Hal Lancaster On the Case

[makken123Tabs]

"Let's pretend you are one and that there's a lot of eager lads downtown, waiting on our return."

Hal's percentages are at base level, like 10%, he's not gonna even try to Sneak.

He saunters up to the house.

[Grognardsw]

It appears Hal’s skill points have not been fully distributed. He has 240 occupational/professional points (not 281 as listed), but only 200 assigned. So you have an extra 40 you can assign.

For personal/private/hobby skills, you have 80 points. None of those appear to have assigned.

So you could raise Sneak, Hide and other skills.

If you’d like to make adjustments and rolls, you can edit your post.

[makken123Tabs]

On second thought it feels best to approach openly and bluff that we are but the vanguard—fingers crossed.

Re. skill points, any chance I can decide later (when I know what I need)?

[Grognardsw]

Hal and Sipowicz boldly approach the main house. As they get closer they hear some voices from behind the house. The investigators pause at the front door, which is half off its hinges and allows a view into the foyer area. Trash and leaves are everywhere; there is a musky smell of rot. The tall windows to the left and right of the door are broken and empty rooms can be seen.

Yes, skill points can be assigned later. Though in one fell swoop, not assigned at the time of skill check.

[makken123Tabs]

"Let's go through to it's back door and peek out back," whispers Hal.

[Grognardsw]

Hal and Sipowicz through the house to get to the back door.. The sounds of footfalls running are suddenly heard. Before Hal and Sipowicz can react, a red ball rolls from around the corner. Two small deformed children quickly follow into view then stop before the men.



The two investigators get a view behind the house. There is a closed 20’x20’ circus tent in the overgrown area that was once the backyard. Beyond that, a hundred yards away, are parked the trucks and trailers of the Dark Pharaoh Freak Show and Carnivale. Carnies mill about.

[makken123Tabs]

Hal scoops up the ball and proffers it back to the children. "Howdie! I'm Hal. What's your names?"

[Grognardsw]

The two children seem nervous.

"I'm Josiah," answers the one of the right.

"We're not suppose to talk to strangers," says the one on the left.

[makken123Tabs]

"Quite right!" Hal quickly answers. "We wanna have a chat with the boss, important business."

[Grognardsw]

The two children look uncertainly at each other.

"Follow us."

They turn and skip along out the back door.

Hal is startled to see one of the children has what looks like a short tail.

[makken123Tabs]

Hal turns to the detective, "Shall we go?" and he raises an eyebrow quizzically, adding "This interview may not end well, I suspect."

[Grognardsw]

Sipowicz grimaces. "I wish I really did have that back-up. Maybe we should have snooped around at night?"

The two men follow the children out the back door and walk past the tent. Hal glimpses through a partially open tent flap what looks like rows of something being planted inside the tent.

They continue past into the fields walking toward the trucks a 100 yards away. Carnies are all about. Hal and Sipowicz receive many curious stares. Perhaps some are hostile?

They stop before a trailer that reminds Hal of an 19th century gypsy wagon.

"The Dark Pharaoh is here,"says one of the children. "Blessed be."

[makken123Tabs]

"Let's not volunteer that info., about back-up or lack of it," and, "Blessed be the fruit!" but it's all in apprehensive whispers.

"Thank you." Hal strides forward, wondering if he should shoot on sight.

[Grognardsw]

Hal and Sipowicz walk up the three steps to the door in the rear of the trailer and knock. The door is painted ornately like a gypsy wagon and has a little window, which is covered by closed red curtains.

The door is opened by a midget. The investigators see beyond into a 10'x12' parlor room, tight with side couch, two chairs, table, rugs, drapes over the ceiling, curtained windows, burning incense, and Egyptian paraphernalia. There is a doorway opposite, covered with a curtain of multi-colored beads

"Can I help you?" pipes the midget.

[makken123Tabs]

"We're here to speak with the boss, little man. Important information regarding... Well, that's for him to decide on."

[Grognardsw]

The ugly midget nods his head and motions the men inside.

"Take a seat, I'll get the Dark Pharaoh."

Sipowicz slowly sits on the couch, looking around.

The midget open a tea pot on the small table. "Help yourself."

He steps out of the room through the beaded curtain.

[makken123Tabs]

Hal pours the tea. He lifts the cup to his lips, lifting his pinkie as well, "Take a sip, Inspector!" He doesn't swallow any tea.

[Grognardsw]

Sipowicz follows suit, getting the hint.

The bead curtain parts. A man steps through.



He looks like the head honcho.

"Welcome, I was expecting you," his voice seems almost unnaturally deep. "How can I help you?"

[makken123Tabs]

Hal wishes his pockets were full of grenades, he also wishes he'd remembered to sign everything over to Mathilde. He fingers the .22 and looks to Sipowicz.

[Grognardsw]

"We're investigating the disappearance of Sam Archer, who was last seen at your carnivale outside Baltimore."

Sipowicz glances over at Hal, giving him an opening to add anything.

Hal should take the lead as PC. Having one NPC talking to another the whole time isn't quite it.