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Over the Guy Fawkes weekend recently myself, Doug em4 and Vagabond got together to play some games. For the full story go to:
DevLAM '17 (http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=105082.0)
This is a place-holder for the AAR (which I am still writing) of our Gothic Horror game using Pulp Alley rules.
Before the event, Doug em4 and Vagabond received the following telegrams, dispatching them on a secret and mysterious mission.
(https://i.imgur.com/MgTDVcA.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/dS2zCCa.jpg)
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Great ephemera! I always love these lead ins to games. Sadly lacking your normal humor and naming practices, or did I miss something?
Lon
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Great ephemera! I always love these lead ins to games. Sadly lacking your normal humor and naming practices, or did I miss something?
Lon
Hi Lon,
I wanted the lead character of each league to be the player's LAF name or similar. Hence, Sir Douglas D'Emfore is Doug em4 and Vagabond is Vagabond. However, in the lead-up to the game, I allowed the players to choose the names of their followers, you will definitely see some silliness there! ;)
More to follow......................
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As far as I know, the lovely Ms. Ives is more than able to take care of herself... Looking forward to see how this adventure develops anyway! ;)
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Great props. I like to see things like this in games.
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.................and then the badinage began! Extracts from e-mail exchanges between the participants.
From Doug em4
I look forward to the arrival of my courier. I imagine mine will arrive in a 3.5 Litre Bentley Drophead Coupe, be dressed immaculately in pinstripe and bowler and speak with a laconic, upper class drawl. As Snapcase Hall is definitely “county”, he may substitute a classic Ratcatcher outfit for the pinstripe.
John’s man I picture in shapeless fawn mackintosh over an off-the-peg, shiny brown suit, a rakish cheap trilby, fingers deeply nicotine stained and a coarse South London accent. He’ll have the customary chip on his shoulder of a plain-clothes copper in upper-crust society and will be given a brown ale in the servant’s quarters while my man sips a whisky and soda in the library. His Austin 7 will have been parked out sight behind the stables.
From Vagabond
I'm afraid Sir Douglas's barbed arrows have struck home and I am speechless with rage as I don't own a Macintosh but do like brown ale. He has me typecast already which I fear puts me at a disadvantage but I think when Basher and his brother have finished he may have a problem getting the silver spoon out of his Willie's or Bills or whatever he calls his associates.
From Doug em4
Looking forward to DevLAM and locking horns co-operating fully in the Burgh Island investigation.
From Vagabond
...............would be able to put you right about your misconceptions of the Greater London Constabulary, working hard and honestly for King and Country, as opposed to the lads with the silver spoon stuck up in their dark recesses. The secret squirrels who are too bound up in self interest and betrayal of everything we hold dear.
Philby and company may be in the future but the seeds were sown long before.
From Doug em4
No idea what you’re on about, old chap. If by Philby, you are referring to Kim, he’s a great chum and working at this moment just down the corridor from me....Except, of course, for the fact that we don’t exist.
Typical working-class over sensitive reaction. A few terms at a decent boarding school would knock that kind of feeble nonsense out of you. And anyway, I was describing your courier. You, detective Vagabond, I reserve judgement on.
.................and so it went on! The secret dossiers were delivered by their respective couriers, containing different information for each player. They were briefed that they could share, partial share or not share at all, as they saw fit. Doug's courier got his whisky and soda in the library at Snapcase Hall and Vagabond's courier had a brown ale with Old Scrotum (the Snapcase family's wrinkled retainer) in the butler's pantry.
The scene was set....................the old antagonisms between the Secret Service and Scotland Yard had been brought to the fore and the animosity was rising just as I planned (maniacal laugh). lol
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Great start!!!
May I ask how you manage to "build" the telegrams??
Marco
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Great start!!!
May I ask how you menage to "build" the telegrams??
Marco
Hi Marco,
I got a blank image from Google and then used MS Publisher to insert text boxes in the appropriate places. Typewriter font from DaFont (https://www.dafont.com/)
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Another telegram arrives for each player whilst their valets are still packing spare socks and unmentionables! These telegrams and following secret dossier items were not seen by the other player.
Telegram to Vagabond
(https://i.imgur.com/8N6hPFm.jpg)
Telegram to Doug em4
(https://i.imgur.com/aYTt9lj.jpg)
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Thank you, MLS!! ;)
Marco
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Burgh Island - my favourite walk is along the beach and around the estuary towards Batham. ;D
Its a great setting for a game. I believe Agatha Christie was inspired to write Evil under the Sun and also Ten Little Indians after staying at the hotel on Burgh Island. :)
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Burgh Island - my favourite walk is along the beach and around the estuary towards Batham. ;D
Its a great setting for a game. I believe Agatha Christie was inspired to write Evil under the Sun and also Ten Little Indians after staying at the hotel on Burgh Island. :)
It's a cracking little location. The pub gets bloody crowded though and the walk back can be interesting if you leave it late. I've only been once but it certainly stuck in my mind.
