Return to Collinsport (Trask/Forbes/DuPres)

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

It is obvious to all those who rush to a window that a large tree, its limbs made heavy by snow and ice, has fallen upon the woman, who lies motionless under it. For what reason she is alone outdoors in such weather, or why she cried out before the sound of the falling tree, is unknown. What is evident to those brave enough to come to her rescue is that they are too late, life having already passed from her mortal form.

[Mr. Handy]

Reverend Trask says a brief prayer. "She is in God's hands now," he says. "Whoever she was, she will need burial, and she will probably be missed by those who cared for her. It is strange that she should be here by herself in these conditions."

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

Whilst reciting these words, a strange howling sound, seeming to come from all directions at once, fills the night air. Simultaneously, a roaring wind appears from the north, whipping the bare trees into a frenzy.

[Mr. Handy]

"I sense the presence of evil," says Reverend Trask, continuing to pray in earnest.

Using Exorcism.

[SunlessNick]

"We don't know that she was alone," says Nathan. To the nearest servant he says, "You and your fellows, fetch something to lever up the tree and convey her within" (Personally he would content to leave the poor woman where she is, there being nothing to be done for her, but he suspects the Reverend would not hear of that).

As to himself, he examines the ground, looking for some trace of the direction she came from. Should he find a trail, he will investigate a short way in search of evidence of whether she left companions behind her while approaching the house.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

Spoiler:

d20

Reverend Trask's attempt to call upon the Almighty to banish the sinister presence fails to end the howling sound or to cease the roaring that fills the night air. If anything, the sounds grow louder, the wind more violent, the night colder. Indeed, ice soon forms upon the branches of the bare trees, in some fashion other than the ordinary phenomenon of precipitation.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

Whilst lifting the tree from the dead woman's body, it becomes evident that her mortal form shows more than the ordinary stiffness of one so recently deceased. Indeed, once attempts are made to lift the poor creature's fleshy remains from the ground, that she might be given proper interment, her fingers break from her hands, shattering into many pieces as they strike the frozen earth. All other movements result in similar phenomena, as if she were no more than a figure of glass.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

Spoiler:

Given the ice and snow, no penalty for an attempt to track

The woman's footprints are clearly visible, leading deep into a part of the forest which has not yet yielded to the woodman's axe. Peculiarly, these are found upon a trail of snow which is thicker than that surrounding it; the reverse of what one might expect.

[Mr. Handy]

"It is too strong for me drive away," says Reverend Trask. "At least her trail should be easy to discern through the snow. We should follow it to its origin, and we should bring dogs to track her scent, in case the trail is erased by falling snow before we finish tracing it."

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

Arrangements are made for the hounds to be supplied. This proves to be more of a burden than expected, however, as the curs whine when nearing the trail and display much reluctance to move forward. With enough force of character, one might be able to command them to continue, if reluctantly.

[Mr. Handy]

"The hounds sense the evil too, and they are afraid," says Reverend Trask. "We must encourage them."

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

With a combination of loud commands and gentle reassurance, the dogs are persuaded to lead the way. As the trail leads deeper into virgin forest, an eerie silence descends; even the frightened hounds cease their whimpering and grow quiet. After some time, the trail leads to a clearing, where a conical structure of birch bark and other materials appears, smoke rising from the opening at its top. Near it, unlike the rest of the trail, human footprints are visible in the snow. Soft voices are heard from within, in a language not understood by those present.

[Mr. Handy]

"Let us approach quietly," whispers Reverend Trask. "We need to see them before they see us."

[SunlessNick]

Nathan does as the Reverend suggests, circling the hut until an entrance becomes apparent.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

The manner in which the structure is constructed results in only a single narrow entrance, currently covered over by an animal skin, no doubt against the cold. To peer within without being noticed would require great stealth.

[Mr. Handy]

"I am not the stealthiest," whispers Reverend Trask. "If you are capable and willing, I can hold the hounds while you approach."

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

I'll give Nathan a little extra DEX for former career and personality.d20

Moving silently, Nathan is able to peer within the tent-like structure, observing a man, woman, and child, dressed in the manner of the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, conversing around a small fire in their native tongue.

[Mr. Handy]

Reverend Trask remains hidden and observes while Nathan approaches the tent.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

Things remain more or less peaceful for a while, until a sudden chill wind rises, causing the inhabitants of the structure to speak in a manner expressive of concern.

[Mr. Handy]

Reverend Trask watches Nathan's reaction and says a prayer.

Can I attempt Exorcism here, as this is a different location?