Resist damage
hits-5

Sinn face drops in more of a "Are you kidding me?" kind of look.
Shit......

Taking the blast he is sent back into the wall. Everything goes black.

The world slips away as Sinn lays in the rubble, a piece of the counter sticking out of his chest, something that might have been a chair in his back. He slips away into the darkness.

In the darkness, he can hear the sound of water, the cold stone beneath him. He hears voices somewhere in the distance, then the distinctive sound of a rattle. There's the sound of foot falls on stone echoing around him. A familiar voice echoes in the small space.

You never manage to die, do you? The one thing that makes everyone equal, and you can't even manage that. You are cursed Sinner. Curse to live with your family dead. Here, take it. I'm done with you.

He can't quite see, but Mancuso tosses something to Sinn that rolls across the stone floor, rattling all the way.
Perhaps it will give you some solace. Perhaps not. Either way, we are done.

He can hear the sound of foot falls retreating, Julian walking away into whatever blackness awaits.

Sinn feels as if he's in a haze. He manages to spit words out.
Ill find you too. We're far from over.

He grabs the rattle, touching it for a moment. Feeling every bit of it, with all the memories of its use flooding back. Sinn begins to shed a tear, then closes his eyes tightly, fighting the urge until it passes.

He stands, feeling all the wounds disapear.

Ill see you soon, Julian. And from one dead man to another? Make sure you're wearing a better suit.

He begins walking, shaking the rattle slightly. For the first time, hopeful.

Stockholm Syndrome

It's quiet for a moment, everything black, no one moving or talking. The ground is cool to the touch, which isn't surprising on the unyielding marble and the AC going full blast. Looking up, trying to get his bearings...

I said "get your head down" friend, before I start to think you want to try something, and do something to you first.

Looking up, Jake can see the tall dark elf, in the very out of place top hat, coat and tails, his face painted white with a death's head skull. He has a cane, looks like what might be a skull for the head, and a gun. Cringing, bringing his head back down, Jake couldn't help but shudder. The guy had magic. He'd seen it already. First when he took out the bank guards, and again on the first person to "try" something, who rolled on the ground in absolute agony, when all the elf did was raise his hand.

Now, please listen carefully because I don't like repeating myself. My name is Jacob Sinner. You all probably know me as 'Sinn'. That's right , you've heard it before. The 'so called' murder, the escapee, the "mad man". All I want, is what's mine. The fugitive was talking slowly, as if to a group of children. It was ridiculous. The man was in control. There was no need to belittle them too. It certainly wasn't going to help anything.

And what I want, is to get into the vault. ... SO! Who's gonna take me?! You!? You over there, Mr. Man with the bad suit, funny glasses, looks like he's about to pee himself? The quicker we get this done with, the quicker you all go home. You don't want to end up like that guy.

Jake dared to glance up again, seeing the downed security guard, a hole still sizzling where a bolt of lightning had blasted him. Jake knew they were in trouble. He knew the vault wouldn't open yet. It was a time lock, and couldn't open for hours. So if the elf meant what he said, he wasn't going to be going anywhere for quite a while. None of them were. What was worst, he knew that sooner or later "Sinn" would take a deep, personal interest in him. He was, after all, the bank manager.

Oh bloody hell... Is it too late to go back to the burning ship?

Sinn, the real one, quickly checks his pockets for the rattle and anything else that may be useful. He stands up and dusts himself off and turns to face the imbecile in the top hat and make up. Himself.
How poetic.


He begins to speak.
Mr. Sinner. I believe I can help you.

Roll Willpower to Resist Agony

I said STAY DOWN!

Resist Agony
Hits-3

Jake drops to the ground, writhing and screaming in agony as pain courses through his body. It's like being electrocuted, beaten, set on fire, and stabbed on all sides all at once. It seems to go on forever, time losing all meaning in the face of such complete torture. Even when it stops, he still feels it tingling, burning in his memory. Jake lays there on the cold an unforgiving marble, wet with vomit and urine, sobbing weakly.

