Chapter the Fourth: The Masquerade

[Rooter]

Spoiler:

Charisma check re horse: 6+3[dice]0[/dice]

Intelligence check re object: 11+1[dice]1[/dice]

Constitution check re nausea: 8[dice]2[/dice]

Upon sight of the grisly apparition Lila draws her dagger but in the next moment is struck by a wave of nausea from its putrescence and begins to gag. Feeling her senses weakening, she clutches the macabre object she has unearthed and scrambles to remount her horse...

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Spoiler:

Charisma check re horse: 6+3[dice]183666:0[/dice]

Intelligence check re object: 11+1[dice]183666:1[/dice]

Constitution check re nausea: 8[dice]183666:2[/dice]

Spoiler:

Miss Davenport's experience with horses has allowed her to take control of the frightened animal.

The object in the box is a Hand of Glory:

This mummified humanoid hand is coated with wax, with a wick projecting from the wax at the
end of each finger. If a finger is lit, it will burn for ½ hour. During that time, all within 30' of the wielder will be affected by Preternatural Sleep. Once a finger or candle is lit, it can never be used again. Obviously, once all the fingers or candles are lit the hand is exhausted and useless. Hands of Glory are beloved by burglars and assassins.

It is unclear why Mister Harcourt requires such an object.

The creature has time to make one attack. I'll roll 1d20; odd means it attacks the horse, even means it attacks you.

[dice]0[/dice]

The creature slashes at the horse with its claws.

Damage: [dice]1[/dice]

Rolling for the horse's hit points:

[dice]2[/dice]

The steed is very badly injured, but still able to carry Miss Davenport away from the creature quickly enough to escape it. It loses interest in the pursuit and returns to its vile repast.

Upon returning to Harcourt House, the grooms are shocked at the bloody wound in the horse's side. They hurry off to care for it. The guests at the masquerade, now leaving, are speaking excitedly of the unexpected event which concluded it . . .

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Before the sudden arrival of an unexpected person, the Duprays could be heard engaged in lively conversation. The one in a beautiful gown discussed the latest French fashions, and gossiped. (Was it true that Miss Carrow had a secret admirer?) The one in waistcoat and breeches discussed hunting and politics. (There was heated debate over whose fault the loss of the American colonies had been.) All of this activity allowed Miss Davenport to arrive surreptitiously. If she appeared a bit disheveled, that was consistent with her questionable reputation. If curiosity was raised by the wooden box she carried, covered with dirt as it was, it was not yet satisfied. The box was given to Mister Harcourt, who placed it in a secure place away from prying eyes. This was not yet the time or place to discuss Miss Davenport's difficulties in obtaining it.

A moment later . . .

The front door to Harcourt House crashes open. All eyes turn to see a woman in Gypsy garb standing at the threshold. Her dress is a riot of rainbow colors. She wears rings on every finger and bracelets on each wrist. Her hair cascades below her waist in black curls streaked with white, like bolts of lightning in the night sky. Her skin is dark and smooth, her features sharp. Although she is no longer young, she is very beautiful. But this is neither the gentle beauty of Miss Carrow nor the haunting beauty of Miss Davenport. This is the beauty of a wild creature, the beauty of a she-wolf. She enters the hall, slams the door shut behind her, and strides boldly up to Mister Harcourt.

"You know why I come," she says.

"I assure you that all will be well," Mister Harcourt replies. "There is no need for concern."

"So you say. Know this, William. If he die, I kill you." With that she makes her way back to the door. Before she has reached it, however, she notices a young lady who has chosen to attend the masquerade in the guise of a Gypsy. Her dark eyes flash with anger for a moment, then she tilts her head back and roars with laughter.

"You wish to be Gypsy? I show you!"

She walks over to the musicians and raises her hands over her head.

"Play!"

The musicians murmur to each other for a while, then begin a lively tune. The woman dances, her arms swinging so wildly that the guests have to back away from her to give her room. She leaps and spins, her dress twirling around her, shamelessly revealing her calves and ankles. When she is finished, her face is shiny with perspiration, her hair a tangle covering her face.

"That is how you be Gypsy!"

The woman exits Harcourt House, leaving behind the startled guests.

As the attendees begin to leave, and Mister Harcourt's guests retire for the evening, their host could be heard speaking softly to himself, in a tone of longing.

