"Of course Dr Wescott. Do you suggest we might want Dr Frankestein to assist me in the autopsy?" asks George politely.
"That is precisely what I am suggesting and I beg your forgiveness for accepting so many engagements that I am unable to help you personally. I will check in with you to offer what assistance I can,"the doctor replies.
"I'm not quite sure what to do here. I'm compelled to go after Jack, and that thing that nearly did Edgar in. I'm also quite concerned about Mr. Finch and the sense of loss that his family would feel should we lose him. Perhaps a less personal perspective would present more clarity. Any suggestions?" Lucretia asks of the group.
"I suggest Lord Walker call upon this botanist friend of his, see if she has any idea where this herb might be. It may prove instrumental in the treatment of Mr Fitch, as well as your brother."
"I believe Brother Thomas and Ms Faolan hoped holy water, introduced intravenously, might buy Mr Fitch some time. I suggest they look at expediting that suggestion."
"I also believe chasing Jack is important, but I am sure by now they will have gone to ground at another place. We'd simply be chasing our tails. There's a myth I'm keen to test that might help locate him, but I'll need to perform the autopsy first. This means this Frankenstein needs to be approached, and soon. If I could trouble you to send a carriage, Lord Walker, I'm keen to ask this gentleman to attend. Given his field of study, the chance to study our dead subject should be of keen interest."
"'Twould be foolish in the extreme to go after such evil after dark. Better to study hard tonight, then head off early tomorrow. If anyone knows of a place to purchase a number of large mirrors, I've hope we might be able to bring a rising sun down their barrow with us."
'Tis a thinkin' man's game now, which means I can relax. Edgar stretches his legs out from the chair and tips his head back, eyes half closed. Course there's the matter o' this Crowley believin' he's got one up on us, ain't there? "I'll be ready whenever I'm needed, m'Lord, t' reckon with those we met tonight - creatures o' the night and o' the gutters both." He turns his glance to Altair as he mentions the latter.
"'Til then, best tat I stay 'ere fer recuperation, and jus in case they're stupid enough t' try 'n attack ye at home, sir."
"Why Edgar, I certainly appreciate your loyalty here good sir," Lord Walker replies, "George, you are correct. I will send Mr. Zhou with an enticement to draw Dr. Frankenstein here. I believe that we should gather those herbs in the morning out in East Sussex. It is a fair ride and I am certain that Lady Stonecraft will be most accommodating. I wish to preserve Mr. Finch's life, which would also give me hope in possibly curing my son." he finishes.
Van Helsing gives him a doubtful glance on the matter.
"Mr. Zhou will get all that you require or attempt to, George," Lord Walker states to George.
Young Timothy runs into the parlor. He is cleaned up, well-dressed and hair combed neatly. Robust in newfound self-confidence, the young lad interrupts the adult conversation to hand Ms. Faolan an orange. He smiles and nods before leaving the room.
" So, bright an early to East Sussex then shall we?" Lucretia holds up a glass of whiskey as a salute to the idea, but not really seeking approval from anyone and avoiding eye contact on the matter.
"Perhaps..." Fitzroy falls silent for a moment "While I hate to put myself forward again, I have a comprehensive knowledge of natural science. It would be good to be on hand to observe this botanical specimen, as perhaps - if I can identify the taxonomy well enough - near relatives might also be viable."
"As for what I require... I regret the need, but I think I'd like to trade my commission for a shotgun, or a revolver, or at least a brace of pistols. The mirrors certainly helped, but they are at best able to hold off our unholy enemy."
6 January, 1891, 8:00 a.m.
The group rises early for breakfast after getting dressed, equipping themselves and putting their gear into cargo wagons. The black coaches are waiting patiently with their drivers while the group loads up together with Lord Walker, who will join them to pay a call to Lady Stonecraft, personally. The two-hour ride removes the party from the stale city air of London as they enter the rolling green of the English countryside.
Manors become sprawling estates with paddocks full of well bred horses and fanciful gardens, some neighboring others by miles between them.
Finally, the caravan pulls onto a road. It appears to form a long semicircle in its entrance to the estate giving the visitors a long look at three quarters of its vast glory. An abnormally large greenhouse, approximately five acres long appears behind the excessively spacious stone-constructed estate. The ceiling of the greenhouse is perhaps thirty feet at its apex. A white metal cage sealed with glass panes.
The wagons whip around front into the crescent drive towards the stairs to the overstated entrance. Two large columns shoot up to prop up the overhanging porch. A large and fanciful glass chandelier of sorts supported by a chain to each column. A row of five tuxedoed men wait to help them inside, focusing most of their attention on Lord Walker.
They enter a palatial foyer with fine, pristine marble floors and high ceilings. A staircase cascades down either side of the first floor archway ahead. A regal lady by poise and demeanor descends the right staircase and greets Lord Walker cheerfully.
