Play@YSDC

Book the Second, Chapter the Seventh: Clouds of Battle; Or, The Dogs of War Let Slip'd

As a certain eerie calm, combined with denseness of the air, oft presages an approaching storm, so does a uncertain quietude hover over Highdark Hall and the Altumbers. One of mystic bent might venture to suggest that some premonition, as yet not understood, and, indeed, unacknowledged, lurks within the minds of said persons. Howsoever that may be, there is no overt threat to the household at this time, a welcome relief after the strange and ofttimes dangerous happenings heretofore.

A fair amount of time having passed, and, as always, Nature having sway over the mortal parts of persons, the happy but anxious-making news arrives that Georgina is with child, such a state always offering certain hazards to the mother-to-be, no matter welcome it may be. It being thought wise, she and her proud and solicitous husband Henry, have returned to Highdark Hall to await the outcome. Lady Highdark, having experienced the ordeal of childbirth more than once, is particularly eager to interview Doctor North as to the most modern methods of minimizing its risks.

The diminutive fellow McGee preferring to remain unknown to the Altumbers and their servants, elects to remain in shelter of his own eccentric choosing, rather than to join the adventurers as welcome guests.

Lord Highdark having caught word that the party desires to make extensive use of the services of his blacksmith, makes inquiry as to their motive. To be precise, he asks what the deuce they think they are playing at.

There is also the question to be settled as to the disposition of the strange and dangerous pebbles found on the little island in the middle of the Misty Tarn. There having been expressed some interest in obtaining a number of these for possible use as weaponry, the adventurers face the challenge of transporting them to a convenient place, given their number, hazardous nature, and the limited weight the only available boat can hold. If the help of brawny menservants is requested, this will again raise the curiosity of Lord Highdark. As accommodating as that gentleman may be, he does not often grant favors without explanation.

Suspecting that the lord of the manor would be disinclined to listen to the likes of he, Lepus busies himself below stairs, warning the staff with portents of battles to come. He advises that they each keep an iron object about their person alongside any religious symbols they may draw strength from. He will also prevail upon those skilled with needlework to sew the ‘banish spirit’ rune onto everyone’s clothing (including those of their employers), even if surreptitiously.

Such intercourse does wonders for the wanderer’s social skills, used as he is to a solitary existence.

Between times, he meditates and studies upon matters magical. In doing so he discovers two new spells, one of which (unseen servant) he casts straight away, charging his helper to neutralise the explosive stones by carefully scattering iron nails among them (minus a small number to be brought to Lepus and kept for use by the defenders). This is to be carried out at night so as to cause no alarm among the household.

Finally, if there is time, he will look in the library and listen to old local folk tales for mention of fairies, especially female ones. If the name Silveroak or a similar iteration crops up, so much the better.

"I would be pleased to advise you on the safest way to deliver a child," Henry tells Lady Highdark. "I delivered all four of my own children, and only the third was difficult. My wife was worse for the wear afterwards, but thanks to God she survived, as did all four children, who are all healthy." He would also be willing to explain to Lord Highdark what they have in mind with the iron, if his companions agree. His is not the most silver of tongues, though he does have the advantage of being a fellow nobleman. When he has time to spare, he will peruse the library for any clues about the fae lady, her true name, and her capabilities.

William will occupy himself with a an extensive survey of the house and grounds, noting points of access and concealment - and not neglecting the possibility that the Fey Lady may seek to gain her entrance through the pit in the base of the house (this must be blocked with iron also). An iron sword is a poor weapon, but he will bid the blacksmith make him an iron dagger.

Finally, he will take the chance of telling the full truth about the threat to Henry the Foundling: "Whilst I fear that many men in the household would be believe to such a tale, I had hoped that one of Gypsy blood might know more of such things. That Georgina is with child may make her doubly a target - you must be ready to guard her at all times."

Ooh, one more thing, Lepus will call on McGee to introduce him to his unseen servant, who, for reasons of his own, he has decided to call 'Britches'. This way the diminutive tree dweller will not be alarmed by the invisible retainer's nocturnal toil.

All of these myriad preparations take place, more or less, simultaneously. One would have to possess the power of bilocation, attributed to, among others to Saint Alphonsus Mary de Liguori a mere generation ago -- although some may claim that this be mere Papist superstition -- to witness them all. Fortunately, the all-seeing eye of Narrative knows no such limitations.

The diminutive McGee appears to show no surprise at the invisible tasks performed by the Unseen Servant, merely observing that such is of great use to one not overly fond of work; among such persons, he freely includes himself. The limitations of the preternatural servant -- its existence for a mere hour at a time, the need for it to be in near proximity to its Master, its inability to carry more than about a score of pounds at a time -- cause the number of the enchanted stones to be obtained by the adventurers to number no more than a dozen (their weight being greater than one would imagine from their appearance.)

In confidential conference with Henry regarding the possible danger to his beloved wife, William discovers that the Gypsy foundling is in agreement that caution is necessary.

"A changeling of Gypsy blood would be a rare prize for the Fair Folk," he notes. "However, I must insist that Georgina know nothing of this. I fear that her sensitive nature would lead to grave consequences if she were to know of such danger."

Despite careful research by all, there is nothing in the extensive -- and, truth be told, somewhat eccentric -- library of Lord Highdark relating to the specific being who has made threats upon the Altumbers. It is, however, a matter of common folklore that, if she truly be one of high rank among her kind, that she will prove a formidable foe, able to call upon a multitude of minions to her side.

Doctor North seeks conference with Lord Highdark, informing him of the extraordinary situation that his household faces.
Given Doctor North lucid explanation, calm mien, and sincerity of manner, Lord Highdark is at last forced to acknowledge that there is an enemy of preternatural being set against him and his family.

"You shall have all assistance that you wish," he promises.

The iron defenses take shape upon the estate; a grim reminder of what may come to pass.

As he stashes the stones away for future use, Lepus thanks Britches for his efforts and leaves out a small portion of food in payment to the unseen servant (whether the preturnatural entity eats or not, it seems the proper thing to do).

Continuing his preparations, he borrows a basket of eggs, bread and a little cheese from the kitchen, taking it to the gates of Tamsin's Close in an attempt to solicit the help of the creatures therein. Singing and playing on his whistle, he tells them of the threat posed by the Fae Lady and her forces, and how they might unite with the household to defend their home against her destructive tendencies.

Should time allow, he will whisper a similar speech at the blasted tree, begging the pardon of the weary spirit therein and warning it of the disturbances to come.

Perhaps in his ramblings, he will chance upon the twins and their aunt. If so, he will bow deeply, enquire as to their health and ask them if they remember anything that Poppy may have said about what forces she commands and her plan of attack when the time for battle arises.

Henry arranges for the blacksmith and ironmonger to produce the iron implements they will need for their defense, describing in detail exactly what is needed. He also has his new Force Projector ready, which he is confident will be of use in the battle to come, as there is almost no defense against it.

William agrees readily to Henry's stipulation (and passes it on to Lord Dunwich and Lepus).

"Aye, trouble the young mistress not," agrees Lepus when he catches up with his friends. "Perchance a trip to the coast would be conducive to her health, yesno? The children too - let the innocent stay away from the battle."

"How well could this Fey Lady track them down if they left?" William asks. "It is a risk, but I favour keeping them in the place we make make defensible."

Lepus bows in deference.

“Thou art the soldier: thou knowest more of stratagems than this old fool...”

Times passes, as it will, whether mortals will it so or not. As the sound of hammers striking iron, interrupted from time to time by the bawdy jokes and blasphemous curses of the workmen, fills the grounds of the estate, defenses arise like so many hedges of cold iron, about the great oak and such other places as have been specified. If those who raise these metal walls question their value is a moot point; as long as Lord Highdark lines their pockets with coppers, they labor.

In communication with the as yet unseen, elderly-seeming entity associated with the Blasted Tree, Lepus is unable to elicit anything more than variations upon such sigh-filled exhalations as I am so weary and bring me rest. As to what assistance one can make in response to these desires, questioning yields no information.

Even more of, as they say, a chase of the wild goose, may be the interview Lepus arranges with Julia and Juno (whom they both smile and giggle at frequently, referring to him as the "funny man.") When subtle inquiry is made as to the poppet known as Poppy, they deny any knowledge of such, thinking this to be a joke or game.

Perhaps more successful is the errand to Tamsin's Close, where the offered comestibles are carried off by a multitude of small creatures, particularly those of a half-terrestrial, half-aquatic nature, as if under command under an unnoticed leader.

Unsure as to how long they have before the Fae Lady strikes, Lepus proposes a council of war between the bold adventurers, Lord Highdark, Henry, Harold and senior members of the household staff.

"We know of the threat to come, yesno? Let us call her Silveroak and hope we be naming her truly. The island be ringed with iron and scattered with nails. Old Lepus has warned those below stairs and spoken to others besides."

"What else, eh? There be a small number of stones in our possession, 'tis true, but what other weapons? What allies? Be there time to place iron across all thresholds and windows - at least about a strongroom in which the women and children may be sheltered? Has the Reverend blessed his holy water? Are watches set on yonder hill and about the grounds?"

Twitching, the wanderer rubs his grubby forehead.

"Psht! There be things at the edge of old Lepus' thoughts but he cannot catch them! Be we missing anything else?"

"William is a professional soldier," says Henry, "so I'll defer to him on matters of strategy. As it is, I've developed a new weapon that could be of use in the coming battle. I call it the Force Projector. It relies upon electromagnetic principles to directly damage the enemy's brain, and there is almost nothing that can defend against it."

OOC,Are we still surrounding the tree with iron, given that we've learned that it's [b]Mr. McGee[/b]'s home?

There comes a time, upon the stroke of midnight, when lighting slashes the darkness surrounding Highdark Hall asunder, and thunder shakes the very foundations of the time-honored manor home. As if in response to these intemperate fits of Nature, Georgina moans with pain at the side of her midwife. That wise old woman, well aware of the signs betraying the condition of her charge, makes announcement to the ever-vigilant Lady Highdark, who snatches only brief moments of slumber while remaining ever near her daughter.

"The child is come, milady. Will be a hard labor, I'm feared."

Lady Highdark withdraws to fetch Doctor North's assistance in this hour of danger. When inquiry is made as to the whereabouts of Lord Highdark, the information is related that he is with "that woman," having made arrangement to assist her during such a storm as currently rages without. This situation is not unusual, given the reluctance of most members of the male sex to involve themselves with the miracle of birth.

As if all this were not enough to cause sufficient alarm throughout the household, a particularly bright burst of lightning, accompanied by a deafening roar of thunder, fills the house with its arcane fire. The news soon arrives that the bolt struck the high dome of the Lunar Ballroom, causing much damage, and opening that large room to the elements.

When Lord Dunwich revealed the force projector, William would have requested that his Lordship instruct him and Lepus in its use, in case it should fall to one of them.

When the lightning strikes the Lunar Ballroom, he declares, "I fear the attack is upon us. Georgina's labour has divided our forces and exposed the babe to attack. Henry, go to her. Lepus, Harold, Ivan, we must stand ready to face our adversary." While the lightning strike on the ballroom may be a diversion, the other entrances though which the fae might come have been warded with iron, while the ballroom is now a gap in the defences - therefore William will make for the ballroom (taking the force projector if Lord Dunwich has left it in the company's keeping).

Before they rush to their posts, Lepus grabs the soldier’s arm.

