Colin stares at Amelia for a long time before nodding and slugging back the last of the whiskey. "Well, let's hope that you get there before long. I can't be lookin' after ya your whole life," he replies with a chuckle and moves the glass away. Standing, Colin holds out a hand to help Amelia stand up. "Come on, time for bed. We have to get that tingle out of your fingers if we are to battle some nasty tomorrow." His face holds a kind smile and genuine concern. The conversation they just had seemed to be gone from his mind or he gave no real indication that it had even happened.

OOC: Sorry! I thought I had posted.

ooc: No worries! That's the beauty of being in your own thread. No one is waiting on you but you! :)

Also, for time's sake I rolled your fort save to see how hung over you are the next day. You had quite a bit to drink.

IC:

The next morning you wake later than anticipated. Outside some fool born cock is crowing its lungs out to your chagrin, and the tiny inn is bustling downstairs with the sounds of cooking and laughing. Somehow the night before you were able to keep your guts inside you, but your headache now is more splitting than an axe through a piece of lumber.

You wash your face and run your hands through your hair, feeling completely and thoroughly thrashed. Soon you've dressed and you gingerly head downstairs, wishing for the life of you the staff would keep it down. Amelia was not in her room but you see her in the dining room, reading a newspaper and sipping a cup of tea. Her plate is empty, clearly she's already eaten but she looks up at you with a smile wide as the sky itself. The tingling stopped! It took three hours, but it finally did! she exclaims louder than your poor head appreciates. I have to say, I'm a bit disappointed with my first drink. I don't see what all the fuss is about she shrugs. She seems to notice your condition then and winces, speaking quieter. Well, looks like you've paid a higher price than tingly fingers. Here, sit down, I'll fetch you some coffee.

You glance across the room as she leaves, noticing a small clock that is somehow ticking louder than a brass band. It's already 10:40! Then your eyes fall to the paper the blonde abandoned. A headline catches your eye. "Four more missing in Catchla County. Authorities baffled." From what you can tell, it's only ten miles or so from where you are now. At least they seem to be adults this time, which means it's probably not the same people who have been taking all the children. Of course, with hunting, there are about a thousand reasons people could disappear.

ooc: You have a good five hours before it's time to go to the graveyard and then meet up later with your old codger. What are your plans? There are baths if you're so inclined, or you can get more hair of the dog that bit you, or you can question the town more. Be sure to roll gather info if that's the case.

Colin gives little more than a grunt or a groan, despite the chipper mood of Amelia. When the coffee comes on his behalf from her, Colin inhales the aroma of the fresh stuff and adds a little hair of the dog to help with the pain in his forehead. Looking at the newspaper hurt his head, the effort to focus costing him valuable brainpower. With his will to continue fading before the cascade of sound and morning, Colin looked over to Amelia. "We have a few hours. I'm going to get cleaned up and recover. If that paper is right, we might have more than just whatever is going on here to deal with and I need to not be little better than a wet rag. See what you can pull up in the city records about the missing persons before we meet up. Sound good?", he asks but does not wait for a reply. Giving Amelia a slight bow, Colin went to go spend his last five dollars on a fresh set of clothes and a proper bath.

Amelia looks far too amused at your hangover, and with a wide smile she practically skips off to do the research, humming merrily as she goes.

Your afternoon is leisurely after that to say the least. The inn help is wonderful at getting you a nice hot bath and purchasing clothes for you to save you the trip. Apparently they don't get many visitors and they are probably hoping for a tip.

After a few more cups of coffee and a soak in the tub so long you turn more wrinkled than you thought humanly possible, you rest until Amelia finally returns a few hours later. She knocks on your door and enters should you bid her, sitting down in the chair across from the bed. She gives you a scrutinizing look, wondering if you're up to the task but apparently deems you recovered enough. In truth, you're finally functional but perhaps less than enthusiastic.

