Colin shrugged off the attempt to seize him and stalked forward, giving a few half-hearted attempts to cut her with the knife. He grinned at her, something slightly maniacal about it. "What's wrong? I'm not the easy prey you thought I was? Perhaps I am something far deadlier than even you?" ,he crooned at her in a deadly voice.


22:09, Today: Colin Browne rolled 22 using 1d20+5.  Intimidate.
22:05, Today: Colin Browne rolled 8 using 1d20+4.  Blade vs Mary, nonlethal.
22:04, Today: Colin Browne rolled 21 using 1d20+1.  Fort save.
22:04, Today: Colin Browne rolled 6 using 1d20+4.  Blade AR vs Mary, nonlethal.
19:29, Today: Colin Browne rolled 10 using 1d20+1d6+4.  MoL blade vs Mary, nonlethal.

She looks at you as though you've gone mad and though she's clearly not afraid of you (she has not tasted the power of your blade yet) she is starting to look uncertain, especially since you've lasted so long. You are able to shake off the effects of her demon grip with much effort and though it has wounded you, you are still able to function, much to her shock. Deciding on action rather than taunting now she flicks her hand and sends you hurtling back towards a bookshelf, perhaps wanting to put some distance between the two of you.

Colin hit the bookshelf with a thump and rolled as soon as he hit the ground. The effort would ensure minimal damage and he once again came at the demon. She would feel the blade at some point in the future, Colin vowed that it had to happen. He simply grinned as he made a toying slash at her.


Combat:
Reflex save with action point: Total 17, if successful no damage due to Evasion
Attack missed
22:03, Today: Colin Browne rolled 10 using 1d20+8.  Blade vs Mary lethal.
22:02, Today: Colin Browne rolled 6 using 1d6.  Action point to Reflex save.
22:01, Today: Colin Browne rolled 11 using 1d20+6.  Reflex.

She looks furious that you so easily bounce back from the bookshelf and she is clearly losing her temper. It's like you're some aggravating little gnat that won't hold still! she screeches. Hurling you once more, this time towards the back wall. She looks livid, crazed.

ooc: Reflex save is DC 15 in this case so feel free to describe your impact or lack thereof as you roll the next round. I'm surprised how well he's doing! Of course, part of that is my own poor rolls ;P Have you ever read the Wheel of Time books? There's a character, Mat Cauthon that Colin is reminiscent of. He likes the ladies, is just a tad scoundrelish and is unbelievably lucky.

Colin cursed as he slammed into the wall and came away with a bloody grin. He moved forward and spat a gob of bloody phlegm on the ground. He said nothing, tiring of banter, and struck like lightning. He flashed the blade across her midsection, looking to slice a bloody gash to the torso.

OOC:
Failed Reflex. 8 dmg with the blade.

22:36, Today: Colin Browne rolled 8 using 1d6+1d4+1.  Blade damage.
22:35, Today: Colin Browne rolled 23 using 1d20+8.  Attack Blade vs Mary.
22:34, Today: Colin Browne rolled 1 using 1d6.  Action point to Reflex save.
22:34, Today: Colin Browne rolled 10 using 1d20+6.  Reflex again.

I have read the first book, but could never get into it.

ooc: Well, the first one is definitely slow. It gets better though they are so frickin long and detailed it takes a lot of energy to read them. Still haven't finished.

Now that you have finally made contact with the blade the demon suddenly realizes what she is in for. Pure shock transforms her face as she understands now you can hurt her. A flash of fear crosses her eyes and she glares at you contemptuously. What is that? she demands, hurling you back again though you sense this time it is in an attempt to keep you away.

During this the front door flies open and to your relief you see Amelia there, looking quite determined. You note her hair is a bit wild and her clothes are disheveled but she seems unharmed. The demon turns in surprise. You alright Colin? the blonde woman demands, eying Mary with disdain.

ooc: Take 9 damage please and roll another reflex as well as your next attack.

Colin rolled backwards as he hit the ground, spring up like a rabbit. He grinned as he twirled the knife in his fingers and spoke over his shoulder to Amelia. "The children? Black Annis went after them," he questioned. He did not wait, instead he rushed at Mary. At the last moment, he sidestepped and came in at a completely different angle.

