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Description
This is a commission that I made for

This is an illustration for the rpg RWBY: horror on the orient express

www.deviantart.com/marlomora/a…

Warning: this game has heavy spoilers to Horror on the Orient Express. If you haven’t played the game or listened to a podcast, please do so.

The game opens in Milan. The Players had just gotten off Stazione Centrale to find it in decay, almost as if they entered a war zone. [Anomalous Host] secretly message Melissa (Blake) that Italy was going through extreme political changes. Milan is the center of a faction known as Fasci Di Combattimento or the more commonly referred to as the Blackshirts. [Anomalous Host] compares them to a militarized Schnee Dust Company though it’s a bit of a stretch. As they leave [Anomalous Host] calls for a spot hidden. Rolling, only Camilla (Nora), Celeste (Pyrrha), and Baxter (Ren) passed. Each one surpasses the other. [Anomalous Host] detailed that the city was quite empty. The few people who were walking the streets seemed to be in mourning. And lastly, Baxter (Ren) noticed a boy selling English-printed newspapers. On the front page was detailing the disappearance of Signorina Cavollaro. The woman they met on the train in Paris. Buying a copy, he read aloud to the group that she had gotten off the train and quickly disappeared with her most trustworthy maid detailing that she had gotten into a black Alfa Romeo and never seen again.

Worried about her safety as well as needing a reason to get into Teatro Alla Scala, as none of the players were actors or opera singers, the rescue of Cavollaro could get them in without much trouble to look for the next piece of Sedfkar Simulacrum. After checking into their apartment, they head over to Cavollaro’s house in Via San Carpoforo. When the maid answered the door she was a bit hesitant to let in a bunch of strangers. [Anomalous Host] asked the party to pass a charm or Persuasion check. Matilda (Ruby) passes first with a normal Persuasion check, making the argument that as an editor for Britannia Magazine, she worked with multiple investigative reporters and is well versed in the newest form of investigative practices. With this the group entered the house to which the maid known as Ysabel explains that despite her free-spirited lifestyle she would never stand up a performance, especially this performance. Milan is her home city and she first started her career nearly seven years ago. Along with the assertion that she would never leave the city, she also adds that the Alfa Romeo had the Initial’s AB on it. This would help narrow down the list of Alfa Romeo. The players decided to do some investigating at the University of Milan. It was easier to find the papers needed than going to the police. [Anomalous Host] calling for a mixture of spot hidden and Library use, Florence (Weiss) and Dolores (Yang) passed. [Anomalous Host] would describe how while they were looking through the library, Florence finds the AB detailed from Ysabel's description. Apparently, it was made for the owner of the car factory Flavio Conti.As Florence (Weiss) researched his name Dolores (Yang) noticed a mob of students marching with signs, demanding justice for a man named Ennio Spinola. Calling for an EDU check, [Anomalous Host] also gave Baxter (Ren) an INT check with Bonus dice to pass. Passing with a Hard Success, [Anomalous Host] narrates how Baxter (Ren) recalled a side article in the English language newspaper. Ennio Spinola was a unionist at Conti’s factory who butted heads heavily with Conti. He was fairly popular among the Communist and non union Workers and his death caused massive protests from many in both parties. Especially since the police refuse to turn over the body. With this information, the party decided to split. Celeste (Pyrrha), Matilda (Ruby), and Melissa (Blake) went to the police station to see if they can inspect the body while the rest head to Pizza del Duomo where Il Duomo church was located.

Apparently, there was some form of a sermon being held praying for the return of Cavollaro. As the three entered, Celeste (Pyrrha) used her credentials as a nurse to get the three inside. To get an official autopsy of the body, [Anomalous Host] calls for a persuasion or CR check. Melissa (Blake) passed with a hard, making the argument that if they allowed for a foreign party to inspect the body, they can give a non-bias word that would help settle the crowd of protesters outside. Once overlooking the body, they find multiple stab wounds. Clearly bleeding out in the ditch where he was found. However, upon passing a Medical Roll with Extreme Success, Celeste (Pyrrha) found that there were scar tissues around his lungs. The diagnosis suggests that he had one of the most severe cases of Tuberculous which was odd. How can a young man with such a condition work much less lead the union in such a condition?

Meanwhile, at Il Duce church, the others had arrived at the church to find the sermon on the missing opera singer. The Sacerdoti giving the sermon seemed to be harsh on the theater, referring that its music has brought the devil to their doorsteps. [Anomalous Host] calling for a psychology check as well as a listen check. Dolores (Yang) Orson (Jaune), and Baxter (Ren) passed their checks while Florence (Wiess) failed but spend one luck point to pass. Camilla (Nora) being the only one to fail. [Anomalous Host] then describes how the Sacerdoti was only saying this as he is simply lashing out over the tragedy. While listening they hear the sound of three old women muttering in Italian. Florence (Weiss) being the only one who speaks to a degree Italian. The few words coming up was cursed. Before they had a chance to talk with them, they disappeared. Looking around they found no trace and decide to head to the hotel.

