Play@YSDC

Posted: **Mon May 31, 2021 10:38 am**

Things seem to settle down for a while at Collinwood. Mrs. Stoddard is pleased to have Carolyn back, and doesn't ask many questions about her disappearance. Carolyn, having little memory of what happened, goes along with what Victoria and Maggie tell her. There has been a noticeable improvement in David's disposition, although he still wanders off on his own frequently.

Neither Barnabas, nor Willie, nor Doctor Hoffman have been seen very often lately, which may partly explain David's lightened mood; whenever somebody mentions Barnabas, he grows noticeably upset.

The only disturbing events in recent days are reports of minor acts of vandalism, seemingly at random, in which doors and windows have been broken, without any sign that anyone tried to enter. This seems to be related to other reports of a Peeping Tom of sorts, a large man who peers into houses late at night, and who quickly runs off when discovered.

Roger takes an extended trip, ostensibly for business purposes, and returns a few weeks later with an announcement that surprises, or even shocks, those who hear it.

"I finally managed to have Laura declared legally dead. Whoever that imposter was who tried to take David away, it certainly wasn't his mother. The evidence from Arizona is incontestable.

"I would like you to meet my new wife."

Obviously enjoying making such a dramatic gesture, he opens the front door and lets in a dark-haired woman who introduces herself as Cassandra, upon whom Roger looks fondly.

After some friendly, if somewhat awkward, conversation between the unexpected guest and the Collins family, Roger remarks that he would like her to meet Barnabas.

"Oh, yes," Cassandra replies, with a silvery laugh. "I would very much like to meet Barnabas Collins. Very much indeed."

Posted: **Mon May 31, 2021 10:42 am**

Posted: **Mon May 31, 2021 3:57 pm**

Maggie relates to Vix about her windows being one of the ones broken, though nothing else happened - she saw a big guy running off, and wonders if it's the same one who was at the lighthouse. She also tries to arrange a fun girl's night with Vix, given all the crap that's happened lately.

Posted: **Mon May 31, 2021 5:37 pm**

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Collins," says Victoria, who thinks this is all rather sudden. "You look familiar. I have the strangest feeling we've met before, but I can't recall where. Have you ever spent time in New York?"

When Maggie calls, Victoria is glad to arrange for them to get together.

Posted: **Tue Jun 01, 2021 9:26 am**

Mr. Handy wrote: ↑Mon May 31, 2021 5:37 pm

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Collins," says Victoria, who thinks this is all rather sudden. "You look familiar. I have the strangest feeling we've met before, but I can't recall where. Have you ever spent time in New York?"

"Oh, I've been just about everywhere," Cassandra says with a smile. "I'm sure I would have remembered such a charming young person."

The next day, David meets the new arrival. To her credit, Cassandra doesn't try to take the place of his mother, simply hoping that they'll be good friends. It's not surprising that the encounter is an awkward one, but, after a while, David comes to accept her as a member of the household.

"I understand that you've spent quite a lot of time at the Old House," she says. "You must show it to me some time."

"Oh, I don't hang around there any more, now that Barnabas lives there," David admits.

Cassandra kneels, so she can look directly into David's eyes. "Would you do me a very great favor and take me to meet Barnabas?"

After a long pause, David says "OK, I guess. If you want me to."

"Thank you, David." She kisses him very gently on the forehead, which causes him to blush and remain silent.

Posted: **Tue Jun 01, 2021 9:46 am**

On the agreed night, the two women meet at the Blue Whale. (There are very few other places to relax, listen to some music -- even if it's only a jukebox -- talk, and have a decent meal.) The conversation around them drifts from one topic to another. The local constable is there, asking everyone if they've seen Doctor Eric Lang around lately. If anybody wants to know why he asking, he just says it's routine. Many ask him about the vandalism and the Peeping Tom incidents, but those seem to have quieted during recently.

At one point, a local attorney by the name of Tony Peterson walks in.

Like just about everybody else in town, he knows Maggie Evans casually, so he stops by to greet her, and is introduced to Victoria Winters. During a brief chat, he says that he'll soon be at Collinwood, to make some changes in Mrs. Stoddard's will. Naturally, they mention Roger's new wife.

"Yes, I've met her," he says. "I suppose that has something to do with Mrs. Stoddard's request. A remarkable woman. The most extraordinary eyes, the color of the ocean." He grins at himself. "I'm not much of a poet, I'm afraid."

The constable talks to him for a while, because he is also Doctor Lang's attorney. He says that he hasn't seen Lang for some time.

Posted: **Tue Jun 01, 2021 8:24 pm**

Maggie thinks about telling the constable about the big guy she saw running away, but if it was the guy from the lighthouse, she might be putting him in danger more than doing any good.

When Peterson's gone, she says to Vix, "I've seen him confabbing with Burke at the diner. I don't know what's up with it though. I don't know if he's Burke's lawyer too, but Burke's always interested in messing with the Collinses. It might be nothing."

Posted: **Wed Jun 02, 2021 1:20 am**

"I feel like I've seen him before," says Victoria, "but I have no idea where. I got the same feeling about Cassandra."

Posted: **Wed Jun 02, 2021 5:36 am**

Mr. Handy wrote: ↑Wed Jun 02, 2021 1:20 am"I feel like I've seen him before," says Victoria, "but I have no idea where. I got the same feeling about Cassandra."

"In a past life, maybe?" suggests Maggie. Unsure why that thought popped into her head, she adds, "Maybe the Collinses have talked about him. But that wouldn't explain Cassandra."

Posted: **Wed Jun 02, 2021 8:16 am**

A few days go by without incident. With David's help, Cassandra manages to make her way into the Old House early one evening, when Barnabas makes one of his rare appearances. The encounter is reported to Victoria the next day, during their lessons.

"Barnabas still gives me the creeps, but it was OK, I guess. They just started talking about boring adult stuff. Then Barnabas asked me to go home. I don't know when Dad's girlfriend came back here."

Spoiler:

Nothing seems out of the ordinary lately, which is a refreshing change of pace.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sam Evans knows Tony Petersen well enough.

"He worked out all the details when Roger Collins bought a bunch of my paintings about five years ago. You know, taxes and payment schedules and all that stuff. Nothing for you to concern yourself with, honey." He seems reluctant to discuss it with his daughter any further.

Out one night with Burke Devlin, Maggie relates what she knows about Barnabas.

"Idle rich, huh? That figures. Nice work if you can get it. Still, I'd like to know where he spends his days. Business in Bangor or Boston, my eye. I've got my connections in both places, and nobody who ought to know ever heard of him."

Spoiler:

One pleasant evening, while taking the big hike up to the mansion to meet with Victoria for a chat, Maggie happens to pass close enough to the Old House to hear an argument between Barnabas and a woman, whose voice she doesn't recognize. She then spotted the woman, who matches the description of Cassandra, storm out of the house.

"You must be insane!" Surprisingly, not long after Cassandra spoke these angry words, slammed the door, and started making her way to the mansion, her mood seemed to change suddenly, and she began to laugh sweetly. She does not seem to be aware that Maggie is nearby.

Posted: **Wed Jun 02, 2021 12:36 pm**

Maggie tries to follow Cassandra to see what else she does - if she's spotted, she'll say she's heading up to the house to see Vix. Whether this means seeing Vix tonight, or calling her tomorrow, Maggie will tell her what happened.

Posted: **Thu Jun 03, 2021 1:46 am**

"Barnabas is a vampire," Victoria tells David. "Most of the time he can stay under control, thanks to a serum that Dr. Hoffman has been giving him, but it's becoming less effective. When he loses control, that's when he's dangerous. That's what happened to Carolyn. He turned her into a vampire too, but we were able to restore her with sunlight because she had only recently changed. Barnabas is something like two hundred years old, so he's well beyond that point. There may be a way to make him human again too, though. If the woman he loves can love him back, the curse will be broken."

Posted: **Fri Jun 04, 2021 7:07 pm**

Spoiler:

Posted: **Fri Jun 04, 2021 10:28 pm**

Rats, Maggie thinks to herself. She heads home, after a bit of dithering about how close to pass by Barnabas's place, and calls Vix tomorrow to relate what she saw.

Posted: **Sat Jun 05, 2021 2:11 am**

"If I do that, he'll just think I'm lying too - or crazy," says Victoria. "We would need to get proof first. I think our best bet is to try to cure Barnabas. Maggie knew he was a vampire too, but Dr. Hoffman hypnotized her to make her forget. Still, I think she can help too, and we should talk to her. You may have noticed how much she looks like the portrait of Josette, who was Barnabas's lost love. She reminds him of Josette, and I'm sure he's in love with her. If she were to love him back, he'd become human again. It's not easy, though. You can't make someone fall in love. It has to happen naturally."

Posted: **Mon Jun 07, 2021 6:24 pm**

Posted: **Tue Jun 08, 2021 1:35 am**

"First we have to get proof," insists Victoria. "If I tell him without proof, he'll think I'm crazy. He'll also think you got your ideas from me - which you did. He'll fire me, and he'll probably send me up to the sanitarium where Dr. Hoffman will hypnotize me and make me forget everything I've seen. We need to work with Maggie and Professor Stokes, who have been helping me. Working together we can find the proof."

Posted: **Wed Jun 09, 2021 7:04 am**

Posted: **Thu Jun 10, 2021 9:46 am**

Posted: **Thu Jun 10, 2021 6:52 pm**

Posted: **Fri Jun 11, 2021 12:51 am**

"We need to meet up with Maggie and Professor Stokes as soon as we can," says Victoria. "It will take all of us working together to prevail. Barnabas didn't live to be two hundred years old by being a pushover." She gives Maggie a call.

Posted: **Fri Jun 11, 2021 9:52 am**

Posted: **Fri Jun 11, 2021 5:15 pm**

When Victoria calls, Maggie seems a little distracted, but also pleased to hear from her. "Hi, Vix. What's up?"

