Game Thread

[Obbi]

Roger walks around the desk and begins opening the drawers for any paperwork or books left in them.

[Oats]

"Well old beans, since I'm going to immobilize myself, and it seems you two are stuck being my caretakers, unless something else fantastical occurs, I may as well do my darndest to illuminate what mysteries my ever-impressive studies have uncovered."

Charles takes as long as needed to acquaint any and everyone within earshot of what he has found.

Notes:
Journees

The following summarizes the Dubois book:

A condensed version of The Voyages and Journees of Brandon Dubois

Introduction
This is written by Henry Wadsworth Dubois in tribute to his younger brother, "a hale and hearty man who could never resist a challenge," and, among other things, tells of Brandon's sudden death in 1847. It mentions the book was incomplete at the time of Brandon’s death and that a limited edition of fifty copies will be printed and distributed to friends, family, and public institutions.

Foreward
From here on, the book is written by Brandon, and in this section describes how he was "commissioned" by his brother to travel to Europe and beyond in search of antique furnishings, works of art, fine woods and carpets, tapestries, and anything else that would add to the value and prestige of the family home. At the same time, he hoped to find time to do some exploring and hunting.

Chapter I
This chapter describes the trans-Atlantic voyage by clipper ship. Brandon tells of a gigantic waterspout seen by the crew and passengers on the third day of the voyage.

Chapter II
Arrival in London. The early parts of the chapter are concerned with the time spent at auctions of art and furniture while in the city. Later in the chapter he describes some of the finer dining establishments to be found in the city.

Chapter III
Leaving London, Brandon writes of a short trip to the north of Scotland where he investigates an ancient oval enclosure built of granite rocks It is presumed to have been built by a Celtic tribe, the mystery being its vitrified interior. Inside, the granite has been melted by intense heat into a glass-like glaze. This would require temperatures in excess of 1300 degrees C. No normal fire could possibly produce this effect. While returning through the south, Brandon stops near Dumfries where he selects a huge European oak from a stand of trees about two miles west of town. This lumber will be used to refurbish portions of the house.

Chapter IV
Sailing across the English Channel, Brandon arrives in Paris. Here he chances to meet a rare book dealer he describes as a "very mysterious fellow." Brandon purchases an unnamed volume from the man and makes an appointment to meet him the following evening to view some other rare volumes. The next morning, the book dealer’s shop is discovered open and looted, and the old man’s body later found floating on the Seine.

Chapter V
This chapter contains a lengthy description of Brandon’s travels through central and eastern Europe on his way to the Near East. While in Transylvania, he receives an opportunity to visit a mysterious castle high in the mountains, but at the last minute is forced to decline due to time considerations.

Chapter VI
While in Beirut, Brandon meets an old Muslim who tells him the legend of a nameless city constructed long before people walked the earth, and now forgotten to mankind. The old man claims to know its location and Brandon briefly considers mountmg an expedition before dismissing the idea. Brandon spends several weeks in and around Syria and Palestine, collecting carpets, tapestries, imported woods, and many other items for the Dubois household.

Chapter VII
While in Cairo, Egypt, Brandon visits the Sphinx and experiences a vision. He does not describe what he saw, but does mention that the night before he had taken the opportunity to sample a small bit of hashish purchased from his hired guide. From a dealer in Cairo, Brandon purchases a shipment of exotic woods brought from the interior of the continent. Among these pieces are large blocks of dense, black wood called ebony. Brandon also tells of the purchase from this same dealer, of a fetish, stolen from one of the tribes of the interior. Brandon describes it as being about a foot tall, carved of wood, and studded with metal nails. It is in the likeness of an ugly, squat demon.

Chapter VIII
In this chapter, Brandon describes the first portion of a safari to equatorial Africa in search of big game. He is particularly interested in reports of a strange, purple brown, deer-like animal, said to be known to the tribes of the interior.

It was at this point in the writing of the book that Brandon was stricken by his fatal illness and his story ends rather abruptly while halfway through the hunting expedition.

Several hours of research, though the night and at least till early afternoon Thursday reveal a startling amount of news articles going back decades.

Articles are from two different newspapers and are in random order, each separated by ----------------------

===========================
New Hampshire Herald
===========================

--------------------------
1873
A birth announcement for Henry Wadsworth Hamelin, son of Bertrand and Deborah Dubois Hamelin.

--------------------------
Article from The New Hampshire Herald dated 1878.

An accident yesterday, at the site of an archaeological excavation west of Exeter, has left one man seriously injured and two others suffering from minor cuts and bruises.