Anybody else wanna jump up like a Jack-Ass-In-A-Box? Now, who's in charge? Where's the manager?

For a long moment, no one moves or says anything. Then one terrified hand points at Jake there on the floor.
...Oh...oops.

Yeah.. Oops.

Sinn stands up, slower this time, and his hands in the air.

As I said before, Mr. Sinner. I can help you.

The elf shakes his head.
Well you got some balls on you , don't you. Not a lot of brains though. Ok "Jack", how can you help me? Oh wait, didn't I say down!?

What felt like a troll, but was purely magical strength, picked Jake up and slammed him to the ground, pinning him hard against the surface. Held there, Jake could see snake skin boots walking up to him.
Now ... you were saying?

Sinn groans.

Okay, I distinctly remember not be this much of a dick. I never magicly forced a bank manager to his face. He thinks a moment. Did I?

Yes. About the vault you want into. I may be able to get you into it. But I'm not much use to you pissing myself, crushed on the ground. Nice boots.

The man looks down.
Thanks. Got 'em from an old friend. So, you were saying?

Sinn feels a bit of remorse.
Old friend..

The vault is on a timed lock. Won't open for hours. But, there is a way for me to get them open for such these occasions when the police don't arrive on time.

He'll buy it. I need to get him alone. If I had to guess, this is after Blackstone. He still has... I wouldve still had Dante at this time. Astral quests, alternate universes, I believed in these kinds of things at that time. He'll be intrigued. If I could get him alone. I could talk some sense into him. Or try. God help us.

Roll Bluff-1

Bluff roll
-1 for mods
Hits-3

Sinn rolls to Resist - Cha 6+Con 3 = 9
Hits =3
Tie goes to the defender

Sinn looks at Jake carefully, as if assessing him. After a moment, he nods, and without warning, Jake is suddenly lifted into the air by an unseen magical force.
Listen, here's how this is going to go - you're going to open the vault for me, and you're going to do it now. Not like now, but [b]right[/i] now. And if I think that you're trying to lie to me ... again, yeajh, I caught that little twitch of the eye brow, I'll make your little roll on the floor and peepee dance seem like fun on the beach.

Now ... how are you going to open that vault for me?

Jake looks at himself, around the room, and back at Sinn.

I wasnt lying about the timed lock. That thing wont open for hours. But I have an idea. A deal, actually. And it may buy you the time you need. If you'd take the time to listen instead of flinging spells every which way.... He stops a moment.

..Am I lecturing former me? Really?

What I mean is, have a bit more pateince and we can both walk out of here with what we want. I guarantee that Ja- er...uh Sinn.

Leadership Roll
-2 for mods
hits-4
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2820576/

Sinn nods slowly, still looking a little suspicious, but slowly, Jake is lowered to the ground.
Alright, I'm listening. But I'm watching you too.
You've got a pair on you. Just make sure it doesn't make me do something bad to you. Work with me, everyone gets out of. But make it fast.

The elf watches him, still staying where he can see everyone, but waiting for Jake to gather himself. Sort of paitently. Sort of.

Jake gathers himself as best he can.

Let everyone go, and keep me. Im the bank manager and the only one of any use to you at all. No on else can get you in, just me. It'll buy you plenty of time if and when the police get here, it'll show them you know what you're doing, and lessen the chances of them coming in shooting. You're good, but you can't take out an entire police force on your own, trust me. Its a smart idea to let hostages go, and keep the most important one. If you're ever going to leave here alive and very wealthy, its through me. Let everyone but me go, and Ill give you anything that you want Sinner.

Jake crosses his arms, waiting for Sinn to take his deal.

Roll Negotiation(Bargaining) at -3

Negotiation Roll
-3 for mods
Hits-4
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2820622/

Hits: 2
Sinn nodded slowly.
Some. I'll let some go. Cops do show up, I need a way to keep them busy. They're not goign to rush in here with a bunch of people inside. Just one guy ... they might risk it. Risk you. They're pricks like that, trust me. But a whole room full of people, they'll wanna talk. See if maybe they can buy some time, talk me down. Sounds like time's just what I need.