"Simeon! It is so wonderful to see you, how have you been keeping yourself, where have you been keeping yourself?" she inquires in an excited manner.
He replies, " Oh, society obligations have kept me away, my apologies at the length of it."
"Lucretia! How you have grown into a beautiful woman. I wonder, are you still the curious child you were not so long ago?" She gasps before speaking. " Pardon my gardening attire, I was just headed out into the herbarium to check on a new acquisition. Who are your friends, Simeon?"
Lord Walker introduces you as colleagues in the science community. Edgar an explorer, Fitzroy a doctor, Reagan, a chemist, Altair, a financier, and Brother Thomas, a seminarian interested in botany.
"Delighted to meet you, Lady Stonecraft." Fitzroy bowed low. "I have heard much about your greenhouses. Lord Walker was kind enough to offer to let me accompany him on his visit. I do hope I'm not intruding."
He looked over to Lord Walker as he spoke, trying to see if the man was going to raise the true reason for their visit, or expecting them to do so.
6 January, 1891; Morning
Edgar dressed that morning in appropriate attire left for him by Lord Walker's maid. Apparently the clothes belonged to Jack, and they were a bit tight in places, but thankfully Edgar still had the build to make the overall effect one of ostentatious machismo rather than slovenly boorishness. His wounds were mending nicely thanks to Dr. Fitzroy's care; while the man might be an exasperating prig in conversation, he was certainly a top drawer physician.
Edgar watches the landscape slide by as they ride out to the amateur botanist's estate. He'd actually been out in this country once or twice before for fighting matches - sport for men of means from the old school, looking to enjoy past-times now frowned upon by most in Victoria's more "proper" England. The fights had been especially brutal to please the hosts, but the fighters had also been especially well paid. Stone didn't mind taking a beating so long as he was adequately compensated.
The bobby is brought out of his reverie by their arrival at their destination, and he follows Lord Walker inside to their introductions. An explorer, eh? Explorer o' pubs and back alleys, maybe. Edgar bows to Lady Stonecraft as well, mumbling a "M'Lady" then letting George carry the conversation. Dazzle 'er, Fitzy.
Knowing she’s likely to be having to speak, Reagan prepares a different assortment of tonics for herself, including a foul-tasting drink that helps her social awareness but forces her to deal with an ache in her stomach for the duration. Spoiler updated with current spells.
As the carriages pull into the estate’s driveway, Reagan takes care to smooth the wrinkles in her skirts one more time before reaching into her bag. She pulls out a glass vial filled with a sickly yellow liquid, grimaces, and then unplugs it, drinking it in one pull before descending into a coughing fit. After a minute, she feels well enough to leave the carriage, though she has little choice but to grasp Altair’s arm for support after stumbling once. I’ll be fine in a few minutes, I swear. Right as rain…”
When she gets inside the estate, Reagan listens to the introductions before beginning. ”It’s…*cough*...it’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am.” She holds a cloth to her mouth for a moment before swiftly hiding it. ”I’d love to be seeing your greenhouses, to be sure, but that can wait. Clearly it’s been a while since Lord Walker visited; we can be patient while you two reacquaint yourselves. After, though, my friend and I have a business proposal, if you’re interested.”
No special mechanics, except for Reagan’s drinking her cognatogen for +4 Cha/-2 Con.
Before leaving that morning, Lord Walker checked on Edgar earlier to gain assure himself that the man would be fit for the work. He was greatly satisfied and had Mr.Zhou bring in a very large wooden box that he set on a table in the room.
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Brother Thomas looks around the entryway to the Manor in appreciation. "Impressive architecture." He thinks to himself. As the noble lady descends down the stairs he stands quietly as Lord Walker introduces them, and then bows his head slightly. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, my lady. Lord Walker tells us that you have one of the greatest botanical gardens in all of eastern England. Would you by chance have some Belladona? And also, if it's not too much trouble, I certainly could use some leaves from the broadleaf plantain if you have any."
Lady Stonecraft looks at Brother Thomas and nods with a smile. " I can certainly accommodate your wishes, but I would like to show you something first. Follow me into the herbarium, please."
A short trek through the five or six acre greenhouse challenges the focus of the guests as many botanical wonders surround them. Exotic flora, the likes that they have never seen, until they come upon a wooden table with a large white flower that looks like a propped up trumpet. The head, shaped like a bell with an opening nearly eight inches wide. Standing next to it is a woman dressed in gardening clothes.
"Allow me to introduce my colleague, Madame Laura Horos. She is an enthusiast of holistic medicines," Lady Stonecraft introduces you to her.
Fitzroy bows politely "Madame."
Reagan follows the group into the greenhouse, staring at the flowers. As she goes, she periodically coughs into her cloth, noting the flecks of blood but doing her best to hide them. To her, none of the flowers, vines, or other plants mean anything, least of all the big white one; she's much more concerned someone will call her supposed knowledge into question.
