B is for Book
Setup
By now the group should have plenty of info indicating something deeply bizarre is going on. This Act may overlap with the first somewhat, especially if the gang decides to regroup before confronting Spike about the Magic Shop happenings. They may split up; some researching and some patrolling. In that case, consider advancing the townsfolk attack to the patrol (see Act Four).
It’s nightfall now, so Spike is able to wander freely.
The crew has no reflections from this point out. It’s also about this time that some of the victims start exhibiting loss of will from the mind control aspects of the reflections of their "souls" being taken. Vampires are immune, of course, not having a soul to be reflected and caught (just the usual visual reflection of light, which allows all of us to see and be seen).
Action
Research: Hitting the books proves useful, as a successful Occultism check uncovers references to a Nelvock demon. Anya can substitute her Wild Card skill. Info varies depending on the Success Levels. Use the following descriptions if Giles’ (or a similar) collection of books is used, otherwise paraphrase as necessary.
Success level of 1-2: On page 232 of the Demonicus Grimoirum:
The Nelvock demon
The power of the Nelvock demon is such that it steals the reflections of those around it. It uses the stolen reflections to cloak its true appearance and lull its victims into allowing it to come close enough for the kill. A side effect of the power is that most of those whose images have been taken are susceptible to suggestion or a limited form of mind control from the demon.
Success level of 3-4: On page 721 of a black tome with the title rubbed off:
Several disjointed passages describing a Nelvock demon as described in the Demonicus Grimoirum. A passage can be found in the book detailing that:
"Wizards have been known to summon these creatures to foment confusion among their enemies, and to gain some control over their vassals via the mind controlling aspects of the demon. The spell caster needs to stay near the demon, however, or it begins to act randomly."
Success level of 5-6: On page 34 of a thin red diary bound by a silk cord:
A passage by a wizard that actually used a Nelvock demon for some dark purpose:
"To cause the demon of Nelvock’s chaos to descend permanently, one must infuse the demon with the pure energy from Hell itself."
It is also found in another section of the diary that:
"The demon must remain in light, no matter how small, at all times. It's powers and stolen reflections will vanish if darkness surrounds it."
This last bit may cause Willow to look for a darkness spell, which she can find with another successful check, though it will take some time and a run to the Magic Shop.
