¤ B-Gradia: Hogsylvania Read the following aloud:     "Upon arriving the shuttle lands in an empty field, letting you disembark in the middle of nowhere. It is night and you are surrounded on all sides with a large forest as the shuttle leaves the clearing. The skies are always cloudy, but there doesn't seem to be any rain. They just have an ominous effect while encircling the bright, constantly full moon. Once the shuttle is completely out of sight X says, "I was headed through these woods and into a local village to try and recruit some men to help me battle the dread fiend, Count Hogula." As he says the name, there is a flash of light and crash of thunder as the ominous lightning cracks across the sky. "I hate it when that happens..." mutters X as he starts heading to the forest."     X will now lead them through the forest, he will continue being dark and mysterious and not say much unless it specifically involves the ham-pires or Count Hogula. But on even that he won't speak much. As they go along there will be the occasional shadow flying over the trees, barely seen except where it blocks out the stars. There will also be the strange sound of loud oinking echoing through the forest.   ¤ Hogsylvania: Small Hamlet     After a relatively short time and little incident, they will arrive at a small hamlet town. This is where, as X will indicate, he came searching for people on his way to the Count's Castle. As they enter, they will notice that in classic horror movie fashion that all the town's windows and doors are shut tight and locked. X will tense up and stop after they make it far enough into town. Have the players with the skill make a Notice Obvious/Detail check. Those that pass will hear something scrounging and snorting around in the shadowy places nearby. Here a small group of Vampire Piggies will jump out and attack the Patrons and X. Only a few, just to shock the players, but not do too much harm... Those that pass the initial Notice test will be able to react normally. Those that don't pass/don't have the appropriate skills will suffer a +2 to attack, dodge, and duck rolls for the first round.     After the ensuing scuffle, a few windows will crack open to see the what happened. When they see that it is indeed people who are victorious (If they were. Never underestimate the bad luck/ideas of players.) a few will even dare to open the door. That includes most namely the 'Drum and Monkey Inn and Tavern'. Of course, the patrons should be delighted at this development. X will be reluctant to enter due to the fact that this was where he was spirited away to the Vagabond. Once all are inside the heroes will get a free round of beer for defeating the evil creatures bothering the town. X will choose the most poorly lit and ominous corner to sit and sulk in until he can convince the patrons to continue on. Here the patrons can learn all about the kind of things that go on in this town. Everyone has a story to tell of the ham-pires. Attacks, relatives carried off into the night never to be heard from again, and the constant fear of the ham-pires descending on the town. After they have had enough time to cavort around X will interrupt and try to bring them back on the course they were going. Luckily, there's only beer in the bar to slow them down. Once they are finally dragged outside of town they will be treated to the view of a giant mountain whose top pierces the clouds. It is illuminated by the backdrop of the occasional bolt of lightning to augment its creepiness. "That is our final destination and where we shall meet our destiny. It is a hard trek ahead." That's all that X says before he starts walking in its direction. BACK