He paces for a moment, nervous whispers among the people on the floor the only sound beyond the boot falls of the dangerous elf. After a moment, he looks up.
You pick them out. Woman and children. No sense in them being in danger. Despite what people say about me, I'm not a mad man. Get them together. When the cops get here, they can go. Good?

Jake nods.

Perfect. Ill gather all the women and children and get em out. Jake leans in so that only he and Sinn can hear him.

And for the record, Sinner. I never thought you were a madman. You're just always in the wrong place at the wrong time. After I get them out, I need to have a private word with you.

Jake walks around the bank gathering all the women and children, informing them that they are being released. After walking them all to the door, he gives them a last peice of instruction.

Do NOT run. Just walk out of here calmly. If you make a scene, he may forget the whole deal, and who knows who he has working with him out there. Just walk. And go get the help you need. Police are already on their way. Am I understood?

Roll Leadership

Sinn hollers out from over where the rest of the hostages are.
Keep them here, in the lobby. Stay away from the door. Especially you Mr. Manager man. You run off, first I'm gonna have to take it out on one of these guys. Then I hunt you down. Got it!?

Sinn holds a hand up and nods.

Leadership Roll
-2 for mods
Default to Charisma
Hits-3

http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2823393/

The group of women and children wait in the foyer area, on the verge of panic, but holding to themselves. It's hard to miss that keeping them there makes a visible and effective shield against an assault by the Police Force, which is no doubt on its way at the moment.

Inside, Sinn is maneuvering the rest of the hostages behind the bank counter, where their mobility is limited by the confined space, and he can see what they're all doing. It's a long waiting game for the police to arrive and the scenario to begin playing its self out.
Roll Composure (Will + Charisma)

Composure test
Hits-6

http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2829145/

Following his example, the people in the foyer stay calm, quite reassurances whispered between mothers and children. A number of women cast furtive, worried looks inside, where many men are still confined. A closer look spots a number of rings on fingers and women who are thinking twice of leaving, but clinging to their children with tears in their eyes.

He notices the rings, and the looks of torn spouses.

I understand.

He looks up at the women, not speaking to one specificly, but to all who are still listening.

Everything is going to be alright. Ill get everyone out of here safe, and unharmed. Dont worry.

Thats going to be a tall order.

Jake looks out of the glass doors, trying to see if the police are close by yet.

It's tense and quiet for a long few minutes. That is, until the first police car arrives. The second is just behind it, no sirens, no lights, coming into positino at the corners, blocking off the area, followed by uniformed officers quickly clearing people from the street area. The speed of the evacuation from the area is intimidating, precise.

Within a few minutes, the area around the bank is cordoned off, as Jake watches prefab barriers set up around the front, followed by armed and armored men taking positions behind them. The cordon is complete within another ten minutes.

As the polcie are still filling in, the foyer door on the inside opens, Jacob Sinner poking his head in.

Ok Mr. Manager man, go ahead an open the doors, let 'em go. Should be funny to watch 'em round them all up like a bunch of crazy chickens anyway. Give us some more time to do our thing. Once they're all out, you get back in here. Remember, try and run, and someone still here pays.

He turns and ducks back inside.
Oh, and sooner or later, they're gonna send somebody to start with the whole "negotiating" thing. That's going to be your job too. Lucky guy huh? Guess that's why they pay you the big bucks.
He gives Jake a wink , then dissapears back inside.

Jake nods and opens the door.

Alright, remember what I told you. Just calmly walk out of here. Rabid dogs dont chase you unless you run. Now, go. Get out of here.

He watches as the women and children pile out of the door. Once the last of them are gone, he closes the door, and walks back into the lobby.

Most of the group heading out the door are shaking with near panic, but they manage to keep their pace steady, the police men getting into place lowering their weapons cautiously, a few brave men and women moving out from cover to bring the released hostages into safety.

