Play@YSDC

Posted: **Fri Nov 26, 2021 10:50 am**

After a brisk walk through the chill air, Reverend Trask and Nathan Forbes make their way to Collinsport. No doubt both gentlemen are relieved to see that nothing much has changed. Oh, there may be different, and notably fewer, ships in the harbor; there are patches of ice and snow where one might not have expected them; but the place is otherwise familiar. A few acquaintances seem surprised by their arrival, making comments suggesting that they have not met them in quite some time, and inquiring as to their whereabouts during that period. They may ponder as to their reception at Collinwood. Jeremiah Collins, brought back to this time through the will of the other two men, having little of his own, retreats to his chambers, brooding.

Posted: **Sat Nov 27, 2021 2:27 am**

"We have been on quite a journey," says Reverend Trask. "We went searching for Jeremiah, and we found him in the interior of the country and brought him back." It is clear that he has learned from Miss Winters how to tell the truth, but not so much of it as to appear mad.

Posted: **Sat Nov 27, 2021 10:55 am**

This statement being accepted as Gospel (if one may excused for wordplay that may strike the observer as frivolously blasphemous), seeing that it comes from the Reverend Trask, it excites the curiosity of those who hear it.

"The interior of the country? How extraordinary! Have you, then, ventured into the wilderness of the Northwest Territories? Were there not many wild beasts and savages with which to contend? Indeed, you must relate all of your adventures."

Conversation reveals that Amos Stewart, among other bold souls, has chosen to make a new life for himself in that wild country south of the Great Lakes.

Posted: **Sat Nov 27, 2021 5:42 pm**

"Miss Winters also wished to return to her home, so we took the opportunity to escort her," adds Nathan. "She requested we convey her apologies for her desertion." (Nathan is reasonably sure that Miss Winters would have said such a thing had circumstances not been so fraught with other matters).

Millicent is overjoyed at everyone's return, welcoming the morose Jeremiah with solicitude, and rewarding both Nathan with a kiss on the cheek for his part in saving him - she is grateful to the Reverend too, naturally, but such a gesture would be inappropriate for him, and she curtseys instead.

Posted: **Sat Nov 27, 2021 8:35 pm**

"Thank you, Miss Collins," says Reverend Trask. "Miss Winters sends her regrets, but she feels her home is where she belongs. I'm not entirely sure where we went, as we did not have a map, but we managed to retrace Jeremiah's path. The first stop on our journey was New York. The big city was a sight to be seen, to be sure. It puts me in mind of the descriptions of Nineveh, only more grand."

Posted: **Sun Nov 28, 2021 10:34 am**

SunlessNick wrote: ↑Sat Nov 27, 2021 5:42 pm
Josette accepts Amos's proposal with joy in her heart, sure that she can face any of the hardships of which he warned her so long as they are together.

Who is around in Collinswood in the time Victoria Winters has arrived?

Posted: **Sun Nov 28, 2021 10:49 am**

Being herself from that great city on the Hudson, no doubt Millicent will make inquiry as to any of her friends and relations that the venturing pair may have encountered.

By paying close attention to casual conversation, the prodigals, if one may term them that, have returned just a few days before the New Year of 1796 is to be celebrated, some few months being lost during the transition, in some unknown manner. There is to be a grand ball at Collinwood upon the eve. The new arrivals, of course, are invited to be honored guests. There is also a strong possibility that Mr. and Mrs. Amos Stewart, newlyweds, may be able to make the long and difficult journey from their rustic home in the Northwest Territories. The latter, it will be noted, is the former Mademoiselle Jeanette DuPres, whose relations remain resident in Collinwood.

Posted: **Sun Nov 28, 2021 11:24 pm**

"I am sorry, Miss Collins, but I did not encounter any of your friends or relations in New York. We were not there long. We just passed through long enough to pick up Jeremiah's trail."

Posted: **Mon Nov 29, 2021 9:41 am**

The eve of the New Year arrives, as does the inevitable chill weather of a New England winter. Guests arrive wrapped in heavy furs, which are laid aside once the roaring fireplaces warm their bones, as will the expected dancing (not to mention such heated beverages as buttered toddies, flip, and negus.) It having been some time since the unfortunate events which brought much distress to the inhabitants of Collinsport, and New Englanders famed for their ability to withstand crises and recover from disaster, the mood is festive. Countess DuPres, arrayed in her finest French gowns (somewhat out of style) and jewelry, is amusing the guests by telling their fortunes with her ever-present deck of Tarot cards, although few take this seriously.

