Episode 11 – The Moon Upright
[ Author’s Note: This is the log for the 11th session. Instead of posting your standard log of everything that happened during the session I will post “Then” and “Now” sections that summarize the story. The players will need to recall the details as to how it unfolded. This means that the players will be responsible for remembering any loose ends that may come back to haunt them in a later Episode. ]
Then
A Lush Study, New Orleans, USA – July 7th, 2015 –
After taking a sip from her aperitif the tall redhead takes a seat in the plush red armchair. Looking through the velvet curtains she recognizes the sunset but only as it pertains to the passing of time; the beautiful tapestry of azure and pink clouds escapes her. Her thoughts are interrupted by a knock on the study door. After the knock her butler ushers in the visitor that she had summoned. Once settled the redhead stands, straightens her slacks, and continues in a business like tone, “As you have no doubt heard there is a group of hunters in New Orleans. This rag-tag gang of misfits has taken down many minor threats but now they are starting to encroach on some key assets in my chain-of-command. It is time that these burrs be eliminated from my side. I would like you to setup a trap that I have devised with your particular organization in mind.” As she pauses to take another sip of her drink her visitor speaks up, “I’m sure that my devotees can enact whatever trap you have in mind but currently my people have other priorities. I’m sure you can get someone else to do your dirty work.” Leaning over towards her guest the tall redhead continues through clenched teeth, “I can see that maybe stronger words are needed. I will completely wipe you and your disgusting cannibal cult from the face of the earth if you do not follow my orders! I am only barely able to stay in the same room with you right now. Don’t tempt me to take action! It is your decision…setup the trap or die.” With that the visitor with hate in their eyes slowly nods in assent. With a smirk the tall redhead explains her plan to use a hunter as bait for a trap…
Now
Dr Roth’s House, New Orleans, USA – July 9th, 2015 –
Astryd Trudeau sighs as she picks up the black and white photo on Roth’s fireplace mantel. Ferguson, Kyle, and her were a great team back in the day. They never considered what the future might bring. After a dusting she gently places the framed photo into a cardboard box labelled “Research”. Dr Stone wakes her from her daydreams, “Um…Astryd…can you hand me that bin?” Noticing that Astryd seems lost in her thoughts the sensitive young occult scholar pauses briefly then says, “I wish I would have known the ‘real’ Dr Roth. His writing reveals a brilliant mind and his collection of books on ancient Mesopotamia is unparalleled.” Astryd smiles and continues in a soft tone, “I never really considered how hard retirement from huntin’ would be…I reckon’ us hunters are born to die alone…chased into the grave by our fears. Sobberin’ thought…” She continues in a straight business like tone, “Kyle’s brother was given the house but all of his research was willed to me. I would ask two things of you chéri. First I would like you to take all of Kyle’s research journals and book. You can keep any that you want then give the rest to the university.” After a solemn nod of assent from Dr Stone the voodoo mambo continues, “I have also decided that I want to celebrate his passing with a Sumerian death rite…at least the ‘old man’ taught me somethin’ eh??? I want to bury Kyle’s glasses and sword cane under his basement in the house. That is how the Sumerian’s did it…I guess they used clay pots but we’ll just use cement.” Alastair nods then respectfully replies with, “I would be honored to help in any way that I can.” The two occult scholars continue boxing up the large quantity of book in silence.