Well, this place doesn't have much in the way of records but I found enough to get started. It seems there is a history of disappearances here and everywhere within fifty miles. Doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to it. I thought maybe it was a recurring event but the timing seems to be random so there goes that. It does seem like a lot of folk find signs of a struggle so that narrows it down somewhat, but the fact that no victims are found means either the bodies are well hidden or there's something else going on. That man you talked to, said he saw someone he'd known as a young man but they hadn't aged? That could be a witch perhaps, but if it is he's probably well past my abilities if he's that old. You'd be surprised how powerful the old ones are. Or, I'm hoping for vampires, odd as that sounds. Vampires are troublesome but at least I know what to do with one. Point you to it and watch while you chop off its head she smirks at her own joke. I brought along equipment for that sort of thing but we'd best visit the cemetery and see if we can't procure any dead man's blood just in case. Are you up to digging?

Colin nodded as Amelia finished. "Aye, digging it is. Strange place, this town. Always seems to be that way when you look closer at these places." Colin shrugged and took a sip from his flask. He then produced a cigarette absentmindedly and was about to light it when he caught a look from Amelia. Colin snuffed the match and put the cigarette back. "Fact of the matter is, we can't prepare for everything. If it is something that has been haunting this area for decades, I think a witch or local vampire is likely. We should prepare for them. No sense preparing anything complicated until we get more clues. When you are ready, let me know."

She looks surprised and pleased when you put the cigarette back but says nothing of it. Instead she listens, satisfied with your conclusions.

Well, let's to it then she stands up with far too much vigor and without another word, flits off, fully expecting you to follow.

Soon after you find yourselves in the cemetery, bigger than you'd thought it would be, but then looking at the graves most of them seem to be civil war veterans, which explains it.

You do manage to find a grave only a month or so old and with a sigh, Amelia declares it will have to do. She takes two shovels out of the wagon, and to your surprise, starts to help. You had figured her for more of a supervising type when it came to manual labor and indeed it's pretty clear she's probably never shoveled anything in her life, but you have to give her credit for enthusiasm. At least the simple blue blouse and dark brown skirt are plainer than she usually wears. She was clearly planning for this.

At last you hit the coffin, a plain wooden thing, but this is hardly the place for wealthy folk to die. As you open the lid the stench hits you both and she gives a gasp of disgust, scrambling out of the hole and putting a handkerchief to her nose to block out the smell. The man is far too intact for comfort, and yet very much not so. The corpse is still very fluid and though you've seen worse, this is definitely amid the top of your more unpleasant encounters.

Oh good heavens!! she gasps, looking so overwhelmed it's a miracle she hasn't run away. She goes to the wagon and brings back a wicked looking syringe with a trembling hand. We just need to jam it in a vein if you can and...get whatever you're able. I...I may be able to do it if...you give me a minute

Colin breathed heavy to stave off the vomit that threatened to come up. The fact that the man looked more like a waterskin than corpse was highly disturbing in and of itself, but Colin also had an image of it popping like a grape if he poked it with the syringe. Rather than risk it, Colin climbed out and took the shovel with him. Looking at Amelia, a smile creeped across his face. "I have an idea. Rather than risk that thing exploding, which I am sure you don't want to happen, get me some rope and we can do something not as risky."

When he had what he needed, Colin began by placing the syringe near the end of the shovel handle so the needle was poking well beyond the end. Using the rope, he secured the syringe in that position, peeling the rope so that he had thin strands. With the needle contraption secure, he tied rope strands around the looped hole of the plunger. Testing it, he made sure he could pull the rope strands to use the syringe without them coming loose. Smiling, he presented his contraption to Amelia. "What do you think?"

OOC:Basically trying to give the syringe a really long handle vice being next to the body when i poke it.

She sags with relief when you take over, clearly worried you'd actually accept her offer. You have a feeling she's trying to be brave but the look of panic on her face gives her away.

At your contraption she actually claps her hands with delight and gives a little hop of happiness. Brilliant! Would that I'd thought of it! So...that means you don't need me...right? she backs away several steps. I'll watch you from here shall I? It's not so much a question as a statement.

