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Post by Squashua on May 4, 2009 23:04:29 GMT -5
Roger looked outward towards the structure. He couldn't quite make it out, and began walking forward. Pointing towards its direction, he asked Hans "What's that out there?" Assuming Roger means the spire about 150 feet to the northwest, Hans replies, "that stands in the center of the graveyard. It marks the grave of Erich Dubois." |
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Post by Mr. Embark on May 4, 2009 23:50:19 GMT -5
Walking over to Davids truck Daniel reaches inside and yells back to the others "Best we start getting things set up and moved inside then!"
Hearing Rogers question, Daniel moves away from the truck, duffel bag in hand, heading in the direction of the house. Looking at the statue once again as he nears it.
"Graveyard? Aren't those normally near a church?" asked Daniel as he slung the bag over his shoulder.
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Post by Squashua on May 5, 2009 9:21:52 GMT -5
Hearing Rogers question, Daniel moves away from the truck, duffel bag in hand, heading in the direction of the house. Looking at the statue once again as he nears it. The statue ignores Daniel, content to stand up on the pedestal and stare ominously off in the distance, a death-grip on the ship's wheel, anticipating rough waters ahead. Just to make sure; the statue is a statue. The spire is the unmarked black square in the top left of the map."Graveyard? Aren't those normally near a church?" asked Daniel as he slung the bag over his shoulder. "Well yes," says Henry. "For the normal average family, but for the wealthy and those with history, we tend to have family plots on our own land. Also, given the death date of Erich, there was probably a house here long before there was a major church or graveyard in town. I don't know how people usually handle these sorts of plots once the land is sold." |
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Post by B:L on May 5, 2009 13:54:22 GMT -5
(Around Noon. Dubois manor courtyard, where the gang are
gathered listening to Hans.)HENRY
(Internal monologue.)
What dark terror lurks within the depths of my throat, that I can
scarcely utter a prayer! How these beads of sweat upon my
brow roll with trepidition at the prospect of irrational danger. The
tightness in my chest is but a warning, an opening volley that
screams out to us, "DO NOT ENTER". But yet we shall, for we are
merely men, and such mortal beings cannot fathom the foresight
of instinctual wisdom. A folly, perhaps fatal, if left unheeded.
Onwards, to our fates we march, by the quickening beat of our
bloody drum, even if each beat may be our last. Curiosity is the
unstoppable call of death, and it beckons! ROGER (OBBI)
Who are you talking to, Henry? HENRY
No one in particular.
(Sizes up the manor.)
Looks like a three story manor, but such disrepair is unsightly.
How long has this place been in such terrible condition? Later
than the story of the haunting, I hope, because I can clearly see
how such rumors can start. How many rooms are there, and are
there any particular ones that we should watch out for, say, ones
we're not supposed to enter?
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Post by Mr. Embark on May 5, 2009 14:04:27 GMT -5
Walking up to the front door, Daniel drops the duffel bag and stretches. Stepping back he looks up at the old house, glancing from window to window.
"So guys, I call the master bedroom." Daniel jokes as he begins to walk back to the truck to grab some more of the gear.
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Post by Squashua on May 5, 2009 14:25:57 GMT -5
HENRY
Looks like a three story manor, but such disrepair is unsightly.