Once the group had all gathered together, they grabbed dinner doing a bit of RP to discuss what they found when suddenly [Anomalous Host] told them to roll for a listens check. Only Olson (Jaune), Celeste (Pyrrha), and Baxter (Ren) heard it. The sound of an angle. It was Cavollaro, she was somewhere in the city. [Anomalous Host] allowed for some RP as they search in vain for the missing singer but found nothing. With that, they go to bed to which [Anomalous Host] requests a Pow check from Pyrrha and an INT check with Bonus dice from Jaune. Both Failed their checks but Jaune decided to part with some Luck Points to pass. The next morning [Anomalous Host] encourages Olson (Jaune), Matilda (Ruby), and Baxter (Ren) to RP the strange dream they had, involving cats and a murder onboard a supposed dream train over breakfast.

After RPing with the help of Florence (Weiss) they found that Conti Faccia lives in Via Torino. Heading over they couldn’t help but notice a White Alfa Romeo with a hood ornament initial AF. Getting in was rather easy as it seems none of his staff quite liked him and he has been expecting someone. When they entered his office they found him by the window breathing heavily. Not that he was in pain but almost as if he was ill and had just recovered. Sitting down he proceeded to talk freely about his factory however it became quite noticeably nervous when the discussion came back to the murder of the union man and the disappearance of Cavollaro. Baxter (Ren) requesting to roll psychology to determine if he was lying. [Anomalous Host] allowed it with bonus dice.

He failed but asked to push the roll. Explaining that he will lean a bit closer and in hopes that he can notice something off. [Anomalous Host] agreed on the condition if he fails something bad happens. Rolling he passed and [Anomalous Host] explains that he seems to know something and is having a hard time hiding it, along with a strange scar on his chest. Just then Conti reacts violently and pulls a 38 revolver, getting the first three shots off against Ren, Weiss, and Blake. He missed each shot. To which Ren being the closest returned in kind with his knife. Dealing three points of damage. Ruby went next and wanted to knock the man out but failed in her brawl check. Yang followed and punched him with 4 points of damage. This killed him. [Anomalous Host] narrates how the punch caused him to fall back and out the window crashing hard on the cobblestones below. [Anomalous Host] then request everyone to pass a listen check. Everyone failed the roles so Pyrrha offered to spend four luck to pass as she was the closest. [Anomalous Host] describes how Celeste (Pyrrha) leans out the window to see if he was ok, but the blood leaking from his head indicates extreme trauma. His last words before he fades away were; “I cannot die… a brother of the skin… lives forever...”

With the death of Flavio Conti, the group acted quick. Searching the office. Strangely [Anomalous Host] didn’t ask for a spot hidden but rather a luck check. Ruby rolled first but failed followed by Weiss who succeeded. [Anomalous Host] then narrates that while searching the desk they found multiple notes to an anonymous person for plans to kidnap Cavollaro. Along with that Weiss uncovers a strange book. L'arte della pelle e della carne or as Florence (Weiss) and Melissa (Blake) could read, The art of skin and flesh. Holding onto it the group decides to split up. Florence (Weiss), Melissa (Blake), and Baxter (Ren) decided to head back to the hotel and read through the pages. The rest would go to the supposed drop-off point that Cavollaro was taken to. With that [Anomalous Host] asked Melissa (Blake) and Florence (Weiss) to pass an Italian language check with Melissa (Blake) getting a bonus as it is her native language. Baxter who doesn’t speak only gains half the benefits and penalties. Only Blake passed and therefore felt the full blast of reading two days from the book.

[Anomalous Host] detailed how it was a manual for flaying corpses. But more than that it details how flesh can become malleable, like clay. Replacing organs as if one exchanged a hat with another, all stemming from a deity referred to as, Uno Senza Pelle. ‘One Without Skin’. As punishment, Melissa (Blake) loses 1d6, while the rest lose 1d3. However, she gained two points of Mythos points while the rest gain one. Meanwhile, the rest went to Conti’s Warehouse. The door being locked was quickly solved when Yang and Nora rolled for STR before the [Anomalous Host] could finish. Both passed and the door lock was broken with relative ease. Once inside they find, an appalling amount of evidence. Blood trails, notes, and clothes. Clothes that belong to Cavollaro. The group head back and retired for the evening.

The next day the group was beset by strange ailments. Sores, rashes, and shortness of breath afflicted them. As they sat around for breakfast when a news article came to their attention. In the article talking about the missing Opera singer, it mentions the head of prop of the Teatro Alla Scala; Paolo Rischonti. He blamed the disappearance of the missing opera singer on what he called, “Costumiers Curse.” Mentioning multiple symptoms of chest pain that has afflicted several costume makers. Upon hearing that, the group head to Teatro Alla Scala. The theater was massive and getting in was rather difficult. [Anomalous Host] calls for a Fast Talk or Persuade check to get in. Florence (Weiss) was the first to pass and therefore she detailed how she convince them to allow Herself, Matilda (Ruby), Melissa (Blake), and Olson (Jaune) in. Once in they asked around for Paolo Rischonti which led them upstairs to the prop section. He spin’s a tale about how for six years they had to replace a costume designer for illness-related causes, mostly around the chest areas. He then talks about how he had thought the curse was lifted with the new costume designer by the name of Luisa Visconti. She stayed on past eight months which nobody has before since the beginning of this curse.