Posted: **Sat Jun 12, 2021 2:48 am**

"Hi, Maggie," says Victoria. "I'd like to get together with you and catch up on things. I'll be bringing a couple of friends too. We can talk there. Shall we all meet at the Blue Whale?" While she waits for a reply, she covers the mouthpiece with her hand and answers Cassandra. "No, just a friend."

Posted: **Sat Jun 12, 2021 6:56 am**

"That'd be great," Maggie says.

Posted: **Sat Jun 12, 2021 9:10 am**

The necessary arrangements are made to have everyone show up at the Blue Whale at a convenient time. It is not unusual for Victoria to accompany David into town on some errand or another, so he is able to show up as well. (It's also not unusual for young people to accompany adults into the place, given the informal nature of the Blue Whale, as long as none of them try to buy a beer.) Finding a quiet corner far from the jukebox, the assembled persons begin discussions.

"First of all," Professor Stokes begins, indicating David, "exactly how much does this young man know?"

Posted: **Sat Jun 12, 2021 9:20 am**

Posted: **Sat Jun 12, 2021 6:51 pm**

"My memory's all in a mess," Maggie says in response to Stoke's question. "Maybe if you and Vix just lay out out so all of us know all of it."

Posted: **Sat Jun 12, 2021 7:45 pm**

Victoria fills in Maggie on all the details. "Josette was the love of Barnabas's life," she says. "Maggie, you're the spitting image of her. I think he's in love with you too, and he thinks of you as Josette. If you were able to fall in love with him too, it could break his curse. He could be human again, and no longer a vampire."

Posted: **Sat Jun 12, 2021 9:02 pm**

Maggie runs her hand through her hair. "Fall in love with him? I... that's a lot." She stops, several conflicted expressions running across her face. "I'm scared of him. But... I mean could that really fix him? It's not like I could say no."

Posted: **Sat Jun 12, 2021 9:19 pm**

"It wouldn't be easy, you're right," says Victoria. "We can't even choose whether or not to fall in love, it just happens, whether we're ready for it or not. Barnabas is frightening, but he was also a good man once who fell into tragic circumstances. He killed Carolyn and turned her into a vampire, and we were able to restore her to humanity with sunlight. Professor Stokes told me that that can work on a newly turned vampire, but not on one as ancient as Barnabas. Sunlight would just destroy him. But he also thought of the possible way to restore him to humanity."

Posted: **Sun Jun 13, 2021 10:17 am**

At this point in the conversation, Cassandra and Roger Collins enter the Blue Whale, and immediately catch sight of those gathered at the far table.

"I told Roger we'd find you all here," she remarks.

"My love, you have the most remarkable intuition," Roger responds. He seems quite smitten with his bride.

"Now what are you conspiring about," Cassandra asks, "and who is this distinguished gentleman with you? I don't think we've been introduced."

Professor Stokes stands, takes the gloved hand Cassandra offers him, and, in proper continental style, bows over it.

"Timothy Stokes, Mrs. Collins. I could not be more charmed to make your acquaintance. Your reputation as a gracious addition to Collinwood proceeds you."

"Such flattery!"

As if invited, Roger and Cassandra take seats at the table.

"I trust my son hasn't been filling your heads with his nonsense about spooks and goblins," Roger remarks.

"Perhaps it's not such nonsense," Cassandra says. "I have the feeling Miss Winters -- may I call you Victoria? -- knows all about such things. Don't you, my dear?"

Posted: **Sun Jun 13, 2021 9:23 pm**

"It's a good town for nonsense about spooks and goblins," Maggie says with creditable brightness.

Posted: **Sun Jun 13, 2021 11:46 pm**

"Thank you, Cassandra," says Victoria, "though I wouldn't consider myself an expert. Professor Stokes is far more knowledgeable than I am."

Posted: **Mon Jun 14, 2021 8:55 am**

Spoiler:

Much polite conversation follows, until Roger insists that it is time for David to come home. Perhaps surprisingly, the boy agrees, and leaves the Blue Whale gripping the hand of his stepmother. After calling for another glass of sherry, Professor Stokes speaks quietly.

"Even at my age, I am appreciative of the charms of lovely young ladies, present company included. However, there is far more to Mrs. Collins than a pretty face. The way she commands one's attention with those extraordinary eyes. Fortunately, I was able to pull myself out of their depths and remember that there are sinister forces at work in Collinsport. I would be careful about what I say around Mrs. Collins, and I would keep careful watch over her.

"Back to the business at hand. One cannot expect unfeigned affection to spring within one's heart at command. Therefore, it seems to me that 'curing' Barnabas Collins, for lack of a better term, in that manner is out of the question. Much more practical is the possibility of rendering him harmless. We have seen that whatever power Doctor Hoffman possesses over his condition is hardly reliable. I suspect that it is a temporary solution, at best, and may backfire, as it did in the case of Miss Stoddard. If worse comes to worse, we may be forced to consider Barnabas as an enemy to be destroyed, rather than as a sufferer to be relieved.

"I welcome any suggestions that may occur to you."

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Posted: **Mon Jun 14, 2021 3:30 pm**

"Does Barnabas want to be human again?" Maggie asks. "Does he know he could be turned back like this - what if we tell him?" After whatever answer that gets, she also says, "Something Burke Devlin told me. Barnabas has a place called the House by the Sea, where goes with Dr Hoffman when he's out of town. Burke wants to know what's going on there, and it might help us too. If we pick a time when Barnabas is in town."

Posted: **Tue Jun 15, 2021 3:53 am**

"Professor Stokes and I went to the House by the Sea when we were searching for Carolyn," says Victoria. "She wasn't there, but Willie was, and he saw us and warned us away. I think Barnabas was inside at the time. I think it's worth a try talking to him, explaining how he can become human again and asking him if that's what he wants. The only other way would be to put him down, the way you would with a rabid dog. I hope we don't have to do that."

Posted: **Tue Jun 15, 2021 9:25 am**

"I suspect there's more going on at the House by the Sea than meets the eye," Professor Stokes. "I am of two minds as to whether a direct approach might be best -- simply show up at the place and announce ourselves and demand to be shown inside -- or if a more stealthy approach, although it was not very effective last time, might be worth another try. One might also keep the place under surveillance for a while, although that would involve some delay in action. What do you think, ladies?"

Posted: **Wed Jun 16, 2021 2:37 am**

"The longer we wait," says Victoria, "the less self-control Barnabas will have as he builds up a tolerance to Dr. Hoffman's treatment. He could kill again. I'm in favor of the direct approach, as soon as possible."

Posted: **Wed Jun 16, 2021 9:21 am**

"Very well. We knock on the door politely, long enough that we make a nuisance of ourselves. The worst that can happen is that they refuse to let us in. Well, that's not really the worst that can happen, but that doesn't bear thinking about. Let us arrive in the morning, so that we have the advantage of daylight on our side for as long as possible."

This plan undertaken, the group arrives early one bright, sunny day. After knocking on the front door for quite some time, the familiar face of Willie Loomis appears as the door opens a crack.

"What do you want? You shouldn't be here."

"Curiosity, my good man," Professor Stokes says casually. "I was just interested in whosoever might be in residence here, as the place has been empty for quite some time." He makes a gesture to push the door open.

Spoiler:

However, Willie holds it firm. "You can't come in. I'm workin'."

From somewhere inside comes a man's voice, unknown to the visitors.

"Who's there, Willie?"

"Nobody. Just some kids playin' a prank, I guess." Willie shuts the door.

"Mysteries upon mysteries," Professor Stokes remarks. "Shall I knock again, until this other individual comes to confront us?"

Posted: **Wed Jun 16, 2021 10:49 am**

"It's worth a try," Maggie says.

Posted: **Thu Jun 17, 2021 3:11 am**

"Yes, let's keep knocking," says Victoria.

Posted: **Thu Jun 24, 2021 8:43 am**

It is impossible for anyone inside to ignore the continued knocking. After a while, the door is pulled open, with some violence, by a very tall man, dressed in black trousers and turtleneck sweater, who might be considered handsome were it not for the numerous scars that cover his face. His manner is brusque, to say the least.

"What do you want?"

Posted: **Thu Jun 24, 2021 11:10 pm**

"We're looking for Barbabas," says Maggie. "Tell him it's Maggie - he won't like it if you turn us away."

Posted: **Fri Jun 25, 2021 2:26 am**

"That's right," says Victoria. "He'll certainly want to talk to her."

Posted: **Fri Jun 25, 2021 9:40 am**

The fellow seems surprised, and perhaps a little concerned. He responds in a deep, slow voice, pronouncing each word with great care, as if English is new to him.

"Barnabas is safe. No one must harm Barnabas. You come inside."

The man gestures for them to enter and steps back, revealing an open door on the wall behind him. It's obvious that it leads downstairs, because only the upper half of Willie's body can be seen beyond it, facing the visitors.

"They ain't gonna hurt him, Adam. These are friends. You remember, don't you? Me and the doc are your friends, like I told you."

Willie seems anxious to avoid disturbing Adam, judging by his forced smile at the big man.

Posted: **Sat Jun 26, 2021 2:45 am**

"That's right, we're friends," says Victoria. "We just want to talk to Barnabas. He'll like what we have to say. We have good news."

Posted: **Sat Jun 26, 2021 9:01 am**

Adam leads the visitors downstairs, into what seems to be a well-equipped laboratory, full of electronic and medical equipment. There are two surgical tables, currently unoccupied, that are connected by wires and tubes to the equipment. Standing next to a control panel full of knobs and dials is Doctor Hoffman, busy adjusting them, so that she only reacts with a startled frown at the newcomers.

"Adam let 'em in," Willie tells her. "I didn't have nothin' to do with it."

