The NEW Vanguard TEAM UP! Haunt Issue #13 with special guest star Steeplejack!

Starkey took a discarded branch, ran his hand down it and smiled as he revealed a rune engraved shaft ending in a glinting razor sharp 6 inch double bladed head ending in a wicked point. The sort of thing a knight of old might use to slay a dragon, he mused.

These dragons didn't have wings or a tail but they could certainly breathe a form of fire!

With weapon in hand he crouched low and moved from tree to tree, finding cover where he could.

With Gladius in hand Carter sprints like the wind blows and was a shadow in the darkness, albeit one that kicked up leaves in his wake!

The Alien seemed to be searching about and screeched, all of a sudden!

OOC Life Sense 10 + Roll(2d12)+0: 12,11,+0 Total:23 (33) vs
OV8 + Range 3 + Roll(2d12)+0: 11,4,+0 Total:15 (26) +4 (to 14) vs RV7=7RAPs success.

It pointed and Starkey gaped! He'd been spotted!

There was an ominous roar from the trees somewhere and crashing branches as two huge forms started moving towards Starkey's position!

Carter saw his chance and leapt!

OOC Assume power reserve points to Dex, Critical Blow?
Av9 + 3D Weaponry + Roll(5d12)+0: 8,11,4,5,4,+0 Total:8 DOUBLE plus Roll(2d12)+0: 4,10,+0 Total:22 (31) vs
OV4 + Crit Blow 4 + Roll(2d12)+0: 11,10,+0 Total:21 (29) Hit +2 (to 5EV + 1 for sword) vs RV4 - 6 Crit Blow=8 RAPs. The Sectoid is killed!

The gladius smashes through the back and punches out of the creatures chest as Carter strikes true!

OOC I assumed swords and bladed weapons are killing com bat in this era. You don't lose HP for killing the aliens as it's kill or be killed, basically.

The alien slides off Carter's blade and the warrior spins as the bushes crash and shake to his left and the Muton and Faceless appear!

The horrid 'melting' form of the faceless suddenly morphs, shifts and changes...

Starkey hears a scream from ahead and runs about fifty feet through the bushes to the clearing where the fire is burning... Across the other side of the clearing he can see Carter. By the fire is the dead Sectoid. He can also see a Muton who is looking from side to side at Carter... and ... Carter!

"It's changed form to look like me! Kill it!" said Carter!

OOC There are two John Carter of Mars now...

Admin wrote:"It's changed form to look like me! Kill it!" said Carter!

OOC There are two John Carter of Mars now...

OOC: Touche...now we've got to figure out how to do a doppelganger test!

"Carter...the real Carter" Starkey called out looking between the two 'men' "Who was that Roman we saved back along?"

OOC: Big clue -Sétanta and here is hoping they can't mind read so that they lift it out of our heads before we can answer.

Starkey trained his spear on both the Carter's unsure who was going to answer first.

Sj

"Setanta," one of the John Carter's replies, "And don't worry about us. Fight the other monster. I'll fight myself!"

He launches himself, with whatever level of Jump he needs, to close the distance between "himself" and puts the rest into Dex.

Carter leapt at Carter whilst Starkey was satisfied his friend and companion had answered true!

That left him with the problem of the Muton though, nigh on 350lbs of Alien muscle and armoured hide, along with a weapon that could act as a flamethrower or fire intense bursts of light that burned through rock (laser)!

Meanwhile John Carter (of Mars) faced off against ... himself! Except that he was skilled, determined and empowered by the strange eerie powers that Mars bequeathed him!

OOC How are you using power reserve David (M)? I would presume all to Dex (to enable hitting/dodging better) but your sword won't make a lot of a dent in this things putty like hide...

Dave E, this enemy you face may be too tough for your makeshift devices to physically handle. There are ways and means around such a foe though. How often have we seen the winsome Wasp (in the comics) defeat or otherwise keep at bay far more physically capable, even invulnerable foes? (That is a clue!)

