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Post by Squashua on May 10, 2009 14:20:09 GMT -5
"If you're looking for something off, this clock's been giving me the funny business" Roger gruffly says as he stares down the clock. "I swore I didn't hear it when we entered, then it started ticking once all of us were in. Then, it stopped, and I've got it ticking again. Something's wrong with it, but I don't know if it's just faulty from age, or if there's something in here causing it to quit working." Roger rubs the back of his head, feeling a mild irritation. "Maybe I'm just paranoid, but an old rich family like this would've presumably have bought one of the finer crafted clocks. Unless it's been accidentally damaged, I would venture a guess to say somebody has been in this house after those Germans refused to come back in here." Roger realizes the grandfather clock is a standard pendulum clock. Pendulum clocks work almost perpetually, but occasionally wind down and require someone to push the pendulum to restart it. This takes a few years, or more often with poorer quality devices. This grandfather clock, while probably requiring a proper service call for re-balancing, is in perfect working order. His memory confirms to Roger that he did not hear the clock ticking when they first walked into the house. |
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Post by Obbi on May 10, 2009 21:12:04 GMT -5
HENRY
Sure.
(Hands Roger a nut bar.)
Anyone else want my nuts? The lock I already asked Hans about,
but he doesn't have the keys and he wouldn't be too happy to
come all the way here in the coming rain. The clock was definitely
ticking when we first came in here though, so don't let fatigue get
to you. Boost up with the Dextrose found in Baby Ruth candy bars! "No, no, I'm certain it started ticking shortly after we entered the Foyer, Slater." Roger looked at the clock with a deep gaze "This model has definitely gone past its prime, so it'll eventually wind down and require someone to get it going again." Roger looked at the floor, possibly for footprints leading off somewhere the men haven't been before. "I find it extremely likely somebody is in this house other than us. Somebody other than us had restarted this clock, and I doubt it was Hans." |
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Post by Squashua on May 10, 2009 21:25:03 GMT -5
HENRY
Sure.
(Hands Roger a nut bar.)
Anyone else want my nuts? The lock I already asked Hans about,
but he doesn't have the keys and he wouldn't be too happy to
come all the way here in the coming rain. The clock was definitely
ticking when we first came in here though, so don't let fatigue get
to you. Boost up with the Dextrose found in Baby Ruth candy bars! "No, no, I'm certain it started ticking shortly after we entered the Foyer, Slater." Roger looked at the clock with a deep gaze "This model has definitely gone past its prime, so it'll eventually wind down and require someone to get it going again." Roger looked at the floor, possibly for footprints leading off somewhere the men haven't been before. "I find it extremely likely somebody is in this house other than us. Somebody other than us had restarted this clock, and I doubt it was Hans." Roger realizes that without even trying, his ability to track is lacking. Even so, the only footprints he sees in the dust are those of his fellow investigators, and nothing out of the ordinary. |
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Post by Wildcat on May 11, 2009 5:19:05 GMT -5
Benjamin looks up from where he is carefully unwrapping his package. "Well, I could always go back and ask, if you really want ...?"
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Post by Mr. Embark on May 11, 2009 7:23:04 GMT -5
Shaking his head and waving it off Daniel says "Don't worry about it Benjamin, i'm sure it was nothing."
"If there are no objections I would like to take a look at the upstairs, if anyone would like to tag along." Grabbing a flashlight Daniel begins walking towards the staircase.
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Post by Wildcat on May 11, 2009 8:23:52 GMT -5
"Good," came the response, "I'd hate to get caught in that weather. Instead, I think I'll join you." With that, Benjamin arms himself and walks beside Daniel to the staircase.
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Post by Squashua on May 11, 2009 8:54:41 GMT -5
Daniel notices Benjamin is carrying a largish shotgun upstairs.