In a dark corner stands Barnabas, observing Doctor Hoffman's manipulations closely.

"Never mind that," he says. "What's done is done. What matters now is that nothing must interfere with the procedure. Adam! You must make sure that they do no nothing to harm us. Do you understand?"

"Yes. They say they are friends. If they lie, I destroy them."

"It seems we have stumbled into a more serious situation than I expected," Professor Stokes remarks.

Posted: **Sat Jun 26, 2021 9:21 pm**

"Barnabas," says Victoria, "the professor here knows of a way your curse would be lifted, if that's what you want. Nobody would be hurt. In fact, it would give you true happiness. I know that, in spite of what you've become, there is still good in you. You are still capable of love." She glances over at Maggie and lets her continue.

Posted: **Sun Jun 27, 2021 1:28 am**

"It's about your love for Josette," Maggie says (Vix will be able to tell she's nervous about what she's saying). "Professor Stokes thinks love can save a vampire, and restore them. If you and I could... I mean it's a big thing to think of, but if it could help you, I would try."

Posted: **Sun Jun 27, 2021 9:23 am**

"Miss Evans," Barnabas begins in a somber tone, "I must beg your forgiveness for what must have seemed to be madness on my part. Indeed, I am certain that I was quite insane for a time. Certain actions on my part . . . They are without excuse.

"But that is over now, and, I trust, for all time." There is a note of quiet triumph in his voice. "When Doctor Hoffman's treatments began to fail--"

"That was quite beyond my control," Hoffman replies.

"So you say. In any case, not long after my conditioned worsened, I happened to discover this place, during my nocturnal wanderings. I found Adam. Poor, lonely, ignorant Adam. Two friendless creatures, we were drawn together by Fate, I am sure of it! And now we are bonded in a way that is of great benefit to both of us."

"The phenomenon is somewhat difficult to explain," Hoffman says, "and there is little time. You must allow us to proceed."

"Yes." Adam speaks in a voice grown weak. He shuffles to one of tables and lies down on it. Hoffman attaches a maze of wires to his head and arms. Barnabas lies upon the other table, and undergoes the same strange procedure.

"This part always gives me the creeps," Willie says.

"Never mind," Barnabas admonishes him. "Assist Doctor Hoffman."

"OK, OK, I'm doin' it."

While Willie keeps an eye on the gauges, Doctor Hoffman manipulates dials and switches, filling the room with crackling sounds and the smell of ozone.

Suddenly there is a blinding flash of light and a colossal roar, as if lightning has struck within the room. While fighting to see again, the visitors hear what sounds like heavy footsteps and breaking doors. When full vision returns, they see Doctor Hoffman on the floor, with Willie kneeling next to her, trying to wake her up. Barnabas lies still on the table. There is no sign of Adam, and the wires to which he was connected are torn to pieces.

Posted: **Sun Jun 27, 2021 10:50 pm**

Victoria hurries to Dr. Hoffman's side and tries to help her.

Posted: **Mon Jun 28, 2021 8:34 am**

Victoria manages to rouse Doctor Hoffman, who sits up in a daze.

"There must have been a power overload," she says weakly.

"I was watchin' all the dials and stuff, I swear it," Willie says. "You know I ain't no good with all this science stuff."

Doctor Hoffman manages to stand and stumble over to Barnabas, examining him closely.

"He's alive, if that's the proper term, but in a deep coma. Too much of his life energy must have been transferred to Adam."

"I told ya this was a crazy idea." Willie is close to moaning. "There's no tellin' what that big ox might do."

"It was the only way. This was an unpredictable accident."

"I might suggest," Professor Stokes begins, "that we find the fellow you call Adam, before he decides that he is in need of an Eve."

Posted: **Tue Jun 29, 2021 12:30 am**

"And someone should look after Barnabas," Maggie says.

Posted: **Tue Jun 29, 2021 3:03 am**

"Maybe Dr. Hoffman is best suited for that," says Victoria. "Let's go look for Adam. At least with his size, he'll leave large footprints."

Posted: **Tue Jun 29, 2021 8:41 am**

Spoiler:

Having made the suggestion, it is only fitting that Victoria is the one to spot the signs of Adam's path. From the way he has knocked down small bushes and trampled on flower beds, it's obvious that he's in a hurry. His trail leads to Collinwood.

"He might have gone to the Old House, the Mansion, the Rose Cottage, the gardens, or the forest," Professor Stokes observes. "Shall we announce ourselves and our curious errand to the Collins, or conduct our search sub rosa? Split up, or stay together?"

Posted: **Wed Jun 30, 2021 1:45 am**

"I think we should stay together," Maggie says nervously. "We should start with the mansion - there's no one to get hurt at the other paces."

Posted: **Wed Jun 30, 2021 2:27 am**

"I agree," says Victoria. "We should also announce ourselves. The Collinses need to be warned of the danger."

Posted: **Wed Jun 30, 2021 8:37 am**

"I see that both of you value discretion as a virtue," Professor Stokes remarks. "Let us proceed."

Arriving at the mansion, Stokes knocks on the front door. "Pity they never installed a doorbell at this place." There is no response for a while, so he knocks again. The door is answered by Roger Collins, who seems somewhat distracted. He holds a glass of amber liquid in his hand.

"Forgive this intrusion," Stokes says," but there have been reports that the vandal who was seen in Collinsport some time ago -- you recall, I'm sure, a very large fellow -- has been seen in the vicinity of Collinwood. The ladies and I were just enjoying some pleasant conversation and Miss Evans and I were escorting Miss Winters here, when we think we may have spotted the man."

"Come in, by all means." Roger takes a drink. "Tell me everything you know." He pauses for a moment. "No one here has seen Cassandra all day. You don't suppose something might have happened to her, do you? Perhaps the police--"

Elizabeth, who has been observing all this, says "There's no need to drag the authorities into this, at least not yet. Roger, I know how you feel about Cassandra, but you must admit that she's not the most predictable person in the world."

"Perhaps my charming companions can explain the situation better than I can," Stokes says, glancing at Maggie and Victoria. "My eyes and ears aren't what they used to be." Both women know this isn't true at all, so obviously he thinks they should decide how much to tell Roger and Elizabeth.

Posted: **Thu Jul 01, 2021 2:40 am**

"I think it's the same guy as broke the window at my place," Maggie says. "I don't think he's hurt anyone" - OOC: am I remembering that right? - "so the police might be overkill. But maybe if we find him we can find out what his deal is and if he needs help or something."

Posted: **Thu Jul 01, 2021 3:15 am**

"Yes," says Victoria, "but you might want to make sure your doors and windows are locked, just to be sure."

Posted: **Tue Jul 06, 2021 8:26 am**

"Very well," Roger replies. "If nothing else, I'm not going to allow my son to set one foot outside this house until the matter is resolved, one way or another. Professor Stokes, Miss Evans, perhaps you'd better spend the night here rather than risk running into the man."

David is greatly disappointed not to be allowed to go hunt for the fellow. Given the circumstances, everyone in the mansion has a restless night.

Spoiler:

During the middle of the night, both Victoria and Maggie are awakened by the sound of Cassandra's distinctive laughter, coming from somewhere outside. The two women run into each other in the hallway. Perring together through a narrow window, they see Cassandra and lawyer Tony Peterson in the garden. Judging by their gestures, they seem to be having an argument. Tony raises an arm and turns to stalk away, but then turns back around and walks slowly toward Cassandra. They embrace and share a passionate kiss. Then Tony shuffles away, seemingly in a daze, while Cassandra laughs again.

Posted: **Tue Jul 06, 2021 9:34 pm**

Victoria gasps quietly. "She's being unfaithful to Roger," she says to Maggie. "I suppose we'd best tell him, but will he believe us? I know he won't want to."

Posted: **Wed Jul 07, 2021 3:00 am**

"I think she's doing more than that," Maggie says. "The old car crash that Burke Devlin was put away for? I'm pretty sure Roger Collins was driving, and Peterson's digging it up. I figured it was for Burke, but it looks like it's for Cassandra."

Posted: **Wed Jul 07, 2021 9:36 am**

Adding to the mystery of Cassandra's behavior is the fact that she has not yet returned to the home of her husband and stepson, although she was clearly seen nearby. It is a matter of some delicacy as to how much of this information should be revealed to the Collins family, and in what manner.

After enjoying a hearty breakfast prepared by the capable Mrs. Sarah Johnson, a widow of middle years who serves the Collins as housekeeper, Professor Stokes expresses the opinion, when the Collins are not present to hear, that Mrs. Collins may have fallen victim to the missing Adam. (Apparently he is unaware of what happened in the middle of the night.) Like many of his social class, he does not consider it necessary to conceal his opinion from a servant.

"Who's this Adam?" Mrs. Johnson asks as she serves Professor Stokes another cup of coffee. "And if you ask me, Mrs. Collins went and fell off Widow's Hill, as so many have. You mark my words, they'll find her broken body on the rocks below the cliff. Not that I'd say so to Mrs. Stoddard or Mr. Collins. I keep myself to myself, I always say."

Posted: **Wed Jul 07, 2021 8:33 pm**

"We actually saw her out the window last night," Victoria says to Professor Stokes, "though who knows what she got up to afterward?"

Posted: **Thu Jul 08, 2021 8:17 am**

"Indeed," Professor Stokes remarks. "How very interesting. If our missing lady has not been taken away against her will, she must have some plan of her own. Tell me, what were her activities during the time you saw her? And should we break the good news to the anxious husband, given the fact that we cannot produce her?"

Posted: **Thu Jul 08, 2021 10:03 pm**

"She was with Tony Peterson, the lawyer," says Victoria. "As to what she was doing with him, well..." She blushes.

Posted: **Thu Jul 08, 2021 11:33 pm**

"She was doing what Vix just made it sound like," Maggie says. "It's trouble, but maybe not anything to do with Adam."

