McMorn Manor, Strathmorn, Inverness-shire
Saturday 21 March 1931. 4.30am.
The walk through the woods was eerie. Serjeant Lorimer seemed confident enough, but the two men he’d press-ganged seemed decidedly jumpy and there was some fiercely whispered arguments more than once on the way up to Manor House.
The sky was just starting to show the very earliest signs of dawn as they entered the clearing around the house. The main entrance was wreathed in shadows and a darkened mound was formed on the ground by the body of Willie Stewart.
”That’s wan o’ them, is it?”Serjeant Lorimer asked, indicating the body with his revolver as the two volunteers nervously looked around.
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Thu Aug 10, 2023 4:51 am
by Mr. Handy
"Aye, 'tis Willie," says Bonnie. "He survived his first encounter with the beastie when he was here with McColl by staying in the hoose and not drawing attention to himself. This time he tried to shoot it with his shotgun. It didna end so well for him. Or for the shotgun."
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Thu Aug 10, 2023 7:17 am
by Philulhu
”Aye, I can see that,” replied Serjeant Lorimer.
He looked up into the trees. ”And whereabouts are the beasties hiding?” he asked quietly.
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Thu Aug 10, 2023 10:18 am
by BoyBlunder78
Dr Douglas looked nervously at trees, something was tugging at the back of his mind, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Thu Aug 10, 2023 3:56 pm
by Snapper
Ascot points to the tree that scared them earlier as they finally escaped the manor. The tree that appeared to have the beast hiding under its bark when Ascot examined it.
"Sergeant, the trees like that one. I would be very wary of that tree, however, as you will see if you look a bit closer at it."Ascot speaks in a low, tense tone.
Did Sergeant Lorimer ask Ascot to hand over McBride's revolver? Otherwise, it's still in Ascot's coat pocket.
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Thu Aug 10, 2023 5:30 pm
by Philulhu
”Is that a revolver in yer pocket, Mr Ascot, or are ye just pleased to see me?” asked Serjeant Lorimer with a lascivious wink….
(No, he hasn’t actually noticed that Ascot is armed. Well, technically, he hasn’t mentioned whether he’s noticed or not).
Can I have a spot hidden, please?
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Fri Aug 11, 2023 1:45 am
by Snapper
1d%pHdd60%
Fail!
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Fri Aug 11, 2023 2:16 am
by Joajackson
The Father Ó Shaban really really didnt want to be there, but he was also not going to stand anywhere near the body or the trees. This was complicated to accomplish but he would try. At the same time, considering the dead, he did start a prayer for the dead Willie.
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Fri Aug 11, 2023 4:52 am
by Mr. Handy
"We only saw one beastie," says Bonnie. "I think it likes to hide in the African trees, but I dinna see it now. It seems to be nocturnal, so it may have gone to sleep for the day."
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Fri Aug 11, 2023 12:44 pm
by Philulhu
”Make sure ye dinnae disturb the body, Father,” said Serjeant Lorimer as Father Ó Shaban tentatively approached Willie and began to pray.
He turned back to the tree and studied it more intently. ”Ye say it hid in the trees? Well, it doesnae appear to be there now.” His hand tightened on the revolver as he glanced around at the clearing.
”So where’s the bugger gone?”
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Fri Aug 11, 2023 2:00 pm
by BoyBlunder78
"All we know is that the creature only hunts at night, as that is when it has been seen..It luld.be anywhere. Maybe its gone inside?"Dr Douglas replies.
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Fri Aug 11, 2023 4:41 pm
by Philulhu
Sergeant Lorimer waved forward one of the men who was carrying a lantern. He took the lantern from him and said, ”Ye an’ yer pal stay here. Shout oot if anything moves.” The men didn’t look too thrilled but didn’t argue, either.
Lorimer handed over the lantern to Ascot.”Lead the way, Sir,” he said firmly.
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2023 2:49 am
by Snapper
Spoiler:
Philulhu wrote: ↑Thu Aug 10, 2023 5:30 pm
”Is that a revolver in yer pocket, Mr Ascot, or are ye just pleased to see me?”[/color] asked Serjeant Lorimer with a lascivious wink….