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Don't walk back, get the tractor!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Burgh Island Sea Tractor (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRAyaxw2CIs)
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.............and now on to the Leagues. Please ignore the rather poorly painted eyes, I am in the process of rectifying these after seeing the photos!
The Secret Service
(https://i.imgur.com/5GVhXvY.jpg)
Left to Right: Sir Douglas D’Emfore KCB (Leader), Sir Sidney Ruff-Diamond (Sidekick), Seaman Willy Staines, Big Willy McGrin, Private Bill Pahrts.
Sir Douglas is ostensibly a man-about-town and bon-vivant. However, unbeknownst to the general public he is a renowned agent in the newly formed Secret Service. Sir Sidney, recently returned from India, where he was the Governor of Khalabar, has retired to his estate in Devon after a scandal involving his wife, Lady Ruff-Diamond and the Khasi of Khalabar. The allies all come from a small village in Ayrshire. The village is dominated by the small, Presbyterian sect known as the Wee Frees. It is a custom in the village to name all second sons William and send them off into the world to make their way. Hence, in The Department, the allies are known as “The Three Wee Free Willies” which their superiors find to be wildly hilarious (their superiors are all ex-public school so no more need be said).
(https://i.imgur.com/Bteo8Ks.jpg)
Scotland Yard
(https://i.imgur.com/qxP9ppd.jpg)
Left to Right: Investigating Detective ’Vagabond’ GC (Leader), Sir Algernon Paget-Snapcase (Sidekick), James "Basher" Smith - Dr Harry "Flashy" Flashman - John "Bruiser" Smith.
Investigating Detective ’Vagabond’ is known only by his code name and is a member of the newly formed Detective Division at Scotland Yard. ‘Vagabond’ heads ‘X’ Department, tasked with investigating unsolved muders and bizarre phenomena. Sir Algernon has recently returned from Africa after leading the expedition formed to find the legendary Oozlum bird in the territory of the bloodthirsty "Noshas", a tribe of feared cannibals. Basher and Bruiser are brother's, sons of Zebedee they were known in the force as the Two Disciples because they didn't keep to the straight and narrow confines of the law. Dr. Flashman is the fore-runner of today’s forensic scientist.
(https://i.imgur.com/kNXw46i.jpg)
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Burgh Island - my favourite walk is along the beach and around the estuary towards Batham. ;D
Its a great setting for a game. I believe Agatha Christie was inspired to write Evil under the Sun and also Ten Little Indians after staying at the hotel on Burgh Island. :)
Malamute,
As I understand it, this Beach House (which is part of the hotel) was built for Agatha Christie in the '30s. The two books you mention were actually written in this Beach House. She was born in Torquay and there are connections there to another book, The ABC Murders. She wrote her first book, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, whilst staying at the Moorlands House Hotel near Haytor, Dartmoor. She also had a holiday home, Greenway on the River Dart which is National Trust property now.
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Malamute,
As I understand it, this Beach House (which is part of the hotel) was built for Agatha Christie in the '30s. The two books you mention were actually written in this Beach House. She was born in Torquay and there are connections there to another book, The ABC Murders. She wrote her first book, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, whilst staying at the Moorlands House Hotel near Haytor, Dartmoor. She also had a holiday home, Greenway on the River Dart which is National Trust property now.
I've been to Greenways on a number of occasions, its a lovely house to visit, not just for the Agatha connection, but for the views and the location. And the Anchorstone Cafe on the opposite bank of the river is a lunchtime must do ;) lol
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I've not actually been to Greenways myself, but now that you recommend it, I think we must pay a visit. Thanks for the tip on the cafe!
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I've not actually been to Greenways myself, but now that you recommend it, I think we must pay a visit. Thanks for the tip on the cafe!
http://anchorstonecafe.co.uk/
Well worth a visit to both ;) ;D
In all the excitement of discussing my favourite places to visit in the South Hams I forgot to say, what a great game. I love all the details, wonderful stuff.
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.............and now on to the Leagues. Please ignore the rather poorly painted eyes, I am in the process of rectifying these after seeing the photos!
Well... after a trip on that tractor, I think the eyes are spot on!! lol
Marco
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Well... after a trip on the tractor, I think the eyes are spot on!!
lol lol lol
I forgot to say, what a great game. I love all the details, wonderful stuff.
