The watchman gave him a look that was only slightly less suspicious and there was a great outbreak of muttering and murmuring from the crowd.  He did, however, lower his battered spear and plant the end of it against the ground.  All his gear was old and worn, but well cared for and clean.  Clearly being a watchman in this town was a matter of pride.  "There's been many as tried to take care of that problem, outsiders and townfolk alike."  He remarked, looking the knight up and down critically, taking in all the muscle and armour.  Another stuffed shirt, perhaps?  He hoped not, and a look of pain crossed his face for a moment as he recalled the last person to truly try and vanquish the vampire.  A friend, a lover even, perhaps?  "You really think yourself up to it, sir?"<br/><br/>There was a low murmur of assent from the other gathered folks, even a quiet sob from a woman near the back.  "This isn't something to be taken lightly, Sir Knight!"  Another called, an older man with scarred clawmarks raking across his face.  "I seen it, this monster.  Was lucky to escape with my life.  Threw garlic water at it 'n' it fled, turned into shadows and skittered away it did!  Not 'fore it took my good looks with it, mind."  This last part he growled bitterly as he pushed to the front to examine the younger knight.  An old adventurer this one, it seemed.  He was strong, gone stringy in his old age rather than fat.  "But, perhaps if you do intend to stay I can give you a hand on how to find the beast."