“Hark for a moment. The feathered serpent said thou would survive this day. That being so, take the stone knife. If all else fails, cut out old Lepus’ heart and call forth the god’s aid, yesno?”

That being said, the wanderer will cast ‘detect evil’ in an attempt to ascertain where the attack will come from.

Henry has shown the others how the Force Projector is used. He will keep it with him when he goes to attend to the childbirth, as he will be the last line of defense and may have need of it.

The esoteric manner in which Lepus is able to detect malevolence through sheer force of will does not fail him. He possesses a powerful sense that the forces of malignancy do, indeed, at present inhabit the ruins of the Lunar Ballroom. The fact that this particular sensation is so strong nearly obliterates similar feelings, not quite so overwhelming, which indicate that this is not the only avenue through which the enemy approaches. For the nonce, it appears to be the main source of danger.

Upon arrival in the shattered remains of the ballroom, a scene as striking as that imagined by any dramaturge greets the eye. Illuminated by the constant flashes of lightning, accompanied by the angry roar of thunder, are shards of glass everywhere on the tiled floor, the skeletons of what were once masterpieces of the glazier's art. Lady Highdark's pianoforte, a fine instrument transported from Italy, lies in ruins, the ivory keys scattered about like the teeth of some great beast of antiquity. Pieces of furniture lie as if tossed by a gigantic child at play. All of this is lashed by the violent rainstorm, as the wind howls and shrieks through the room.

A object that might be considered bizarre, even ludicrous, in a less dangerous situation lies in the center of the room. It is of the size and shape of a common hen's egg, but shiny black in color. In the few intervals when silence replaces the crash of thunder and scream of wind, a loud tapping sound emerges from within, and what appears to be a claw makes an appearance through a crack in the egg.

________________________________________________________________________________

In Georgina's lying-in room, the young woman's cries of agony are, at times, louder than the unending thunder. She writhes upon the birthing bed, alternating her moans with murmured prayers for the mercy of Heaven.

Suddenly, Georgina sits up, even though the strong arms of the midwife try to keep her from rising. She stares past those present, her countenance as white as milk and her eyes wide open with terror.

"No! No! I will not bargain with you!"

After this impassioned outburst, she collapses into a dead faint. Although this be something of a mercy, it does not bode well for the unborn child's arrival into this fallen world.

Skidding to a halt at the entrance of the now-ruined ballroom, Lepus surveys the damage.

"This be the first cotillion, but not the only one," he grumbles, voice thick with the effort as if fighting off the overwhelming sense of malice.

Buffeted by the wind, he carefully checks the handful of explosive stones about his person as he takes a step forward. He squints at the egg and opens his mind, firstly to ascertain what manner of beast is about to hatch and secondly to call to whatever allies he has hopefully made in recent days.

WIlliam takes the stone knife from Lepus, not wishing to take the time to argue the point, however he has no intention of offering any man's heart to some pagan demon. He also takes the iron knife he asked for from the blacksmith. Seeing the sight in the ballroom, he takes aim with his pistol at the egg, ready to fire at the creature when it emerges.

Bursting out of the ebon egg is a reptilian creature of no great size, its scaly body of a very dark green shade, as revealed by the frequent bursts of lightning. As it emerges, it happens to be facing away from the adventurers, licking the slimy remnants of the interior of the egg from its limbs with a long scarlet tongue. It can be seen that it bears a curious mark upon its brow, in the form of a white coronet.

William hesitates, not sure whether he should use up the bullet. "Do you know what manner of best this is?" he asks Lepus.

Doesnt ring a bell in RL so INT 15,[dice]0[/dice]

"Nay, this old fool knows not."

"The beast will not be friendly though, if it be sent by the Fae Lady..."

Henry prepares to deliver the child, considering whether it is better for the birth if she is conscious. He knows he could revive her with smelling salts if that is the case. He does not want her to experience the intense pain, though he does have laudanum he could give her to reduce it.

The peculiar reptile slithers about, turning in a slow circle until it faces the adventurers, casting its gaze directly upon one of the pair.
William finds himself unable to look away from the creature's eyes, which blaze with ruby fire. They seem to look deep into his soul, with far greater an effect that the most skilled practitioner of the mesmeric art.
At first, the bold soldier experiences that sense of terror that sends cowards fleeing from battle; but, drawing upon all his reserves of bravery, he casts off this craven feeling, and stands facing the arcane enemy.

________________________________________________________________________________________

Georgina's body continues to writhe with birth pangs, though she remains insensate. The ravages of the childbirth seem likely to have an effect upon her mortal frame.
For the nonce, Doctor North is able to observe that her pulse and respiration remain strong, although unsurprisingly rapid.

Lepus has the right of it, of course - no benign creature would have been sent to the ballroom at this place and time. William takes aim and fires.

OOC:   Dexterity 12 + 1 for Solier Profession Rolled 1D20: 10

He follows the shot with his sword should such be required.

SunlessNick wrote:Lepus has the right of it, of course - no benign creature would have been sent to the ballroom at this place and time. William takes aim and fires.

OOC:   Dexterity 12 + 1 for Solier Profession Rolled 1D20: 10

He follows the shot with his sword should such be required.

The creature hisses loudly as the bullet penetrates its scaly hide. The black ichor that flows from its wound bubbles on the floor and raises clouds of smoke, as if a powerful acid flows in its veins.
It turns to cast its gaze upon its other foe.
It is no surprise that the beast's ability to create a sense of fear in those who bear its gaze fails to have a lasting effect upon one used to preternatural forces.

“It be some kind of Basilisk,” cackles Lepus. “Bringing fear through it’s gaze. Well let old Lepus give it a taste of it’s own medicine, yesno? Ready you pistols Captain!”

Covered by the gallant soldier, the hedge wizard fishes out the polished disk found in the caves and, in a similar manner to his defeat of the Medusa, attempts to reflect the creature’s gaze back at it.

Henry decides to use the smelling salts to revive Georgina, reasoning that there is less chance for anything to go wrong if she is awake. Once she is conscious, he explains to her the possible benefits and risks of laudanum in layman's terms. "It will spare you the pain and prevent risk to yourself, he says, "but there is a chance that it may be harmful to the child. I leave the choice of whether or not you want the laudanum to you." He thinks that she will probably choose to forgo the laudanum, which would have been his choice, as any mother would endure any agony and put herself at risk to protect her child, but he doesn't want to make the decision for her when he has the opportunity to ask her.

jp1885 wrote:
“It be some kind of Basilisk,” cackles Lepus. “Bringing fear through it’s gaze. Well let old Lepus give it a taste of it’s own medicine, yesno? Ready you pistols Captain!”

Covered by the gallant soldier, the hedge wizard fishes out the polished disk found in the caves and, in a similar manner to his defeat of the Medusa, attempts to reflect the creature’s gaze back at it.

With careful manipulation of the reflective metal disk, Lepus is able to direct the creature's baleful gaze upon itself.
The strange reptile emits a loud hiss of alarm and scurries about the ruined ballroom, leaving scars upon the tiles of the floor where its blood has etched them. Like the wicked in Scripture, it flees when no man pursueth, eventually making its way out into the lightning-ravaged night.

The intrepid adventurers have a moment to rest. During a brief respite from the nearly constant crash of thunder and lashings of rain, they are able to hear, from behind the ballroom, where the time-honored Druid Stones stand, a loud thumping noise, as of a weighty object falling to ground.

Mr. Handy wrote:
Henry decides to use the smelling salts to revive Georgina, reasoning that there is less chance for anything to go wrong if she is awake. Once she is conscious, he explains to her the possible benefits and risks of laudanum in layman's terms. "It will spare you the pain and prevent risk to yourself, he says, "but there is a chance that it may be harmful to the child. I leave the choice of whether or not you want the laudanum to you." He thinks that she will probably choose to forgo the laudanum, which would have been his choice, as any mother would endure any agony and put herself at risk to protect her child, but he doesn't want to make the decision for her when he has the opportunity to ask her.

Displaying that combination of gentleness and bravery that is found only in the purest heart, Georgina agrees to forego the use of laudanum, for the sake of the child.

With a weak voice, she makes only one request of Doctor North.

"Send the dark man away, please. I shall not bargain with him."

Before questioning of this enigmatic statement is able to elicit any explanation, Georgina moans with pain as the final stages of labor rack her body.
Due to the tender ministrations of Doctor North and the midwife, the worst dangers of childbirth are avoided. Exhausted from her ordeal, the new mother falls into a deep, restful sleep. The necessary procedures following birth are undertaken. When complete, the expectant father, who, as has been done since before recorded history, may be found pacing without, is allowed to behold his child and kneel at the side of his bride. Lady Highdark takes it upon herself to hold the infant most of the time, granting that privilege to others reluctantly and only for brief periods of time.
It is evident that she will dote upon her granddaughter for as long as they both live.

It will occur to Doctor North that, the guest bedroom on the far western side of the third floor being used as the birth room, the secret laboratory seen some time ago lies directly above (though not accessible save by the second floor's hidden stairway.) This would explain the reason for certain mechanical and liquid-like sounds, heard during those rare moments when the ear was not filled with thunder or the wailings of Georgina, coming from overhead. This also serves as an explanation for human voices detected coming from that direction, apparently those of a man and a woman engaged in forceful argumentation, although the exact words could not be understood. In addition, low grunts, as of a beast, were added to the mixture.

William will regroup with Lord Dunwich during the lull, congratualing him and Henry on the successful birth. "Lepus here was able to affright the creature sent to the ballroom, but we must expect another attack soon." He takes the chance to reload the pistol he fired.

Troubled by the thumping sounds outside, Lepus does not rest for long, merely allowing William to reload.

“‘tis time for the next dance at yon Druid Stones, yesno? Let us away to that place and face the next peril.”

"Indeed," says William.

"Congratulations," says Henry after the successful birth. "My first child is a girl as well." Then he rejoins Lepus and William. "I heard what must be Lord Highdark and Miss Ravenscroft upstairs in the laboratory. They were arguing, among other things. We should head for the Druid Stones, but I don't think we should leave the house undefended. Shall we leave Ivan on guard duty?"

The mighty Russian accepts this assignment, eager to preserve the Altumbers and their staff from whatsoever menace might threaten them.

Although the Druid Stones lie at no great distance from the manor home, the brief journey there is an unpleasant one. Within a few minutes, the adventurers are soaked to the bone, if one may be permitted hyperbole. The wind and rain reduce visibility to nearly nothing, save when lightning illuminates the scene with its blinding flashes. The weather makes candle a thing to be scorned, and even renders lantern hardly useful, even with great care. Given his experience in battle during the rage of Nature, William is quite aware that water and gunpowder are enemies, and will be careful to secure his pistol in as safe a manner as possible, even though the best care is no guarantee that the weapon will be usable.

Thus, the approach to the Druid Stones is more a matter for the sense of hearing than that of vision. As the party nears the stone monuments, their boots splashing through pools of water, they hear an occasional crashing sound, as of a large object falling on wet ground. This proves to be no auditory illusion, as a burst of lightning reveals that three of the stones have fallen, the cause for this unknown.

“Hmm... Either this be a ruse to draw us away from yon great house or there be something here old Lepus cannot yet detect...” muses the wanderer.

Leaning forward as if the lashing rain was merely a curtain to peer through, he opens all six of his senses.

WIS 18,[dice]0[/dice]

"Can your invisible servant lift those stones back into place again?" Henry asks Lepus.

