1894. The Caribbean. 

This is a modified version of the plot and characters laid out in the Top Secret/SI module "Web of Deceit" pub. by TSR in 1989.

August 7, 1894

From the Watcher's Journal of Dr. Nachtan Trevelyn:

I have not written for several days, recent events taking precedence. The time has come for me to assume my duties as Watcher. A few weeks ago Mina Harker, the previous Slayer, was killed by unknown forces in England. I accordingly was ordered to explain events to the next Slayer, a charming farm girl named Catherine Fairfax (she prefers the nickname ‘Cat’).

In my duties as a Watcher I had been observing Cat for some time, and expected she would be the next called. She has little background training for her duties as a Slayer, but does have a real talent for mechanical innovation and repair. She is an orphan, so I have arranged to obtain legal guardianship, so she is now my ward.

I admit that despite the coming dangers I am quite excited and eager to put my theories into the practice. The Hermes has performed perfectly in its trial runs, the ether sail’s efficiency, for a small ship such as the Hermes, exceeds that of even the Armstrong Patent ether propeller. Cat’s mechanical skill has been most useful in maintaining the new fangled ‘internal combustion engine’ she insisted I install for atmospheric propulsion.

Returning to my thread, I hastily assembled the team I had recruited to help me support Cat in her Slayer duties. My team is much larger then the Council normally employs, but I think the results will prove the wisdom of not forcing the Slayer to battle alone. I have recruited Dr. Wilhelm von Kuhlunsborn, a Prussian surgeon to act as ship’s doctor, and Laszlo Camden, Lord Wivenhoe, a big game hunter, whose social connections should be most useful. Laszlo’s manservant Phillip Seward is also most useful, as he is a trained airship pilot. Finally, I have employed Mr Trowley as my personal servent as well. He was recommended to me by dear Dr. Hawthorne, who assured me that Trowley is cool under fire, capable, yet always proper.

We then departed merry England for the West Indies, to an island named San Cristobal. The island's government has received help from the Watchers' Council in the past, and have agreed to provide us with temporary sanctuary. I do not wish Cat to remain in Britain when unknown forces have so recently destroyed a very experienced and capable Slayer. Best to observe the better part of valor and begin Cat’s training in an obscure locale.

We arrived this morning, and were greeted by Artur LaSalle, a Frenchman. He is apparently our contact here, and after introductions we proceeded to the King Phillip’s Hotel, leaving Trowley and Phillip to watch the Hermes. A short combat training session ensued in the hotel, Catherine defeating attempts to pin her by Laszlo and myself. She is quite skilled already.

Over tea, Artur requested our help in the matter of Dr. Arvid Strassberger, whom Wilhelm revealed was his old college chum! He had been assisting the Spanish government in Cuba with some technical matter, and he took some important papers with him and disappeared. Those papers must be returned to the German authorities, they suspect the Americans have kidnapped Herr Doktor to stir up a war. No one knows where he is. He is about five feet, eight inches tall, sandy hair, balding, brown eyes, with a large oval scar on the back of his left hand. All very interesting, but I am reluctant to become involved in a political matter.

 

Later that day, Wilhelm's old college chum Dr. Arvid Strassberger's body washed up on the beach, and an American named Jack Marshall found the body and an empty attaché case. 

 

We went to examine the body, determining time and cause of death as drowning with the past few days. The police revealed the interest of Jack Marshall and that a Cuban named Castaneda was very interested in the contents of the case. Meanwhile, Cat and Laszlo spent the night in the taverns.

Later, in the King Phillip's bar, Wilhelm met and chatted with a Jack Marshall, an American tourist. Wilhelm followed Jack's party to the penthouse.

August 8, 1894

From the Watcher's Journal of Dr. Nachtan Trevelyn:

I aroused the hangover crew before dawn for a round of abuse, I have not invited Laszlo along to corrupt Cat!

At a council of war concerning the mystery I and Laszlo plan to overfly Castaneda's beach cottage, while Artur, Wilhelm and Cat go to inform the German Embassy in Cuba and Strassberger's family, and scout Castaneda's house. Our over flight found nothing of interest.

Tonight we went to investigate Castaneda's house again. Cat and Artur evaded the guards and entered the house. They were chased from the house in a hail of bullets. Fortunately no one was harmed!

August 9, 1894

From the Watcher's Journal of Dr. Nachtan Trevelyn:

This morning, as everyone went down for breakfast, there were messages at

the desk for myself and Wilhelm, mine being a terse summons, the use of code

words indicating this was Council business.  Dragging Cat into a cab, we

rode into an older part of Eden Cay. The cab pulled up before a sidewalk

cafe, and the maitre d' led the two of us to a quiet table inside.  An older

woman, well-dressed, bade us sit with her and talk.

   

"Good morning, mademoiselle Slayer, monsieur Watcher," she said. Her accent was definitely French. "I am an associate of the Council, and it was my suggestion that invited you here. Now, I would impose upon you for a favor.  The recent re-appearance of the late Dr. Strassberger, and the furor over his possessions, are making certain people on this island nervous. There will soon be the annual yachting races, an important event on this island.  Many people are coming from far and wide, and some of them are also scientific and inventing types. We would not appreciate it if they also disappeared, or their possessions tampered with. Perhaps there is no connection at all, perhaps there is. Do be good friends of mine, and keep your eyes open. Your friend Artur knows how to reach me if you learn anything. Are there any questions, mon chers?"

 

Of course we agreed to her polite request, and have returned our full attentions to solving this mystery.

 

I fear this has been it has been a rather boring trip for Mr. Trowley. Over breakfast this morning, he was able to report to that the engineers have finished their servicing of the boiler, and the Hermes is fully fueled and victualled again.

 

Just this morning, things took an unexpected turn. Wilhelm breakfasted in the hotel restaurant with a Fraulein Monica Pettigrew, from the German Consulate in Elberon City. She informed him that hislate friend had died in the possession of some scientific plans which would be of great value to the Reich, or to its enemies.  She had been sent, along with Senor Castaneda, to try to recover the papers quietly. Unfortunately, Senor Castaneda has not the soul of discretion, and he has since turned Herr Marshall over to her.  Marshall still has most of the large sum of American money that was in Arvid's case, but no the papers.