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Post by Squashua on May 11, 2009 10:51:54 GMT -5
The chocolate candy bars were quite palatable. Daniel and Benjamin walk slowly up the creaking stairs to the second floor, Daniel with torch in hand, Benjamin following behind cautiously, trembling slightly, carrying a shotgun. To the observers below, they oddly feel a sense toward Daniel of dead man walking. On their approach, the beam of light falls upon a huge portrait hung from the north wall at the top of the stairs and flanked by two mounted suits of armor bearing long polearms. Wiping away the cobwebs, Daniel reveals and oil painting of Erich Dubois, posed at the wheel of a ship, a far-away look in his eyes. To the right of the stairs is a door, standing half-open to reveal the small room behind it; metal and shiny porcelain glint in the light. Farther down the east wall is a wood-framed archway that opens into a long, dark hall, carpeted with a worn, narrow runner. Next to the archway is another door, this one closed. At the south end of t he hallway is a narrow flight of stairs obviously leading to the third story of the house. A tall, thin door gives access to the area beneath the staircase and very near it, on the west wall, is a larger door, also closed. The walls of the central hallway are decorated with numerous framed drawings and paintings. The house trembles when a loud crack of lightning arcs across the sky, flashing shadows through the shuttered windows.  It is now... 12 : 00 PM, Noon |
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Post by Squashua on May 11, 2009 11:06:32 GMT -5
Leaving some money, and a large-ish tip, Charles decides to walk to the manor, in hopes of meeting up with his cohorts who happen to have much of the supplies. Following the directions given to him by the helpful, yet reluctant waitress, Charles makes his way towards the mansion. The skies look dark in the direction he's headed.
At this point, I know what your character's schedule will be.
Seeing as how there is increasing potential for paths to cross going forward, we will pend further deliberate actions for him until time catches up with both groups.
Meanwhile, please elaborate on the manner in which your character took notes, if at all.
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Post by Mr. Embark on May 11, 2009 12:52:11 GMT -5
Looking at the shut doors Daniel checks his pocket for the keys, patting them to make sure they were still there.
"Well, I'm sure we'll be alright up here." Walking towards the slightly open door Daniel pushes it open and shines the light inside.
"Anyone home?" Daniel adds jokingly.
edited cause I forgot I had the keys
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Post by B:L on May 11, 2009 13:38:22 GMT -5
HENRY
(Sees Daniel and Benjamin heading up.)
Not quite sticking together as I had planned, but at least they're
using a buddy system. Be careful, you two!
(Opens and looks in through the door behind the downstairs study.)
Wonder what goodies are in here? |
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Post by Squashua on May 11, 2009 17:21:04 GMT -5
HENRY
(Walks to the door behind the downstairs study.)
Wonder what goodies are in here? The door opens smoothly into what once must have been a very inviting room. The walls are lined floor to ceiling with bookshelves, absent only where it is necessary to allow for the two windows and the door that leads to and from the study. Two comfortable chairs, draped with sheets, flank a small Moroccan table set with a glass ashtray and a crystal goblet. In the near corner of the room is a fireplace sharing the same black mantelpiece found in the other two rooms, while in the opposite corner, across the room, rests a large, black book atop a stand made of red maple. the floor is decorated by a large Persian rug that reaches almost to the walls. Oil lamps, long unused and dry, are set in a chandelier that hangs from the center of the ceiling.  Walking towards the slightly open door Daniel pushes it open and shines the light inside. "Anyone home?" Daniel adds jokingly. The door opens into a small bathroom containing a porcelain toilet, sink and bathtub. All are dusty, dirty and brown with old stains. The paint is peeling badly and large flakes have fallen from the ceiling onto the thick dust of the floor. The paint on the walls is also slowly dropping off. Large chunks of plaster have fallen off the north wall, revealing the wooden slats behind, and the wall itself has a perceptible bulge to it, as though it were sagging into the room.  |
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Post by B:L on May 11, 2009 20:56:26 GMT -5
I burn the books.HENRY
(Looks up at the dry oil lamps on the chandelier, and appears
to make a mental note to avoid standing under these rusted and
possibly dangerously decrepit decorations.)
Hm, I have to remember to ask Hans if he has any spare oil to help
light this place. How neglectful for a caretaker.
(Lifts up the rug and takes a quick peek under to see if anything
had been hidden under there, then maneuvers over to the black
book to see if he can gleam the title, before looking for that Dubois
book and anything that may relate to a girl who may be the apparation.)
Roger, I'm going to stay here in the library and take a look at
these books. Let me know if you find anything that may relate to
the girl that Mrs. Hans saw or if they come back downstairs.
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Post by Squashua on May 11, 2009 21:17:31 GMT -5
HENRY
(Lifts up the rug and takes a quick peek under to see if anything
had been hidden under there, then maneuvers over to the black
book to see if he can gleam the title, before looking for that Dubois
book and anything that may relate to a girl who may be the apparation.)
