Chapter the Third: The Afflicted Host

Romantic Horror, London, circa 1800

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Chapter the Third: The Afflicted Host

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Chapter the Third: The Afflicted Host; Or, Proposals and Perils

William Harcourt is a man of middle years, dark of hair and pale of skin. He wears clothing of simple design, but fine tailoring. He walks with a cane, due to a slight limp. The most striking thing about him, however, is the fact that he wears large spectacles of smoked glass that completely cover his eyes. They are constructed in a way that not even light from above, below, or to the sides can enter. This seems most peculiar, since Harcourt House, if anything, is only dimly lit, by fewer candles than one would normally think required. Despite this, he can apparently see quite clearly, as he directs his guests to carry Davros into Harcourt's own bedchamber. There the injured coachman is allowed to rest.

On the way back to the entrance hall Mary excitedly narrates the events of the evening. Harcourt seems disturbed, but not shocked. "Then he has returned to plague me," he says at one point, but does not otherwise discuss the matter.

Mary is sent to fetch wine, ale, and spirits, along with a tray of cold meats, cheeses, and bread. She seems relieved to be set to work, rather than fret over the fate of her friend. Harcourt, in some manner or other, knows the names and accomplishments of his guests, and makes the introductions for those who are not yet familiar with each other.

"I am distressed that you should have faced such danger on my account," he says. "Let me assure you that the man in the black mask seeks only to distress and embarrass me, and should no longer prove a threat to you."

"Enough of that! Refresh yourselves, my friends. We have much to discuss."

As the evening grows late, Harcourt reveals that he suffers from an affliction which renders him extraordinarily sensitive to light, explaining the spectacles. This disorder is also responsible for his limp, his pallor, and general weakness.

"Each of you possesses a special talent which can aid me to overcome this disease." He nods to Doctor North. "I do not merely refer to your medical skill, which I am aware is of great value. I assure you that my infirmity is of a nature which will not respond to doctoring alone."

"I will conduct private interviews with each of you, lest I should bring up matters which you would prefer remain between us. You will be free to speak of these conversations with your fellows, should you choose to do so. In any case, your valuable services will be richly rewarded in special ways, which we will speak of later."

"Good night, ladies and gentlemen. Due to my inability to tolerate the brightness of summer daylight, I shall remain secluded until tomorrow evening. During that time you are my honored guests, and you will be free to amuse yourselves in any way you see fit. My servants will assist you in all matters." His face lights up with a sudden thought. "How foolish of me! In my distress over Davros, I have neglected to inform you of matters far more pleasant. Two nights from now I will be hosting a masquerade ball. I would delighted if you would attend. One must enjoy a little levity before one undertakes an arduous task! I will, of course, provide what is needed for your costumes. You will discover that I possess a remarkable variety of materials from which to choose, and Mary is a clever seamstress. With that, I wish you pleasant dreams."

This meeting with Mister Harcourt has, perhaps, raised more questions than it has answered.

You spend an uneventful night in rooms which are simply but comfortably furnished. In the morning, after a hearty country breakfast, you decide how to spend the day. There is an extensive library to explore; a long walk in the countryside would be invigorating; the ruins of an old abbey and churchyard, of interest to antiquarians, lie near Mister Harcourt's estate; on one part of Mister Harcourt's land, Gypsies have been permitted to make their camp, and may tolerate visitors; one may engage one's fellows in a game of whist, or play the harpsichord, or simply enjoy conversation. Of course, you will have to decide on a costume. You might choose anything from a simple domino mask to the most fantastic of disguises.

What will you do?
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Re: Chapter the Third: The Afflicted Host

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OOC,I'd like to spend a day with [b]Elizabeth[/b], doing whatever she wants to do. I could also analyze the black rose, if she would like. I plan to spend the other day getting the Cauteriser refilled for another use. For my costume, I'd like to go as Sir Isaac Newton.
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Re: Chapter the Third: The Afflicted Host

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Elizabeth,Enjoying the attention of such a learned gentleman as Dr North,[b] Elizabeth[/b] would be only to happy to have him accompany her. The closeness of Gypsies, a folk she had been often warned against, arouses her curiosity and so she would like to visit their camp and see their quaint customs. For a costume I feel something daring like Anne Boleyn perhaps.
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Re: Chapter the Third: The Afflicted Host

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Spoiler:
Lila finds her interest piqued by the ruins of an old abbey and churchyard nearby, and decides to do a little exploring.

