h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Silhouetted against the moon in one corner of the haunted castle is a blood Red Tower. Reached by a long and winding staircase from the Great Hall the tower is the highest in the Castle. Surmounting the tower is a large and ornate turret containing a spacious chamber. The Red Tower has a black history and rumours abound of sinister and macabre practices held there (wednesday evenings - bookings essential). Hardy or foolish souls climbing the stairs are confronted at the top with a iron studded black oak door with a Red Dog sigil emblazoned in its centre. Visitors with the courage to open the door walk into a large and spacious chamber. In its center is a silver pentangle carved into the living stone floor with lighted braziers at the cardinal points. On one wall is a library of arcane books on magic lore and practice and from an alcove a speaking tube snakes its way down to sea`s cave http://www.bbc.co.uk/h2g2/guide/F82423?thread=161391. There is a balcony from which can be heard the rustling sound of leathery wings and an odd smell pervades the air. In the shadows can be seen the shape of a large shaggy Red Dog.

Greetings mortal.

hellooooooooooo? hellooooooo?!

OOOOOOO! neat!

You look over to see a lovely demoness wearing a floor-length, glittering silver gown,slit up the sides to reveal long, muscular legs and clawed feet.Her ankle-length black hair is ruffled and leathery bat wings are just folding. She has flown in from the balcony.
She has a 200 year old bottle of Brandy. Her glowing red eyes flash and as she smiles,and red lips part to show slightly elongated canines.
" sends this brandy as a tower-warming gift, Red Dog. I've been assigned to help you with your studies."

*at the speaking tube*

THE NOISE SEA ... YES THE NOISE, CAN YOU KEEP IT DOWN A BIT. YES THATS RIGHT DOWN A BIT !!

*looks up and notices demoness*

Ahhhh, your visit has been foretold

*points to two crystal goblets on a small altar in the centre of the pentangle*

right! sorry!

*the sound of someone stuffing a sock into the speaking tube can be heard *

Demoness pours the brandy and accepts a glass, drinking, her fangs flashing in the fire light...

*Reaches for the goblet and as he touches the crystal a pale blue fire momentarily passes from his fingers to the liquid within*

Just a precaution you understand Demoness .... nothing personal

Have I acquainted you with my servant by the way ?

*gestures with hand and from an alcove slowly strides an obviously ensorcelled man in a velvet mask*

He didn`t want to be my servant, but I, yes, how should I say it .... found a way of persuading him

I call him `Motley` . None shall know of his presence in this tower Demoness, for he is being sought by a desperate band of fellows as we speak. It is well that they have never found this chamber nor had an inkling of its existance.

Demoness sips her brandy and nods to the masked man. She is interested in what lies behind the mask, but will not go against her master's wishes and sneak a peek, at least, not when he's online.

That is good for this band of fellows are on a great quest and for the moment have been diverted to another Tower, where reside mages of great power. Yet I fear we shall not be able to avoid their attentions forever and we must prepare for the day when they come a knocking.

Just remember there are hidden passages in the walls and secret tunnels and catacombes under the castle. You might want to seal the room with a spell.

*whispers words of power and gathers arcane forces within him. Those with The Sight can see a pale red nimbus surrounding the Red Mage. An incantation is heard and the air vibrates briefly when the spell is cast*

There Demoness, a protective ward of illusion has now been placed within this chamber. Anyone entering will see whatever I wish them to see.

*Motley speaks, as if slowly coming to his senses*

Wha...? Where am I? What's this mask thing I'm wearing?

And just what was in that drink??????

Soft song drifts up through a secret passageway up from http://www.bbc.co.uk/h2g2/guide/F82423?thread=161708 and it tries to entice Red Dog to follow it back to it's orgin.

*The Red Mage hears the siren song and sends an astral projection to investigate its enticing allure then turns his attention back to Motley*

Demoness, assist me ... this was ever the most intractable subjects of my sorcery for he has the intellect and power of three ordinary researchers {although this has been hidden from the one we know as the Uncle}.

Quick, I require the infusion of herbs in the blue crystal phial in the armoire. Pass it to me whilst I try to subjugate his will to mine own.

*the runes on the Mages staff glow a dull red and an intense stare is directed at Motley*

watches through her scrying bowl as the demoness hands a blue crystal vial to the Red Mage.The contents of the vial smoke when unstoppered...

[A knocking sound can be heard on Red Dog's door, followed two muffled voices.]

[Clipboard] :

Can we come in?

[CR Atmos] :

We brought some gifty stuff with us...