Jo: Lily assures you she will be careful, swearing as she crashes into something else. At last she finds a lantern and lights it, by now you have reached the top of the loft and the pitch blackness is illuminated by the lantern. To your horror, not two feet away from you is a man! He is only half dressed, naked to the waist and wearing buckskin trousers. His long black hair and glittering skin mark him as an Indian but his head suddenly spins around with a terrible snapping sound and to your shock you see another face on the back of his head peeking through the hair! It is disfigured, pale and gaping at you with a wide open mouth that gasps and gurgles, the eyes glazed over and unblinking, broken yellow teeth glisten in the light. You are completely frozen in place, your muscles refuse to obey no matter how you try. Suddenly he lashes out with an elbow of all things and it is at that point you see the long sharp spike protruding from his elbows. It slashes you in the stomach and you fall backward off the loft, nearly two stories. Lily swears and rushes forward and manages to break your fall as you land on top of her, sending both of you to the ground. You missed the hay pile by two feet unfortunately. By then the figure is already rapidly escaping, leaping down from the loft and running toward the exit on the other side of the barn. The native woman starts to shout, pulling her gun out to aim at the creature before he disappears. ooc: You will still be paralyzed for this round but roll another will save to see if you shake it off the round after please.

Kate/Simon: As if in answer to Simon's question you hear a commotion coming from the barn. Lily is swearing loudly and shouting. Before you can move Ian bursts out of the front door, looking pale and shaken and seemingly unaware of Lily and Jo's plight. Baby. Baby coming! You've never seen him so shaken.

Penny: You can't think of a tapping creature off hand but the fact that it isn't trying to break in as aggressively as most do makes you think it is perhaps a crafty foe versus the more violent you've run across. It also waited until Sarah's husband was gone to stalk her. Between this, the long scratch marks out side and your current location, you're willing to bet it is a native type of monster. You seem to recall some are known for giving children nightmares, perhaps the tapping plays a part in this.
Meanwhile Ian looks completely horrified at what is happening and is grateful to have a reason to leave. Emma isn't much better, wringing her hands and offering to make more tea. She obeys when you ask but looks nearly as shaken as Ian. There's a doctor in town but that's a day's ride Sarah winces. It seems the contractions are starting. I'm not due for another month! Why is this happening? I'm not ready! she allows herself to be taken to the bed but she's on the verge of panic. You manage better than you thought you would under the circumstances but it is needless to say, out of your element. Judging by her contractions, she will be in official labor in the next several minutes. They are steadily getting closer together but not to the point where her labor is active. Instead she lies there, moaning loudly.

Simon had to get things together and prioritize. "Ian, go help Lily, please. I will tend to the baby." Simon went inside, "Penny I need you to either help me here or go help Ian, Lilly, and Josephine." He called out "Kate, we need towels and boiled water."

He inhaled, he had never done this before but had observed it several times. Really it was up to the mother to do the real work. "Madam, I have assisted several physicians. You might call me a nurse, the Church trained me, and I will be here the entire time." He positioned her so that she would have the easiest birth possible.

CRAP!
12:45, Today: Father Simon Cole rolled 11 using 1d20+10.  Treat Injury.

I do believe I'm dead then. And a 16 will save, if it matters :)

The question of the monster temporarily put far from her mind, Penny tried her best to assist Sarah. 'It may have been brought on by stress.' she suggested, though Penny was worried: an early, stressful pregnancy could be a difficult one. A difficult pregnancy with no midwife or doctor was a dangerous one.

'Now, please, lay down, and relax. I think you're meant to push... something.' Penny tried. Whilst trying to encourage Sarah, she focused on timing Sarah's contractions, determining that were indeed coming closer together and deducing when pregnancy was to occur. Penny didn't dither or panic, she just didn't know what else to do. The idea of the impending birth discomforted her; recent revelations about her own birth didn't help.

So Penny was glad when Simon arrived and seemed to know what to do do. Stunned, pale-faced, she duly reported 'I estimate labour will commence in five to eight minutes. But she's a month early... I know the head should come out first... I saw the birth of a foal once... I, I should go help the others, I think I know what they're facing. I shall be back shortly.' And if the birth lasted hours, as some did, then they had time for childbirth and monster slaying. Penny fled the house; everything seemed to be going on in the barn.


OOC:
16:50, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 29 using 1d20+13. Obscure Knowledge - childbirth?

Jo: You lay there, stiff and unmoving and Lily has to roll you off, though she tries to be gentle. Once she's sure you're alright she goes racing out after the thing, firing a shot and grazing him on the arm. She disappears into the night. You lie there next to the hay, bleeding from the slash across your stomach but it is not a mortal wound by any means though it is quite painful. At last you are able to start moving again though, the paralysis thankfully wearing off...Just then Ian bursts in, out of breath and gun raised. Seeing you he pales and rushes to your side. What happened? he demands.

