Browning's Respite
By Adam Simpson Nov. 2018It is possible for a man to fight a war without women, without ammunition, even without strongpoints, but not without tobacco and not at all without alcohol.
Arnold Zweig, German anti-fascist writer and WWI volunteer
Browning’s Respite is a bar (or pub) that can be found anywhere and nowhere. Affectionately called Browning’s, this gathering point for the Trenchcoaters exists in its own arcane space that can be accessed from bars, pubs and taverns all over the world that have the right character. Drinks, comradery and information are all found there but only by those accepted as Trenchcoaters.
Started in the early 1960s, Browning’s Respite gets its name from the Browning Automatic Rifle carried by troops in both World Wars. The weapon’s abbreviation was BAR, a joke not lost on American troops. The bar’s name means both a rest for troops that had to lug the heavy equipment from camp to camp and a time when the weapon can stop firing; peace.
Browning’s was founded by Nigel Binford, the greatest of the Trenchcoaters. Binford became famous for his exploits from the late 1940s through the 50s. He was a master of spatial manipulations and often complained of the trouble he had getting good information. How he established the bar and where it actually exists is a well-kept secret. Binford spoke to his friends (now part of the Trenchcoater’s elder circle) of important business and disappeared in 1984. Mack Walsh, a mage of noted ability, now oversees the operation. Mack tells those he trusts that Binford will return soon but will say no more on the subject.
To access Browning’s a person recognized by the Trenchcoaters has to find a pub or similar establishment that has the right “feel”. Older bars with a quiet, aged atmosphere are usually best. Trendy nightclubs and boisterous bars almost never work. If the Storyteller wants the player to roll use Wits + Occult (difficulty and number of successes are up to the Storyteller) to see if the bar has a connection to Browning’s. Even a place that worked the day before may have lost its connection overnight. The far end of the bar or a secluded booth towards the back are better places to try.
To make the actual attempt the player must use an effect (Corr. 2, Spirit 2) or a special item that Trenchcoaters provide to non-mages and less experienced members. Storytellers should note the effect or Talisman only make the request to Browning’s. If contact is made it is made by Browning’s. Items that are passed out to make the call have included rare coins that are flipped until three heads are achieved, fountain pens that are used to write a quick note that is then placed on the table or countertop, photos or diaries of veterans that are placed on the table, etc.
Once the call is successful brief contact is opened. Acolytes and other trusted individuals working at the bar will ask for the person’s name, the current password or something similar. If the bartender doesn’t recognize the person making the request or feels something is wrong, contact will be cut. Another request to Browning’s cannot be made from that location for weeks.
Visiting Browning’s Respite is experienced differently based on one’s mystick abilities. All can hear and speak to the bartender. Those with Spirit or Correspondence at two or higher can see the bartender and some of the bar. Other people in the mundane pub near the Trenchcoater will see and hear nothing unusual. In past decades visitors to Browning’s spoke in hushed tones or pretended they were speaking into a recording device. Now, people just place a Bluetooth earpiece or similar device on one ear. Customers can receive drinks or whatever else the bartender passes to them. If they reach into the space or try to enter Browning’s they will have no success.
Customers can pass notes or payment to bartenders but are discouraged from trying to pass anything else. Drinks like the Jack Johnson and Moaning Minnie are popular. Payment for drinks is laid back. Customers can pay later if they choose and payment is often requested in the form of information or favors. It is rumored the bar is well supplied by elder Trenchcoaters that use it as an important source of information.
Browning’s Respite serves several useful purposes for the Trenchcoaters. No one doubts its function as a vital exchange point for information. Trenchcoaters leave messages and requests for each other which the bartenders dutifully pass on. The missions Trenchcoaters perform are dangerous and lonely. The bartenders understand their importance as listening ears and encouraging voices. In emergencies Trenchcoaters can divest themselves of important items but those who take advantage of this too often find they have trouble connecting to Browning’s in the future.
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