To Mrs Johnson's question about Adam, she says, "We think he's that guy who's been smashing windows."

Posted: **Fri Jul 09, 2021 8:37 am**

When Mrs. Johnson leaves the dining room with the dirty dishes, Professor Stokes remarks "Ah, the eternal triangle, eh? And Mrs. Collins is the hypotenuse, so to speak. And still a newlywed! I might suggest attempting to investigate her movements. Why return to Collinwood for an assignation with her paramour? And, if she is so confident that she dare betray her husband under his very nose, why is she absent from the premises save during these clandestine meetings? There is more here than mere matters of gossip."

When Mrs. Johnson returns to reset the table for the midday meal, having heard nothing of Cassandra's apparent affair, she directs a question at the group.

"How do you know the fellow's name, anyway? Are you acquainted with him? If you know something about the man that you're not saying, you better tell it to the constable. I won't have a decent night's sleep until that maniac is locked up!"

Disregarding the question, Professor Stokes takes his leave, leaving it to the others to explain.

Posted: **Fri Jul 09, 2021 9:51 pm**

"Willie referred to him as Adam," says Victoria.

Posted: **Sat Jul 10, 2021 8:44 am**

"And what does that Willie Loomis have to do with all this? I wouldn't trust that rascal as far as I could throw him! He works over at the Old House for Mister Barnabas and the lady doctor, doesn't he? As soon as I'm done cleaning up, I'm going to go over there and give him a piece of my mind!"

Whether this plan is going to be carried out or not remains to be seen. A knock at the door interrupts Mrs. Johnson's tirade. She opens it to reveal a man she doesn't recognize.

"Good morning. I'm Nicholas Blair. I presume you've been expecting me."

"Can't say as I have," Mrs. Johnson replies, "and Mrs. Stoddard lets me know about all the folks supposed to be here. What's your business?"

"Well, I simply assumed my sister told everyone about me."

"And who might she be?"

"Why, Cassandra Blair. The former Cassandra Blair, that is. May I see her? I wasn't able to attend the wedding, which I hear was a simple affair at the Justice of the Peace."

Mrs. Johnson doesn't answer, apparently unsure how to tell Nicholas that his sister is missing. While waiting for an answer, or at least to be granted admission, Nicholas glances at the two ladies at the dining table, offering them a smile.

Posted: **Sat Jul 10, 2021 6:48 pm**

"Good morning," says Victoria, smiling back. "I'm Victoria Winters, the governess, and this is my friend Maggie Evans."

Posted: **Sun Jul 11, 2021 3:32 am**

"Hi," Maggies says. "I don't live here either."

Posted: **Sun Jul 11, 2021 9:51 am**

"Charmed," the man replies, smiling warmly. He takes the greetings of the young women as an invitation to enter, stepping around Mrs Johnson gracefully. At this time, Roger, Elizabeth, David, and Carolyn come down the stairs, evidently having planned on a later breakfast.

"This fellow claims to be Mrs. Collins' brother," Mrs. Johnson tells them.

"Really, Madam, you make me sound like a common criminal." After introductions are made, perhaps somewhat awkwardly, he announces, "I have a feeling my sister will arrive at any moment."

Almost as soon as the words are out of his mouth, Cassandra comes in the front door, looking somewhat disheveled and tired. She runs to Roger and embraces him, to his surprise and evident pleasure.

"Oh, darling, can you ever forgive me? I was in one of my silly moods. I just had to get away for a while, out into the woods by myself, all night long."

After assuring her that he understands, Cassandra turns to face Nicholas. "I -- I was not expecting you," she says weakly. "I think I'll go up to my room and rest."

"I'll escort you," Nicholas says, taking her arm. "We have so much to talk about." They go upstairs together.

"They're both weird," David says.

As Roger and Elizabeth scold him for his rudeness, Carolyn joins the other two women. Mrs. Johnson withdraws to prepare breakfast for the family.

"For once I agree with the little creep," Carolyn says quietly. "Treating Uncle Roger that way! And he puts up with her. Oh, well, I guess love really is blind, deaf, and dumb."

Posted: **Sun Jul 11, 2021 3:45 pm**

"You've got that right," says Victoria. "She was lying to him, too. She wasn't alone."

Posted: **Mon Jul 12, 2021 8:28 am**

"Really?" Carolyn leans closer to the other two women. "Well, spill it, girls. I've love to to get something on my dear old step-aunt."

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

After some time passes, Nicholas Blair returns from upstairs.

"I've had a nice little chat with my sister. I don't think she'll pull any more disappearing acts, Mister Collins. She's always been an emotional creature, you know. Mrs. Stoddard, thank you for your hospitality. I've taken a place in town, so I won't be intruding on you uninvited again. Good day, all."

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Later that evening, the phone rings at the mansion. Mrs. Stoddard answers.

"It's that eccentric fellow Professor Stokes, asking for you, Vicki." (Mrs. Stoddard has recently become less formal with her nephew's governess.)

Taking the call, Victoria learns that Stokes has observed Nicholas Blair at the House by the Sea.

"I believe he saw me glancing his way, so I daren't go near the place for a while, just in case he's up to something. Can't imagine why Mrs. Collins' brother would be there. Any ideas?"

After the call is completed, Mrs. Stoddard says "It's probably none of my business, but can you tell me what in the world he wanted to talk to you about? He's older than I am, dear, hardly the usual company for a young girl."

Posted: **Tue Jul 13, 2021 1:24 am**

"She was with the lawyer, Tony Peterson," Victoria tells Carolyn.

Later, when Professor Stokes calls, Victoria says "Maybe Maggie and I should pay a visit." After the call, she tells Elizabeth "My interest in Professor Stokes is purely intellectual. He's knowledgeable about a variety of subjects. It's important for me to keep up my education if I'm to teach. As for the call just now, he told me that he spotted your new brother-in-law at the House by the Sea."

Posted: **Tue Jul 13, 2021 2:23 am**

"I think we should," Maggie says in response to Vix's suggestion.

"Same for me," she says to Elizabeth's question. "I mean, I'm not going to be teaching anyone, but I do want to expand my horizons a bit."

When she and Vix are next alone - whether that's on the way to the House by the Sea or not - she expands on what she said the previous night. "I ran into Tony Peterson on my doorstep, haranguing Dad about the car crash, saying he was lying. The night it happened, he was... well, Dad drinks a lot, and gets confused sometimes... Roger Collins made him say it was Burke driving, and went on at him till he pretty much believed it. But I'm sure it was Roger. I saw Peterson with Burke, so I thought he was working for him. But if he's with Cassandra, then maybe he was just asking Burke questions. And if Cassandra can get Roger put away, she gets all this to herself."

Posted: **Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:48 am**

Mr. Handy wrote: ↑Tue Jul 13, 2021 1:24 am
"She was with the lawyer, Tony Peterson," Victoria tells Carolyn.

"Really. Probably trying to arrange for some kind of way to get her hands on everything Uncle Roger has. Well, if that's her little game, she's barking up the wrong tree. Mother controls the purse strings, and batting her baby blues at some shyster isn't going to do her any good. He is kind of cute, though. I might go for him myself."

Later, when Professor Stokes calls, Victoria says "Maybe Maggie and I should pay a visit." After the call, she tells Elizabeth "My interest in Professor Stokes is purely intellectual. He's knowledgeable about a variety of subjects. It's important for me to keep up my education if I'm to teach. As for the call just now, he told me that he spotted your new brother-in-law at the House by the Sea."

"That's very strange. That place has been deserted for years. Hardly a fit place for anyone to live, without some major renovations, like those cousin Barnabas had done for the Old House. And you know how much time, trouble, and money that took. Perhaps he has this Loomis fellow working for him as well. Let me know if you ever run into the man."

Left unspoken is the fact that Elizabeth hasn't left the grounds of Collinwood for nearly two decades, ever since her husband vanished.

Posted: **Tue Jul 13, 2021 9:53 am**

At the House by the Sea one day, the two women note that not much has changed since the last time they were there. The curtains are still drawn over all the windows. The only thing different is that the beach sand near the place has been disturbed by much coming and going. There are also tire tracks, left by a large vehicle that must have been there recently.

Posted: **Wed Jul 14, 2021 1:53 am**

"Let's see which way the tire tracks go," suggests Victoria, "and how far we can follow them."

Posted: **Wed Jul 14, 2021 8:12 am**

It is a simple matter to follow the tire tracks back into town, where they lead to the Collinsport Furniture and Moving Company. The vehicle that left the tracks is a moving van of moderate size, now parked outside the company's small warehouse. The office is located next door.

Posted: **Thu Jul 15, 2021 1:19 am**

"Let's try the office and see if we can find out who rented the van," says Victoria.

Posted: **Sun Jul 18, 2021 10:39 pm**

"And if they were delivering or collecting," Maggie adds.

Posted: **Thu Jul 22, 2021 9:23 am**

The office is manned by a couple of ordinary-looking working men, not currently very busy. Eager for some pleasant company, they are willing to discuss their recently completed task.

"Yeah, moved in a bunch of stuff for a guy called Blair. Heavy furniture, all the way from Massachusetts. My muscles still ache."

"Some nice antiques, too. Fella must be loaded. Understand he bought the place outright, cash money."

"Kind of fussy. Kept watching us, made sure we didn't harm anything. Heck, we're old pros, he didn't need to do that."

"No skin off my nose. Got paid double for a rush job. You gals friends of his?"

Posted: **Fri Jul 23, 2021 2:59 am**

"I don't know him by name," says Victoria. "What does he look like?"

Posted: **Fri Jul 23, 2021 9:18 am**

"Kind of a small, slender guy. Got a mustache, dark hair. Snappy dresser. Bit of a lounge lizard, if you ask me. The dame hangin' around the place was a decent looker, but not very friendly. Why you askin'? Need a boyfriend? I ain't doin' nothin' Saturday night if you need a date."