Admin wrote:Dave E, this enemy you face may be too tough for your makeshift devices to physically handle. There are ways and means around such a foe though. How often have we seen the winsome Wasp (in the comics) defeat or otherwise keep at bay far more physically capable, even invulnerable foes? (That is a clue!) [/i][/color]

OOC: OK since its hide is likely to be way too tough, I need to find a vulnerable spot, probably beneath the skin. So since I can't go small, can I make some sort of stings that get in through ears, mouth and get past its physical defences - A bit like the Mandalorian's wrist shots or the Wasps stinger? And all the while trying to keep my distance, one good swing and I think I'll be out for lunch, tea and supper. If I need to get closer, then I might need to risk it, in order to make the shot.

Sj

ooc: Let's try something a bit different. JC will try using his strength to punch the thing before trying out his sword on it.

Admin wrote:Carter leapt at Carter whilst Starkey was satisfied his friend and companion had answered true!

That left him with the problem of the Muton though, nigh on 350lbs of Alien muscle and armoured hide, along with a weapon that could act as a flamethrower or fire intense bursts of light that burned through rock (laser)!

Meanwhile John Carter (of Mars) faced off against ... himself! Except that he was skilled, determined and empowered by the strange eerie powers that Mars bequeathed him!

OOC How are you using power reserve David (M)? I would presume all to Dex (to enable hitting/dodging better) but your sword won't make a lot of a dent in this things putty like hide...

Dave E, this enemy you face may be too tough for your makeshift devices to physically handle. There are ways and means around such a foe though. How often have we seen the winsome Wasp (in the comics) defeat or otherwise keep at bay far more physically capable, even invulnerable foes? (That is a clue!)

STARKY

OOC To attack the senses specifically this game has a power called 'sensory block'. What this does is a mental attack and the result aps reduce will blind/deafen/remove the sense of taste, smell, touch as appropriate. In this instance Starky can only manifest a physical item that reduces a sense so the obvious ones are either sight (a blinding flash) or sound (a deafening noise). The former is already coved by a power called 'Flash' but this is a physical attack that requires aim and accuracy. The version Starky will use... does not. Starky waits until the last, final moment as the Muton is nearly on him!

Sensory Block 7 + Roll(2d12)+0: 7,11,+0 Total:18 (25) vs
OV3 (int) + Roll(2d12)+0: 3,6,+0 Total:9 (12) success +5 (to 12) vs RV4 (mind)=8 RAPs
The Muton is effectively BLINDED, with 8APs added to every Opposing check (in combat) and Resistance check (outside of combat) for 15 minutes (8APs of time). In addition any attack on the blinded muton receives a +4 AP bonus (same as -2 Column Shifts in the old version of the game) to land a blow!

Starky fiddled with the makeshift torch, wiggled it, gave it a bang then held it up and pressed what he saw as a button (it was a twig in reality, but the power he had overlaid the mundane object with intricate details). There was a FLOOD of light and the Muton stumbled, swaying and stopping where it was!

It blinked but its eyes were not focussing on Starky. Had it worked?

The creature fumbled with its gun and took aim at the Scientist...

Starky quickly waved a hand to transform his clothes into an armoured suit which hiss and ejected steam with every move! It would enhance his movement and hopefully keep him out of harms way!

OOC Muton AV8 + Weaponry 2D + Roll(4d12)+0: 8,5,2,1,+0 Total:13 (21) vs
Current Ov7 (suit) + Range 1 (the Muton stopped moving towards , then stumbled around a bit) + 8 (blinded) + Roll(2d12)+0: 8,11,+0 Total:19 (35) Missed! (By a lot)

The blast goes wild - not even in Starkys general direction! Whatever he'd done with the flashy contraption, it had worked! Of course, creating something that would get through that creatures hide was another matter entirely! The smartest man in the dark ages then looked at the Muton's weapon.

Chances were that might get through the aliens protective armour and skin! How to get it off the beast though? If he came within swinging distance those mighty thews would surely take his head off!