Simon: Emma offers to get the towels and boiling water, seeing as Kate may be needed in the barn though she's welcome to stay if she wishes. The witch just seems happy for something tangible to do, she's looking very out of her element. Meanwhile Sarah takes heart hearing your words and obeys all your instructions. Unfortunately as her contractions continue, albeit fairly spaced apart, she looks quite weak and shaken. Not nearly as strong as she should be. This may not go well.

ooc: Disclaimer! No matter how bad the roll you'll never see a kid die in this game so no worries! I do have certain lines I do not cross :)

Penny/Kate if Kate goes to the barn: As you run to the barn you see Lily chasing a fast running figure in the distance, firing off her gun but the gap between them is lengthening. You can make out a string of curse words on her part. If you run you may be able to get a clean shot at the thing but the opportunity is slipping...
Meanwhile Penny, the thought occurs to you that the onset of labor may be a result of the creature's presence. If it goes after children it makes sense it would try to make them arrive early. Of course it could just be coincidence but she seems to be progressing unusually fast for what you've heard about childbirth.

Simon dug in, using faith and will to try again. He now knew something was wrong, he just needed to figure out what. He also felt it important to keep her attention. Between her contractions her bids her to talk to him, "Do you have a name picked out?"

09:37, Today: Father Simon Cole rolled 21 using 1d20+10.  Treat Injury.

Penny could identify Lily by the cursing alone. She took that to be a good sign – the nephilim would not turn the air blue. Running, she followed the swearing, and soon spied the fleeing figure. Trust Lily's instincts, Penny halted, aimed her revolver, cried 'Stop, Sharp-Elbows!' and fired.


OOC: Firing revolver: attack 21, damage 5
Point Blank Shot: +1 attack, +1 damage if within 30 feet
Precise Shot: no penalty on shooting into melee
22:58, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 21 using 1d20+8. revolver - attack.
22:58, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 5 using 2d4+2. revolver - damage.

I don't know if I can make a full attack, but the second is a miss anyhow.
22:58, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 6 using 1d20+3. revolver - attack 2?

Is concealment an issue? If so, that's a miss even with Blind-Fight.
23:01, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 12 using 1d100. miss chance
23:01, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 19 using 1d100. reroll
This message was last edited by the player at 15:06, Thu 18 Feb 2016.

Grumpily mumbling under her breath, Josephine held out a hand for Ian to help her up, and grunted in pain, touching her stomach.

"Do NOT leave Lily alone, Ian. I swear, if you don't find a way to catch us up to her..." she said, not really irritated at him, and that showed in her eyes. She knew he was there to help, but she didn't want to let weakness allow Lily to get hurt.

With that, bleeding away, she took off after Lily, fully prepared to just tackle this thing, and teach it a lesson about screwing with a bartender's daughter!

Kate laughed at Simons comment. It was a surprise that he'd picked Lily but strangely fitting. The announcement or the baby coming and trouble at the barn left Kate torn. in the end chose to stay in the house."give a shout if yiu need backup!"  She called after Penny.
Inside the house she joined Simon next to Sarah. "No worries now. We're in this for the long haul," She patted Sarah's hand and shot Simon a worried frown. Sarah didn't look good. It was going to be a rough night.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:55, Fri 19 Feb 2016.

Simon: Sarah shakes her head, wincing. Oh no, we haven't! I thought we had more time! It's so early...do you think it will be alright? she looks quite worried, breathing hard. Fortunately Simon is able to ease her into better positions and her color returns a bit. Emma returns with boiling water, looking half frantic whenever she sees the woman, as though the child will burst from her at any moment. Upon hearing the gun shots Sarah turns worried. What was that!? Emma looks out the window with a squint. They're chasing someone. Hm. she seems fairly unconcerned but then she would hardly be worried about the lives of her captors.

Jo: Ian eases you up gently, looking startled at your threat. Alright then let's go. Though don't you go bleeding out on me or she'll have my head. You race after them and as you run you see Penny has started pursuit as well, firing a couple shots and hitting the man with one of them. She is yelling something about sharp elbows? It sounds odd. Unfortunately the creature is fast and soon he will be out of range. You've time enough to make a couple of shots though before he outruns you all. Lily is the closest, but even her long legs cannot keep up and she lags behind. ooc: Roll 2 ranged attacks please :)

Penny: Your shot hits, grazing it in the leg and Lily follows it up with one of her own, also hitting though your second attempt misses. You've time enough for a couple more shots before he is out of reach. If it doesn't fell him then perhaps you can follow his trail. Surely he must be bleeding and with the short scrubby grass and open area it would be fairly easy to trace, so long as you get enough light to see by. You do see Lily turn her head in surprise at your use of sharp elbows and it's plain she's familiar with the term.

