Bloody Grave: A Fangs in the Night RP

[Another Amoeba]

Catherine frowns.

"The book in question being an introductory text on Necromancy published in the Kingdom of Twilight. From what I read that 'soulstuff' is the animating force behind Undead, harvested from fresh corpses. If you desire to learn Necromancy, there are several copies remaining."

Holding up the bottle she found, she shows it to the group.

"I also found this. It seems to be blood, probably preserved somehow. Having it will help us lay low for at least a little bit longer."

In terms of their next move, Catherine was unsure. In all likelihood they could lurk within these Catacombs for at least some time. After they left, the Church would- in a very general sense- be after them. If they wanted to avoid living on the run, someplace like the Kingdom of Twilight would be their ultimate destination, whether in the sense of traveling there or doing as the monsters who made them did and trying to make their own.

"...Can I have another look at those maps? I'm curious about the underground docks here."

She didn't know where the isle was, precisely, but it would probably be a good idea to see if they could operate the ships here, or use them to escape Seafang.

Click to shrink...

"So they do make necromancy textbooks," Hugo said, mildly amused. It was hardly surprising to find some links back to the Kingdom of Twilight. The Church liked to make it seem like every ill on Seafang could be traced back to those big baddies, but it was looking increasingly like they weren't too far off the mark. "Beats going off the experiment log if we're hoping to raise an army and march on the living," he said with a chuckle. If he was being honest with himself, the fine art of reanimating corpses didn't strike him as remotely interesting, though rumor had it that Vampires could pull all sorts of nasty tricks with a little mastery of the Dark Art.

He set the jar filled with Soulstuff down on the ground in front of him, and made a point to not consider all the implications in that action, "If anyone would like to take a stab, feel free."

Matthias immediately makes a grab for the warhammer but then stops himself, glancing at the decidedly much fancier 'runic' greatsword. Warhammers had always been his weapon of choice and there was something to be said about the versatility of bludgeons being able to crack through armor, where such means would block a cutting or stabbing weapon...but on the other hand, the possibly enchanted greatsword was too rich a prize to leave behind. Not only was it an effective weapon, such a pretty piece would likely fetch a good price if the group ever became desperate for money.

In the end, Matthias decides he might as well grab a 'sample' collection of the armory. He arms himself with the Warhammer and grabs the Greatsword, a dozen daggers and 3 of the Death Globes.

Returning to the group, he gives the others a lowdown of the goodies kept in the armory and encourages them to arm themselves for what other dangers the hideout might hold, if not at least a dagger for when they got back to civilization.

Click to shrink...

He turned to face the giant in the room "I'm assuming that's yours," Hugo said, eyeing the greatsword Matthias had found in his search. Finding the pickings brought from the armory not quite to his liking, Hugo made a trip himself to grab a longsword and a crossbow with an assortment of bolts, probably the most expensive kit he'd ever worn. "We might get lucky knocking down more doors, or it might be time to leave," he said to the group once he returned.

 

[Terrabrand]

Catherine frowns.

"The book in question being an introductory text on Necromancy published in the Kingdom of Twilight. From what I read that 'soulstuff' is the animating force behind Undead, harvested from fresh corpses. If you desire to learn Necromancy, there are several copies remaining."

Holding up the bottle she found, she shows it to the group.

"I also found this. It seems to be blood, probably preserved somehow. Having it will help us lay low for at least a little bit longer."

In terms of their next move, Catherine was unsure. In all likelihood they could lurk within these Catacombs for at least some time. After they left, the Church would- in a very general sense- be after them. If they wanted to avoid living on the run, someplace like the Kingdom of Twilight would be their ultimate destination, whether in the sense of traveling there or doing as the monsters who made them did and trying to make their own.

"...Can I have another look at those maps? I'm curious about the underground docks here."

She didn't know where the isle was, precisely, but it would probably be a good idea to see if they could operate the ships here, or use them to escape Seafang.

Click to shrink...

There are exactly two areas within the Maelstrom Wing marked out as docks. One lies close to the path to the main lab, being quite large; assuming the maps of the Catacombs are all of an equivalent scale to each other and the city, which seems to follow as best as eyes and memory can determine, this dock could contain at least two serious military warships, the largest sort that have ever been known to dock in Seafang at all. There is no direct access from the surface to this dock, and curiously, it is surrounded by other rooms such that it is not clear how a ship could possibly enter or depart.