Florence (Weiss) managed to convince Paolo to let them talk with Visconti, after being directed they arrived at the top of the theater where Florence (Weiss) and Olson (Jaune) ran into some familiar faces. The three elderly women from before they worked here. As they talked it became apparent that these elderly women have been here for fifty years. Talking about it they learned quickly that this curse really began when the costumes department got the four manikins. Currently, three of the four were in use with the fourth one planning to be used in the opera tonight. Looking over these manikins it seems that they were put together with multiple pieces. With this knowledge in hand, the four exited the theater and convey what they know to the group. They prepared themselves for the evening events.

That night the eight entered the Teatro Alla Scala, dressed in their best. Everyone else seems to be dressed as if this was a funeral. Upon seated the eight watched the opening act of Aida. The first act comes to a close and Blake requested if she can sneak backstage. [Anomalous Host] told her to roll a stealth check. She passed and so Melissa (Blake) snuck downstairs and backstage. During the second act, the solo of the main female antagonist began and almost in solidarity the room sang along. As they sang the seven couldn’t help but hear an all too familiar voice. It was Cavollaro, and [Anomalous Host] called for a listen check from the seven. Dolores (Yang) Olson (Jaune) Celeste (Pyrrha) and Baxter (Ren) succeeded while Matilda (Ruby) Florence (Weiss) and Camilla (Nora) failed. [Anomalous Host] detailed how the enchanting voice of Cavollaro was beside them. The group helped pinpoint where the singing came from. A choice they will regret. Looking over they see a middle age man seated next to a woman who could be his mother. She sang in perfect unison while the older man spoke in a feminine but talented voice. Both he and the woman had scar’s on their throat and it didn’t take long for Baxter (Ren) and Florence (Weiss) to realize the scars were transplants. The old woman was Caterina Cavolaro. The sudden shock of all of this had [Anomalous Host] punished the players with a 1d6 sanity loss, while Ren and Weiss suffered an additional 1d4. Thankfully nobody lost a significant amount of sanity.

The next act began and, in the backdrop, they see one of the manikin props in the background, the chest plate covering it had a glow, and sure enough, the group recognizes right away that this was the torso piece of the Sedefkar Simulacrum. Unfortunately, it seems that the man sitting opposite side of them is with the elderly Cavollaro. The two groups quickly raced to retrieve the torso, and as they do [Anomalous Host] ask Blake to pass another stealth check. Obliging she passed and narrated how she snuck into the back and retrieved the torso piece. As she does, [Anomalous Host] asked her to pass a hard STR check while secretly rolling for an NPC. Melissa (Blake) passes finding the torso to be really, really heavy but she managed to drag it away when someone came around the corner calling for a Hard Stealth check. Sadly it seemed her luck ran out as eight men ran around the corner, ensuing a fight.

Matilda (Ruby) with the highest DEX goes first. After asking if it’s possible to use a gun without attracting any attention, [Anomalous Host] agreed. The Opera would cover the sound of a 38. Rolling for two shots, she passed and targeted Thug 1. Dealing a staggering 12 HP with two shots to the left leg and head. Though he did not collapse. Baxter (Ren) followed and though he failed he decided to spend luck to succeed. The thug that Matilda (Ruby) had shot was then executed by Baxter (Ren) who plunged his bowie knife into the eye socket. Next up was Dolores (Yang) She had more confidence in her fist and was fairly sure the sound of a 455. Webley is much louder than a 38. She goes for thug two, rolling Brawl. Sadly, thug two dodged her strike. Now it was thug 2-6 turns. Thug two goes to club the assaulting Dolores (Yang), not missing her chance Dolores (Yang) rolls to counter. Neither one succeed and managed to miss each other. The old man demanded that the thugs forget the group and go for the torso piece. With that thug 3 targets Melissa (Blake) trying to rip the torso out of hand. Asking what to do, Melissa (Blake) tosses it at the thug. [Anomalous Host] allows it under the condition that she passes a Hard STR. She fails and [Anomalous Host] details how she felt intense pain in her back and dropped the torso. The thug goes to hit her with his fist, succeeding and inflicting 3 points of damage.

Thug four goes in to try and take the torso to which [Anomalous Host] rolls on his behalf. Passing he picks it up. With the item in hand thugs, five and six turned to Matilda (Ruby) and Baxter (Ren) for killing one of their friends. Thug five rolls to strike Baxter (Ren) with a club. Both rolled to attack one another but failed. The sixth thug goes for Matilda (Ruby), He passed with a hard, but Matilda (Ruby) passes an extreme to dodge. Now it was the leader of this cult, he goes to thug four and assist him in retrieving the torso by bringing it up to the roof. As they do, elderly Cavollaro springs from the shadows tackling the head cultist. Demanding he gives back her voice. With that, it was now Camilla (Nora’s) turn. She goes for thug five for attacking Baxter (Ren). Passing the brawl she deals sadly only 3 points of damage. Florence (Weiss) not wanting the cultist to take the torso goes for it, calling for a STR check but at the very least she gains a bonus while the thug has a Penalty. Naturally, she passed but at the cost of being afflicted by its terrible power of it.