Edgar follows along through the expansive greenhouse, nodding appreciatively when it seems appropriate. Bloody lot o' shrubs she's got 'erself 'ere; wonder if this place lets 'er grow 'em year round? He glances over at Reagan's coughing fit, noticing the blood-flecked cloth. White plague, eh? That explains the tonics. He thought little more of it - the sickness was far from uncommon amongst the poorer districts of London. When they all arrive at the large white flower and its attendant he does his best to feign interest.
Reagan notices some versions of plants that she is already familiar with. They have been genetically modified somehow. The two ladies don't seem to notice her cough.
" Come, I want to show you all something before the tour of the garden and then of course you will stay for supper I hope," Lady Stonecraft insists, "It will be fun to have our fortunes told by Madame Horos. " she says smiling gleefully.
Dr. Van Helsing manages to tag along and excuses himself to use the lavatory.
The tour begins after, Lady Stonecraft demonstrates the unique nature of the white flower by taking a knife and cutting her finger. Letting the blood drip into the opening of the flower as it seems eager to drink it. Once she has bandaged her hands, snow begins to fall heavily outside of the greenhouse. The servants light the clay furnaces that provide heat inside and Lady Stonecraft begins to walk you through a three-hour tour of exotic plants and trees from Africa, South America, and the Orient.
Once concluded, she presents the requested herbs and plants to Brother Thomas and has the servants show each guest their room to wash before dinner. That night's entrainment will be a seance after dinner. The snow is falling heavily now.
The bobby cocks an eyebrow at the prize flower's "feeding" display. Now even the flowers 'r drinkin' blood? Wonder if it's been trained by the table-rapper. Edgar smiles and nods politely throughout the interminable tour. I'll be damned - how could anyone 'ave such an interest in shrubs? It looks like she supplied all the flowers for ol' Albert and then some!
Once shown to their chambers, Edgar seeks out George. "Little chance of anyone makin' it back t' London t'night after dinner, Fitzy, if the weather keeps on. If Finch is as bad as they say, might be ye should point this out t' Lord Walker 'n see if he wants t' send Van Helsing back now."
With almost blizzard-like snow, it is determined by all that you will have to stay the night. Luckily, the estate has ample amenities to put you up quite comfortably, even for a longer period.
In your rooms, a maidservant comes around to notify you that dinner will be served in a couple of hours.
Lord Walker takes George's advice and sends a carriage with Van Helsing back with the herbs for Finch. Despite the dire conditions, he believes that Van Helsing is capable of getting back before conditions reach impassable.
At quarter after eight o'clock in the evening, Reagan, Edgar, George, Altair, Brother Thomas, Simeon and Lucretia are enjoying drinks in the drawing room where a large round table has been placed. The table is covered with an elegant table cloth and there are elegant high back chairs, enough for each one present. Madame Horos announces with gratitude toward Lady Stonecraft, that they will hold a seance, for fun, to communicate with the spirits of the dead. She gives instructions to the guests to place their hands, palms down firmly on the table. The servants are instructed to leave the room. Candles are lit and Madame Horos begins by asking that you keep an open mind and relax to clear your mind during the process.
Dr Fitzroy is torn. On the one hand sheer politeness all but requires him to participate. On the other hand, he knows enough of the occult to flinch at the idea of breaching the barrier between the living and the dead as dinner entertainment.
In the end, with a fervent hop Madame Horos is simply a skilled charlatan, he participates.
After a moment of silence, Madame Horos lights the candles on the table and softly requests that everyone hold hands after which, she begins to recite,"Spirits of the past, move among us. Let the light guide you into this world." She repeats this command three times before requesting directly to speak with Lord Richard Stonecraft, financier, philanthropist and reknown alchemist.
The table begins to shake slightly and before she could get her next sentence out, her eyes shift back into her head and she begins to violently seize, but remains upright in her chair. Her voice deepens, taking on a demonic tone.
"Ha, ha, ha, there certainly are many charlatans, murderers, and liars amongst you. You weak and pathetic creatures seek me out to try and destroy me! Ha, ha, ha, ha! You will only destroy yourselves in the end. You will cheerfully seek death once you experience what I have in store for you." the voice coming from Madame Horos is interrupted by a chilling rush of cold wind as a dark shadow flashes through the room, extinguishing the candles and nearly blowing you all out of your chairs.
Suddenly, a loud crash booms from outside as the sound mimics a rainfall of glass shards followed by a blood-curling scream. It sounds as if some one is being viciously attacked in the greenhouse.
Altair Nikos
Brother Thomas
Edgar Stone
George Fitzroy
Reagan Faolan
Lucretia
Creature
Frightened, Lucretia rises quickly from the table a sends a servant to grab her overcoat. "Quickly!". She yells.