OOC: I'm not sure why the dice roller thought I needed three saves.

22:03, Today: Colin Browne rolled 24,7 using 1d20+8,1d6+1d4+1.  Attack Mary, Blade/dmg.
22:02, Today: Colin Browne rolled 26 using 1d20+6.  Third Reflex.
22:02, Today: Colin Browne rolled 16 using 1d20+6.  Third Reflex.
22:02, Today: Colin Browne rolled 24 using 1d20+6.  Third Reflex.

What? I looked for a cave but I couldn't find anything, got lost and fell down a ravine too she grumbles and you note that as she talks she scowls as if in concentration. I have a lead though she grunts, still concentrating. Mary hisses in pain as you slash her again and though she is still physically doing well she looks worried. You feel her invisible grip on your heart, this time desperately squeezing, clearly trying to finish you off as fast as she can. No doubt she likely sees you as the bigger threat since Amelia is unarmed and apparently just standing there. This time the pain is excruciating and if you can't break free and she is not stopped you won't last much longer. Hold on! Amelia orders through clenched teeth.

ooc: Make a fort save and another round please :)

Colin screamed in pain, then in rage. He rushed forward and barreled into Mary, knife in hand. He was not going to last another. He knew it. She knew it. He could only hope that Amelia had a trick up her sleeve.

18:13, Today: Colin Browne rolled 19,4 using 1d20+8,1d6+1d4+1.  Attack Mary with Blade, dmg .
18:12, Today: Colin Browne rolled 8 using 1d20+2.  Fort Save!

You manage to meet Mary's flesh with your knife but it is no killing wound, her hold on your heart is too strong. It beats rapidly, wildly and you find yourself gasping in pain. Fortunately Amelia seems to have readied her spell and with a gesture she suddenly slams the demon against the wall where she stays, pinned and looking panicked. Fortunately your heart is then released but blood is coming out of your mouth and you feel weak and light headed. It's a good thing you wrote that note for Amelia! Finish her quickly before she breaks my hold and then I can tend to you Amelia instructs, completely focused on Mary who is screeching in fury. Just stay with me, alright Colin? You can rest in just a moment

Colin nodded to Amelia, taking up his knife and staggering over to the Mary demon. He held the knife in front of her face. "Blessed blade," he said in a serious tone. "It will ensure you don't go back to hell. No escape." He spat a stream of blood out of his mouth, his Cheshire grin never returning. The next time he spoke, it was in Latin. "Release her and you both live, demon. You have my word as a Catholic and an Irishman," he said, raising a hand to forestall any argument from Amelia.

Mary hesitates, seeing how close you are to death but she also sees Amelia and thinks better of retaliation. Instead she throws her head back and opens her mouth wide, a thick black smoke rushing out and disappearing through the floor. Mary falls to the ground then, limp. Amelia rushes to her side, examining her. Her wounds are numerous and she looks even worse than you. She's still alive! Barely she mutters, relieved. Now sit yourself down before you fall down. she orders, putting her hands on the woman's face and closing her eyes. She concentrates, muttering something you can't understand and you are grateful to see the woman's color and breathing improve though she is still unconscious. She should wake soon. She is still incredibly weak but she won't bleed out at least the blonde woman mutters. Then she turns to you and grips your face tightly, repeating her strange words. You feel a surge of something icy rip through your body and suddenly your own wounds are feeling considerably improved, though you are by no means back to full strength. She plops into a chair then, looking tired and rubbing her temples. Well that was a mess it looks like. Good work saving the girl. I have no idea why a demon is here though. Do you think she was pretending to be Black Annis? Obviously Amelia wouldn't know about the cat, hence her conclusions.

ooc: You get back 20 hit points :D

Colin inhaled deeply as his wounds knitted themselves together. He couldn't see them, of course, he suffered mostly from the horrible, heart stopping spell of the demon. He recovered and regarded travelling from of Mary, if that was even her true name. Poor girl needed some more healing, both spiritual and physical. He snapped his head towards the door. "She was not Black Annis. It was disguised as a black cat. Escaped a few minutes ago. The demon mentioned the kids were alive and in a cave. I stalled as long as possible. We need to find them," he said with an urgency in his voice.