Melissa’s (Blake) turn she pulls her 32 wishing to put three rounds into a few thugs. She failed each roll but spends luck on the second, inflicting damage 3 points of damage on Thug 5. Olson (Jaune), goes for Thug 4 to give Florence an escape. Though he failed to hit the thug at least he gave her an opening. Celeste (Pyrrha) decides to attack thug five. [Anomalous Host] explains that her dominant arm ached but since two of her friends were holding down the thug she gets the free attack. Rolling a single point of damage for her trouble. The turn ends with the last thug, who seems to be the head cultist personal bodyguard going to pull the elderly Cavollaro off his boss. Surprisingly she passed with a Critical inflicting 1 point of damage and hanging on. Returning to Matilda (Ruby) she goes to shoot Thug six three times. Rolling she only passed two of the three, inflicting 10 points of damage. Failing to pass a con Thug six hit’s the ground and begins to bleed out. Baxter (Ren) up to bat and goes for the slashing blow, not needing to roll as his friends were with him he inflicts the killing blow, leaving only 3 cultists their master and the master bodyguard left. Dolores (Yang) up to bat and goes for another slugger against Thug 2. This time landing a knockout blow that caused the thug to fall unconscious.

Seeing how the skirmish was going, the head cultist screams for them to get the torso and go. Thug 3 and 4 race over to Florence (Weiss) to try and steal it. Florence (Weiss) decides to dodge but is forced to do so with a penalty. She managed to avoid the first attempt, but thug four yanked the torso from her arms. The head cultist tries to get the elderly Cavollaro but she refuses to let go. Now Camilla (Nora) turns she rolls to attack Thug four. Passing the check, she inflicts 9 points of damage but all that did was get the cultist to drop the torso. Florence (Weiss) has to pass a hard STR to pick it up. She passed but with great difficulty. Melissa (Blake) pulls out a switchblade and goes to stab Thug 3. Though sadly misses. Olson (Jaune) rolls to strike Thug 3 also missing. Celeste (Pyrrha) turns she stabs with a penalty, failing to stab Thug 3. Seeing the battle is almost lost, the bodyguard pulls out a 9mm Beretta and without needing to roll shoots the elderly Cavollaro, inflicting 7 points and causing her to fall to the ground in pain.

Seeing this the group acted quickly. Matilda (Ruby) with her last bullet shot the bodyguard inflicting the max 8 points of damage. The shot sent the man to the ground where he proceeds to bleed out. Baxter (Ren) goes for thug four, executing him with impunity. Dolores (Yang) goes to sucker punches Thug 3 but fails. Now back to the two, the head cultist and thug 3 were left standing. Deciding to flee since this battle was good as over. Sadly it seems that the head cultist managed to escape into the night. The third thug was shot by Florence (Weiss) who [Anomalous Host] asked her to pass a luck check to see if anyone heard the loud 45. Passing, it seems nobody heard the shot. Melissa (Blake) opened fire with her last three hitting him only once. He staggers away but by the amount of HP, it would seem like a waste of time to follow after. This ended the combat to which the group breathed a short sigh of relief. After quickly regaining themselves Celeste (Pyrrha) and Matilda (Ruby) check on the elderly Cavollaro.

She was shot in a non-fatal place thankfully but required medical aid. Acting quick, they decide to take her back to the apartment. Camilla (Nora) and Dolores (Yang) being the strongest decided to carry the torso back with them. They did some RPing of the Sedefkar Simulacrum torso causing immense pain in their chest. Once back both Florence (Weiss) and Baxter (Ren) explain who the woman is while Celeste (Pyrrha) and Matilda (Ruby) rolled Medical checks. With the truth, everyone loses 1d4 sanity points when they were confronted with the truth. Feeling horrified by the matter they wonder what can be done till Florence (Weiss) recalls the book they have. The L'arte Della Pelle E della Carne. There was a spell that could revert her form but it was risky. Melissa (Blake) who read the book was the one to cast it, the spell required fifteen minutes and 1d6 sanity. This led to her going through a bout of madness but she overcame it. The spell worked and Cavollaro beauty returned. Sadly, without the cult leader whom Cavollaro identified as Arturo Faccia her voice is gone. The next morning the group found disturbing news that Arturo Faccia is dead. He was found on top of the cathedral, butchered as if a rabid animal had gotten to him and his thug. They take some solace in knowing Cavollaro has returned but it was still sad her beautiful voice was lost to the world. [Anomalous Host] ends the session here to which the players rolled their rewards.

Ruby as Matilda Eakley (Canadian Editor)

Jaune as Orson Bleeker (French Singer)

Weiss as Florence Lake (Scottish Dilettante)

Nora as Camilla Hollister (Welsh Athlete)

Blake as Melissa Wong (Italian Book-Dealer) (Has Scroll of the head. Torso piece. Rashes, short breath, Dex checks, back pain STR checks.)