The other lies at the edge of the map, and is connected to no less than five of the secret paths to the surface, allowing access to and from essentially any corner of the docks. It is much smaller, scaled as one might expect for a personal fishing boat or similar, perhaps a smaller trade vessel at the outside.

The two docks are simply labeled 'Dock Alpha' and 'Dock Beta' respectively, with no clear description of function.

 

[SoaringHawk218]

"The book in question being an introductory text on Necromancy published in the Kingdom of Twilight. From what I read that 'soulstuff' is the animating force behind Undead, harvested from fresh corpses. If you desire to learn Necromancy, there are several copies remaining."

Click to shrink...

Sam considered. On the one hand, Necromancy was wrong, anathema to everything he'd considered good throughout his life... but he wasn't alive anymore, was he? Not really. And if he wanted to keep existing, he needed tools, tools beyond a big, heavy halberd that he could barely use.

Besides, what harm could knowledge be? (He ignored the obvious answer to that question.)

Grabbing one of the books, he made a note to read it later, when the group had some time.

 

[always_confused]

Matthias was fine with going with the flow. He didn't want to admit it, but being a Vampire...had more upsides than downsides to him. For all that he was no longer human, he was also no longer wasting away of entirely human diseases. It wasn't that he liked the idea of chomping down on a human being or was attached to the idea of a high stakes life, no, for him it was far simpler. As a Vampire he had the strength to live - and die - on his two feet instead of dying in the middle of his sleep in the dead of night. He didn't mind that others would likely disagree, that perhaps a death of old age was better than other more violent and painful ones, but to him, as an ex-soldier and mercenary, dying in the thick of it was the way to go and on the basest level he was simply overjoyed that he could now do that.

That said, it tended to be more enjoyable to live on your two feet than to die on it. So as long as his 'companions' weren't planning a suicidal rush into the waiting arms of the Church, there was hardly any need for him to do the thinking or strategizing. He was fine being the occasionally involved audience to the drama that was their lives as creatures of the Night.

Still, he might as well float an option while he was there.

Going over to the maps and looking at the (relative) outskirts of the Port-City, he pointed to where his mansion was/would be. "That'd be where my old house is. Assuming its still standing, it should still have valuables and gold to find. Never hurts to have gold, I suppose." Shrugging, he marks the location of his mansion and goes back to keeping an eye out for anything untoward.

 

[Azrael]

There are exactly two areas within the Maelstrom Wing marked out as docks. One lies close to the path to the main lab, being quite large; assuming the maps of the Catacombs are all of an equivalent scale to each other and the city, which seems to follow as best as eyes and memory can determine, this dock could contain at least two serious military warships, the largest sort that have ever been known to dock in Seafang at all. There is no direct access from the surface to this dock, and curiously, it is surrounded by other rooms such that it is not clear how a ship could possibly enter or depart.

The other lies at the edge of the map, and is connected to no less than five of the secret paths to the surface, allowing access to and from essentially any corner of the docks. It is much smaller, scaled as one might expect for a personal fishing boat or similar, perhaps a smaller trade vessel at the outside.

The two docks are simply labeled 'Dock Alpha' and 'Dock Beta' respectively, with no clear description of function.

Click to shrink...

Commiting that part of the map to memory, Catherine decided that it would be best to look at Dock Beta. Fishing boats she could sail, maybe even on her own, though she's have to look at them before she decided whether they were fit to actually carry them from the island. A larger warship required too many hands, and without undead of their own or the knowledge to suborn the ones already extant... well, it would make them very impressive floating decorations.

Going over to the maps and looking at the (relative) outskirts of the Port-City, he pointed to where his mansion was/would be. "That'd be where my old house is. Assuming its still standing, it should still have valuables and gold to find. Never hurts to have gold, I suppose." Shrugging, he marks the location of his mansion and goes back to keeping an eye out for anything untoward.

Click to shrink...

She considered Matthias's suggestion. "Its a bit risky. A man like you would have servants and guards, and I doubt they all just vacated the mansion after you disappeared. You're pretty recognizable, and suddenly reappearing would probably draw a fair amount of attention..."

Still, gold would be useful. Not as useful as when they would have needed to buy food or water, but still useful.

