[Actual Play] Ride of the Horseman

[Tommy Brownell]

Ride of the Horseman

Starring

Thomas, The Courier

Captain Hawkins

Isabella Von Took, Noble Woman

Brother Marcus

and

The Spectral Horseman

Set-up: Thomas arrived in town with a package for Reverend Harding: A parcel devoted to Harding’s tireless efforts in combating darkness wherever it is, and aiding suffering whenever he can. Thomas, touched by the Reverend’s efforts, decided to help free Shadowbrook from the grip of the Spectral Horseman. Captain Marcus vowed to bring the full might of the militia down on the Horseman, ending this last remnant of the war. Brother Marcus, compelled by God, arrived in town seeking to aid these efforts…while Isabella Von Took figured it would be a useful way to kill some time.

Round 1

Thomas, perhaps suspecting the Hanbrooks could be involved, set out for the Manor. There, he was attacked by Ghost Soldiers! Thomas was cocky as he struck first, but the Ghost Soldiers pushed on, injuring him! Though Thomas did defeat them through force of spirit, they brought him low as well!

Captain Hawkins crept into the Abandoned Keep, and was set upon by a Spectre! Hawkins struggled with it, but was clearly thrown off by its incorporeal nature! The Spectre triumphed, but The Scarlet Shadow spooked it off and carried the unconscious Captain to the outskirts of town.

This is going to be a long game…=P

Isabella set out for the Manor, figuring to use her noble nature to command an audience with The Hanbrooks…and was met with the Gibbering Evil! While it did strike her, it also underestimated the cunning noblewoman, who struck out with a sneak attack that blinded it, and then tipped a cabinet over, crushing its head!
Brother Marcus ventured into the Olde Woods, to see what he could see. He found an Axe, but nothing more.

Hawkins and Thomas recovered in town, licking their wounds. As Thomas recovered, Isabella Von Took stalked him with a crazed look in her eyes! Thomas sneered and attacked viciously, but Von Took stayed ahead of the situation, striking Thomas and preventing him from laying his hands on her. A Veil of Darkness covered the land

Wow…one round in and two investigators have been KOed, and a fight has broken out among them. Good times.

Round 2

Hawkins made out for the Windmill, where The Horseman struck! Sensing weakness in Hawkins, The Horseman charged! Though Hawkins did strike the Horseman, the villain brought him low and then charged to Town Hall, where Thomas saw his approach with fear in his…eye. The Horseman took down Thomas as well, sending a cold chill through the hearts of the townsfolk and growing stronger for it!

Von Took made out for the Windmill, stopping off in the Fields. Reverend Harding, reached by the whispers of The Order of the Crimson Hand, began riling the townsfolk up against the Investigators!

Brother Marcus left Shadowbrook for Echo Lake, making haste for the Inn. He prayed to God, and the Veil of Darkness was lifted! However, Ghost Soldiers attacked at the Inn! They inflicted their damage, but Marcus used his connection with the Creator to end their wretched existence.

Thomas was quite unable to do anything.

Hawkins awoke in Town Hall…under attack by Ghost Soldiers! They made short work of him…then turned on Thomas! They winged Thomas but he began to evade them…finally escaping to the Doctor’s Office, leaving them roaming Town Hall! Meanwhile, The Horseman’s power grew again!

Round 3

Von Took arrived at the Windmill, finding a Rusty Key with markings indicating Town Hall.

As Marcus ventured to the Monastery, he again focused his Spirit…breaking The Order’s hold on Reverend Harding! A Shrieking Shadow overtook him, but Marcus stood firm and beat it back! Marcus took an Oath of Devotion and purchased a Burning Censer, then rested and healed himself a bit.

Thomas began making plans to form an Entourage, and set out for the Abandoned Keep. There, he found a Relic which should surely aid him.

Captain Hawkins was quite indisposed.

Hawkins recovered, under attack by the Ghost Soldiers, and ran screaming from Town Hall. The growing darkness hammered the town further. Isabella, meanwhile, was struck with The Madness…not surprising, considering her earlier actions.

Round 4

Marcus moved to the North Dock searching for clues. He tried to beat back the growing power of the Horseman, but failed.
Thomas returned to town for healing, as the bright light of day cured Isabella of her Madness.

Captain Hawkins moved to the Church, and figured out that Magistrate Kroft was far too smart for his own good…a trait that would likely haunt him someday.

Isabella headed back toward the Manor.

The darkness pushed on, and The Horseman’s power surged. The Horseman struck, murdering Lord Hanbrook!

Round 5

Thomas sucked it up and went after the Ghost Soldiers at Town Hall. As he struck, he threw up his Relic, forcing them back. This gave him the opening to finish them, though they did wing him. Having just finished off the Ghost Soldiers, Thomas gave a Reassuring Speech, though not many seemed to buy it.
Hawkins, realizing his weakness, remained at the Church and prayed…and did feel a change come over him.

Isabella Von Took arrived at the Church hurling around accusations, though they didn’t get her very far. She quietly sought aid as well…and got it. Her Spirit grew, weakening the potential damage The Horseman could inflict on her.
Marcus took to the South Dock to see what he could see, as Militia were dispatched for the Olde Woods.

The Horseman appeared at the Covered Bridge, then charged Town Hall where the woefully unprepared Thomas waited on him! The Horseman bore down on him, but didn’t do quite as much damage as he had thought, and Thomas felt a little better about harming the ghost. Meanwhile, an awful storm broke in…and The Horseman struck at the Inn! Then he headed toward Town Hall to battle Thomas again! Thomas had greased some palms and had Militia waiting with him! The onslaught took the Horseman off-guard and probably saved Thomas!