She is reluctant to attend the masquerade ball as such occasions remind her painfully of her former life as an heiress, but knows the demands of courtesy. She will wear only a simple domino mask along with her usual somber attire.
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Re: Chapter the Third: The Afflicted Host

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Mister Rachman bids a polite farewell to his fellow guests as they depart for their varied destinations. He prefers to browse through certain quaint volumes in Mister Harcourt's library, while sipping multiple cups of strong, dark, sweet coffee. As the steaming beverage is brought to him, one can imagine the thoughts of the servant, a formidable woman known only as Cook, who carries it.

Tea's not good enough for 'im, I 'spose. Can't say as I cares much for the likes o' 'im meself. Still, 'e's 'ere at the whim of the Master, and that settles it.

It is undeniable that there is something which puts one off the fellow, despite his quiet and courteous manner.

MISS CALLOW AND DOCTOR NORTH
Spoiler:
Before leaving the premises, Doctor North discovers, among many other curious objects collected by his host, an excellent microscope. It is of very modern design, making use of the innovations of Mister John Cuff. Granted permission to examine the black rose, while being very careful not to damage it, Doctor North is unable to discover anything in its structure which differs from that of any other rose, save for the fact that its scent does not fade, and its petals do not wither. Miss Callow returns it to the place where it has been secreted. They continue to the Gypsy camp.

A pack of dogs, of no certain breed, bark loudly as they approach. They seem more curious and playful than aggressive. The Gypsies are wary at first, used as they are to being despised by those who consider them no better than thieves and beggars. Once they learn that the pair is the guest of Mister Harcourt, they become friendlier. They are willing to sell the visitors colorful cloths and curious trinkets for a few coins, juggle, sing, and cast fortunes. (It must be admitted that these predictions of prosperity and happiness are expressed in vague generalities.) The camp is not very large, consisting of a single large wagon, a few tents, and a dozen or so inhabitants. One older man expresses regret that the "queen" (a term which seems to be very loosely used in this situation) is away from the camp on affairs of her own. "Ah, you should see her dance, lady and sir!"

Miss Carrow and Doctor North return in time for a light supper, then prepare themselves for their interviews with Mister Harcourt.

Having spent a day in the presence of the inspiring True Innocent, Doctor North may decrease his Perversity to 12. This will allow him to add one to the appropriate basic Ability when making an Ability Check, as long as he is in a situation where he can see her.
MISS DAVENPORT
Spoiler:
The ride to the ruins is a short, pleasant one, through a country of rolling hills and ancient woods. Miss Davenport's steed is a well-trained animal. Given her skill with horses, the beast is quick to obey her commands.

The abbey is a lonely, deserted place. Little is left of it, save a few piles of hewn rock covered with moss. A single high wall remains, with great openings which once held stained glass windows.

The nearby churchyard is full of simple stone monuments, in the same state of disrepair as the abbey. Here and there a statue of an angel or a weeping woman stands above the grave of some notable person of the past. One could wander for hours here, pausing to read an inscription, worn and faded by time, or to admire the way the wind blows through the dead leaves of years past with an eerie sound.

After some time spent in this lovely but melancholy place, Miss Davenport discovers a grave which, from the piles of dirt left carelessly around it, has obviously been recently dug open. Resurrectionists! Little has been left behind but a skeleton, its bones fallen in a jumble, and a half-rotted coffin, its top smashed open by the grave robbers. Miss Davenport wonders if she should inform Mister Harcourt and his guests of this act of desecration, or whether she should remain silent, lest she disturb them unnecessarily.

Upon closer examination, she discovers a rosary near the skeleton. It is of no great value to one of mercenary intent, consisting merely of a series of beads of cheap wood. Yet there is something compelling about it, as if it holds power of great virtue.

(Whenever Miss Davenport has the rosary about her person, her Perversity is reduced to 12, allowing her to increase a relevant Ability by one point whenever she makes an Ability Check in a situation where she can see a True Innocent. It can also be used one time to double the damage done to an evil supernatural being during combat with such, at which time it will vanish.)