"You could ask him my lord, but yon stones be too heavy methinks."

OOC,Looking in the players' guide, an unseen servant can lift up to 20lb or drag 100lb. I suspect the standing stones are somewhat heavier.

"Ivan could have done it, perhaps," says Henry, regretting having left him back at the house. "Or Gogmagog. No matter. A simple application of the physical principle of leverage will do. 'Give me a place to stand and with a lever I will move the whole world,'" he adds, quoting Archimedes. He looks around for suitable levers.

"Aye, 'tis a fair point," Lepus concurs as he squints through the storm. "But afore we act, let us see what is occuring."

"Show yourself!" challenges William.

jp1885 wrote:
“Hmm... Either this be a ruse to draw us away from yon great house or there be something here old Lepus cannot yet detect...” muses the wanderer.

Leaning forward as if the lashing rain was merely a curtain to peer through, he opens all six of his senses.

WIS 18,[dice]232534:0[/dice]

The hedge wizard's experience with the unnatural allows him to deduce that the movement of these great stones -- far beyond the ability of an Invisible Servant or ordinary mortal man to set into motion, save through a mighty Feat of Strength or through some ingenious mechanism -- must be the work of a particularly powerful and malevolent Poltergeist, as yet unattached to any human host, and desperate to obtain such, particularly a person of the female sex of tender years. The fact that most members of that ghostly tribe satisfy themselves with much less massive objects -- stones, furniture, and the like -- suggests that this being is an unusually ancient member of its kind, long unbound to a host, and thus far more dangerous than most. It is, perhaps, no coincidence that its appearance coincides with the arrival of a girl-child in the beleaguered manor home.

Mr. Handy wrote:
"Ivan could have done it, perhaps," says Henry, regretting having left him back at the house. "Or Gogmagog. No matter. A simple application of the physical principle of leverage will do. 'Give me a place to stand and with a lever I will move the whole world,'" he adds, quoting Archimedes. He looks around for suitable levers.

There are a few fallen trees that could serve as such, one properly arranged. Whilst Doctor North is engaged in this search, he is pelted with numerous small pebbles, annoying but not damaging, which fall from the sky, without apparent source.

SunlessNick wrote:"Show yourself!" challenges William.

Perhaps taken by surprise by this bold declaration, the invisible entity briefly appears as a faintly glowing ball of greenish light, floating a rod or so above the ground. During this moment of visibility, the movement of the Druid Stones, which had been continuing throughout this encounter, ceases, as if drawing the being's attention in this manner distracted it from its task. Once it vanishes to human sight again, the crashing of the monuments returns.

Lepus nods at the glowing shape.

“Ah... it be a poltergeist; an ancient and dangerous one too, yesno? ‘tis looking for a host: an innocent babe mayhap? Time to send it away hm?”

The wanderer fishes through his ragged garments for the piece of cloth on which he had previously written certain runes and then steps forward with it held aloft for the ghost to see.

“Away with thee spirit!” he yells.

Said runes, of course, are the ones found in the caves that are believed to send restless spirits back to whence they came.

While Lepus tries to banish the spirit, Henry ignores the pebbles that probably come from the poltergeist and busies himself collecting the fallen trees and constructing the apparatus to right the stones.

William stands guard over the other two. If the company has been lured out to the stones, it is for an attack on the house or an ambush on them.

The glowing green light reappears and draws near Lepus.
It trembles and seems to dissipate for a moment, but, as if fighting off the power of the runes, it soon draws itself together, its eerie glow brighter than before, seemingly representing rage or resolution on its part.

The Druid Stones remain untouched by its unseen power as it concentrates on attacking those living creatures who happen to be near.
A large number of stones, of considerable size, appear at some distance above the head of Lepus, and, as all such heavy masses must, fall to earth with considerable speed. Undaunted by this preternatural attack, the hedge wizard is able to step aside at the last possible moment, so that he remains unharmed.

Lepus winces as the heavy stones thus into the wet ground inches from where he was standing. Scampering away to a safe distance, he mutters the incantation to summon Britches, his unseen servant.

“Wouldst thou assist?” he asks, handing the invisible assistant a piece of chalk. “Copy the runes on this cloth onto yon big stones so that they circle the ghost, if thou please.”

He turns to the others.

“If this fails, alas old Lepus knows of no other way to banish the spirit.”

Henry keeps working on the mechanism. He knows his new weapon will be ineffective against spirits, which have no actual brains.

As the spirit responded to William before, he endeavours to distract it once again while Lepus and his servant work. "Are you here at the behest of the Fae Lady Silveroak?"

jp1885 wrote:
Lepus winces as the heavy stones thus into the wet ground inches from where he was standing. Scampering away to a safe distance, he mutters the incantation to summon Britches, his unseen servant.

“Wouldst thou assist?” he asks, handing the invisible assistant a piece of chalk. “Copy the runes on this cloth onto yon big stones so that they circle the ghost, if thou please.”

He turns to the others.

“If this fails, alas old Lepus knows of no other way to banish the spirit.”

As if exhausted by this incorporeal battle, the glowing green sphere grows visibly weaker, reduces in dimension, and finally falls to the ground, where it slowly fades into nothingness.

SunlessNick wrote:As the spirit responded to William before, he endeavours to distract it once again while Lepus and his servant work. "Are you here at the behest of the Fae Lady Silveroak?"

The entity produces a brief, barely audible sound, as of a dying person attempting to speak, but nothing is intelligible. Soon the only sound is of the wind and the rain, the lightning having ceased and the thunder silenced. It appears as if the weather is clearing, the moon appearing now and then between the scattering clouds, like one in hiding who yet feels the need to observe what is feared.

Mr. Handy wrote:
Henry keeps working on the mechanism. He knows his new weapon will be ineffective against spirits, which have no actual brains.

The device, although it may be frowned upon by the shade of Archimedes for its rough nature, is completed at last, and appears to be worthy of its task, although it is impossible to be entirely certain of that fact until it meets with actual use.

Lepus sighs as the entity dissipates.

"'tis a pity we could not converse with one so ancient, yesno? But alas time is short and there be other matters more deserving of our attention. Unless other creatures bar our way, it be prudent to see that mother and babe are free from peril, hm? Let us right yon stones when the battle is ended."

"Provided the stones are not some form of preternatural defense," says Henry. "You are the expert on such matters. If you are satisfied that they need not be righted during the battle, then we shall return to the house."

"Old Lepus shall meditate on the subject a short while," sniffs the wanderer. He spends a few moments to study the alignment of the stones (at least an approximation of where they once stood) for any mystical significance.

Int 15 +1 esoteric knowledge?,[dice]0[/dice]

William waits for Lepus's meditations, though Lord Dunwich will observe that he is visibly restraining himself from pacing between the directions of the house and lever.

jp1885 wrote:

"Old Lepus shall meditate on the subject a short while," sniffs the wanderer. He spends a few moments to study the alignment of the stones (at least an approximation of where they once stood) for any mystical significance.

Meditation upon the prior and current positions of the Druid Stones is a difficult task indeed, requiring no little time and concentration. After much effort, Lepus finally comes to the conclusion that the departed spirit moved these ancient monuments in a random fashion, much as a naughty child casts toys about whilst in the grip of a tantrum.

As the wet and weary adventurers finally make their way back to the manor home, they are startled by a series of peculiar sounds, the majority apparently emerging from an elevated position in the westernmost side of Highdark Hall. Although there is much overlapping of these noises, so that one is hardly able to tell which follows which, they may be classified as feminine laughter, of an unrestrained kind; a male gasping and groaning in fear; the inarticulate grunts of some brutish creature; and glass being violently broken, followed by a thumping upon the ground and the sound of heavy but surprisingly rapid footsteps.

Lepus cocks an ear at the strange sounds.

“Mayhap a certain lady in a certain laboratory be in the grip of her mania and her master be the target? As for t’other sound: a recipient of her potion? ‘tis best we investigate, yesno?”

William accelerates to a run, his soldiers' pride wounded by seemingly having been lured away from another attack. Assumng no other enemy presents itself, he will go first to the chamber of Georgina and the baby and check on their safety.

Henry runs back with the others, hoping that Ivan has been able to protect Georgina and the baby.

SunlessNick wrote:William accelerates to a run, his soldiers' pride wounded by seemingly having been lured away from another attack. Assuming no other enemy presents itself, he will go first to the chamber of Georgina and the baby and check on their safety.

Entering by the most direct path -- to wit, the ruins of the ballroom -- the bold soldier rushes up the nearest stairway to Georgina's room. There he finds the loyal Russian, Lady Highdark, and Georgina's brother and husband standing about her bed, where the new mother lies clutching the infant to her breast. (The young twins are, apparently, off to bed, and Lord Highdark is still not to be seen.) There are also a few servants about, but no sign of the midwife, her work being done. All these persons look about Georgina with concern and bewilderment, as that young lady murmurs to no one in particular in a disturbing manner.

"I will not bargain with you. She shall not be yours. Be gone."

Although these words be spoken in a soft, almost calm voice, she clutches the silver cross she always wears upon her person in a grip so firm that her knuckles are quite white. Any questioning of her yields no answer, as if she is unaware that anyone else is present.

"She must have a name," she goes on. "Yes, she must have a true and proper name."

Trusting in the bravery of the valiant soldier to guard Georgina from harm, Doctor North and Lepus investigate the disturbance coming from the western side of the manor home. From the top floor, through a window -- the glass of which, by the by, has been visibly shattered by some accident or other -- so high that one would need to have wings to observe the interior, can be seen a sputtering light, far brighter than candle or lantern might provide, and of a whiter shade than either. Its fadings and brightenings are accompanied by a sort of hissing sound, not unlike that produced by water thrown upon a hot stove. No further laughter or groaning is heard from above.

From the stables and kennels, which lie at no great distance to the west, can be heard the howling of dogs and the whinnying of horses. The sound of branches being broken comes from the nearby apple grove.

Lepus capers and twitches as he deliberates the best course of action. After a few seconds muttering to himself, he straightens up and addresses his companion.

“Mayhap old Lepus should attend to yon animals my lord. Wouldst thou see to the lady Ravenscroft? I fear she has taken against the master of the house. It be my fancy that yonder light and hissing noise be her device put to ill use.”

If Dr. North is in agreement, the wanderer will head towards the kennels and stables, keeping a close eye on the apple grove. He will bid Britches to follow, should the invisible fellow still be about.

Henry nods and heads to the lab, figuring that William and Ivan are capable of protecting the new mother and baby.

jp1885 wrote:
Lepus capers and twitches as he deliberates the best course of action. After a few seconds muttering to himself, he straightens up and addresses his companion.

“Mayhap old Lepus should attend to yon animals my lord. Wouldst thou see to the lady Ravenscroft? I fear she has taken against the master of the house. It be my fancy that yonder light and hissing noise be her device put to ill use.”

If Dr. North is in agreement, the wanderer will head towards the kennels and stables, keeping a close eye on the apple grove. He will bid Britches to follow, should the invisible fellow still be about.

The Gypsy blood of the hedge wizard is sufficient to calm the animals somewhat, although they remain in an alert state of alarm. There is no obvious reason for their fright, save for the sounds coming from the apple grove, which continue uninterrupted.

Mr. Handy wrote:
Henry nods and heads to the lab, figuring that William and Ivan are capable of protecting the new mother and baby.