 

[KnightDisciple]

Oliver rolled his shoulder where he'd been injured. It didn't hurt, not even a dull ache, which was in and of itself odd. At the description of what the small black books were (Necromancy "primers"), he stood stock-still for a moment, then went over and grabbed one. As he eyed the stack of "loot", he thought for several moments, then grabbed one of the definitely-magical longswords, as well as one of the crossbows and several of the comparatively-mundane bolts (so the fire and speed ones, rather than the DOOM ones). Then he looked for a long bag of some kind; into that would go the longsword and one of the rapiers he'd claimed earlier.

"Best not to look too armed..." he half-muttered. Then he looked up at the others.

"I mean, again, I get that we need to lay low, but for some of us, just...just running off immediately doesn't work. I..."

Oliver fell silent, his feelings torn by indecision. A part of him was starting to think his wife was better off thinking he was dead...but the other part was worried whether she was dead yet.

 

[Terrabrand]

Oliver rolled his shoulder where he'd been injured. It didn't hurt, not even a dull ache, which was in and of itself odd. At the description of what the small black books were (Necromancy "primers"), he stood stock-still for a moment, then went over and grabbed one. As he eyed the stack of "loot", he thought for several moments, then grabbed one of the definitely-magical longswords, as well as one of the crossbows and several of the comparatively-mundane bolts (so the fire and speed ones, rather than the DOOM ones). Then he looked for a long bag of some kind; into that would go the longsword and one of the rapiers he'd claimed earlier.

"Best not to look too armed..." he half-muttered. Then he looked up at the others.

"I mean, again, I get that we need to lay low, but for some of us, just...just running off immediately doesn't work. I..."

Oliver fell silent, his feelings torn by indecision. A part of him was starting to think his wife was better off thinking he was dead...but the other part was worried whether she was dead yet.

Click to shrink...

The armory room does not have an abundance of large bags, but in a forgotten corner Oliver finds a bag that based on some of the stains and the size... may have been used to haul intact corpses at some point.

It is, in any event, large, sturdy, and the swords come with appropriate sheaths. It could serve.

 

[KnightDisciple]

The armory room does not have an abundance of large bags, but in a forgotten corner Oliver finds a bag that based on some of the stains and the size... may have been used to haul intact corpses at some point.

It is, in any event, large, sturdy, and the swords come with appropriate sheaths. It could serve.

Click to shrink...

Oliver looked at the bag, looked around the room, looked back at the bag, then back around the room.

Finally, he gave a long-suffering sigh that had a vague note of 'deeeeeaaaaattttthhhhhh' to it.

"Damn wizards why can't they just have some damn bags damn corpse-robbers."

With that, he takes the bag, shakes it out as best as he can, and proceeds to load up everything but 1 rapier (which goes on his belt). After a moment's thought, he also grabs 1 of the daggers for his belt, and 3 more to go in the bag. They weren't magical, but they seemed sturdy. And daggers were less conspicuous.

 

[SoaringHawk218]

"Damn wizards why can't they just have some damn bags damn corpse-robbers."

Click to shrink...

Sam feels slightly offended: even if his magical skills were not the best, he was technically a wizard. Besides, this had been a vampire wizard, totally different.

Well, now he was a vampire wizard... huh?

He decided to hold onto the halberd for the moment, though he reminded himself not to take it out of the caverns unless things had already gone even more to hell than they already had.

 

[always_confused]

As if jolting from a long dream, Matthias suddenly rushes back to the maps and calls over the others.

@SoaringHawk218 @KnightDisciple @Azrael @Another Amoeba

"The more I think on it, the more I think paying a visit to my old Mansion isn't such a bad idea. Assuming everything hasn't been looted, there should be new clothes for us, a rudimentary armory, gold and other treasure that we can collect and split amongst ourselves, if we're going to go our separate ways. If everything has been looted, which I doubt, its still a deserted mansion on the outskirts of the city. We can hide away there for a time until we have a more concrete plan. What say?"

 

[SoaringHawk218]

@KnightDisciple @Azrael @Another Amoeba

As if jolting from a long dream, Matthias suddenly rushes back to the maps and calls over the others.