Pornhub Cthulhu... An unexpected turn of events indeed.
Ascot takes the lantern and squares his shoulders. He starts in towards the manor, intending to head back to where whatever is left of McBride lies, up on the top floor.
"Very good, this way, eh? Did I tell you, Sergeant, I was in the Imperial Camel Corps during the War?"
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2023 4:48 am
by Mr. Handy
"It must have a lair where it retreats during the day," says Bonnie, following. "I dinna ken where, though."
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:34 am
by BoyBlunder78
Following behind BonnieDr Douglas clutches the journal tightly to his chest, knuckles white as he nervously glances around the interior of the manor.
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2023 1:15 pm
by Philulhu
”No, sir. I don’t believe ye did,” replied Serjeant Lorimer, using the patient tone beloved of the British constabulary when responding to people who insisted on talking about themselves. He indicated that Ascot should light one of the rooms with the lanterns and he shook his head at what he saw.
Moving through the Manor House to the upper floor, Lorimer examined the body of Dr McBride with a sad shake of his head. Standing up, he said, ”Well, there’s no sign of this creature of yours, so I’m not sure what to think. If I’m any judge, though, the wounds on the doctor look like those on Donald McColl.” He looked around, scratching his head in a puzzled fashion.
As Father Ó Shaban murmured his prayers over the fallen Willie Stewart there was a sudden ’creak’ from one of the trees nearby.
”Whit was that?!” said one of the volunteers nervously.
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2023 8:33 pm
by Mr. Handy
"Aye, ye're right," says Bonnie. "Either it was the same beastie, or it was one akin to it."
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Sun Aug 13, 2023 12:21 am
by BoyBlunder78
"This surely proves that the young lad you jave in custody is innocent "Dr Douglas says to the Sarjeant.
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Sun Aug 13, 2023 2:28 am
by Snapper
Ascot remains tense, peering out of high windows into the pre-dawn murk.
"Well, if we live till dawn, we might help save that poor shepherd boy. Mr Price will be so pleased with that part, perhaps not the rest of our report, eh?"
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Sun Aug 13, 2023 3:54 am
by Mr. Handy
"We just had to find out the truth of what happened, whatever it may be," says Bonnie. "He'll be pleased it wasna a ghost. We saw it was the beastie. I dinna think we're required to kill it. If we've driven it away, that should be good enough."
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Sun Aug 13, 2023 9:14 am
by BoyBlunder78
" Could always burn those accursed trees, the creature seems to use them in some way"Dr Douglas mutters as clasps the journal ever tighter.
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2023 12:41 am
by Mr. Handy
"Aye, good idea," agrees Bonnie. They'd just have to make sure the fire didn't spread to the house. Although, if it did, she thinks it would be no great loss.
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2023 7:21 pm
by Philulhu
Just waiting for an update for Father Ó Shaban before we move on.
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2023 12:31 am
by Joajackson
As there was the suspicious sound heard, the father stopped his praying, and moved away from the body. Animals of that kind presumably followed the acento of blood, and he really didnt want to be hunted.
"Ze prredator is sure to be near. I had told zis man to beware the beast, and now he lays dead, dont ignore my warning!"
The Father Ó Shaban proclaimed dramatically.
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Thu Aug 17, 2023 12:15 am
by Philulhu
Serjeant Lorimer considered Dr Douglas’ words and shrugged. ”That’ll be for the procurator fiscal tae consider, sir,” he replied, looking at McBride’s corpse. ”But I guess it doesnae harm his case...”
He looked up at Ascot, Bonnie and Dr Douglas. ”We need tae cover the body. Did any o’ ye see a blanket aboot?”
The creaking noise was followed quickly by a sharp ‘crack’ from the tree. As Father Ó Shaban looked up at the source of the noise, he could see where the tree bark had split. It looked as if two limbs had sprouted on either side of the tree - not branches, but limbs! As he watched with mounting horror, the bark split again, horizontally this time, to reveal sharp, bone-white teeth…
Serjeant Lorimer considered Dr Douglas’ words and shrugged. ”That’ll be for the procurator fiscal tae consider, sir,” he replied, looking at McBride’s corpse. ”But I guess it doesnae harm his case...”