The sun is low in the west. There is just enough time to ride back to Harcourt House in time for your interview with its master.
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Re: Chapter the Third: The Afflicted Host

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Image

Henry truly enjoyed the day he had spent with Miss Carrow. He had bought some of the cloth and trinkets the Gypsies were selling as a gift to her when they had been at their camp. For the first time in too long, he finally feels alive, able to enjoy himself, and he knows he owes it all to her.

The rose is a mystery that intrigues him. How can a plucked flower continue to endure when not put in water, and its scent as well? He cannot help but think that there is something here relevant to his quest. If the black rose can withstand death, why not man? If only he could extract the essence that produces this effect, but such seems to be beyond his abilities for now. Perhaps if he could find the highwayman who had thrown it, he might compel him to reveal its secret.
OOC,I'll definitely reduce my Perversity to 12.
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Re: Chapter the Third: The Afflicted Host

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Lila decides to inform their host of the presence of resurrectionists in the area when next they meet, but to keep quiet on the matter around the other guests for the time being.

She puts the rosary in her haversack and remounts her steed, retracing the route back to the house as darkness falls.
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Re: Chapter the Third: The Afflicted Host

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Throughout the day Elizabeth enjoys the attention that the doctor bestows upon her. The visit to the gypsy encampment is marvelous for they are a most colourful folk, if a more than a little strange in some of their habits. She makes a few purchases, mostly some colourlful silks and a few curios which she is reliably informed are good luck charms and effective protection against evil. She also buys a small vial of some greeinsh liquid which she is assured is a most effective love potion. The brightly dressed female, her dark hair bound within a brightly coloured scarf, large hooped earings hanging from her ears, who sold this for a few coppers held her hand tightly, "You''ll know when the right time comes dearie"
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Re: Chapter the Third: The Afflicted Host

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Miss Davenport returns to Harcourt House some time after Miss Carrow and Doctor North. Upon arrival she is seen to be studying a simple wooden rosary which she holds in her hand. She murmurs a word which sounds like "resurrection" to herself, deep in thought. It may seem a bit surprising that she should act so very much like a person of great piety, given her haunted expression and unconventional behavior, which some might consider unladylike.

Miss Carrow may be seen to carry a small vial containing a pale green liquid. If asked about it, she will blush slightly, in a very charming way, and dismiss it as a silly, meaningless thing, purchased on a whim from a Gypsy. Doctor North is usually near her, apparently in a lighter state of mind than he has previously shown. Whenever she is away, he seems to sink into a bleak and somber mood.

Mister Rachman holds a small piece of paper with handwritten notes on it and seems pleased.

Just after sunset Mister Harcourt emerges from his room, where he has remained secluded during daylight hours. One by one, each guest is escorted to a particular room in the house. Doors are shut to ensure privacy during these brief interviews. Mister Harcourt assures you this is for your benefit only, and you are free to discuss these matters with your fellow guests as you see fit. The ladies, of course, will be spoken to first.

MISS CARROW, IN THE MUSIC ROOM
Spoiler:
Mister Harcourt trusts that the task which he hopes you will undertake for him will be a light and pleasant one. He has been assured by many reliable reports not only of your charm and virtue, but also of your delightful signing voice. Tomorrow afternoon, at the home of the Duprays, a brother and sister of aristocratic French ancestry, there will be a musical salon. The Duprays have been informed of your arrival, and are eager to have you attend the salon. They will also be present at tonight's ball. They have an eccentric way of rewarding any performer, particularly a lovely young lady, who pleases them. You will be asked to select a flower from their garden, which contains many rare and exotic species. Most persons choose a beautiful rose, or other showy blossom. Instead, he would be most grateful if you would choose a certain plant with numerous deep blue hood-shaped flowers on a tall stem. He shows you a drawing of the plant, so that may you recognize it when you encounter it. The whimsical Duprays have refused to allow him a sample of this plant, which will form part of his cure. In exchange for this small favor, he will be pleased to write a letter to Herr Mozart, with whom he has been in correspondence, requesting that he compose a series of songs which you will allowed to introduce to London society. As an afterthought, Mister Harcourt also casually mentions that he may be able to obtain some information about a gentleman whom, he believes, may have sent Miss Carrow an unsigned missive of a somewhat intimate nature. In order to change the subject, after that revelation, he also advises you that Gypsy potions are often effective, but may sometimes either be worthless, or even dangerous. You may, of course, be accompanied to the salon by whomever you choose; the Doctor, perhaps?