Josephine pulls up short, knowing it was over. There was no point in chasing, and she was still a terrible shot, so she'd save her ammunition instead.

Placing her hands on her hips, she turned towards Ian appreciatively,

"Well, it was a good attempt. Thanks." she said, meaning that final word for quite a few things. The others may not appreciate him, but she did. She knew a good man when she saw one.

Penny paused, scrutinising and leading her target as it fled across the grassland, noting speed, fitness, agility. They might never catch it at that speed, but the bone skewers protruding from the elbows made it hard to run normally, and a bullet-grazed right leg would slow it, draw it to the right, especially on the slope. The moment perfect, Penny fired.


OOC:
Move action: Exploit Weakness: 18 vs DC 15, use Int on attack rolls
Standard: attack 17, damage 8 @ Sharp Elbows; miss roll 95

Dodge: +1 dodge Defense vs Sharp Elbows, should it come after Penny

Simon nodded absently, focusing instead on the task at hand. "Beath, my dear, it is critical that you don't pass out." He nodded at her telling him the baby was early. "Women have given birth early throughout history. You and your child will be fine, but you must breath."

He nodded and too the towel laying them to the side. "When the child arrives, it will need to be washed. Make sure the water has cooled enough not to burn his or her skin." Then back to his charge, "Use your abdominal muscles and push when you feel the urge."

"We'll need something to cut the cord too," Kate added pulling a knife from her pack. She rolled up her sleeves, "I had a baby recently," she assured Sara as she washed the knife and her hands in some of the water provided. "I'm no doctor but I have an idea of how it works. Do you mind if I take a look?" If allowed Kate gingerly lifts the woman's skirt making sure to afford her some modesty with Father Simon in the room. One quick peek was all it took to tell Kate that despite having had a baby herself, she had no idea what looked normal or not. "Yep looks good" she said plastering a smile on her face and lowering the skirt. "It could be some time yet before baby gets here. Rest while you can and build up your strength," she suggested.

OOC: Treat injury 3 (2+1)

Jo: Ian blushes a bit, looking frustrated he couldn't do more. Meanwhile Penny grazes it again before it disappears over the top of a hill. Well thanks, very kind of you to say he mumbles, still looking where it escaped wistfully. I don't suppose you have any idea what it was? Here he adds, untying a red neck scarf and folding it up to place over your wound. How bad is it? I'd offer to take a look for ya but I have a feeling you or Lily would slap me for offerin he adds with a chuckle.

Penny: The figure winces at the wound which does seem to graze his leg but an instant later he is over a small hill and out of sigh. Lily is intent on following, in spite of the distance, like a bloodhound with a scent, she shows no signs of slowing unless someone should call her back. It will be difficult in the darkness but there is the trail of blood to follow, whether you try tonight with lanterns or pick it up at first light. You also notice Ian and Jo watching, the blonde holding her stomach which appears to be bleeding...

Kate/Simon: ooc: 3! Lol! I'd say you'd best let Simon do it...

The woman looks embarrassed to be in labor in front of so many strangers but at the same time she is desperate enough to allow it. She breathes obediently, whimpering and moaning awfully though the contractions are still slightly far enough apart that she's not quite ready to push yet. Still, she's progressing far faster than Simon has ever seen and as she lays there you can see blood start to pool on the bed. This will not be easy.

Meanwhile the gun shots finally fall silent though Emma shrugs and states that it got away, not looking too concerned about it considering the circumstances.

Simon looked at Emma, "Rummage the pantry for anything alcoholic." He nodded to the woman, "It will take the edge off. While we are not yet ready to push I will confer with the others so that we do not fall onto each other trying to do the same thing. We have done this, just not together."

He took Kate aside. "Find me a sharp small knife. We may have to cut the child from her. Do not disturb her with this, we will only attempt it if absolutely necessary. Do not tell Emma, I think she may backslide given the opportunity."

He then called out to Emma, "Mrs. Bentley, find lanterns as well, my dear. We will need light, thank you."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:35, Wed 24 Feb 2016.

Another grazing shot; satisfactory, but not ideal. The creature had disappeared over the hills and into the darkness, so the battle had shifted from a skirmish to an ongoing affair. They had to plan. 'Lily! Don't get too far ahead!' Penny called a warning, afraid she might run afoul of those sharp elbows in the dark. The nephilim could defend herself, but she was not immortal, and Lily would not like another black-out. Fortunately, the native hunter seemed well aware of what she faced.

Penny hurried across the field to rejoin Ian and Jo, reporting urgently 'It's a "Sharp Elbows", a native monster, a child-killer. It may be inducing the birth. If we kill it quickly, Sarah may yet be able to birth the child naturally.' Coming out of the grey twilight, she spotted the spreading dark patch on Jo's stomach, Ian patching it over. 'My god, are you well?' she exclaimed.

