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Post by Obbi on Jun 19, 2009 17:48:49 GMT -5
"If there's nothing better to do with our time, I guess we can look for it. Let's go, Ben."
Roger takes Ben with him outside, where he lights up a cigarette and begins walking to the Statue.
"If I were a cat, where would I be...away from this rank hellhole, that's for sure."
Roger begins walking towards the gate, spotting the Vegetable Garden. Thinking a cat might be taking refuge near there, he walks towards there, keeping an eye out for anything else running around.
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Post by FunkyWaltDogg on Jun 19, 2009 21:37:11 GMT -5
"A secret room, eh? Maybe there's a way to get in from somewhere else." David walks out to the second floor landing, and inspects the corner on the other side of the wall from the bathroom for any sign of a way to access the space behind the wall.
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Post by Squashua on Jun 19, 2009 21:45:29 GMT -5
Roger walks up to the rusty fence surrounding the property and peers at Hans' vegetable garden, tended behind the gatehouse. He takes a long drag on his cigarette and looks around. The iron fence is about eight feet high, each pole topped with a sharp-looking finial. A cat could easily slip through it and onto the grounds proper. While no expert on plants, the vegetable garden appears to be stocked with lettuce, carrots, radishes, tomatoes, and an assortment of other mild-looking plants. It's surrounded by chicken-wire, probably to keep out rabbits and other pests. As he turns away, a reverberating rattle erupts from inside the privy, followed by a short, feminine-sounding hoot of surprise.
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Post by Squashua on Jun 19, 2009 21:48:28 GMT -5
"A secret room, eh? Maybe there's a way to get in from somewhere else." David walks out to the second floor landing, and inspects the corner on the other side of the wall from the bathroom for any sign of a way to access the space behind the wall. As the suit of armor stares on, David checks once more for a deformation in the hallway against the bathroom space, but the wall appears solid from this side. |
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Post by Obbi on Jun 20, 2009 4:29:54 GMT -5
Roger spins around, hands up in front of his face, and lets out a startled yelp. Expecting another apparition, his eyes dart upward.
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Post by Squashua on Jun 20, 2009 12:25:06 GMT -5
The sound came from the privy; the outhouse. On the other side of the fence.
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Post by Obbi on Jun 20, 2009 16:56:06 GMT -5
Roger spins around three more times yelping all the way.
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Post by Obbi on Jun 20, 2009 16:57:26 GMT -5
He makes a careful, but brisk move to the privy on the east side.
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Post by Mr. Embark on Jun 20, 2009 18:26:53 GMT -5
After investigating the bathroom with the others Daniel ponders on the situation.
"Well Gents, we have yet to check all the rooms upstairs. Maybe another clue lies there about the hidden space here?"
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Post by FunkyWaltDogg on Jun 20, 2009 18:56:01 GMT -5
"Let's check the bedroom next to this bathroom on the other side for a secret entrance first, then head for the third floor." David leads the other two men to the bedroom in question, and they carefully inspect the floors as well as the adjoining walls for a secret entrance, or anything else of interest.
Talking about the bedroom sharing two walls with the bathroom in case it's not obvious
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Post by Squashua on Jun 20, 2009 23:17:46 GMT -5
He makes a careful, but brisk move to the privy on the east side. As he stands looking southward through the fence at the privy beyond, he hears someone shuffling inside and a heavily accented female voice call out "Who is dere?" It sounds like Heidi. Roger wonders if Hans has spied him yet from a window on the Gate House, or at least heard his yelping. |
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Post by Squashua on Jun 20, 2009 23:39:05 GMT -5
"Let's check the bedroom next to this bathroom on the other side for a secret entrance first, then head for the third floor." David leads the other two men to the bedroom in question, and they carefully inspect the floors as well as the adjoining walls for a secret entrance, or anything else of interest. Talking about the bedroom sharing two walls with the bathroom in case it's not obvious"I've been in this room before, but I did not see much of note earlier," admits Daniel. The bedroom opens to an L-shaped room containing only a bedframe with a bare mattress, a small chest-of-drawers, and a fireplace. The floor is bare, without rugs or carpets. roll... roll...On examining the wall immediately against the space, Daniel, David and Charles quickly determine it is quite solid, though rapping does confirm the hollow space behind. While making their way around the wall though, David points out something on the wall, "Charles, Daniel, do you see that?" "Of course I do, chap." says Charles. "I was going to point it out on our way out of the room." "I didn't see that earlier," states Daniel. When looking at the wall immediately facing the door, the vaguest outline can be seen, just beneath the paint. It is the design of a crudely drawn, horrific being. It is extremely difficult to make out exactly what it is - the paint must be removed to see it clearly. This sort of task would require the proper chemicals, likely not available by simply asking Hans, and apparently not a task anyone in the group has attempted before. |
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Post by Oats on Jun 21, 2009 0:02:29 GMT -5
This sounds like a job for a chemistry-book-wielding professor directing one of the meatier group-mates!
