Tohunga (Jan 15, 2011 5:15:59 PM)
(This user has entered Tulane professors office) (IP = 222.154.4.181)

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 5:16:13 PM)
(This user has entered Tulane professors office) (IP = 71.61.30.206)

Tohunga (Jan 15, 2011 5:16:33 PM)
(This user is now known as Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr.)

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 5:16:44 PM)
((*l* You just missed my post about her considering Loyola first - she's an alum, and also, Jesuits should know demons!))

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 5:16:58 PM)
bah, one sec

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 5:17:07 PM)
((Tulane is good!((

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 5:19:58 PM)
Opening the door for her after a brief talk on he phone, the professor for history is a curious fellow, his hair is tightly curled - he doesn't have a perm, but he might've been the inspiration for it. Glasses are on a cord dangling around his neck and he has suspenders over his tie and shirt. Not actually that old, mid thirties perhaps but give him another ten to twenty years and he'll have the mad professor look down pat. "Miss Ross?"

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 5:20:36 PM)
Professor. Thank you for agreeing to meet with me.

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 5:24:43 PM)
He moves to offer his hand, giving it a light academic gripped shake before directing her in with a gesture of his hand, closing the door behind her. Inside she sees a couple of signs that this Prof. is as interested in the quirky as the set in stone. On one wall is the famous picture of the Roswell ufo crash, with the man holding up pieces of the vessel. And as a shelf book end, a casting of a big footprint. He comes about the desk, moving to slip into his chair. "It is not very often I have visitors in such an official manner as yours Miss Ross?

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 5:26:42 PM)
*She returns the handshake, her grip firm and brisk* Well, I'm researching an incident that occurred earlier this week. As I understand, you are one of the foremost scholars on local folklore and mythology - it isn't very often we have call to be following up those leads.

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 5:28:42 PM)
"I wouldn't go so far as to say foremost. My colleagues prefer to use the term "outspoken"." An amused but good humored smile despite his words. "What can I help you with in particular?"

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 5:29:03 PM)
Have you ever heard of a "Chauchemar"?

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 5:30:27 PM)
"The Chauchemar? Yes, of course. You don't need to look too far to find talk of its history. What do you know about nightmares and prevalent myths about the world?"

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 5:30:59 PM)
To be honest? Not a great deal.

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 5:35:03 PM)
"Ahh, well the nightmare hag is an almost universal entity. An effect from sleep paralysis. Have you heard of the term, its a state of half sleep, half waking state where the body is asleep but the mind is more alert, it causes many effects to it - including paranoia and the sensation that something is there with you, causing the body to be in the state it is..."

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 5:35:45 PM)
Becuase the paralysis doesn't allow you to move, right?

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 5:37:22 PM)
"Yes, so your mind starts to create illusions to explain the situation. In New Orleans that became known as the Chauchemar ... or nightmare witch."

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 5:38:01 PM)
Now, this particular manifestation - is there a point where it came into prominence over, say, the traditional incubus/succubus?

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 5:40:42 PM)
"Prominence? Explain quite what you desire to know Miss Ross. Differences in the tale for the Chauchemar?"

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 5:42:38 PM)
Well, what makes it different from the regular nightmare hag? Is it some kind of Legba?

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 5:43:03 PM)
((Loa, not Legba. Crossed terms!))

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 5:44:51 PM)
"No. It was attributed to the spirit of a recently dead evil witch. They could return from the dead as the Chauchemar." Theres a light in the professors eyes though, the line of questioning is making him curious.

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 5:46:11 PM)
A witch, as in a Voodoo Queen, or, well... some other kind of practitioner?

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 5:46:54 PM)
"Its never entirely specific. Without New Orleans though, one would have to assume that witch relates more specifically to Voodoun practicioners."

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 5:48:00 PM)
True enough. We don't exactly have a shortage. *She purses her lips* Totally crazy question, but have any Queens died recently? Any Shadow Men?