Posted: **Tue Nov 30, 2021 5:31 am**

Reverend Trask avoids the Tarot cards, as he frowns on such things.

Posted: **Tue Nov 30, 2021 10:34 am**

Notable amongst the guests is Barnabas Collins, who addresses all present in courteous, if reserved fashion, not participating in the dancing, and observing all with a countenance indicating great thought. At times, he appears to pace anxiously, peering now and again through a window.

Posted: **Tue Nov 30, 2021 8:00 pm**

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote: ↑Sun Nov 28, 2021 10:34 am
THE COLLINS/STODDARD FAMILY

Elizabeth Collins Stoddard, 50-ish, widow, head of the family, relations noted below

Roger Collins, 40-ish, brother, separated from wife

Carolyn Stoddard, 20-ish, daughter

David Collins, 10-ish, nephew (son of Roger)

Barnabas Collins, 30-ish, distant cousin

OTHERS

Victoria Winters, 20-ish, governess for David (character taken)

Burke Devlin, 30-ish, businessman

Matthew Morgan, 50-ish, servant to the Collins

Sarah Johnson, 50-ish, servant to the Collins

Sam Evans, 50-ish, painter

Maggie Evans, 20-ish, waitress (daughter of Sam) (as you well know)

Doctor Julia Hoffman, 40-ish, physician

Jason McGuire, 30-ish, drifter

Willie Loomis, 20-ish, drifter

Professor Timothy Stokes, 50-ish, scholar

Joe Haskell, 30-ish, fisherman

Posted: **Tue Nov 30, 2021 8:11 pm**

"An irony that might amuse or disgust you," says Nathan - in a tone that draws little distinction between the two - to the Reverend as they observe the tarot readings. "I learned from an Occitanian sailor of my acquaintance that the tarot was designed for games, just as ordinary playing cards."

Otherwise, he shows no little solicitude to Miss Millicent Collins, professing a lightened heart at seeing her again after so many months of travel.

Millicent is receptive to this, and the two are often seen in each other's company at the festivities.

It is known to all that Josette is soon to become Mrs Amos Stewart, a match that is far below her station - it is left to the reader as to whether allowances should be made for his having saved her life on the night of Daniel's abduction - however, no observer can doubt the love in her heart, as she shines upon the gathering like the Star of Bethlehem itself.

Posted: **Wed Dec 01, 2021 4:12 am**

"It is true that playing cards are related to the Tarot deck," says Reverend Trask. "It is also true that playing cards are often used for gambling, which is sinful as well. It is much better to earn money through hard work than to try to win it in games of chance. If one loses, one can impoverish himself and render himself indebted. Even if one wins, one is likely to continue gambling until one loses. If one has enough wisdom to quit while ahead, the unearned money tends to slip through his fingers anyway."

Posted: **Wed Dec 01, 2021 9:58 am**

SunlessNick wrote: ↑Tue Nov 30, 2021 8:00 pm
VictoriaSilverwolf wrote: ↑Sun Nov 28, 2021 10:34 am
THE COLLINS/STODDARD FAMILY

Elizabeth Collins Stoddard, 50-ish, widow, head of the family, relations noted below

Roger Collins, 40-ish, brother, separated from wife

Carolyn Stoddard, 20-ish, daughter

David Collins, 10-ish, nephew (son of Roger)

Barnabas Collins, 30-ish, distant cousin

OTHERS

Victoria Winters, 20-ish, governess for David (character taken)

Burke Devlin, 30-ish, businessman

Matthew Morgan, 50-ish, servant to the Collins

Sarah Johnson, 50-ish, servant to the Collins

Sam Evans, 50-ish, painter

Maggie Evans, 20-ish, waitress (daughter of Sam) (as you well know)

Doctor Julia Hoffman, 40-ish, physician

Jason McGuire, 30-ish, drifter

Willie Loomis, 20-ish, drifter

Professor Timothy Stokes, 50-ish, scholar

Joe Haskell, 30-ish, fisherman

Jason or Joe, whichever you think is most likely to hang with Victoria.