As Jake steps back into the lobby general, Sinn is waiting for him, leaning on a skull capped cane.
So, Money Man, now that's all taken care of. Now why don't you tell me how we're gonna to get us all out of this little problem we've got here?

He grins like the devil, even though the strain is showing around his eyes.

Jake sighs.

The hostages should help, atleast a little. It'll buy us time until the timed lock on the vault can open. Just a few hours. If they start getting itchy trigger fingers, just wave me around like you're going to kill me, and it should keep em in line.

Jake steps a little closer and starts whispering so only he and Sinn can hear.

But, this is my deal. Ill help you get what you want. On only one condition. Every single one of these men is not harmed. You've killed one man already and thats going to be hard to explain, should you have to. But, if one more person is harmed, then this deal is off, and you'll be on your own with the vault, and your escape. You still run the show here, you're the...Ringmaster, now, Sinner. So, Ill keep it quiet to keep up appearances. Im just trying to get through this smoothley.

He leans back.

You and I need a more private place to speak.

Etiquette test - no modifiers

Ettiquite roll
Hits-5
One's rolled-2 (no Glitch)

http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2961307/

Sinn nods slowly, gesturing to one of the offices away from the hostages. He leads the way into the room, taking on seat on the desk.

Listen, you're in a bad situation here. I don't blame you at all for being a litte .... resistant. And that you're looking out for these other people , I like that. Nice to see. I'm not here to hurt anyone, and if I can do what I need to do and leave not one more hair harmed, I'm ok with that.

I'll level with you. There's something in the safe that I need. Not money or anything like that. Something in one of those boxes. Keep things cool with the cops until we can get that thing open, and I'll leave here without a nother word. Maybe even give you a little poke in the leg so you can talk about how you put up a big ol' fight and drove off the "mad man", get to be a hero. Just get me what I need. Soka?

Something in the safe? Not much detered me from money in those days. Oh god..

I didnt expect you to be so compliant. And beleive me, thats saying something Sinner. Jakob chuckled a moment.

Alright, so what is it then? I mean, you can either tell me now or I can find out when we do an inventory when this is all over. Bank policy if we have reason to beleive somethings been stolen. I suppose nows as good a time as any to assume.

Sinn gives him a wink and wags his finger with a little "Ah ahhh" gesture.

Sneaky sneaky little Jake. Nope, I checked your bank's policy on deposit boxes. They don't check the actual contents. Just take a value amount and charge based on what you say the worth is if you want something expensive covered. You guys don't have anything that says what's in there.

Besides, the less you know, the better for you. Let's just say it's something personal and leave it at that for now.

I was never this informed on my own. He's working with someone. Or better yet, for someone. And chances are, they're bad for his rep.

Jakob takes a moment before he speaks. Considering.

Sinner.....What if.....What if I told you, that whatever it is, would mean the same to me? the exact same, if you will.

The elf gives a long appraising, and somewhat skeptical look.
I'd be a little suspicious since you don't even know what it is. he says finally.

Alright, this is going to sounds insane. But hear my out.

Jake walks back and forth for a second.

Sinner, Im you. A much older, much more shot out version of you. This body is just a vessel. One minute I was in Guinee, kicking the shit out of Miriam and taking a few bumps myself, and then when that was finished, I was here, right after you iced the security guard.

He takes a breath.

I dont know if I hit a rift in time, or if this is where Im intended to be. But long story short, this is an astral quest. I dont know what you're after in that vault, but I think it might be what Im here for as well. Also, Im sure there's some lesson to be learned. I think Im supposed to help you understand something.

Roll Etiquette -4
A familiar glow lights the room as Jake is quickly lifted off his feet, hanging in mid air as the magic takes hold of him, Sinner sticking him with a dark look.

I've had enough dicking around Jake. Don't start trying to mess with my head now, it's already gonna be a long day. Don't try to fuck with me. We've got a long time to wait, and I don't have a lot of patience left.

