Chapter the Seventh: A Difficult Quest

[Rooter]

"A stake would prevent him from rising as long as it remains in place," Lila replies. "But for a Vampyre to truly die they must be either beheaded or consumed by flames. As you say, we must act quickly, for time is short." She pulls a stake and mallet from her haversack. "I will attempt to immobilize him first, if you will stand by with the torch." She approaches the sarcophagus with grim determination.

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Due to her knowledge of the Nemesis which now lies before her, seemingly helpless (but for how much longer?), Miss Davenport is well aware that it must be her hand which deals the incapacitating blow. Not only is strength and resolve required, but that special skill which can only be acquired by those who have made a career of dealing with unnatural forces.

Spoiler:

Miss Davenport has one chance to make a saving roll against Strength to drive the stake into the Vampyre's heart. She will receive the bonus for the presence of the True Innocent, but not for Danger (at least, not yet.) She may choose to make use of the once daily Feat of Strength to add 3 to Strength for this one action. This is not mandatory. Success will result in the immobilization of the Vampyre. Failure will awaken him from his trance and allow him to attack.

The other adventurers may prepare themselves as they see fit.

[Mr. Handy]

Henry stands ready to protect Elizabeth, the torch in one hand and the pistol in the other, though he is fairly sure that the former is the better weapon in this case. Ivan unsheathes his sword cane.

[Priest]

Elizabeth nervously fingers the crucifix around her neck while stepping behind the pistol wielding Henry and his sword armed servant. She watches as Lila steps forward and a silent prayer half forms on her lips.

Elizabeth Carrow thinking:   Dear Lord protect us now...

[Rooter]

Spoiler:

Strength check: 9 + 1 TI = 10[dice]0[/dice]

Her hatred of the fiend coursing through her, born of bitter experience with the death of Herr Hoffer uppermost in her mind, lends steel to her nerves and Lila's hands are steady as she positions the wooden stake then slams down the mallet.

[Victoria Silverwolf]

As the stake drives home a cloud of noxious-smelling gas, pale green in color, bursts forth from the ruptured chest of the Vampyre. It stings the eyes of the adventurers, but they soon recover as it slowly drifts away. Lupescu's eyes collapse into their sockets, leaving only hollow blackness. His skin wrinkles into the semblance of extreme old age.

As the sun strikes the horizon a flock of bats emerges from the nearest tower and takes flight, a black spiral against the livid purple clouds of evening. The sound of their wings is like that of a whirlwind, slowly fading into silence as they vanish into the newly born night. An observant witness may note that they avoid flying directly over the courtyard, from which Mister Rachman is just arriving, having completed the ritual of consecration.

The unpleasant business of ensuring that her Nemesis will not return, already described by Miss Davenport, proceeds without incident, albeit not without shudders on the part of the onlookers.

Faces made eerie by torchlight, the adventurers make their way back across the drawbridge. They find Mister Witherly and Mary, who is in a state of confusion.

"What place may this be, and why's I here? Where be Davy? Oh, such a dream had I!" She clutches at her throat. "And where be my rood? Unsafe I feel when's gone."

"I believe you have quite a story to tell us," Mister Witherly observes, with curious glances at the condition of Miss Davenport's clothing. "In the meantime, we must decide whether to ride back to our lodgings by night, an enterprise not without hazard, or make camp for the night, possibly an equal risk."

The last traces of dusk disappear from the sky and the first stars emerge. Doctor North's knowledge of astronomy is sufficient to inform him that the Moon is approximately half full, so that it will not add its silver light until some hours have passed.

A shooting star blazes overhead; what it might portend is a matter of speculation.

[Mr. Handy]

"Perhaps we should camp in the courtyard tonight," suggests Henry. "It is consecrated now, which should help, and it guards the only way into the castle. We can set a watch, just in case."

[Rooter]

Lila concurs with Doctor North's suggestion, feeling somewhat drained following the high tension and release of the hunt.

[Priest]

Elizabeth still nervously fondling the crucifix merely nods agreement. Horrified by what she has seen she wants nothing more than a swift return to civilisation, but wild horses will not lure her onto the road in the dark after that last event.

[Victoria Silverwolf]

"I will be more than glad to take the middle watch," Mister Rachman says. "This being your delightful English summer, I believe that the night should not last longer than, say, nine or ten hours. If each of the other gentlemen," he continues, with a bow to Doctor North and Mister Witherly, "are agreeable to stand watch for three hours or so, we may pass an uneventful night." There is, perhaps, an understanding that Ivan, for all his great strength and loyalty, may not be the best choice to keep a careful watch. In addition to that, there is the fact that he has done much labor this day, and may not be able to resist the demands of Nature for deep slumber.

(It may be noted that by taking the middle watch Mister Rachman's slumber will be interrupted, while the other two gentlemen will have a longer period of time during which to "knit up the raveled sleeve of care.")

Mister Witherly allows Doctor North his choice of the first or third watch. Ivan can easily build a small but serviceable fire from odd bits of wood scattered here and there about the courtyard, more for the comfort of light rather than warmth.

[Mr. Handy]

"I shall take the first watch," offers Henry. He is used to late nights working in the lab, so staying up somewhat longer doesn't bother him.