=========

JOHN CARTER of MARS

Carter faced off against the monstrosity towering above him! It had abandoned all pretence and assumed its true shape - which was ghastly!

Pulling his fist back, he let fly!

OOC Using strength so... power reserve into strength? Then switch back into Dex (to boost to 9) for defence I presume as an automatic action.

AV4 + M Arts 1D (1D Acrobatics) + Roll(3d12)+0: 4,1,10,+0 Total:14 (18) vs
OV7 + Roll(2d12)+0: 12,1,+0 Total:13 (20) MISSED!

The creature replies with a swipe of its huge claws in response! One hit could take Carters head off!

OOC AV7 + M Arts 2D + Roll(4d12)+0: 1,10,3,8,+0 Total:18 (25) vs
OV9 + 1D Acrobatics + Roll(3d12)+0: 3,7,10,+0 Total:17 (26) Missed! Just...

This creature had speed that belied its size and a deadly set of weapons in the shape of razor sharp claws! Sharper than any steel, stronger too, this was more challenging a foe than ANY he'd fought on Mars!!!

Starky saw his companion dancing about the huge creature. Whilst Carter could more than look after himself, he suspected he might need help against the creature he faced! The Muton in front of him was swinging about, listening for sounds of passing and shooting randomly when he heard something, but his shots were well high, wide or short and low.

Admin wrote:Starky saw his companion dancing about the huge creature. Whilst Carter could more than look after himself, he suspected he might need help against the creature he faced! The Muton in front of him was swinging about, listening for sounds of passing and shooting randomly when he heard something, but his shots were well high, wide or short and low.

Starkey had to try the unexpected, it was a risk, but so was standing here waiting to have his head pulled off...

OOC: OK so I can transform most things into other things. Whilst this creature has a weapon, if I touch it can I transform it, so it becomes an offensive weapon that now fires (at my behest) at the creature rather than from it. Effectively swapping the business end with the butt end so that it fires back into it? I have to say its just as well I've got this power it's my go-to that has been gone to a lot. Thank goodness.

Sj

Admin wrote:OOC Starky's power is a fudge of sorts. It's based on Green Lanterns ring power. You can make stuff out of energy basically. You can't alter things but you could, say (if you were accurate) put a cork in the end of the Alien's laser gun or an extended barrel that points back in the aliens' face.

I thought it was the easiest way to come up with a way of doing what Starky does in the 19th century (as Steampunk Man) that is create devices that the 21st Century would struggle to replicate.

So while you can't alter existing stuff you can add to it, basically.

OOC: Righto, Starkey will try and encourage the Alien to shoot him, and then apply his steampunk science thingy to bung one end and have the barrel go the other way and hope he can make good on this.

Sj

John Carter knew he was outclassed but he had been outclassed before. He just needed to get smarter and luckier than his foe. So he started thinking about what he could do.

ooc:

Actually not sure what to do so hints would be nice. These are the things I've sort of come up with that might work:

Throw him into a river or pond and see if he can swim or not - not one nearby is there?
Try burning him - torch might not be strong enough, got a flamethrower handy?
Throw dirt into his eyes and temporarily blind him and then try punching again. Best option?
Throw a rock at him! [Sorry, flashback to the old Batman Animated Series]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UUr7bM1A6s

OOC in terms of ideas I figured seeing that Starky has blinded his foe he could do the same for Carters... Hence the hint I dropped at the bottom of the post I put up last.

Being outclassed by the opposition isn't fun - the Marvel Superheroes game of old used to flummox me when an enemies Body armour exceeded the damage you could do.

I will assume Dave E is fine with the auto run of Starky as follows. If not, I'll go with what you guys posted...

Starky held chin in hand, considering the blinded alien which was firing into the sky, the floor, a tree... If he could create some kind of funnel then...

He turned and saw Carter facing off against the giant melting creature - it couldn't be called a man!