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 5:50:03 PM)
Looking thoughtful for a time, he moves to reach for a folder and start to leaf through it. "I haven't heard anything but perhaps you might be able to find out for yourself." Removing a sheet, he rises and goes to photocopy it. Passing her a sheet with a collection of names, many of which are already crossed out. Several written with a flowing text beneath the list, more recent additions. "Those I know of, there are likely many more I am not aware of however."

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 5:51:39 PM)
Practitioners? *She skims the list* Thank you. Now, is there any folklore about casting out a Chauchemar?

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 5:52:50 PM)
Theres a shake of his head. "No, none that I'm aware of. But should you start to see whip marks upon any potential victims, you be sure to tell me. The opportunity to document this is something unheard of in the more modern times."

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 5:53:14 PM)
Whip marks? The creatures flogs them?

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 5:55:03 PM)
"There are tales that not only does the spirit mount them akin to the hag, but that should they become entirely in her thrall that she mounts them like a horse ... there are tales of people waking up with whip marks upon their backs and sides."

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 5:55:30 PM)
If the hag isn't stopped, what happens to the victims?

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 5:57:10 PM)
"There isn't any talk of death. Sleep apnea, deprivation, insomnia ... heart conditions. I can't imagine people will overly desire to sleep if they experience it too many times."

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 5:58:14 PM)
Understandably. What about agression from the victims? Especially... *A faint blush* in intimate situations? Unusual, unwelcome aggression,

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 5:58:53 PM)
Thinking thoughtfully about that for a time, he finally shakes his head. "No, not that I'm aware of... explain?"

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 6:01:20 PM)
Well, what understanding I had, the Chaucemar is also related to the myths of the Succubus and Incubus...

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 6:02:21 PM)
"They are all related. But why the questions about agression?"

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 6:03:42 PM)
Just wondering if that was one of the manifestations, because you find that with some similar spirit-demon things...

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 6:04:53 PM)
A shake of his head. "No, but dreams are a strange thing. Perhaps some of the victims could be experiencing these with the spirit appearing as those they know or love. That would be especially terrible."

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 6:07:44 PM)
Understandably, yes. *She nods* Now, from what I understand, the Chuachemar usually targets young women - is there a reason it would go after other victims? Some common factor?

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 6:08:33 PM)
"Not that I'm entirely sure. We are talking about a creature of myth and folklore, who can truly understand if there is any real logic to it or if the tales are completely correct?"

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 6:10:14 PM)
That's true. *She nods in agreement* Myths are very good at disagreeing with themselves.

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 6:11:25 PM)
"All too regularly. One man's tale over a strange dream can often completely differ to the next. Or the mothers telling of a story to her children to keep them good before bed. Be good, or the Chauchemar will come visit you in your sleep!"

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 6:14:37 PM)
Has there ever been, say, a flurry of claimed sightings before? Not just one or two isolated incidents, but a time when it seemed that whole parishes were having night terrors?

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 6:15:07 PM)
"Not recently. In recorded history. Why ... is something going on out there I should be aware of Miss Ross?"

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 6:15:46 PM)
No, no... of course not. It's a myth.

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 6:17:09 PM)
"Yes ... just a myth. Well, if there are any other questions ...?" Leaving that open, gazing at her more consideringly now.

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 6:18:29 PM)
*She taps her pencil against her notepad, considering* Any old wive's tales about warding it off? Circle of salt or some such?

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 6:19:45 PM)
"Nothing. In the tales, all stories relate to what it did and how it behaved but not one about what was done to stop its visitations."

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 6:21:14 PM)
So, the old hag brings nightmares, and sucks out the breath... and then goes to riding the victims. No death, nothing to stop it. And dead witches. *She nods*

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 6:23:41 PM)
"Largely what you'll find if you do some extended searches on the web unfortunately. There really isn't a great deal about them, outside of the odd visitation to a young teenage girl, there hasn't been an outbreak in visitations for decades."

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 6:24:27 PM)
In decades. When was the last?

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 6:25:09 PM)
"During the late sixties, early seventies. Though many blamed it upon the hippies and extra uses of hallucenagenic (sp) drugs during the period."

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 6:26:01 PM)
*She laughs* Yeah, I can see that.