Bertrand Hamelin, who is credited with the discovery of the Indian mound being excavated, is resting in Exeter Hospital recovering from multiple injuries and broken bones stemming from the accident. Apparently, a large iron tripod, used to support a heavy block and tackle, slipped down the side of the earthen mound, troppled over and trapped the unfortunate Mr. Hamelin beneath it. Workers at the site can give no explanation for the accident, but a spokesman for Miskatonic University, which is in charge of the dig, has announced that despite the accident, work will continue as scheduled.

Mr. Hamelin, a business graduate of the University, is married to Deborah Dubois, daughter of local Civil War hero Aaron Dubois and presently resides on the Dubois property where he first discovered the mound. Doctors have not released details regarding his injuries, but he is listed in fair condition and expected to recover.

--------------------------
Article from The New Hampshire Herald dated 1898.

It was announced today that Beatrice Dubois, wife of the late Aaron Dubois, died yesterday as the result of a fall in her home, Her daughter, Virginia Dubois, said the older woman had been in poor health for the last few years and was kept confined to the house. She apparently stumbled and fell while descending the staircase in the family home. The Dubois name is well-known in Exeter. Earlier members of the family were instrumental in the incorporation of the city, and the name Dubois can be found on many public buildings including the public library and art museum.

Mrs. Dubois is survived not only by her daughter Virginia, but by a grandson, Maurice, and another daughter, Deborah, now residing in Bangor, Maine. Private services are scheduled for tomorrow and the body will be interred in the family plot located on the Dubois property.

--------------------------
1911
An obituary announcing the death of Virginia Dubois from natural causes.

===========================
New Hampshire Gazette
===========================

1852
An obituary for Elizabeth Dubois, who died at the age of 20. No cause of death is given.

--------------------------
1859
An obituary for Priscilla Dudley Dubois. Death was attributed to pneumonia. She is survived by her husband, Henry, and her son, Aaron.

--------------------------
1861
The paper lists men who have joined the Union forces. Captain Aaron Dubois is among them.

--------------------------
A story dated September, 1862, tells of Captain Aaron Dubois' citing for heroism at the second Battle of Bull Run.

--------------------------
1863
An obituary announcing the death of Henry Wadsworth Dubois, "from a mercifully brief illness."

--------------------------
Article from The New Hampshire Gazette dated 1863.

Allen Dubois, of the Exeter Dubois', died yesterday in his home, the result of an accidental, self-inflicted gunshot wound to the stomach. The accident was reported by Captain Aaron Dubois, a cousin of Allen, presently home on leave from the Union Army.

According to the report, Mr. Dubois was cleanmg the pistol in an upstairs room of the Dubois mansion when the weapon accidentally discharged, striking him full in the stomach. He expired before a doctor could be summoned. Graveside services will be held at the family home.

--------------------------
Article from The New Hampshire Gazette dated 1866.

It was learned today that Captain Aaron Dubois is dead. His body was found late yesterday evening in the woods near his home apparently the victim of a freak hunting accident. Having left the home earlier in the day, the family became worried when he did not return in time for dinner. A gunshot had been heard earlier in the afternoon, but was thought that Mr. Dubois had been firing on game. The grim discovery made later showed that Dubois, while stepping through a tangle of briars, had apparently fallen, causing his rifle to discharge, and killing him instantly.

Aaron Dubois, besides being well known for his military exploits in defense of the Union, is also well-remembered for his intensive efforts to incorporate the city of Exeter and his unfailing devotion to public causes. These include helping to establish the city’s first library and its first art museum.

Captain Dubois' widow was unavailable for comment. Funeral arrangements have not yet been made.

An archaeology volume published in 1880 by Miskatonic University Press, written by a Dr. Richard Penhew.
Holds a scientific report on findings made in the excavation of a small Pennacook Indian mound located west of Exeter.
The book is dedicated to Bertrand Hamelin, who was severely injured during the course of the excavation, and who is credited with first discovering the mound, located on the Dubois family property.

You would need someone with a greater archaeological expertise to confirm it, but you believe nothing significant was found at the dig site.

----------

According to the articles, since the early Dubois family held such a high stature with Exeter, the idea came to investigate volumes on the history of the town itself. Late evening Thursday, you locate History of Rockingham County, 1836-1912, published in 1914. There are a number of references to the Dubois family here, including notice of the efforts put forth by Henry and Aaron toward the incorporation of the city of Exeter in 1850 along with their early interest in furniture manufacture, which came to prominence in the area in 1859. Most of the information is of a civic nature and holds little interest, however one story about the war hero Aaron Dubois mentions speculation that he had once been a link in the underground railroad and had kept a secret room in the basement of the Dubois home to this end.

