She waits easily, a small patient smile on her face. When you've returned she leads the way to her house, a small little cottage that has seen better days but is still tidy and clean. By this time the hour is getting late and there are fewer folks in the streets. She lets you in and lights her lamps for her cottage doesn't seem to be wired for electricity yet. She gestures to a brown upholstered couch which is surprisingly nice considering the exterior of the place. In fact the inside has some beautiful things, she's clearly done the best she can. She gets out a couple of glasses and pours you both drinks. Should you drink it the Scotch is surprisingly good. Just so you know, I'm not the type who normally invites strange men back for a drink but what can I say? I like your accent she smiles seductively and takes off her coat, revealing the very tight and low blouse underneath. Goodness this town is full of brazen women it seems! She sits on the couch next to you, leaning in a bit.

ooc: Roll a spot/listen please

Colin eased into the cottage and made for the couch, accepting the Scotch as he did. He noticed it was Stratheden in origin. Pretty good stuff for a small town like this. He tried to pay attention to his surroundings but only ended up paying attention to the undressing woman. He gave a wry smile and replied in Gaelic, "A little bit of the homeland will do wonders to a woman's bodice!"


Wow, just...wow.
22:35, Today: Colin Browne rolled 6 using 1d20+1d6+1.  Listen check, plus action point.

OOC note: Are you going to implement language groups? Also, RNG hates me. Please note that Colin cannot be caught flat-footed.

ooc: Lol! Could you be any more unobservant? Luckily I meant to ask you for a spot check too so I rolled one for ya and had better luck, hope you don't mind ;)

She looks pleased by your Gaelic but she doesn't seem to understand it, surprisingly. Either that or she's pretending, it is difficult to say. Well that sounded cheeky, whatever it was. I don't suppose you'd mind translating? she leans in incredibly close, putting her drink down. She smells of soap and perfume and she is quite pretty, it would be easy to lose your head at a time like this. If you allow her she will go in for a kiss, the brazen thing. Suddenly out of the corner of your eye you see a small dark shape enter the room where it walks toward the door and stops, staring at you intently. A black cat. Your memory sparks that Black Annis could take the form of a cat, or perhaps this is just a coincidence or perhaps Mary is Annis and the cat is just a fancy of hers. This whole thing could have just gotten more complicated. Mary turns to the cat with an exasperated sigh. Blacky what do you want? Out to catch mice again? she starts to get up to let her out though the cat's eyes never leave your face.

Colin accepted the kiss, his hand straying to the knife but the motion disguised as a shifting of his weight. His thoughts were drawn to the fact that maybe this girl was just friendly. He wouldn't take it much farther in any case. That was his thought before he saw the cat. Black cats were omens to begin with, but with Black Annis haunting the town, it became more dire. He noticed the cat acting odd and decided to drop the pretense. He stayed on the couch, but his hand gripped the knife firmly. He spoke again in Gaelic, the tone low and smooth.

"You know my purpose here, terror from the old world. I will find those children. You will not wear their skins," he finished with a cool, pleasant smile. He needed to be able to play of the lines if he was indeed just being paranoid.

The cat's tail flicks back and forth rapidly and its stare does not break, the hair on it's tail growing bushy with agitation though its face stays perfectly serene. Mary laughs, still not understanding. Whatever you said I'm guessing she doesn't like it. Probably not more sweet talk I'd say? she grins, moving toward the door. Here, I'll let her out. Don't want Blacky to interrupt things... If you do nothing she will let the cat outside at which point it will tear off. However, you have time to prevent it should you wish.

Colin's voice sounded like a thunderbolt had struck in its sharpness and clarity. Gone was his cheeky, humorous tone. "Stop!" ,he shouted as he moved just as fast as he could. He grabbed her wrist and placed himself between her and the cat. "The foul thing is unnatural! Stay away from it!" Colin was sure that in such small confines he could prevail but protecting Mary was a top concern.

Combat?:
If I have initiative, Colin will move to block Mary, drawing the blessed knife at the same time. If attacked, he will use combat expertise to boost his AC to 24, taking a -4 to his attacks until next round. Agile Reposte is in effect for any missed attacks.

Of course, I could be prepping for nothing. Lol



22:33, Today: Colin Browne rolled 24 using 1d20+7.  Initiative

Mary looks startled by your sudden outburst and the cat merely looks at you with its lashing tail, looking agitated and yet calm at the same time. It's only a cat, what on earth are you on about? she gasps. Here, I'll let it out then we can forget about her. Really, what has gotten into you?

ooc: Roll a sense motive please, and we'll keep the combat rolls in play should you need them... ;P

Colin shook his head and pointed to the couch. "Please, go sit on the couch. I just need to have a moment. Do not let the cat out," said as he made to nudge her in the direction of the couch. There was no need to get physical, not yet. He just had to be sure. He turned to the cat, staring it down once again. He then spoke to Mary. "How long have you had the cat?"