"Magda . . . Magda . . ."

[Priest]

"Well..." whispers Elizabeth her voice subdued in awe. The dramatic appearance of the Gypsy and her subsequent performance, one which seemed to break all acceptable society norms for appropriate behaviour, caused her innocent face to flush. She was unsure whether to be shocked or excited by the display, but was glad that the moment had taken the attention of the Dupray's, along with the other assembled guests. Taking advantage of the moment she moved away from the twins towards Dr North.

It seemed that the dramatic performance signalled the end of the party, for indeed how could one follow that. As the guests left, Elizabeth courteously avoiding the Duprays, moved to the side of Dr North.

[Mr. Handy]

Henry had nearly been moved to tears when he saw what was obviously Mr. Harcourt pining for his lost love, but he visibly brightens when Elizabeth approaches. "Ah, Miss Carrow!" he says, a rare smile on his face. "It is so good to see you again. Is there anything I can do for you?"

[maelstrom]

Duncan watches the exchange between the anarchic woman and Mr Harcourt.
“It would appear there is yet more to this tale than we know.” he says to Dr. North.

As the band strikes up and the woman starts to dance, Duncan is mesmerised by the wild abandon of her dance. Compared to the restrained decorous dancing that had filled the evening, this commanded your attention, as the shocked and in some cases yearning looks proved.

As the woman departs, the room is filled with murmured whispering and glances amongst the guests. As they begin to leave Miss Carrow approaches Dr. North, who visibly brightens and greets her.

Duncan Bows and Smiles “ Quite a display, do you not think Miss Carrow? Almost Elemental. Very different, but reminiscent of dances from my home.”

[Priest]

Elizabeth, putting on her brightest smile to cover her flushed look, speaks first to the splendidly costumed Dr North, "Ah there you are. I had hoped you would rescue me from the attentions of the Dupray's, but it seems the strange Gypsy woman has done that for me". She watches as the reverse dressed twins disapear through the front door in search for their carriage.

She turns to Mr Rachman's comment, allowing him the full benefit of her smile, "Ah Mr Rachman I believe, we have had little time for introductions I'm afraid"

She finds herself fascinated by the strange looking man, "Indeed it was a most...interesting dance, if not a little too unconstained for polite audiences" She fans herself animatedly aware of the rising heat of her cheeks. "Reminiscent of the dances of your homeland you say, that being? And Gentlemen, please call me Elizabeth I think we have spent enough time in each others company to allow that little breach of etiquette"

Elizabeth glances around at the rapidly thinning crowd, as if in search of someone, "So Gentlemen, did you observe the entrance of dear Miss Davenport? She looked in a most frighful state, and I wonder what the contents of that package she presented to Mr Harcourt was?"

[Rooter]

Lila, ignoring the dubious glances being cast at her disheveled appearance, listens to the conversation of her fellow guests with half an ear, but her gaze is fixed upon the forlorn figure of their host. Like Miss Carrow she can only wonder as to the purpose of the item she was sent to retrieve. And what role does this Magda play? The Gypsy's spectacular dance had left the mannered former-heiress part of her dumbfounded while another, deeply hidden part marveled enviously at such an uninhibited free spirit.

[Victoria Silverwolf]

The next day is Sunday. After all of the excitement of the previous evening, it is something of a relief to wake to a peaceful Sabbath. Mister Harcourt's small chapel is available for those who wish to spend some time in prayer and meditation.

The four guests awake refreshed. Doctor North may have a vague feeling that he was not quite himself yesterday. Miss Davenport would most likely welcome a day of rest, after certain strenuous activities during the night.

A servant announces that Mister Harcourt will not leave the seclusion of his room that evening, and that they should not expect to see him until the next night. His guests are free to spend today as they please, in anticipation of a busy evening tomorrow.

A groom regretfully announces that Miss Davenport's horse has died of its wounds. He will dispose of the remains appropriately. Other steeds are available for her use as needed.

Spoiler:

Please indicate how you will spend the day and evening.

[Mr. Handy]

OOC,I'd like to spend the day with [b]Elizabeth[/b], doing whatever she would like. I'm not sure if anything is scheduled for this evening, but I'll decide what to do then after the day.

