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Post by Squashua on Apr 24, 2009 23:31:20 GMT -5
"Founded in 1855, by the great Civil War Captain Aaron Dubois, the Dubois Museum of Art has one of the finest collections in the Northeast. More than 500 objects represent a rich panorama of cultures, including Asian, European, American, Negro-African, Pre-Columbian, and American Indian. Highlights include the uhh..." Melanie had not performed the speech for some time; Exeter didn't get it's share of tourists, but when it did and when they, perchance, stopped at Exeter's Dubois Museum of Art, it was certainly her job to give them the tour. Six men today, an odd variety. At least she had something to do today. Yeah, thought Daniel, looking around, I think we got the extent on this one...Later, at the Dubois Library. . . "Hey Henry," called Roger. "Check out this plaque." DUBOIS PUBLIC LIBRARY
OF
EXETER
FOUNDED 1853
AARON DUBOIS Actions are all up to you guys. |
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Post by Wildcat on Apr 25, 2009 18:25:24 GMT -5
Benjamin sat on the end of his bed, looking pensively at his closet. Nodding to himself, he packed his shotgun and ammunition securely in his knapsack and added them to his growing pile of equipment. Presently, he set out for Exeter and his rendevous with the rest of the party.
Need a more detailed journey?
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Post by Squashua on Apr 25, 2009 19:02:36 GMT -5
Nope, that's fine. You'll be sitting around for a while until someone takes an action, or not. Slow weekend is slow.
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Post by Mr. Embark on Apr 26, 2009 19:16:00 GMT -5
"Hey Henry," called Roger. "Check out this plaque."
Daniel turned around to read the plaque Roger was standing near.
Henry began walking towards Roger, his curiosity piqued.
"What's going on Roger?" Daniel asked.
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Post by Obbi on Apr 26, 2009 21:48:04 GMT -5
"Looks like this library was founded by Dubois' old man's old man. Problem is this plaque says it was founded two years before the lady tells it. Could be an honest mistake, but you'd think a person who's job is to give this tour could remember dates like that."
Roger arched his back up a bit to regain his posture, then looked over at the rest of the men. "We should bring that up with that girl, but it might be best to take a look around to see what else contrasts with what she recited."
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Post by Oats on Apr 27, 2009 7:57:08 GMT -5
Following the tour group, Charles yawns.
Nothing here really piqued his interest. He caught a few words whispers between the cabbie and the test-pilot. Apparently some things weren't quite kosher here.
Charles hadn't noticed, but decided to keep a closer eye out.
What little he knew about art wouldn't help much. He sighed.
--
Now, the library, here's where he could do some good.
He approached the librarian and asked him if he knew anything about the book The Voyages and Journees of Brandon Dubois.
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Post by Squashua on Apr 27, 2009 8:50:43 GMT -5
"Looks like this library was founded by Dubois' old man's old man. Problem is this plaque says it was founded two years before the lady tells it.
The key sentence being:
Later, at the Dubois Library. . .
Basically, I crammed TWO scenes into one because NO ONE specified (everyone was pretty vague at best) where or what they were doing once the cars stopped.
So I gave you all the barest of run-downs of each building. It's up to you if and how you probe further based on the posts you make.
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Post by Squashua on Apr 27, 2009 9:24:03 GMT -5
Now, the library, here's where he could do some good. He approached the librarian and asked him if he knew anything about the book The Voyages and Journees of Brandon Dubois.Ramona the librarian peers at O'tway over her horn-rimmed glasses, and cocks her head. "Now that is a request out of left field, sir! Our books are sorted by the Dewey Decimal System. I'll help you look for the correct card momentarily." The rest of the group watches on as Charles follows her to the sorting system drawers. Granted, this is a library, but it's one as small as Exeter is a town. The walls may be filled with books, but the selection must certainly be limited as opposed to a massive archive like that to be found in a University or a major city like Boston. So it came as much a surprise to everyone as the lady piped up over the fairly empty room, "Why yes, we do have a copy in our rare books section. You won't be able to check it out, but certainly you may read it. I'll bring it out to you momentarily." Charles sat down at a table and waited, grinning from ear to ear. David turned towards Roger. "Shouldn't we be picking up that reporter fellow? We're going to be late if we're sitting here reading books all day." After five minutes, Ramona brings out an age-worn copy of The Voyages and Journees of Brandon Dubois from the back and sets it before Charles. You may need to explain yourself at this point, Oats, as well as gauge everyone's responses. |
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Post by Oats on Apr 27, 2009 9:50:31 GMT -5
Oh.