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Post by Obbi on Jun 21, 2009 0:29:05 GMT -5
He makes a careful, but brisk move to the privy on the east side. As he stands looking southward through the fence at the privy beyond, he hears someone shuffling inside and a heavily accented female voice call out "Who is dere?" It sounds like Heidi. Roger wonders if Hans has spied him yet from a window on the Gate House, or at least heard his yelping. Roger anxiety fades as he's met with a fairly familiar voice. "Ah, sorry to disturb you. It's me, Roger, one of the investigators. I've been sent out to find a missing cat." Roger stops himself from continuing. "Right, you don't really speak English, and I never learned German. Great. I'll be on my way, then." Moving away from the awkward encounter, Roger begins trekking further east, as he feels the cat most likely has left the safety of the gated property and is traversing the local wilderness. |
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Post by Oats on Jun 21, 2009 0:37:45 GMT -5
Something I just thought of: did Charles notice any wilderness critters or signs thereof running around on his hike to the house? Squirrels, animal droppings, noises of things in the underbrush, etc.?
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Post by Squashua on Jun 21, 2009 9:35:03 GMT -5
As he stands looking southward through the fence at the privy beyond, he hears someone shuffling inside and a heavily accented female voice call out "Who is dere?" It sounds like Heidi. Roger wonders if Hans has spied him yet from a window on the Gate House, or at least heard his yelping. Roger anxiety fades as he's met with a fairly familiar voice. "Ah, sorry to disturb you. It's me, Roger, one of the investigators. I've been sent out to find a missing cat." Roger stops himself from continuing. "Right, you don't really speak English, and I never learned German. Great. I'll be on my way, then." Moving away from the awkward encounter, Roger begins trekking further east, as he feels the cat most likely has left the safety of the gated property and is traversing the local wilderness. Roger travels along the fence, pushing himself through various low weeds. He makes his way past the carriage house and starts traveling north. Something I just thought of: did Charles notice any wilderness critters or signs thereof running around on his hike to the house? Squirrels, animal droppings, noises of things in the underbrush, etc.? The time is 3 : 05 PM |
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Post by Mr. Embark on Jun 21, 2009 11:51:29 GMT -5
Daniel looks closer at the image in the wall. "Well, I don't think we have the materials to surface the image on hand."
Looking about the room once again for anything he missed Daniel looks at the others. "Maybe we should investiage the room above us for anything more or similar? As I doubt we can find out more here."
Stepping out into the hallway Daniel waits for the others.
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Post by Squashua on Jun 21, 2009 13:44:04 GMT -5
You guys can handle the walk upstairs and the opening of doors via self-narration; just let me know the order and what's in your hands.
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Post by Oats on Jun 21, 2009 17:01:05 GMT -5
Charles leads the charge up stairs, deciding that he doesn't much trust the fellows he was with to pick up on subtleties. Still can't believe that kid saw that bit of a painting and I missed it.
He's got a good eye. Wonder if I could help him... bring out these skills. Teach him a few tricks. Accomplices are useful, twice as many hands, eyes, brains and possible to shift the blame on to. He's none too bright, so I doubt he could sucessfully turn on me, and I doubt he has a pot to piss in, so he could be pretty easily bribed convinced to see things my way.
"Which rooms did you boys check?"
The military man responds "Bedroom is the only place we took a hard look at."
"Then we'll start there."