Posted: **Wed Dec 01, 2021 10:07 am**

Having apparently arrived at some degree of philosophical resignation, Barnabas is cordial to Josette and Amos, if understandably cool. Her father and aunt are, of course, delighted at her presence and, if truth be told, relieved to no longer carry the burden of an unmarriageable relation. Even if the bridegroom is of lower station than desired, he appears to be an honest, good-natured fellow. Those present who are of a reasonably bold nature express a desire to witness the home that the Stewarts plan to make in the wilderness.

Posted: **Thu Dec 02, 2021 4:29 am**

"Congratulations," says Reverend Trask to the happy couple. "Do you have someone in mind to officiate at the wedding? I would be honored to do the job if you are still in need of someone."

Posted: **Fri Dec 03, 2021 4:55 am**

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote: ↑Wed Dec 01, 2021 9:58 am
Jason is a con artist/small time criminal, out to blackmail Elizabeth Stoddard. Joe is Carolyn's on-again, off-again boyfriend. I suppose either one might be interested in Victoria, the former with bad intent, the latter on the rebound.

Mr. Handy wrote: ↑Thu Dec 02, 2021 4:29 am"Congratulations," says Reverend Trask to the happy couple. "Do you have someone in mind to officiate at the wedding? I would be honored to do the job if you are still in need of someone."

"That would be wonderful!" exclaims Josette.

Mr. Handy wrote: ↑Wed Dec 01, 2021 4:12 am It is also true that playing cards are often used for gambling, which is sinful as well. It is much better to earn money through hard work than to try to win it in games of chance. If one loses, one can impoverish himself and render himself indebted. Even if one wins, one is likely to continue gambling until one loses.

"Men must gamble with far more than money in this life," says Nathan in an unusually philosophical turn. "Games of chance prepare us to take the greater risks when called upon."

Posted: **Thu Dec 09, 2021 10:03 am**

These various conversations, pleasant or philosophical as they may be, are interrupted by a sudden wordless cry from without, that of a woman, followed by a crashing sound.

Posted: **Fri Dec 10, 2021 5:42 am**

Reverend Trask hurries toward the sound of the cry, thinking that the woman probably needs help.

Posted: **Fri Dec 10, 2021 10:06 am**

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.

Posted: **Sat Dec 11, 2021 5:55 am**

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."

Posted: **Sat Dec 11, 2021 11:49 am**

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.

Posted: **Sat Dec 11, 2021 5:55 pm**

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

Posted: **Sun Dec 12, 2021 3:27 am**

"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.

Posted: **Sun Dec 12, 2021 10:05 am**

Spoiler:

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.

Posted: **Sun Dec 12, 2021 10:14 am**

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.

Posted: **Sun Dec 12, 2021 10:15 am**

Spoiler:

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.

Posted: **Mon Dec 13, 2021 12:42 am**

"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."

Posted: **Mon Dec 13, 2021 10:38 am**

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.

Posted: **Tue Dec 14, 2021 4:26 am**

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

Posted: **Tue Dec 14, 2021 9:25 am**

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.

Posted: **Wed Dec 15, 2021 4:29 am**

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

Posted: **Wed Dec 15, 2021 7:27 am**

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

Posted: **Wed Dec 15, 2021 10:10 am**

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.

Posted: **Thu Dec 16, 2021 4:23 am**

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

Posted: **Thu Dec 23, 2021 9:52 am**

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.

Posted: **Fri Dec 24, 2021 3:48 am**

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

Posted: **Fri Dec 24, 2021 11:04 am**

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.

Posted: **Fri Dec 24, 2021 11:25 pm**

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

Posted: **Sat Dec 25, 2021 10:16 am**

Spoiler:

From inside the tent, if such it be, comes a sound of chanting in a man's voice. This goes on for some time. There is no other effect, the wind and extreme cold continuing as before.

Posted: **Sat Dec 25, 2021 7:12 pm**

Reverend Trask waits for Nathan to signal him or to report what he has seen.

Posted: **Sun Dec 26, 2021 10:14 am**

Returning quietly to where Reverend Trask awaits, Nathan reports that, as is not unexpected, the structure is inhabited by a family of the aboriginal inhabitants of the area, man, woman, and child. They do not appear aggressive; if anything, they seem frightened. The woman and child were simply but warmly dressed in furs, but the man wore all manner of decorations over his own clothing; feathers, the claws of animals, the skulls of small birds, and so forth.

Both men, having some knowledge of those who dwelt in these lands before the arrival of Europeans, recognize the man's outfit as that worn by one who practices the magical arts of his people.