[Priest]

Elizabeth had spent a restless night filled with strange dreams in which a Gypsy woman, with the face of Mr Dupray, danced wildly with their host. To be interupted at the moment of the dances climax by Miss Davenport, her face as grey as the Vampyre costumed guest, handing him a wooden box. A wooden box that in her dream grew in size untill it was as large as a coffin. As the dream faded and daylight crept into her conciousness she could hear a voice calling "Magda" over and over.

Awake and dressed, all thoughts of dreams banished by the dawn of a Sunday, Elizabeth breakfasts and then takes advantage of the small chapel, even though she finds it somewhat spartan in its decor. In this she finds herself accompanied by Dr North, who seems more himself this morning the severity of his mood packed away with the costume he wore.

Taking her ease with a gentle stroll in the gardens she ponders on the strange happenings of the previous night. She thinks to ask the good doctor his opinion, but it seems his memories may also have been packed away.

[Rooter]

At the news of her horse's death Lila feels a twinge of guilt and regret that a good creature's life has ended in her service. She has always loved horses and, though she has experienced the mortality of beloved animals--not to mention people--in the past, still the loss is keen

She seeks peace in the chapel, the quiet allowing her to meditate on the events of the past few days. Noting Miss Carrow and Doctor North departing for a stroll together she finds herself wishing she too could enjoy the simple pleasure of companionship yet knowing she has chosen her lonely path. Her thoughts drift back to the wild Gypsy woman apparently called Magda who so perturbed their host and employer at the ball. Recalling mention of a Gypsy encampment nearby she considers making an excursion to see if she can learn more of this flamboyant individual and thence perhaps some of the mystery surrounding the reclusive Mister Harcourt. Perhaps this afternoon or tomorrow if the opportunity arises.

In the meantime, she decides to spend some time recovering from her exertions of the previous night with a quiet morning browsing the books in the house library. Perhaps she will find a tome or two of demonological interest.

[Victoria Silverwolf]

MISS DAVENPORT:

Spoiler:

Please add one to your Intelligence for your skill in Demonology and make an Ability Check to see if you discover anything of relevance in Mister Harcourt's library.

The chapel is very sparsely furnished. There is a simple wooden cross on on wall and a single wooden bench. (Apparently Mister Harcourt is very Low Church.)

The morning is bright but not excessively warm. A leisurely stroll through the garden (which is refreshingly modest, containing only the familiar flora of the English countryside, compared with the exotic garden of the Duprays) is the perfect way to spend the early hours. (One thing that both gardens have in common: neither contains a black rose.) During this pleasant interlude, one of the grooms walks quickly up to the guests.

"Beg pardon," he says, cap in hand, "but I thought someone ought to know, seein' as the Master's not about. It's the lady's 'orse, ya see. It's been, well . . . et."

You may examine the evidence if you wish.

In any case, on returning to Harcourt House at midday, the guests will find that four playing cards have been left on the dining table. Upon examination, a handwritten message is found on the reverse of each.



Do not trust him.



The one who seeks you is near.



The one you seek is not far.



Your quest is in vain.

Not long afterwards, there is a knock on the front door. When it is opened, two rather slovenly men can be seen standing without. Seeing the assembled guests, the larger of the two, apparently the spokesman, steps forward.

"Please tell Mister 'Arcourt that the item we 'andled for 'im is missin'."

"Not our fault," says the other. "Buried it good 'n' proper."

"'Old yer tongue, ya fool."

With that they make their leave.

With all of this, and the suggestion made by Miss Davenport that another visit to the Gypsy camp may be profitable, it would seem that the guests should decide which of these mysteries to investigate, and in what manner.

[Mr. Handy]

Henry is truly enjoying his time with Elizabeth. He is happy in her presence for the first time in ages, and he is melancholy whenever they are apart. He wonders if perhaps he is falling in love. The song she had performed at the recital, which he had sadly missed, reminded him of how painful love could be. That pain seemed to last forever, compared to the brief pleasure he had had when Julia had been alive. He was not a very religious man, but he did believe in God. The world had obviously not created itself, and someone had to be the author of the natural laws, which were so elegant in their simplicity. And of course, Elizabeth's very existence was all the proof anyone could need of God's existence. She made him want to be a better person. He did not know why God had taken his late wife and their son away from him, but he could understand that God might want them with Him. He had prayed in the chapel for wisdom, understanding, and guidance. Then the groom had interrupted their stroll with the news about the horse.