Thanks. :)
In their secret dossiers, the players also received a map of the island and a copy of this letter:
(https://i.imgur.com/YITFZeu.jpg)
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I've been to Greenways on a number of occasions, its a lovely house to visit, not just for the Agatha connection, but for the views and the location. And the Anchorstone Cafe on the opposite bank of the river is a lunchtime must do ;) lol
Mi Lud If you are down that way I can recommend the Ferry Boat Inn, almost next door to Mamamutes café and the beer is better.
We sound more like the Egon Roney Forum than Toy Soldiers. lol lol
The game report is shaping up nicely. :)
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Mi Lud If you are down that way I can recommend the Ferry Boat Inn, almost next door to Mamamutes café and the beer is better.
We sound more like the Egon Roney Forum than Toy Soldiers. lol lol
I was going to mention the Ferry Boat Inn as well lol
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More content from the Secret Dossiers:
A photo, inscribed on the back, 'To Wilby, love always, Van'.
(https://i.imgur.com/PlLBkFp.jpg)
A note to Scotland Yard and a note to the Secret Service from an informant pointing the leagues in the right direction when they land on the island.
(https://i.imgur.com/Ya0x1AY.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/i6YT9ne.jpg)
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To paraphrase "there is something of the night" about her.
Just had to Google the pub on Burgh island as I could not remember the name and it was bugging me.
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Just had to Google the pub on Burgh island as I could not remember the name and it was bugging me.
You will see that the Pilchard Inn features quite heavily in the game! I was trying to get a little RPG element into the game and Doug's cover was as a researcher into pilchard fishing! Apart from smuggling, wrecking and piracy, the early inhabitants of the island specialised in pilchard fishing. Doug surprised us by coming out with many interesting facts on the pilchard. lol
As you can see from the above notes I made a complete balls-up. I copied and pasted the note and forgot to change the Scotland Yard destination to the paper-seller. So both leagues were heading for the same plot-point which was not my intention. Never mind, it worked out OK.
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Martin,
great stuff!
At the end I'll ask you for all the fonts you used... :D
Marco
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Marco,
I'll try and make a list for you.
The Secret Service Player Brief
(https://i.imgur.com/3Br2mIy.jpg)
The Scotland Yard Player Brief
(https://i.imgur.com/pZKQ774.jpg)
That concludes all the bumph contained in the Secret Dossiers delivered by the respective couriers.
Now I've just got to trawl through a pile of photos and compose the report!
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Martin,
great stuff!
At the end I'll ask you for all the fonts you used... :D
Marco
Marco,
I believe all these fonts are downloadable from DaFont:
Typewriter
Fountain Pen Frenzy
Bradley Hand ITC
Child Writing
Bleeding Cowboys
Blood Omen
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Thank you, Martin! ;)
Marco
Edit: downloaded!
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Doug surprised us by coming out with many interesting facts on the pilchard.
Was it Dr Johnson or Oscar Wilde who said "When a man is tired of pilchards, he is tired of life?"
Doug
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Was it Dr Johnson or Oscar Wilde who said "When a man is tired of pilchards, he is tired of life?"
Doug
I believe it was Sam Johnson the fishmonger who originally said that. ;)
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I believe it was Sam Johnson the fishmonger who originally said that. ;)
Exactly! ;)
http://www.samueljohnson.com/tiredlon.html (http://www.samueljohnson.com/tiredlon.html)
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Awesome thread! Really great reading. I appreciated the very interesting travel tips as well.
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PART 1
………….and so it begins.
After a swift whisky and soda at Bigbury Golf Club, Sir Douglas D’Emfore had arrived at Buckland-Tout-Saintes the home of Sir Sidney Ruff-Diamond who was to be accompanying Sir Douglas across to Burgh Island. Sir Sidney, recently returned from India, where he was the Governor of Khalabar, had retired to his estate in Devon after a scandal involving his wife, Lady Ruff-Diamond and the Khasi of Khalabar. Sir Sidney had recruited three ex-military types as back-up should fisticuffs occur; Seaman Willy Staines, Big Willy McGrin and Private Bill Pahrts. These three all came from a small village in Ayrshire. The village is dominated by the small, Presbyterian sect known as the Wee Frees. It is a custom in the village to name all second sons William and send them off into the world to make their way. Hence, in the Secret Service, the three are known as “The Three Wee Free Willies” which their superiors find to be wildly hilarious (their superiors are all ex-public school so no more need be said). On the trip down, Sir Douglas had been studying Professor Eric Tyldis-Function’s magnum opus ‘Pilchard Fishing: A Definitive History’. To complete his cover as a serious student of the pilchard, Sir Douglas had learnt the age-old Pilchard Toast:
Here's health to the Pope, may he live to repent
And add just six months to the term of his Lent
And tell all his vassals from Rome to the Poles,
There's nothing like pilchards for saving their souls!