Charles opens the door, and the three men move in. Careful to not touch anything, Charles begins to inspect the room thoroughly, for valuables and more signs of daemons. Bloody family has had one hell of a history with daemons, that's for damn sure.
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Post by Obbi on Jun 21, 2009 17:04:39 GMT -5
I have been running this as though Roger is walking the INSIDE border of the fence. Correct me if I'm wrong.
It was what I was insinuatin', anyhow. |
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Post by Squashua on Jun 21, 2009 20:08:24 GMT -5
Roger is now following around the border of the property from outside the fence. Benjamin, who hasn't been doing much, has just caught up to him. "Hey, sorry about lagging behind. Got distracted for a spell. So what are we looking for out here, the cat?"
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Post by Squashua on Jun 21, 2009 20:17:51 GMT -5
Charles leads the charge up stairs, deciding that he doesn't much trust the fellows he was with to pick up on subtleties. Still can't believe that kid saw that bit of a painting and I missed it.He's got a good eye. Wonder if I could help him... bring out these skills. Teach him a few tricks. Accomplices are useful, twice as many hands, eyes, brains and possible to shift the blame on to. He's none too bright, so I doubt he could sucessfully turn on me, and I doubt he has a pot to piss in, so he could be pretty easily bribed convinced to see things my way."Which rooms did you boys check?" The military man responds "Bedroom is the only place we took a hard look at." "Then we'll start there." Charles opens the door, and the three men move in. Careful to not touch anything, Charles begins to inspect the room thoroughly, for valuables and more signs of daemons. Bloody family has had one hell of a history with daemons, that's for damn sure.The three men walk up to the third floor, Charles in the lead. The formerly smooth painted walls of the hallway show some severe signs of scrape and impale damage from the buckshot of Benjamin's shotgun. Some buck crunches underfoot and rubs into the hall carpet as they make their way to the bedroom that had been inspected earlier. The door to the preparatory room swings open easily. Daniel shudders as he looks down the north hallway. The makeup / preparatory room is, as the name implies, where the woman who obviously lived here, apparently one "Beatrice Dubois", according to the diary Daniel read through, would get herself ready. The area itself has a small table, a wardrobe, and a small vanity with a mirror that faces the entrance to the bedroom. The bedroom is complete with another massive wardrobe, a chair, a nightstand, a dresser, and the large, four-poster bed under which Daniel had found and extracted the diary. The remains of rotting curtains hang from the dust-laden rods. Both rooms have unlit back-to-back fireplaces, which are stocked with aged tinder. |
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Post by Squashua on Jun 21, 2009 22:29:21 GMT -5
Latest floors images (updated FWD's post in the clue thread, you're welcome). Note that while not shown, Roger and Daniel are making their way through the woods along the upper right-most portion of the grounds map, outside the fenceline. Grounds:  First Floor:  Second Floor:  Third Floor:  The time is: 3 : 10 PM |
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Post by Obbi on Jun 22, 2009 4:25:11 GMT -5
Roger is now following around the border of the property from outside the fence. Benjamin, who hasn't been doing much, has just caught up to him. "Hey, sorry about lagging behind. Got distracted for a spell. So what are we looking for out here, the cat?" "Yeah, I remember them mentioning this before, but I get the feeling they've sent us out here so we can clear our heads." "Things just aren't right here, and I'm worried cutting our loses might just be our best option. The lack of upkeep has made that place a wreck, and it'll take a while for it to get back into top shape. It's gonna be tough to sell this place on that alone, and that's where our money is gonna come from." Benjamin responds "So, you want to leave?" Roger sighs, "If I leave, it's just back to the damn Cab station, with a bunch of wasted time on my hands. But, I just can't even see what we're supposed to do anymore. I mean...I saw that thing, that ghost they were talking about. I couldn't punch it, it went right through me. I don't know of any kind of trick that can make an illusion that real." His hands shaking, Roger fishes for another cigarette to light up. "Nevermind, let's just look for that cat." Roger and Benjamin begin walking west along the fenceline, in search of the missing animal. |
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Post by Squashua on Jun 22, 2009 10:34:57 GMT -5
