Hunting the Moon Worm of Westminster (Part 2)

An Eleventh Beast actual play

Feb 20, 2025

Tomorrow, my final Hunt begins. I am wounded, but alive. Tomorrow, the Beast and I shall clash once again, and one of us will meet our end.

Welcome back to Hunting the Moon Worm of Westminster! This is an actual play of the solo journaling game Eleventh Beast.

This is part 2 of 2. To find out what happened previously and learn more about the game we’re playing, see part 1.

Gameplay

Day 8

II. All-Hallows-The-Great - BEAST, RUMOR (1)
IV. London Bridge - RUMOR (1)
VIII. Burying Ground - INQUISITOR (1 Wound), RUMOR (1)
Phase I: The Beast Approaches
<3>
Add a Rumor Token to Billingsgate Dock.
[6]
The Beast moves to London Bridge.
Phase II: Take Actions
Investigate (remove a Rumor Token from the Burying Ground).
[2] [1] [4], Jack of Diamonds
Unverified Rumor
At the Burying Ground, Bartholomew Aldworth found an artifact related to the beast’s Behavior (predatory).
Move to Marshalsea Prison.

May 20, 1746

Received troubling news from the Society today. The Beast has been spotted in the area around London Bridge. I fear that the little time I had to put this diabolical matter to rest grows even shorter. The people of London aren’t safe while this monster roams about.

On a blessedly lighter note: Who should I happen to run into at the Burying Ground but my old friend Bartholomew Aldworth? Mr. Aldworth is apparently a wharfman by day and a part-time gravedigger by night. An exceedingly enterprising albeit eccentric gentleman.

“Lucky I ran into you!” the graybeard exclaimed upon seeing me. “I have more intelligence to share about the demon.”

His voice had lowered to a conspiratorial whisper by then, and as I leaned in to listen, he continued on.

“I found a small pile of gruesome remains last night. Some poor cat or dog, bless its soul,” he crossed himself solemnly with his right hand. “I think it was that foul Beast that did it! Watch yourself around the demon, friend Inquisitor. It’s a vicious predator.”

Although Barty isn’t exactly my most productive informant, I must admit that his earnestness brings me some measure of comfort in these dark times.

Day 9

II. All-Hallows-The-Great - RUMOR (1)
III. Billingsgate Dock - RUMOR (1)
IV. London Bridge - BEAST, RUMOR (1)
VII. Marshalsea Prison - INQUISITOR (1 Wound)
Phase I: The Beast Approaches
<4>
Add a Rumor Token to London Bridge.
[3]
The Beast remains at London Bridge.
Phase II: Take Actions
Move to St. Thomas’ Hospital.
Move to Coxes Wharf.

May 21, 1746

Rumors abound on the other side of London Bridge. These are leads I should be investigating! Else, what is a crown inquisitor even for? But my contacts at Salomon’s House tell me it’s too dangerous. The Beast still lurks near the bridge, and so they bid me stay put where I am.

I’m biding my time at Coxes Wharf, but I know not how long I can bear to remain idle and useless here.

Day 10

II. All-Hallows-The-Great - RUMOR (1)
III. Billingsgate Dock - RUMOR (1)
IV. London Bridge - BEAST, RUMOR (2)
VI. Coxes Wharf - INQUISITOR (1 Wound)
Phase I: The Beast Approaches
<3>
Add a Rumor Token to Billingsgate Dock.
[1]
The Beast remains at London Bridge.
Phase II: Take Actions
Move to St. Thomas’ Hospital.
Move to Coxes Wharf.

May 22, 1746

Terrible news. A man has been killed by the Beast. Some poor worker on his way home for the night, ambushed by the demon as he passed across the bridge.

Damn the foul creature! And damn my idle hands, doing nothing to help.

All I have done the past two days is walk aimlessly back and forth between the hospital and the wharf. My visits to the hospital have, admittedly, been a salve for my spirit, for there I have been able to commune for a time with the nurse Miss Clarke, and she is kind and quite beautiful.

I fear she will be disappointed in me, for certainly I am disappointed in myself. But no more. I can no longer stand by as a monster preys upon the people of this city. To Hell with what the Society says. I am going after the Beast.

Day 11

II. All-Hallows-The-Great - RUMOR (1)
III. Billingsgate Dock - RUMOR (2)
IV. London Bridge - BEAST, RUMOR (2)
VI. Coxes Wharf - INQUISITOR (1 Wound)
Phase I: The Beast Approaches
<3>
Add a Rumor Token to Billingsgate Dock.
[3]
The Beast remains at London Bridge.
Phase II: Take Actions
Move to St. Thomas’ Hospital.
Move to London Bridge.