Having found the way to that hidden place before, Doctor North is able to make his way to Miss Ravenscroft's laboratory in no great time. Therein he finds a disturbing tableaux, illuminated by the eerily white, flickering light from a device of byzantine complexity, consisting, at a quick glance, primarily of metal wire and glass tubes. Upon the floor lies Lord Highdark. Only the slow, shallow rising and falling of his chest reveals that he is still alive. Standing over him, arms outstretched, eyes wide open and unblinking, a blank expression on her countenance, is Miss Ravenscroft, entirely motionless, as if she were no more than a waxwork.

Seeing no alternative, Lepus creeps into the grove, peering through the trees in an attempt to discover what kind of being is responsible for the noise.

"The noise we investigated without was a ruse," says William to Henry (the foundling) and Ivan. "What has happened here since? Do you know to whom Georgina speaks?"

Henry examines Lord Highdark to try to ascertain what has happened to him and find out why he has fallen. though he keeps a wary eye on Miss Ravenscroft in case she becomes manic again - or in case the fae decided to possess her.

jp1885 wrote:
Seeing no alternative, Lepus creeps into the grove, peering through the trees in an attempt to discover what kind of being is responsible for the noise.

It is impossible not to notice what seems to be a shadowy human figure, of more than common size, crashing its way amongst the trees, with no obvious goal in its wanderings. From time to time it pauses to pick a fruit from the ground, or from a fallen branch, although it comes to mind that, at this time of the year, such produce of Nature is yet unripe. Sounds of chewing and devouring are unmistakable. Given the darkness and the many apple trees, which render moonlight into mere pools of paleness amongst much blackness, it is impossible to tell anything else about the figure from this distance.

SunlessNick wrote:"The noise we investigated without was a ruse," says William to Henry (the foundling) and Ivan. "What has happened here since? Do you know to whom Georgina speaks?"

All present agree that little has occurred within what has now become the nursery, save for the continuing, soft-spoken ravings of Georgina, which cause much concern. Only the fact that mother and child appear otherwise healthy, and that Georgina cares for her infant with as many tender ministrations as one could ask, subdues these trepidations. As for the matter of to whom her words are directed, there is no answer.

Mr. Handy wrote:
Henry examines Lord Highdark to try to ascertain what has happened to him and find out why he has fallen. though he keeps a wary eye on Miss Ravenscroft in case she becomes manic again - or in case the fae decided to possess her.

Doctor North's great knowledge of Natural Philosophy enables him to determine, after careful examination, that Lord Highdark's insensate condition is a result of a combination of extreme terror and exposure to a large quantity of galvanic fluid. Miss Ravenscroft remains in a condition of catatonia, although from time to time she is heard to whisper, in a voice so weak that one can barely detect it, the word "life."

Knowing the pernicious nature of their enemy, Lepus treads carefully, lest he disturb someone innocent going about their business. He mutters an incantation to see if he can detect any evil ahead of him.

Once Henry makes sure that Lord Highdark and Miss Ravenscroft are not injured or in any immediate danger, he examines the device carefully. It draws him like a moth to a flame, though he is wary of it, as it may be responsible for their condition. He tries to deduce its purpose and how it works.

William nods, "Keep careful watch on her. And as irrational as it may seem, offer her reassurance that she is correct in her refusal of this 'bargain.'"

jp1885 wrote:

Knowing the pernicious nature of their enemy, Lepus treads carefully, lest he disturb someone innocent going about their business. He mutters an incantation to see if he can detect any evil ahead of him.

Curiously, the hedge wizard's spell detects neither good nor evil, but rather a kind of purely neutral consciousness, without, it seems, any motivation whatsoever, save sheer survival.

Mr. Handy wrote:

Once Henry makes sure that Lord Highdark and Miss Ravenscroft are not injured or in any immediate danger, he examines the device carefully. It draws him like a moth to a flame, though he is wary of it, as it may be responsible for their condition. He tries to deduce its purpose and how it works.

It would appear that the device makes use of galvanic fluid, derived from the recent anger of the heavens, which is drawn into its workings via multiple long, thin wires, to activate a complex mixture of alchemical substances in varied retorts, the intent seemingly to induce animal magnetism, drawn from a living subject, to inhabit in some material object, which does not appear to be present at this time.

SunlessNick wrote:William nods, "Keep careful watch on her. And as irrational as it may seem, offer her reassurance that she is correct in her refusal of this 'bargain.'"

There is immediate agreement with this suggestion. After a brief time, Georgina does indeed seem calmer; in truth, she and the babe fall into an undisturbed slumber. All would seem well, were it not for a curious manifestation. In a corner of the room stands a raven, of greater size than is common. It casts an eye at William. That bold soldier, drawing the attention of the others to the remarkable fact of its presence, there being no open window through which it may have entered, is met only with confusion; evidently it is undetected by anyone else in the room.

More startling is the fact that it speaks, as certain members of the feathered tribe, dwelling in far-off tropical lands, are said to be able to mimic human speech; but hardly in so lucid a fashion.

"We have not met," it remarks, "although I have often been present with you. I have made previous acquaintance with one of your party, I believe. In any event, as it seems I shall be deprived of my prize, I must seek satisfaction elsewhere."

Clearly, only William hears this. It is notable that the bird speaks with the voice of a woman of high station.

"You shall," agrees William flatly, trying his best to disguise his disquiet at the apparition..

Henry uses his smelling salts to revive Lord Highdark, hoping he can tell him what happened here.

Lepus frowns, it being unusual to encounter a being of so unblemished a nature.

If the fellow, if indeed it is a man, is hungry enough to eat unripe apples, maybe he would enjoy a more palatable repast?

To this end the wanderer rummages out some scraps of food and advances, holding them out as if in supplication.

"Hello? How goes the day, hm?"

SunlessNick wrote:"You shall," agrees William flatly, trying his best to disguise his disquiet at the apparition..

"Indeed." The bird examines William closely, hopping closer to him in a fashion that would seem comic, where the situation not so strange.

"It seems that the Fates decree that we shall not meet again for many years, and then in a very distant place. A pity, that. I would welcome so bold a warrior into my realm. So it must be. Who, then, do you suggest I take, among those gathered here?"

Mr. Handy wrote:
Henry uses his smelling salts to revive Lord Highdark, hoping he can tell him what happened here.

Choking and coughing, Lord Highdark regains sufficient consciousness to make reply, although he remains in a weakened state.

"So tired. So tired. It walked! So tired."

jp1885 wrote:
Lepus frowns, it being unusual to encounter a being of so unblemished a nature.

If the fellow, if indeed it is a man, is hungry enough to eat unripe apples, maybe he would enjoy a more palatable repast?

To this end the wanderer rummages out some scraps of food and advances, holding them out as if in supplication.

"Hello? How goes the day, hm?"

As if in reply, there follows a series of snuffling noises, something like those produced by a laboring beast of burden during the process of respiration. What little light strikes the orchard, either from glimpses of the Moon through the billowing clouds, or the curious illumination coming from the room high in the manor home, reveals a vague, shadowy shape within the trees, which seems to grow a little larger.

Still unsure as to the nature of the creature before him, Lepus continues to walk quietly forwards, all the time holding out his offering of food.

"'tis a poor time to be abroad, yesno? Art thou hungry friend?"

"You're going to be all right, my Lord," says Henry, making him comfortable. "Can you tell me what happened here? What walked?"

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:"It seems that the Fates decree that we shall not meet again for many years, and then in a very distant place. A pity, that. I would welcome so bold a warrior into my realm. So it must be. Who, then, do you suggest I take, among those gathered here?"

"If you are what it appears you are," begins William...

OOC:   If the crow can discern his thoughts, he believes the crow to be somehow an embodiment of death. [I'm thinking Macaria, but that was before William's time]

... "and it must be one here now, the only man I would offer is myself and Fate be damned. But the Fey Lady who assaults this house has already sent victims to your realm, and means to send more - if she is such a lover of your domain, perhaps she would fain see it for herself."

jp1885 wrote:
Still unsure as to the nature of the creature before him, Lepus continues to walk quietly forwards, all the time holding out his offering of food.

"'tis a poor time to be abroad, yesno? Art thou hungry friend?"

What emerges from the trees, at a very slow rate of approach, is vaguely human in form, but only in the sense that a sculptor's first chiselings upon stone may be said to resemble the one to be immortalized in marble. In size, it is nearly twice as tall as a large man, and thick in proportion. Its limbs are long, heavy, stump-like projections, bearing nearly shapeless caricatures of hands and feet. Where there should be countenance are mere cavities in place of eyes, nose, mouth, and ears. The being is of a mottled gray color, where flesh, if so it be, is exposed. Covering much of its body is a length of rough, undyed cloth, merely wrapped around it, as if in grotesque parody of swaddling child. The cloth flaps about its person as it shuffles forward. Extending one of its ill-formed arms, it ventures to speak, in a deep, guttural voice.

"Fren?"

Mr. Handy wrote:
"You're going to be all right, my Lord," says Henry, making him comfortable. "Can you tell me what happened here? What walked?"

Growing more sensate, the stricken nobleman answers in a tense whisper.

"What, indeed! That which cannot be! Coal oil and vitriol and leavings of the slaughterhouse, pieced together in unnatural fashion by that madwoman! May she remain in state of torpor forever! It must be destroyed!"

SunlessNick wrote: "If you are what it appears you are," begins William,"and it must be one here now, the only man I would offer is myself and Fate be damned. But the Fey Lady who assaults this house has already sent victims to your realm, and means to send more - if she is such a lover of your domain, perhaps she would fain see it for herself."

"Not even I can defy the Fates," replies the raven, "despite your most generous offer. Alas, the one who gathers her forces against this house will never visit my realm, nor I hers. No, I shall have to find another. Unless, of course, I am given the opportunity to game for such a prize, in which case I face the possibility of remaining empty-handed; or empty-winged, given my current form, if you will forgive such drollery. I do so enjoy playing for the ultimate stakes."

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:"Not even I can defy the Fates," replies the raven, "despite your most generous offer. Alas, the one who gathers her forces against this house will never visit my realm, nor I hers. No, I shall have to find another. Unless, of course, I am given the opportunity to game for such a prize, in which case I face the possibility of remaining empty-handed; or empty-winged, given my current form, if you will forgive such drollery. I do so enjoy playing for the ultimate stakes."

"Hm," ponders William. Now it seems verified that he speaking with a figure of death, he finds himself strangely at ease - this is company he has kept for for many years. "If you may not take the Fae Lady, are you at least able to confirm whether we correctly name her Silveroak? As to your other proposal, do you suggest you might game for her? Or do you challenge me for one of the human souls in this house, and pledge your departure if I prevail?
"

"Ah," says Henry. "She has assembled a construct of various substances and parts of different bodies and given it a semblance of life by means of this device." In truth, he has considered similar experiments himself, but he has ruled them out in favor of the idea of reanimating a single intact corpse. "Did you see which way it was heading?" He looks around for any tracks or a trail of destruction the creature may have left.

Lepus' eyes widen when he beholds the creature. During his wanderings in Bohemia he had heard many arcane legends of the Golem of Prague, but despite witnessing many incredible things he never thought he'd actually meet such a thing.

But is it thus? Aren't Golems supposed to be mute? Does not this fellow speak?

The wanderer extends his hand. "Aye, friend."

He smiles and taps his chest. "My name be Lepus. Has thee a name?"