By contrast, Special Investigating Agent Vagabond had swilled down a brown ale in the Sloop Inn whilst awaiting his sidekick for this undercover mission, Sir Algernon Paget-Snapcase. Sir Algernon had recently returned from Africa after leading the expedition formed to find the legendary Oozlum bird in the territory of the bloodthirsty ‘Noshas’, a tribe of feared cannibals. Sir Algernon had recruited three ex-policemen, James ‘Basher’ Smith, Dr Harry ‘Flashy’ Flashman and John ‘Bruiser’ Smith. Basher and Bruiser are brother's, sons of Zebedee, they were known in the force as the Two Disciples because they didn't keep to the straight and narrow confines of the law. Dr. Flashman liked to consider himself a forensic scientist, a new and burgeoning science.
This rather eclectic mix of aristocrats and ruffians met on the jetty the next morning to travel by boat out to Burgh Island. Sir Douglas was expecting to meet Dr. Alexander Sweet as part of his cover as a serious pilchard researcher. Agent Vagabond’s cover, as a simple tourist would allow him to merely step ashore and explore the island in the hope of uncovering it’s mysteries.
The adventure commences:
The boat docks at Burgh Island, adjacent to The Pilchard Inn.
(https://i.imgur.com/G6IgMU7.jpg)
The passengers prepare to disembark.
(https://i.imgur.com/jnVlnXb.jpg)
Sir Douglas meets Dr. Sweet and his retinue.
(https://i.imgur.com/6AP6o32.jpg)
To be continued……………………….
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Gad...! These pictures bring the adventure back to me in all it's demonic horror and terror. Would that we had never set foot on that accursed place.....
Reader - continue to study the drama as it unfolds from Snapcase's pen - IF YOU DARE....!
D'Emfore (bart).
(aka Doug)
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lol lol
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Looking good GREAT!!! :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
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Amazing! :-* :-* :-*
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PART 2
I should have mentioned in the previous blurb that we were using Pulp Alley as the ruleset for this game. Pulp Alley is a long-time favourite of mine but this is the first Gothic Horror game I’ve played with these rules. As expected, no transition was necessary and everything went well. The only major change I made was that there was no time limit for the game to finish. The reason being, this was the last game of the DevLAM '17 (http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=105082.msg1307434#msg1307434) event and I wanted the participants to encounter the full horror of the goings-on at Burgh Island. Vanessa Ives had to be found and rescued at all costs. As we were all from far-flung outposts of the Empire, it would not be easy for us to meet up again to finish the game.
The game started on the Sunday afternoon after the lobster, smoked salmon and Muscadet had been consumed. Old Scrotum (the wrinkled Snapcase family retainer) served up a rather smelly blue cheese with the port and we were set for a roller-coaster ride! It turned out that we finished round about 01:30am on the Monday morning. Now I see why Dave and Mila have a strict six turn limit! We managed to take photos but forgot to take any notes. I am now struggling to piece together the sequence of events as my memory is clouded by copious consumption of stiffening libations. I am sure Sir Douglas and Agent Vagabond will chime in with abuse corrections and heckling suggestions at the appropriate points, so on with the show.
As the protagonists prepare to disembark, a quick view of the minor plot points. The Leagues had to obtain two minor plot points before discovering the location the islanders thought Vanessa might be kept prisoner.
(https://i.imgur.com/wS821cy.jpg)
As you can see from the tip-offs on page 2, the Leagues were both intent on speaking to Noah Fence, the organ grinder (more sense might have been obtained by speaking to the monkey!).
Sir Sidney Ruff-Diamond stops to chat to a local couple about the possibility of obtaining some fresh pilchards.
(https://i.imgur.com/x03qpv7.jpg)
The leagues cross paths as they seek out Noah Fence but are cautious at this point and refrain from any vulgar brawling in the street. Giving each other the cold shoulder, they seek out information from the locals.
(https://i.imgur.com/oUGASxi.jpg)
Considering that the organ grinder was a perilous plot point (the monkey bites), both players threw some good dice and received their next tip-off. Sir Douglas received information that it would be to his advantage to speak to Neil B. Formy, the eccentric hermit of Burgh Island. Agent Vagabond was directed towards the newspaper vendor, Dick Aiken. Noah felt sure that Dick would know something that could aid the boys from Scotland Yard.
On their way to interview Dick, the boys from the Yard observe the local Peelers chasing a suspect up Temple Road. Nothing to do with the game (a red herring (not pilchard) that they didn’t fall for) but it added a bit of local colour!