"I say Carter old chap!" he called. "Do you need help against that bounder you face?"

Carter grunted as he ducked another sweeping claw which crashed into a tree and sprayed wood everywhere! "You might... wanna... pitch in..." spluttered Carter. "Old bean." he added.

"Righto!" chirped Starky and he began hurrying over through the trees. "I say! You there, Mister Melting Face! Head... Body..." called the inventor. He jumped up and down and waved.

The Faceless spun. With a roar it took a stride towards Starky!

"Starky! What are you...?" asked Carter. Was he trying to distract it? Even so, that body was practically invulnerable to weapons! They just... well, slashed through it!

The creature took another massive stride towards the inventor and Carter knew he'd have to dive in to intervene! "You fool! It will carve you up! Get out of there!!!" he roared, wondering if some cut to what the thing called legs might do something...

"Let's see..." muttered Starky, adjusting the gizmo he had in his arms. His imagination pictured tubes, valves, steam pumping from a miniature bellows on its back, brass fittings, polished wood, a glass end with tightly coiled wires over and over themselves. Before he applied his staggering imagination it had been a bundle of sticks tied together with a vine and a rock tucked under the vine. It still was, but Starkys incredible mutant mind warped and altered reality to form it into a device which could emit a piercing, blinding glare!

"Mind your eyes old lad!" he called out, cheerfully as the Alien closed in on him. One swipe would remove his head! Carter roared "Get out of there!" and made to leap at the back of the beast!

FFFFFWAASSSSSHHHHHHHH!!!!

Except...

"Oh. That was supposed to be blinding white light!" said Starky as he peered at the beam of 'black' light coming from his imagined device! "I tried to change thing up to make it more ... intense. Interesting." said the scientist, peering at his imagination crafted device whilst he kept it pointed at the creature.

OOC Darkness 7 (reduced to 5 for 'intense')

The Faceless has it's AV and OV reduced by 5 APs!



Carter took the opportunity to slash at the creature!

OOC Crit Blow!

AV9 + 3D Weaponry (0D Defence!) + Roll(5d12)+0: 7,7,5,2,12,+0 Total:14 DOUBLE plus Roll(2d12)+0: 4,10,+0 Total:28 (37) vs
OV7 - Darkness 5 + Crit Blow 4 + Roll(2d12)+0: 6,9,+0 Total:15 (21) +6 (to 10EV) vs RV12 - Crit Blow 6 (Rv6)=4 RAPs

The Faceless takes 4 damage and body is 8/12!

Starky frowned. "Has your sword just... bent?" he called out to Starky who spun to look at his blade. Sure enough it had!

"Try this!" called the inventor and he tossed his owned sword which his imagination had crafted into a beautiful shining gladius type sword!



Carter spun and the blade sank into the floor halfway up the blade, not far from his foot!

"Sorry old chap!" blushed Starky as he continued to point his dark light emitter at the creature!

The faceless swung at Starky! The creature was befuddled for the moment and swung desperately, forgetting itself for the moment!

OOC Av7 - Darkness 5 + Roll(2d12)+0: 12,4,+0 Total:16 (18) vs
OV4 + Defence 1D + Roll(3d12)+0: 7,1,11,+0 Total:18 (22) Missed!

OOC Want to carry on as this post panned out? This time Carter will have a 7APs sword to use, so Crit Blow or Devastating Attack? Does Starky want to do anything? Perhaps move to cover behind a tree or even attack but without a weapon that will be pointless.

crit blow it is.

Carter swept up the beautiful sword, feeling its perfect weight and balance.

How did Starky do that? Did it matter?

The civil war soldier spun the sword in his hand and leapt at the oozing creature!

OOC Dex 9 + 3D Weaponry + Roll(5d12)+0: 12,12,11,2,5,+0 Total:24 BOOM double + Roll(2d12)+0: 4,9,+0 Total:37 (46) vs
OV7 - Darkness 5 + Crit Blow 4 + Roll(2d12)+0: 6,4,+0 Total:10 (16) Sccuess + 8 (to 16EV - 7 for the sword and 1 for Carters strength) vs RV12 - Crit Blow 6 (RV6)=10 RAPs. Faceless goes DOWN!