Bother. Give me a second. Just got back from a run.
Also, holy crap, bestest use of custom titles ever, Squash."I know, I know, gentlemen. This hardly seems an apt thing to do when we have that reporter to pick up. However, something seems to be... askew with this family, and I believe this book able to shed some light upon it. If nothing else, forewarned is forearmed." Charles hoped that would be sufficient, but no one looked terribly convinced. HENRY
OBJECTION! Sigh. "If you would let me finish... We were almost bamboozled in the lawyer's office by a loophole many of us were lucky enough to catch. I do not intend to be screwed of what is rightfully mine. Given the time to peruse this book, I feel I would be better able to define the haunting and as such better able to define what wasn't haunted afterwards. "I'm quite content to read for a few hours while you lot pick up the reporter and introduce yourselves to Hans."
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Post by Wildcat on Apr 27, 2009 11:43:47 GMT -5
Dewey Decimal System? Do we ever!
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Post by Squashua on Apr 27, 2009 12:23:56 GMT -5
Might want to coordinate meets/greets/etc.
Several hours later... (1 PM)
Charles and any who stayed with him have read the book (PM sent to Oats) and are ready to head to the house.
Players, please handle the pre-several hours later portion of this thread, as well as any arrangements (if possible) to pick up Charles (and company?) at the library.
Retroactive Continuity, ahoy!
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Post by Oats on Apr 27, 2009 14:53:44 GMT -5
I could always hire a cab or something in Exeter if it's not too small. Hitchhike otherwise, assuming that people will actually drive to the Dubois manor.
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Post by Squashua on Apr 27, 2009 15:02:31 GMT -5
That's up to you and the other players. Exeter is pretty small, but I'm sure you can hitchhike.
I'm a little  at the lack of sharing of info. Maybe when Wildcat joins, speaking of...Sitting on a bench at the town square, waiting for his ride, Benjamin munches idly on a biscuit. He observes a taxicab and an older Ford truck pull up in front of the library (on the other side of the square). Several semi-familiar faces get out and head into the art museum, and then the library. The Dubois Art Museum. And the Dubois Library. Miller's forehead frowns wondering how his research notes failed to cover these obvious family investments. The Dubois family certainly contributed to public service at some point. He strides over to the automobiles, wiping the crumbs off his hands. Wildcat, consider yourself having joined the party; inject yourself at any point in the above text.
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Post by durax on Apr 27, 2009 19:01:26 GMT -5
While at the Art Museum...
David engaged in small talk with the tour guide, asking questions about art, and segueing into questions about the Dubois family in general. His most important questions are
"What's your opinion of the Dubois family? Would you say they are active in the community?
This group here is about to go look at some of there property north of here, have you heard any rumors about it?
What is your favorite piece of art in this collection?"
while at the Library...
"It never even occurred to me that we might be able to look up information in the library," David said in an aside to Daniel. I'm thinking I'll look up information on ghosts in general..."
Hmm... this guy seems to know something already.
He pulls O'tway to the side, frowning.
If you're going to keep your information to yourself at this moment, do me favor would you?
While we pick up the reporter, would you also look up information on ghosts in general? I mean, unless you already have a plan, I'd like to know how we are going to prove a house is haunted and it would be interesting to know how to get rid of it just in case...
David memorized the title of the book O'tway was just given.
David attempts to research ghosts in general regardless of O'tway's answer. David would also like to go over obituaries to see if anyone has died in connection with the manor.
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Post by Oats on Apr 27, 2009 21:52:44 GMT -5
How terribly cavalier. Making demands of someone he hardly knows. Oh well, I suppose I could pester the librarian again. See what he knows about the Dubois place, see if he's heard anything about the local legend being written down in the bland style these hacks seem to love so well.
"I promise nothing of value, friend. People thick enough to believe in such tripe are often off their rocker and barely capable of communicating their thoughts.
"As for the matter of proving the house is haunted, well, quite frankly we can likely use the wild imaginings of these simpletons here. More than a handful will come forward to claim to have seen lights, heard sounds or whatever else these muckfarmers come up with. Proving it is gone would not be a terribly difficult task either. Bother a local pastor or holy-man of some kind, get him to perform an exorcism for free once we've "made sure" everything is safe inside the house and satisfy Dubois' inanity. I did come across mention of a secret room in the Dubois manor, which if nothing else is curious and worthy of investigation. Regardless, we "remove the haunting" by staying in the manor for a few days and poking around at which point we collect our hard-earned money and part company.
