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(33) Without wasting a second, you jump in between the man and his victim, causing him to lose his grip. The woman falls back onto the ground where she sits up, shaking her head in a daze. Your action was brave, but it will cost you your life. The man is, in fact, a vampire; and locking his eyes on yours gives him total control over you. Your mind is in a panic as you feel yourself walk up to the vampire and drop to your knees. He covers you with his cape and your last human memory is a sharp stab as his teeth sink into your neck. |
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202) You slowly draw closer, trying not to make a sound. It appears as though your efforts are aided by the fact that he is completely oblivious to his surroundings. You make your way up behind a tree a few feet away. Whoever he is, he could almost be considered catatonic if not for his low murmuring. Holding your breath and leaning forward, you strain to hear what he might be saying. After a few moments, you can make it out - "Margaret"¦Margaret"¦come to me"¦Yes, good"¦Margaret"¦" A sudden movement from the trees catches your attention. You grow wide-eyed as a stunningly beautiful young woman cloaked in a sky-blue dress and wearing a tiara slowly steps forward. Her breathing is slow and shallow, and her eyes stare straight ahead, unblinking. Go to 148. (148) The man raises his head and opens his eyes, a faint smile on his lips. The woman stops directly in front of him, and as you continue to observe this strange ritual, you notice a flash of gold from the woman's hand - she is wearing a gold band encircled with rubies or some other gem on her ring finger. The very air is still, as if in observation as she thrusts her head back, baring her neck. She is breathing quickly now, breasts swelling in anticipation (or fear?) as the man suddenly steps closer to her and places his hand on the back of her head. With a start, you realize that if you are to act, now is the time. Will you swiftly attack the man (106) step away from the tree and call out to him (57) push him away from the woman (33) or take no such action and continue to observe (379)? |
Now that we know he is a vampire we have to consider what we have at our disposal to make him expire, and I believe we have nothing, so continue to observe and then leave this room and the painting as there seems to be nothing useful here.
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(106) You take a flying leap directly into the man's back. You, him, and the woman land in a heap on the ground. You know that few people tangle with Vampires and live to tell the tale; but that is exactly what you are dealing with. If you have a weapon, go to 265. If you are fighting unarmed, go to 129. (129) You grasp the vampire by the throat, trying to strangle the unholy life out of it, but it possesses an inhuman strength and flings you back to the base of the tree. It turns, eyes glowing with a terrible rage, and leaps at you. You manage to roll away a split second before it crashes into the tree. The vampire staggers back, momentarily stunned, and you seize the moment by attacking it. Resolve the battle: Vampire: Skill 8 Stamina 11. If you win, you manage to knock it senseless, and searching its robes, you find a pearl-handled dagger which you quickly plunge into its heart, ending its reign of terror. You may keep the dagger as a weapon. Go to 4. |
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(4) You slump to the ground in exhaustion, then suddenly remember the woman and sit up. You find that she is on her feet, having removed the ruby ring, and watch silently as she flings it away with all her might. Wiping her hair away from her face, she turns to you and smiles sweetly. "Thank you, stranger," she begins in a soft voice. "I am the lady Margaret of Danvers, and while my fate was sealed long ago, at least I may now rest in peace." You slowly get to your feet and explain how you arrived in this land. "Yes", she replies, 'there is evil enchantment at work, and I fear that you will have more travails and dangers to face." She turns in the direction of the castle. "Your way back lies through there," she intones, "but beware of the armor! There is also information that you seek. The crone, Grisela, may be able to aid you. You will know her by the rose colored scarf that she wears. But time grows short. You must be off." Before you leave, Margaret informs you that in her gratitude, she will reward you with a blessing. Will you ask for a blessing of strength (313) a blessing of courage (154) or a blessing of fortune (235)? |