"I don't know of any kind of trick that can make an illusion that real." His hands shaking, Roger fishes for another cigarette to light up. "Nevermind, let's just look for that cat." Roger and Benjamin begin walking west along the fenceline, in search of the missing animal. "Look,"starts Benjamin, "I've seen the great Houdini in action and while his illusions and escape artistry are startling to say the least, that's exactly what they are, illusions. Now, granted I'm a bit jumpy," "That's saying something," chuckles Roger. "Yes, but I think I was more startled than believing. Something here is tricking us. Earlier, in the sitting room. I didn't mention it, but I feel more comfortable admitting it now. I saw something reflected in the glass of the cabinet. It was only for a second, but I know I saw a horrible face. It chilled me to the core, but now that I'm out here thinking about it, it could easily have been the way the glass reflected me, or even a trick of the light. And you're curious about the money? I'm not getting paid for this beyond my article, so I wouldn't know, but I'm still deciding what to write in the article. I am curious. I am not sure how to explain the feeling of foreboding on entering the mansion. I don't know how to get rid of that feeling. A good, thorough clean-up of the grounds and mansion should make it sale-able though. I'm no real estate manager, but I'm certain there are worse. I think the antiques themselves might fetch quite a bit on the market." I cannot post images from work, so you'll have to imagine this one.For Roger and Benjamin (5 minutes are pending for the others based on their actions), the time is now 3 : 15 PMAs they walk back west along the fence line, Roger looking alternately into and out of the property and seeing nothing of note on the east side, other than the tool shed, the greenhouse, with it's crusted glass panes, and the rear of the house, staring back at him. About mid-way down the fence line, Benjamin's investigative eyes spy something odd on the ground out away from the property and into the woods themselves. "Hey Roger?" "Yeah?" "Look on the ground over there; do you see that?" He points at the leaf and weed-covered ground; the woods are somewhat thick, but around here it seems that at one time, something had been done back here to create a path. "Yeah, I see that. A hiking trail into the woods." "Well, probably hunting. As a journalist, I did some small modicum of research of the Dubois family before I came out here," admits Ben. "Needed some background for my article. I discovered that Aaron Dubois was the victim of a freak hunting accident out in these woods. He tripped over some briars, causing his rifle to discharge, killing him instantly. They found his body in the evening." This, and other items of note, are in the PM sent to Wildcat circa April 23.It's not readily apparent, but there is definitely an area where, in the distant past, someone had cleared through to create a non-paved path. There are a few rotted tree stumps, but the ground is slightly different, indicating a smoother, more level surface as one would expect in a path, than simple wooded ground. They are no woodsmen, but the two men determine the path to not have been put to use for some time. |
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Post by Mr. Embark on Jun 22, 2009 12:56:16 GMT -5
Daniel walks around the room again, this time paying more attention to smaller details to see if anything was missed. "I don't think we'll find anything more in here besides the Journal I picked up earlier."
Daniel shudders a bit wondering if the image of that woman will appear again. "Maybe we should investigate the rooms we have yet to enter, as one I believe lies above the bathroom."
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Post by Squashua on Jun 22, 2009 13:00:55 GMT -5
The room is fairly bare except for the furniture itself; the two large wardrobes, dresser, bed, nightstand, chair, table and vanity, and two closed and shuttered windows. There are obvious signs of footfalls from the previous and current investigations of this room due to the dust having been riled up on the floor.
If you'd like to take an action beyond general eyeballing observation, you'll need to come out and state it explicitly.
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Post by Squashua on Jun 22, 2009 13:05:15 GMT -5
Note - the double-doors in the hallway do lead to the dumbwaiter. I forgot to unveil it due to earlier, but it's identical to the other floors.
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Post by Mr. Embark on Jun 22, 2009 13:14:48 GMT -5
Daniel walks over to the wardrobe in the south area of the room and opens it up. He inspects inside of it.
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Post by Squashua on Jun 22, 2009 13:20:54 GMT -5
The smell of mothballs is overwhelming as the southern wardrobe doors open, revealing some older-styled, and overwhelmingly feminine, now mouldy, nightgowns, shirts, and dresses. Daniel closes his mouth and sticks his arm in to rifle through, looking for anything, but comes away empty.
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