"Now, since you asked so... well since you asked, I shall see what I can uncover. I do warn you however that this may well have seen me spend an inordinate amount of time within libraries in the past few days. I am a man of my word (muttering, sometimes), but I wouldn't mind something in return. Here's a tenner, be a good lad and pick me up some whiskey. Use the change to get yourself something, it could be a while before that buffoon Dubois is satisfied with our work."
He pats David on the shoulder, and returns to his book. Adding, before he forgets, "Oh, do tell the gents to come pick me up here say, around 5 o'clock?"
--
Emerging from a near-trance a few hours later, Charles feels a rumble in his stomach.
The last few chapters of the book were... odd. Journeys to far off places and objets d'art carved into the likenesses of daemons and unspeakable horrors. Worst of all, the writing was... bad. No other word did it justice. Just bad.
Returning the book to the waiting hands of the rather bored looking librarian, Charles deicided to strike up a conversation.
"I see the name Dubois all over town, and as you have likely inferred from my... reading selection, I do have an interest in the family. Rumour has it the Dubois house is haunted. Now, I for one don't put much stock in such things, but I was wondering what the word around town was."
Response goes here. Charles is interested, blah blah blah. Next meaty question to follow. Also, may insert banter here later.
"My associates and I are curious as to the nature of the haunting. You. . . wouldn't happen to have any books on ghosts, hauntings or even the Dubois haunting in specific would you?"
EDITED to have mention of the secret room. Gonna see if I can work in the Indian Burial Ground in a bit.
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Post by Squashua on Apr 27, 2009 22:27:22 GMT -5
While at the Art Museum... "What's your opinion of the Dubois family?" The wide-eyed guide is eager to answer. "You mean the family that funded this museum? Well, they certainly had a lot of wealth back in the day, but no one has really heard from them in years. I didn't know any of them personally. I was told the son moved away a while back and to my knowledge hasn't ever come back. Other than the housekeepers, no one lives up there. They come to town on occasion for groceries; I've run into the wife, she only speaks German. I have heard the house is haunted, but I just think it's one of those old mansions. The thought of it does add a touch of flavor to the back woods." Her response pretty much invalidates the other questions David had planned. "What is your favorite piece of art in this collection?" "I'd have to say the Pennacook Indian basket exhibit is most interesting to me. It's a series of baskets with interwoven designs by the tribe that used to inhabit this part of the state."  I'm thinking I'll look up information on ghosts in general..."
roll... ugh.Without the proper expertise in using a library, as well as needing to drive one's own truck (with Daniel in shotgun) it's best to maintain the delegate rather than spend the inordinate amount of time it will take David to research. The others are counting on David to drive that truck up. David memorized the title of the book O'tway was just given. David attempts to research ghosts in general regardless of O'tway's answer. David would also like to go over obituaries to see if anyone has died in connection with the manor. It will take hours to do this. Are you certain David is going to abandon the truck to perform the research? Oh well, I suppose I could pester the librarian again. See what he knows about the Dubois place, see if he's heard anything about the local legend being written down in the bland style these hacks seem to love so well. "The Dubois place? People say it's haunted, but I wouldn't know for certain. Don't believe in such things. Probably just old and spooky. I do know that several generations of Dubois lived and died there over the years. I don't think anyone's there nowadays except for the housekeepers, and they keep to themselves." Here's a tenner, be a good lad and pick me up some whiskey. PROHIBITION + UNKNOWN NEW TOWN = NO. "My associates and I are curious as to the nature of the haunting. You. . . wouldn't happen to have any books on ghosts, hauntings or even the Dubois haunting in specific would you?" "As far as I know, that volume you just read is probably your best bet. I'm surprised you even knew about it; I didn't know about it. The Dubois who founded this library was a Civil War veteran, and I think the one who built the house was a sea captain. There's a big statue of him out front of the mansion. Rumor had it he moved the family out here away from the ocean over a century ago because he became afraid of the seas. My cousin Emmett used to say he walked the halls at night, drenched in seaweed, but I don't think Emmett ever went in that place." |
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Post by Mr. Embark on Apr 28, 2009 2:45:27 GMT -5
Daniel pondered a few things. They were all at the Library now after visiting the Art museum, and now something seemed strange.
Speaking up Daniel says "Gents i'll be back in a bit while you look over that book, I want to inquire over at the Art Museum again."
David looked at Daniel curiously, "it's not much David just curious about something."
Patting David on the back Daniel smiles and says "Try to stay out of trouble."
Arriving at the Art Museum again Daniel searches for the tour guide.
The tour guide notices Daniel and walks towards him.