He looked up at Ascot, Bonnie and Dr Douglas. ”We need tae cover the body. Did any o’ ye see a blanket aboot?”
The creaking noise was followed quickly by a sharp ‘crack’ from the tree. As Father Ó Shaban looked up at the source of the noise, he could see where the tree bark had split. It looked as if two limbs had sprouted on either side of the tree - not branches, but limbs! As he watched with mounting horror, the bark split again, horizontally this time, to reveal sharp, bone-white teeth…
OOC: SAN roll, please.
I cant roll
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Thu Aug 17, 2023 3:49 am
by Mr. Handy
"The only blanket I remember is the one we placed round the auld corpse we found in the sealed room," says Bonnie.
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Thu Aug 17, 2023 6:38 am
by BoyBlunder78
"True, although I'm sure we could find something that would do the trick in the room." replied Dr Douglas.
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Thu Aug 17, 2023 11:15 am
by Snapper
Ascot discreetly transfers the revolver to the inner pocket of his suit jacket, without pulling it out. Then he shrugs off his overcoat and offers it to the Sergeant.
"This coat is ruined anyway. The least I can do is provide it to cover McBride. However little he deserved it in life, in death everyone deserves some little respect."
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Fri Aug 18, 2023 12:04 am
by Philulhu
Sorry, I keep forgetting the dice roller doesn’t work for you.
SAN (60%*) 1d100
*Possibly less as I need to check what you’ve lost, if any.
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Fri Aug 18, 2023 12:22 am
by Philulhu
Sorry, I keep forgetting the dice roller doesn’t work for you.
SAN (60%*) 1d100
*Possibly less as I need to check what you’ve lost, if any. In any event 44 should be a pass so that’s just one SAN point lost.
Father Ó Shaban was sufficiently in charge of his faculties so that he could back away as bits of broken tree bark dropped to the floor. With a creaking, splintering sound, the torso of the creature came free from the trunk of the tree, glaring balefully at the humans stood before it.
For one of the men, it was all too much. He turned and ran, leaving the man with the shotgun to back away, open mouthed as he stared at the emergent creature.
Serjeant Lorimer nodded his agreement at Ascot’s suggestion, glancing around warily as the hunter doffed his coat and cast it as a shroud over the body of the fallen Dr McBride.
”Is there anything else ye need tae make me aware of?” asked Serjeant Lorimer.
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Fri Aug 18, 2023 5:32 am
by Mr. Handy
"The beastie fled after I sang at it," says Bonnie. "It must nae have liked the song."
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Fri Aug 18, 2023 6:28 am
by BoyBlunder78
"So thats what happened? What did you sing? That whole part of the night is murky for me."Dr Douglas asks.
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Sat Aug 19, 2023 1:27 am
by Snapper
Ascot continues to pace, checking windows for the creature. He tries to hide his frustration.
"What else can we tell you, Sergeant? We saw one beast. We heard more howls. Our researches suggest the last laird brought some strange animals from Africa a century ago. We've seen the proof. We're all in mortal danger."
"And somehow, and don't ask me how, they can hide in those funny trees."
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Sat Aug 19, 2023 3:24 am
by Mr. Handy
"The song was in the laird's auld journal that we found," says Bonnie.
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Sat Aug 19, 2023 8:21 am
by Philulhu
Waiting for Father Ó Shaban to act.
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Sat Aug 19, 2023 10:21 am
by BoyBlunder78
"Ahh, that strange phrase, so it does work!" replies Dr Douglas, as he starts flicking through the journal for the words.
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Sun Aug 20, 2023 5:09 pm
by Joajackson
The Father was a man without fear for most human foes, but whatever this predator was, it definitely wasnt one of the things he didnt fear. Being a coptic priest in Boston prepared your for a lot of things, but not tree panthers. So he ran to the house, screaming quite openly. Already going inside, he would try to not scream anymore and get to the study in which to close the door.