Posted: **Sun Dec 26, 2021 8:34 pm**

"Shall we go introduce ourselves?" asks Reverend Trask. "They may know more than we do about the situation."

Posted: **Mon Dec 27, 2021 10:50 am**

Nearing the structure in such manner as to make their approach obvious, with gently spoken words of greeting, Forbes and Trask see the man emerge, holding his hands out, as if to reveal that he is without weapons.

"I understand the speech of the Englishmen," he says. "What is it you wish with us?"

Posted: **Tue Dec 28, 2021 3:34 am**

"I am Reverend Orville Trask," says Reverend Trask, displaying his own empty hands, "and this is Nathan Forbes. A stranger died suddenly, and she came from this direction. We were hoping you might know who she was. I also sensed a wicked presence that may have played a part in her death, and I sensed it near here as well." He describes the woman.

Posted: **Tue Dec 28, 2021 10:29 am**

"I know not of such a white woman," he says. "But I understand the evil you mean. This wind, this snow, this great cold; they are the breath of the wendigo. If it cannot be destroyed, many more will die."

Posted: **Tue Dec 28, 2021 6:58 pm**

"We should work together to defeat the wendigo," says Reverend Trask. "I think it is too powerful for either of us to destroy it working alone. What do you know about it, and do you know how we can destroy it?"

Posted: **Wed Dec 29, 2021 11:03 am**

"It is a fearsome spirit, often taking the form of a gigantic, gaunt man, hideous in appearance, its rotting skin stretched tight over its bones, like a thing recently dead. It carries the killing cold where it walks, feeds upon the living, and is never sated.

"I have failed to drive it away with my medicine, which means that some wicked sorcerer has called it into being. It may only be destroyed by cutting out its heart and feeding it to the flames, as fire is its greatest enemy. To do such a thing is a great danger."

Posted: **Wed Dec 29, 2021 5:51 pm**

"Nonetheless, we must take the risk," says Reverend Trask. "We have silver daggers, and we can make or find torches and larger fires. I tried and failed to drive it away myself, so it seems we shall have to face it in battle and do as you suggest."

Posted: **Thu Jan 06, 2022 10:26 am**

"So be it. Let us wait until daybreak, for to track the wendigo in the darkness would be certain death. For the night, you are my guests."

Inviting the two men into his modest shelter, the fellow offers such plain hospitality as may be found in such surroundings. The presence of the two guests elicits much interest on the part of wife and child, although this is mixed with a kind of deferential shyness.

Posted: **Fri Jan 07, 2022 5:14 am**

"Thank you for your hospitality," says Reverend Trask. "Perhaps tomorrow we can try again to banish the wendigo, and only if that fails will we need to face it in battle. Tell me, have you heard the word of the Lord?"

Posted: **Fri Jan 07, 2022 11:25 am**

"I know the names by which the white man calls the Great Spirit. I know also that they call the lesser spirits by such names as 'angels' and 'demons.' Perhaps we speak of the same things."

After as restful a night as possible, the next morning is very cold, but still and clear, without a trace of wind or a cloud in the sky.

"It will be difficult to track the wendigo at such a time, but it must be done now, before it sets out on its bloody path again."

Posted: **Sat Jan 08, 2022 3:36 am**

"Yes, let us do so," says Reverend Trask. "If it has left a trail of destruction, at least that will make it easier to find."

Posted: **Sat Jan 08, 2022 11:17 am**

Using his knowledge of the wilderness, and perhaps some other, unseen skill, the man leads his two companions deep into the woods, to where ancient trees, not yet harvested to build ships or houses, have been left undisturbed. As is often true on bright days in winter, it is bitterly cold; their host has provided his guests with heavy furs to protect them from freezing to death. Step by weary step they plod on, with no obvious goal in mind, until the guide stops and raises his hand.

"It is near. Prepare yourselves."

As he readies his bow and arrow, the eerie stillness is replaced by a howling wind, driving snow from the trees and up from the ground, so that the hunters are nearly blinded.

Posted: **Sat Jan 08, 2022 4:37 pm**

"Torches at the ready, everyone," says Reverend Trask, lighting his own and starting to pray. "It is coming."

Posted: **Sun Jan 09, 2022 9:47 am**

The air is filled with a ear-splitting howl, that is followed by total silence. The guide lowers his weapon.

"Good. The Great Spirit has driven it away. But we must find the one who called it from the spirit world, or worse will follow.