"Sure," says his coworker. "Make it a double date with your gal pal there. Have a few beers, some laughs."

Posted: **Fri Jul 23, 2021 10:24 pm**

(Are then attractive at all)

"What did the girl look like?" Maggie asks. "She competition for us?"

Posted: **Sat Jul 24, 2021 1:48 am**

"I'm afraid I'm a little too young to drink beer," says Victoria.

Posted: **Sat Jul 24, 2021 10:11 am**

SunlessNick wrote: ↑Fri Jul 23, 2021 10:24 pm

(Are then attractive at all)

"What did the girl look like?" Maggie asks. "She competition for us?"

Spoiler:

"Let's see; she was black-haired, but had these really big, pale blue eyes. Pretty, but not exactly my type. The Ice Queen, you know? I go for the down-to-earth kind," one of the fellow says, with a wink.

Posted: **Sat Jul 24, 2021 10:12 am**

Mr. Handy wrote: ↑Sat Jul 24, 2021 1:48 am

"I'm afraid I'm a little too young to drink beer," says Victoria.

"Just my luck. Give me a call when you hit the big twenty-one, kid," the other fellow says, losing interest.

Posted: **Sat Jul 24, 2021 7:05 pm**

"Thank you for your help," says Victoria.

Posted: **Sun Jul 25, 2021 9:16 am**

As the conversation winds down, the sound of screeching tires, followed by the shriek of crashing metal, comes from outside the office.

"Sounds like an accident," one of the men says. "I'll call the cops. Hope nobody's hurt." As he makes the call, the other jumps up to take a look outside.

"Looks like a car ran into some guy, but he's still standing. The car's a mess. Freak accident, I guess."

Posted: **Sun Jul 25, 2021 12:46 pm**

Maggie takes a look outside (a little worried that the guy is going to turn out to be Barnabas or Adam).

Posted: **Sun Jul 25, 2021 3:58 pm**

"Someone could be hurt!" says Victoria. "I'd better get out there, I know first aid." She hurries outside. It being daytime, she's confident that it's not Barnabas, though she thinks it could very well be Adam.

Posted: **Mon Jul 26, 2021 9:03 am**

Both women are quite correct, as it is obviously the huge, hulking Adam. He seems completely unhurt, other than the numerous scars on his faces and hands that were seen before. The guy driving the car gets out of his vehicle, also without any obvious injuries, although he seems a little shaken.

"What are you, nuts or something? You jumped out right in front of me!"

Adam's response to this is to lift up the front of the man's car with one hand and hurl it to the side. As the one police car in Collinsport approaches, siren blaring, he runs off in the opposite direction.

Posted: **Mon Jul 26, 2021 10:20 pm**

"Now's our chance to follow him and see where he goes," Victoria says to Maggie.

Posted: **Mon Jul 26, 2021 11:38 pm**

Maggie seems less than thrilled at this idea, but goes along with it.

Posted: **Tue Jul 27, 2021 9:13 am**

Making no attempt to conceal his path, indicated by the knocking over of newspaper stands and the like as he escapes, Adam leaves a clear trail. Despite his great size, he runs very quickly, so the women fall behind. Eventually, his footprints in the sand of the beach lead to the seashore just below Widow's Hill, and from there into the sea cave at the base of the cliff. The cave runs quite a way into the hill, and quickly grows dark inside.

Posted: **Tue Jul 27, 2021 4:43 pm**

"That's the cave I found and got stuck in," says Victoria, "where you rescued me. If he can climb up the slope, he could get into the Collins house from there. We'd need some light to see in there, and I don't think we're equipped to take him on if he sees us. But now we know where he's hiding. We should consult with Professor Stokes and let him know what we've learned."

Posted: **Wed Jul 28, 2021 8:33 am**

Trusting that discretion is the better part of valor, the women retreat, consulting with Professor Stokes when they have a chance.

"Most interesting. From what you've told me, there is some connection between Barnabas and this fellow Adam. Some flow of the life force, perhaps. The fact that Mister Blair now occupies the House by the Sea suggests that he is involved somehow. Do you suppose there might be some way to inveigle the fellow into extending an invitation? Either directly, or through his sister? I think a glance about the place would be most enlightening."

Posted: **Wed Jul 28, 2021 5:50 pm**

"Can he even fit in there?" Maggie asks of the cave, a tinge of vicarious claustrophobia making her shudder.

Later on, with the professor, she suggests that she could keep an eye out at the diner and see if he socialises with anyone - "There aren't too many places to hang out - where I work and where I go with Burke are about it."

Posted: **Thu Jul 29, 2021 2:16 am**

"I'm not sure if he can fit up the slope or not," says Victoria. "Even if he can, it's not easy to climb up it. That could be a way to approach him without him expecting it if we have to do it, but we'd need a rope to make sure we can get back out that way. We could try to get an invitation to the house from Mr. Blair or his sister. I can hang out with Maggie at the diner to see with whom he goes there."

Posted: **Thu Aug 05, 2021 9:11 am**

After a few days, it becomes clear that Nicholas Blair never shows up at the diner or the Blue Whale. Cassandra Collins is a frequent visitor at the House by the Sea, but otherwise spends most of her time at Collinwood, as if she is settling into domesticity.

On a certain occasion, Nicholas shows up at Collinwood and offers Victoria the chance to visit the House by the Sea.

"And bring your charming young friend as well," he adds. "There can never be too many pretty faces around the place."

Posted: **Fri Aug 06, 2021 2:18 am**

"Thank you!" says Victoria. "I'd be happy to come visit, and I'm sure Maggie would too."

Posted: **Fri Aug 06, 2021 9:44 am**

The evening in question proves to be a very simple dinner party, with only Nicholas and Cassandra present other than their guests. Nicholas is talkative, pointing the many antiques that fill the room, while Cassandra is mostly silent. As the night grows late, and the guests prepare to leave, they find that the door is somehow locked in a way that prevents them from exiting.

"I'm sorry," Cassandra says. "He has power over me."

"That will be enough out of you for tonight," Nicholas says. "Now, ladies, if you'll come downstairs."

A heavy door leading down into darkness opens, as if of its own accord.

Posted: **Sat Aug 07, 2021 2:37 am**

"What's down there?" asks Victoria, starting to get very worried.

Posted: **Sat Aug 07, 2021 9:15 am**

"The future of the human race," Nicholas says with a smile.

"Does it have to be them?" Cassandra looks at him sadly.

"Either them, or you, my dear, and I don't believe you're that noble. Now, will you enter the laboratory, or will there be need of force?"

Posted: **Sat Aug 07, 2021 4:25 pm**

"What are you going to do to us?" asks Victoria.

Posted: **Sat Aug 07, 2021 11:28 pm**

Maggie keeps trying the door,even though it's locked. "What's down there, really?" she asks, echoing Vix's question.

Posted: **Sun Aug 08, 2021 8:44 am**

"I will not tolerate any delay," Nicholas says. "Very well. We shall do this the hard way."

He turns to face the open door.

"Adam! Come up here! I have work for you."

There is the sound of slow, heavy footsteps coming up from the basement.

Posted: **Sun Aug 08, 2021 5:49 pm**

"Please," says Victoria desperately to Cassandra, "don't let him do this! You've got to help us!"

Posted: **Mon Aug 09, 2021 8:56 am**

Seemingly moved by Victoria's plea, Cassandra seizes Nicholas by the arm.

"Why them? I only wanted revenge on the Collins."

"Your petty little affairs are of no longer of any concern to me, my dear," Nicholas retorts, pushing her away. "Did you really think that I came here just to help you? I have far more important concerns. Now stand aside, or you know what I can do to you. Turnabout is fair play, you know, for what you did so very long ago."

At this threat, she draws back, behaving in an odd manner, touching her mouth and running to the nearest mirror to examine herself.

"Don't worry," Nicholas continues, "you're still safe enough, as long as you co-operate with my project."

By this time, Adam has emerged from the basement.

"Seize them!"

He obeys, grabbing each of the women by the arm and pulling her down to the basement.

Posted: **Tue Aug 10, 2021 1:42 am**

"HELP!" screams Victoria, struggling and dragging her feet to no avail. "Adam, let us go!"

Posted: **Tue Aug 10, 2021 9:33 am**

Spoiler:

Adam seems to briefly hesitate, staring at Victoria with innocent curiosity, but when Nicholas shouts at hIm, "Now! You don't want to be punished, do you?"

In a very deep voice, Adam answers "No" and pulls the women downstairs.

At the bottom of the stairs is a bizarre scene. Barnabas, Doctor Hoffman, and Willie stand near a control panel full of knobs and switches, all three appearing anxious. There are two tables connected to the control panel through all kinds of wires and tubes. One is empty. Upon the other is what one might call a strikingly beautiful woman, very tall, with flaming red hair, if it were not for the fact that she is obviously dead.

"This is madness," Doctor Hoffman whispers.

"I've kept my part of the bargain, Doctor" Nicholas replies. "I've transferred enough of your gentleman friend's life energy to cure him of his little problem. Now you assist me with my project, or face the consequences."

"Whatever you say, mister," Willie says. "I don't want no trouble."

"Wise fellow."

While this is going on, Cassandra walks quietly down the stairs. Seeing her, Barnabas says "Why did you have to return? Haven't you tortured me enough? Haven't you had your revenge?"

"You can have your reunion later," Nicholas says. "For now, let's begin. Which one of you ladies wishes to go first? Or shall I choose?"

Posted: **Wed Aug 11, 2021 2:42 am**

"Barnabas, please help us!" Maggie begs.

"Me!" she says to Nicholas, "Me, don't hurt Vix!"