Please make an ability check against your intelligence to see if you know anything about the plant.
MISS DAVENPORT, IN THE CHAPEL
Spoiler:
Mister Harcourt is very pleased that you have already been to the abbey and churchyard, as the task which he requests you to perform involves that eldritch place. He is aware of your reputation as an indefatigable enemy of preternatural evil. He is also cognizant of the fact that grave robbers haunt the churchyard. Because of the current incapacity of Davros, and a lack of any other servants of strength and courage, the place is unguarded. This is only one of the hazards you will face, if you accept. You must locate a certain shallow, unmarked grave and obtain an object which lies within it. Mister Harcourt is not sure of the precise form which the object will take, nor exactly what unnatural beings may be found in the churchyard, but the task will not be a simple one. In exchange, he will supply you with twice your usual fee for such services. Perhaps of more interest, he may be able to obtain some information as to the current whereabouts of a certain creature whose has, he believes, caused you great grief in the past. If you accept, you may be accompanied by any of your fellow guests whom you can persuade to assist you. By the way, this task must be performed at night, lest the object be exposed to the sun and lose its ability to form part of the cure he requires.

Please indicate whether you will keep the black rose on your person, or store it somewhere, or something else.
DOCTOR NORTH, IN THE STUDY
Spoiler:
You are somewhat surprised when Mister Harcourt presents you with a black rose. He explains that it was the one discarded by Mary at the scene of the attempted robbery. You are free to experiment with it in any way you please. As to how it was obtained, that is relevant to what he asks of you. Two gentlemen of his employ, who are famous for asking no questions, were instructed to go to that place and obtain the body of the young highwayman. It lies in an old, abandoned outbuilding, away from prying eyes. Although the death of any human creature is to be regretted, the young man may prove to be of more value after his demise than before it. Mister Harcourt has reason to believe that a substance obtained from the pineal gland, that mysterious small organ located within the brain, which was believed by Monsieur Descartes to be the seat of the soul, may have restorative powers when obtained from a newly deceased corpse. This task will require great surgical skill, and must be performed within the next two days, lest the organ degenerate into uselessness. In exchange, Mister Harcourt will provide you with the formula for a mixture which can revive a small dead animal for a short period of time, which he has reason to believe may be of interest to you. You may feel free to ask any of the other guests to assist you in this effort, if they can be persuaded to witness such a unpleasant sight.

(The formula offered to you will allow you to reanimate any animal no larger than a domestic cat, which has been dead for no longer than one day, for twenty-four hours. You may prepare one dose per day, but that takes up a full day of activity. The revived animal will obey all commands of the person who has brought it back to life, within the limits of its physical abilities and intelligence. Ordinary persons will find it repellent for reasons they cannot easily explain.)
MISTER RACHMAN, IN THE LIBRARY
Spoiler:
Mister Harcourt will require you to perform a magical ceremony when all the necessary objects have been obtained. In return, you will be allowed to study certain arcane books, allowing you to learn a new spell.
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Re: Chapter the Third: The Afflicted Host

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Image
In the study,[color=purple]"Thank you, [b]Mr. Harcourt[/b],"[/color] says [b]Henry[/b], obviously fascinated and gladly accepting the black rose. [color=purple]"I examined [b]Miss Carrow[/b]'s rose scientifically earlier, but I was unable to unearth its secrets. It will be very helpful to have one of my own. I agree, we should not let the body go to waste, and I will gladly extract the substance. I shall do so as soon as possible, while it is at its freshest. The rest of the body may be of use to medical science as well, but it would be best preserved longer by keeping it on ice to prevent decomposition."[/color]
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Re: Chapter the Third: The Afflicted Host

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Image

Throughout the inerview Elizabeth is intrigued, both by Mr Harcourt's request and his intimation that he may know the identity of the mysterious author of the unsigned letter. She readilly agrees to his request for may that identity and this Mr Dupray be in some manner entwined?