"There are few of my people left, and I know of none who possess such evil medicine. Is there such a one in the white man's village?"

Posted: **Sun Jan 09, 2022 11:44 pm**

"It is quite possible," says Reverend Trask. "There was a witch, but we are certain she was destroyed. Still, there may be others with evil power in town. We shall have to go there and root out whoever called forth the wendigo."

Posted: **Mon Jan 10, 2022 10:42 am**

"So be it. I am not likely to be welcome in the great village of the white men, but come to my wigwam if you seek advice."

Making their farewells, the hunters return to the more civilized environs of Collinsport. What a contrast to the snowy wilderness is the warm and inviting interior of the mansion, sparkling with candlelight! The guests at the party have long taken their leave, no doubt in a frightened and melancholy mood after the previous night's horrifying events, but the Collins, the DuPres's, and their relations and servants remain, notably Barnabas Collins, who had not gone back to his lonely exile at the Old House. There is much concern from those present as to what the adventurous pair, so long absent, have discovered.

Posted: **Mon Jan 10, 2022 4:53 pm**

"We met up with an Indian medicine man," explains Reverend Trask. "Working together, we were able to call on the power of the Lord to banish the wendigo, which was the source of the evil. However, someone wicked has called forth the wendigo and is still a threat. Another witch, or perhaps a warlock, the male equivalent. We will have to find and stop this evildoer before more evil comes. We should start by finding out if there are any new arrivals in Collinsport."

Posted: **Tue Jan 11, 2022 10:16 am**

Inquiry is made of all present as to such newcomers. The tempestuous nature of the sea during winter reducing maritime trade to a minimum, there are fewer seaman from distant ports hereabouts than during more clement seasons, although there are always some brave captains who drive their vessels to port -- or into the rocks beneath the cliff of Widow's Peak! This possibility being raised, it seems that those present have little to do with such persons of the lower working classes, and thus are not able to supply much information. Similarly, there always seem to be a few traveling persons, not of the best quality, temporarily established at the Eagle, a tavern and inn of questionable reputation.

Posted: **Tue Jan 11, 2022 4:39 pm**

"I may attract too much attention at the Eagle," says Reverend Trask. "Perhaps you would blend in better there, Mr. Forbes, and see what you can learn. Sailors would probably not draw much notice."

Posted: **Wed Jan 12, 2022 9:26 am**

Spending some time at the Eagle, and not a little coin upon rum and gin in the name of conviviality, Nathan Forbes is able to elicit the information that a traveling band of entertainers -- perhaps inspired by the establishment by the English showman John Bill Ricketts of the first circus in the New World, that being in the great city of Philadelphia, and attended by no less a personage than than President Washington -- has arrived in Collinsport, no doubt bound for some larger community. This small group of motley folk -- singers, dancers, jugglers, jesters, equestrians, and so forth, from all nations of the world, not a few of Romany blood -- have pitched their camp on the outskirts of town, having only enough contact with the good citizens of Collinsport as is necessary, and otherwise keeping to themselves.

Posted: **Thu Jan 13, 2022 4:31 am**

"Let us visit the camp," Reverend Trask suggests to Nathan.

Posted: **Thu Jan 20, 2022 12:10 pm**

The encampment proves to be a lively place, if well-hidden from the comings and goings of the townsfolk. Practitioners of the various arts of entertainment favored by the lower classes perfect their craft, while others present engage in idle talk and games of chance. Upon seeing the new arrivals, they grow quiet, although not all activity ceases. A few of the younger men stand and hold their daggers idly, without offering welcome or threat.

Posted: **Fri Jan 21, 2022 5:18 am**

"Good day," says Reverend Trask. "We come seeking knowledge and lore."

Posted: **Fri Jan 21, 2022 10:33 am**

A man of middle years, whose physique suggests a lifetime of vigorous activity, approaches.

"We take the coins of the curious in town; here, we live our own lives. What is so important that it causes you to disturb us, and what is it worth to you?"

Posted: **Sat Jan 22, 2022 4:13 am**

"There was a force of evil on the loose," says Reverend Trask, deciding that honesty is the best policy and watching the man's reaction. "A wendigo. It has been banished, but we seek information as to how it was able to come here, so that we may prevent it happening again. If it is coins you want, we are willing to pay. Or perhaps you wish to exchange knowledge for knowledge? I am more than willing to share what I know."