How long has this place been in such terrible condition? Later
than the story of the haunting, I hope, because I can clearly see
how such rumors can start. How many rooms are there, and are
there any particular ones that we should watch out for, say, ones
we're not supposed to enter? The house itself seems to have an air of the forbidden. Everyone feels a sense of malevolence as they draw closer. The windows are sealed by hinged, wooden shutters and, along with the locked doors, seem to silently refuse access to its secrets. As Daniel approaches closer, he can see the remains of the whitewash that once protected its wooden clapboards. It is obvious that no one has cultivated or cleaned the garden beds that once decorated the home. Rampant weeds and scrub grass partially cover the first floor windows all the way around the house. The three-story structure is topped by a hipped roof pierced by two massive chimneys of crumbling brick. From a cursory glance, Henry counts four windows and a double door entrance at ground level, and five windows each on the second and third floor. The front walkway has been kept partially cleared by Hans and leads to the small porch. The main entrance to the house is closed by a pair of very large oak doors decorated with iron knockers and surmounted by a wide fanlight. Walking up to the front door, Daniel drops the duffel bag and stretches. As he steps onto the front porch, Daniel feels a sudden urge to flee, but this passes. Stepping back he looks up at the old house, glancing from window to window. A shiver crawls up Daniel's back. He can't shake the feeling that mansion is watching him back. Judging him. No. Sizing him up. "So guys, I call the master bedroom." Daniel jokes as he begins to walk back to the truck to grab some more of the gear. David stops Daniel. "I have a better idea." He then drives the truck through the open gate, pulls up in front of the porch, gets out and helps with the unloading. Hans doesn't seem to disapprove of this action. And as to off limits, according to Hans there is nothing you cannot do as long as nothing is taken from the property or damaged. It is now 11 : 30 AM |
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Post by B:L on May 5, 2009 15:51:59 GMT -5
HENRY
Well no sense dallying out here, gents. Let's take a look inside.
(With keys in hand, he tries the front door of the manor.)
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Post by Obbi on May 5, 2009 16:35:52 GMT -5
Roger clears his nose, looking at the manor, and then the graveyard. He certainly felt uncomfortable, but was still adamant that this isn't the cause of the paranormal.
Roger walked back to his cab, grabbing the Crucifix out of it. "Who knows, maybe it'll help somebody for once." he said with a chuckle.
Roger approached the manor with the rest of the men. He wondered if the Professor was ready to be picked up, it'd be a good excuse to leave.
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Post by durax on May 5, 2009 22:13:57 GMT -5
Exiting the truck David gives voice to his oscillating emotions, as he feels the same dread that had hit Daniel a moment before. "We've heard this place is supposed to be haunted," he says addressing Hans while looking rather spastic (he is trying to split his glance from the building behind him, the man in front of him and Heidi) "Have either of you seen or heard anything... unusual?"
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Post by Squashua on May 5, 2009 23:39:19 GMT -5
Roger clears his nose, looking at the manor, and then the graveyard. It's tough to get a good look at the graveyard from this distance; only the spire can be seen above the hedges of weed. Exiting the truck David gives voice to his oscillating emotions, as he feels the same dread that had hit Daniel a moment before. "We've heard this place is supposed to be haunted," he says addressing Hans while looking rather spastic (he is trying to split his glance from the building behind him, the man in front of him and Heidi) "Have either of you seen or heard anything... unusual?" Unfortunately for David, his lack of tact when orating against potentially tense subjects fails him once again. Neither Hans nor Heidi answers his request with anything but a subtle, seemingly subconscious head shake of no. HENRY
Well no sense dallying out here, gents. Let's take a look inside.
(With keys in hand, he tries the front door of the manor.)
Henry unlocks the two large, oaken front doors and pushes on them, as they are unwilling to yield. A quick shove, and they move freely. As the doors to the house creak inward, an almost tangible gloom attempts to escape the confines of the foyer. The whirling dust is think, almost choking. Almost without thinking, Daniel pulls out a flashlight from his duffel bag and lights it, "I have more", he whispers. As the yellow rays pierce the darkness, they speak of the general condition of the interior. Everywhere the light swings finds thick coats of dust and great cobwebs, heavy with grime, stretched across archways and hanging from ceiling fixtures and furniture in sticky webs. A musty odor pervades the structure, an odor of age containing an unnatural cloying dampness. PMs have been sent. The FoyerThis is the main entrance hall of the home. Across the room to the north is a great, wide staircase of polished wood leading to the second floor above. To the right of the staircase, a long, dark hallway, criss-crossed by cobwebs, disappears into the darkness at the back of the house, while on either side of the room are open archways through which you can see other rooms, each decorated with furniture and paintings. To the right, in the corner, is a display case filled with porcelain birds and other wildlife, while on the other side of the doors is a coat rack and umbrella stand next to a silent grandfather clock. A long, black coat, filthy with dust, hangs from the rack, and a folded umbrella rests near it in a stand made from an elephant's foot. On the other side of the room is a small couch, protected by a linen sheet, and hung near it is a full-sized mirror mounted in an ornate, gold-leaf frame. Overhead is a large chandelier hung from a chain, its crystal teardrops dull and dust-coated. The grandfather clock begins to tick. It is now... 11 : 35 AM |
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Post by Mr. Embark on May 6, 2009 0:45:40 GMT -5
Peering around Daniel walks to the center of the Foyer. "David, take this flashlight." Daniel says.