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 6:26:53 PM)
"I'm sorry Miss Ross, I'm not sure I can be of much more help. There really isn't a lot to tell about the Chauchemar."

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 6:27:52 PM)
You have been very helpful already, Professor. *SHe offers him a smile* One last question - of these practitioners, are there any you consider particuarly knowledgable?

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 6:29:50 PM)
"Of those there? Not to the levels of the past. Sadly the arts have died a little of late, Katrina killed several and of those that remain they are but shadows of the skills displayed in the past. Hopefully there will be more regrowth in the practices over the next ten years."

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 6:30:12 PM)
Katrina hurt a lot of things... *sigh*

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 6:32:02 PM)
"Yes, the city lost a good deal of its soul. I do hope that it will regrow, but it is too hard to know. Theres a scar that runs through this once great city."

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 6:33:32 PM)
There has been some... too many damn yankees with ideas about what they think this city should be, instead of respecting what it was.

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 6:35:16 PM)
"Mmm, perhaps." He moves to stand, coming about and offering her his hand to assist her in rising from her seat. "Well, I must say, it was a greater pleasure than I ever expected Miss Ross."

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 6:37:24 PM)
*She rises, and gives his hand a polite squeeze* Thank you again, Professor.

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 6:40:15 PM)
"I wish you the best. Should you need any other assistance or wish to enlighten me further on the causes to your questioning I would be most appreciative."

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 6:40:46 PM)
Well, it's probably all some hare-brained idea. I'm not usually the Mulder.

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 6:41:34 PM)
"Much more the Scully hmm...? Well, perhaps you might find your proof in time."

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 6:45:49 PM)
Well, sometimes even Scully had reason to wonder. I've been in N'awlins for the past decade - it's a hard place to be a skeptic.

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 6:46:30 PM)
"Because often something truly is going on." Nodding to her. "Theres more out there in the world than most would care to admit. Perhaps in time more will realise that."

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 6:48:50 PM)
Well, that depends. I mean, think about how people usually react to something mysterious, new, and unknown?

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 6:49:21 PM)
"Fear, superstition, terror. Yes, I'm aware. But one can be an optimist can't they?"

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 6:49:45 PM)
One can. *She rubs the back of her neck* I've even known a few of them.

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 6:50:49 PM)
"Well ... now you have met another. Despite everything that has occurred. its the only reason I remain."

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 6:51:47 PM)
I might envy you that. Dispositions aren't easy to change, but I'm glad they are out there.

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 6:52:56 PM)
"With my optomism, it is hard to say where my heart lies. Another visit to hear more about these curiousities, or you not returning because they have stopped and people are no longer troubled."

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 6:54:44 PM)
*She laughs* I'm a cop - I could probably fill your ears with some of the unexplainables we've seen.

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 6:58:13 PM)
"Now that? That I would thoroughly enjoy." Smiling to her, light amusement in his eyes.

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 6:58:53 PM)
Okay. I promise to tell you the story of the zombies next time.

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 6:59:12 PM)
And no, not the shambling, brain-hungry undead, either.

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 7:00:21 PM)
"Next time? I look forward to it already. Its not very often I have visitors such as yourself, let alone those who talk intelligently and intuitively and ask the ... right questions. I'm glad you graced my presence this day Miss Ross. I had been entirely uncertain as to what would arise."

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 7:01:37 PM)
So was I, but I think this has been mutually beneficial.

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 7:03:05 PM)
"Yes, you have provided evidence that my nose has been in books far too much of late. Something is going on out there and I have been completely oblivious. Makes me look quite the fool."

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 7:04:46 PM)
Not a bit. *She nods* But maybe the city is waking up again, hm?

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 7:06:51 PM)
"I do hope so. Though... the city waking up brings good with bad. Not all that was within New Orleans was positive." Gazing into her eyes, trying to judge the woman, curious about her in many ways.

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 7:07:57 PM)
True enough. *She nods* Ghosts and black magic and curses...

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 7:08:35 PM)
"Ahh, see, the signs of someone who did her research before coming to see me. I'm betting that you knew most of the answers to your questions before I even provided them."

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 7:09:52 PM)
Some - not all. I don't exactly keep a stash of occult tomes at home.