Posted: **Wed Aug 11, 2021 3:25 am**

"You don't have to hurt either one of us!" says Victoria. "There's a better way, Barnabas! I know you love Maggie, and you won't let anything happen to her. She is Josette returned to you. The curse can be lifted, if she comes to love you in turn."

Posted: **Wed Aug 11, 2021 8:20 am**

Impelled by Maggie's entreaty, and perhaps by the hope, no matter how impossible it seems, that he may be freed from his curse without the need to serve as the slave of Nicholas Blair, Barnabas launches himself at the man. They struggle, hand to hand, bumping against equipment as they fight.

Spoiler:

So far, the two combatants fail to harm each other. Instead, in a violent mockery of a dance, they grab each other and wander about the room in, struggling to break the other's will.

Spoiler:

In this mad combat, both men stumble together, landing against the control panel, knocking Doctor Hoffman to the floor. She bumps into Willie, who falls back against a series of switches and dials. Sparks fly everywhere, and the room fills with blinding light, as blue-white arcs of electricity flow from the control panel to the woman on the table. She jerks up, every muscle in her body twitching wildly, and screams, sounding more like an animal than a human being.

"Fools! All of you, fools!" Nicholas points at the horrified Cassandra. "I could have created a race to replace the puny human species. And it all started with your little plot for revenge, my dear. Taste your own curse!"

A strange power, unseen yet somehow sensed, seems to come from Nicholas' hand, seizing Cassandra in its grip. She shrieks "No! No!" Raising her hand to her mouth, she feels two long, sharp fangs appear.

"You won't be able to resist your thirst much longer, my dear, with a room full of young, innocent blood."

Meanwhile, the revived woman rises from the table, walking around in a seeming daze. Adam walks toward her, but she screams angrily at him, and begins lashing out in all directions, heedless of who she might strike.

"Lemme outta here, lemme outta here," Willie wails.

"None of you will leave this room alive," Nicholas promises.

Posted: **Thu Aug 12, 2021 1:51 am**

"Stay behind me, Maggie," says Victoria, clutching her crucifix. "I can keep the vampire at bay if she comes toward us."

Posted: **Thu Aug 12, 2021 5:47 pm**

Maggie does what Vix says, as well as looking toward the door, figuring their odds of getting out.

Posted: **Thu Aug 19, 2021 9:55 am**

Spoiler:

Screaming and lashing out blindly, the woman strikes at Nicholas with a glancing blow, knocking him back on his feet and drawing blood from his forehead.

Spoiler:

Drawn by the sight of blood, Cassandra lashes out at the stunned Nicholas, sinking her fangs into his throat, from which blood flows copiously. Nicholas faints dead away, and Cassandra turns, her eyes bloodshot and mouth covered with blood.

Posted: **Fri Aug 20, 2021 12:55 am**

Maggie grabs Vix and makes a run for the door, calling out to Barnabas and Julia to follow.

Posted: **Fri Aug 20, 2021 2:43 am**

Victoria runs for the exit with Maggie, keeping the crucifix covered while Barnabas is near, but ready to display it if one of the other vampires approaches.

Posted: **Fri Aug 20, 2021 10:09 am**

Spoiler:

Posted: **Fri Aug 20, 2021 10:12 am**

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote: ↑Fri Aug 20, 2021 10:09 am
Spoiler:
STR 9 X 22d20

Driven to an unusual feat of strength by sheer panic, Maggie manages to break the door's lock. Cassandra, lured by the easiest victim of her bloodlust, approaches the cowering Willie.

Spoiler:

With a scream of "No! Not again!" Willie faints dead away.

Barnabas attempts to keep Cassandra away from Willie, shouting, "I should relish your suffering as I have suffered, but I will not let you do this!"

Spoiler:

To no avail, for Cassandra easily knocks him to the floor, where he hits his head and is knocked unconscious.

Off in a corner, a stunned Doctor Hoffman mutters to herself something about "life force." Meanwhile, the woman and Adam stare at each other, he with a look of curious interest, she with disdain.

Posted: **Sat Aug 21, 2021 2:34 am**

"Get away from him!" Victoria commands Cassandra, holding out her crucifix to keep her at bay and force her to back away from Barnabas. She hopes it won't hurt him while he's unconscious.

Posted: **Sat Aug 21, 2021 4:56 am**

Maggie freezes a moment, unsure whether to run to Barnabas or Willie - but chooses Barnabas, trying to shake him awake.

Posted: **Sat Aug 21, 2021 9:22 am**

Shrieking with pain at the sight of the crucifix, Cassandra turns away, facing the wall.

Barely reviving from a state of unconsciousness, Barnabas gazes into Maggie's eyes and says weakly, "Josette . . . flee . . . Angelique . . ."

Speaking softly, with a trembling voice, Doctor Hoffman addresses Adam.

"Adam. Bring her to the machine. Do you understand?"

Spoiler:

Adam nods, and attempts to grab the woman by the arm.

Spoiler:

The woman resists him, pushing him away with great force. Meanwhile, Doctor Hoffman works with the half-ruined equipment.

Spoiler:

"I've fixed it! Transferring the life force is our only hope!"

Posted: **Sat Aug 21, 2021 5:17 pm**

"There's another way, a better way," says Victoria. "True love has the power."

Posted: **Sun Aug 22, 2021 3:15 am**

"Barnabas, we have to get out of here," pleads Maggie.

Posted: **Sun Aug 22, 2021 10:45 am**

Barely able to walk, Barnabas heeds Maggie's words and attempts to aid her.

Spoiler:

Due to his weakened condition, he is unable to be of much help.

"If Adam could be persuaded . . ." he begins, too exhausted to continue.

Posted: **Sun Aug 22, 2021 3:37 pm**

"Adam, please!" calls Victoria. "You don't have to listen to what they tell you to do! You are free, do you understand? You can make your own decisions! You don't have to stay here! You can leave this place and go wherever you want!"

Posted: **Mon Aug 23, 2021 1:28 am**

"You saw me before, Adam, right?" Maggie adds. "And you didn't hurt me. You're not like them."

Posted: **Mon Aug 23, 2021 9:42 am**

Mr. Handy wrote: ↑Sun Aug 22, 2021 3:37 pm

"Adam, please!" calls Victoria. "You don't have to listen to what they tell you to do! You are free, do you understand? You can make your own decisions! You don't have to stay here! You can leave this place and go wherever you want!"

I thought Maggie already broke down the door.

Spoiler:

Posted: **Mon Aug 23, 2021 9:43 am**

Spoiler:

Posted: **Mon Aug 23, 2021 9:46 am**

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote: ↑Mon Aug 23, 2021 9:43 am
Spoiler:
cha rolld20

Despite Victoria's entreaties, Adam does not seem persuaded. His attention seems entirely focused on the woman.

"Stay," he pleads with her.

Spoiler:

Instead of responding, the woman snarls at him and lashes out.

Spoiler:

The blow is not a very serious one, although a bruise forms on Adam's scarred face. Enraged, he lunges at her.

Spoiler:

She is quick to dodge out of his way, barely escaping his fists.

Spoiler:

Suddenly, his mood changes when he hears Maggie's plea. He turns to her and approaches.

"Run, Josette," cries Barnabas weakly. "Escape while you can! Leave Angelique and I to our mutual destruction!"

Posted: **Tue Aug 24, 2021 4:05 am**

"I... I can't do that," Maggie says - she isn't Josette, but something about Barnabas touches her - and she'd never forgive herself if she left him. She tries to help him up, torn as to whether to ask Vix for help (or to help Willie) or let her run.

Posted: **Tue Aug 24, 2021 4:27 am**

"You're coming with us, Barnabas," says Victoria. She tries to revive Willie so that he can help them carry Barnabas, though if he can't be awakened, she'll help carry him herself.

Posted: **Tue Aug 24, 2021 8:08 am**

Spoiler:

Victoria is able to revive Willie. He sees that Barnabas is greatly weakened, so he carries him outside to (relative) safety. (Willie's attitude towards Barnabas is a curious mixture of fear and respect, but there's hardly time to wonder about that now.)

Posted: **Tue Aug 24, 2021 8:32 am**

Meanwhile, a pair of battles rage.

Adam and the unknown woman struggle hand-to-hand, growling at each other wordlessly.

Spoiler:

Adam strikes the woman harshly upon the mouth, drawing blood and knocking her back a few steps. Then, as if their rage is transformed in an instant into other emotions, the woman begins to sob shamelessly, and Adam whines, as if pleading for forgiveness.

At the same time, Cassandra, her bloodlust unsated, lunges at Doctor Hoffman. The intended victim lifts an object that hangs around her neck to ward her off; not a cross, as one might think, but the large, multi-colored bauble she always wears.

Spoiler:

Whatever Doctor Hoffman intended by this gesture, it has had no effect, and Cassandra continues to attack.

Spoiler:

Doctor Hoffman just barely manages to leap aside as Cassandra grabs at her throat. Cassandra hisses with fury at being frustrated.

Posted: **Wed Aug 25, 2021 1:53 am**

"What about Dr. Hoffman?" asks Victoria. "She's still down there."

Posted: **Wed Aug 25, 2021 5:00 am**

"Julia!" Maggie screams. She looks around for something that might be able to ward off Cassandra.

Posted: **Wed Aug 25, 2021 5:37 am**

"I have my crucifix," says Victoria, brandishing it to force Cassandra to back away from Dr. Hoffman.

Posted: **Wed Aug 25, 2021 10:58 am**

As before, Cassandra turns away from the holy object with cries of pain. Doctor Hoffman rushes to join the others, leaving Adam and the woman behind.

"Lock them inside!" Doctor Hoffman cries.

Posted: **Thu Aug 26, 2021 4:01 am**

"What about Adam?" asks Victoria. "He'll be trapped down there with them! I don't think he really understands what's going on. He's like a baby. A very big, very strong baby who doesn't know his own strength, but still. It hardly seems right to abandon him."