(https://i.imgur.com/Q7dDAQk.jpg)
Initially ‘Basher’ and ‘Bruiser’ attempt to interrogate the newspaper vendor but don’t seem to have the necessary tact and subtlety. Failing their challenge, the Leagues discover that there is more going on here than a simple kidnapping. Horror of horrors, Dick Aiken metamorphoses into a Shtriga and attacks going for ‘Basher’s’ jugular.
(https://i.imgur.com/gfbW8Oq.jpg)
After a sphincter-tightening struggle the Shtriga is knocked out and Paget-Snapcase finds a crumpled piece of paper in the vampiric witch’s mouth, directing them to search out Moe Lester, Burgh Island’s lamp lighter.
(https://i.imgur.com/FVZGkPm.jpg)
Sir Douglas with his man Staines, observing the struggle from afar concludes (as does Agent Vagabond) that there are supernatural forces at large on Burgh Island. Stiff upper-lips and straight bats are now required. They must push on into the unknown to discover Vanessa’s fate………………
TO BE CONTINUED…………………
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Amazing! :-* :-* :-*
Thanks, Wolf Girl.
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A true Penny Dreadful! :-*
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Coming along nicely, Snapcase old fruit. I must say, I missed out on the unfortunate double entendres that appear to afflict the names of so many of the Burgh Island residents. I imagine it can be quite embarrassing for them on occasion.
Incidentally, just remind me who was The Most Important Man On The Board, will you?
D’Emfore (bart).
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Incidentally, just remind me who was The Most Important Man On The Board, will you?
I seem to remember definitely stating that it was yourself, Sir Douglas D'Emfore who was TMIMOTB ('twas just when you were holding that service revolver to my head, by sheer coincidence!). ;)
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So?
We're eagerly waiting for the next chapter! :)
Marco
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So?
We're eagerly waiting for the next chapter! :)
Marco
You and me both, and I was there.
I think the problem was this was the last game in a three day marathon and we didn't finish until two in the morning, had maybe had a little too much alcohol and things were getting a little hazy.
I remember sir Douglass head butting his way into a room through the lath and plaster wall, you know these aristocratic types have fairly solid foreheads and the being a terrifying spectacle in there and then it's all a bit loose after that.
The photographic evidence is not quite as forensic as we might have liked.
I'm sure the Mad lord has it all under control and will eventually post the remainder of this report, even if it is total fiction.
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You and me both, and I was there.
I think the problem was this was the last game in a three day marathon and we didn't finish until two in the morning, had maybe had a little too much alcohol and things were getting a little hazy.
I remember sir Douglass head butting his way into a room through the lath and plaster wall, you know these aristocratic types have fairly solid foreheads and the being a terrifying spectacle in there and then it's all a bit loose after that.
The photographic evidence is not quite as forensic as we might have liked.
I'm sure the Mad lord has it all under control and will eventually post the remainder of this report, even if it is total fiction.
M'Lud Snapcase was particularly hazy as the evening progressed and so is at something of a disadvantage.
I believe my entry into the room was as a result of some forensic structural alterations to the fabric of the room - talk of head butting is, of course ridiculous and the kind of invention only to be expected from a Scotland yard "detective". Furthermore, there is only one "s" at the end of my name....Have a care, sir, or I shall have to insist on satisfaction....!
Sir Douglas D'Emfore (bart)
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M'Lud Snapcase was particularly hazy as the evening progressed and so is at something of a disadvantage.
I believe my entry into the room was as a result of some forensic structural alterations to the fabric of the room - talk of head butting is, of course ridiculous and the kind of invention only to be expected from a Scotland yard "detective". Furthermore, there is only one "s" at the end of my name....Have a care, sir, or I shall have to insist on satisfaction....!
Sir Douglas D'Emfore (bart)
lol lol lol
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And would Dr. "Harry" Flashman perchance be the son of the very famous General Sir Harry Flashman ?
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I think the problem was this was the last game in a three-day marathon and we didn't finish until two in the morning, had maybe had a little too much alcohol and things were getting a little hazy.
M'Lud Snapcase was particularly hazy as the evening progressed and so is at something of a disadvantage.
Firstly, I must apologise, dear reader for the absence of the startling end to this tale of woe and destruction. Prepare to be shocked as I reveal the recent dastardly happenings at Snapcase Hall. It was the week before Christmas and I awoke early one morning surrounded by cloaked figures. I was dragged out of my four-poster and into a secret entrance to a secret tunnel which I never knew existed in Snapcase Hall. Eventually we emerged into some sort of secret chapel. Cloaked figures were continually moving in a circle around me, chanting and lighting secret candles. Eventually the leader revealed himself to me as none other than Bertie Saxe-Coburg, the Prince of Wales to you but Bertie to those of us who move in his circle.