Immediately Amelia heads for the door, headed for the inn's stables. We'll get there faster on horseback. We only have the one so we'll have to share, and I hope you don't mind I'm going to have to push decency aside for the time being. I can't exactly ride side saddle she sighs. I already searched the northwestern edge of the woods, apparently the north is where most of the lambs have been taken from so I thought it best to check there. We'll try the northeast this time and pray for luck. She leads the horse out and starts to put on the tack though it will go faster if you help of course. I can't think of why a demon would be working with the likes of Annis. This is all very strange. she turns to squint at you worriedly. Now, are you sure you're going to be alright? I can try to heal you more but I need some of my strength to deal with Annis.

Colin nodded and made for the door as well. "We should put on a charade. Claim some crazed man attacked Mary and made for the woods. Likely for a cave. The folk here knew the woods better than us and we know none are that creature. Could help us get the kids faster. Think you can play a jilted lover that saw the deed?" , he asked with a raised eyebrow. As much revulsion as she might have for the idea, she surely could see the logic behind his suggestion. Right?

Amelia looks surprised at the suggestion but nods quickly. Yes, I will do whatever it takes. I'm not much of an improviser though. Tell me what to say before hand and I'll say it well enough.... Are you my supposed lover then? she looks suddenly awkward and embarrassed. I just want to be sure I understand everything correctly she adds matter of factly, finding her dignity again.

Colin looked slightly abashed for a moment as he suddenly realized what he had asked of Amelia. He shook his head and grabbed her shoulders. He took the knife he had used on the Mary demon and gave it to Amelia. "Change of plans. I'm going to need you to stab me. Someplace where it won't kill me. The story is not believable if I am not injured by a sharp weapon like her. You're going to say you heard screaming and saw me struggling with a figure. Mary was on the ground and I was stabbed. The figure ran off into the woods. I will pretend to be out of it until the townsfolk rally towards the cave. Understood?"

OOC: Suddenly got very busy!

Amelia looks relieved and yet somehow embarrassed when you change your mind. I'll do what you think best Mr. Browne, but don't think me squeamish when it comes to lying. she frowns, perhaps not wanting you to think she was unequal to the task. Now, you can keep that pig sticker yourself. You're still banged up enough that it's clear to see you were in an altercation. That should be adequate enough, especially since I won't be able to heal you again for a bit. You'll need every bit of strength. Your plan is excellent but once they lead us to the cave I will try to distract them off so they aren't put in danger. Unless you think it better that the whole town join in the hunt? she adds uncertainly. I suppose we could use their numbers at that. Hm...well you're the hunter you decide.

ooc: Let me know final plans and I will skim through to the cave :D And no worries, you are always welcome to take as long as necessary.

OOC: Colin will go with his plan and once there, go with Amelia's suggestion to distract the townfolk until Colin can flush Black Annis out.

She looks pleased at not having to stab you and you both head towards the pub, the most likely place to find a crowd of people at this hour. She does beautifully, exclaiming so loud upon entering that several people jostle their drinks. She points at your battered body and frantically explains about the man who stabbed Mary and beat you half to death. I think I must have frightened him off when I saw him and screamed! He ran towards the woods. Does anyone know where he could have gone? Several people stand to offer you help and some of them suggest an old barn that had been abandoned as a likely place to hide. She expertly leads them in her interrogation, asking where else they could be until someone finally suggests a large cave to the north east, just a half a mile north from the Johnson's farm. Smiling triumphantly she suggests breaking up into search parties, claiming she and you will go towards the cave. Everyone is eager to seek vengeance on the man who would harm their beloved Mary and soon you have a small group of posses on your hands. You end up with five men in your group but Amelia gives you a reassuring smirk as you head out. You end up taking some horses and are there within twenty minutes. As you are led to the cave you dismount so as to remain silent, tying the horses up to some trees. The five men with you draw their pistols and weapons, eager to search the place. You glance over to see Amelia whisper something to herself and suddenly you all see a dark figure several yards away running through the trees ahead. There he is! I recognize him! she shouts and they are off like hounds after a fox though the form is quick as it leads them away. She turns to you and laughs once you are alone. I set the illusion to lead them for about half an hour so we'd better hurry before they double back for us. Poor things, I feel almost mean. Now, I think I can heal you a bit more, you're going to need it. She takes your head in her hands and closes her eyes. You gasp at the cold shock of it but soon you are feeling almost back to your full strength though she looks a bit tired afterwards. The cave lies before you. It is time to reckon with Annis.

