Book the Second, Chapter the Seventh: Clouds of Battle

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

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.

Spoiler:

As said, time to go up a level. Here's the full pdf file of the player's manual for reference:

https://engineoforacles.files.wordpress ... ee-pdf.pdf

In brief:

Raise one Basic Ability by one, or reduce Perversity by one; not both.

Doctor North (Mad Scientist Class): Add 1d4 to Hit Dice, add a Mad Invention of Level Two (or two at Level One), 1 to Damage Bonus.

William (Everyman/Libertine classes): Add 1d6 to Hit Dice, 1 to Damage Bonus

Lepus (Gypsy/Magician classes): Add 1d4 to Hit Dice, add a Spell of Level Two (or two of Level One), 1 to Damage Bonus

[jp1885]

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.

[Mr. Handy]

"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.

[SunlessNick]

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."

[jp1885]

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.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

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.

Spoiler:

cha = 9 + 1 for either Good Manners or Nobility = 10[dice]0[/dice]

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.

[jp1885]

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.

[Mr. Handy]

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.

[SunlessNick]

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

[jp1885]

"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."

[SunlessNick]

"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."

[jp1885]

Lepus bows in deference.

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

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

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.

[jp1885]

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?"

[Mr. Handy]

"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?

[jp1885]

OOC,I assume we've discussed the plan with him. I was envisioning a low ring of iron rather than a high wall anyway, so he'd be able to get over it. If not, Lepus' unseen servant can fetch him :)

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

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.

[SunlessNick]

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).

[jp1885]

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.

[Mr. Handy]

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.