Round 6

Hawkins went back to the Keep, and instead of being assaulted, found Jack, The Servant Boy! Hawkins took Jack into his service.
Isabella went to Town Hall and used her key…finding, in a locked box, all the elders have gathered on the Horseman.

Marcus did not find clues at the Covered Bridge, but he did find Doctor Manning, who joined him, eager to stamp out this Horseman!

Thomas sought healing, as well as revelation…The Horseman was haunting the Manor!

The Horseman struck at the Monastery and made haste for Town Hall, finding Marcus and Harding at the Covered Bridge! Marcus fought the Horseman, and Harding protected him from one of the hits landed by the Ghost! The Horseman charged on…to Town Hall where Isabella and the Militia stood! Isabella found purchase, but the Horseman discovered she’s harder to hit than that. Deception spread through the town…and rumblings were that even Dr. Manning had more secrets. The Horseman killed at the South Dock, then charged for Town Hall, meeting Marcus again! Marcus struck, but the Horseman got him this time. Isabella avoided the Horseman a second time, but that encounter proved to be a larger drain on her resources.

Round 7

Isabella moved to the Doctor’s Office to be healed.

Brother Marcus recovered at Town Hall.

Thomas arrived at the Manor, but found little of use.

Hawkins and Jack traveled to the Marsh.

Marcus recovered. Thomas again found Isabella stalking him! She wounded him and kept him from touching her. Shockingly, Lord Hanbrook stumbled back into town…alive! Meanwhile, the Horseman grew even more powerful!

Round 8

Marcus tried to shake off the Horror covering the town, but failed. He set out toward the Keep, seeking Captain Hawkins.

Thomas traveled to the Monastery for some Quiet Reflection. He hired a Guide and purchased a Crossbow.

Hawkins met with Marcus, who gave him his Axe.

Isabella headed to the Manor, but found little of use.
The Horseman struck at the Keep, then attacked Marcus and Hawkins on the road! Hawkins did some damage, and Jack prevented Hawkins from being taken out completely! Marcus gave better than he got, but was still hurting as the Horseman sped into the night. Ghost soldiers appeared at the Doctor’s Office and Windmill…and the Church.

Round 9

Thomas headed to the Inn, seeking clues. He entered the Window Room and saw his own reflection starting back at him…until it slowly shifted…into Lord Hanbrook! Then Hanbrook pulled off his own rode and rode off into the night laughing! Hanbrook is the Horseman!!!

Hawkins and Jack took to the Keep seeking clues, but found nothing. What they DID find was The Scarlet Shadow, who told Hawkins directly to release Jack…and The Shadow joined the hunt against the Horseman! Hawkins also ordered the Militia to converge on The Manor.

Von Took sharpened her mind as she headed for town.

Brother Marcus stormed into the Doctor’s Office and obliterated the Ghost Soldiers inside! Then he discovered evidence that Dr. Manning had joined the Horseman…Marcus sought allies…and discovered that Lady Hanbrook was a false image for the Horseman and Sophie was quite evil as well! News of this betrayal reached Harding, and steeled him against the Darkness. Marcus, shaken by this, failed again to lift the Horror on the town.

The Horseman killed again, this time on the Crossroads. The Horseman, they discovered, was far older than anyone believed…predating the Colonies and not having been created in the war.

Round 10

Hawkins and the Shadow remained at the Keep, where Shadow handed him…the Rogue’s Rapier. Hawkins was taken aback by the notion.

Von Took returned to the Manor, and summoned the Investigators as well as Harding. A conscious decision was made to ensure that Kroft knew nothing of this. Headless Hanbrook and the Evil Elders emerged from the Manor, facing off with Isabella Von Took, Brother Marcus, Reverend Harding, Thomas the Courier, Brother Janus, Captain Hawkins, The Scarlet Shadow and the Militia. The tension was thick. Isabella’s first assault was a feint…designed to get her close to The “Good” Doctor, where she cut his throat and watched him bleed out for his betrayal. Brother Marcus and Reverend Harding worked in concert, unleashing a righteous fury that injured Headless Hanbrook and killed Sophie the Vixen! Marcus was made to suffer for it, but the damage had been done. A crossbow bolt struck Headless Hanbrook in the chest! Headless Hanbrook bore down on Thomas, but Isabella threw herself into Thomas, saving him! Scarlet Shadow, Captain Hawkins and the Militia unleashed Hell on the Headless Hanbrook! Headless Hanbrook lashed out, bringing down the Shadow and the Captain as Isabella held Thomas and Brother Marcus back! Isabella attacked and fell short, giving Marcus an opening. Marcus unleashed every last bit of devastation he could, calling on God and the archangels to fend off this Horseman! Isabella, Thomas and Harding joined him, beating back the Headless Hanbrook. The Horseman attacked and Harding threw himself in the way…dying to save Brother Marcus and give him one more moment to fight on. Thomas struck again, wounding the Horseman. The Horseman smashed him down, but failed to kill him. Isabella lashed out, doing a small amount of damage, but catching its attention. The Horseman unleashed a furious assault that took all she had to keep from being harmed. Marcus struck…but was struck down for his trouble. Thomas blasted the Horseman again…before being crushed under the hooves of the Horseman. Isabella stood alone against the Headless Hanbrook. “As it should be, “ she said. “This should only be decided by nobility. Not common rabble. Now come on. Kick my @$$.” She struck, perhaps too weakly. Headless Hanbrook failed to struck her again. Isabella struck again, taunting, wearing the Horseman down. Then she was ended. Just like that. The Headless Hanbrook moved on into Shadowbrook, its only opposition being a hapless Magistrate who was piecing together clues without knowing where they lead and no warning.