When you are finally ready to try your new invention, it goes better than expected. Your first few attempts miss, and it's more than a little alarming what comes out of the pricked holes in the flesh, but the third try yields a vein, which were fortunately fairly engorged, and you collect the vile blood with relative ease.

From her safe distance Amelia takes out a small bag and tosses it toward you. I'm not carrying that. Consider it a gift from me to you. If you inject it into a vampire it will paralyze them. Very useful. It's all yours. She looks ready to scamper off should you try to approach her with it.

ooc: Alright, it's about time to meet the old man. Go ahead and let me know what Collin does to finish up here and if he plans to meet him alone or not, etc. Also, so I have it in advance, please roll a spot check too. Thanks.

Colin looked at the bag and the syringe, cocking his head to the side as he looked back up at Amelia. "Sure, from you to me," he comments in a heavily sarcastic tone. Tucking away the gift, Colin made his way out of the grave and did enough to at least cover the man back up. While he might not get the grave fully covered, it would do for now.

Turning his focus back to Amelia, he gestured for her to come near him. "It is time to go meet the old man. I would suggest you follow close behind me. I think it would be better than trying to conceal you from him. I will be trusting you to watch my back," Colin states and makes his way towards the meeting spot.

Amelia dutifully follows, nodding gravely at her responsibility to guard your back.

You get in the wagon and off you go to the meeting place. By now it's around nine thirty at night. The grave took longer than expected, but you'll still be in time for your rendezvous.

The actual place seems to be an old abandoned barn in the middle of an empty field, pretty common for this area from what you've seen. But the codger had claimed this was where people had been disappearing from. It is quite eerie in the darkness with the moon shining down and the wind rustling the tall grass. Amelia keeps very close, but you suspect she's a bit nervous. It's admittedly spooky to most though of course you're used to far worse.

As you near the old man emerges from behind the barn, waving a hand of greeting. You made it! Ah, but who is this lovely creature? Uh...are you sure our conversation is...suitable for her pretty ears? he seems uncertain.

ooc: Please roll a spot/listen.

Colin smiled at the man and took no real notice of their surroundings. His mind was focused elsewhere as he waved back. "Sorry to spring this on you, but she is a student of oddities. I'm her bodyguard, so to speak and she might have more of a mind on this than me. When things go bump in the night, we fight back," Colin commented and then inhaled deeply.

"Tell me what troubles you."

Colin Browne rolled 5 using 1d20+4.  Spot Check.

The man's smile widens and he gestures for you to head inside the barn. Oh just about everything when you get to be my age! he chuckles. Come on inside. It's a bit dusty but at least we can sit!

You follow him to the barn, both of you feeling more relaxed with such a friendly fellow and soon you are led inside where several lanterns have been placed to illuminate things better. There are a couple old benches that will do and soon you sit down to discuss matters better.

Yes, as I told your bodyguard, he addresses Amelia, This is one of the sites where people have been disappearing from. Their horses are found abandoned in the area. It's a real mess. No one's ever found though, wouldn't you know it? I'm surprised you folks are so interested in all this. Most people just give a good shudder and pretend it never happened. Across the room the barn door slides shut and your heart starts to quicken as you realize someone else is here. The man doesn't miss a beat. But then hunters never do know when to keep their noses out of other people's business do they? His friendly smile never leaves but there is a sudden sinister sound to his voice, especially as he calls you out for what you are. Yes. You might just be in trouble.

ooc: Feel free to react accordingly and if that means you should be rolling something, by all means do so.

Colin should have known that something like this was going down. But he was ready. Too many times he had been jumped, ambushed, or even waylaid in the past year. Colin decided that he was not going to have it. It was his turn to act. But not yet. Colin waited and looked casually around. He had gotten good at understanding the battlefield and now that would help him significantly. He spoke in a measured tone. "Is that supposed to be intimidating? I know a few Pinkertons that you should talk to for pointers."


OOC: Holding Action for Full defense but taking a bonus action to use Sweep. [I decided to take my first level in Infiltrator for the level up.]

11:24, Today: Colin Browne rolled 23 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.