Mary hesitantly obeys, staring at you as though you are mad though. Just a few weeks. She was a stray, looked hungry. Please, you aren't going to hurt her are you? The cat stares at you a moment longer then suddenly starts to rub up against your legs, purring. For a moment part of you wonders if this isn't all just a coincidence but the hunter in you is not so easily convinced. You are torn, without proof of what she is this is going to be tricky...

Colin pinched the bridge of his nose and motioned toward the cat, easing it off his leg. "Let me guess," he started in a tone that communicated he was trying to work something out. "Did the cat show up around the same time as the kids started missing? Does the cat ever look hungry anymore, despite not eating the food you put out?" ,he asked. Colin, frustrated, put his hands behind his head took a few steps and some deep breaths. No lie or evasion would work now, he was sure. He had to gain the trust of this girl if he wanted to get somewhere. He was a hunter! He needed to protect people. He turned and looked back at Mary. "What if I told you that the thing that go lurking in the dark in stories weren't stories? What if I told you the boogeyman was real?"

Yes, but surely that is coincidence! she scoffs at mention of the timing of her cat's appearance. She listens with wide eyes but when you start to reveal the truth about hunters to her to your surprise she gives a sigh and stands up, shaking her head. Oh I just don't have the energy for this anymore she snaps. She stalks to the window a few feet from where she is standing and thrusts it open, pointing at it. Go to the cave, he may have another hunter with him and you need to make sure the children are still there. Go! It takes a moment to realize she is talking to the cat, who starts to burst towards the now open window, moving alarmingly fast. The beautiful Mary smirks at you then, her eyes turning black as pitch. A demon? Working with black Annis? This is all very unusual, even for a demon but at the moment your main concern is with the cat. If she gets out then Amelia may be in very grave danger soon, for no doubt she is still looking for that cave.

ooc: You have a chance to try to grapple the cat or strike her if you wish but she is fast, otherwise you can try to go for Mary. You can keep your initiative as you had it before and I will keep everything else in mind regarding agile reposte and combat expertise.

Colin never hesitated. So long as Amelia was safe and had found the children, his mission was complete. Mary was a disappointment and he was sorry that she might have to die but he would not let those kids come to harm. Mary's words had told him they yet live.

Colin made to appear he was going to bull rush the demon, but at the list moment spun and did a acrobatic maneuver similar to a carnival performer. He sought to put himself next to the window and block it if he could not shut it. His hands came up to defend himself, risking fighting like a street boxer to keep his hands free.


Move: Tumble past Mary to shut the window.
Standard: Shut window or at least prevent exit.
13:09, Today: Colin Browne rolled 26 using 1d20+12.  Tumble check.

You make it to the window just in time to stop the cat though you don't have a chance to shut the window, just block it. The cat hisses and tears off through the parlor and through the hallway presumably to where the bedroom is. The demon calmly goes to block the hallway should you try to follow her. A pity you had to get so foolish, you were quite a good kisser she laughs. But now I have to end things. Far too much to do, you understand. She raises her hand and you feel a horrible pressure around your heart...ooc: Roll a fortitude save please and your next round :)

Colin clutched at his chest. He could feel the pain, becoming alarmingly familiar at this point. It was one of the worst feelings in the world. Likely the worst. He moved forward and struggled to keep standing. Colin made a grunt and closed the distance between him and Mary in a heartbeat. Though it was wild, the haymaker had real power behind it. "Damn Succubus," he spat in pain.


Combat:
Move- Close with Mary
Standard- Combat expertise(-4 attack/ 24AC)
00:30, Today: Colin Browne rolled 9 using 2d6+1d4+1.  Nonlethal dmg.
00:25, Today: Colin Browne rolled 18 using 1d20+4.  Poss crit?
00:25, Today: Colin Browne rolled 24 using 1d20+4.  Attack Mary, unarmed.

Unfortunately you are unable to shake off the horrible feeling from the grip she has on your heart and you can feel it quiver in agony. Fortunately your attack hits her right on the jaw and it is enough to distract her and her hold on your vital organ is lost for the moment. She stumbles a couple feet back looking irritated more than anything and she lunges towards you to strike you but fortunately you are able to dodge for which you are grateful as her hand goes through the wall instead. That would have hurt. Filthy cur! she hisses. You can either continue your attempts at fighting or the door is still behind you.

ooc: Take 9 damage please

Colin gave a halfhearted jab and cross at the demon as she passed him but didn't really want to overreach before he recovered from the demonic attempt to crush his heart. She seemed furious and that suited him just fine. He gave a grin and ruled up his sleeves. "Very unlady-like words," he said as he gave her a motion with his fingers to come at him. He was counting on his years of streetfighting to even the odds against a much stronger opponents.

Combat:
Rinse, lather, repeat
Move- roll sleeves
Standard- Unarmed vs Mary
Agile reposte and combat expertise -4 in effect.

00:49, Today: Colin Browne rolled 6 using 1d20+4.  Attack Mary, unarmed round 2.
00:49, Today: Colin Browne rolled 7 using 1d20+4.  Agile Repost vs missed punch.

