Simon nodded to Kate and then to Penny's observation. "Indeed, we all have our Achilles' Heal." Then she spun a yarn that sounded better. "I like it. That way I am not lying, just omitting details. Very good. Thank you both, shall we?"

'Yes, let's investigate.' Penny said, going with Simon. She let the others choose as they would, but preferred a few remain in reserve, as well as to keep an eye on Emma. 'Never lie when the truth will do, or at least half of it.' Penny reflected on the way.

ooc: Jo, let me know if you lag back or go with the others

Ian and Lily agree to stay with Emma, who looks quite exhausted from the day and just grateful to lean against a fence post, too ladylike to sit on the actual ground. Lily easily sinks into a cross legged position, though she looks quite ready to leap up at any moment. Be careful she warns, looking extra vigilant.

When you get to the door a woman answers, about twenty six or so and heavily pregnant. She looks surprisingly spooked and has a shot gun in her hand. Who are you? Was that you I heard trying to get in the back door? What in blazes do you want!? I will blow your heads off if you try anything! she looks fatigued and very on edge. Seeing Simon's attire does help somewhat though.

Simon put his hands up, "Dear lady, my name is Father Simon Cole. This is Penny Dreadful, my assistant. We did not go to your rear Egress. We came to the front door as is customary. We are lost and in need of assistance."

Josephine hung back with Ian and Lily, preferring the company of her friend and a man who had been kind to her to the others, at least at the moment. She'd been much more quiet ever since her ordeal, and she'd chosen to keep her mouth shut more often than not.

When the others headed off, she kept to herself still, kicking the occasional stone around, and just puttering around. Decisions had already been made, and she'd already argued with her mother about coming until she was blue in the face. Her day had already been a full one, so she conserved her energy to hike more if necessary.

At the woman's warm welcome, Penny looked sidelong at Simon, knowing he had to realise it too. The creature she'd spotted had tried to get into the house moments before. And, notwithstanding what she'd heard of the American gun fixation, given the woman's defensive attitude, this farmhouse was under siege. But what were the odds, that a group of wayward hunters would happen upon the scene of a supernatural assault? Well, as ever, a hunter's timing was terrible. Unless it was more than a coincidence.

Saying nothing, hands raised, Penny quickly scanned the woman, what she could see of the interior of the house, and the yard outside.


OOC: Scanning the woman and looking for clues.
Find Clues feat: free Search check 17 if there's a clue in 5 ft
19:29, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 27,25,25 using d20+17,d20+8,d20+9.  Sherlock Scan: investigate, sense motive, spot.
19:32, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 17 using 1d20+13.  find clues: search.

Jo: Lily senses your still surly mood, and knowing her part in your healing and everything else makes special effort to cheer you up. She puts a comforting hand on your shoulder. Something feels off to me. Keep sharp...how are you feeling? she looks nervous as to the answer.


Everyone else: The woman looks alarmed that you have not apparently been the intruders she thought though she seems relieved at the same time. What? But someone was rattling the doorknob just a minute ago! And I heard scratching at the window... she lowers the gun, apparently deciding to trust you though she looks dizzy and steadies herself against the door frame. Ever since John left I've been feeling so tired... she murmurs, not looking well at all.

Penny, you can see the farmhouse is well kept, cozy and painted in pale pleasant yellows. Her woman's touch is evident throughout and there are flower boxes on the outer window sills, a pleasant and welcoming place, fairly well off from the looks of it. The woman herself is likely due soon and she looks very tired and haggard, more so than a normal pregnancy would indicate.

12:11, Today: Father Simon Cole rolled 11 using 1d20+10.  Treat Injury.

Simon tried to to figure out if the woman is suffering from some ailment.

And fails, unless the GM gives successes on natural 1's. =-(

Feeling Lily's hand, Jo's expression lightened quickly, a forced action, and she tried to smile,

"Oh, I feel fine. I must just be tired or something, I'm sorry..." she said noncommittally. She tried to put her 'oomph' into her smile to reassure Lily, but it wasn't the most convincing. Still, she knew people generally liked her for her happy go lucky attitude, so she tried to fake it best she could.

The woman's tiredness didn't appear to be associated with stress, at least not in her own mind, nor even with the pregnancy, which she would be aware of the effects of. This suggested a magical effect, concordant with some kind of supernatural siege. What was going on here? Why had they been brought here, or why had this happened where they were going?

With the gun lowered, Penny stepped forward and into the room, laying a caring hand on the woman's shoulder, and saying gently 'Madam, please let us help. Do you have any children? ...Father Simon, please, ah, see if anyone is at the back door.' Briefly, Penny considered calling one or more of the rest of the group down to the farmhouse, but she didn't want to overwhelm the poor housewife with a crowd of strangers. She tried to steer the pregnant woman back into the house, towards either a chair or a children's room.