Breaking Rule 7 of the Arch-Villain Code (Rule 7: When I've captured my adversary and he says, "Look, before you kill me, will you at least tell me what this is all about?" I'll say, "No." and shoot him.) Bertie proceeded to expound on the reasons for my abduction. “Wilberforce, old bean,” he began “I know you are committing to parchment the tale of the recent doings on Burgh Island, but I must insist that you do not expose the full truth of the actions of Special Agent Vagabond and Sir Douglas D’Emfore on that fateful night. As mutual admirers of these plucky heroes we must protect their reputation at all costs. The British public must never know of any moments when their respective upper lips were slightly less stiff than normal or any occasions when their bat was not as straight to the wicket as it should have been. In short, old stick, any of that sort of lick-spittle nonsense and I will have Lord Downey (head of the Royal Protection Cabal) secretly ‘disappear’ you.”
At that moment, one of Bertie’s acolytes appeared brandishing a white-hot branding iron styled with the three feathers of the Prince of Wales’ crest. As this was applied to my right buttock I concentrated on not letting my bottom lip tremble at the awful pain, Bertie spoke. “Just a small reminder, old son as to where your loyalties lie!”
As a smell of roast pork drifted across the secret chapel the secret candles suddenly flickered out and Bertie disappeared in a secret smoky haze. I must have passed out and when I came to, I was back in the old four-poster with Miss Spankhurst (my rather stern housekeeper) mopping my brow with a cloth dipped in vintage madeira. I would have pointed out that she should have been mopping my right buttock but she is a very strict disciplinarian and it's best not to get on the wrong side of her, as I have learned to my cost, in the past. Old Scrotum (the wrinkled family retainer) was pacing up and down in the background, mumbling and wringing his wrinkled hands in dismay.
And thus, for those of you with the patience to read through this harrowing narrative is the explanation as to why my revelation of the concluding events of that night is somewhat hazy, blurred even. As I begin to unravel the denouement for you, I can feel the brand on my arse still smarting, reminding me of my conversation with Bertie. Ich dien!
Scotland Yard and the Secret Service begin to realise that the Pilchard Inn is the centre of this mysterious puzzle and begin to close in.
(https://i.imgur.com/vzBseqL.jpg)
The forces of good are seen here entering the ground floor of the Pilchard Inn and interrogating the employees and customers.
(https://i.imgur.com/ShKjZRo.jpg)
It was at this point that Sir Douglas found Vagabond’s Calvados and as you can see, this is where the haziness began!
(https://i.imgur.com/SBtajrk.jpg)
Big Willy interrogates the chef, Gordon Ramsey but gets short shrift, “get out of my f@%#+*g kitchen!”
(https://i.imgur.com/2BEruhq.jpg)
Basher is knocked to the floor by Sir William Gull, the Queen’s (God bless ‘er) physician.
(https://i.imgur.com/Cd6AU7p.jpg)
Reinforcements arrive to dispose of Sir William.
(https://i.imgur.com/kbaYqj0.jpg)
Still irked by the sarcasm of the Pilchard Inn’s chef, Big Willy rushes on up the stairs only to be confronted by Countess Elizabeth Báthory de Ecsed and a vicious struggle ensues.
(https://i.imgur.com/ikWAkte.jpg)
Meanwhile Flashy (yes, Metternich you are correct) meets the biggest werewolf he has ever seen. Replacement trousers may be required here.
(https://i.imgur.com/sCoUtMj.jpg)
Chaos (and much haziness) now commences as the boys from the Yard and the Secret Service encounter monsters aplenty as they fight their way up the Pilchard Inn, floor by floor.
(https://i.imgur.com/bhQD3Y3.jpg?1)
Seaman Staines gets the shock of his life when opening a door to an upstairs room. This boy could take some knocking down!
(https://i.imgur.com/1XtmAS9.jpg)
Now, on the very top floor of the inn, Sir Douglas can be seen here heroically entering a room to confront Dr. Victor Frankenstein. Vagabond is toe-to-toe with another giant werewolf and Sir Sidney opens a door to another room only to find a Byakhee guarding the lovely Vanessa Ives who is tied up at the end of the room.
(https://i.imgur.com/A2qQqoC.jpg)
Sir Sidney defeated the Byakhee and untied Vanessa. Big Willy and Private Pharts rushed to his aid (ostensibly to assist Sir Sidney but in reality, hoping to catch a glimpse of the lovely Miss Ives en déshabillé).