Pyrrha as Celeste Yeske (Belgium Nurse) (Has right arm. Suffer’s fighting and right arm related task)

Yang as Dolores Shea (American Aviator)

Ren as Baxter Felten (Australian Psychologist)

Description
This is a commission that I made for

This is an illustration for the rpg RWBY: horror on the orient express

www.deviantart.com/marlomora/a…

Warning: this game has heavy spoilers to Horror on the Orient Express. If you haven’t played the game or listened to a podcast, please do so.

The game opens in Milan. The Players had just gotten off Stazione Centrale to find it in decay, almost as if they entered a war zone. [Anomalous Host] secretly message Melissa (Blake) that Italy was going through extreme political changes. Milan is the center of a faction known as Fasci Di Combattimento or the more commonly referred to as the Blackshirts. [Anomalous Host] compares them to a militarized Schnee Dust Company though it’s a bit of a stretch. As they leave [Anomalous Host] calls for a spot hidden. Rolling, only Camilla (Nora), Celeste (Pyrrha), and Baxter (Ren) passed. Each one surpasses the other. [Anomalous Host] detailed that the city was quite empty. The few people who were walking the streets seemed to be in mourning. And lastly, Baxter (Ren) noticed a boy selling English-printed newspapers. On the front page was detailing the disappearance of Signorina Cavollaro. The woman they met on the train in Paris. Buying a copy, he read aloud to the group that she had gotten off the train and quickly disappeared with her most trustworthy maid detailing that she had gotten into a black Alfa Romeo and never seen again.

Worried about her safety as well as needing a reason to get into Teatro Alla Scala, as none of the players were actors or opera singers, the rescue of Cavollaro could get them in without much trouble to look for the next piece of Sedfkar Simulacrum. After checking into their apartment, they head over to Cavollaro’s house in Via San Carpoforo. When the maid answered the door she was a bit hesitant to let in a bunch of strangers. [Anomalous Host] asked the party to pass a charm or Persuasion check. Matilda (Ruby) passes first with a normal Persuasion check, making the argument that as an editor for Britannia Magazine, she worked with multiple investigative reporters and is well versed in the newest form of investigative practices. With this the group entered the house to which the maid known as Ysabel explains that despite her free-spirited lifestyle she would never stand up a performance, especially this performance. Milan is her home city and she first started her career nearly seven years ago. Along with the assertion that she would never leave the city, she also adds that the Alfa Romeo had the Initial’s AB on it. This would help narrow down the list of Alfa Romeo. The players decided to do some investigating at the University of Milan. It was easier to find the papers needed than going to the police. [Anomalous Host] calling for a mixture of spot hidden and Library use, Florence (Weiss) and Dolores (Yang) passed. [Anomalous Host] would describe how while they were looking through the library, Florence finds the AB detailed from Ysabel's description. Apparently, it was made for the owner of the car factory Flavio Conti.As Florence (Weiss) researched his name Dolores (Yang) noticed a mob of students marching with signs, demanding justice for a man named Ennio Spinola. Calling for an EDU check, [Anomalous Host] also gave Baxter (Ren) an INT check with Bonus dice to pass. Passing with a Hard Success, [Anomalous Host] narrates how Baxter (Ren) recalled a side article in the English language newspaper. Ennio Spinola was a unionist at Conti’s factory who butted heads heavily with Conti. He was fairly popular among the Communist and non union Workers and his death caused massive protests from many in both parties. Especially since the police refuse to turn over the body. With this information, the party decided to split. Celeste (Pyrrha), Matilda (Ruby), and Melissa (Blake) went to the police station to see if they can inspect the body while the rest head to Pizza del Duomo where Il Duomo church was located.

Apparently, there was some form of a sermon being held praying for the return of Cavollaro. As the three entered, Celeste (Pyrrha) used her credentials as a nurse to get the three inside. To get an official autopsy of the body, [Anomalous Host] calls for a persuasion or CR check. Melissa (Blake) passed with a hard, making the argument that if they allowed for a foreign party to inspect the body, they can give a non-bias word that would help settle the crowd of protesters outside. Once overlooking the body, they find multiple stab wounds. Clearly bleeding out in the ditch where he was found. However, upon passing a Medical Roll with Extreme Success, Celeste (Pyrrha) found that there were scar tissues around his lungs. The diagnosis suggests that he had one of the most severe cases of Tuberculous which was odd. How can a young man with such a condition work much less lead the union in such a condition?

Meanwhile, at Il Duce church, the others had arrived at the church to find the sermon on the missing opera singer. The Sacerdoti giving the sermon seemed to be harsh on the theater, referring that its music has brought the devil to their doorsteps. [Anomalous Host] calling for a psychology check as well as a listen check. Dolores (Yang) Orson (Jaune), and Baxter (Ren) passed their checks while Florence (Wiess) failed but spend one luck point to pass. Camilla (Nora) being the only one to fail. [Anomalous Host] then describes how the Sacerdoti was only saying this as he is simply lashing out over the tragedy. While listening they hear the sound of three old women muttering in Italian. Florence (Weiss) being the only one who speaks to a degree Italian. The few words coming up was cursed. Before they had a chance to talk with them, they disappeared. Looking around they found no trace and decide to head to the hotel.