This time the sharper than a razor cutting edge slashes through the Faceless' body and it collapses as a pool of melted goop!

Starky glances back at the Muton he'd blinded. It was still blundering about, firing blind into trees and feeling its way about. It would stay blinded for a little while. In the meantime he turned to the puddle of ooze and pulled a face. This ... thing... this mess had been alive moments before. He wondered what secrets he might glean from studying it...

...and he saw the edge of something.

Something solid, in amidst the goop...



The cup was plain, blemished and covered with slop but there was something about it. Even being near it brightened the heart and made things seem less hopeless!

Whipping out a handkerchief Starky nipped his nose (the goop smelled!) and plucked the cup from quivering oozing mass all over the floor, then wiped it down. The cloth wasn't much use after that as it seemed the ooze had caustic properties!

Carter walked over, admiring the sword in his hand. Such balance! The killing stroke had been easy, with even that near invulnerable creature presenting little in the way of obstacle to its cutting power!

Then he saw the cup in Starkys hand. Was that it? That was what they had come for, to restore to its rightful place so that history could take its course?

Zeeeeaaaappp!! He ducked as a blind fired shot sizzled over his head! The Muton was still crashing about in the trees!

"Let's finish this," he said, as he leaped towards the remaining foe. It didn't seem gentlemanly to attack a blinded foe but then again that foe had a raygun and would eventually recover its sight. he took a swing at it.

Admin wrote:Zeeeeaaaappp!! He ducked as a blind fired shot sizzled over his head! The Muton was still crashing about in the trees!

Starkey was wondering if this was the grail or some false it might be a decoy. "How does it do anything..." He muttered to himself wondering if he should hold it up like a cross, would it ward off evil having been amidst them this time. Yet he couldn't deny he felt different at beholding it...

OOC: OK not sure if in game terms it has some sort of power, or ability but I am trying to interact with it to see if I can use it to our advantage in this fight, or even to aid Carter!

Sj

Carter leapt at the blinded Muton and slashed at it with his sword!

OOC Blindside + it's Blinded and that will help. Assume a Critical Blow.

AV9 + 3D Weaponry (0D Acrobatics) + Roll(5d12)+0: 2,7,1,8,11,+0 Total:19 (28) vs
OV8 - Blindside 2 - Blinded 4 + Crit Blow 4 + Roll(2d12)+0: 9,1,+0 Total:10 (16) Success +5 (to EV13) vs RV12 - 6 Crit Blow (RV6)=7 RAPs

Muton is injured (Body 5/12 remaining) and blasts wildly at Carter!

AV8 + Roll(2d12)+0: 6,12,+0 Total:18 (26) vs
OV9 + 8 Blinded + Roll(2d12)+0: 2,3,+0 Total:5 (22) Success +3 (to EV12)vs RV4=8 RAPs. CARTER is KILLED ... or... is he?

The grail in Starkys hands glows brightly for a moment, and seems to get warm! Carter looks at his chest where the laser beam had struck! A lucky shot, he'd moved left when right was a better option and been blasted at nigh on point blank range! Looking at the trees the weapon had punched holes clean through them!

So why...? How...?

Not wishing to look a miracle gifthorse in the mouth, Carter struck again!

OOC Same again...

AV9 + 3D Weaponry (0D Acrobatics) + Roll(5d12)+0: 3,10,6,4,9,+0 Total:19 (28) vs
OV8 - Blindside 2 - Blinded 4 + Crit Blow 4 + Roll(2d12)+0: 5,12,+0 Total:17 (23) Success +3 (To 11EV) vs RV12 - Crit Blow 6 (RV6)=5 RAPs.

Muton goes DOWN and is OUT!