Trying to look up the stairs Daniel sees nothing but darkness, cobwebs hanging on the railings and walls.
Well, if I were a home buyer I'd run from this house too.
David comes up and takes the flashlight, Daniel retreats and pulls out an oil lantern from the duffel bag. "I'll go place this in the living room, lets try to get a little light in this place."
Walking into the living room Daniel sets the lantern down on the coffee table and looks around. Daniel asks as he peers around "Maybe we can get the windows open put some more light in this place?"
Squashua edit: Changed first instance to flashlight. Second is lantern for purposes of lighting the place. Hey, admins can edit any post! Advantage: Squashua.
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Post by Obbi on May 6, 2009 2:20:45 GMT -5
Somethings definitely wrong here, now. Roger sneezed, snorted his nose, getting another intake of dust, causing him to sneeze again.
"I can understand the old man not being able to keep the grounds trimmed, but this house hasn't even been cleaned in years! I bet those Krauts are swindling the Dubois family, using this Haunting thing as a cover to keep people from visiting the manor!"
A far-fetched accusation, it sounded better in his head. If there were ghosts, then Hans and his wife would have to be them. They're old enough to be dead, and they didn't really seem to leave much of a presence on Roger when they met. Of course, there's that problem that he's still breathing. That, and ghosts aren't real.
Roger looks at the Grandfather clock. Did it just now tick? He didn't even notice that clock when they first came in, but it seemed like he wasn't hearing that sound when they walked in. He can't even make out the time with all the dust over it.
Sighing, he walks into the living room with Daniel. "Letting in some sunlight would do some good, provided the damned weeds haven't blocked the windows."
Roger begins to sit down on a chair before realizing the consequences, and suddenly stands back up straight. "Those scheming Germans better have a good reason for all this. We should at least look around to see what items are around that Maurice and Hans are so worried over."
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Post by Mr. Embark on May 6, 2009 2:27:00 GMT -5
"Yes, you're right about that." Daniel said looking at the amount of dust covering the items in the living room.
"I wonder if the Hans stay out of the place because of this strange feeling the house gives off that I felt when coming inside?" Daniel lets the question out that bothered him upon entering.
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Post by Obbi on May 6, 2009 4:47:30 GMT -5
"That feeling you're getting is the dust in the air." Roger grunted. "I've had it, let's get that window open, get some fresh air in here at least."
With that, he attempts to find the window located in the southern part of the living room, and open it.
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Post by Wildcat on May 6, 2009 8:18:34 GMT -5
Benjamin walks over to the coat rack and inspects the dusty, mouldering item of outerware still hanging from one of the ornate pegs.
Thanks for that timeline Squashua, that is a great help to me!
