CHAPTER 4: EXOTIC WINTER (ALL)

[doc]

January, 1924

Lex's family's bakery has been doing well during this winter season - too well, as supplies are running lower than they should. His sister has been too busy keeping up with the orders of goods to keep the stock room as full as they should. Lex's own priorities were no better; he's been putting more heat on the Maroni crime family as well as the communists.

Vivian's tired from a winter filled with nothing but her mother's functions and attempts to get someone to court her. She's looking forward to a day in the bakery and a night taking down goons. Matt Cannon, the Dark Rider, had still sent letters which Vivian's mother fawned over.

The Scarecrow had continued his crusade against crime - the farming business was thankfully quiet this time of year, freeing him up for a more expanded crusade against the criminal element.

Rex's holdings in the city had consolidated and he was beginning to be seen as a local philanthropist - he just wasn't sure how far to take matters.

All four of you receive a letter from the Mysterious Mr. Arnold Powell, it simply reads "Meeting tonight at 10 PM. The same place."

[yendor]

Surprised by the letter, having been quiet lately, Rex dons his usual costume, car, and makes his way to the meeting place twenty minutes till, out of habit.

[dakota]

Lex read the note and scowled. He had been busy enough between the bakery and dealing with the Maroni family and had been considering a break to heal out the mounting aches and pains along with fatigue from constant double duty between the family business and his nightly duties. Folding the note and pocketing it, he made his way unnoticed to retrieve and don his armor.
Doing his best to go unnoticed, he slipped out to his truck then made his way across town to their agreed upon location to pick up Vivian before heading to the meeting.

[thorley]

The Scarecrow attends the meeting in his astral form, still wary of this guy. After the events with the zombies he feels too many people know his secret identity as it is. Instead of spending all of his time fighting criminals, it occurs to him he should try and find out more about this Mr. Powell.

[thorley]

Oh and before I forget, one of the aspects of The Scarecrow is he actually writes and illustrates weird tales and pulps in his spare time. That hasn't come up yet, so if you don't mind here are some rolls for it.

Writing Creative 1d100 (out of 50%)
Illustration 1d100 (out of 60%)

He's not doing it for money.

[Mierin]

Vivian waits impatiently for Lex to arrive, happy to have something to do other than listen to her mother fawn over Matt's letters. 'You'd think SHE wants to marry him.' Vivian thinks grumpily.

[doc]

The four of you intersect in abandoned courthouse; oddly, the marble floor is still polished - perhaps Powell is having people come in to clean it?

The Rider has arrived before the rest, idly spinning his revolver and leaning against the wall. "Ah reckon I'm early - do I get a prize?"

A clipped British voice cuts you off. "What you'll be doing is for me to disseminate." The woman who walks in is wearing clean white jodhpurs, a light blue blouse and a pith helmet. She was a head taller than Vivian with short blonde hair and crystal blue eyes framed by high cheekbones and angular eyebrows. "Duchess Isabella Yorkshire. Mr. Powell sent me."

[yendor]

"Duchess? It's a pleasure. Mr. Colt at your service. Refreshing hearing a British accent after such a long absence."

[dakota]

Lex folded his arms at the annoyance of a stranger in their midst, " And how many other people has Powell shared our little secret with?" He remained focused on the duchess, not that difficult really, but at the same time was concerned that she might recognize Vivian thanks to her mother's socializing.

[thorley]

The Scarecrow thinks to himself how much he agrees with Lex. The last time he was here he followed Powell only to find himself detected, perhaps shadowing this Duchess will yield more favorable results, and more information. He does not care for how this "Mr. Powell" feels he can give orders either.

[Mierin]

Vivian is glad she is wearing her mask when she sees the Duchess, wondering if the Duchess moved in the same social cirles as her mother. Like the others, she's not all that happy that other people are being told what they are doing and worries it could get out to the wrong people.

[doc]

"Secret? I don't care much for your secrets, sir." Isabella smirks as she put a hand on her hip. "Powell has told me nothing about you save where to meet and that you might be the type of people I'm looking for. I'm planning an expedition - one full of danger that's eaten three other teams quite whole in a search for some unique artifacts and ancient knowledge. If that's not of interest of you or you are afraid, I'll consider the matter settled."

The Rider chuckles. "Daring woman. I'm impressed."

[dakota]

"An expedition? Ma'am, unless it is here in the city or surrounding area, you have the wrong people I think. We protect our city, not go on swashbuckling adventures." Lex replied , though he did not want to admit the idea had a bit of appeal as he glanced at his partner in crimefighting to gauge her reaction.

[yendor]

"Three whole teams? Doesn't whatever doing the eating realize that's spoiling its appetite for the main course?" sighs shaking his head. "Where and what?"

[Mierin]

Vivian crosses her arms under her chest as she says, glancing over at Lex. "I agree with my partner. I'd want more details about this before I decide either way. Plus," Vivian adds "our job is to protect the city. Not go off traipsing around the world to find things." Vivian doesn't like or trust this woman so far so she keep quiet as she waits for the others to chime in.