OOC: Natural 1s on skill checks aren't automatic failures, IIRC.
Treat Injury 11
Knowledge (arcane lore) 19 - is anything affecting her?
08:29, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 11 using 1d20+2. treat injury.
08:29, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 19 using 1d20+10. Know: arcane lore.

Simon nodded, and stood, moving toward the back door with his hand on his pistol. AS he walked he prayed aloud, "Father God, let no unclean spirit take hold in this place or in these people..."

The woman is tired enough to let her suspicion drop and allows herself to be led to a sofa. She indicates she does not have any children save for the one on the way of course. I have been hearing tapping noises at the door and windows at night but I always thought it must be the wind or some foolishness. This was something else though she shudders. Uh...why are you here again? she puts a hand to her head as though she has a headache. Penny, as you mull over the situation you do recall there are several kinds of monsters known to target pregnant women. Narrowing it down could be the tricky part.

Meanwhile Simon, by the time you reach the back door there is nothing there that you can see, though there are some strange scratch marks on the exterior of the house. Just one or two long lines of indentation, not like any animal you've seen.


Jo: Lily makes a face at you and shakes her head, clearly not convinced but lets it drop. As the four of you sit in silence, you suddenly catch a figure running toward the barn, several yards away. The others seem not to have noticed it yet.

Standing up slowly, her eyes locked on the barn like a predatory cat's might, her head lowered slightly as if pursuing something, Josephine turned quietly and walked out the door towards the barn immediately.

She figured Lily would follow, and know what she was doing from her stance, but even if she didn't, Jo was pouting just enough to go out by herself. And whether it was pouting, or a lack of regard because she quite possibly could NEVER be hurt that badly again was yet to be seen, but she would deal with it when the time came... she hoped. As it was, right now she didn't have time to diagnose herself, so she moved.

Simon closed and bolted the door, making his way back to Penny. "There was something. It left a mark but I cannot identify what. Moving her is probably a bad idea. We cannot stay here long, but leaving her might be bad. I think we should try and lure it back if possible." He nodded to beyond the door, "Should I alert the others?"

"Not surprising since we saw that figure earlier," Kate spoke quietly so as not to draw the pregnant woman's attention. "They may not come back if they know she's not alone anymore" She added.  Her instincts told her to take a walk. The others were outside already and would provide quick back up if needed.

'We're here to help.' Penny promised the woman, concentrating instead on the situation. Given the strange sighting, unnatural speed, the ongoing harassment of the woman, she was sure a supernatural monster was involved. The likeliest candidate in her experience was the Spring-heeled Jack, but he largely restricted his attentions to young, unmarried maidens – and Penny still bore the embarrassments. There were others that targeted pregnant women specifically, for one horrible reason or another, but there was nothing she could formulate a plan around yet.

Bringing a band of hunters to the house would most likely scare the creature off – a sufficient outcome, but Penny preferred to identify, capture, and slay it to be certain – but they could not stay out there. She nodded to Simon, saying softly so only he could hear. 'Please do. And take care out there. Oh, and ask Kate to wad some clothing under her shirt as if pregnant.'

Returning to the woman's side, she explained 'Madam, my companions and I were travelling to San Jose for business when we went astray. We have been wandering the desert all day without rest or water. We would greatly appreciate it if you could provide some drink, food, and directions, and perhaps shelter for the night. I can pay you handsomely for the trouble.'

'Furthermore, it appears there is a scoundrel out there who means you some mischief or harm. Perhaps a thief.' Penny downplayed the threat, so as not to alarm the poor woman – at this stage, anyway. 'Hopefully some company will scare this rascal off, before more forceful persuasion is required.'
This message was last edited by the player at 00:47, Sun 14 Feb 2016.

The woman listens and nods gratefully, happy not to be alone. Yes, yes of course you can stay. I'd be grateful for the company. There's food in the larder and a few spare beds. As for San Jose, you're about a day's travel away. My husband is there now on business, he should be back tomorrow night thank goodness. The last thing I need right now is to worry about a thief. she glances at the back door again fearfully.

ooc: Kate, let me know if you go outside with Simon or stay inside with Penny. If/when you go outside you will see Lily running towards the barn.

Jo: You head to the barn but Lily doesn't immediately follow, perhaps thinking you are just upset about recent events. As you close in though she seems to realize there is more going on and fortunately starts after you. She should catch up soon thankfully. Should you look into the barn you are greeted with the sounds of horses shuffling in their stalls and the soft clucks of chickens. It is a pleasant place with the smell of straw and feed and other cozy things. It is pitch black unfortunately and as you step inside you see very little. You do, however, hear what sounds like footsteps above you in the loft...