Posted: **Sat Jan 22, 2022 11:27 am**

There is much discussion among those present, some of it in the Romany tongue. After a while, an elderly woman is fetched from a tent. She wears a gown of many colors, and much jewelry. Her white hair is worn long and loose, as if she were a young maiden.

"Some of our troupe have disappeared, run off to warmer climes, or so we thought. What is this evil of which you speak? I do not know the name you mention."

Posted: **Sat Jan 22, 2022 8:29 pm**

"The natives who live nearby are familiar with it," says Reverend Trask. "The wendigo is an evil spirit that brings cold weather and thrives in it, using it for destruction. It killed one woman that we know about, and possibly others have died as well."

Posted: **Sun Jan 23, 2022 10:57 am**

Upon hearing this account, the woman nods. "Yes, the horseback rider Miranda has gone missing from our troupe, and I feared the worst for her, as she would not abandon her beloved steeds. We must oppose this thing of ice with fire. Come."

She leads the men to her tent, where she produces a deck of Tarot cards, selecting only those belonging to the suit of Wands.

"Wands are associated with fire," she explains. "We shall let Fate decide your path." She shuffles the cards with remarkable agility for one of her age, then selects one at random.

"The Ten of Wands. It represents a great task that must be carried out, a heavy burden that must be lifted. To overcome the demon of cold and its master, you must ally yourself with others brave enough to undertake this dangerous quest."

Posted: **Sun Jan 23, 2022 8:40 pm**

"We have already found one such ally," says Reverend Trask. "We joined forces with an Indian medicine man to call upon the power of God to drive the wendigo away. He told me that it does fear fire. The master remains, however, and we can use all the allies we can find. Perhaps you or one of your people would like to join us." He is wary of the cards, knowing of their use for divination, but he doesn't wish to offend the woman.

Posted: **Mon Jan 24, 2022 10:45 am**

Having heard this conversation, a very tall, broad, and muscular man, dark-skinned, with bald head and a drooping black mustache, approaches.

"I am Bruno, the knife thrower," he says, indicating the many blades worn on his belt. "I fear no man. I will help you find the master of this demon."

"We must ask the cards for a hint as to his -- or her -- identity," the woman says.

Pulling the card known, for evident reason, as The Magician from the deck, she places it on the ground, then places several cards, chosen at random, around it in a circle.

"Mostly pentacles. You seek a person of wealth. One who dwells in town, most likely. And there is Justice. Your antagonist thinks to be righting a great wrong. I can tell no more."

Posted: **Tue Jan 25, 2022 5:50 am**

"Your aid is most welcome, Bruno," says Reverend Trask. "If the master truly has a sense of justice, perhaps it may be possible to reason with him and find a better way to achieve his ends."

Posted: **Tue Jan 25, 2022 10:50 am**

"Of talking to enemies I know little," Bruno admits. "Come, then, let us find this rich sorcerer, and see if magic is any defense against a hard fist or a sharp blade."

With their unlikely companion, who, with some reluctance, agrees to play-act the part of a hired servant, the pair of adventurers return to Collinsport. There not a few merchants who have profited from the maritime traffic; yet it cannot be denied that much wealth is in the hands of the Collins family. Could someone at Collinwood be involved in this dark business?

Posted: **Wed Jan 26, 2022 4:27 am**

"The lady said the magician most likely lives in town," says Reverend Trask, "but we cannot rule out the possibility that it's someone in Collinwood. We should visit the medicine man in his teepee to share what we've learned next. He may have some insights, and we can use his aid as well."

Posted: **Wed Jan 26, 2022 10:46 am**

The proposed visit to the aboriginal shaman is undertaken, said personage being all too willing to aid the others.

"We are not alike in our ways," he says, "yet all peoples are allies, when they face a common foe. I will join you, with arrow, spear, and medicine. I have often acted as a guide to the whites, and they will know that I am not their enemy. Come, then, let us share tobacco, to seal our friendship." He offers a pipe filled with that curious herb, famed for its effects when its smoke is inhaled.

"Where shall we begin our search?"

Posted: **Thu Jan 27, 2022 4:57 am**

"Thank you," says Reverend Trask, inhaling from the pipe. "We are looking for someone of wealth, so we may want to mingle with the merchants in Collinsport and find out more about them. There is also the possibility that it is a member of the Collins family, who are quite wealthy. I and Mr. Forbes are more familiar with them, but we would also be needed in town to make introductions. Perhaps we should start in town."

Play@YSDC

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