@SoaringHawk218 @KnightDisciple @Azrael @Another Amoeba

"The more I think on it, the more I think paying a visit to my old Mansion isn't such a bad idea. Assuming everything hasn't been looted, there should be new clothes for us, a rudimentary armory, gold and other treasure that we can collect and split amongst ourselves, if we're going to go our separate ways. If everything has been looted, which I doubt, its still a deserted mansion on the outskirts of the city. We can hide away there for a time until we have a more concrete plan. What say?"

Click to shrink...

Sam shook himself from his musings on what exactly would count as "things going more to hell," as one of his fellows spoke up. "It would probably be safer than hanging out here," he said, jerking his head back at the large open area with the extremely-dangerous golems. "If we can get situated there, with any luck any Church people that eventually come down here won't realize there were any survivors." He nodded. "I'm in."

 

[Azrael]

As if jolting from a long dream, Matthias suddenly rushes back to the maps and calls over the others.

@SoaringHawk218 @KnightDisciple @Azrael @Another Amoeba

"The more I think on it, the more I think paying a visit to my old Mansion isn't such a bad idea. Assuming everything hasn't been looted, there should be new clothes for us, a rudimentary armory, gold and other treasure that we can collect and split amongst ourselves, if we're going to go our separate ways. If everything has been looted, which I doubt, its still a deserted mansion on the outskirts of the city. We can hide away there for a time until we have a more concrete plan. What say?"

Click to shrink...

@KnightDisciple @Azrael @Another Amoeba




Sam shook himself from his musings on what exactly would count as "things going more to hell," as one of his fellows spoke up. "It would probably be safer than hanging out here," he said, jerking his head back at the large open area with the extremely-dangerous golems. "If we can get situated there, with any luck any Church people that eventually come down here won't realize there were any survivors." He nodded. "I'm in."

Click to shrink...

Hearing the arguments, Catherine slowly nodded in acquiescence.

"It is as good a plan as any... standing here forever will lead us nowhere."

If they wanted, they could come back down here at any time. It would also help as a place to escape to if they came to the attention of the Hunters or attracted too much attention from any of Matthias's remaining staff.

 

[Another Amoeba]

As if jolting from a long dream, Matthias suddenly rushes back to the maps and calls over the others.

@SoaringHawk218 @KnightDisciple @Azrael @Another Amoeba

"The more I think on it, the more I think paying a visit to my old Mansion isn't such a bad idea. Assuming everything hasn't been looted, there should be new clothes for us, a rudimentary armory, gold and other treasure that we can collect and split amongst ourselves, if we're going to go our separate ways. If everything has been looted, which I doubt, its still a deserted mansion on the outskirts of the city. We can hide away there for a time until we have a more concrete plan. What say?"

Click to shrink...

"Yeah," Hugo added, sliding into the conversation having taken a few experimental swings with his new sword in the meanwhile, and glancing at the map. "I'd normally not be the sort to raid the homes of our fair city's rich and well-connected, but I conceded never really been given permission before. Besides, I'm pretty sure an old, spooky mansion is supposed to come with the transformation, if I'm remembering the campfire tales right."

 

[Terrabrand]

@KnightDisciple @Another Amoeba @Azrael @SoaringHawk218 @always_confused

With the plans settled, the group consults the maps, stows what gear they have acquired, and determines the nearest path to the manor, before heading to the surface, with Miriette Oakbender alone choosing to part ways with the rest.

The route towards the mansion is fairly direct, exiting out into a back alleyway nearby the home of Matthias.

Beneath the light of the stars, little stirs in this part of the city, and the five quickly and quietly make their way within. No scent nor sound suggests life, but as they travel the halls, following Matthias given his knowledge of the building, the group senses a distinctly Unholy power nearby. In short order, another Vampire cautiously approaches the group. "Ahoy! What brings you to Seafang's latest open grave, friends? Do ye hail from abroad, or be ye new to the night side of things?"

The man seems jovial and friendly enough, but holds his hands up as if to display he's unarmed and cranes his vision to keep an eye on routes in and out of the halls, while bouncing from foot to foot with a nervous energy.

It is perhaps not surprising that a singular figure seems more inclined to flight than a reckless fight, but as to the Vampire's intent or reasons for being in the mansion otherwise, that is less clear. Dressed like a lumberjack more than anything else, but with his clothes frayed and unmended, and no shoes in sight, even before the pale skin and red eyes the man would not pass unnoticed in polite society. Long hair hangs untamed from his head, and it's clear he has not shaved in some time either.