She is saddened by his dismissal of the love potion she had purchased from the Gypsy, but then he had not said 'all' were ineffective...

Also had he not spoken of having the famous composer Mozart write especially for her? Such a thing would enhance her position in society and increase her chances of a fine marriage enormously. And as a reward for such a simple task...

Of course she will ask the good doctor to accompany her. She would like the precense of another female, but feels that Mary would fail to appreciate the sensitivity of the event, and Miss Davenport somehow doesn't seem the type to enjoy a musical recital. No, she will ask the doctor, though she confesses that his attention does seem a little intense on occasion...

Then there is the matter of the flower, if the Dupray's maintain a rare and exotic collection of garden plants, maybe one of these may be a black rose the match of that she keeps in a small drawer near her bed. With these thoughts in mind she studies the drawing of the plant he requires, there is something about it...
Int Roll,[url=http://orokos.com/roll/424614]Intelligence roll: 8[/url]: [u]1d20[/u] [b]1[/b]
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Re: Chapter the Third: The Afflicted Host

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Mr. Handy wrote:Image
In the study,[color=purple]"Thank you, [b]Mr. Harcourt[/b],"[/color] says [b]Henry[/b], obviously fascinated and gladly accepting the black rose. [color=purple]"I examined [b]Miss Carrow[/b]'s rose scientifically earlier, but I was unable to unearth its secrets. It will be very helpful to have one of my own. I agree, we should not let the body go to waste, and I will gladly extract the substance. I shall do so as soon as possible, while it is at its freshest. The rest of the body may be of use to medical science as well, but it would be best preserved longer by keeping it on ice to prevent decomposition."[/color]
Spoiler:
Unfortunately, Harcourt House is too isolated to have a ready supply of sufficient ice available during the summer months. You may choose to conduct the procedure immediately, by the light of a lantern, in order to avoid delay, or you may choose to wait until daybreak, when there will be better visibility. Mister Rachman has expressed a willingness to assist you, if you wish to be accompanied by that Oriental gentleman.
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Re: Chapter the Third: The Afflicted Host

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Priest wrote:Image


Then there is the matter of the flower, if the Dupray's maintain a rare and exotic collection of garden plants, maybe one of these may be a black rose the match of that she keeps in a small drawer near her bed. With these thoughts in mind she studies the drawing of the plant he requires, there is something about it...
Int Roll,[url=http://orokos.com/roll/424614]Intelligence roll: 8[/url]: [u]1d20[/u] [b]1[/b]
Spoiler:
Miss Carrow recognizes the flower as one known by various common names, particularly monk's hood. It is a deadly poison. What benefit could such a thing possibly be to Mister Harcourt? She is also aware that it is sometimes called wolf's bane; legend has it that it possesses strange powers over lycanthropes and other unnatural creatures; but that can't possibly be true, can it?
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Re: Chapter the Third: The Afflicted Host

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Image

Lila ponders Harcourt's terms for several moments before agreeing. At the intimation that he entertains access to knowledge relating to a past encounter with the forces of darkness, she regards him with barely-concealed suspicion, wondering just who this man is that he should hold such arcane secrets, but refrains from attempting to question him further at present.

She leaves the chapel, already making plans for her nocturnal return to the churchyard. She will take her haversack which holds her demon-hunting equipment along with the mysterious black rose she obtained the previous night. The rosary from the desecrated grave she keeps in a fold of her jacket, still curious as to its provenance.