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Post by Squashua on May 6, 2009 9:03:28 GMT -5
Roger looks at the Grandfather clock. Did it just now tick? He didn't even notice that clock when they first came in, but it seemed like he wasn't hearing that sound when they walked in. He can't even make out the time with all the dust over it. It's still ticking. |
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Post by Squashua on May 6, 2009 9:47:46 GMT -5
Benjamin walks over to the coat rack and inspects the dusty, mouldering item of outerware still hanging from one of the ornate pegs. The coat is thick with dust as Benjamin pulls it off the rack. Hesitant to check the pockets, he picks at them, checking for anything left inside, but there is nothing. On the interior collar though is a name tag that reads "Property of Maurice Dubois". Walking into the living room Daniel sets the lantern down on the coffee table and looks around. The first thing Daniel notices is the central fireplace that dominates the long, west wall. It could hold a log up to six feet in length, and a man could conceivably walk around in it while barely crouching. It is currently set with logs and tinder, ready to be lit. The mantel is a single piece of hand-finished wood, completely black in color. A number of small objects are placed upon it. The walls are white-pained wood paneling, which stops halfway up from the floor to be replaced by fading, peeling wallpaper of a floral design. The floor is nearly covered by several large rugs and the walls are decorated with many oil paintings, the largest of which is a fall landscape hung above the fireplace. There are two main groupings of furniture, one at each end of he room. Each is dominated by a massive couch and includes a number of smaller chairs and tables. A large, hand-carved upright piano stands next to the fireplace and a few chairs are placed about the room. To the south of the fireplace is a closed door. Next to this door, atop a cylindrical pillar of polished marble almost four feet high, rests a glass sphere, open at the top and hollow. This globe is nearly a foot and a half in diameter. Even from a distance you can see that the inside is nearly half-filled with dust. A number of hurricane-style lamps can be seen on the tables and others are mounted on the walls.  With that, he attempts to find the window located in the southern part of the living room, and open it. Pushing past the sofa, Roger wipes the dust from the windowsill, then lifts the window, which sticks slightly, but with a slight cracking sound of wood-on-swelled wood, it rises easily. The shutters behind are closed tight. Roger unlatches them and pushes, then harder, till they finally pop open. Dust blows outward. Some light comes into the room, but not as much as expected as the sky has gotten cloudy. Thanks for that timeline Squashua, that is a great help to me! |
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Post by Wildcat on May 6, 2009 9:55:38 GMT -5
Polished marvel, polished mar-vell or polished marble?
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Post by Squashua on May 6, 2009 10:00:06 GMT -5
Polished marvel, polished mar-vell or polished marble? |
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Post by Wildcat on May 6, 2009 10:16:45 GMT -5
Polished marvel, polished mar-vell or polished marble? Frowning, Benjamin turns from the coat rack and cautiously enters the sitting room. |
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Post by Squashua on May 6, 2009 10:19:49 GMT -5
Frowning, Benjamin turns from the coat rack and cautiously enters the sitting room. As it's dark over there, Benjamin picks up a torch and turns it on. The Sitting RoomThe small room off the side of the foyer is simply furnished with a medium-sized couch and two light chairs. In one corner stands a lrge wooden cabinet with glass doors, while another corner is occupied by a fireplace overhung with a large, bulky mantel of rough-hewn oak. A colorful braided rug covers most of the floor and the walls are papered with a design depictions of Greek-styled temples populated by frolicking nymphs and cupids. Beyond the room, two hairy black arms stretch outward into the darkness.  It is now... 11 : 40 AM |
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Post by Mr. Embark on May 6, 2009 10:28:12 GMT -5
Daniel walks over to the large fireplace and looks it over. "What's with the man sized fire place here?"
Daniel begins to cough as Roger opens one of the windows. "Looks like it's going to be a pretty cloudy day."
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Post by Squashua on May 6, 2009 13:38:06 GMT -5
Daniel walks over to the large fireplace and looks it over. "What's with the man sized fire place here?" The fireplace is tremendous, well worthy of heating the entire room, as would be expected in a mansion this large. The logs and tinder set in the fireplace are slightly rotted, but appear prepared for a lighting that never came. The mantel above the fireplace is made from a single beautiful, completely black wood. At either end of the mantel are framed photographs, tintypes, mounted in small, ornate frames. One of the photographs is of a handsome, middle-aged man in a Union Army uniform. The other is of a pretty woman of similar age. Resting on the center of the mantle lies a large, dark rock. Hanging above the fireplace is a large painting of a fall landscape. The other paintings around the room depict various portraits, likely of Dubois family members. On the east wall between the arches is a stern man. The other painting is of a mid-teen boy and a younger girl, probably of age ten. |
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Post by Squashua on May 6, 2009 13:43:29 GMT -5
The Dining Room
From his position in the sitting room, Benjamin can see into the dining room. He cautiously walks to the entrance. The room is decorated in a combination of white-painted wood paneling and wallpaper, while the center of the room is dominated by a large, wooden dining table made from dark maple and set with linen, china, crystal, and silver. A number of dining chairs rim the table, enough to seat twelve, while on the north end of the west wall is a long, low buffet that matches both the tall china cabinet at the other end and the great table. On the east wall is a fireplace, built into the corner of the room, and topped by an oversized mantel of rough-finished oak. As with the living room, tinder and logs are placed in the fireplace. Next to the fireplace, practically concealed by a thick net of cobwebs, is an archway that leads into another dark room. Light for dining was provided by the large, crystal chandelier that hangs suspended above, along with the silver candelabra that are set on either end of the table and on the buffet.
