"Everyone who isn't on team capture should be on team defense. What skills do you have Austyn? I would like us to have at least 4 people so that we have 2 buddy pairs. While team capture is out, one pair will wait behind the front door to unlock it and let them in when they come back, while the other pair will work on some defense-related project. Depending on how long they take, we can switch off."

Aron wasn't sure if he wanted a Life Ritual, seeing as he just got out of a coma and his body felt fragile enough as it was. Before he could answer, the conversation moved on--this time to the defense group. Aron listened carefully to what Doc said about fortifying the Mansion, then nodded. Seemed logical. Perhaps it wouldn't be a simple task, but it would help them stay safe and survive this weird twist of events. "That's a good idea. You heard Doc. Who here has skills in building and long range weapons? Anyone?"

Delia looked around as no one answered.

"Ok, so it looks like nobody is an expert builder," she said slowly. "So it might not be best to plan our survival around fortifications. If anyone else wants to go hunting, speak now, or forever hold your peace. If we don't have a safe haven, time is of essence."

"Actually, I was asking for someone who knows the building. Someone familiar with the layout, not necessarily someone with a construction background, although that would also be useful. But in cases of unexpected siege, ready made materials tend to be quicker to set up."

"There are three components to a defense plan: preventing approach, preventing a breach, and responding to a breach. I would like to nominate Ainsley to be in charge of the first part, 'Operation Make My Day' if you will, since she knows weapons." Doc eyed Ainsley's rifles. "I'm something of an escape artist, so I can plan the third part. The second part, involving fortifications, mostly requires visual-spatial sense and the ability to think through scenarios."

"Ok, so it looks like it's the three of us on zombie duty. Have fun planning. We'll be back in a bite...I mean, a bit," Delia grinned. "Hopefully successful this time."

Official Gamemaster Business

Given the strengths and weaknesses of the three characters and the options available in this story, your success will be determined by a 6-sided die. You must roll a 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 to successfully track a zombie. If you successfully track a zombie, you must roll a 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 to successfully capture a zombie. The roll will be done for you, and the characters involved will be PM'd with the result of their roll and instructed how to proceed. If you would like to modify this roll, pass on rolling, or agree to the roll, please PM a gamemaster or post in the Cavern Tavern in the next 24 hours.

At least this one was a success... Neal thought while dragging the only partially immobilized zombie they had caught towards the mansion. Every now and then, one of the trio would have to hit the meat-bag over the head to stop it from incessantly chomping at them. The makeshift face-mask/harness/thing was doing its job, but Delia had noted it was only a temporary restraint.

The capture itself had gone smoothly, though. Delia lured a couple of the infected into an old shop where Bryan had then bolted the door shut behind them. Neal had used the abundance of shadows available to dart back and forth, confusing the zombies while also taking advantage of knocking them out. Only one of the dead had actually gone out cold, though... its companion was now a permanent part of the wallpaper in the shop.

"O.K, we get this thing inside and toss it in the..." the Darkling was interrupted by a sudden lunge towards his shoulder by their guest. "... basement, then I'll finish restraining it for the Doc to examine."

With that, Neal removed his revolver from its holster with his free hand and whacked the zombie across the head. Fortunately, the dead still seemed to react to such things in the same way as their living counterparts did.

"I really hate these things..." Neal muttered before knocking the three/four "secret knock" on the front door that the mansioners had agreed upon.

Annie cautiously opened the door for the zombie hunting party.

"Oh, you caught one. Yay. Hurry up and get in with it."

While Annie and Ainsley were guarding the door, Aron, Doc and Austyn had been exploring the first floor looking for possible zombie entry points. The first floor is easily the least mysterious part of the mansion, and the exploration process didn't take long. They were now busy fortifying the east entrance using, among other things, a grand piano. It was heavy work and both Doc and Aron were grateful that Austyn had proposed bringing a covered platter of beverages and snacks.

With a nod, Neal dragged the unconscious zombie into the mansion with the the help of Delia and Bryan. Once inside, the Darkling slung the captured dead over his shoulder and headed for one of the shadows. "I'll be back shortly." with that, he disappeared into the dark.

----

Several minutes later, Neal emerged from the basement and headed into the kitchen. "Alright, our guest is completely immobilized downstairs. Took most of the chains and ropes that were available, but it shouldn't be going anywhere." the Darkling paused while opening some cabinets and the refrigerator before continuing. "Still, someone definitely needs to go down there with Doc when she does her voodoo."

With that, Neal headed into the grand hall of the mansion with a platter of finger foods and a bottle of some dark drink in tow.

Bryan snagged a few finger foods and a beverage. Never thought I'd say it, but zombie hunting seems to work up the appetite. Of course, he'd had little since the morning cup of coffee.

"I'm curious about the Doc's ritual, so I volunteer to be down there when she does it."

"Shouldn't we have someone watching the ritual capable of subduing the zombie if something goes wrong during it? We can't risk that thing getting loose and infecting one or more of us. We'll never make it if we have to fight zombies in here while worrying about them breaking in," Annie said.

"Are you volunteering?" Delia asked, snagging Neal's bottle and waterfalling a swig before handing it back.

"I'm not much of a fighter, but I guess I can, if someone can lend me a gun," Annie answered.

"...if someone can lend me a gun,"

From behind the back of one of the large chairs by the fireplace a hand extended holding a revolver. "Here, you can use my spare." While not a huge fan of lending people his things, Neal figured Ainsley wouldn't be parting with any of her firearms freely so he might as well let the girl borrow one of his.

"Fully loaded with precision targeting guaranteed not to miss... as long as you aim it right. It's also perfectly weighted for universal use, so no need in worrying whether its too heavy or not."

Doc returned to the group in time to hear the exchange between Neal and Annie. "So you're my bodyguard Annie? That works. We're going to go up to the conservatory first to pick out some more plants then we'll take them down to the dungeon and get started. Just so you know what you're getting into, you might want to bring some light reading material or a hand-held device. Being a spectator at a Ritual of Life can be really dull. Also, it requires all of my concentration, to the point that I won't be able to react to anything that happens, not even to move out of the way. So if something goes wrong, just take the shot, don't waste time or breath giving me directions."

"Aron or Austyn should be along in a bit to brief everyone on first floor security." she added as she headed towards the staircase.