Posted: **Thu Aug 26, 2021 4:26 pm**

Maggie goes to do what Julia says, but hesitates at Vix's words. "Adam, come on!" she screams.

Posted: **Thu Sep 02, 2021 10:18 am**

Spoiler:

Posted: **Thu Sep 02, 2021 10:21 am**

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote: ↑Thu Sep 02, 2021 10:18 am
Spoiler:
cha rolld20

Drawn by the sound of Maggie's voice, Adam approaches her, holding his hands out to her.

"This is a very dangerous game you're playing," Doctor Hoffman warns.

Meanwhile, left together, Carolyn and the woman fight each other like enraged wild animals, neither one able to overcome the other.

Posted: **Fri Sep 03, 2021 2:28 am**

As soon as Adam is out, Maggie slams the door, shutting the two combattants inside. "Can we lock it?" she asks.

Posted: **Fri Sep 03, 2021 3:19 am**

"I think we'd better," says Victoria. "We can return in the morning, better equipped and with help. Then we'll have the sun on our side. It can restore a newly turned vampire to humanity, or it can destroy one that's older. But we need to get Barnabas somewhere safe before dawn. The only way he can be restored at this point is through true love, and that sometimes takes time."

Posted: **Fri Sep 03, 2021 8:52 am**

Once things have settled down a bit, Doctor Hoffman hurriedly offers some information.

"Barnabas is free from the symptoms of his . . . condition as long as Adam is safe. It's much too complicated to explain now, but, in essence, enough of the life force has been transferred to restore Barnabas to a normal state, while keeping Adam alive. We've got to keep Adam away from prying eyes, and make sure he doesn't get into any more trouble."

Barnabas weakly agrees by nodding his head, while Willie stands by, clearly badly shaken. Adam follows Maggie around mutely. Meanwhile, crashing and snarling sounds come from beyond the locked door.

Posted: **Sat Sep 04, 2021 1:32 am**

"Then it's doubly good we got Adam out of there," says Victoria. "We should barricade the door, just in case it doesn't hold."

Posted: **Sat Sep 04, 2021 3:07 am**

Maggie nods and looks around for stuff to wedge against the door.

Posted: **Sat Sep 04, 2021 10:11 am**

There is plenty of heavy furniture around the place to create a strong barricade, and to block out the sound of battle going on beyond the door. Adam, eager to please, at least for the moment, easily lifts even the heaviest objects and places them where directed to do so.

"What are we gonna tell Mister Collins?" Willie asks nervously. "He'll be real upset if his wife and the guy claiming to be her brother just disappear, maybe get the cops involved.

"That is a problem," Doctor Hoffman remarks. "If the police decide to search this house . . ."

Posted: **Sat Sep 04, 2021 5:13 pm**

"What if he could be made to think that he wasn't really her brother, and that the two of them just ran off together and left town?" asks Victoria. "Without any idea of where they went, he'd never be able to track them down, and if he tried, he wouldn't be looking around here. I'm no good at lying, though."

Posted: **Sun Sep 05, 2021 4:31 am**

"I'm not either," Maggie says, "but it sounds like the best idea."

Posted: **Sun Sep 05, 2021 9:33 am**

Spoiler:

Perhaps to their surprise, when they confront Roger with this story, which takes some courage, he does not seem entirely surprised.

"I knew there was something going on," he confesses, after taking a large drink of whiskey. "But I thought it was with that damned lawyer. Cassandra is a very . . . passionate woman. I suppose she can't help herself. I seem doomed to be an utter failure at matrimony." He continues to drink heavily.

Time passes. The lawyer, Tony Peterson, seems to have vanished.

"Probably left town after Cassandra tossed him away for another plaything," Roger remarks bitterly.

The only other unusual event during this time is the discovery of the body of an unknown woman in the sea cave at the bottom of Widow's Hill. The police have been unable to identify her.

Posted: **Sun Sep 05, 2021 8:44 pm**

"I wonder whose body that was," says Victoria to Maggie, not certain whether it was Cassandra or the other woman. Whoever it was, someone had gotten her out of the basement and moved her to the cave. "No doubt they believe she went over Widow's Hill and the tide washed her into the cave."

Posted: **Mon Sep 06, 2021 2:11 am**

Have there been rumours at the diner of anyone going missing?

Posted: **Mon Sep 06, 2021 9:20 am**

There is, of course, much talk about the mysterious dead woman. The only persons known to be missing are Cassandra Collins, Nicholas Blair, and Tony Peterson. The common opinion is that Cassandra ran off with Tony, and that Nicholas went back to wherever he came from, eager to avoid hearing the gossip about his sister. (Most of the locals, of course, greatly enjoy any juicy stories that involve the Collins.)

After some time, the police finally resort to publishing a sketch of the dead woman, hoping that someone can identify her. (A photograph would be too gruesome to publish in a family newspaper, so a police artist produces a portrait of what she must have looked like in life.) When Victoria and Maggie see the portrait, they instantly recognize her as the unknown woman in the basement of the House by the Sea. It is a tricky question to decide if they should mention this to anyone, or keep it quiet.

Posted: **Mon Sep 06, 2021 4:47 pm**

"Let's talk to Professor Stokes first," Victoria suggests to Maggie. "We need to tell him what happened, and maybe he'll know what to do."

Posted: **Tue Sep 07, 2021 3:32 am**

"Agreed. Too many people looking into her might come back on Barnabas and Adam."

(At some point in the aftermath of events in the cellar, Maggie will make a point of checking how Willie is doing, feeling guilty about the moment where she ran to Barnabas rather than him. Afterwards, since it's in her mind, she'll mention it to Vix, wondering if this might be some progress toward being enough love to cure Barnabas)

Posted: **Tue Sep 07, 2021 4:13 am**

"I'm not sure," says Victoria, "but it's a good start. I've always wanted to fall in love, but I haven't yet, so I don't really know what it feels like."

Posted: **Tue Sep 07, 2021 9:16 am**

A conference is arranged with Professor Stokes, as well as with Doctor Hoffman, who seems to more about the situation than she has heretofore revealed. Although their presence would be helpful, Barnabas and Willie have their hands full taking care of Adam, educating him in the basics of human behavior, and ensuring that he doesn't get into any mischief.

After much discussion, and not a little pressure from Professor Stokes, who knows something about Doctor Hoffman's previous questionable activities at Windcliff Sanitarium, the story comes out, at least in outline.

"Doctor Lang was obsessed with reanimating the dead. He . . . assembled Adam, but needed to supply him with the life force. I knew that Barnabas possessed an excess of this force, due to his . . . condition. It seemed like transferring it from Barnabas to Adam would kill two birds with one stone. I'm sorry, that's a poor choice of words. But Adam was impossible to control, at first. He . . . killed Lang before Barnabas could capture him, due to their special connection.

"I thought that would be the end of it, until Nicholas Blair showed up, with his mad scheme to create a mate for Adam. That man had some strange power over the woman he claimed was his sister, and Barnabas was terrified of both of them. He convinced to help Blair, which I now greatly regret. You saw what happened next. Blair was going to take the life force from either Miss Winters or Miss Evans , or perhaps both, and make his female creation invincible. How he was able to . . . transform Cassandra into what she is now, I don't know. Obviously, the two fought to the death, and Cassandra won. She must have hidden the body in the sea cave, proving that she not only managed to escape the House by the Sea, but that she possesses the strength of one in her condition, as well as all the cunning Barnabas claims she had when he knew her, long ago."

After much thought, Professor Stokes replies, "An extraordinary story. Now that the woman -- I presume that Blair would have named her Eve, in a mockery of Scripture -- has been destroyed, there is no possibility of treating her in the same manner as Barnabas Collins, by transferring the life force. If what Barnabas hints at is true, Cassandra is far more experienced with the dark world of the occult than the unfortunate Miss Stoddard, and will not be so easy to subdue. And I am not entirely convinced that we have heard the last of Mister Blair. Has anyone actually seen his body, since the events at the House by the Sea?"

Posted: **Tue Sep 07, 2021 4:40 pm**

"Not I," says Victoria. "The only body found was that of the woman. Nicholas Blair could be alive...or undead. Cassandra could have transformed him into another of her kind."

Posted: **Wed Sep 08, 2021 4:36 am**

"Barnabas called her something else," Maggie says. "The way he sometimes calls me Josette. Angelique, that was it. He told me to 'leave him and Angelique to their mutual destruction.' Does that name mean anything to anyone?"

Posted: **Wed Sep 08, 2021 9:51 am**

With a thoughtful frown, Professor Stokes rises to consult his extensive library of old and curious books. Leafing through a particularly thick and ancient-looking volume, he finds a certain page.

"Yes, I thought that sounded familiar. Those are two very uncommon names to be found in New England. Of course, the tragic tale of Josette Collins, formerly DuPres, is not unknown to me. From this record book, dating back to the late 18th century, I find recorded here that she arrived from Martinique in the company of a maidservant by the name of Angelique Bouchard. Remarkably, that woman was married, for a brief time, to Barnabas Collins. Perhaps I should say, the first Barnabas Collins? In any case, Angelique disappeared, and Barnabas soon emigrated to England -- or so the standard histories of Collinsport say, if their account can be trusted.

"Do you suppose that Barnabas was confused in his mind between the two women? He was in a most agitated state, after all."

"When Barnabas was suffering most strongly from his . . . condition," Doctor Hoffman says, "he sometimes told me that Angelique cursed him, and made him what he is. I tried to explain that there must be a scientific explanation for an admittedly unusual phenomenon . . ."