[Priest]

Elizabeth moves closer to the pistol armed Henry, "I will keep Henry company for as long as I may. For I do not think sleep will come easily this night". She shudders and glances about at the dark, shadowy courtyard.

[Victoria Silverwolf]

The arrangements made, the others attempt to make themselves as comfortable as possible. The demands of the day having been considerable, the rough pavement of the courtyard is nearly as inviting as a fine bed. Even those on watch feel the temptations of Somnus.

Spoiler:

Saving rolls against CON to stay awake.
Miss Carrow CON = 9[dice]0[/dice]

Doctor North CON = 14 + 1 TI = 15[dice]1[/dice]

While the valiant Doctor North remains alert, Miss Carrow is unable to resist the need for slumber.

Spoiler:

[dice]2[/dice]

Spoiler:

[dice]3[/dice]

While on watch, Doctor North notices a fellow passing along just beyond the moat which separates the courtyard from the surrounding countryside. He is accompanied by three cows, which he seems to have some trouble controlling. He frequently whispers at them. "Hush! Quiet!" The cattle low from time to time, and often drift off the path, requiring use of a switch to keep them in line. At the man's closest approach he seems to notice the adventurers' fire, and glances at it curiously for a moment, then continues on his way. He would be within hailing distance if one wished to shout. Driving cattle by starlight is a curious activity.

[Mr. Handy]

Henry watches the man with interest, but he doesn't dare leave his post watching over his friends to investigate further, nor does he think it is worthwhile to awaken anyone else before the next watch begins, at which point he'll let Mr. Rachman know. If the man leaves them alone, he is willing to return the favor.

[Victoria Silverwolf]

The man continues on his way. Mister Rachman takes the next watch, as planned.

Spoiler:

CON = 9 + 1 ti = 10[dice]0[/dice]

Unfortunately, the Oriental gentleman, perhaps due to a climate which differs from his own native land, has not obtained sufficient rest from his interrupted slumber, and is unable to keep his eyes open.

Spoiler:

[dice]1[/dice]

Spoiler:

Mary/Witherly WIS = 9 + 1 TI = 10
Rachman WIS = 17 + 1 TI = 18
Carrow WIS = 8
North WIS = 11 + 1 TI = 12
Davenport WIS = 12 + 1 TI = 13
Ivan WIS = 9 + 1 TI = 10
[dice]2[/dice]

A sloshing sound rouses all of the party save Miss Davenport, who is no doubt exhausted by the activities of the day. Once fully awake, they are able to see a man -- whom Doctor North will recall from earlier that evening -- approaching them with a club in hand. He is sopping wet from neck to foot. Although his weapon is not very threatening, and he is greatly outnumbered, he has the advantage of being able to strike the first blow, if combat should ensue. He speaks with a thick Northern accent.

"Who be ye, and why spies 'pon us?"

[Mr. Handy]

"We do not spy on you, good sir," says Henry. "I am Dr. Henry North, Earl of Dunwich. My companions and I went to explore the ruined castle, and by the time we finished, the sun was too low in the sky to head back to town, so we camped here for the night."

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Spoiler:

CHA = 9 + 1 TI = 10[dice]0[/dice]

The man seems to accept Doctor North's explanation and lowers his weapon. "May be as said. Just keep nose out of business not yours, aye? Me mates be watching ye." He walks off, crossing the moat on foot to return to the field from whence he came, apparently aware of a place where it may be forded safely.

By this time Mister Witherly is due to keep watch. The others try to get what rest they can, envious of Miss Davenport's ability to remain asleep despite this interruption.

Spoiler:

CON = 9 + 1 TI = 10[dice]1[/dice]

Once again the demands of slumber are too much, and Mister Witherly closes his eyes.

Spoiler:

[dice]2[/dice]

It is not much longer, however, before the entire party is roused by the loud barking of a massive hound, of the type often used to guard estates and military encampments. It growls at the adventurers, apparently considering them to be intruders. Its body is wet, and it has obviously crossed the moat to reach the courtyard. Perhaps it was sent by the ruffian who confronted the party, in an attempt to prevent them from following him. In any case, it snaps at anyone who makes a move, and will likely attack if someone approaches it. This proves inconvenient, as it stands directly between the adventurers and the path to the drawbridge.

[Priest]

Rubbing sleep from her eyes, Elizabeth regards the monstrous looking hound with horror, "Beware, remember the wolves on an earlier occasion? Maybe this beast is not all it seems". Now wide eyed with fear she gazes around in wonder as to what hour it is.

[Rooter]

At Elizabeth's warning, Lila gets to her feet, regarding the animal suspiciously.

Spoiler:

Can she use Demonology to detect any preternatural involvement?

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Spoiler:

Can she use Demonology to detect any preternatural involvement?

Spoiler:

INT = 11 + 1 Demonology + 1 TI = 13[dice]0[/dice]

Miss Davenport is certain that this is a perfectly ordinary, if formidable, canine.

Spoiler:

[dice]1[/dice]

Meanwhile, five torches blaze in the distance, wavering as they approach from the other side of the moat.