"Yes sir?"
"Not to bother you again miss, I was with the party from earlier, what can you tell me about the founding of the art museum, or more over is there any knowledge as to were he may have collected a few of these items?
I can't picture a civil war captain having ties to many artists, being a military man myself I also don't know of many officers that would go looking for hidden arts in the area they lived, he must have been a wealthy fellow to acquire much of this."
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Post by Obbi on Apr 28, 2009 4:15:34 GMT -5
Roger sat idly by as Daniel had left for the Art Museum, and the others had begun their interrogation attempts and research. Looking around the Library, he couldn't find a phone within sight. Figured he could call Barney and make an arrangement.
"Once we're done here, we may want to talk to a priest at the nearest church. It might help the reputation of that estate if a man of the cloth were to clear any suspicions of it being haunted."
Roger felt it could be a good idea, but it could backfire. If the people see that a Priest was involved, it could cement their superstitions that something could really be haunting the house. It's a chance he was willing to take, it seemed unlikely that the priest would find anything wrong with the manor anyway.
Walking further into the Library to look for the others, he found O'tway with the Farm boy David having an apparent one-sided discussion.
"Well Professor, found anything interesting?" Roger had a slight uneasiness with asking that question. He wasn't sure what he was going to get out of it. Worst case scenario is he hasn't found anything. Or he has, but he's found so much that the majority of it doesn't mean anything to him.
"Before we head to the manor, I wanted to visit a Church. A Priest could do some good for the more superstitious that live here. If the manor's gotten the reputations as being haunted, it's a fair bet the Father there heard something about it. Unless you guys feel you've learned all you needed, that is."
Roger ached for a cigarette.
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Post by Oats on Apr 28, 2009 7:18:16 GMT -5
Walking further into the Library to look for the others, he found O'tway with the Farm boy David having an apparent one-sided discussion. |
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Post by Squashua on Apr 28, 2009 9:35:55 GMT -5
Daniel pondered a few things. They were all at the Library now after visiting the Art museum, and now something seemed strange. Speaking up Daniel says "Gents i'll be back in a bit while you look over that book, I want to inquire over at the Art Museum again." "Not to bother you again miss, I was with the party from earlier, what can you tell me about the founding of the art museum, or more over is there any knowledge as to were he may have collected a few of these items? She looks puzzled. "I'm sorry, you mean to ask whether I know anything about the founding of this museum? Well, I know that Captain Dubois was purported to be a very socially-inclined and charitable person. His family was quite wealthy and instead of keeping it to themselves, they donated to the public good, and hence you have this art museum, and the library. I even heard a rumor that he worked with the underground railroad." "Now, none of the exhibits here are from their family, this is a town art museum with various collections on display. I don't know whether any of them were artists. The name of the building is simply due to it being donated or founded by their family, much like a wing of a hospital. Though, now that I think of it, there are these arrowheads," she leads you to a display case in the historical Indian art section, "that were dug up from a Pennacook Indian mound found on the Dubois land years ago." On display, among a larger collection of Indian jewelry, beads and artefacts from various other locations, are several unremarkable arrowheads with tags labeled "Dubois Indian mound, Exeter, 1878, Dr. R. Penhew". |
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Post by Mr. Embark on Apr 28, 2009 12:42:59 GMT -5
Talking to himself Daniel mutters "Indian mound..."
"What was that?" The tour guide asked.
Shaking his head "Nothing, nothing. Was there a large Indian population here?"
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Post by Squashua on Apr 28, 2009 13:59:21 GMT -5
"Was there a large Indian population here?" "I'm not really a historian, but much of New England was prime Indian territory. The French-Indian war was fought all throughout New Hampshire and Maine back in the days, but I'm not certain about our local history." Fictional Dubois history was injected into actual Exeter history after a bit of re-tooling. |
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Post by Squashua on Apr 29, 2009 14:14:08 GMT -5
Game pending actions:
- David (durax) decides whether he stays with Charles and does some serious research or goes.
- Roger (Obbi) decides about going to church (closest is Christ Church on Elliott Street).
- Daniel (Mr. E.) decides on what to do at the art museum.
- Charles (Oats) No pending action. Will be stuck at library till 1 PM; requested pickup at 5 PM.
- Henry (B:L) No pending action.
- Benjamin (Wildcat) No pending action. Will narrate his joining the group if no response within 24 hours.
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Post by Oats on Apr 29, 2009 18:30:36 GMT -5
Charles' stomach grumbled. He'd not had lunch, mostly due to the reading.