"Be that it may," Professor Stokes replies, "one might ponder the hypothetical possibility of a single person being both a witch and a vampire, if you will forgive an old man for using those unscientific terms, Doctor. Such a combination would be quite formidable. And as for the possibly deceased Mister Blair, what strange power could allow him such control over an enchantress, that she was clearly terrified of him, and render him the ability to subject her to what you so delicately call a 'condition?'"

Posted: **Thu Sep 09, 2021 2:51 am**

"It would explain a lot if the first Barnabas Collins was the same Barnabas Collins," Maggie says. "Vampires are supposed to be immortal, right?"

Posted: **Thu Sep 09, 2021 3:42 am**

"I was working under that assumption," says Victoria. "I know Josette is Barnabas's lost love, and he has never stopped loving her, even after all this time. It makes me sad to think about it. I wish there was some way their tragic past could be changed. Barnabas sees Maggie as Josette, and she's the spitting image of her. You're the expert on vampires, Professor. Can't a vampire make a mortal into another vampire, and it doesn't have to be by a witch's curse? I remember that happened in Bram Stoker's Dracula. I also recall that the vampire doing so had power over the vampires that it made. That could explain Nicholas Blair's power. Maybe he was a vampire already and turned Cassandra into one."

Posted: **Thu Sep 16, 2021 9:09 am**

"An obvious hypothesis," Professor Stokes remarks, "but not without certain difficulties. For one thing, from what you have told me, Mister Blair was often seen walking about in broad daylight. For another, the sudden transformation of Mrs. Collins took place without any sign that he fed upon her, which goes against all versions of the legend with which I am familiar. Of course, there may be much of which I am unaware."

"This is all very well," Doctor Hoffman says, "but what can we do now? Cassandra could wreak havoc on Collinsport. And if there is truly some form of ancient enmity between she and Barnabas . . ."

"Not to mention the need to both protect and restrain Adam, lest Mr. Collins revert to his prior unfortunate state. This situation requires further investigation, and much caution. Where to begin, where to begin?"

Posted: **Thu Sep 16, 2021 4:04 pm**

"We could research their pasts," suggests Victoria. "The more information we have about them, the better we'll be able to understand their motivations and predict where they might go and what they might do. They'll also need a safe haven now that they can no longer use the house. We can try to locate that."

Posted: **Fri Sep 17, 2021 8:04 am**

"Are there any houses for sale in town?" Maggie suggests.

Posted: **Fri Sep 17, 2021 9:03 am**

Spoiler:

Perhaps some intuition leads Victoria to examine an old volume of colonial New England history, and to flip through its yellowing pages. There, in an anecdotal account of the infamous witch trials of the Seventeenth Century, is mention of a powerful warlock by the name of Nicolaas Blaare, who escaped justice by vanishing into thin air before several witnesses.

Meanwhile, searching through the classified ads of Professor Stokes' copy of the Collinsport Star fails to reveal any homes or other buildings for sale. What with the recent change from a simple fishing community to an artist's colony and tourist town, there is hardly any real estate available in Collinsport.

Posted: **Fri Sep 17, 2021 7:07 pm**

Victoria shares her findings. "This could be the same man," she says. "Perhaps he escaped by traveling through time into his future, to our time. He could have placed a curse on Cassandra to turn her into a vampire."

Posted: **Sat Sep 18, 2021 8:14 am**

"An interesting suggestion, " says Professor Stokes, "if somewhat disconcerting. If this Blair, or whatever he calls himself, survives, he must be extraordinarily powerful. If, on the other hand, Cassandra, or whatever she calls herself, managed to destroy him, she must truly be formidable. What is that African proverb? 'When elephants battle, it is the grass that suffers.' I am afraid that we, and the good people of Collinsport, are the grass.

"Which raises another question, if you will allow me to stretch the metaphor to the breaking point; who among us shall make use of an elephant gun?"

After some time of silence, Doctor Hoffman takes her leave, to see that Barnabas and Adam remain safe at the Old House. "I hope that I've seen the last of those so-called siblings. I won't be getting much sleep at night, I'm afraid."

Posted: **Sat Sep 18, 2021 4:45 pm**

"Do we even have an elephant gun?" asks Victoria. "We know the weaknesses of a vampire, yes, but what can we do about a warlock? I suppose first we must find out which one of them prevailed. We should inspect the site of the battle for clues as to who won, and where he or she went."

Posted: **Sun Sep 19, 2021 3:24 am**

Maggie swallows. "So long as we go back in daylight."

Posted: **Sun Sep 19, 2021 9:06 am**

Posted: **Sun Sep 19, 2021 9:09 am**

A trip back to the House by the Sea during daylight hours is arranged. The place seems quiet enough from outside. Located as it is, away from other houses in Collinsport, it doesn't get much traffic. Undisturbed sand on the porch, blown there by sea breezes, indicates that no one has been around for some time. The front door is easy enough to open, and the interior appears to be peaceful. The door to the basement is slightly ajar, concealing what lies below.

Passing by a small oval mirror on the wall, Maggie notices something strange about it. It does not reflect the room, as one would expect, but rather displays a blurry gray image, something like what might be seen on a television set tuned to a dead channel.

Posted: **Sun Sep 19, 2021 3:26 pm**

"Could this actually be a TV of some sort?" Victoria wonders aloud. She looks around it for anything that might resemble a knob or an antenna that she could adjust to get a clear picture from the mirror.

Posted: **Mon Sep 20, 2021 4:57 am**

Does it feel like ordinary glass?

Posted: **Mon Sep 20, 2021 9:10 am**

There is nothing out of the ordinary visible in the structure of the mirror, except the odd appearance of the surface. When Maggie touches it, her fingers are able to move beneath what would ordinarily be solid glass. The sensation is similar to the feeling of a cool fog. The motion of her fingers causes the mist to roil in an agitated fashion. Briefly seen images, lasting mere fractions of a second, appear and vanish in the mist. What can be made out of them suggest that they are various scenes of places in Collinsport.

Posted: **Tue Sep 21, 2021 2:35 am**

"Maybe it's magic, not science," says Victoria. "It's like a magic mirror from some fairy tale. If you press your fingers through it, the images appear. I suppose keeping them in a specific position would allow the image of the area associated with that position to remain as long as you hold them still."

Posted: **Tue Sep 21, 2021 3:34 am**

Maggie tries that.

Posted: **Tue Sep 21, 2021 9:28 am**

Certain positions of Maggie's fingers reveal a pair of local business establishments, familiar to residents of Collinsport. One is Braithwaite & Sons, jewelers and silversmiths for well over a century. The other is Brewster's department store, a more modern, if modest, establishment. These two places appear to produce more stable images than others, as if the mirror has somehow been "tuned" to them.

Posted: **Wed Sep 22, 2021 12:03 am**

"They probably bought stuff from these places," Maggie says doubtfully, "but why would they need to watch them?"

Posted: **Wed Sep 22, 2021 1:42 am**

"Maybe they were planning a heist," says Victoria. "Shall we check the basement? That's where they were trapped, and where they fought each other."

Posted: **Wed Sep 22, 2021 9:17 am**

The door to the basement opens easily. Downstairs, everything is in chaos, the electrical equipment destroyed and scattered all over. There are large reddish-brown stains on the floor. In one corner, there is a pile of gray ashes.

Posted: **Wed Sep 22, 2021 11:08 pm**

"It appears that Cassandra lost," says Victoria, pointing to the pile of ashes. "That's bad news, but at least it appears she made him bleed first. We know how to fight a vampire, but not a time-traveling warlock. I know it's gross, but should we...search the ashes to see if Cassandra had anything that remains intact?"

Posted: **Fri Sep 24, 2021 4:21 am**

"Better ashes than blood," Maggies says

Posted: **Thu Sep 30, 2021 9:12 am**

Among the ashes, buried deep within them, so that it could not be seen by a casual observer, is a heavy gold ring, bearing a red jewel.

Posted: **Fri Oct 01, 2021 2:48 am**

"Look at this," says Victoria, thinking back to try to recall if Cassandra had had a ring like this. "We should show this to Professor Stokes. He might be able to tell something about it if he examines it. It is something a vampire had. Maybe it's magical."

Posted: **Fri Oct 01, 2021 9:07 am**

Neither woman can recall seeing Cassandra wear the ring, or anything like it.

Posted: **Fri Oct 01, 2021 9:10 am**

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote: ↑Fri Oct 01, 2021 9:07 am Neither woman can recall seeing Cassandra wear the ring, or anything like it.

2d20

In fact, taking a close look, Maggie notices that it is much too large for Cassandra's delicate fingers.

When the ring is brought to Professor Stokes, he pronounces it to be of great age.

"Certainly prior to industrialization," he says, examining it through a magnifying glass. "Note the many tiny irregularities in the metal, although the workmanship is quite fine."

"Other than that, I can tell nothing of its origins."

Posted: **Fri Oct 01, 2021 7:37 pm**

"Would it fit Blair's fingers, do you think?" Maggie asks.

Posted: **Sat Oct 02, 2021 3:32 am**

"Is there any way to test if it has magical power?" asks Victoria.

Posted: **Sat Oct 02, 2021 9:44 am**

SunlessNick wrote: ↑Fri Oct 01, 2021 7:37 pm

"Would it fit Blair's fingers, do you think?" Maggie asks.

"It is certainly large enough to be a man's ring, yes," Professor Stokes remarks.

Posted: **Sat Oct 02, 2021 9:46 am**

Mr. Handy wrote: ↑Sat Oct 02, 2021 3:32 am

"Is there any way to test if it has magical power?" asks Victoria.

"One would have to be brave enough to place it upon one's finger, without being able to predict the effect," Professor Stokes answers. "There are such things as cursed and possessed objects, according to legend."

Posted: **Sat Oct 02, 2021 2:43 pm**

"Uh, let's call that Plan B," Maggie suggests. "Maybe there's a picture of it somewhere in those books."

Play@YSDC

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