SunlessNick wrote:Hm," ponders William. Now it seems verified that he speaking with a figure of death, he finds himself strangely at ease - this is company he has kept for for many years. "If you may not take the Fae Lady, are you at least able to confirm whether we correctly name her Silveroak? As to your other proposal, do you suggest you might game for her? Or do you challenge me for one of the human souls in this house, and pledge your departure if I prevail?
"

"The True Names of the Fair Folk are secrets to which I am not privy, as they will never have cause to know me. Nor is she a prize possible for me to obtain. It is the latter suggestion to which I refer. Name the contest, sir, and the stakes, and let us contend for victory."

Mr. Handy wrote:
"Ah," says Henry. "She has assembled a construct of various substances and parts of different bodies and given it a semblance of life by means of this device." In truth, he has considered similar experiments himself, but he has ruled them out in favor of the idea of reanimating a single intact corpse. "Did you see which way it was heading?" He looks around for any tracks or a trail of destruction the creature may have left.

As if speech fails him, Lord Highdark raises a trembling hand, and indicates the broken window of the room, from which it can be seen that the ground below has been depressed in places, as if by a great weight.

jp1885 wrote:
Lepus' eyes widen when he beholds the creature. During his wanderings in Bohemia he had heard many arcane legends of the Golem of Prague, but despite witnessing many incredible things he never thought he'd actually meet such a thing.

But is it thus? Aren't Golems supposed to be mute? Does not this fellow speak?

The wanderer extends his hand. "Aye, friend."

He smiles and taps his chest. "My name be Lepus. Has thee a name?"

The being moves its head back and forth, as if confused.

"Nam?"

It then lunges at the proffered victuals with its thick and weighty arm.
Its hand comes nowhere near its goal, instead crashing into a nearby tree of moderate size, which is sent toppling as if by a woodsman's ax.

Lepus dodges to one side as the creature's mighty arm sweeps clumsily past. It reminds the wanderer somewhat of a newborn lamb, still getting used to it's limbs. Has the brute been recently brought into this world?

"Aye, name. What thou art called. I am called Lepus - hast thou no name?"

"Thank you," says Henry. "I shall seek the creature." He does not intend to destroy it, unless it proves to be hostile. Such a thing does pique his scientific curiosity. He goes back downstairs and heads outside to the spot on the ground where the creature landed below the window in the hopes of picking up its trail.

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:"The True Names of the Fair Folk are secrets to which I am not privy, as they will never have cause to know me. Nor is she a prize possible for me to obtain. It is the latter suggestion to which I refer. Name the contest, sir, and the stakes, and let us contend for victory."

"Gambling with death has been the course of my life," says William. "Let us retire to a more secluded chamber and discuss terms." Assuming the crow agrees to accompany him to another room, he will bid Ivan to maintain his watch in Georgina and lead the way to his own guest room. Upon arrival, he says, "I could greet you in a manner more appropriate to your station if you would appear to me in a form befitting the beauty of your voice."

jp1885 wrote: Lepus dodges to one side as the creature's mighty arm sweeps clumsily past. It reminds the wanderer somewhat of a newborn lamb, still getting used to it's limbs. Has the brute been recently brought into this world?

"Aye, name. What thou art called. I am called Lepus - hast thou no name?"

The being's heavy brow wrinkles, as if in deep thought.
Although its rough countenance betrays much labor of reasoning, to the degree that it may be capable, there is no evident result. It makes another attempt to obtain food, evidently unable to fully comprehend what is said to it.
Although not as errant as the previous attempt, the creature is still unable to grasp the victuals. It growls, much like the great cats of tropical climes, and a scowl distorts its ill-made features into a mask of anger.

Mr. Handy wrote:
"Thank you," says Henry. "I shall seek the creature." He does not intend to destroy it, unless it proves to be hostile. Such a thing does pique his scientific curiosity. He goes back downstairs and heads outside to the spot on the ground where the creature landed below the window in the hopes of picking up its trail.

It is no difficult feat to trace the creature's meandering path, as it has apparently made no effort to conceal its wanderings. Indeed, were one to deliberately mark one's trail, that another might follow, it could not be done in any more effective manner, albeit one without grace. In short, deep footprints, torn bushes, and fallen limbs of trees lead Doctor North to where the being now stands, facing Lepus, a sound of rage emerging from its throat.

SunlessNick wrote: "Gambling with death has been the course of my life," says William. "Let us retire to a more secluded chamber and discuss terms." Assuming the crow agrees to accompany him to another room, he will bid Ivan to maintain his watch in Georgina and lead the way to his own guest room. Upon arrival, he says, "I could greet you in a manner more appropriate to your station if you would appear to me in a form befitting the beauty of your voice."

The bird accompanies William to his chambers, flying in a graceful and nearly silent manner just over his head. Once settled in the room, and made aware of his request, it melts into a smoke-colored vapor, which grows as if a fire blazed below it, then reforms itself into the figure of a woman, seemingly not yet twenty years of age, arrayed entirely in black, the cut of her silk gown indicating elevated taste. Her black hair is arranged in an elaborate coiffure, held in place by elegantly carved objects, apparently of ivory, or some other pale substance. Her eyes are as dark as her hair, in striking contrast to the extreme whiteness of her skin, achieved without powder.

"You flatter me, sir; a strategy to which I am not entirely immune. Yet I doubt that you look forward to my embrace. If I may introduce myself," she adds with a curtsy, "today I am known as Manea. Shall we decide upon a contest and a prize?"

Lepus sighs. Clearly the creature is as ill-coordinated in mind as well as in limb.

"I shall call thee Tom," he declares. "Now let me help thee..."

If the creature allows it, he will gently size it's hand and place the proffered food therein.

Will Lepus hear Henry approaching?,[dice]0[/dice]

Regardless of how stealthy Dr. North attempts to be, Lepus easily hears his approach. He carefully extends his other hand, gesturing his friend to stay back, lest he alarm the creature.

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:"You flatter me, sir; a strategy to which I am not entirely immune. Yet I doubt that you look forward to my embrace. If I may introduce myself," she adds with a curtsy, "today I am known as Manea. Shall we decide upon a contest and a prize?"

"Indeed the beauty of your contenance does match that of your voice," says William. "And if I may be so bold, as I am fated not to enter your realm for years to come, surely tonight I may embrace you without fear. And thus is the contest I propose: life is ever richest when it is intimate with death. So let us partake of that intimacy. If by morning I can conjure a longing inside you for the warmth and richness of life, you shall leave the folk here to live theirs."

Henry remains quiet, stays back, and observes the scene. While he has his Force Projector, he sees no reason to use it now.

jp1885 wrote:
Lepus sighs. Clearly the creature is as ill-coordinated in mind as well as in limb.

"I shall call thee Tom," he declares. "Now let me help thee..."

If the creature allows it, he will gently size it's hand and place the proffered food therein.

Regardless of how stealthy Dr. North attempts to be, Lepus easily hears his approach. He carefully extends his other hand, gesturing his friend to stay back, lest he alarm the creature.

Despite the kindly gestures of the hedge wizard, the creature, frustrated in its attempts to obtain further nourishment (which indicates, by the by, that it requires an extraordinary amount of sustenance, there being evidence of a very large number of unripe apples already consumed), remains in a foul mood. With a cry of rage, it lashes out at Lepus with its large and meaty fist.
Fortunately, its aim is no better than before, and Lepus remains unharmed. This failure to strike what it now perceives as an enemy further raises its ire. It lifts both arms high and cries out.

"Muhduh!"

SunlessNick wrote:Indeed the beauty of your countenance does match that of your voice," says William. "And if I may be so bold, as I am fated not to enter your realm for years to come, surely tonight I may embrace you without fear. And thus is the contest I propose: life is ever richest when it is intimate with death. So let us partake of that intimacy. If by morning I can conjure a longing inside you for the warmth and richness of life, you shall leave the folk here to live theirs."

Manea expresses an interests in the embraces of so bold a mortal, although she remains completely in control of her emotions. Extinguishing the room's candles from a distance, simply by a gesture of her alabaster fingers, she approaches William in near total darkness. She presses her lips upon his. They are cold -- so cold! As further intimacies continue, this icy sensation is felt from every part of her body. It is, perhaps, for this reason that William finds himself shivering during their encounter; although other explanations, particularly at the moment of maximum excitement, are plausible. Be that as it may, William now faces the prospect of being judged as a lover.
Although William is entirely satisfied by this experience, despite the chill that still reaches deep into his bones, Manea, it seems, is difficult to please, at least by a mortal lover.

"I cannot say that your efforts at satisfying me were entirely successful. No discredit to you, of course; few are able to endure such an encounter with me at all. Thus I must insist that I have triumphed in our contest, and I claim my prize. Shall you name the one who will journey with me, or shall I?"

Mr. Handy wrote:
Henry remains quiet, stays back, and observes the scene. While he has his Force Projector, he sees no reason to use it now.

Such reticence may be a matter to be reconsidered, given the creature's aggressiveness and fury.

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:"I cannot say that your efforts at satisfying me were entirely successful. No discredit to you, of course; few are able to endure such an encounter with me at all. Thus I must insist that I have triumphed in our contest, and I claim my prize. Shall you name the one who will journey with me, or shall I?"

"You are generous in victory," says William. "And it was a singular honour to be granted the attempt."

OOC:   What became of Miss Rye? Is she still alive and locked up somewhere in the house? If she is,William will say "[color=#800000]There is one here named Miss Rye. She is as guilty as the Fae Lady of whom I spoke, and those within these walls would be well rid of her.[/color]" If not,William will say "[color=#800000]Poor Elizabeth Altumber already counts herself as one of the dead. To go with you may be a mercy for her.[/color]"

OOC:   Should I add one to William's perversity for this?

"Is that 'murder' or 'mother'?" calls out Henry, holding his Force Projector ready. "Do you seek your mother? I know where she is!"

"Aye, mother!"

As Lepus is dodging the creature's swing, it takes a second to register what Dr. North is saying.

"Hold! Thou knowest what poor wench bore this fellow?" he hisses, hurriedly backing away from the 'golem'.

"She did not give birth to him," says Henry, "but she is his mother nonetheless. Miss Ravenscroft made him in her laboratory."

"Pssht! That harridan and her 'science'!"

Lepus turns to the monster.

"Aye, thy mother lives yonder! Come, so that she may face her creation!"

SunlessNick wrote:"You are generous in victory," says William. "And it was a singular honour to be granted the attempt.

William recalls one currently closely confined within the manor home whose mind, if not body, are already lost to her.

"There is one here named Miss Rye. She is as guilty as the Fae Lady of whom I spoke, and those within these walls would be well rid of her."


"A wise choice," Manea replies, "as she was destined to enter my realm very soon in any case. Until we meet again, then."

With that, she is simply not there any longer. Once the candles are lit once more, it may be observed that a vase of local wildflowers, placed there to add cheer to the guest room, now contains only the withered remains of stems, petals fallen to the floor and grown brown.

It appears that the creature, in its state of blind rage, bears no heed to the entreaties spoken by those near it. Instead, it growls liked a caged beast facing it captors, and seems intent on battle.

This state of aggression is interrupted by a loud cry from the shattered window high above, where Miss Ravenscroft, transformed from catatonia to hysteria, cries out.

