Return to Collinsport (Trask/Forbes/DuPres)

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

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.

[Mr. Handy]

"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."

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

d20

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.

[Mr. Handy]

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

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

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.

[Mr. Handy]

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

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

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?"

[Mr. Handy]

"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."

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

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."

[Mr. Handy]

"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."

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

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.

d10

"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."

[Mr. Handy]

"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.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

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."

[Mr. Handy]

"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."

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

"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?

[Mr. Handy]

"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."

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

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?"

[Mr. Handy]

"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."