"I shall examine the horse at once," he says. "Elizabeth, you are welcome to accompany me," he says, "but I'll understand fully if you would rather not. It is likely to be a gruesome sight."

[Victoria Silverwolf]

DOCTOR NORTH:

Spoiler:

Please add one to your Intelligence for Scientific Knowledge and make an Ability Check to see if you can learn anything from the carcass.

A general description will wait until we see who, if anyone, goes with you.

[Mr. Handy]

Henry examines the dead horse with a keen scientific eye, looking to determine what manner of creature inflicted its fatal wounds.

OOC,Intelligence roll (12 + 1 = 13 ability) examining the dead horse: [dice]0[/dice]

[Priest]

For a brief moment Elizabeth considers before in question to the groom she says, "Et? What do you mean...Et?"

However before the slightly out of breath groom can answer, she smiles at the doctor, "Of course I will accompany you, and fear not we Carrows are made of stern stuff" she finishes her statement with a small, musical laugh..

[Rooter]

Spoiler:

Intelligence check re demonology:11+1[dice]0[/dice]

[Victoria Silverwolf]

It is impossible to spend any amount of time in London in these busy, modern times without encountering the body of a deceased horse. It is simply a fact of life in the dizzying pace of commerce that fills the streets of the crowded city day and night. Thus, although the sight is not a pleasant one, Miss Carrow is not excessively distressed.

If anything, in fact, the dead animal is less disturbing than one might expect. This is because nearly all of its flesh and viscera have been removed, leaving a jumble of bones, hair, hooves, and so on.

"What ya think done it?" The groom inquires. "Wolf? Bear?"

Doctor North's careful examination of the marks left on the bones reveals that the animal which devoured the horse had sharp teeth and claws, but not of very great size. Many of the larger bones have been cracked open and the marrow removed.

The only prints which surround the body are human ones, barefooted. This does not reveal anything, since the grooms often go about without shoes in the warm part of the year.

If one had to speculate as to the nature of the beast responsible, given its apparent size, one could almost imagine some sort of carnivorous primate, which is absurd.

There is a scent of corrupted flesh in the air, which is far more pronounced than one would expect from the small amount of tissue left behind and the short time that the horse has been dead.

Doctor North's careful observations also reveal signs that the tall grass between the stable and the abandoned outbuilding has been disturbed, and that traces of dried blood have been left on the ground between the two structures.

[Victoria Silverwolf]

MISS DAVENPORT:

Spoiler:

A curious compendium of revenants contained in Mister Harcourt's library contains a drawing and a brief description of the creature which Miss Davenport encountered during the events of last night.

Ghoulish Revenant

A restless corpse that hungers for human flesh

A filthy, naked woman whose gray skin is mottled with patches of purple, blue,
and yellow lividity. She has a feral countenance, and wolf-like eyes. Her drooling mouth is full of
sharp teeth, and her fingers end in sharp claws.

Ghoulish Revenants are the cursed and reanimated corpses of those who ate human flesh while alive.
Unlike true Ghouls (who are similar in many ways to Vampyres), Ghoulish Revenants have limited
minds concerned only with killing and consuming people. They tend to form packs, and never wear
clothing or shrouds of any kind. They frequently burrow through the ground, breaking into graves
from below. They are slightly faster than most living people, and hard to outrun. They avoid
sunlight, but are not harmed by it.

Ghoulish Revenants hunger for flesh, preferably human. They do not care if it is fresh or rotted, and
will happily despoil a graveyard if no living prey is available. Unlike most other Revenants (but like
Vampyres) they seem to have some kind of metabolism that requires nourishment. That metabolism
may be the reason for the putrid slime that drips from a Ghoulish Revenant's mouth.

Anyone touched by a Ghoulish Revenant is likely to be
paralyzed with fear until all Ghoulish Revenants are either destroyed or no longer visible.

The unbearable smell of rotted flesh emanates from the drooling mouths of
Ghoulish Revenants. Anyone in the Nearby Area is likely to suffer from debilitating nausea, rendering all actions that requires mental concentration or
physical exertion difficult.

Ghoulish Revenants will follow easily obtainable meat, to the point of breaking
off combat to eat. The flesh can be decayed or fresh.

You may share this information with your fellows if you wish.