Hits-4

Jake struggles in the air.

I can prove it Sinner. How else would I know about when I...we were kids, alcoholic mother, abusive step father. He used to kick the shit outta us. And mom would just stand there. Until one day, during one of the worstt beatings we'd endured, we just lost it. There was a flash of light. This surge of power shot through us and the next thing we know, they're both slumped over on the floor. Dead. We were 6. And secretly, we were glad. Then we went to the orphanage. Where the Baron found us. And twisted us to his image. Then there was the carnival, and eventually seattle, where...we meet Sirene. Sinn takes a breathe after looking at the harsh reflection of his life.

Roll Damage Resistance

Stop with all this we drek!

Jake *gurks* as he's flung across the room, the invisible force hurtling him into a wall, the dry wall breaking and showering dust onto him as he hits the floor.

I don't know what the frag you're on Mr. Bank Man, but you're going somewhere you don't want to be. Now tell me where you heard all that before you really get me upset.

hits-5

Jake stands up, slowly, and holding his side, which now aches a little from the spell.

This body isn't as strong as I'd hoped.

No one told me anything. Because we didn't tell anyone these things. Not Nathaniel, not Rem'e, certainly not Lucky, and not Sirene. Were too stubborn. To our boys we were superman. Can never know we had weakness once. I'm telling you Sinner. I know these things because YOU know these things. I. Am. Jakob. Sinner. And I'm here to help you. There are so many things you have to understand. Please Sinner. Try to wrap your head around this. We've seen crazier things. The construct that turned that Geistwing into a mindless zombie and how we took credit for the kill? The photo op that presented itself that we just couldn't resist? Think Sinner! How would I know this!? How else?!

Jake begins to get more frantic.

Or how we felt the first time we laid eyes on Sirene. She was so beautiful. And how we had to take refuge in that abandon hotel for two days, where our twin boys were conceived. God, the boys! How incredible it was to watch them be born! To not want to destroy something beautiful for the first time. Completely at peace. The four of us in the beautiful, perfect moment!

Jake starts to choke up, as two tears stream down either side of his face.

We are responsible for so much wrong in our time. We did so many terrible things to keep our family safe. And its all for nothing. And there's no one, absolutely no one, to blame but ourselves. The Sinner. Bringer of chaos to everyone he surrounds. Especially himself. Well, it ends here. We have to change Sinner. Or lose everything. We've lost...everything.

Roll Leadership -3 (Bonus added for RPing)

1 hit
Using edge to re roll failures
1 hit on re roll
2 hits total

Sinn paces back and forth for a few moments in the small office, shaking his head as if having an arguement with himself. If only he knew how ironic that was.

So ... let's assume you're telling the truth. That for some insane reason I should believe you. What then? What do you want? Why should I even listen to you? I mean ... say you're me. So what? How does that even change things? Why would you ... me ... whatever ... even be here?

...Assuming I even believed any of this insanity for a second. And I'm not saying I do!

Yes you do. You just haven't been able to make sense of it. I'm not sure of the reason I've been sent here but one thing I know for sure is that I'm supposed to help you. Facing myself it seems. If this is indeed the correct plane of existence, the one thing I can tell you Sinner, is you fuck up. A lot. And it leads you down a very bad path.

Jake walks towards the desk, arms crossed and scratching his chin in the old habit way he only knows how.
For a moment he mumbles to himself, trying to figure something out.

And for the record, I'm not here to help you rob a bank.

He continues to pace around the room.

It would be helpful if I knew what you were after in the vault. According to this mans memories, its going to be quite some time before that door unlocks. Time we don't have Sinner. Someone led you astray. As usual, we're screwed.

Jake begins to feel more himself, and less like the old bank manager. His posture is more straight and that of someone in charge because he wants to be aside from someone who's simply appointed. His arms are now crossed, with his natural scowl now showing from years of torment, awaiting the Sinners response.

Wait... set me up? Why? Where'd you get that from? I know why I'm here. No body set me up.

Roll Sense Motive