The task is a strange one but the warnings of its difficulty do not faze her. Still, a note of caution makes her briefly consider seeking the accompaniment of one of the other guests. But Miss Carrow seems likely to faint at the first sign of danger while Doctor North seems unduly preoccupied and the Oriental, Rachman, remains an enigma. She will go alone.
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Re: Chapter the Third: The Afflicted Host

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MISS DAVENPORT:
Spoiler:
You may choose to undertake your task tonight (but you will be a bit fatigued from your ride), or tomorrow night (but you will have to make your escape from the masquerade.)
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Re: Chapter the Third: The Afflicted Host

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Image

Henry decides to begin the procedure at once by lamplight, knowing that it is important to do so before the body decays further. He gladly accepts Mr. Rachman's assistance, but he feels it best to leave the ladies out of it. While Elizabeth's presence would be inspiring, he does not wish to subject her to the sights she would see. He is delighted to accept her invitation to accompany her. Just being around her cheers him up like nothing has been able to in some time.
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Re: Chapter the Third: The Afflicted Host

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Lila considers it prudent to wait until the following night to venture back into the churchyard so that she is fully refreshed and alert. Besides, completing her task may avail her of a pretext to leave the masquerade ball early, for such occasions tend to instill in her a melancholy for the life she has lost.
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Re: Chapter the Third: The Afflicted Host

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DOCTOR NORTH AND MISTER RACHMAN:
Spoiler:
The two guests make their way to the deserted outbuilding by the light of a single lantern. It has been agreed that anything else might draw unwanted attention. The dead man's body lies on an old wooden table. Doctor North has the instruments necessary to perform the procedure.

The bullet must indeed have entered the highwayman's heart and killed him instantly, as there is otherwise surprisingly little damage to the body. Of course, it has already entered a state of rigor mortis, and the heat of summer has led to the first stages of decomposition. It was wise to begin quickly.

The main disadvantage is the lack of proper lighting. The pineal gland is an extremely small organ, and removing it from the dead man's brain without damaging it will be difficult under the best of conditions. As the surgery begins, with a large bone saw opening the highwayman's skull, Doctor North makes a remark that he wishes he had more light.

"I can help you with that, my Lord," Mister Rachman says. "I must warn you that you may find my methods disconcerting."

Should he trust this mysterious Oriental?

(You may decline Mister Rachman's offer. He will simply nod and say nothing more. If so, to successfully remove the pineal gland, you must temporarily decrease your Dexterity by one, due to darkness, and make an Ability Check.

If you accept the offer, you will temporarily increase your Dexterity by one, and you will still have to make the Ability Check. However, you will also have to make an Ability Check on your Wisdom, or suffer certain consequences.)
Miss Carrow and Miss Davenport may spend the evening as they see fit while the two gentlemen are away on an errand. Mister Harcourt will be pleased to engage the ladies in conversation until they retire.

The next day all four guests will prepare for the masquerade.
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Re: Chapter the Third: The Afflicted Host

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Image

"I'll be grateful for any assistance you can lend, Mr. Rachman," says Henry. "I believe I can tolerate whatever you have to do to shed some light. The important thing is that I need the light to operate. How it is generated does not concern me overmuch." With that, he proceeds with the operation.
OOC,Dexterity roll (10 + 1 = 11) to remove the pineal gland without damaging it: [dice]0[/dice] Wisdom roll (11) to avoid consequences: [dice]1[/dice]
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Re: Chapter the Third: The Afflicted Host

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DOCTOR NORTH AND MISTER RACHMAN:
Spoiler:
Mister Rachman once again makes strange gestures with his Oriental dagger. From out of nowhere, bright light fills the room, as if they were standing in daylight. Doctor North is astonished by this strange event, which seems to go against everything he has ever known about Natural Philosophy. His mind seems to spin for a moment. A pair of quotations come into his head, seemingly from nowhere.

Nature and Nature’s Laws lay hid in night:
God said, “Let Newton be!” and all was light.

There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,
Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.

Despite this shock, the physician's skilled fingers do not fail at their task. The pineal gland is removed perfectly, and stored in a vial of preservative. It is evident that without the strange light, the procedure would have failed. But success comes at a price.

Doctor North's mental faculties, always subject to fits of melancholy, have become temporarily unhinged.

(Increase your Perversity back to 13, voiding any advantage given by the sight of the True Innocent until you have spent another full day with her. When you awake in the morning, you will be convinced that you are Sir Issac Newton. This spell of madness will last until the next morning.)

Before the delusion strikes, Doctor North is able to give the gland to Mister Harcourt. He receives the formula for temporary reanimation of a small animal in exchange, as promised.

The remains of the unfortunate young highwayman will be removed for anonymous burial by Mister Harcourt's associates.
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