"Yes! Yes! I have succeeded! No more need Woman endure the vile embraces of Man!"
As music is famously supposed, thanks to the pen of the late Mister Congreve, to have charms to sooth the savage breast, so does the voice appear to cool the heated brain of the creature. It stares up at the window.

"Muhduh? Muhduh?"
With more determination than grace, it climbs up the rough stones and bricks that make up the outside wall of the manor home, managing to pull its massive form up through the great strength of its limbs. Once it has returned to Miss Ravenscroft's laboratory, that lady can be heard laughing with great mirth. A cry of fear emerges from a male throat, followed by a slamming door, evidence that Lord Highdark has chosen to remove himself.

"Restoring life to the dead would be one thing," says Henry, "but creating new life in this fashion is clearly ill-advised. I prefer to do that the way God intended. Babies are far cuter than that creature, and far less destructive. Still, I'm glad we did not need to destroy it."

Miss Ravenscroft's laughter causes Lepus to shudder.

"The woman's mind be addled; there be no telling what she will have that poor creature do. Act fast, so we must, and put a stop to this lest the Fae Lady take advantage, yesno?"

He frowns. That's three mad women, maybe or maybe not in the employ of the Fae Lady. Is there some occult significance to this?

INT 15 +3 occult lore,[dice]0[/dice]

"Indeed," says Henry. "Let's get to the lab post haste."

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:

Spoiler:

Adding one to Perversity seems appropriate.

With the situation of Manea resolved as best it can be, William goes in search of Lord Dunwich and Lepus, beginning with the laboratory where they seemed to be bound when he parted from them.

jp1885 wrote:
Miss Ravenscroft's laughter causes Lepus to shudder.

"The woman's mind be addled; there be no telling what she will have that poor creature do. Act fast, so we must, and put a stop to this lest the Fae Lady take advantage, yesno?"

He frowns. That's three mad women, maybe or maybe not in the employ of the Fae Lady. Is there some occult significance to this?

INT 15 +3 occult lore,[dice]233893:0[/dice]

It will occur to Lepus that members of the fair sex, subject as they are to the influence of the Moon, are somewhat more likely to suffer from that derangement of the mind known, for reasons one need not point out, as hysteria. This does not mean, of course, that male persons are free from mental disorders of their own. It is also true that feminine inhabitants of Faery are more likely to exert influence upon mortals that share their sex, generally holding human males to be objects of contempt and amusement, not worthy of such manipulation.

In any event, by the time the bold adventurers make their way to Miss Ravenscroft's secret laboratory, they will discover that lady and her creation engaged in what may be charitably referred to as conversation. That is to say, the being begins to grasp the meaning of a few simple words, and to make use of them in the manner of young children. This is evidence that, as ignorant as it may be, the creature possesses an ability to learn far greater than that which might be expected from one less than a day old.

To be precise, the trio enters just as the creature addresses its creator, in an state of excitement, with these words.

"Why make I?"

Unwilling to provoke neither the creature or it’s insane mother, Lepus advises caution. For the nonce he is content to quietly observe the exchange from a distance and see what occurs.

Henry has a good idea of the reason, but he lets the creature's mother answer the question herself.

By their demeanours this is clearly not the others' first encounter with the creature, so WIlliam will do what they do.

Before Miss Ravenscroft is able to make reply, the creature cries, in obvious agitation, "Not want live!" Then, as if its limited vocabulary is insufficient to communicate its state of distress, it utters an inarticulate groan, and strikes out with its massive arms at the apparatus in the room.
Its movements still betraying the clumsiness of one not used to the operation of its limbs, it smashes a bottle of oil of vitriol, the powerful acid splashing on its hands, the skin of which visibly begins to dissolve with a hissing sound, as blood of a very dark red color pours onto the floor. Driven to blind fury by its pain, the creature screams and stomps on its heavy feet towards Miss Ravenscroft, arms raised and bloody fingers extended.

William's instinct takes over - he raises his pistol and fires at the crature before it can assault Miss Ravenscroft.

OOC:   Dextertity 12, + 1 Soldier +3 Good Shot Rolled 1D20: 14, success

If the shot fails to bring the creature down, Henry will use his Force Projector on it. He needs to protect Miss Ravenscroft, and the creature doesn't want to live anyway.

If Lepus is brutally honest, the matter of Miss Ravenscroft's life is neither here nor there. Perchance she deserves to perish at the hands of the abomination she has created?

However, it would also be an obvious kindness to put the tormented beast out of it's misery, and so he rummages in his sack for an explosive stone and makes ready to bounce it off the floor towards the pair, in the event of his companions' weapons failing to have the desired effect.

SunlessNick wrote:William's instinct takes over - he raises his pistol and fires at the creature before it can assault Miss Ravenscroft.

OOC:   Dextertity 12, + 1 Soldier +3 Good Shot Rolled 1D20: 14, success

Although the bullet strikes home, burying itself in the thick flesh of the creature's torso, it seems to have little effect upon it, save to add fuel to the fire of its rage.With a loud roar, it turns upon its attacker.

Mr. Handy wrote:
If the shot fails to bring the creature down, Henry will use his Force Projector on it. He needs to protect Miss Ravenscroft, and the creature doesn't want to live anyway.

Witnessing the alarming fact that the creature's flesh is resilient enough to resist the impact of a bullet, Doctor North activates the Force Projector. From the device pale blue tendrils of galvanic fluid rush out towards the creature, encircling its head with a fiendish mockery of a halo. The creature grips its head in its mighty hands, shrieking with agony.
Despite the irresistible nature of Doctor North's invention, the device does only minor damage to the creature, perhaps due to the extreme thickness of its skull.

jp1885 wrote:
If Lepus is brutally honest, the matter of Miss Ravenscroft's life is neither here nor there. Perchance she deserves to perish at the hands of the abomination she has created?

However, it would also be an obvious kindness to put the tormented beast out of its misery, and so he rummages in his sack for an explosive stone and makes ready to bounce it off the floor towards the pair, in the event of his companions' weapons failing to have the desired effect.

With uncanny accuracy, Lepus tosses the explosive pebble directly at the creature, striking it in the middle of its clay-like face.
The result renders the creature's countenance even more ghastly in appearance than it was before, as the resulting explosion renders one eye entirely destroyed, leaving only a open wound, from which thick ichor drips. Driven to a state of brute madness by the barrage of attacks, the creature lashes out at William with its mighty fists.
No doubt because of its reduced vision, it fails to strike at its enemy, or even come anywhere near him.

As if unaware of the danger to which she is exposing herself, Miss Ravenscroft rushes to the side of the creature, offering such comfort as is natural to the female sex. The creature, in turn, whose sudden and extreme changes of emotion cannot fail to be obvious, welcomes her embraces, blubbering and sobbing as any injured infant, while also turning towards the adventurers from time to time, hissing and snarling at them with obvious malevolence.

"See how the mother comforts her babe..." spits Lepus as he fishes out another stone.

"Thy 'science' damns thee Madam!" he calls out. "Lest we injure him further, leave this house, tend to thy child's wounds and never return hence!"

William draws his sword with one hand, while keeping his other ready to fire his other pistol, but does not attack further yet, waiting to see how Lepus's demand is received.

"I understand what you are trying to do, Miss Ravenscroft, and why," says Henry in a calmer tone. "Many men, perhaps even most, are wicked, but not all. You just haven't met the right one yet. There may yet exist a proper scientific means to have a child without the aid of a man, but this is not it. Still, it lives, and it would be wrong to take that life away. You are its mother, and you are now responsible for it. Consider well what that responsibility means."

With a look of haughty disdain, but without words, Miss Ravenscroft leads the creature out of the ravaged laboratory. The creature is nothing loath to accept such guidance, although it continues to growl and spit at the adventurers. As the remarkable pair are last observed vacating the ruins of the laboratory, a final bit of conversation between the two reaches the ears of the party.

"Make woman for I."

"Yes, I shall. I know a fine place to begin."

"We should observe them to make certain they leave in truth," says William. "I do not trust those last words of hers."

“Aye,” concurs Lepus. “The Lady is not to be trusted. Even if she does leave, old Lepus reckons we shall meet her and her monstrous children again...”

The wanderer will see the pair off the premises before returning to check up on the Altumbers and their staff; all the while keeping his senses open for the next attack.

"Indeed," says Henry. "I wonder why she did not make a female creature first, given her attitude toward men. She will need another laboratory to build one, but it seems she already has somewhere in mind. She may be mad, but she is brilliant enough to be able to do it."

It may be observed that the remarkable pair are seen traveling eastward, just as the chariot of Phoebus Apollo is seen rising from that direction, so that the shadows of the two are cast upon the grounds for a considerable distance. When last seen, they have gone beyond the limits of the Altumber burial ground, at least as far as the extreme border of the Highdark estate. The shadow of that somber and imposing monument known only as the Tomb lies heavy upon the grassy expanse of the burial ground, causing gravestones to vanish in the darkness, while many a towering yew stands guard over those who rest there.

Upon making inquiry as to the well-being of the inhabitants of Highdark Hall, it seems that there have been no fatal consequences. As might be expected, Lord Highdark remains in a somewhat agitated condition, although this is relieved to some extent by spirits and rest. The yet-unnamed girlchild and mother are doing well, now that Georgina's unexplained conversations with the empty air have ceased, and she has no memory of them. The day being the Sabbath -- which, combined with the rising of the Sun, may explain the current lack of any further preternatural threats -- Georgina expresses a wish to have the Reverend Mister Frye christen the infant this very morning, a ceremony to which all are welcome; although, curiously, she had not yet announced what name she will bestow. (Tradition suggests that the child bear the same name as her maternal grandmother; to wit, Constance; although this is a custom often observed, as the Bard would have it, in the breach.)

William will endeavour to learn whether Miss Rye remains among the living.

"Christening the child is the best idea,' says Henry. "Once she has been christened and has a name, it will be too late for the enemy."

"Then we must be vigilant both before and during the ceremony," says William. "All our armaments must remain to hand, even within the Church itself." (With that in mind, he reloads the pistol he fired at Miss Ravenscroft's pistol).

"Aye, 'tis wise to do so on both counts."

Lepus chuckles mirthlessly.

"Mayhap they should christen the child Silveroak, yesno?"

"No, I wouldn't recommend that name," says Henry with a laugh. "I'm partial to Elizabeth, myself, for obvious reasons. And there is one on the father's side of the family."

SunlessNick wrote:William will endeavour to learn whether Miss Rye remains among the living.

More than one servant attests to the fact that Miss Rye was buried, without ceremony and in an unmarked grave, somewhere just beyond the Altumber burial ground. It is remarked that the grave is a very shallow one, as if the gravediggers wished to expend as little effort as possible.

The ceremony of christening proceeds in the customary manner, directed by the Reverend Mister Frye. It is, of course, necessary for that pious gentleman to make inquiry as to the name to be bestowed upon the infant. It seems that the choice is left entirely to Georgina, as her husband is unusually indulgent of her whims.

"Artemis," the young mother answers. "She shall be Artemis."

The Reverend Mister Frye makes so bold as remark "That is hardly a Christian name. However, it is well to pay honor to the virtuous pagans in harmless ways. So be it."

Once the ceremony is ended, Georgina grows pale, and needs to be escorted within the manor home, where she collapses into a swoon. It is thought that this is a result of the natural infirmities of childbirth, as well as the recent events troubling the estate. The infant remains in the care of Lady Highdark, who dotes upon it as in the manner natural to grandmothers of all times and places. Lord Highdark seems much relieved from his recent shock, and even the twins are unusually well-behaved.