[Squashua]

While slightly suspicious earlier of Charles' scholarly roots, Benjamin's creeping doubt is fertilized by Charles' complete ineptitude at providing associated dates.



If you have the associated work on-hand, by using it as a working example, you may provide the full text of any supplied clues as they were presented in their entirety via PM.

For example, David did not have to summarize the suicide note, as he had it handy; he could post the straight text.

[Oats]

Gonna make me go through all those PMs again?

Sigh.

[Squashua]

Jul 3, 2009 21:40:01 GMT -5 Oats said:

Gonna make me go through all those PMs again?

No, not if your character didn't take the notes in the first place.

He is welcome to post the complete PMs received regarding any texts he has immediately on-hand.

[Oats]

Just because I'm so dumb as to not include dates doesn't mean the English major is/was/would be.

I'm assuming I can post the entirety of my Journees summary, though?

[Squashua]

Jul 3, 2009 21:47:16 GMT -5 Oats said:

Just because I'm so dumb as to not include dates doesn't mean the English major is/was/would be.

I'm assuming I can post the entirety of my Journees summary, though?

Rolls... ok.

Oats can post any/all PMs REGARDING TEXTS READ in their entirety. Ditto for Wildcat / Benjamin if he so chooses.

This includes newspaper articles.

edit I didn't really roll anything; convincing argument.

[Oats]

Sometimes it helps being dumb.
Updating my giant deluge of info post.
EDIT: And thank you.

[Squashua]

NTN. Thank you for correcting my mistake. Have to be reminded on occasion that sometimes a character is more competent (no insult intended) than the controlling player.

[Oats]

Well, I did try to make him something of a genius.

[Oats]

Following his beautifully timed, extravagant speech Charles decides he needs a little liquid painkiller.

He checks his flask for booze, taking a swig... screaming a little, and jerking the flask away from his mouth. Showing his wrist to the others, "Tell me you blokes see that. Tell me I'm not bloody mad."

[Squashua]

Jul 3, 2009 21:30:42 GMT -5 Oats said:

Charles takes as long as needed to acquaint any and everyone within earshot of what he has found.

Using his extensive scholarly acumen and notes, and using the reference materials at hand for emphasis and clarification (the checked-out Rockingham County book and the report from the Miskatonic University-funded dig, as well as the Journees book), by the time he is finished, sometime mid-5 PM, Benjamin and David are quite appraised of Charles' notes. Benjamin wonders what he can add to fill in the gaps.

Jul 3, 2009 20:42:17 GMT -5 Obbi said:

Roger walks around the desk and begins opening the drawers for any paperwork or books left in them.

In D&D you usually check treasure chests for traps, first...

Roger walks right around the enormous desk, and though the room lacks proper lighting for a good task (the window is closed, after all), he begins to brashly pull open each individual drawer on the desk. The desk is fully unlocked, but the drawers prove to be quite deep.

The top drawer contains several papers and letters, as well as a slim, hand-written journal, by one B. Hamelin. There are several other drawers, and Roger could certainly use some aid rifling through them.

[Squashua]

Jul 3, 2009 22:18:40 GMT -5 Oats said:

Following his beautifully timed, extravagant speech Charles decides he needs a little liquid painkiller.

He checks his flask for booze, taking a swig... screaming a little, and jerking the flask away from his mouth. Showing his wrist to the others, "Tell me you blokes see that. Tell me I'm not bloody mad."

He shows his wrist to the other two in the room, but there's nothing but the expected saliva-infused wet booze on his hand. Charles sees this too and is taken slightly aback.

[Oats]

Charles puts the stop back on the flask, and sets it down, as far away as he can reach without moving too much.

[Squashua]

Meanwhile upstairs.

Daniel walks over to where Roger is, and helps him raid the desk.

HENRY
Realizing the ludicrous situation of rifling through a desk in the dark, Henry opens the window, then the shutters, and then closes the window somewhat, so as to defer most of the incoming breeze which, while refreshing and full of not-stale air, tends to hinder the actual organization of papers.

He notes that Roger has pulled out quite a pile of them from the top drawer, as well as another journal (n-n-n-noooooooooo!!!), when he starts looking about the room itself.

The walls are a tasteful wood paneling; this would have made and still makes quite the cozy study. The desk is definitely a fine Flemish make, and the paintings are... no. No, that can't be.

Henry rushes over to both paintings to check the signatures, and if Roger and Daniel didn't have their heads in the desk, they would have been witnesses to Henry's jaw hitting the floor.

NO. WAY.

Check PM, B:L

The time is

5 : 00 PM
Except for the guys downstairs, where it's probably more like 5 : 15 but we won't make a BFD about that unless we really need to because it tends to confuse Wildcat who works on Australian time or some shit like that.