Tables are set. Candles stand ready in their holders. Each fireplace is set with logs and tinder. This house may have been left in haste some years ago.
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Post by Mr. Embark on May 7, 2009 10:22:28 GMT -5
Noticing the door on the west wall of the living room Daniel walks over to it and opens it, peering inside.
"Lets see what we have in here." He mutters as he brings up the lantern.
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Post by Wildcat on May 7, 2009 11:31:52 GMT -5
Turning from the dining room entrance for a moment, Benjamin peers through the glass of the cabinet to determine what is being displayed inside.
Stoppit Wildcat you are not Daniel stop writing that name[/size]
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Post by B:L on May 7, 2009 14:03:17 GMT -5
HENRY
(Covering his mouth and nose from the dust as he takes up
the offer of a flashlight and turns it on.)
Now let's not disturb things too much, there may be clues given
how everything is covered in dust. Try to see if anything's been
disturbed. We need to have a plan as well, more eyes are better
in this instance. Illusions and trickery of light and dust may cause
mistakes, but a group of witnesses can be more sure if anything
should be found. (Henry looks for clues of disturbances in the Dining Room.) |
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Post by Obbi on May 7, 2009 16:51:00 GMT -5
Roger continues to try and get some fresh air from the window. Giving that up, he looks around the room, his eye being caught on the valuables left here. That is confusing.
He walks over to Daniel working a door that lead to another room. "I'd be careful going to places alone. I wouldn't doubt some animals have started living here."
He really wanted to get out and confront Hans about this.
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Post by Squashua on May 7, 2009 17:10:21 GMT -5
"I'd be careful going to places alone." He really wanted to get out and confront Hans about this. |
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Post by Squashua on May 8, 2009 0:09:58 GMT -5
Roger continues to try and get some fresh air from the window. With the ominous skies and rumbling in the distance, the air grows chilly. Roger observes Hans standing by the gatehouse, curiously watching the mansion from a distance. Giving that up, he looks around the room, his eye being caught on the valuables left here. That is confusing. Giving it a minute, it actually isn't too confusing. Any "valuables" found so far have been innocuous household items, things that would rationally be found and kept in a home. Granted, no valuables here had been appreciated in a long while, but with the German couple standing guard, it was likely that no one would have entered to do so. (Henry looks for clues of disturbances in the Dining Room.) Although the table is set as if someone were expecting visitors, the plates and glasses bear a heavy coating of dust and grime. A moment's inpection shows that there is no old food present. The room has obviously not been used or even entered for some time. Noticing the door on the west wall of the living room Daniel walks over to it and tries to opens it, but the door is locked. Taking the keys from Henry, he fiddles with the large ring, looking for the right key. Roger walks over to Daniel working a door that lead to another room. Turning from the dining room entrance for a moment, Benjamin peers through the glass of the cabinet to determine what is being displayed inside. Holding his flashlight up to look through the cabinet door at the various bric-a-brac kept safe behind it, Benjamin takes a good, deep look, then suddenly audibly and visibly shivers, a chill running down his spine on display to all, but only for a moment. Behind the glass are various antique tea cups and saucers. The StudyDaniel finds the right key on the ring, fits it into the lock and opens the door slowly. The room beyond is paneled completely in dark wood, sparsely decorated and containing only a large roll-top desk with matching chair plus two smaller chairs placed against the wall. There is a window on each of the exterior walls, and a door to the north. On the east wall toward the north corner of the room is a small fireplace. The mantel is of the same black wood as the one found in the living room. It is, in fact, the same massive piece, extended through the wall to serve both rooms.  The time is now... 11 : 45 AM |
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