(https://i.imgur.com/dexFIJv.jpg)
Unfortunately for the Secret Service voyeurs, Dr. Alexander Sweet, the fiend behind all this nefarious activity now makes his appearance. In reality, Dr. Sweet is of course Count Dracula, the Prince of Darkness. He has been attempting to turn Vanessa into a vampire to serve the forces of evil for eternity.
(https://i.imgur.com/bOx6mjj.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/dexFIJv.jpg)
And so, the end is nigh, we face the final curtain, will Sir Douglas and Vagabond triumph against the Prince of Darkness or will evil reign over the environs of Burgh Island? Pharts is disposed of by the Count and Sir Sidney and Big Willy are reeling from the terror that is Dracula. Vagabond, Sir Douglas and Snapcase cannot enter the room as there are three of their minions fighting for their lives between them and the arch-fiend. Sir Douglas, thinking at lightning-speed begins to smash his way through the flimsy wall of the room. Seeing his intention, Vagabond and Snapcase join in the assault on the dividing wall. There were suggestions later that Sir Douglas had headbutted his way through the wall but this was refuted by Sir Douglas as not being the act of a gentleman! Bearing in mind the still-painful brand on my arse, your humble narrator feels duty-bound to agree with Sir Douglas. There are five men fighting the Count and shots, fists and boots are flying everywhere. As the Count reels back from the massed assault, Sir Douglas and Agent Vagabond are able to drive a stake right into the heart of the Evil One! With a curse, Dracula subsides to the floor and begins to turn to dust! Our heroes collapse exhausted after the fight of their lives.
(https://i.imgur.com/8T4fv8y.jpg)
The game concludes after lasting through Sunday afternoon, evening and on into the early hours of Monday morning concluding around 02.00am. Much beer, wine, Calvados and whiskey has been consumed and the combatants are well-oiled and tired. Leaving the chaos of clearing up to later that day, our heroes retire to a well-earned rest. Thanks to you both for a marvellous game. Memento mori.
(https://i.imgur.com/QrCVfEd.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/r4NbH2M.jpg)
THE END
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Top hole, Snapcase old fruit. I'm just as exhausted reading the account as I was whilst playing the game. However, I'm a lot more sober at the moment. And speaking as "The Most Important Man on the Board", may I say how proud we of the Secret Service are to have secured the release of the delectable Miss Ives and to have made Burgh Island once again a place were decent peope may live in peace (which means you'd better keep away from it). The small assistance rendered by the somewhat disreputable agents of Scotland Yard, whilst hardly being necessary, was nevertheless appreciated.
Regarding the scurrilous photo of myself inadvertently touching a bottle of spiritous liquid, my solicitors, Messrs Pain, Blame and Claim Ltd, will be in touch in due course.
And don't pretend you didn't enjoy being buttock-branded - you know you would have paid good money to have that done.
Good work, sir - reviving memories (albeit hazy ones) of an outstanding weekend.
Doug
aka Sir Douglas D'Emfore
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PRICELESS!!! :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
And I'm pretty sure it's not "The End", but just the beginning of a long series of adventures! ;)
EDIT> I'm also pretty sure someone has secretly collected the ashes of the deceased Count for his (her?) own nefarious plans... :D
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Thanks, dinohunterpoa.
I'm also pretty sure someone has secretly collected the ashes of the deceased Count for his (her?) own nefarious plans...
I'm pretty sure I saw Sir Douglas scooping something up into a small urn but I remain somewhat hazy on the subject! ;)
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I'm pretty sure I saw Sir Douglas scooping something up into a small urn but I remain somewhat hazy on the subject! ;)
I have a bad feeling about this... :o
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I have a bad feeling about this... :o
So have I - I know I made a cup of soup from some powder that was lying round and it did taste - distinctive and I’ve had some odd dreams ever since.....
Doug
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So have I - I know I made a cup of soup from some powder that was lying round and it did taste - distinctive and I’ve had some odd dreams ever since.....
Doug
:o lol :o lol :o lol :o lol :o lol
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A spiffing finish to the game report Mi Lord. That Dracula was a right 'ard b'stard and no mistake.
We had to keep pushing those Secret Service types into the room first to wear him down, but the strategy worked in the end and we were able to put the cuffs on him. Shame he turned to dust in our hands though, but that's law enforcement for you.
Seriously - at the start when the boat moored up and Sir Douglas shouted follow me men and set of at a near gallop on those long legs of his, all the rest of us could do was trot along behind.
He deserves full credit but as he is Secret Service and must remain secret that credit will have to fall to the officers of Scotland Yard.
I've let the Times know the full story.
Once again full praise to Lord Snapcase for his hospitality and some memorable gaming, even if it's a bit hazy and to Sir Douglas for being the most important man on the table. lol lol
I shall go and crack open the 52 port, and decant it.
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I shall go and crack open the 52 port, and decant it.