The new arrival waits tensely for a response.

 

[always_confused]

@KnightDisciple @Another Amoeba @Azrael @SoaringHawk218 @always_confused

With the plans settled, the group consults the maps, stows what gear they have acquired, and determines the nearest path to the manor, before heading to the surface, with Miriette Oakbender alone choosing to part ways with the rest.

The route towards the mansion is fairly direct, exiting out into a back alleyway nearby the home of Matthias.

Beneath the light of the stars, little stirs in this part of the city, and the five quickly and quietly make their way within. No scent nor sound suggests life, but as they travel the halls, following Matthias given his knowledge of the building, the group senses a distinctly Unholy power nearby. In short order, another Vampire cautiously approaches the group. "Ahoy! What brings you to Seafang's latest open grave, friends? Do ye hail from abroad, or be ye new to the night side of things?"

The man seems jovial and friendly enough, but holds his hands up as if to display he's unarmed and cranes his vision to keep an eye on routes in and out of the halls, while bouncing from foot to foot with a nervous energy.

It is perhaps not surprising that a singular figure seems more inclined to flight than a reckless fight, but as to the Vampire's intent or reasons for being in the mansion otherwise, that is less clear. Dressed like a lumberjack more than anything else, but with his clothes frayed and unmended, and no shoes in sight, even before the pale skin and red eyes the man would not pass unnoticed in polite society. Long hair hangs untamed from his head, and it's clear he has not shaved in some time either.

The new arrival waits tensely for a response.

Click to shrink...

"Ho there, friend. New 'converts', I'm sorry to say."

"...Taking a look at my old house. See if the looters left anything untouched, there should be something of use for..." Matthias gestures with his head towards the rest of the group, "...us. What about you, friend? What brings you to 'my' home? There's less gaudy abodes about I'm sure."

The large and obese Vampire chuckles in his deep baritone. The architecture and decorations of the Mansion was absolutely wretched. A tribute to what lots of money and no taste whatsoever could buy you. But under no circumstance was Matthias going to apologize for his awful taste in aesthetic. On occasion there was beauty in the disgusting and it always brought a smile to his face to see the poorer, but more upper class, nobles and merchants wrinkle their noses at his greed and 'tastes'. It was petty, it was selfish, it was wasteful and it was utterly pointless. But it was one of the few things that brought him actual joy, back when he was wasting away as a mortal.

 

[Terrabrand]

"Ho there, friend. New 'converts', I'm sorry to say."

"...Taking a look at my old house. See if the looters left anything untouched, there should be something of use for..." Matthias gestures with his head towards the rest of the group, "...us. What about you, friend? What brings you to 'my' home? There's less gaudy abodes about I'm sure."

The large and obese Vampire chuckles in his deep baritone. The architecture and decorations of the Mansion was absolutely wretched. A tribute to what lots of money and no taste whatsoever could buy you. But under no circumstance was Matthias going to apologize for his awful taste in aesthetic. On occasion there was beauty in the disgusting and it always brought a smile to his face to see the poorer, but more upper class, nobles and merchants wrinkle their noses at his greed and 'tastes'. It was petty, it was selfish, it was wasteful and it was utterly pointless. But it was one of the few things that brought him actual joy, back when he was wasting away as a mortal.

Click to shrink...

The man relaxes fractionally. "I see, I apologize for intruding. You see, a couple weeks ago, ghost stories started circulating about this very mansion down near my usual haunt. Apparently, not a single servant nor guard nor guest nor even the lord of the manor himself had been seen by... about anyone. People were too spooked to report it to the merchant council, and if anyone mentioned it to the church types, I think they've been busy with something. Been living on the island for... awhile at this point, and I thought I'd see what the truth was."

He gestures a bit. "I think I might be the first prospective looter, your abode seems fairly intact."

The man pauses as he considers something. "If it's not too intrusive, mind if I ask what happened? Five new vampires at the same time is... I admit I've never heard of it happening without the actions of a Necromancer, you know?"

A brief hesitation, before continuing "But don't mind me. If you don't want the extra company, I'll leave you be."