You know you're as good as dead unarmed against me she sneers. Some hunter you are, but then at least I'll have a bit of fun with you before I tear you limb from limb. She rushes at you then but to both of your surprise she slips on the wooden floor and goes stumbling against the couch. She looks furious and embarrassed and it's very hard not to laugh considering her big talk a moment before.

ooc: Ah, gotta love natural 1's. Next round, roll for your agile repost as well :D

OOC: Is it Agile Reposte for one or two rounds?

ooc: Once per round. Oops! My apologies.

Colin grinned but did not linger long. He saw an opportunity and seized upon it. As the demon fumbled and lost its footing, Colin gave a series of quick jabs to the body of the demon. Blows to the kidneys would hurt just about anyone. Followed up with a vicious right hook and then an upper cut. The strong combination would likely have done more damage, but he only clipped with the uppercut. Still, the demon would be feeling the blows, even if Colin had neither the strength nor fortitude of the demon. He retreated back a few steps, "Submit now, exorcise yourself and let the girl go."

Combat:
2 Agile Reposte hits, 10 nonlethal
Round 5&6 2 hit, 15 nonlethal



21:56, Today: Colin Browne rolled 8,7 using 1d6+1d4+1,1d6+1d4+1.  Round 5&6 dmg, nonlethal.
21:55, Today: Colin Browne rolled 5 using 1d20+4.  Poss crit?
21:54, Today: Colin Browne rolled 20,24 using 1d20+4,1d20+4.  Round 5&6 vs Mary .
21:53, Today: Colin Browne rolled 3 using 1d6+1d4+1.  AR 3 dmg.
21:53, Today: Colin Browne rolled 19 using 1d20+4.  AR round 3.
21:52, Today: Colin Browne rolled 7 using 1d6+1d4+1.  Agile Reposte dmg.
21:51, Today: Colin Browne rolled 19 using 1d20+4.  Agile Reposte round 2.

Though you do indeed have quite a productive string of blows against the woman you can tell that she is not being harmed near as much as you would like but then as a demon she will be able to withstand quite a bit. She looks irritated though and fortunately your physical tactics have helped in that they inspire her to return in kind. No doubt she wants to beat the living daylights out of you and though she does indeed clock you across the ribs so hard you find yourself gasping you are able to withstand it better than you would another grip on your heart. Her second swing misses though, giving you another opportunity to take advantage of her miss.

ooc: Ok, take 6 damage please and roll for the next 2 rounds. She hits once and misses another.

Colin rolled with the lunch and came up with another blow, this time striking at the knee. His boot impacted solidly before he whirled his fist it for a sledgehammer blue to her stomach. He was not sure if it had any effect, but he was sure the blow that followed it to the solar plexus would hurt. He might not withstand too many more of those rib crackers, but he was unwilling to simply killing the demon without trying to save the girl. "Let the girl go."

Combat:
Agile Reposte hit, 6 nonlethal
Unsure if 17 hit for 10 nonlethal
Round 8 hit for 8 nonlethal

22:30, Today: Colin Browne rolled 6,10,8 using 1d6+1d4+1,1d6+1d4+1,1d6+1d4+1.  dmg, nonlethal.
22:29, Today: Colin Browne rolled 19,17,23 using 1d20+4,1d20+4,1d20+4.  Agile Reposte, plus Round 7&8.

You only miss with one of your blows and just barely. She looks irritated that you are putting her through so much trouble, though she is withstanding your attacks quite well. She backhands you across the face and you feel your jaw crack a bit as you stumble backwards. She misses with her second attempt though for if nothing you are at least agile. So that's why you aren't using your weapon against me she chuckles. How sentimental! You really think this meatsuit can be saved? I could stab myself right now and kill her if she's causing too much of a distraction for you... she sneers. I should think you would be more concerned about Annis then me. She went out the back you know, probably headed for her cave right now. I sure hope that puny woman you pretend not to know isn't lurking around by herself. I have a feeling she is an even easier mark then you...

Colin struck quicker than a snake. His knife was out and he hoped that he had beat the demon enough that she would go down without killing the poor girl she was inhabiting. He closed quick and abandoned all form of defending himself. She wanted to goad him, she would get his fury. His fury spoiled his aim and he snarled past Mary. He turned, ready to defend himself again.

Combat:
Move, draw knife
Attack: Men of Letters Blade vs Mary demon. nonlethal attack Miss

19:29, Today: Colin Browne rolled 10 using 1d20+1d6+4.  MoL blade vs Mary, nonlethal.

She tries to counter your attack with a fist to the neck but you duck just in time and she looks irritated. You note that now you have your knife out she is still looking amused for she has not tasted its power yet. Most weapons are useless against demons but soon she will be educated that this is no ordinary blade. Well, as much fun as this I have to go attend the children. Annis gets hungry and I can't have her killing them before its time. Consider yourself lucky, I'll finish you quickly she purrs and you feel the grip of her power crushing your kidneys this time! The pain is excruciating and despite her words you can tell she is trying to prolong it just a little anyway...

ooc: Next round and fort save please :D Oh, and I forgot to give you the damage from her punch so you take 8 damage please. Note, she did miss again so roll your agile repost too.