Soon after the christening, the tiny fellow who calls himself McGee leaps down from the crown of a tree, out of sight of all save the adventurers. Approaching them most stealthily, he remarks in a low voice, "'Tis a day of celebration, it seems. Will not one of you fine gents invite a poor thirsty soul inside for a dram of the waters of life?"

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:When last seen, they have gone beyond the limits of the Altumber burial ground, at least as far as the extreme border of the Highdark estate.

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:More than one servant attests to the fact that Miss Rye was buried, without ceremony and in an unmarked grave, somewhere just beyond the Altumber burial ground. It is remarked that the grave is a very shallow one, as if the gravediggers wished to expend as little effort as possible.

We may want to look into this.

--

Anyway, William will relate to the others that Miss Rye is no longer among the living. He will refrain from detail, merely saying that there was a representative of death present (the one with whom Georgina was speaking), and that he took it upon himself to contest with her for the souls of those present in the house. However, he was vanquished, and thus compelled to nominate one to be taken.

Did Georgina eat or drink anything shortly before the Christening ceremony?

Lepus listens to the gallant soldier's story, nodding as if conversing with the embodiment of Death is a normal occurrence.

"Aye, I hear she be fond of a wager. Thou did well to lose only the challenge."

The wanderer unobtrusively attends the christening, worried that the state of the young lady is somehow linked with the Fae Lady, resolves to check up on her. However, the arrival of McGee puts paid to this plan for the moment.

Lepus scrutinises the fellow, knowing how inviting certain entities into homes can have consequences.

"Ah, 'tis not our place to invite thee into another man's house, but mayhap we can hold a celebration of our own. Let us warm our toes in, say, yon orangery. Let old Lepus bring out some whiskey and mayhap some cake!"

"Yes, I am concerned that Miss Ravenscroft may use Miss Rye's remains to build her female monster," says Henry. "She was last seen going east. Was the grave in that direction?" He nods after Lepus speaks. "Yes, it is not our house, so we cannot grant you permission. We are guests here ourselves."

SunlessNick wrote:
Did Georgina eat or drink anything shortly before the Christening ceremony?

Being of a highly pious nature, that young lady is in the habit of fasting upon the Sabbath, during the light of day.

Mr. Handy wrote:
"Yes, I am concerned that Miss Ravenscroft may use Miss Rye's remains to build her female monster," says Henry. "She was last seen going east. Was the grave in that direction?"

It is a fact that the burial grounds lie in that direction.

He nods after Lepus speaks. "Yes, it is not our house, so we cannot grant you permission. We are guests here ourselves."

Having received such answer, the diminutive fellow proves to have an excitable temper.

"Oh ho, so old McGee's not good enough for the likes of you, eh? Come and say that to me like men, if you have the belly for it."

With that, he raises his tiny hands and hops about, in the manner of one about to engage in fisticuffs, cutting a figure not without a comic aspect.

"On the contrary," says Henry. "Were this our house, we would gladly invite you inside. We simply need to ask permission from the lord of this manor first. Seeing as you are contributing to its defense, he should be amenable."

"Aye, and 'tis my belief that thou be too good for them, not 'tuther way around! Still, the noble scholar be right - thou art helping us, so thou should join us inside for yon celebration."

"I just remembered something," says Henry. "Artemis is the cat's name."

Somewhat mollified by these gentle remarks, the little fellow lowers his fists.

"Fair enough, then. Let us make haste, then, and speak to this high-and-mighty lordling. Come, we burn daylight."

McGee marches, at an impressive pace for one of such diminutive size, toward the manor home.

"Let us hope the child proves less troublesome than it's namesake, yesno?" Lepus mutters to Henry.

Hurrying forwards, he falls in step with McGee.

"So, what hast thou seen of the battle so far? Be there any intelligence thou can impart?"

Mr. Handy wrote:"I just remembered something," says Henry. "Artemis is the cat's name."

"That is true," says William. "Do you see a meaning in it beyond Georgina's affectionate whims?"

"I know not," says Henry, also walking toward the manor house. "Still, it is something to be aware of, in case meaning develops later. I shall seek out Lord Highdark and speak to him, one lord to another, to ask his permission for our friend to enter his home."

jp1885 wrote:
"Let us hope the child proves less troublesome than it's namesake, yesno?" Lepus mutters to Henry.

Hurrying forwards, he falls in step with McGee.

"So, what hast thou seen of the battle so far? Be there any intelligence thou can impart?"

"Nary a speck o' trouble nor hair else," the diminutive fellow replies. "Been restin' up me limbs, in top of yon trees. Nice, quiet place to live, better than dusty old houses and such truck."

Mr. Handy wrote:
"I know not," says Henry, also walking toward the manor house. "Still, it is something to be aware of, in case meaning develops later. I shall seek out Lord Highdark and speak to him, one lord to another, to ask his permission for our friend to enter his home."

In brief conversation with Lord Highdark, it is established that the gentleman in question, having a well-deserved reputation for hospitality, is nothing loathe to have another guest within his home for the nonce, and invites the adventurers to escort the person under discussion within.

Lepus sticks close to McGee, knowing how excitable small folk can be under the influence of alcohol.

He also surreptitiously mutters an incantation to detect evil, lest the Fae Lady Silveroak (if that truly is her name) or her allies decide to make an appearance.

Henry also enters the house with them.

It was wise of Lepus to take such precaution, as his preternatural power to detect malevolence reveals that the intents of the little man are far from benign. If further evidence of this be needed, it is provided by the fact that, once within the confines of the manor home, McGee ignores the welcoming gestures of Lord Highdark, bypassing that individual entirely, and rushing up the nearest staircase with remarkable speed and grace, while shouting "Gold! Gold! And all shall be mine!"

It is not much later that the sounds of rummaging come from above, in the approximate area of Lord Highdark's study.

As a possible distraction from these events, it may also be observed that, at the same instant that McGee set foot in Highdark Hall, numerous tiny, glittering lights, similar to appearance to fireflies, if those peculiar little creatures were ever to be seen in broad daylight, began to drift toward the manor home from the south, floating in remarkably ordered procession, in a straight line, amongst the stately row of yews lining the pathway to the main entryway of the building.

Henry hurries after McGee, reasoning that William is best suited to organize the defense of the house against the obvious army on its way, and that having someone dangerous and unpredictable already inside the house is a great risk.

Lepus cusses as McGee disappears up the stairs. Why didn't he divine the fellow's intentions earlier?

Torn between the greedy Leprechaun and the approaching lights, the hedge wizards summons his invisble servant. Fishing around his coat for a grubby sack, he requests that the unseen figure to assist Dr. North to catch McGee before tying the Irishman up in said sack.

Mindful of the detrimental affect to his health, he shambles to a window, staring out at the parade in an attempt to ascertain the nature of those taking part in the procession.

William mutters a curse about the perfidy of the Irish, before making efforts to marshall the male servants of the house to guard doors and windows against intrusion - it is to be hoped that the iron defences laid earlier remain in place. Of the two walls most adjacent to the approaching entities, he asks Harold and Henry to take charge of one each. He himself, and Ivan (unless that loyal servant has followed Lord Dunwich), and Lepus if he is willing shall take watch over the shattered upstairs ballroom, which remains the easiest entrance to any being not bound the to ground.

Rushing up the stairs to Lord Highdark's study, Doctor North hears the cackling laughter of McGee and observes the tiny fellow engaged in rummaging through the furniture, in search of riches.
He locates a hidden cache of gold coins and grabs at it eagerly, shoving them into the pockets of his jacket, giggling and dancing about the room.

"Gold! Lovely, lovely gold!"

Meanwhile, the Invisible Servant summoned in arcane fashion by Lepus attempts to carry out its orders.
The effort is far from successful. In truth, the only effect is that the sack is snatched from the unseen hands of the servant. Having no true intelligence or will of its own, and now unable to attempt to carry out its task, it does nothing.

Seeing no one else about save Doctor North, McGee directs his wrath at Doctor North.

"After me gold, are ye? We'll see about that, lad!"

With surprising speed and agility, the little fellow races toward Doctor North and aims his fists at him.
Although not enough to threaten Doctor North's life, the little man's fists are tough enough to inflict a painful attack on one knee.

While the sounds of a chaotic battle emerge from above, those gathered below observe the floating lights assemble themselves directly in front of the main entrance of the manor home.
Careful observation reveals that they are a score and eight in number. As they draw near to the defenders, often circling above their heads just out of reach, it can be seen that they resemble tiny human figures, entirely innocent of clothing, of both sexes. As they flutter about, multiple voices, piercingly sweet and high, cry out to those below.

"Give us the child! Give us the child!"

They evince no attempt to enter the manor home.

Reeling from the blow, Henry brandishes his cane. "That's enough of that!" he shouts. "I have no desire for your gold! I have plenty of wealth of my own already, and have need of no more. Besides, the gold you just took is not yours. It is the property of our host, and it would be ill form for you to steal from him after he invited you inside. Return it to him at once!" He holds back for now, but he will strike if McGee makes any more aggressive moves toward him.

As per William's suggestion, Lepus takes up position in the shattered ballroom, or a vantage point near enough where he can see and converse with the tiny figures. Praying that the servants have placed enough iron about to keep the faeries, if faeries they be, at bay, the wanderer bows to the hovering company.

"Welcome oh sprites! Mayhap thou knowest your humble servant, old Lepus? Has he the honour of addressing the regiments of Lady Silveroak? Why dost thou desire the child?"

The figures are too tiny for a pistol to be of use, even for as experienced a shot as William. Instead he readies his sword and the iron knife he had the blacksmith make. For the moment he stays quiet, letting Lepus glean what he may.

Mr. Handy wrote: Reeling from the blow, Henry brandishes his cane. "That's enough of that!" he shouts. "I have no desire for your gold! I have plenty of wealth of my own already, and have need of no more. Besides, the gold you just took is not yours. It is the property of our host, and it would be ill form for you to steal from him after he invited you inside. Return it to him at once!" He holds back for now, but he will strike if McGee makes any more aggressive moves toward him.

Laughing derisively, the little man dances a jig and cries "And I shall have your gold as well, see if I don't. For the nonce, what care I for the cracked-brain battles of men or fae? Away!"
With that, he struggles to exit through the nearest window, but struggles to do so, landing upon the ground headfirst, gold coins scattering all about. Cursing in the Gaelic tongue, he is delayed in his escape by his desire to retrieve every one.

jp1885 wrote:
As per William's suggestion, Lepus takes up position in the shattered ballroom, or a vantage point near enough where he can see and converse with the tiny figures. Praying that the servants have placed enough iron about to keep the faeries, if faeries they be, at bay, the wanderer bows to the hovering company.

"Welcome oh sprites! Mayhap thou knowest your humble servant, old Lepus? Has he the honour of addressing the regiments of Lady Silveroak? Why dost thou desire the child?"

At about the midpoint of this speech, from the brightest and largest of the floating figures, there emerges a high-pitched shriek, followed by the disappearance of said figure. At this occurrence, there is much agitation amongst the remaining figures. They draw together, forming a shape that, to one of vivid imagination, might resemble a crossbow of former centuries. Their voices ring out in a chorus, as if they are of one mind.

"The Queen! The Queen! Gone! Gone! Must Die! Must Die!"