As your eyes search the dimly lit barn, you spot two other forms in the darkness, one by the door and another on the opposite end of the room, making it enemies on all three sides. They clearly know what they're doing.

Amelia looks nervous but determined, and her fingers twitch, ready for action.

The old man chuckles. I like you Colin. You'll make a fine addition to our family. If you behave yourself I'll even let you keep your woman. Otherwise she'll be the first human you feed on after we've turned you. Think about that before you try something foolish.

As he talks the other two start moving in closer, quietly and still trying to remain hidden. They clearly don't know you see them and Amelia is looking around but appears not to see them herself.

What will it be?

ooc: If you decide to attack, your init. beats the others so you can go first. Go ahead and roll 3 rounds for time's sake and we'll proceed from there.

Colin inhaled, looking as if he was thinking about the proposition. His hands slid into his pockets, face contorting into a frown. He shook his head and gave a cocky smile to his would-be sire. “I’m going to pass,” Colin quipped as he dashed towards the vampire closing on his left. When his hands left his pockets, both had a set of brass knuckles on them. Ducking in and out of reach, Colin began to pummel his attackers. After the initial barrage, Colin spared a glance to Amelia. “Cover my back! Kill if you can, otherwise disable legs!”, he instructed.

OCC:
Declare lead vamp as dodge target. (Colin AC24 vs him)
Attack 3 rounds vs one of the flanking vampires.

Round 1:
Primary hits AC23  for 6 damage
Secondary hits AC12  for 6 damage
Agile Riposte hits  AC25  for 7 damage

Round 2:
Primary hits AC 30 for 8 damage
Secondary hits AC23 for 9 damage
Agile Riposte hits  AC15 for 4 damage

Round 3:
Primary hits AC26 for 6 damage
Secondary hits AC11 for 10 damage
Agile Riposte hits  AC32(crit)  for 16 damage

11:46, Today: Colin Browne rolled 6,10,8 using 1d6+1d4+2,1d6+1d4+2,1d6+1d4+2 with rolls of 2,2;4,4;2,4.  Round 3 damage.
11:39, Today: Colin Browne rolled 8,9,4 using 1d6+1d4+2,1d6+1d4+2,1d6+1d4+2 with rolls of 2,4;3,4;1,1.  Round 2 damage.
11:38, Today: Colin Browne rolled 6,6,7 using 1d6+1d4+2,1d6+1d4+2,1d6+1d4+2 with rolls of 2,2;3,1;3,2.  Round 1 damage.
11:35, Today: Colin Browne rolled 43,34,36 using 3d20,3d20,3d20 with rolls of 11,18,14,8,19,7,13,3,20.  3 Rounds (Primary, Secondary, Agile Riposte).
11:24, Wed 06 June: Colin Browne rolled 23 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.

ooc: Oh shoot...you're not going to like this....I rolled 2 natural 20's in a row...

So, in all my years on rpol, which is probably about 13 by now, I've NEVER rolled 2 natural 20's in a row before. If you look back at my rules of posting thread I said the following years ago:

"I also play by the rules that if you get two natural 20's in a row, you get a "quick kill" of sorts- however rather than having them actually be dead they fall down as if dead, meaning they get to -1 hit points and they are unconscious and dying. You can either finish the job or leave them to die (unless of course they are revived). Consequently the same thing can happen to you if I roll 2 natural 20's against you. You would automatically be at -1. At that point your friends will need to stabilize you, you will need to pass your stabilization percentage roll, or you will continue to die. It makes the game more interesting. However, my luck with the dice roller is horrid on this thing and it is very unlikely that I'll ever get the chance to do that to you and even if I do, you'll get the chance to be healed so don't think I'm just going to up and kill you."

So this is a really momentous occasion! You should be honored! Just remember that in a second because you're probably not going to like this....