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Tue Aug 22, 2023 12:17 am
by Philulhu
Screaming fit to burst, Father Ó Shaban ran into Manor House. Ahead of him were the two rooms that contained the ransacked coffins; to the left lay the kitchens and the stairs to the upper floors, though there was little light to see by on account of the hour and the limited aperture of the window slits.
From outside, there was the sound of incoherent shouting, followed by the flat bark of a shotgun.
The discussion was brought to an abrupt end as the sound of someone scream emanated from down below. The acoustics suggested that it had started outside but had quickly entered the building. Moments later, the flat bark of a shotgun could be heard from outside.
”Whit the blazes wus that?!” snapped Serjeant Lorimer.
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Tue Aug 22, 2023 12:23 am
by BoyBlunder78
"Its the Creature!! Ready your arms Sarjeant, and pray for your men!!" hisses Dr Douglas.
Screaming fit to burst, Father Ó Shaban ran into Manor House. Ahead of him were the two rooms that contained the ransacked coffins; to the left lay the kitchens and the stairs to the upper floors, though there was little light to see by on account of the hour and the limited aperture of the window slits.
From outside, there was the sound of incoherent shouting, followed by the flat bark of a shotgun.
The discussion was brought to an abrupt end as the sound of someone scream emanated from down below. The acoustics suggested that it had started outside but had quickly entered the building. Moments later, the flat bark of a shotgun could be heard from outside.
”Whit the blazes wus that?!” snapped Serjeant Lorimer.
The Father tried to think quickly, now he could do something somewhat original and hide between the coffins, but it seemed better to simply run stairs up, and so he did.
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Tue Aug 22, 2023 3:42 am
by Mr. Handy
"Get the journal ready," says Bonnie, "just in case."
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Tue Aug 22, 2023 6:45 am
by BoyBlunder78
Dr Douglas continues looking through the journal, steadying his breathing as he looks for the phrase he now knows coukd save them all.
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Tue Aug 22, 2023 11:24 am
by Snapper
Ascot sighs briefly, draws McBride's revolver and starts racing down the stairs, hollering as he goes.
"Come on, Sergeant! We need to rescue those men downstairs! It's just like the War, the enemy is in sight and the time is now! And if I'm dead in an hour, remember this was your stupid idea!"
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Tue Aug 22, 2023 11:54 pm
by Philulhu
There was confusion on the stairs as Father Ó Shaban and Ascot collided in the gloom. Disaster was narrowly averted when Ascot realised that it was his companion he was entangled with, not the creature, and he shifted his aim just in time to avoid blowing the elderly priest’s head from his shoulders.
Both men winced at the gunshot in the confined quarters and could barely hear Serjeant Lorimer as he shouted down the stairs. ”Was that you, Mr Ascot? Did you shoot the creature?” There wasn’t time for Ascot to respond, however, for the shotgun outside barked once more, followed by a roar and a blood-curdling scream!
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2023 12:13 am
by Joajackson
The Father almost feel stairs down, but with the strenght of adrenaline, and fear of wathever could be following, managed to stay standing in two feet. As his head was almost blown by a british colonialist, he was starting to feel weirdly identified with his brethen in egipt. He screamed quite clearly in his strange accent.
"Quickly, ze prredator is outside, ran upwards!"
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2023 4:54 am
by Mr. Handy
"Quiet!" hisses Bonnie softly. "It can track us by sound. Doctor, let me have the journal. I performed the chant before, so I ken I can do it again, and I'm no good in a fight anyway without a long gun."
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2023 6:29 am
by BoyBlunder78
Dr Douglas heart pounding, eyes wide In terror hands Bonnie the journal, nodding frantically. " Yes, yes,yes of course Miss MacKenzie!" handing over the journal, before reaching into his jacket pocket for the small bone handled knife.
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2023 7:28 am
by Snapper
Ascot hollers back to the others as he pelts downstairs, his voice getting fainter and more echo-ey. "Nearly shot the Father by mistake! My fault! I'm going down to help those men!"