He decided to wander around Exeter for a little bit. Find a nice small restaurant, chat up the waitress while chugging a little coffee and eating whatever assuredly stale thing passed for dinner around here. Maybe he could find out some local gossip about the Dubois line.
He came to a tiny little hole in the wall, and smirked to himself walking in. Toying with the idea of pretending to be the health inspector, he decided against it. Honest meals didn't taste as good, but there were bigger fish to fry and he didn't want to tip his hand.
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Post by durax on Apr 29, 2009 22:44:52 GMT -5
I'm going to pick up our intrepid reporter. I'm also keep meaning to check if Mrs. Dubois was mentioned before...
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Post by Squashua on Apr 29, 2009 23:22:07 GMT -5
I'm going to pick up our intrepid reporter. Seeing how his employer of sorts, Daniel, had headed back down the block to the Art Museum, and with the others standing around without direction, and realizing his ineffectiveness at researching for books on the otherworldly, David took it upon himself to go fetch Benjamin Miller. "I think our journalist friend can only be a block or two away, I'll be right back with him" he tells the others. " Wait here." Not two steps out the door, and David almost runs smack into Benjamin, who's not quite surprised to see David. "I was across the town square over there," he thumbs over his shoulder, " figured I'd save you all the gasoline." Watching the pair walk back into the library, Henry remarks, "Wow. When you mean right back, you mean right back! So, as I was saying, it looks like Charles might be here a while, looking at that Dubois history book he found. Are we going to hang about, or go to a church like Roger wanted, or what? What should our next step be?" Remember, if you don't like what I'm having your character say or do, please feel free to quote it directly and edit it properly.I'm also keep meaning to check if Mrs. Dubois was mentioned before... |
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Post by Squashua on Apr 29, 2009 23:29:06 GMT -5
Friday Afternoon, 1: 30 PMMaybe he could find out some local gossip about the Dubois line. He came to a tiny little hole in the wall, and smirked to himself walking in. Toying with the idea of pretending to be the health inspector, he decided against it. Honest meals didn't taste as good, but there were bigger fish to fry and he didn't want to tip his hand. "'ear's your sardine sandwich, luv," announced Florence with a flourish of her hand. The charming man sitting at the table was new in town, and maybe he was staying around for a while. Her daugher, Alice, could use a new beau after Ferris had left for California. Best to pry slowly and see where it lead. "So, jest passin' through Exeter, or are you visitin' family?" Charles smiled. "Well, I'm looking into property. Can you tell me anything about the old Dubois mansion?" Her pleasant face turned quickly into a frightened frown. "N-no, sir. You don' want to be goin' there. You'd best look into something else, like the Richardson farm, or some of the newer development down south. Thet place is 'aunted!" Hmm. thought Charles. I guess Maurice wasn't joking!
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Post by Obbi on Apr 30, 2009 0:12:22 GMT -5
Walking back out of the library, Roger made his move to drive out to the Christ Church on Elliot Street. He had a mind to try and keep it as brief as possible, so he can return in a timely manner to ensure everybody can be transported to the manor.
Fishing a cigarette and a lighter, he got in his cab and made his way to the Church.
He walked into the church and began looking for the priest.
"Hello? Is anybody here?"
The priest walked out from the back and greeted Roger. Roger removed his hat and introduced himself.
"Sorry for not calling beforehand, Father, but I have some questions to ask of you. Do you know anything about the Dubois Manor near here?"
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Post by Mr. Embark on Apr 30, 2009 6:18:58 GMT -5
"Well thank you doll." said Daniel.
"No problem sir, the Museum will be here if you decide to come back"
Walking out Daniel looked up and down the small street.
Maybe I should get back to David and the others, we can figure out where to go from there.
Taking note of a small cafe, Daniel heads back to the Library to meet up with David, maybe they could get a bite to eat before heading to the manor.
They didn't have all day to waste in town.
there you go freak
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Post by Squashua on Apr 30, 2009 8:45:31 GMT -5
Soon the day would be over and they needed to make it there soon.
Just so everyone has it straight, let's quickly go over the timelines.
Friday, 9 : 30 AM
Everyone is currently either in the Art Museum, Library or Church.
Charles has set-aside dedicated reading time. He cannot perform any actions till he is done.
Everyone else is free to roam or do whatever they want.
This is the point in time at which any current post (unless from Oats) will take place.
Friday, 1 : 30 PM
Charles (Oats) is having lunch at the cafe and speaking with the waitress.
Everyone else is ? ? ? (location to be determined based on their actions taken earlier that day).
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