IC:

Things are going well for you. You're wailing on your target and he stumbles and isn't able to dodge properly as you hit him square in the jaw with your blessed brass knuckles. Amelia is keeping out of the grasp of the other two, tossing one aside with her powers like he's little more than a sack of flour. You twist and turn out of the way of your opponent, but in spite of your ability, you suddenly feel something pierce through your low back and through your stomach with such force it actually lifts you off your feet a moment. In shock, you look down to see the tines of a pitchfork sticking out of your belly, blood starting to drip down your body. Everything seems to move in slow motion as the world around you spins. What? What just happened? Why is Amelia screaming? You don't understand. Nothing makes sense. You glance over to see her face, not fathoming her expression or the smiles on the vampire's faces. Then you fall forward, sliding off the pitchfork and landing in a heap. Everything is black.

*    *   *    *    *   *    *    *    *    *    *    *   *    *    *    *   *   *

You wake hours later, though it feels like years. You're lying on your back in a house you've never been in. You're on a bed and your arms are restrained by rope. There is a lamp in the corner of the room but it seems brighter than it should be. You feel weak. Weaker than you've ever felt before, but also more alert. Across the room you hear the floorboards creak and it's like thunder in your ears. Why is it so loud? You strain your head and see the old man. Cole. He smiles, his teeth sharp and menacing but his eyes are triumphant. I was beginning to think you weren't going to wake up! I admit, the pitchfork may have been a bit much, but you made it through all right. Tell me...how do you feel brother?

Colin made a few shallow breaths, trying not to panic. He had been so sure of himself. He was confident that he and Amelia could take them. His thoughts raced a few more lines before they rebounded back to the words that the old man was saying, his current situation, and a single thought burned in his brain like a hot brand to hide. His voice was raspy and sounded like the voice of a stranger. "Amelia. Where is Amelia?", was all he could croak out. He was dreadfully thirsty and parched.

Cole laughs at the question. She's here, don't you worry. Would you like to see her? I'll have her sent in. I'm sure she'd be very interested in knowing her friend is alright. It's all she's been screeching about for hours now he rolls his eyes. She's a troublesome wench. I'll be glad when you stop her tongue. You see, I'm of the opinion that one's first blood should be special. It was tempting to take her myself, she has such a lovely neck, but I am a generous man Colin. I want you to remember this.

He then knocks on the door and seconds later it opens to reveal a young woman holding Amelia's arm roughly as she drags her in. Amelia looks awful. Her hair is disheveled and she's covered in bruises. Her hands are bound in front of her at the wrists and what's most concerning of all is the gash on her forehead where blood runs down her face. She's pale and frightened, but her eyes light up at seeing you alive. Colin!!!! she gasps with relief. Then, immediately she realizes the situation. Oh. They turned you didn't they? They're going to make you feed on me. she gasps and somehow pales even more. Even from across the room you can smell the metallic scent of her blood. There's so much of it, and to your disgust you can feel it calling to you already. There's just enough residual human blood within you that you are revolted with yourself for feeling this way, but that will fade. All too soon it will fade and all there will be is the hunger.

She watches, you can hear her heart racing from there, a steady panicked thudding in her chest. You can smell the lavender soap she uses, mingled with fear, you never knew it had a scent, and above all, the endless taunting blood.

Colin shut his eyes hard and fought tears. He had to or she would never do what he was about to ask. He opened his eyes and turned his head slowly. “Amelia,” he started, but the words died in his throat as he looked at her closely. Blood pounded in his ears and he realized that it was hers that he was listening to. Hunger washed over him like a tidal wave but he forced it down again. His voice waivered as Colin spoke again, his mouth drier than he remembered it ever being.

“Amelia. You know what you have to do. I don’t think I can do it myself or I wouldn’t be asking. You’re going to have to end it now while I’m tied up and they are not paying attention. Please, do it quick so neither of us have to suffer.”

Amelia looks horrified at the suggestion and she gapes openly before quickly shaking her head. No! Never! There's another way. There has to be! she says angrily, though more at the situation than you. I won't do it! I won't!

