Book the Second, Chapter the Seventh: Clouds of Battle

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

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.

[jp1885]

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.

[SunlessNick]

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.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

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.

[SunlessNick]

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

[jp1885]

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..."

[Mr. Handy]

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.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

The peculiar reptile slithers about, turning in a slow circle until it faces the adventurers, casting its gaze directly upon one of the pair.

Spoiler:

1 = William 2 = Lepus[dice]0[/dice]

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.

Spoiler:

wis = 10[dice]1[/dice]

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.

Spoiler:

con = 9[dice]2[/dice]

For the nonce, Doctor North is able to observe that her pulse and respiration remain strong, although unsurprisingly rapid.

Spoiler:

[dice]3[/dice] Labor will require two more hours, during which time Georgina will require two more CON saving rolls to avoid serious consequences. The use of smelling salts to revive her to consciousness will reduce this to one roll, but that one roll will do more damage if it fails. If the smelling salts are safe, the additional use of laudanum will ensure a delivery that is safe for Georgina, but runs the risk of having an effect on the infant. Do what you think best, Doctor.

[SunlessNick]

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.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

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.

Spoiler:

[dice]0[/dice]

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.

Spoiler:

The creature, similar to a crocodile, has armor of 2, so took 3 points damage. It had a total number of hits points = [dice]1[/dice] = 7.

It turns to cast its gaze upon its other foe.

Spoiler:

wis = 18[dice]2[/dice]

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.

[jp1885]

“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.

[Mr. Handy]

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.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

“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.

Spoiler:

Aiming a very small target, so DEX = 15[dice]0[/dice]

With careful manipulation of the reflective metal disk, Lepus is able to direct the creature's baleful gaze upon itself.

Spoiler:

resisting its own gaze. It has the WIS of a crocodile = 12[dice]1[/dice]

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.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

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.

Spoiler:

con = 9[dice]0[/dice]

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.

Spoiler:

1=m 2 = f[dice]1[/dice]

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.

[SunlessNick]

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.

[jp1885]

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.”

[SunlessNick]

"Indeed," says William.

[Mr. Handy]

"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?"

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

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.

[jp1885]

“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]