May 23, 1746

I stopped by St. Thomas’ today to say my farewells to Miss Clarke before I head across London Bridge. If I should fail in my duty to slay the Beast, I shall never see her again.

As ever, I leave my fate in the hands of God.

Day 12

II. All-Hallows-The-Great - RUMOR (1)
III. Billingsgate Dock - RUMOR (3)
IV. London Bridge - INQUISITOR (1 Wound), BEAST, RUMOR (2)
Phase I: The Beast Approaches
<8>
Add a Rumor Token to the Burying Ground.
A Hunt is triggered.
No Learned Secrets. Take 1 Wound.
Phase II: Take Actions
Move to All-Hallows-The-Great.
Verify 4 Unverified Rumors.
[5] [3] [4] [3]
~~Ward:~~ ~~wolf bones~~
Weapon: bludgeoning
Appearance: head like a goat
Behavior: predatory

May 24, 1746

Caught again by the foul Beast!

I had almost made it across London Bridge when the accursed creature found me. It lashed out at me with its muscular, worm-like body, snapping its grotesque goat jaws mere inches away from my face.

Thankfully, this time, I was more prepared for the monster’s appearance, and as soon as I saw the moonlight glint in its wicked eyes, I jumped back and then took off in a sprint. I was almost off the bridge when the Beast made a powerful lunge and caught up with me, raking its razor-sharp teeth across my back.

I screamed, stumbled, and fell, and this would surely have been the end of me but for the mercy of God. He must have lit a fire in me then, for I was able to find within myself the strength and resolve to get up again and start running.

I ran as fast as I ever have in my life, and only when I could run no further did I turn around to find that the Beast had not followed. I know not what devilish designs direct the Beast to operate as it does, and in all honesty, at this moment, I do not care.

I trudged the rest of the way to All-Hallows-The-Great. By some blessed serendipity, an old associate of mine from Salomon’s House was there. A wise and trusted friend, he helped me corroborate and confirm some of the unverified rumors I had gathered in my investigations. We discarded the other leads that weren’t so promising.

It seems that bludgeoning the demon is our most prudent strategy as of now, while the protective power of wolf bones is nought but an old wives’ tale (alas, Barty).

Day 13

II. All-Hallows-The-Great - INQUISITOR (2 Wounds), RUMOR (1)
III. Billingsgate Dock - RUMOR (3)
IV. London Bridge - BEAST, RUMOR (2)
VIII. Burying Ground - RUMOR (1)
Phase I: The Beast Approaches
<5>
Add a Rumor Token to St. Thomas’ Hospital.
[4]
The Beast remains at London Bridge.
Phase II: Take Actions
Investigate (remove a Rumor Token from All-Hallows-The-Great).
[5] [5] [5], Queen of Spades
Unverified Rumor
At All-Hallows-The-Great, Thomas Milward heard a rumor about a Ward (chalked circle).
Move to The Royal Exchange.

May 25, 1746

While at All-Hallows, I took the opportunity to follow up on a lead nearby. A blacksmith named Thomas Milward shared with me a rumor he had heard that a chalked circle could serve as a ward to keep the Eleventh Beast at bay.

Although Mr. Milward could provide no evidence for his claim, he seems to be a sensible and rational man, and I can’t help but trust his judgment. Furthermore, the notion of a chalked circle protecting against demonic beings does have precedent in the history of Salomon’s House. I’ll file Mr. Milward’s statement away for now and attempt to confirm it with my Society associate at All-Hallows later.

For the first time in what feels like ages, I have some hope.

Day 14

I. The Royal Exchange - INQUISITOR (2 Wounds)
III. Billingsgate Dock - RUMOR (3)
IV. London Bridge - BEAST, RUMOR (2)
V. St. Thomas’ Hospital - RUMOR (1)
VIII. Burying Ground - RUMOR (1)
Phase I: The Beast Approaches
<1>
Add a Rumor Token to The Royal Exchange.
[1]
The Beast remains at London Bridge.
Phase II: Take Actions
Investigate (remove a Rumor Token from The Royal Exchange).
[6] [3] [6], Jack of Clubs
Unverified Rumor
At the Royal Exchange, Isolde Clarke had a dream about a Weapon (snare trap).
Move to Billingsgate Dock.

May 26, 1746

I had quite a shock today, though not an unpleasant one!

I was wandering the city near the Royal Exchange when I received word that a witness in the area wished to speak urgently with me on a matter regarding the Eleventh Beast. My curiosity piqued, I went to meet the witness, who to my surprise and delight was none other than my dear Miss Clarke from St. Thomas’ Hospital!

She told me of a dream she had had of a weapon that could aid me in my fight against the Beast: a trap to ensnare the creature, rendering it unable to harm me.