(https://www.drinkhacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/1116540_SR-2017-Pack-Photography-Port-Dundas-750ml-Bottle-Box_original-e1506896368648.jpg)
;)
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(https://www.drinkhacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/1116540_SR-2017-Pack-Photography-Port-Dundas-750ml-Bottle-Box_original-e1506896368648.jpg)
;)
I can't imagine why Snapcase didn't insist you join us at DevLAM.....! You'd have been right at home.
Doug
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I can't imagine why Snapcase didn't insist you join us at DevLAM.....! You'd have been right at home.
Doug
Oh, thank you, Sir! ;)
Anytime you have winged creatures and werewolves to kill and damsels to rescue... I will be right there back at the inn drinking a single malt in front of the fireplace with that lovely pale young lady with the odd smile and very ruby lips... :D
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Oh, thank you, Sir! ;)
Anytime you have winged creatures and werewolves to kill and damsels to rescue... I will be right there back at the inn drinking a single malt in front of the fireplace with that lovely pale young lady with the odd smile and very ruby lips... :D
lol lol lol lol - we could both drink malt whiskey with her, that lovely pale young lady with the odd smile and very ruby lips... It does sound a very appealing prospect. 8)
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lol lol lol lol - we could both drink malt whiskey with her, that lovely pale young lady with the odd smile and very ruby lips... It does sound a very appealing prospect. 8)
You just stay with the Devon Dumplings and Yorkshire Puddings, detective, and leave the quality bints to your social superiors.
Sir Douglas D'Emfore (Bart)
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You just stay with the Devon Dumplings and Yorkshire Puddings, detective, and leave the quality bints to your social superiors.
Sir Douglas D'Emfore (Bart)
We will stay with the somewhat odd and certainly pale and ruby-lipped young lady and the Single Malt, thank you very much sir! ;)
(http://moneyinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Dalmore-62-Single-Highland-Malt-Scotch-750x500.jpg)
Yes, we drink Matheson's Dalmore 62 Single Highland Malt Scotch
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Old Scrotum (the wrinkled family retainer) has just emerged from a long session in the wine cellar here at Snapcase Hall. He says he likes to spend time down there searching for exactly the right bottle to go with dinner. Certainly he always seems very happy about it! The dim light down there seems to affect his balance as well.
Anyway the point of all this inconsequential chit-chat is that he emerged clutching a very dusty and cobwebbed bottle, claiming that he had discovered a section of the cellar laid down by great-grandfather when old Pam was PM. It appears to to be a bottle of the 1868 Cockburns which I shall have on my Corn Flakes at breakfast this morning. Trust the old fool to find something good to stiffen the sinews ack emma!
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Old Scrotum (the wrinkled family retainer) has just emerged from a long session in the wine cellar here at Snapcase Hall. He says he likes to spend time down there searching for exactly the right bottle to go with dinner. Certainly he always seems very happy about it! The dim light down there seems to affect his balance as well.
Anyway the point of all this inconsequential chit-chat is that he emerged clutching a very dusty and cobwebbed bottle, claiming that he had discovered a section of the cellar laid down by great-grandfather when old Pam was PM. It appears to to be a bottle of the 1868 Cockburns which I shall have on my Corn Flakes at breakfast this morning. Trust the old fool to find something good to stiffen the sinews ack emma!
It seems perfect for breakfast! ;)
(https://cdn.ct-static.com/labels/55391.jpg)
(https://www.jancisrobinson.com/images/cropped/400x400/uploads/images/2015/03/1868_with_Paul_Sym's_hands-3.jpg)
But I couldn't help notice a slight difference of dates in the bottle's label and in the bottle cap... so maybe, just maybe, someone is trying to pull someone's leg with an elaborate prankster of some sort... ;)
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BTW: Maybe in the next adventure...
The PERFECT lovely Miss Vanessa Ives from Bad Squiddo Miniatures (MLS009 Clara the Witch) - yes, that's a scorpion in her hand! ;)
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Yes, good find, I may have to get that mini! Cheers. :)
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Yes, good find, I may have to get that mini! Cheers. :)
And this is a secret: Annie (Bad Squiddo Miniatures) is going to release more female vampire hunters (by talented sculptors Gary Morley and Alan Marsh) later this year! ;)
(https://sportstradinglife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/secret-winning-betfair-288x300.jpg)
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Yes, good find, I may have to get that mini! Cheers. :)
Senility is definitely here! I already have that mini! I bought all the Last Sunrise figures in Annie's Kickstarter, good thing I didn't just buy another one. :)
more female vampire hunters
Can never have too many of these. ;)
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Can never have too many of these. ;)
EXACTLY!!! :D