The Muton falls aside and Carter breathes a sigh of relief. That shot had him dead to rights! He was sure he'd felt it burn his skin! Yet... there was no mark!

Starky wasn't quite sure what had happened but realised the Grail was some kind of device or artefact that protected the good and the innocent. It had somehow absorbed the damage meant for Carter and saved his companions' life! And yet... it would not have done that if he had not scooped it up!

Luck? Maybe.

Sometimes you made your own luck though...

The pair moved through the woods to find where Dracula/Alucard had been.

Where the Vampire had encountered the two aliens there were now two Alien corpses. And no sign of Alucard. With the grail in hand chances were the Vampire couldn't stand to be anywhere near it. What did that mean? Would he remain trapped in this time, hundreds of years before he was born?

Even so, would that even matter? The 'man' was immortal and a survivor.

OOC Continue to look for Alucard or rest up and move to the final part of this particular offshoot/adventure...?

Admin wrote:Even so, would that even matter? The 'man' was immortal and a survivor.

OOC Continue to look for Alucard or rest up and move to the final part of this particular offshoot/adventure...?

OOC: Just want to say, Yehaaaaah. This has been a really testing adventure not least of all because we are playing with unfamiliar characters and it's been challenging. But as regards what happens next, I think we could leave Alucard - he isn't going to come near the grail, but then would that alter the timeline again? I suppose we'd best tidy up after ourselves, though how we get him to come with us, with the grail is anyone's guess. What does Carter think?

Sj

"Perhaps we should leave him a message that we are going ... where exactly," John Carter asks his friend while rubbing the non-existent wound in his chest. "He may not want to get too close to us now that we have the Grail. But how do we return to the 19th Century, our proper time?"

DavidMcMahon wrote:"Perhaps we should leave him a message that we are going ... where exactly," John Carter asks his friend while rubbing the non-existent wound in his chest.  "He may not want to get too close to us now that we have the Grail.  But how do we return to the 19th Century, our proper time?"

Starkey nodded, he agreed with Carter, looking for the count was pointless since with the grail he'd already know where they were. He had no love for them 'man' but he had no wish to torment him either. But as to Carter's point..."Well they were heading somewhere, perhaps there would be a gate or some sort of portal maybe we could find that to escape back to our time...but I'll bet you anything it'll be guarded by more of these...things!" He said give a shudder as he cast a glance in their direction.

OOC: Apart from going where they'd have gone, I am not sure what else we can do. But open to suggestions!

Sj

OOC: Apart from going where they'd have gone, I am not sure what else we can do. But open to suggestions!


ooc: Ditto! Not sure if we magically are wisked back to our proper time and place as we have won or have to find another way home.

The Grail itself seemed to provide the answer.

Whilst holding it Starky felt something odd. A 'pull' if you like in a direction. He suggested as much to Carter and passed it over.

A feeling of warmth and well being came over Carter. Then he, too, felt something. He looked into the trees and started walking, Starky following.

The Holy Grail was a thing of legend and myth. The earliest tales in the 13th Century suggested the existence of a 'Grail Castle' a place that might or not have existed. No definite location. Indeed, it seemed to move about and be wherever it was needed to be in order to secure the safety and safe keeping of the grail.

Corbenic.

Without being able to find or approach Alucard, the pair had little choice but to follow the pull of the grail. It had been stolen and now was trying to find its way home it seemed.

All of the day through mist wreathed forests and craggy heather covered heaths the pair made their way. Carter could carry Starky but that got uncomfortable so the latter crafted a miraculous pair of jumping boots that could grant him marvellous speed and the ability to cross huge distances, almost on a par with Carter!

Finally with the sun setting and a day following the pull of the grail, the pair settled on a hill. In the far distance, more hills and beyond those, the sea.

The grail had provided for them it seemed. Neither was tired or hungry.

With the sun dipping beyond the hills they glanced about for somewhere to make camp and found they didn't need to. With sea mist rolling in a castle was revealed in the distance, twinkling lights from the windows gaps and grounds. Had that been there a moment before? If so, how had they missed it?