 

[SoaringHawk218]

The man relaxes fractionally. "I see, I apologize for intruding. You see, a couple weeks ago, ghost stories started circulating about this very mansion down near my usual haunt. Apparently, not a single servant nor guard nor guest nor even the lord of the manor himself had been seen by... about anyone. People were too spooked to report it to the merchant council, and if anyone mentioned it to the church types, I think they've been busy with something. Been living on the island for... awhile at this point, and I thought I'd see what the truth was."

He gestures a bit. "I think I might be the first prospective looter, your abode seems fairly intact."

The man pauses as he considers something. "If it's not too intrusive, mind if I ask what happened? Five new vampires at the same time is... I admit I've never heard of it happening without the actions of a Necromancer, you know?"

A brief hesitation, before continuing "But don't mind me. If you don't want the extra company, I'll leave you be."

Click to shrink...

After a moment of considering, Sam decided that, in the interest of having a guide to this new unlife, it would be good to give him an idea of what happened.

"Seems like there was a big fight between some vampires, and we're the survivors of the collateral damage." He shrugged. "We were able to escape from the remaining traps and guardians, but none of us particularly relished the idea of hanging around."

As he spoke, he kept his awareness open, hoping for a flash of inspiration as to whether the path he was on presented danger.

 

[Terrabrand]

After a moment of considering, Sam decided that, in the interest of having a guide to this new unlife, it would be good to give him an idea of what happened.

"Seems like there was a big fight between some vampires, and we're the survivors of the collateral damage." He shrugged. "We were able to escape from the remaining traps and guardians, but none of us particularly relished the idea of hanging around."

As he spoke, he kept his awareness open, hoping for a flash of inspiration as to whether the path he was on presented danger.

Click to shrink...

Sam's senses detect virtually no danger.

The man, unaware of the supernatural ability simply frowns and speaks with some concerns. "I wasn't aware there was anyone so established as to have traps and guardians here, and I've been one here for fifty years as of last week... And a fight, you say? Well, I suppose those twilit folks might have traps and guardians, but collateral damage and internal strife from those fellas isn't what I'd expect to go together. Do you happen to know the names or descriptions of these vampires? I try to keep track of who I see, passing through or otherwise... it helps to know before the nuttier types actually do things whether I'm going to need to lay low. I might need to reassess some trips I was considering, y'know?"

The vampire does not sound dishonest in his query, more concerned than anything else.

 

[Azrael]

Sam's senses detect virtually no danger.

The man, unaware of the supernatural ability simply frowns and speaks with some concerns. "I wasn't aware there was anyone so established as to have traps and guardians here, and I've been one here for fifty years as of last week... And a fight, you say? Well, I suppose those twilit folks might have traps and guardians, but collateral damage and internal strife from those fellas isn't what I'd expect to go together. Do you happen to know the names or descriptions of these vampires? I try to keep track of who I see, passing through or otherwise... it helps to know before the nuttier types actually do things whether I'm going to need to lay low. I might need to reassess some trips I was considering, y'know?"

The vampire does not sound dishonest in his query, more concerned than anything else.

Click to shrink...

"They are dead, as far as I know." Catherine responded. She'd been keeping tersely silent, having been watching the stranger for signs of hostility she was sure was there.

"Some falling out. We had been kidnapped and, while they fought viciously against each other, they saw fit to extend their battle by draining their captives." A vague motion towards the group.

"I suppose it just goes to show how well the monsters hid, if their own kind had no inkling of the scale of their plan."

She really wasn't hiding her hostility at this point. Even if he was being truthful, and more concerned for his own survival than thoughts of slaughter and domination, the idea that this Vampire had been lurking among Seafang's folk for the last half-century still rankled.

Even as a small part of her mind said that the existence of such a Vampire was a good sign for their own continued unlife.

 

[Another Amoeba]

Sam's senses detect virtually no danger.

The man, unaware of the supernatural ability simply frowns and speaks with some concerns. "I wasn't aware there was anyone so established as to have traps and guardians here, and I've been one here for fifty years as of last week... And a fight, you say? Well, I suppose those twilit folks might have traps and guardians, but collateral damage and internal strife from those fellas isn't what I'd expect to go together. Do you happen to know the names or descriptions of these vampires? I try to keep track of who I see, passing through or otherwise... it helps to know before the nuttier types actually do things whether I'm going to need to lay low. I might need to reassess some trips I was considering, y'know?"