There is crashing, banging and more screaming while the medium sits upright, eyes rolled back, shaking.
Once her coat is retrieved, Lucretia pulls the sawed-off shotgun from the coat in front of an appalled Lady Stonecraft, hoists her dress with one hand and hurries toward the danger with a mix of fear, anger and curiousity in unequal parts.
Edgar Stone
Lucretia
Reagan Faolan
Altair Nikos
Brother Thomas
George
"Bloody 'ell!" Edgar rights himself in his chair following the supernatural blast of wind, his head snapping round at the sounds of distress from the greenhouse. He stands with a grunt and a wince and makes for the hallway while Lucretia calls for her overcoat, pausing at the door.
"By your leave, sir," he states to Lord Walker before rushing out through the dimly lit manse towards the greenhouse, hoping that Reagan will follow close behind with her miner's lantern. Going t' be bloody dark otherwise, 'n bloody cold either way! He pauses at the house's exit for a brief moment, glancing back to see if anyone is joining him, before barreling out into the snowy night towards danger.
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Thomas fidgets uncomfortably as the seance begins. "Father Ignatius would have my head for this." He thinks to himself. He flinches back as Madame Horos channels something demonic, and then nearly falls out of his chair as the sounds of a violent struggle come from the direction of the greenhouse.
"By Saint Michael's Sword, what was that?" he wonders out loud, and then leaps up to follow Edgar as he rushes out towards the greenhouse.
As they rush out into the darkness, he yells out to the others. "I can summon a light with divine power if we need one."
Altair follows cautiously behind Edgar, Thomas and Lucretia into the short corridor connecting the mansion and the greenhouse. One of the plants has clearly rapidly expanded beyond reason as the greenhouse itself becomes some sort of caged maze covered by thick vines. Pale light shines through from the braziers now within the maze. A terrible scream comes again from somewhere in the middle of the maze.
Out of the vines, bursts what appears to be an animated tree/vine creature with arms ending in sharp wooden claws. His face, an angry and demonic humanoid culmination. At about eight feet tall, it seems fairly agile for a tree.
Fitzroy turns to leave, then stops. With a single look he sizes up Lord Walker - all too aware of the target of this particular threat. "I'm sure they'll be fine. Allow me to see to Madame Horos. Lord Walker, if you will?"
"Very well George, you seem to be quite capable. I shall remain here as well to assist. I'm certain you comrades can manage without us," Lord Walker says.
Edgar, Reagan, Altair, Lucretia and Brother Thomas all stand ready to face the demonic tree creature before them.
Unsteady with the new weapon, Lucretia decides to fire one barrel at a time, takes aim at the tree creature and then pulls the trigger. The loud bang startles everyone, including Lucretia and manages to blow a chunk of bark from the "shoulder" of the creature.
Reagan's hand goes for her pistol before another coughing fit stops her cold. When she can recover, she instead elects to give a bomb a toss in the tree's direction. That done, she takes a step back and draws the pistol, searching her grandparents' knowledge of folklore to try and figure out what the tree-thing is.
Stone is momentarily stunned by the appearance of the man-tree, but is brought back to attention by the ladies' various explosive actions. He narrows his eyes and adopts an aggressive posture, but keeps his arms up and ready for defense while he allows the thing to close.
Edgar holds while Reagan bomb splatters along the right side of the creature.
Reagan has determined that this is no ordinary oak tree, but a magically enhanced one. She remembers her grandmother referring to something called a treant in her childhood stories.
Altair stands ready next to Edgar with his kukri, hoping to replicate their previous success.
I think that this will take something greater than blades to take down.
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Brother Thomas blanches at the sight of the demonic tree in front of them, then steels himself. Reaching up he grips the cross hanging around his neck and begins to praying a prayer of blessing.
" 2 Samuel 22:3: God is my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence." As he finishes his prayer, he lifts his hand up, and a glowing white light suffuses those around him for a second, and then fades.
The possessed tree takes a quick look at the group, sizing it up. It notices Altair's kukri and goes after him first.
The clawed hand makes contact with the con man and slams him hard, sending him back into the vined wall.
Realizing that she only has time to reload, Lucretia yells out for a servant.
"BRING SOME LANTERN OIL! HURRY!"
Then she gets to the task of loading her shotgun.
Would Fitzroy hear Lucretia's shout?
George hears Lucretia's aggressive request.
Stone watches as the tree-thing flings Altair away with a brush of it's limb. If I survive this, I'm never goin' without my armour again - fancy dinner parties be damned! His spirit bolstered by Brother Thomas's prayer, the bobby steps forward, ducking low under the prehensile branches to deliver two powerful punches into the creature's thick bark to little effect.
Well, ye never know 'til ye try...
and