The Ballad of Bass Rock - Introduction

[Mr. Handy]

William nods and begins signalling SOS. "Aye, I remember they used that for the first time on the Titanic," he says.

[Cearlan]

While William and Cynthia are concentrating on signalling the boat, Carruthers looks around to see the exit to the outside gantry. If I can find it I can see if the gantry looks strong enough to bear my weight or not.

Spot Hidden to find exit to gantry. (1d100=63) / 40% - fail

[Priest]

Carruthers,no need for a roll the dorway is obvious and the gantry/walkway looks substantial but a bit airy.

[Cearlan]

Whilst the others are absorbed in signalling the boat I examine the doorway leading out onto the gantry for signs of the creature's slimy trail. I tentatively edge out onto the walkway, testing it to see if it can support my weight before trusting it to do so. Assuming I manage to get out without it falling away beneath me, I edge around the outside of the top of the lighthouse, keeping my back firmly against the windows, again checking for evidence of the creature's presence, either now or in the past.

OOC:   (I did a tour of a local lighthouse, (Souter Point), earlier this year and the outside walkway was just below the level of the windows. I assume that this will be the same - please amend if not)

Whilst outside I use the vantage point to reconnoitre the island, looking for any indication where the creature is currently.

[Priest]

Carruthers:

OOC:   I imagine that the walkway for this building is roughly at the level of the light room windows, with access being through a opening pane in the windows them selves. The walkway does appear a little ricketty but Aidan had earlier been rushing about out there looking for signs of his father on the beach. It is a little airy, the floor of the walkway is composed of interwoven metal mesh, the small holes adding to the feeling of 'airiness'. It is about three feet wide with one side bordered by the lighthouse windows, and the other by a rather flimsy looking guard rail, which looks none to trustworthy. There are signs of the creatures presence but wether to its coming or going it is impossible to say.

Looking around the island you see no signs to indicate the presence of the beast. Other that an increased activity in gull activity in the areas where the captain and the South American had met their gruesome ends, you imagine that the island looks normal.

[Cearlan]

Returning back to the inside I say the assembled people in the 'top room' of the lighthouse. "I cannae see any sign o' the beastie anywhere oot there, but that don't mean a lot. Perhaps we could make a dash fer it, but, and I ain't gonna sugar-coat it, hoo successful we'd be is anyaines guess."

[Mr. Handy]

"Aye, that sounds like our best chance," says William. "We'd best leave now. The boat will land in a few minutes. If it's necessary, I'll try to lead the creature away on a merry chase while the rest of you reach the safety of the boat. I can try to take shelter in the cave we found. I'm probably the only one strong enough to pull the rock closed by myself."

[yockenthwaite]

"Making a dash for it sounds like a good idea," agrees Claire, "though I hope," she says, turning to William, "that your diversion plan won't be necessary. Let's go as quickly as possible."

[PatGrillo]

Cynthia: Let's go then. I've had enough of this place.

[Mr. Handy]

"Thank you, Miss," says William. "I hope it won't be necessary too." He knows that it would likely result in his death if it is. He leads the way back downstairs.

[Priest]

William, as first back downstairs, notices that Emily is absent. The lad, Aidan, is knelt atop one of the chairs peering out of the window toward the beach and the slow arrival of the boat.

[PatGrillo]

Cynthia: Aidan! Where is Mrs. O'Keefe?

[Mr. Handy]

"Aye, lad, we need to find her," says William. "The boat's arriving, so we can all get off the island."

[Priest]

Aidan looks around from his perch, "Huh? She was there a few moments ago. I didnae ken her going"

[PatGrillo]

Cynthia: Come on! - She rushes outside to see if she can see the missing woman.

[Mr. Handy]

"Well, if she did nae go up," says William, "and she's nae here, she must hae gone down." He hurries down the stairs so as not to let Cynthia get too far ahead in case the creature is nearby.

[yockenthwaite]

"Maybe she's gone outside, let's go look," says Claire, running down the stairs after Cynthia and William. "Come on Aidan," she calls as she runs. "There's a boat coming."

[Priest]

There is no sign of the young Irish woman during your descent from the lighthouse, it is as if she had vanished without trace.
Outside the wind has dropped competely, it would seem that this day is going to end as peacefully as it began. The slowly setting sun glitters off a now calmed sea and in the distance the small boat, displaying the colours of the RNLI, begins to make the final yards to the shore. A shore which gently lapped by calm sea, presents a far different aspect to that you had experienced earlier in the day.

[PatGrillo]

Cynthia: Let's get to the boat. We'll have to get them to help us search for her, or go back and inform the police or something....

[Mr. Handy]

"Aye, right you are, Miss Isham," says William. He nods to Aidan. "Come along, lad." He leads the way down to where the boat is landing.