The vampire does not sound dishonest in his query, more concerned than anything else.

Click to shrink...

Something sunk in for Hugo after a few moments. It had been a few weeks? Then this vampire kept speaking, and Hugo bust out laughing. It was almost absurd. It took him a few moments to regain control of himself, and noticing all the pairs of eyes turned in his direction, Hugo dismissed it with a wave of his hand and said, "Nah, never mind, man, travel's a finnicky thing nowadays and you've got the right to know. We've all got better things to do than tumble into some Hunters, eh?"

After another round of chuckles and smiling broadly, he continued, "But on the other hand I don't know much to tell. It wasn't necromancers. We're the lucky few, and as for who these guys were, I'll admit I didn't care to get a good look. Just a unique combination of 'nutty' enough to set up an underground labyrinth and competent enough to pull it off is all I know."

 

[Terrabrand]

"They are dead, as far as I know." Catherine responded. She'd been keeping tersely silent, having been watching the stranger for signs of hostility she was sure was there.

"Some falling out. We had been kidnapped and, while they fought viciously against each other, they saw fit to extend their battle by draining their captives." A vague motion towards the group.

"I suppose it just goes to show how well the monsters hid, if their own kind had no inkling of the scale of their plan."

She really wasn't hiding her hostility at this point. Even if he was being truthful, and more concerned for his own survival than thoughts of slaughter and domination, the idea that this Vampire had been lurking among Seafang's folk for the last half-century still rankled.

Even as a small part of her mind said that the existence of such a Vampire was a good sign for their own continued unlife.

Click to shrink...

The man looks visibly offended. "Hey, hey! I may be a vampire, but I'm not a monster. I haven't killed anyone in fifty years, lady. Just trying to get by, like anyone does."

Something sunk in for Hugo after a few moments. It had been a few weeks? Then this vampire kept speaking, and Hugo bust out laughing. It was almost absurd. It took him a few moments to regain control of himself, and noticing all the pairs of eyes turned in his direction, Hugo dismissed it with a wave of his hand and said, "Nah, never mind, man, travel's a finnicky thing nowadays and you've got the right to know. We've all got better things to do than tumble into some Hunters, eh?"

After another round of chuckles and smiling broadly, he continued, "But on the other hand I don't know much to tell. It wasn't necromancers. We're the lucky few, and as for who these guys were, I'll admit I didn't care to get a good look. Just a unique combination of 'nutty' enough to set up an underground labyrinth and competent enough to pull it off is all I know."

Click to shrink...

The man turns somewhat curiously towards Hugo at the laughter. "Well, I certainly make a point of avoiding the Hunters, aye. S'why I spend days out in the woods, even with the weird Unholy things that have been stalking the forest lately... still not quite sure where they're coming from, but they're definitely less of a problem than the Hunters."

A somewhat sour look crosses his face. "For now, at least. Every day I wonder about who or what is making them, uncannily intelligent things. I think they may have cleared out all the big animals at this point..."

He looks a little distracted by thought, lost in memory, but still somewhat on guard.

 

[Another Amoeba]

The man looks visibly offended. "Hey, hey! I may be a vampire, but I'm not a monster. I haven't killed anyone in fifty years, lady. Just trying to get by, like anyone does."

The man turns somewhat curiously towards Hugo at the laughter. "Well, I certainly make a point of avoiding the Hunters, aye. S'why I spend days out in the woods, even with the weird Unholy things that have been stalking the forest lately... still not quite sure where they're coming from, but they're definitely less of a problem than the Hunters."

A somewhat sour look crosses his face. "For now, at least. Every day I wonder about who or what is making them, uncannily intelligent things. I think they may have cleared out all the big animals at this point..."

He looks a little distracted by thought, lost in memory, but still somewhat on guard.

Click to shrink...

"I'd like," Hugo began, scanning his surroundings almost on reflex, "to pin it on the same pair that created us. Not sure we're lucky enough for that; who knows who's lurking about to pick up the pieces." It hadn't taken long for them to bump into one other Vampire, at least. God alone knew how many other creepy crawlies had crept into the edifice. Corruption beget corruption. "You found a good way to deal with these Unholy creatures out in those woods? I'm sure us novices could use the help."