[Mr. Embark]

Daniel helps Roger with the papers, scanning each before setting it on the desk.

He opens another drawer with a sigh and begins investigating the contents.

[Squashua]

Roll...

Daniel opens the bottom drawer. "That's odd."

He re-opens the drawer above, comparing their lengths, and realizing the lower drawer is several inches shorter. With Roger's help, they pull both drawers out, and Daniel reaches back into the desk with his arm. Inside the desk, at the back of where the drawer sits, is a false panel, which he easily removes, revealing a small space, in which are two books. Daniel pulls them out and sets them on the desk next to the Hamelin journal and the many various papers.

One book proves to be yet another journal, a quite lengthy tome, moreso than Hamelin's book, and written by one Allen Closson Dubois.

The other book is, for lack of a better word, odd. It is not titled, but proves to be is a rambling occult text written in English, and has a number of names, likely of previous owners, scrawled behind the front cover. Somewhat illegible, among the numerous signatures on the inside cover are those of David Douglas Dubois, then Allen Closson Dubois.

The time is 5 : 05 PM

[Obbi]

"Plenty of reading material for the Professor once he recovers." Roger says as he peers over the odd book Daniel is holding.

"How many generations of journals are in this mansion? I really don't think this is getting us anywhere in regards to the estate's current situation. That odd one is worth a look, at least. But let's keep moving all the same."

Roger leads the others out of the study, through the Upstairs Library, and into the next unexplored room at the western side of the floor.

[Squashua]

I'm going to wait for a B:L post before I respond to your post, Obbi.

Also, edited in the word "occult" into my prior post.

[Squashua]

Jul 4, 2009 23:56:36 GMT -5 Obbi said:

"Plenty of reading material for the Professor once he recovers." Roger says as he peers over the odd book Daniel is holding.

You know, because only Charles has the ability to read.

Jul 4, 2009 23:56:36 GMT -5 Obbi said:

Roger leads the others out of the study, through the Upstairs Library, and into the next unexplored room at the western side of the floor.

f--- waiting for B:L...

The men file out of the cramped quarters of the study, leaving the books and materials they found on the enormous desk, through the library and to the final room in the hallway. Daniel tries his key,and the door swings open, revealing a large bedroom, dustier than most of the rooms already seen, but neatly prepared with bedspread turned back, a stack of folded towels on the dresser, and kindling in the fireplace.

[Mr. Embark]

Daniel enters the room and begins to look around.

Daniel looks under the bed then stands up and notices Henry is still in deep thought about things he witnessed in the study.

"Everything alright Henry? Roger can you remind me after we are done upstairs that we need to retrieve those books before we head back down?" Daniel asks as he checks the dresser.

[Squashua]

I think B:L is busy at a CON this weekend or something.

Daniel doesn't notice anything of interest under the bed.

[Oats]

Charles smells books in the air. Faint, as though they were far away.

Old. Musty.

He hungers.

HE MUST HAVE THEM!

[Mr. Embark]

Jul 5, 2009 15:00:02 GMT -5 Squashua said:

I think B:L is busy at a CON this weekend or something.

Daniel doesn't notice anything of interest under the bed.

Yea I put it in just so B:L could fit back in without it being like 20minutes later, hey dudes I totally saw those things then kinda werid input.

Daniel begins checking the dresser drawers.

[Obbi]

Roger examines the fireplace.

"You'd think they would've built the fireplace at the center of the wall, not over here in the corner."

[Squashua]

The dresser drawers are empty and though Roger makes an excellent point, he must consider that this fireplace is approximately above the fireplace one floor below, though Roger never did visit the second floor bedroom.

[Wildcat]

Benjamin listens to Charles' tale with growing interest, taking quick notes of his own as he does so. Once Charles has finished relating his findings, Ben speaks up, "I must compliment you on such thorough research, sir. I know that in 1873 Henry Wadsworth Hamelin, the son of Bertrand and Deborah Dubois Hamelin, was born, if that assists our knowledge of the family tree, but other than that you have uncovered the same sort of information I did."

[Squashua]

Jul 6, 2009 9:53:02 GMT -5 Wildcat said:

"I know that in 1873 Henry Wadsworth Hamelin, the son of Bertrand and Deborah Dubois Hamelin, was born, if that assists our knowledge of the family tree, but other than that you have uncovered the same sort of information I did."

AND THE CLUE CIRCLE COMPLETES, DOOMING THE WORLD TO CERTAIN DOOM!

[Wildcat]

Cue something from Carmina Burana

[Squashua]

Jul 6, 2009 10:25:15 GMT -5 Wildcat said:

Cue something from Carmina Burana

Done.