There are many things in this world beyond my understanding, and the power of dreams to reflect upon the nature of reality is one of them. I know not how or why this vision came to Miss Clarke, but I shall file it away and keep it close to my heart. She is a brilliant woman, and her family on her mother’s side has historical ties to several occult fraternities, including Salomon’s House itself. I have to believe that God sent her my way for a reason.

It was also just good to see her again.

Day 15

III. Billingsgate Dock - INQUISITOR (2 Wounds), RUMOR (3)
IV. London Bridge - BEAST, RUMOR (2)
V. St. Thomas’ Hospital - RUMOR (1)
VIII. Burying Ground - RUMOR (1)
Phase I: The Beast Approaches
<5>
Add a Rumor Token to St. Thomas’ Hospital.
[4]
The Beast remains at London Bridge.
Phase II: Take Actions
Investigate (remove a Rumor Token from Billingsgate Dock).
[6] [1] [5], 2 of Diamonds
Unverified Rumor
At Billingsgate Dock, Isolde Aldworth heard a rumor about the Beast’s Behavior (stealthy).
Move to The Royal Exchange.

May 27, 1746

As if one Aldworth weren’t enough for this world, it turns out there are at least two! I met with Isolde Aldworth today—sister of Bartholomew—and goodness if she’s not as fascinating of a character as her dear brother.

We were at Billingsgate Dock when she told me breathlessly of rumors she had heard about the nature of the Beast.

“Stealthy, it is!” she declared. “My neighbor said she saw it skulking about in the shadows outside her house one evening—I usually wouldn’t believe a word that comes out of her mouth, that gossipy old bat, but I can tell this time she’s telling the truth—you must be careful, Inquisitor, or that demon’ll sneak right up on you!”

If God grants me the blessing of surviving my encounter with the Eleventh Beast, I really must invite the two Aldworths to supper sometime.

Day 16

I. The Royal Exchange - INQUISITOR (2 Wounds)
III. Billingsgate Dock - RUMOR (2)
IV. London Bridge - BEAST, RUMOR (2)
V. St. Thomas’ Hospital - RUMOR (2)
VIII. Burying Ground - RUMOR (1)
Phase I: The Beast Approaches
<7>
Add a Rumor Token to Marshalsea Prison.
[4]
The Beast remains at London Bridge.
Phase II: Take Actions
Move to Billingsgate Dock.
Investigate (remove a Rumor Token from Billingsgate Dock).
[4] [2] [2], 3 of Diamonds
Unverified Rumor
At Billingsgate Dock, William Bentham left a mysterious note about the Beast’s Behavior (blasphemous).

May 28, 1746

Gathered more evidence at Billingsgate Dock today. An amateur historian named William Bentham was too afraid to meet with me in person, but he left a book full of scribbled notes for me at the inn I’ve been staying at.

The notes described the history of the demonic Beasts that have afflicted London over the past two centuries, offering meticulously researched details that I don’t believe are contained even in the Society’s records. I had no idea as to the extent of these vile creatures’ profane and blasphemous acts.

I’m afraid all this won’t help me too much on a practical level when I next encounter the Beast, but I appreciate the scholar’s effort.

Photo by Rasa Kasparaviciene on Unsplash

Day 17

III. Billingsgate Dock - INQUISITOR (2 Wounds), RUMOR (1)
IV. London Bridge - BEAST, RUMOR (2)
V. St. Thomas’ Hospital - RUMOR (2)
VII. Marshalsea Prison - RUMOR (1)
VIII. Burying Ground - RUMOR (1)
Phase I: The Beast Approaches
<7>
Add a Rumor Token to Marshalsea Prison.
[2]
The Beast remains at London Bridge.
Phase II: Take Actions
Investigate (remove a Rumor Token from Billingsgate Dock).
[1] [2] [6], Ace of Clubs
Unverified Rumor
At Billingsgate Dock, Agnes Bentham had a dream about a Weapon (loud clanging).
Move to The Royal Exchange.

May 29, 1746

Billingsgate Dock has truly been a boon for me. I investigated another lead there today, and it’s given me some of the most promising intelligence I’ve received so far.

A woman named Agnes Bentham told me of a weapon that her father—a renowned professor of physics who apparently liked to dabble in occult studies in his free time—discovered could be effective against demons.

“Loud clanging,” she said. “As from a church bell. The sound will rattle the Beast to its core, stunning it for a time.”

When I asked how her father had shared this knowledge with her—for the man has been dead now for many years—she divulged that he had told her all this in her youth, but she had forgotten it until a few nights prior, when her father’s spirit had come to her in a dream to remind her of the information’s value.

Yet another instance of a dream providing providential instruction for my mission. Surely, God is watching over the city of London and over me.