With a glance at each other Carter and Starky headed towards the castle...

Closer, the pair lost sight of the castle in the mist for minutes, then emerged as the mist drifted past to reveal...



Closer still the pair were soon in the shadows of the castle walls and the portcullis started to raise...

OOC Any further posts before I wrap this quest up and get you back to where you need to be?

Admin wrote:OOC Any further posts before I wrap this quest up and get you back to where you need to be?

As Starkey looked from the grail to the castle he looked quizzical, "You know this gives me an idea for an invention a way never to get lost type of device. But I wonder how we could navigate it. Hmmm, anyway for now it looks like the pull of home is beckoning. Let's go, best foot forward. I've had my fill of this never, never land."

Sj

ooc: Castle, opening up for us? Is it raining? Why am I vibing on Monty Python and the Holy Grail? http://www.montypython.50webs.com/scripts/Holy_Grail/Scene10.htm

ZOOT: Sir Galahad! You would not be so ungallant as to refuse our hospitality.

GALAHAD: Well, I-- I, uh--

ZOOT: Oh, I am afraid our life must seem very dull and quiet compared to yours. We are but eight score young blondes and brunettes, all between sixteen and nineteen-and-a-half, cut off in this castle with no one to protect us. Oooh. It is a lonely life: bathing, dressing, undressing, knitting exciting underwear. We are just not used to handsome knights. Nay. Nay. Come. Come. You may lie here. Oh, but you are wounded!

GALAHAD: No, no. It's-- it's nothing.

ZOOT: Oh, you must see the doctors immediately! No, no, please! Lie down.


Sorry, been a long day at work.


John Carter takes one last look around to see if he could spot Alucard anywhere nearby and then turns and follows his friend.

In the shadow of the gates, the pair saw a female stood in robes that suggested she was a nun.

"I am sister Zoot." she declared. "We are an order dedicated to the protection of the Grail. It was stolen from this place by a visitor who sought shelter. One who could change their shape and accompanied by another who could influence minds."

"I sense you have travelled far and fought great adversity to return that which must wait to be held by the once and future king, hundreds of years from now. They will pull this torn land together under one banner and give hope where desolation has taken hold." she said, her voice having something of a musical quality.

Behind her the courtyard seemed to house peasant workers in huts and working small holdings.

"This place will be gone by sunrise. Such is the power of the magic that protects the Grail. No force of arms do we bear here. We will, however, be more vigilant about who we let in..." she added.

The Grail seemed to 'pull' Starky towards the Nun, indeed, to hand it over.

When she took it, she sighed and nodded. "I understand." she said to know one. She looked up. "Your part in this tale is done for now, weary travellers. You have come longer and further than I can understand, but I thank you for the service you have done for the Grail and the history of this land."

With a bowed head she takes slow careful steps backwards. As she does the portcullis starts to lower.

Then the castle starts to fade... No. Not just the castle. The trees, the land around! only Carter and Starky seem solid when everything else turns to mist and finally, darkness!

=========

The fire had all but gone out. Carter opened his eyes. All around the fire the others slept, though some were stirring.

Captain Savage looked over and raised a cup before walking to the fire and stoking it up to put the kettle on.

"You slept well." he said, and looked at Starky who was rubbing his eyes. "I thought to take a turn but you were out of it."

Starky glanced about. "Where is Alucard?" he asked.

Savage frowned. "That is most puzzling. I was looking out into the darkness and turned back to the fire and the man was gone. I will confess that he worries me. Is he friend, or foe, or does he have his own agenda?"

Carter and Starky glanced at each other.

Sherlock Holmes, quiet until now, spoke up. "Ready to go retrieve the grail, gentlemen?" he asks with a raised eyebrow...

OOC We'll be back to running Haunt and Steeplejack shortly, so wrap your time as Carter and Starky and we'll move to part 2 of this adventure...