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 7:10:23 PM)
"Few do. A pity." Chuckling goodnaturedly as he moves to sit on the edge of his desk as they continue to talk.

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 7:11:52 PM)
Honestly, the only voodoo practitioner I could name off the top of my head would be Marie Leveau, and she's been dead for decades.

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 7:12:56 PM)
"I would begin to doubt your interests in the field if you couldn't name even her. Though its often forgotten that she was not one but two woman. Mother and daughter with the same name."

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 7:14:39 PM)
I did know that. I had a co-worker once who used to go to the younger's grave to leave flowers and candles every thursday.

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 7:16:14 PM)
"Leaving the three X's upon the side of her grave?" Smiling at the superstitions.

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 7:18:23 PM)
*She nods* He was superstitious. Wore a pouch under his shirt to protect him on the job... *There's a quirk of her mouth to the side, and she absently reaches for a small gold disc at her neck* But then, I guess that isn't entirely absurd.

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 7:20:14 PM)
"St Michael?" An amused touch. "We all have our foibles."

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 7:21:04 PM)
Some habits are hard to shake - which is why I can't entirely dismiss people who always throw salt over their shoulder.

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 7:23:23 PM)
"Indeed ..." Moving a hand over to reach for the top book upon his desk, opening the front cover to reveal a pressed four leaf clover.

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 7:23:51 PM)
*She taps her lips with her fingertip* I won't tell if you don't.

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 7:24:36 PM)
"Deal." Amusement now in his eyes. "You know, as terrible as it sounds, I do hope for return at some point in the future. This has been a pleasant discussion."

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 7:25:12 PM)
It has been. I will keep you updated, thank you.

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 7:25:51 PM)
"Perhaps next time somewhere a little less formal." A lowering of his head to her in a nod. "My pleasure Miss Ross."

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 7:26:36 PM)
It's been mutual, Professor. You have a good evening.

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 7:27:15 PM)
Moving to rise from the desk, he moves over towards the door to his office and opens it for her, standing there as if to see her out. Excellent manners, though to be expected - all things considered.

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 7:27:40 PM)
*She nods, and slips out into the night*

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 7:28:31 PM)
(*laughs* Professor lightly hitting on Isabel, seems she actually enjoyed the attention)

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 7:29:27 PM)
((He's not -that- much older than her - she's 30! And doesn't get flirted with often. She's usually too busy projecting "grumpy"))

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 7:29:45 PM)
(yep, he's mid 30s, so yeah.)

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 7:30:18 PM)
((Thanks for the scene. Iz might have a new contact to pursue for her stable...))

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 7:30:48 PM)
(yep, yw. Useful info?)

Prof. Edward Jefferson Jr. (Jan 15, 2011 7:30:51 PM)
(This user has left DigiChat) (IP = 222.154.4.181)

Tohunga (Jan 15, 2011 7:30:56 PM)
(This user has entered Tulane professors office) (IP = 222.154.4.181)

Tohunga (Jan 15, 2011 7:30:58 PM)
oops

Tohunga (Jan 15, 2011 7:31:06 PM)
(useful?)

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 7:31:20 PM)
((happens. And yes, useful. I figured, being a Detective, Is -should- do some investigation.))

Tohunga (Jan 15, 2011 7:35:40 PM)
(it was a good idea.)

Tohunga (Jan 15, 2011 7:36:48 PM)
(any last questions?)

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 7:37:16 PM)
((Nah. I think Iz will look up a voodoo person later))

Tohunga (Jan 15, 2011 7:37:30 PM)
(alrighty, off to watch whatever they're doing in the square)

Tohunga (Jan 15, 2011 7:40:03 PM)
(This user has moved to [CBD] Lafayette Square - ( http://www.sinful-illusions.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=86&p=251#p251 )) (IP = 222.154.4.181)

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 7:40:56 PM)
((me too!))

Isabel Ross (Jan 15, 2011 7:42:21 PM)
(This user has moved to [CBD] Lafayette Square - ( http://www.sinful-illusions.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=86&p=251#p251 )) (IP = 71.61.30.206)