Cole has seemingly heard this and he gives a chuckle. None of that now. There's no fighting the gift you've been given Colin. But you'll see that soon enough. He then gestures to the others and they force Amelia into a chair, binding her tightly by hands and feet. Lastly they cover her eyes with a blindfold. Did you know that it's impossible for a witch to use her craft if she can't see? It's a silly little impediment but it will keep her in place nicely. I think I'll leave you here too my new friend. Soon your bloodlust will overcome everything, even those bindings, and you'll feed. You'll feed. In the meantime perhaps a bit of privacy will help stimulate your appetite. With that he leads the others out, grinning ear to ear.

It takes a while for Amelia to speak, she's clearly terrified. You can hear it in every heartbeat, the blood practically rushing through her veins, calling to you more and more every second. C-Colin. You've got to try to break free. Let me go while you still have the will. I can find a way to help you. I know it! But the more you delay the more you slip into...Well, you have to hurry Colin!

ooc: I'll need a strength check/ and or escape artist check if you're so willing as well as a will save.

Colin ground his teeth for a moment before grunting and moving her wrists to break free of her restraints. "You're going to damn us both to hell!", he said as he struggled not only with her bonds but himself as well. He fought as hard as he could to not sink into the depths the vampires wanted him to. If he could keep it at bay, move his new instincts to the back of his mind, he might have a chance. But, he was fighting a losing battle at the moment and all he could do was try to free her and get Amelia away from himself.


12:23, Today: Colin Browne rolled 14 using 1d20+2.  Will Save.
12:23, Today: Colin Browne rolled 18 using 1d20+11.  Escape Artist.

You are able to rip your bonds apart, you're already stronger than Cole realizes. As you start to untie the witch, her pale smooth neck draws you to her with such temptation that you suddenly find yourself only an inch or two from her flesh. You hover there, every muscle stiff, rebelling this awful lure with every ounce of humanity left. Her blindfold is still on but she must sense your nearness, the fact that you've stopped working her binds, and in an uncertain tremor she says,
C-Colin?

The hesitation feels an eternity. Sharp, powerful fangs erupt from your gums and slide down over your human teeth, sensing blood so close. You hang there, still, frozen in a decision that is nearly beyond your control. Then, you pull her bonds free and scramble back to the other end of the room, as far away from her as you can. She rips off the mask, looking at you with relief and terror. She knows exactly how close you came. Someone. She knows.

W-We both need to get out of here! she stammers, trying her hardest to regain her usual composure. You can't stay with them! They'll make you feed and if you feed, I can't reverse this. Do you understand!? If you come with me, I'll find a way to tie you up. I'm a witch, I have my tricks, but you need to come with me. Now. It's the only way Colin! Can...can you do that? She looks at you as though you're some wild animal she's expecting to attack her but she still has hope in her deep blue eyes. Fool woman. At least with her across the room it's easier to resist her. Not much, but enough.

The look that was on Amelia's face pained him more than an hurt he had suffered in the past. He knew that she was gone to him. He faced the wall, drawing slowly into his own self-loathing and pity. His voice was small and not like his usual self at all. "Nothing is going to fix this but a stake to the heart. You know that as well as I do, love," he said and looked to the doorway. "You don't have much time. I don't to hurt you," he pleaded with her.

Well your transformation has certainly made you dramatic, I'll give you that. she says with dryness. Should you look at her you see a flash of impatience in her eyes and though you can still hear her heart beating fast, it's starting to steady. My father discovered a cure for vampirism, at least that's what he's bragged. The men of letters will have a recipe. I just need to contact them and put it together. I'll probably need your help though. Look... she sighs, already starting to pull open the window in preparation to escape. I have some supplies in the wagon. I think I can at least give you better control. For a little while. Time enough to find a cure. Will you please help me Colin? I can't take on all of them by myself and when they've discovered us gone they'll come after me. Please? Just...trust me?

Colin stared at her for a moment before standing slowly. "First sign of this going south, you run. No questions, no hero stuff. I want you to at least escape this place," he said and went to the window. "I'll go first and catch you on the way down. They might be expecting this course of action or even able to hear it. We need to move fast, in any case." With that said, he jumped down and started their escape.