In her usual straightforward manner, Josephine called out immediately,

"Hey! Who is up there?" before cautiously stepping a few more feet into the darkness. While logically she knew she should be stepping away from the darkness, something caused her to keep moving towards it... curiosity perhaps*?

Peering upwards, Josephine crept in, and tried to find steps, or a ladder that led up into the loft of the barn. She felt very comfortable, for some reason... probably the old 'home grown' feel of the place, and that made her more brazen in her actions.

Plus, what's the worst that could happen? Her body could be mangled and twisted multiple ways, but she'd already seen that bag of tricks...







*or the insatiable need for all television heroines to step into terribly stupid situations!

'Thank you very much for your hospitality. I'm afraid we're a large group, but I'm sure we shall be no trouble.' The creature outside was another matter... As, outside, the others approached the farmhouse and began to explore, Penny began to question the woman more carefully. 'Have you had any visitors recently? Travellers passing by and paying too-close attention? ...A thief may watch the house first to see how many people there are.' she explained, using the story of a thief to cover for the greater threat she suspected. Less mundane, she asked 'Has there been anything strange recently?'

After getting the others inside he spotted Lily and Josephine heading for the barn. He stayed at the house door watching. If he heard screams or gunshots he would sprint to help.

ooc: Kate pmd me and said she was indeed headed outside too

Kate, you also see Lily running toward the barn. Meanwhile Simon seems to be leading Emma and Ian inside, both of whom are looking on edge and then he waits outside, watchfully.

Penny: Ian and Emma arrive shortly thereafter. Emma is the picture of a proper house guest, her old whiles appearing again. She always could be charming when she wished. The woman looks surprised at such a group but seems relieved to have company. She informs you her name is Sarah Stockan and Emma greets her warmly and immediately sets out to making tea, the epitome of a motherly sort though Ian watches her like a hawk. I haven't had visitors, no. Though my friend Mary, a few miles up the road has told me her children have heard tapping at their windows sometimes. Always brushes it off as the wind but it has her spooked, I can tell. Could be a thief like you said, just sorting things out right? she winces suddenly and her eyebrows shoot up to her hairline. Oh no. I think my water just broke. Indeed a wet puddle forms at her feet.

Jo: You manage to find a ladder but without light it is treacherous and slow work. By then Lily catches up to you. What did you see? she demands, realizing you must be after something and eager to protect you. Meanwhile the noises stop as though whoever it is must be hiding. I'll try to find a light. I have some matches... Lily mutters, tripping over several things in the process. ooc: Roll a will save please Jo. You're going to need it shortly ;)

Well I'm screwed, lol. 9 on the will save. Bring it on, I ain't afraid o' no ghosts!

Continuing to climb, Josephine glanced down at Lily, and shrugged,

"Nothing much, some sort of figure. I'm willing to bet its got some information though, and I'm ready to get it." she said, determined as can be,

"And don't light a match in here! If you catch me on fire, I'm going to hold that against you!" she half-teased though it was obvious her heart wasn't in it.

"Think I should see what they are up to?" Kate asked Simon when she spotted Lily sprinting towards the barn. She had a bad feeling about this place and almost wondered if they were better off lost in the wilderness.

The news that another household had been harassed in the same way intrigued Penny, though it made it harder to pin down the creature responsible. Was it after the mothers, the unborn child, or just children in general? Was it a monster that made a ritual of tapping at windows, or just a particularly annoying vampire? She should consider the possibility of unrelated forms of madness and mania in monsters, though it would require an extensive behavioural study. Penny was wondering how to ask if this Mary was also pregnant, when Sarah changed the topic in a big way.

'I'm sorry? Your water?' Penny echoed dumbly, looking for some issue with the plumbing, before spying that the puddle came from no other source that Mrs Stockan. 'Oh.' There was probably a world in which a woman naturally knew what to do in the case of childbirth. But Penny was not from that world. She wasn't even entirely certain how babies got inside women, let alone how to get them out. She could start with a few good guesses though.

'Alright, um, let's first get you laying down on the bed... Mr Shaw! Please, ah, inform the others, see who can help. Bring Kate, she will know. Mrs Bently, if could please lend me a hand?' Right now, she couldn't recall if Emma Bently had had children, but didn't think so. Penny tried to help Sarah to her bed, asking her 'Do you have a midwife?'


OOC: Anything about tapping monsters? Knowledge (arcane lore) 30
19:09, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 30 using 1d20+10. knowledge (arcane lore).

What to do with a pregnant woman? Treat Injury 17
19:09, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 17 using 1d20+2. treat injury.

Simon lifted a brow, Kate had been away for a while. "I am courting Lilly and I've gotten to know her fairly well. If I help without her asking she gets angry. If she screams or I hear gunshots, then I will run."