At the point of the imagined crossbow appears a pale green glowing object, much in shape like the tips of arrows, formed from stone, said to be used by certain aboriginal inhabitants of the New World.
Given the hedge wizard's frequent experience with the harmful tricks of such beings, the ethereal weapon passes through his body completely, without effect, as if it were no more than a thing of dreams. The figures gather closely together in a sphere, whispering softly in a language unknown to mortals, as if engaged in the planning of strategy, now that this attack has failed.

SunlessNick wrote:The figures are too tiny for a pistol to be of use, even for as experienced a shot as William. Instead he readies his sword and the iron knife he had the blacksmith make. For the moment he stays quiet, letting Lepus glean what he may.

It may be observed that the figures stay well away from the brandished weapons of iron, as well as the defenses about the manor home of the selfsame substance. Rather, they remain at an elevated position. One of fanciful mind might suppose them to be so many officers seeking, like the tyrannical Corsican, to retain the high ground against an enemy.

Lepus capers gleefully at the Fae Lady's flight and her soldiers' impotent shot.

If he can see McGee scrabbling for coins on the ground below, he will call to his invisible servant.

"Pick up a gold coin and carry to towards the faeries if thy please!"

If the leprechaun chases after the coin, the wanderer hopes to confuse his enemies by telling the faeries that McGee is the child they want (mayhap they will fall for the trick without their queen).

If this ruse fails (or he cannot see the Irishman) he will shout to the defenders thus (seeing the arrackers confused and bunched together).

"Fetch catapaults and blunderbuss if there be any! Load them with iron nails and ready to let fly at the faerie host!"

Seeing little he can do to attack the fairies, William tries to distract them instead, hoping that they will be less on their guard against Lepus's strategem. "By what authority do you claim any child from this place?" he demands. "Your own Queen has evidently ceded the matter."

Henry hurries back downstairs to join the others, though he's not in enough of a rush to follow McGee out the window. He takes the stairs instead.

jp1885 wrote:
Lepus capers gleefully at the Fae Lady's flight and her soldiers' impotent shot.

If he can see McGee scrabbling for coins on the ground below, he will call to his invisible servant.

"Pick up a gold coin and carry to towards the faeries if thy please!"

If the leprechaun chases after the coin, the wanderer hopes to confuse his enemies by telling the faeries that McGee is the child they want (mayhap they will fall for the trick without their queen).

This clever ruse is effective, as the small fellow's blind hunger for lucre causes him to follow the arrant coin where it will. Once the Unseen Servant has drawn McGee to the place just below the gathered fae folk, he struggles to retrieve the coin.
This weird competition for a tiny object, the love of which, as Scripture reminds us, is the root of all evil, results in a kind of impasse, as neither McGee nor the Servant is able to retain it. The coin goes flying off, lost in the thick grass surrounding the manor home.

Infuriated by this loss, Mcgee mutters in his native tongue, while moving his hands about in a strange fashion. In a moment a crude wooden club, nearly as long as the fellow himself, appears in his grip. He brandishes it about in the direction of the Servant, which of course has no effect.

The attempt by Lepus to convince the fae that Mcgee is a child results only derisive laughter.

"He we know! He we know! Stupid! Stupid! Must pay! Must pay! Who goes with Queen? Who goes with Queen? Babe best! Babe best!"

SunlessNick wrote:Seeing little he can do to attack the fairies, William tries to distract them instead, hoping that they will be less on their guard against Lepus's strategem. "By what authority do you claim any child from this place?" he demands. "Your own Queen has evidently ceded the matter."

"Speak not of She! Speak not of She! Die! Die!"

Evidently offended by the audacity of mere mortal making such bold reference to the banishing of their monarch, the fae once more take the form of a crossbow, and hurl their arcane weapon at the speaker.
Williams feels as if a bullet of ice has pierced his heart. Although he does not suffer any visible physical damage, it is as if his being were weakened by some virulent malady, or venom.

Lepus chortles, as if the faeries seeing through his ruse is the punchline of some hilarious joke.

"Cease thy arrows, take yon Irishman and be glad of the company!" he cackles. "He be the size of a child, if not comparible in manners, yesno?"

As he taunts the host, he takes an explosive stone and wraps a couple of strips of cloth around it, packing a handful of iron nails between the two.

"Britches sir!" he calls to his invisible servant. "Take thy coin up to the faeries if thou please!"

If the host does not disperse, he will wait until McGee is dragged as near the host as possible and then throw the stone towards them. With any luck it will hone in on the leprechaun and explode, scattering iron nails among the fae.

(Brutal, alas, but if it saves an innocent child from the clutches of the Fae Lady, then so be it.)

"Let's see how they like a taste of their own medicine," says Henry. He grips the Force Projector and uses it to attack one of the fae, singling out any that looks like it might be the new leader now that their queen is gone.

jp1885 wrote:
Lepus chortles, as if the faeries seeing through his ruse is the punchline of some hilarious joke.

"Cease thy arrows, take yon Irishman and be glad of the company!" he cackles. "He be the size of a child, if not comparible in manners, yesno?"

As he taunts the host, he takes an explosive stone and wraps a couple of strips of cloth around it, packing a handful of iron nails between the two.

"Britches sir!" he calls to his invisible servant. "Take thy coin up to the faeries if thou please!"

If the host does not disperse, he will wait until McGee is dragged as near the host as possible and then throw the stone towards them. With any luck it will hone in on the leprechaun and explode, scattering iron nails among the fae.

(Brutal, alas, but if it saves an innocent child from the clutches of the Fae Lady, then so be it.)

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:

jp1885 wrote:
Lepus chortles, as if the faeries seeing through his ruse is the punchline of some hilarious joke.

"Cease thy arrows, take yon Irishman and be glad of the company!" he cackles. "He be the size of a child, if not comparible in manners, yesno?"

As he taunts the host, he takes an explosive stone and wraps a couple of strips of cloth around it, packing a handful of iron nails between the two.

"Britches sir!" he calls to his invisible servant. "Take thy coin up to the faeries if thou please!"

If the host does not disperse, he will wait until McGee is dragged as near the host as possible and then throw the stone towards them. With any luck it will hone in on the leprechaun and explode, scattering iron nails among the fae.

(Brutal, alas, but if it saves an innocent child from the clutches of the Fae Lady, then so be it.)

Spoiler:

dex to throw the stone = 15[dice]234831:0[/dice]

The stone flies wildly, landing upon the ground far from the assembled fae, exploding upon contact with the earth. (It may be recalled that these stones appeared to seek living prey, and perhaps some mole or worm has fallen victim to its discharge.)

Wielding his club, the enraged McGee rushes at Lepus.

"Cast iron against me, will ye? Taste then of me shillelagh!"
Due, no doubt, to the state of his temper, the weapon fails to meet its target by a considerable distance, crashing instead into a nearby yew. It is remarkable that this blow splinters the tree in twain, revealing that it carries more force than would be predicted.

Mr. Handy wrote:
"Let's see how they like a taste of their own medicine," says Henry. He grips the Force Projector and uses it to attack one of the fae, singling out any that looks like it might be the new leader now that their queen is gone.

An eerie humming sound, as if from a horde of unseen bees, emerges from the weird device. Doctor North having reckoned, as logic dictates, that the largest and brightest light among the fae must belong to one of highest rank, aims the invisible beam at it.
A piercing scream fills the air, and the lights vanish instantly. It would be premature to declare victory, however, as a chorus of voices follows soon after. It may be recalled that such beings are reputed to possess the power of invisibility at will.

"Filthy iron! Filthy iron! Injured Prince! Injured Prince! Die! Die!"

As of yet, no attack materializes after this threat.

"Begone from here!" Henry commands the fae, "or you'll get more of the same!" He holds the Force Projector ready to attack again if there's any sign of another attack coming. He turns to Lepus. "Are you able to detect their position with your abilities?"

"Old Lepus lacks the wit to see the invisible, but mayhap there be a way..."

The wanderer turns to William.

"Gallant soldier, could thee be prevailed upon to find a blunderbuss? Mayhap a few blasts of irons nails be enough to bring these fae into view?"

To test his theory, he throws a handful of nails, scattering them in the general direction of the faerie host.

Additionally, if it has landed nearby, he will attempt to retrieve McGee's club.

Mr. Handy wrote:
"Begone from here!" Henry commands the fae, "or you'll get more of the same!" He holds the Force Projector ready to attack again if there's any sign of another attack coming. He turns to Lepus. "Are you able to detect their position with your abilities?"

It will occur to Doctor North that the Force Projector has no effect upon invisible beings; no doubt this is because, like visible light, the unseen waves produced by the device pass through perfectly transparent substances without effecting them, much as the life-giving light of the sun passes through the ether that fills otherwise empty space.

jp1885 wrote: "Old Lepus lacks the wit to see the invisible, but mayhap there be a way..."

The wanderer turns to William.

"Gallant soldier, could thee be prevailed upon to find a blunderbuss? Mayhap a few blasts of irons nails be enough to bring these fae into view?"

To test his theory, he throws a handful of nails, scattering them in the general direction of the faerie host.

Additionally, if it has landed nearby, he will attempt to retrieve McGee's club.

If the brave man of arms elects to withdraw upon such errand, it will, of course, take some time to locate and prepare the weapon in question.
As far as one can tell, the nail fail to reach their unseen targets, producing no effect save a soft clattering upon the ground they land.

To obtain the tiny man's weapon will require hand-to-hand battle with its possessor; despite its complete failure to meet its intended target, it is never out of McGee's grip, seeming almost to be an extension of his fleshly limb.

"We need to fill the air with smoke!" says Henry, directing the servants. "That will reveal their positions!"

William scowls at Lepus's suggestion - "A pox on me that I did not think of it myself," he says, before departing. Does the house have a gun room? If so that will be his first port of call - otherwise, the coach house is the most likely place for such a weapon. He will return to the ballroom in order to fire - since the faries are engaging the Gypsy and Lord Dunwich, that will be the best vantage from which to fire at them.

Lepus grumbles as his plan fails. He turns to McGee, wishing the fellow would cease his distractions but deciding not to fight the fellow.

“Thou hast stolen gold enough for the nonce. Begone, for the only gold my friends possess be kept in a sack that thou art forbidden to touch!”

He asks his invisible servant to drop the gold coin and return to him.

It soon becomes evident that Doctor North has hit upon a most effective plan of battle, as the fae folk exhibit an extreme terror of fire, that being the sole element of the classic four not associated with one of their tribes. Meanwhile, William is able to reach Lord Highdark's gunroom, conveniently located in the east wing of the ground floor, in a trice, returning with the desired weapon. As a miscellany of small pieces of ironwork fly from the mouth of the archaic weapon -- superior for this use, it seems, than the more modern pistol -- the fae fly off at extraordinary speed, driven away by these twin anathemas. As a sort of verbal Parthian shot, the departing beings leave with a few final words.

"Her name known! Her name known! We curse! We curse! 'Ware! 'Ware!"

Whether this be mere braggadocio, or indicative of matters to come, is not immediately evident.

Meanwhile, the diminutive McGee, evidently entirely satisfied by the return of the gold, dances a merry jig, then, without seeming cause, vanishes from human ken, as does his roughly carved weapon.

As quiet returns to Highdark Hall, it is evident that there is much work to be done to restore the place to its former condition, not to mention the souls of those who dwell within. Such labor, it seems, will serve as a peaceful respite after this arcane battle.