What dread countenance approaches?

[alchemicaladam]

Anyone walking into the room will notice it at once--A hideous beast has appeared in the main room! It is huddled in a corner, attempting to be small, even unseen, but for such a ghastly beast that would be utterly impossible. It appears nearly human... but it is 8 feet tall, and has horrid, yellow, translucent skin. The veins and muscles

Comments

[abitofboth]

John Childermass is not easily intimidated. Nor does he usually get involved. But this can't help but draw a "And what are you moaning about then?", his pronounced Yorkshire accent thick with skepticism.

[alchemicaladam]

The beast glares at him, more offended than angry, though with such a monstrous visage how much does the difference matter?

What is there that a wretch like myself should not moan about? I am denied all good things, for they cannot bear to look upon me!

[abitofboth]

He snorts. "And you think you're the only one in the world denied all good things? If it's not looks, it's birth, or money, or awkward speech. And you're not making yourself more agreeable by sitting there and moaning."

A veritable speech, from Childermass. If the monster's appearance discomforts him, he hides it well, expression the same one of scorn he wears with nearly everyone.

[alchemicaladam]

The Monster is sorely tempted to lurch up and grab Childermass, and shake him like a child should not be shaken, but it does not know how to escape quickly from this place, and so exercises its will.

Have you a family? Have you a home? Have you persons with whom you can speak without them repulsed to even hear your voice, much less see you? Sir, I am not simply denied all good things; I am denied all things that do not cause constant pain.

[gypsysorceress]

*Esmeralda gasps slightly as she catches sight of the thing, putting her hands up to her mouth, but then tentatively leans forward to look at it, standing on the balls of her feet as though ready to run away at the slightest sign of threat* Hello?

[alchemicaladam]

It covers its face with a sort of wail, though its massive, disproportionate hands of stitched-together flesh, are only better in that they do not have those eyes or lips or teeth...

Do not look upon me! If you do not faint or go mad with terror, you will send a man to have me killed!

The beast seems to be trying to retreat into the corner further.

[gypsysorceress]

*Obediantly, Esmeralda turns her head away* Oh, I am not looking, I swear it! But, monsieur, I swear that I would not send a man to kill you, no matter how frightful you might be!

[alchemicaladam]

Then you would kill me yourself! I would not be surprised to inspire that passion in a woman of a certain temper.

Though, something about the way she turns her head softens its rage, just the slightest amount, and he speaks, just briefly.

I am more frightful than anything in nature. I am not even a monsieur, young woman.

[minaharker10_2]

*Mina is scared, no doubt about that, but she knows well enough by now that evil is not always recognizable as such, and the creature's words sound more like Renfield's than anything else. She never was scared of Renfield* Excuse me, are you all right?

[alchemicaladam]

All right? No, I am wrong, oh too wrong, for all in the world! Its head is turned--it hopes against all hope that she is not truly looking upon its monstrous form.

[minaharker10_2]

*gentle, trying very hard to be comforting - she has practice at this* No, no, not for all in the world - no one is wrong for all in the world. And whatever you...feel is wrong with you, I assure you that it will be all right in this, of all places.

[alchemicaladam]

It scoffs rather dreadfully. The idea that any aspect of me could in any place, at any time, in any person's mind--It is nearly as ridiculous as I! It steps out of the slight shadow it found, and displays its nauseating proportions, and flesh, as best it can. This could fit somewhere?

[patriciamydear]

Here, Monster. Have a Donleavy.

"This is the Mansion. We are all here for unknown reasons, and there seems to be no conceivable method of leaving. That being said, it is not unpleasant..."

[alchemicaladam]

A wail, and almost a lurch to its feet to flee

I may never leave? Oh, then surely I shall be slain by noble men... All is unpleasant to one such as me!

[patriciamydear]

Donleavy notices the gesture, and realizes that the Monster is in fact frightened of her. This is most surprising and not unwelcome, as Donleavy rather misses the horror she once struck into the hearts of her students.

"There is not a great deal of violence here, and most of the inhabitants seem used to...unusual newcomers. I should think that you have very little to fear, sir."

[alchemicaladam]

The Monster would be sarcastic about her Schadenfreude, but it does not know the term notice. It laughs, and it is not a pleasant laugh; it has a quality like its eyes, a wetness and a vile glow, of sorts.

Unusual! Oh, that I could be merely unusual! Do you wish to see what I have to fear? Do you wish to see what you all will fear?

It rises up from its corner and unfolds to its full height, and positively LOOMS at her. Its lips are pressed into what might pass for a malicious grin, but much sadder.

There will not be a great deal of violence?

[topofadmiration]

[Miranda's reaction is more like those the monster has probably come to expect-- she lets out a little cry and turns quickly away, holding her hands to her face. She has learned, after all, to fear monsters.]

[alchemicaladam]

It erupts with a small cry of bitter vindication.

Here as everywhere, you fear and despise me! I do not blame you for it--but that does not stop me from hating you for it!

[topofadmiration]

[She does not reply, save a quick glance of surprise that it is able to speak, but quickly skirts farther away.]

[alchemicaladam]

Yes, you pitiful thing, flee from me! I could expect no better! I deserve no better, damned thing I am--but at least I did not pass judgment until you acted!

Actually, he rather did, but.