That night they met at a small pub called the "Laughing Jenny." When brought together, the mages realized that they knew one another at least peripherally. Widow Marsden had shopped in Thaddeus Smythe's small shop. Fathe Michael recognized the young man at the table as the gardener for the orphange, and vice versa.

Mr Corwin explained that he was a potent mage but that he had many enemies. He had noticed a terrible situation in london. a form of deep corruption of the spirit. But that it was on a scale that he was unable to affect. Also, he wasn't able to act openly and the Hermetics and Technocrats were far to busy killing one another to notice. The Umbrascape was becoming a real horror show. and nobody was paying attention.

To this end, Mr Corwin was drawing together small disparate groups of mages in the area who might have an interest in prevening the place from turning into a gigantic spiritual sinkhole. All he asked in return was regular reports in a mail drop.

In a trice, Corwin led them to an empty warehouse which he had purchased for them. gave them the key and told them it was theirs to use as they saw fit. For the most part he explained all he wanted them to do was what they were allready doing. help the community in whatever way they could.

Father Michael being a naturally suspicious sort began quizzing Corwin. He'd decided that the man wasn't telling them everything. After going back and forth for the better part of a half an hour, The man finally revealed that his true identity was a secret that could get them all killed. Not willing to give in, Father Michael kept pressing their benefactor.

Finally in exasperation, Mr Corwin gave in. Xander Corwin gave his true name: Aleister Crowley. Now they were entrusted with a secret that could get them all killed.

He took his leave of them. They stood around and tried to decide how they were going to use their new gift. Walter thought that they might turn the place into a temporary homeless shelter of some sort. Winter in London had been harsh already and some hadn't survived. This idea galvanized them into action.

Walter went home and with the help of his roommate Theresa began cooking a soup with healing and restorative powers. Widow Marsden went searching for some people that she knew could benefit tonight. Father Michael went looking for handout for blankets and got doors slammed in his face but also found whores who needed a warm place to sleep. He also brought in some large metal can for starting a fire or two.

Things were going along swimmingly, until fellow came up to Widow Marsden and asked what she thought she was doing. This fellow was dressed like a flash little thug and Widow Marsden recognized him very quickly. He was Harry "Snapper" Mulray and he worked for Professor Rausch...or he worked for Mcgowan, which was practically the same thing.

True to form, after being told to get lost, he returned 20 minutes later, with some boys of his, with the intent of tearing up the place.

This of course, did not sit well with Father Michael. The good father decided to mix it up with them and got his chimes rung for his trouble. With a little help from Walter's healing magick. he got back into the fight. Using extremely vulgar forces magick he conjured pillars of flame from the burning can fires. This spooked all the normals who ran in all directions and while the bad guys were planning to make their own retreat, Michael grabbed their leader and held him toward the fire warning him to turn aside from his path or face destruction...

Except, they discovered to their horror, that Harry "Snapper" Mullray was a Fomori and had made his choice long ago. He exploded on contact with the fire. and those who had not fled immediately decided to do so now.

Father Michael's cover seems blown. The idea of using the place as a shelter will probably not work now and the goons mostly got away....But at least some folks got some good hot soup in them that will keep them from getting sick. Not a total loss as far as Walter was concerned. What will the groups next move be?

Only time will tell.