a small residual trace of -- of whatever that feeling is that senarich brings. Its deposited in his abdomen. Peter feels as each of the riders vanish, retreating to a different part of their inhabitants body -- the neck, the hand, and the right part of a back. Peter would have thought

The other three look nervous. The woman looks peter over. "Just a boy? Interesting."

They stay hidden as shots start ringing out on the other side of the grove. The sentries on this side turn around, not sure of which direction they should be looking. There is a lot of shouting, and the strange feeling from the man in the center of the circle returns stronger than ever. There is some more shooting, a lot of yelling, and someone yells "Pull in the circle!" Its not as distinct as Peter is used to -- senarich isn't sharpening his hearing anymore. Both of the sentries slowly back up.

The four creep forward towards the center. The fire fight is going pretty much as planned. Peter was able to keep his ability to sense the riders a secret, and he can confirm its working -- the 'anti-rider field' is moving aggressively towards the other group. Some sort of anti-exorcism shouting comes from it.

Peter can also sense the tiny spark of a rider still in the prisoner -- and its moving. Instead of moving towards the attack, it moves slightly to the left.

The shrewd man grimaces: "We strike now, before they take the prisoner with them to keep him near the priest. Keep your eyes out for where they have him, and keep in sight if you can. You know the approach route from the planning. Good luck."

The standard plan will get them close to the prisoner. But it will put the woman and the the shrewd man next to their target, not the big man designated as the carrier. They can handle it, but its a plan B, and will require at least one more enemy casualty -- inflicted by Peter.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter is quick to adjust to the change, and he knows what's at stake.

(Passed Impulsiveness Check)

He steps up alongside a tree hoping not to be seen and uses it to steady himself and readies his arrow and aim's at the target while his compatriots move in. Peter tries to reassure himself that this wasn't a nice guy, kidnapping people off to the woods... but despite that a few tears fall at the thought of how he was bout to have to let go of that string.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Only a few people are left near the prisoner, and at exactly the right moment, all four of them fire. Peter's arrow misses its target [rolled 14]. Only two of the four they had hoped to take down fall. Their foes are startled. The two that were missed look around for cover. others on the perimeter turn around and fire a few shots at the newcomers. These aren't well aimed at all. Peter knows the next step: Holding their position long enough for the other two to grab the prisoner, and making them look like the dangerous ones. Peter propels arrows from the bow at the nearest targets while the large man fires shot after shot in rapid succession, trying to slow down the enemy advance.

Yells from the initial front indicate the kidnappers are at bay there as well. The rescuers make it to the prisoner, and start carrying him off. As they turn to leave, a bullet hits the big man. Peter hears the distinct shots to the beat of 'shave and a haircut' -- the signal for them to pull back and the others to push forward. The big man is at least well enough to fire off those shots, but Peter doesn't know anything beyond that. The rider is still safe with him though.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter does his best to keep the extraction team covered, and backs off with them as they are clear of the circle... If he can't hit anything, maybe he can at least serve as cover fire.

"You've been hit! Are you ok?" he says to the big man as he gets close.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

The big man has been hit in the chest. He's still moving, but slowly and in spurts. Peter keeps up fire as much as he can, but they are quite aware they are only facing a bow -- as soon as he takes a shot, they move forward. The others are moving as fast as they can, though the big man occasionally takes shots. After a short stint of retreating, Its time to stop and hold the attackers off while freeing the limbs of the prisoner. He's saying something very quickly to the shrewd looking man, who is sawing through the ropes. The woman joins in firing at the pursuers. They make it off into the forest.

The priest is not following them -- he seems to be holding his general position (based on the sixth sense). The woman encourages the others: "A little farther and we can get our spirits back. Can anyone tell if the exorcist is following us?"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter feels both bitter frustration and sweet relief at not actually hitting anyone with his archery skills.

"I think he's holding back, I don't see him coming. Lets get past the ridge up there and I'll take a look at that wound, I know first aid."

Peter is still keeping his sense of the supernatural close to the vest...

When they get far enough for the riders to return, If it seems they are not still being pursued, Peter will check the big man's injury. He'll tear strips of the man's shirt if he needs temporary bandages.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

The prisoner starts scolding them for rescuing him. "They already know who I am. They'll just recapture me or publicly accuse me and I'll be right back there. You just exposed yourselves. They'll know anyone who was wounded tonight is a rider."

Woman: "Its the new kid's idea. We're taking a bit more of an offensive. Irrodontus is behind it, and that's pretty convincing."

The prisoner looks at peter: "The new ..."

He looks stunned. The prisoner is Mr. Morgan, and he's recognized Peter.

"You're one of us. That's .. a little awkward."

Woman: "You know each other?"

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Oh crap. Peter thinks to himself. They got the one guy who had it coming, and I set up his jailbreak. Sigh... what's done is done.

"Yeah... We know each other." Peter says softly in the kind of unenthusiastic tone one might use to say 'oh, I burned it.'

"Are you okay boss?" he says with a bit of sarcasm in the last syllable, making it clear Peter doesn't consider him as the boss anymore.

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Morgan: "I'm ok enough. How long? Did senarich tell you to seek me out?"

Shrewd Man: "You two know each other? well, I suppose we know who he is now."

Morgan: "He works for me. Approached me on the street and asked for a job. I gave it to him. Works as an assistant to my local manager."

Big Man: "That explains a lot."

Morgan looks confused.

Woman: "Lets keep moving boys. We need to get farther away."

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

"I didn't know who it was we were rescuing... just that one of us needed the rescue. We'll talk about it when we regroup. For now let's get to safety and have a look at that wound."

As they keep moving Peter thinks to himself... 'I wouldn't have pulled his fat out of the fire if I knew who it was... he brought this mess on himself, and the rest of us.'

Re: (IC) Lost In Dreams [Peter]
 

Peter looks into the wound -- its severe, more-so than he's seen before -- but on the other hand, the man is still up and walking. His gut says they should get to a hospital, but doing so would alert the authorities. They should probably wait for the riders to return -- its possible one of them knows magical healing, or at least mundane techniques.

Getting farther into the woods, they are able to bring back the riders. The riders expand slowly from their hiding places, taking a good ten seconds to grow in strength, then flood into the bodies of their hosts.

Senarich: "Ok, How did it go?"