Gameplay 1 - Red Vengeance

I like that idea. Let's pool all the information we have collected.

The Church

The reverend is reluctant to say anything but he confesses that Ivens’ death may have been suicide, but without proof it was his duty to give him a Christian burial. Unfortunately, Ivens had lost his fortune and was given a pauper’s burial, attended only by his widow. He seems relieved to have unburdened himself of that weight but seems unwilling to say more, maintaining his suspicion of outsiders. Why? What has happened here?

"Agreed. Let us all seek the magistrate together."

"From what we've heard Iven had been cheated out of his fortune by John Prestwick, James Carter, Thomas Muchly, and Nathaniel Drake, and Alfred Dawlish... while we can not say for sure if he was purposely cheated without proof confronting them about it only worsened the situation for him it seemed. You would know more than us if several of these other men died under odd circumstances... Although I understand as a priest your duties entail guiding the sould of the the deceased to rest. You also have an obligation to the living to steel their resolve and morality to see a pias state no? Alfred Dawlish is the only living person that had supposedly wronged Iven... Hypothetically should he prayer for mercy or come to you for a confession of possible sins to obsolve his soul if he's not long for this word as well. That said is there anything you would consider 'odd' about the bodies of the other men that have recently been buried? Were they all deathly pale as the last to be buried? Although we are outsiders the town is at unease, we only wish to find the truth to ease the people and see if there is a true danger to warn and ward off..." Ataan launches in a thick inquiry of the clergymen with ernest.

The priest tries to maintain his discretion and denies everything, but his reactions at Ataan's revelations give away too much. He finally admits sobbingly, "It's true! There must be a vampire in town. Each of the dead men you mentioned had multiple tiny puncture wounds! Oh Lord Oh God! I have no knowledge on how to combat such evil!" He weeps for the injustice and hopelessness of it all.

"Well I guess we'll see what we can do about that since they seem unwelcomed and uninvited." Ataan states.

One says the devil or a demon walks amongst them, a priest says it's a vampire... something isn't adding up for sure and even common folk get that... Ataan looks to his associate before back at the priest.

"Thank you for your time we'll take your incite into consideration, if we find something out on how to combat this evil and we're in need of your assistance in something you are knowledgeable and can assist with I hope we can trust in your assistance. We'll speak to the magistrate to see what's within the realm of travelers actions in this type of situation." Ataan states with a nod processing things.

Once outside he'll sigh and scratch his head before making his way to meet up with the rest.

You relate to each the clues you've obtained and head to meet the Magistrate.

Squire Hardwicke is the local magistrate. He openly tells the heroes that all four men died of liver failure from excessive consumption of alcoholic libations, though he professes not to be a medical man if questioned on his ability to diagnose cause of death.

Notice rolls of you want to discern if he's lying or if he sincerely believes that, Intimdation or Persuasion if you want to get more out of him.

Look here, how can you be so sure that they all died of liver failure? Don't you think it odd that they all went to their demise in exactly the same fashion?

Gerald doesn't take his eyes off the magistrate, looking for any kind of sign that he is being less than truthful.

"So Iven dies from killing himself after being cheated out of his fortune, or as the other men put it 'allegedly' when he wanted to challenge them but he had no physical proof. John Prestwick, James Carter, Thomas Muchly, and Nathaniel Drake have all died recently. Of liver complications but all with various states of age, drinking frequency, and type... plus the puncture wounds on all their necks besides Iven... I am a medical man... so this doesn't add up." Ataan state after some time.

"Some have said the devil walks your streets, someone in private thinks there's a vampire in these parts... We're here to help but we're going to try and find the truth to deal with it accordingly... The Devil is very different to deal with from a vampire btw. Help us restore the order and sense of ease to your people Sir." he adds pleaing to the man and his responsibilities.

Gerald and Ataan do both notice that the Magistrate is withholding information, but Ataan is certain that it more that he is hiding something.

With the Magistrate still in silence Ataan sighs, "Let us know what you know so we can help you and your people... before something else happens." he urges the man.

Unwilling to press it further, the magistrate says, "Each of the four recent bodies had dozens of small puncture marks all over them and seemed to be drained of blood. I did not reveal this for fear of being ridiculed."

"Well if it makes you feel better one of my conifdants states they had puncture marks on their neck and think it's the work of a vampire... what is within the realm of reasonable in our efforts to pursue this? Also what can you tell us of Mister Dawlish? He's the only one still alive related to the immediate circle of people in all this."

The magistrate will tell you where Dawlish lives. He is a local tenant farmer like the others.

A vampire hm? Curious.

"Have there been any odd figures who have taken up residence recently?"

The magister shakes his head. "No, you're the first strangers in a while, save for merchants who travel this way on their route. And none of them have been recent."

As to vampires, you no the word, blood sucking fiends of the night, but little else.

Gerald addresses the magistrate.

Can you please direct us to Mister Dawlish's house? He might have something to offer about the recent activities.

Following the magistrates directions, you come upon a small house at the end of town. You see a thirty-something woman picking weeds from a small vegetable patch. She looks up at your approach, stands, wipes her hands.