Once the group had all gathered together, they grabbed dinner doing a bit of RP to discuss what they found when suddenly [Anomalous Host] told them to roll for a listens check. Only Olson (Jaune), Celeste (Pyrrha), and Baxter (Ren) heard it. The sound of an angle. It was Cavollaro, she was somewhere in the city. [Anomalous Host] allowed for some RP as they search in vain for the missing singer but found nothing. With that, they go to bed to which [Anomalous Host] requests a Pow check from Pyrrha and an INT check with Bonus dice from Jaune. Both Failed their checks but Jaune decided to part with some Luck Points to pass. The next morning [Anomalous Host] encourages Olson (Jaune), Matilda (Ruby), and Baxter (Ren) to RP the strange dream they had, involving cats and a murder onboard a supposed dream train over breakfast.

After RPing with the help of Florence (Weiss) they found that Conti Faccia lives in Via Torino. Heading over they couldn’t help but notice a White Alfa Romeo with a hood ornament initial AF. Getting in was rather easy as it seems none of his staff quite liked him and he has been expecting someone. When they entered his office they found him by the window breathing heavily. Not that he was in pain but almost as if he was ill and had just recovered. Sitting down he proceeded to talk freely about his factory however it became quite noticeably nervous when the discussion came back to the murder of the union man and the disappearance of Cavollaro. Baxter (Ren) requesting to roll psychology to determine if he was lying. [Anomalous Host] allowed it with bonus dice.

He failed but asked to push the roll. Explaining that he will lean a bit closer and in hopes that he can notice something off. [Anomalous Host] agreed on the condition if he fails something bad happens. Rolling he passed and [Anomalous Host] explains that he seems to know something and is having a hard time hiding it, along with a strange scar on his chest. Just then Conti reacts violently and pulls a 38 revolver, getting the first three shots off against Ren, Weiss, and Blake. He missed each shot. To which Ren being the closest returned in kind with his knife. Dealing three points of damage. Ruby went next and wanted to knock the man out but failed in her brawl check. Yang followed and punched him with 4 points of damage. This killed him. [Anomalous Host] narrates how the punch caused him to fall back and out the window crashing hard on the cobblestones below. [Anomalous Host] then request everyone to pass a listen check. Everyone failed the roles so Pyrrha offered to spend four luck to pass as she was the closest. [Anomalous Host] describes how Celeste (Pyrrha) leans out the window to see if he was ok, but the blood leaking from his head indicates extreme trauma. His last words before he fades away were; “I cannot die… a brother of the skin… lives forever...”

With the death of Flavio Conti, the group acted quick. Searching the office. Strangely [Anomalous Host] didn’t ask for a spot hidden but rather a luck check. Ruby rolled first but failed followed by Weiss who succeeded. [Anomalous Host] then narrates that while searching the desk they found multiple notes to an anonymous person for plans to kidnap Cavollaro. Along with that Weiss uncovers a strange book. L'arte della pelle e della carne or as Florence (Weiss) and Melissa (Blake) could read, The art of skin and flesh. Holding onto it the group decides to split up. Florence (Weiss), Melissa (Blake), and Baxter (Ren) decided to head back to the hotel and read through the pages. The rest would go to the supposed drop-off point that Cavollaro was taken to. With that [Anomalous Host] asked Melissa (Blake) and Florence (Weiss) to pass an Italian language check with Melissa (Blake) getting a bonus as it is her native language. Baxter who doesn’t speak only gains half the benefits and penalties. Only Blake passed and therefore felt the full blast of reading two days from the book.

[Anomalous Host] detailed how it was a manual for flaying corpses. But more than that it details how flesh can become malleable, like clay. Replacing organs as if one exchanged a hat with another, all stemming from a deity referred to as, Uno Senza Pelle. ‘One Without Skin’. As punishment, Melissa (Blake) loses 1d6, while the rest lose 1d3. However, she gained two points of Mythos points while the rest gain one. Meanwhile, the rest went to Conti’s Warehouse. The door being locked was quickly solved when Yang and Nora rolled for STR before the [Anomalous Host] could finish. Both passed and the door lock was broken with relative ease. Once inside they find, an appalling amount of evidence. Blood trails, notes, and clothes. Clothes that belong to Cavollaro. The group head back and retired for the evening.

The next day the group was beset by strange ailments. Sores, rashes, and shortness of breath afflicted them. As they sat around for breakfast when a news article came to their attention. In the article talking about the missing Opera singer, it mentions the head of prop of the Teatro Alla Scala; Paolo Rischonti. He blamed the disappearance of the missing opera singer on what he called, “Costumiers Curse.” Mentioning multiple symptoms of chest pain that has afflicted several costume makers. Upon hearing that, the group head to Teatro Alla Scala. The theater was massive and getting in was rather difficult. [Anomalous Host] calls for a Fast Talk or Persuade check to get in. Florence (Weiss) was the first to pass and therefore she detailed how she convince them to allow Herself, Matilda (Ruby), Melissa (Blake), and Olson (Jaune) in. Once in they asked around for Paolo Rischonti which led them upstairs to the prop section. He spin’s a tale about how for six years they had to replace a costume designer for illness-related causes, mostly around the chest areas. He then talks about how he had thought the curse was lifted with the new costume designer by the name of Luisa Visconti. She stayed on past eight months which nobody has before since the beginning of this curse.