ooc: You heal another 20 points. Also roll hide and move silently please.

Colin gave a nod back and his trademark grin. He needed to focus. The children were depending on him to help. He inched toward the cave, careful of his footing. What he had not counted on was how little he had to work with as far as cover was concerned. Instead of focusing on not being seen, he was more interested in not being heard. A stay footfall or rock tumble might alert the old horror faster than his brass buttons or white shirt.

22:10, Today: Colin Browne rolled 13,22 using 1d20+12,1d20+14.  Hide, Move Silently.

You enter the cave cautiously and Amelia quietly hands you a wooden stake with whispered instructions that it will be the only thing to finish her off. Our weapons will wound her but the final blow must be with this. I will entrust it to you she instructs.

As you sneak into the cave you can see the light of a fire winking from within. To your disgust you glance at the entrance and see several animal skins hanging off a tree, just like the stories. Fortunately it looks like only lamb skins from the looks of it and Amelia looks weak with relief at not having seen the children's alongside. You enter and though you try to stay hidden it is very difficult and Amelia slips a bit on the damp floor, wincing. Now inside you can see a fire, a cook pot and the bloody remains of several lambs. Then, laid out on the floor you see about eight or so children, all on their backs and their eyes closed, looking pale. Whether they are dead or not you do not know but they are all motionless and white. Before you can move further you hear a voice, a hooded figure across the room stirs the pot, not even looking up. So, the demon did not seem to be as strong as she claimed then she speaks in a surprisingly human like voice. Well then, without my watcher there's nothing to stop me from eating these pretties. After I dispose of you first of course. Never send a demon to do a witch's job.

ooc: Feel free to roll init and your first round or do some bantering if you wish

Colin came out more into the open, hands up and exposed. He was confident enough to not need the knife handy just yet. He looked to the children and then to Annis. He spoke in his native, Irish tongue. "We're both from the Old World. Tell me, elder one, have you found this place to be as fearful of you as the rainy isle? Have these Americans given you due respect?" , he inquired. He was hoping that he could engage with words, as with violence he was sure he would lose.

Respect? Ha! she repeats with bitter amusement. These Americans know nothing of the word. Belligerant, rebellious things. Even their children whine and resist more than others. Drives me mad. I look forward to teaching them a lesson soon. Of course it is a lesson they will take to their graves but that doesn't bother me. Now, go Irishman and perhaps I will let you live. The flesh of adults is not nearly so tasty to me but I will choke it down if I am forced to. She replies in her native tongue. Amelia listens with the look of slight confusion, not understanding of course, though she can tell by your tones that some kind of banter is happening. As you talk she ever so slightly moves to the side of the cave and you note she is mouthing something to herself. Likely a spell in preparation for what is to come.

Colin gave a smirk and bowed to Annis in a very stage like fashion. "Far be it for me to suggest something to one as old as you. You who were there when the Celts first graced the Emerald Isle," he crooned. Flattery while usually not believable from him, did wonders to boost the ego of many a young lass. Colin was hoping that even obviously false praise to Black Annis, something she had not likely heard for a long time, might stall her long enough for Amelia to pull her stunt. He continued in the same tone as before, like an actor reciting the Bard. "Might I offer an alternate outcome here? It is obvious that someone will not leave this cave, likely myself or the children. Instead, I offer a contest of the old ways. A game of Brandubh to decide the fate of both myself and the children. To sweeten the deal, I will even lead the villagers away from your cave," he said again in the Irish tongue.