Day 18

I. The Royal Exchange - INQUISITOR (2 Wounds)
IV. London Bridge - BEAST, RUMOR (2)
V. St. Thomas’ Hospital - RUMOR (2)
VII. Marshalsea Prison - RUMOR (2)
VIII. Burying Ground - RUMOR (1)
Phase I: The Beast Approaches
<8>
Add a Rumor Token to the Burying Ground.
[5]
The Beast moves to All-Hallows-The-Great.
Phase II: Take Actions
Move to All-Hallows-The-Great.
Verify 5 Unverified Rumors.
[1] [4] [2] [4] [2]
Ward: chalked circle
Weapon: snare trap
Behavior: stealthy
Behavior: blasphemous
Weapon: loud clanging

May 30, 1746

This is perhaps my final entry in this journal.

The Beast has been spotted in the area near All-Hallows-The-Great. I am there now.

I arrived at All-Hallows today to meet with my associate from Salomon’s House. Together, we studied and confirmed the latest batch of evidence I’ve collected from my investigations. Fortunately, all of the information seems sound.

This stealthy, blasphemous Beast may yet be taken down by a snare trap, loud clanging, and a chalked circle. I have tools now—weapons in my battle against the dreaded demon. Tomorrow, my final Hunt begins. I am wounded, but alive. Tomorrow, the Beast and I shall clash once again, and one of us will meet our end.

Day 19

II. All-Hallows-The-Great - INQUISITOR (2 Wounds), BEAST
IV. London Bridge - RUMOR (2)
V. St. Thomas’ Hospital - RUMOR (2)
VII. Marshalsea Prison - RUMOR (2)
VIII. Burying Ground - RUMOR (2)
Phase I: The Beast Approaches
<2>
Add a Rumor Token to All-Hallows-The-Great.
A Hunt is triggered.
Learned Secrets
Behavior: blasphemous
Behavior: predatory
Behavior: stealthy
Appearance: head like a goat
Ward: chalked circle
Weapon: bludgeoning
Weapon: loud clanging
Weapon: snare trap
[4] [4] [6] [2]
The Beast is slain.

May 31, 1746

Thanks be to God—I am alive! And the Beast is not.

It was a terrible fight, one I pray I shall live to recount to my future children someday.

In the black hours before dawn, my Society colleague and I prepared a trap for the Beast—an ingenious snare, just as Isolde Clarke described from her dream. We placed it at the entrance of All-Hallows-The-Great, and then my associate climbed up the bell tower stairs to watch for the demon’s arrival.

For my part, I stayed in the nave of the church and said a prayer as I drew a large chalk circle around where I stood. Then, my colleague and I waited.

A short while after the sun started to rise, I heard my friend shout.

“The Beast is coming!” he yelled down to me from the bell tower.

I screwed my courage to the sticking place, then, said a final prayer, and focused my gaze on the entrance of the church.

The demon announced its arrival with a hair-raising roar and a terrifyingly loud slam against the doors of the church. As soon as the Beast burst through the doors, I heard the church bells begin to clang. My colleague was tugging at the bell ropes with all his might.

The demon shrieked when it heard the sound. It staggered, dazed, stumbling right into the snare trap my associate and I had set. Stunned by the clanging of the bells and entangled in the snare, the Beast could barely move. I took my opportunity then, rushing forward with a heavy bludgeon.

Summoning all my strength, I hacked at the Beast. It screamed in pain, and the horrific noise, mixed with the thunderous ringing of the bells, made me want to cover my ears, but I resisted the urge and continued bludgeoning the monster.

Demon blood spurted everywhere, soaking into my clothes and pooling onto the floor. As the creature’s cries began to die out, I took the chance to rest. I stepped back to survey what I had done.

Let this be a lesson to never underestimate the diabolical strength and cunning of a demon. With its last reserve of energy, the Beast lunged at me, overcoming the entanglements of the snare. I staggered and fell backward, the monster’s powerful jaws snapping shut above me as I hit the ground.

Desperately, I turned and crawled away as fast as I could toward the back of the church. The demon followed, but as it made one final lunge, I passed across the perimeter of the chalk circle I had drawn just a few hours prior.

When the Beast touched the edge of the circle, it screamed—a piercing, dying shriek that shall stay in my memory for the rest of my days. Taking no more chances, I rushed forward again with my weapon and bludgeoned the creature, not stopping until I was sure the job was done.

The Beast is dead now. My associate rushed down from the bell tower to my aid when he heard the demon’s final cry. We are recovering now, resting from our ordeal and waiting for the rest of our colleagues from the Society to come and help us clean up this sordid mess.

For myself, I am looking forward to putting this dreadful affair behind me—to seeing my friends the Aldworths again, and my dear Miss Clarke.

The wounds on my back and arm pain me some, but it is all right. I am alive, and London—by the grace of God—is safe once more.

Making Mythology

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