He continues charging down, but is determined not to mistakenly shoot anymore of the wrong people. The big revolver is carefully pointed at the ceiling.
McBride shot twice (I believe) and Ascot has just wasted another round. Normally, revolvers are only loaded with 5 bullets for safety. So, I'm guessing there are only about 2 bullets left? If Ascot gets a second, he'll check.
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2023 12:23 am
by Philulhu
Not more than three bullets remaining. He won’t know until he stops to check, but events outside are about to overtake him. Speaking of which…
The scream from outside was abruptly curtailed to be replaced by the sound of two bodies colliding heavily and as Ascot emerged from the Manor House, he saw the creature worrying the body of one of the volunteers! The body hung limply so the man had fainted - or worse! Either way, the creature’s sharp serrated teeth were tearing at the man’s coat, with long strings of bloody drool dripping from its maw!
SAN check please.
If Bonnie is reading the journal, can I have a Language check please?
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2023 12:26 am
by Snapper
1d%47%
Critical success.
"Get away from him, you fiend!! BAD DOG!!"Ascot has the revolver (and random number of bullets) readied but is reluctant to risk hitting the poor man with a badly aimed shot.
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2023 2:15 am
by Mr. Handy
Bonnie gives an even better performance this time, her voice clearly ringing out and pronouncing every word well.
Language (English) roll (80% base skill) reciting the chant: d%
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2023 6:44 am
by BoyBlunder78
Dr Douglas clutching the dagger before him, looks in awe at Bonnies pitch perfect pronunciation.
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2023 11:49 pm
by Philulhu
Creature’s strength 1d100
As Ascot looked on, trying to aim his pistol so as the hit the beast but not the man, he could hear Bonnie’s clear voice from the upper floor of the Manor House. Once again, the creature was pushed backwards, compelled by some unseen force that slammed it into the nearest tree, where it writhed in screaming agony as once again it was absorbed by the tree, until only the misshapen remained!
The man the creature had attacked had a narrow escape as the creature was compelled to let go of him before they were both swallowed up by the tree.
”Well, that’s not something you see everyday,” said Serjeant Lorimer calmly, as he emerged from the Manor House behind Ascot.
Sjt. Lorimer SAN1d100
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Fri Aug 25, 2023 2:17 am
by Snapper
Ascot breathes a loud sign of relief. Pointing the revolver at the sky, he carefully uncocks its hammer.
"No, it most certainly is not. Now, where's your other man down here?"Ascot quickly checks that the man the creature was attacking is still breathing.
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Fri Aug 25, 2023 2:45 am
by Joajackson
The Father didnt leave the house, staying inside and pronouncing prayers in the coptic ancient language. He was not going to go outside until the beast was dead. After at least two minutes of no monster sounds, he would scream from inside to Sir Ascot and the Serjeant.
"It's ze prredator dead? Have you defeaten ze beast!?"
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Fri Aug 25, 2023 2:52 am
by Mr. Handy
"Aye,"Bonnie says to Serjeant Lorimer. Her hair flowing in the wind and her eyes flashing, she points at the tree. "Burn the tree! Burn it now!"
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Fri Aug 25, 2023 6:23 am
by BoyBlunder78
" Quickly, we dont know how long the tree will hold it!! We must burn all those black abominable trees!! None should stand after this night!!" shouts Dr Douglas as he heads out to check on the men outside.
Re: McMorn Manor (Slight Return)
Posted: Fri Aug 25, 2023 8:37 am
by Snapper
Ascot is feeling weary after the long night, and as the latest of many bursts of adrenaline wears off. He tries to think of a plan.
"Well done again, Miss Mackenzie, with your strange incantation. I don't know how it works but I don't much care either, it just does work."
"Sergeant, we saw no sign of this beast yesterday during daylight hours. I would suggest we wait until the sun is a bit higher."
"And I might suggest we need some more men with shotguns in case the creature runs amok again. And fuel to burn the trees would speed the process up quite a lot. These Scottish wilds are rather damp places, after all."