 

[Terrabrand]

"I'd like," Hugo began, scanning his surroundings almost on reflex, "to pin it on the same pair that created us. Not sure we're lucky enough for that; who knows who's lurking about to pick up the pieces." It hadn't taken long for them to bump into one other Vampire, at least. God alone knew how many other creepy crawlies had crept into the edifice. Corruption beget corruption. "You found a good way to deal with these Unholy creatures out in those woods? I'm sure us novices could use the help."

Click to shrink...

The Vampire glances over the group a bit, saying "By the looks of ye, you're probably better prepared for a fight than me. Mostly, I hide in the deepwoods and pick them off if they try to sneak in, but they're uncannily smart. One time I lost an arm in some kind of ambush."

The man, notably, is not missing an arm, but with vampiric regeneration a factor that doesn't mean the statement would have to be untrue. After a pause, he comments "Y'know, I've got a whole stretch of woods dark enough the sun don't get through. If you're looking for a place to lie low for awhile, and things really are going to get hairy soon, I could use the help if something comes a knocking."

He glances over the group considering. "I'm no monster, as I said. I've laid real low, no reason to seek out trouble, and if I'm honest I haven't had thinking company in decades. I wouldn't mind guests, and if inviting you in to what passes for a home forces me to flee the island... well, fifty years is a good run I figure, and I was worried I'd have to do it soon anyways."

A pause, as the man somewhat nervously looks over the group. "It's yer call, but if you mean me no trouble, I got no quarrel with any of ye." The last is said almost questioningly, as if wondering if anyone has a bone to pick with him.

 

[always_confused]

The Vampire glances over the group a bit, saying "By the looks of ye, you're probably better prepared for a fight than me. Mostly, I hide in the deepwoods and pick them off if they try to sneak in, but they're uncannily smart. One time I lost an arm in some kind of ambush."

The man, notably, is not missing an arm, but with vampiric regeneration a factor that doesn't mean the statement would have to be untrue. After a pause, he comments "Y'know, I've got a whole stretch of woods dark enough the sun don't get through. If you're looking for a place to lie low for awhile, and things really are going to get hairy soon, I could use the help if something comes a knocking."

He glances over the group considering. "I'm no monster, as I said. I've laid real low, no reason to seek out trouble, and if I'm honest I haven't had thinking company in decades. I wouldn't mind guests, and if inviting you in to what passes for a home forces me to flee the island... well, fifty years is a good run I figure, and I was worried I'd have to do it soon anyways."

A pause, as the man somewhat nervously looks over the group. "It's yer call, but if you mean me no trouble, I got no quarrel with any of ye." The last is said almost questioningly, as if wondering if anyone has a bone to pick with him.

Click to shrink...

"Living out in the woods does sound marginally less conspicuous than an abandoned mansion. I'd be willing, but lets table the discussion for a bit. Right now, the others and I are here to loot this here house of mine for anything that might be useful."

Matthias considers what the 'older' (?) Vampire mentioned about losing an arm and being prepared for a fight. Considering they had survived for 50 years in the deepwoods though, the ex-Merc was more than certain the other Vampire was downplaying their skills, not to mention any other 'extra benefits' their transformation might have given them.

"...I used to have an old training room in here. Maybe we can find you a sidearm, if nothing else. I say half of us quickly go through the house, the others keep watch, what say?"

 

[KnightDisciple]

"I don't mind letting him have one of the weapons I grabbed. I'm also in the 'not looking for a fight' group, but I understand wanting something."

Oliver moved over to one side of the room and set down the old bag carefully.

"Not like I'm an expert in this stuff or anything, anyways."

He looked back at the ruggedly-dressed Vampire.

"My name's Oliver. What's yours, sir?"

It was asked and spoken with the voice of a man with years of 'customer service' experience; polite and well-meaning, but slightly distant and guarded.

"As for the woods versus the mansion, while I know our needs are lesser these days, I do rather appreciate the thought of having this place as an option. Mayhaps we can figure out a way to quietly clean it up and get it claimed under a false name? It might go up for auction on the back-taxes sale in a few months, and we can always use forms 901CC1..."

Oliver trails off into muttering to himself and counting numbers with his fingers, clearly starting to plot ways to buy the mansion space and make it into a sort of base for the lot of them.