Florence (Weiss) managed to convince Paolo to let them talk with Visconti, after being directed they arrived at the top of the theater where Florence (Weiss) and Olson (Jaune) ran into some familiar faces. The three elderly women from before they worked here. As they talked it became apparent that these elderly women have been here for fifty years. Talking about it they learned quickly that this curse really began when the costumes department got the four manikins. Currently, three of the four were in use with the fourth one planning to be used in the opera tonight. Looking over these manikins it seems that they were put together with multiple pieces. With this knowledge in hand, the four exited the theater and convey what they know to the group. They prepared themselves for the evening events.

That night the eight entered the Teatro Alla Scala, dressed in their best. Everyone else seems to be dressed as if this was a funeral. Upon seated the eight watched the opening act of Aida. The first act comes to a close and Blake requested if she can sneak backstage. [Anomalous Host] told her to roll a stealth check. She passed and so Melissa (Blake) snuck downstairs and backstage. During the second act, the solo of the main female antagonist began and almost in solidarity the room sang along. As they sang the seven couldn’t help but hear an all too familiar voice. It was Cavollaro, and [Anomalous Host] called for a listen check from the seven. Dolores (Yang) Olson (Jaune) Celeste (Pyrrha) and Baxter (Ren) succeeded while Matilda (Ruby) Florence (Weiss) and Camilla (Nora) failed. [Anomalous Host] detailed how the enchanting voice of Cavollaro was beside them. The group helped pinpoint where the singing came from. A choice they will regret. Looking over they see a middle age man seated next to a woman who could be his mother. She sang in perfect unison while the older man spoke in a feminine but talented voice. Both he and the woman had scar’s on their throat and it didn’t take long for Baxter (Ren) and Florence (Weiss) to realize the scars were transplants. The old woman was Caterina Cavolaro. The sudden shock of all of this had [Anomalous Host] punished the players with a 1d6 sanity loss, while Ren and Weiss suffered an additional 1d4. Thankfully nobody lost a significant amount of sanity.

The next act began and, in the backdrop, they see one of the manikin props in the background, the chest plate covering it had a glow, and sure enough, the group recognizes right away that this was the torso piece of the Sedefkar Simulacrum. Unfortunately, it seems that the man sitting opposite side of them is with the elderly Cavollaro. The two groups quickly raced to retrieve the torso, and as they do [Anomalous Host] ask Blake to pass another stealth check. Obliging she passed and narrated how she snuck into the back and retrieved the torso piece. As she does, [Anomalous Host] asked her to pass a hard STR check while secretly rolling for an NPC. Melissa (Blake) passes finding the torso to be really, really heavy but she managed to drag it away when someone came around the corner calling for a Hard Stealth check. Sadly it seemed her luck ran out as eight men ran around the corner, ensuing a fight.

Matilda (Ruby) with the highest DEX goes first. After asking if it’s possible to use a gun without attracting any attention, [Anomalous Host] agreed. The Opera would cover the sound of a 38. Rolling for two shots, she passed and targeted Thug 1. Dealing a staggering 12 HP with two shots to the left leg and head. Though he did not collapse. Baxter (Ren) followed and though he failed he decided to spend luck to succeed. The thug that Matilda (Ruby) had shot was then executed by Baxter (Ren) who plunged his bowie knife into the eye socket. Next up was Dolores (Yang) She had more confidence in her fist and was fairly sure the sound of a 455. Webley is much louder than a 38. She goes for thug two, rolling Brawl. Sadly, thug two dodged her strike. Now it was thug 2-6 turns. Thug two goes to club the assaulting Dolores (Yang), not missing her chance Dolores (Yang) rolls to counter. Neither one succeed and managed to miss each other. The old man demanded that the thugs forget the group and go for the torso piece. With that thug 3 targets Melissa (Blake) trying to rip the torso out of hand. Asking what to do, Melissa (Blake) tosses it at the thug. [Anomalous Host] allows it under the condition that she passes a Hard STR. She fails and [Anomalous Host] details how she felt intense pain in her back and dropped the torso. The thug goes to hit her with his fist, succeeding and inflicting 3 points of damage.

Thug four goes in to try and take the torso to which [Anomalous Host] rolls on his behalf. Passing he picks it up. With the item in hand thugs, five and six turned to Matilda (Ruby) and Baxter (Ren) for killing one of their friends. Thug five rolls to strike Baxter (Ren) with a club. Both rolled to attack one another but failed. The sixth thug goes for Matilda (Ruby), He passed with a hard, but Matilda (Ruby) passes an extreme to dodge. Now it was the leader of this cult, he goes to thug four and assist him in retrieving the torso by bringing it up to the roof. As they do, elderly Cavollaro springs from the shadows tackling the head cultist. Demanding he gives back her voice. With that, it was now Camilla (Nora’s) turn. She goes for thug five for attacking Baxter (Ren). Passing the brawl she deals sadly only 3 points of damage. Florence (Weiss) not wanting the cultist to take the torso goes for it, calling for a STR check but at the very least she gains a bonus while the thug has a Penalty. Naturally, she passed but at the cost of being afflicted by its terrible power of it.