Simon: Emma obeys everything in a rush. When she sees the blood on the bed she pales and looks quite shaken but manages to chirp pleasantly to Sarah, who seems unaware of the blood. The older woman runs at the mouth nervously but manages to put a friendly enough air to it that Sarah seems to take comfort in the chatter as a distraction. Kate, if you look you will find a knife easily and it fits Simon's criteria nicely. By now Sarah is drenched in sweat and she starts to groan. Apparently things are progressing faster. Her contractions are getting much closer together. It won't be long.

Penny: Lily yells something intelligible in reply, much like a child irritated at a nagging mother, and continues her pursuit. She is abnormally dogged about this one and you wonder if she hasn't had dealings with such before.

Ian listens with a worried nod. We need to find the bloody thing then. Hopefully Lily can at least track it. She has eyes like a bloodhound. he looks at the hilltop worriedly. As you look at Jo you can see the wound is not mortal but it is a nasty one. No doubt sliced across the belly by sharp elbows (literally...). She also has some bruising starting.

Reaching down, Josephine pulled at the bottom of her shirt, lifting it over her head, and pulling the shirt entirely off, leaving hopefully a cleaner look for Ian. She knew he might be embarrassed, and if she were forced to tell the truth... maybe she didn't entirely mind. Still, he had voiced some potential medical knowledge, so she lifted her arms, and motioned him in,

"If you can do something, I'd appreciate it." she said, clearly not uncomfortable with her wardrobe change whatsoever. She'd worn similar things during hot days in ma's bar, when cleaning, so it didn't bother her much with trusted company.

Simon gives the birthing mother a shot of the strong liquid and pours one for himself ostensibly to drink but he drops the small knife in the cup instead. She will do most of the work, if things go well all he will need do is catch, but he doubts that is the case.

Even Penny blushed as Jo removed her garment, shocked by her forwardness, before feeling an unaccountable stab of irritation as Ian examined her. Of course, she'd treated Ian's bullet wound, and he'd carried her after Emma's spell had withered her legs, but jealousy wasn't fair. 'If you're well enough to track and fight, then follow me. If not, then return to the house. They'll be able to treat you there.' Penny snapped impatiently, before hurrying off into the night again.

Feeling annoyed and frustrated, and quite unable to say why, Penny ran after where Lily had disappeared off to, following the sounds of footsteps and cursing. She regretted not going back to fetch a lantern, but couldn't go back now. 'And fetch a lantern!' she called back to Ian and Jo, still moving.

Sensing, at least in a rough way, Penny's attitude, Josephine shook her head, and laid a hand on Ian's forearm gently,

"I'm sorry, I need Ian's help getting patched up. We'll be on that soon as we can, boss." she said, turning soft eyes back towards Ian appreciatively. She wasn't entirely sure why she enjoyed the attention, but she did, so she ignored Penny's demands, and focused on what was pleasant. At this moment: Ian.

"If you feel up to it standing can help things along," Kate added from her own experience. Giving birth in this timeline had been an awful experience, one of the most painful she'd ever had, and that was saying a lot considering her hunter history. She didn't envy Sarah's task and she squeezed her hand sympathetically.

Simon turned to Kate and gave her a single short "no" shake of his head. This might be worse than she realized. "Perhaps...a seated position, but no more."

Penny/Jo: Ian's eyes bulge at Jo's state of undress and to your surprise he looks awkward and uncomfortable, especially when Penny approaches. He goes to work quickly, wanting to get out of this situation as fast as possible, examining the wound and wiping away as much blood as he can. Uh-l-lantern eh? Sure thing, I'll be there in a sec Penny. Can't do much here without a medical kit anyway... he shakes his head. He keeps his eyes trained on the wound, not daring to look anywhere else which is surprising considering his reputation with women. It could be because he knows Lily would have his head for even thinking about Jo, or he could have other motivations. Hard to say at this point, but either way he looks uncharacteristically ill at ease. It takes less than a minute for him to do all he can with so little at hand and he wipes his bloody hands as best he can before motioning to the house. Simon is a better healer than I, and he should have the means of stitching you up. If you're for it you can certainly help track the cad, but if you're feeling faint I suggest you head inside and we'll catch up when we're done he finishes, still blushing.

Penny- you see Lily in the distance, still running though slowing considerably but she at least seems to still have a general trail of sharp elbows. You doubt she would be running so otherwise. She is in shouting distance though she does not seem to realize you are behind her, eyes only for her quarry.

Simon/Kate: Sarah labors on and Emma paces back and forth uncomfortably. I-I may be able to help some father...I have a feeling you will need it. But there are a few things I will need help finding. she turns to Sarah and asks where she keeps her herbs. The woman moans an answer and the witch nods. Healing was never my area of expertise, but I can at least try. You two will be doing all the work but any support is better than none right? she smiles weakly. That is, if you would accept my contribution she adds uncertainly.