Melissa’s (Blake) turn she pulls her 32 wishing to put three rounds into a few thugs. She failed each roll but spends luck on the second, inflicting damage 3 points of damage on Thug 5. Olson (Jaune), goes for Thug 4 to give Florence an escape. Though he failed to hit the thug at least he gave her an opening. Celeste (Pyrrha) decides to attack thug five. [Anomalous Host] explains that her dominant arm ached but since two of her friends were holding down the thug she gets the free attack. Rolling a single point of damage for her trouble. The turn ends with the last thug, who seems to be the head cultist personal bodyguard going to pull the elderly Cavollaro off his boss. Surprisingly she passed with a Critical inflicting 1 point of damage and hanging on. Returning to Matilda (Ruby) she goes to shoot Thug six three times. Rolling she only passed two of the three, inflicting 10 points of damage. Failing to pass a con Thug six hit’s the ground and begins to bleed out. Baxter (Ren) up to bat and goes for the slashing blow, not needing to roll as his friends were with him he inflicts the killing blow, leaving only 3 cultists their master and the master bodyguard left. Dolores (Yang) up to bat and goes for another slugger against Thug 2. This time landing a knockout blow that caused the thug to fall unconscious.

Seeing how the skirmish was going, the head cultist screams for them to get the torso and go. Thug 3 and 4 race over to Florence (Weiss) to try and steal it. Florence (Weiss) decides to dodge but is forced to do so with a penalty. She managed to avoid the first attempt, but thug four yanked the torso from her arms. The head cultist tries to get the elderly Cavollaro but she refuses to let go. Now Camilla (Nora) turns she rolls to attack Thug four. Passing the check, she inflicts 9 points of damage but all that did was get the cultist to drop the torso. Florence (Weiss) has to pass a hard STR to pick it up. She passed but with great difficulty. Melissa (Blake) pulls out a switchblade and goes to stab Thug 3. Though sadly misses. Olson (Jaune) rolls to strike Thug 3 also missing. Celeste (Pyrrha) turns she stabs with a penalty, failing to stab Thug 3. Seeing the battle is almost lost, the bodyguard pulls out a 9mm Beretta and without needing to roll shoots the elderly Cavollaro, inflicting 7 points and causing her to fall to the ground in pain.

Seeing this the group acted quickly. Matilda (Ruby) with her last bullet shot the bodyguard inflicting the max 8 points of damage. The shot sent the man to the ground where he proceeds to bleed out. Baxter (Ren) goes for thug four, executing him with impunity. Dolores (Yang) goes to sucker punches Thug 3 but fails. Now back to the two, the head cultist and thug 3 were left standing. Deciding to flee since this battle was good as over. Sadly it seems that the head cultist managed to escape into the night. The third thug was shot by Florence (Weiss) who [Anomalous Host] asked her to pass a luck check to see if anyone heard the loud 45. Passing, it seems nobody heard the shot. Melissa (Blake) opened fire with her last three hitting him only once. He staggers away but by the amount of HP, it would seem like a waste of time to follow after. This ended the combat to which the group breathed a short sigh of relief. After quickly regaining themselves Celeste (Pyrrha) and Matilda (Ruby) check on the elderly Cavollaro.

She was shot in a non-fatal place thankfully but required medical aid. Acting quick, they decide to take her back to the apartment. Camilla (Nora) and Dolores (Yang) being the strongest decided to carry the torso back with them. They did some RPing of the Sedefkar Simulacrum torso causing immense pain in their chest. Once back both Florence (Weiss) and Baxter (Ren) explain who the woman is while Celeste (Pyrrha) and Matilda (Ruby) rolled Medical checks. With the truth, everyone loses 1d4 sanity points when they were confronted with the truth. Feeling horrified by the matter they wonder what can be done till Florence (Weiss) recalls the book they have. The L'arte Della Pelle E della Carne. There was a spell that could revert her form but it was risky. Melissa (Blake) who read the book was the one to cast it, the spell required fifteen minutes and 1d6 sanity. This led to her going through a bout of madness but she overcame it. The spell worked and Cavollaro beauty returned. Sadly, without the cult leader whom Cavollaro identified as Arturo Faccia her voice is gone. The next morning the group found disturbing news that Arturo Faccia is dead. He was found on top of the cathedral, butchered as if a rabid animal had gotten to him and his thug. They take some solace in knowing Cavollaro has returned but it was still sad her beautiful voice was lost to the world. [Anomalous Host] ends the session here to which the players rolled their rewards.

Ruby as Matilda Eakley (Canadian Editor)

Jaune as Orson Bleeker (French Singer)

Weiss as Florence Lake (Scottish Dilettante)

Nora as Camilla Hollister (Welsh Athlete)

Blake as Melissa Wong (Italian Book-Dealer) (Has Scroll of the head. Torso piece. Rashes, short breath, Dex checks, back pain STR checks.)

Pyrrha as Celeste Yeske (Belgium Nurse) (Has right arm. Suffer’s fighting and right arm related task)

Yang as Dolores Shea (American Aviator)

Ren as Baxter Felten (Australian Psychologist)