Roger, I'm going to stay here in the library and take a look at
these books. Let me know if you find anything that may relate to
the girl that Mrs. Hans saw or if they come back downstairs.
It's tough to roll back the heavy Persian rug without launching a cloud of dust into the air, but Henry somehow manages without too much of a congestion. There is nothing staring back at him, but the hardwood oak floor. He pulls the rug back into place and looks at the large black volume on the book stand. It is a bible, and knowing the Dubois family has a long and apparently wealthy history, it can be inferred that this is the family bible. Henry leaves it be as he scans the shelves for the volume that Charles was loo... there it is. The selection of books here leans heavily toward poetry and the classics, but a fair-sized black book looked out of place in the section reserved for travelogues. The book, noticeable for its lack of a title on the binding proved to be The Voyages and Journees of Brandon Dubois. It's too dark in here to read properly. 12 : 05 PM |
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Post by Mr. Embark on May 12, 2009 4:26:27 GMT -5
Leaving the bathroom Daniel looks around at the shut doors "Probably best we try some of these."
Walking across the hall he approaches the first door closest to the suits of armor and attempts the door.
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Post by Wildcat on May 12, 2009 6:33:59 GMT -5
Ben takes up station on the other side of the door, a few steps back, and brings his shotgun up to a ready position.
Mind the back of your back, Danny boy![/size][/color]
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Post by Squashua on May 12, 2009 10:14:42 GMT -5
Would like to see a little Obbi or durax action before I proceed.
Edit Been almost exactly one week since durax last posted in this thread.
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Post by Wildcat on May 12, 2009 10:20:37 GMT -5
Useless fact #1: I am now the joint-second most prolific player-poster in this thread.
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Post by Oats on May 12, 2009 10:32:50 GMT -5
Notes taken were largely the facts and figures. Dates, place-names, Duboiseses names, causes of untimely demise, weird happenings, that sort of thing. Point form, symbols for things like "and", basic note taking. Charles is starting to believe something is amiss, but he still thinks its perfectly natural.
Or should I write out what precisely I wrote down from the books?
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Post by Squashua on May 12, 2009 10:36:31 GMT -5
Notes taken were largely the facts and figures. Dates, place-names, Duboiseses names, causes of untimely demise, weird happenings, that sort of thing. Point form, symbols for things like "and", basic note taking. Charles is starting to believe something is amiss, but he still thinks its perfectly natural.
Or should I write out what precisely I wrote down from the books? |
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Post by Wildcat on May 12, 2009 10:47:33 GMT -5
Whoops[/size][/color]
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Post by B:L on May 12, 2009 14:12:27 GMT -5
HENRY
(Takes the book and looks for a room with a working lamp/candle.)
Might as well finish exploring the first floor, did anyone check the
door by the stairs and dining room yet? No? Fine, I'll take a look,
but Roger or David can you do me a favor and take a look at the
locked desk in the study? I can't seem to get it open but you two
might have better luck than I, with no mechanical skills.
(Takes a look out the back door, locks it, then checks the next room.) |
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Post by Obbi on May 12, 2009 18:35:05 GMT -5
"Sure Slater, I'll see if I can whizbang a locked desk open. Just keep an ear out for the guys upstairs, I still think somebody's in this house with us."
Roger began to analyze the locked desk in the study for any signs to open it without the appropriate key.
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Post by Oats on May 13, 2009 19:54:04 GMT -5
I'm so going to be shot by Obbi when I arrive, being guilty of "trespassing".
Charles' notes, stored in a small bag slung over one shoulder, were not overly detailed, instead they mostly pertained the facts.
EDIT: Keeper Edit (perk of being a mod.)
Please distribute note specifics only once you've reached the group and are physically capable of sharing, thanks.
I've copied and saved your post elsewhere.
Upon seeing the storm clouds seemingly thickening around the house itself, Charles breaks into a light jog, cursing to himself.
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Post by Squashua on May 14, 2009 0:39:09 GMT -5
HENRY
(Takes the book and looks for a room with a working lamp/candle.) The library itself is well-furnished for the entertainment of guests, which was likely it's original purpose; it simply needs a little more light (and a good dusting) to allow for comfort. Perhaps open the window shutters, or light the fireplace; as with the other fireplaces, it is stocked with tinder, or even getting some of the oil from the lanterns Daniel brought and using it to refill the chandalier, or checking with Hans to see if he has any lamp oil. Considering he was supposed to maintain the house, it would stand to reason he'd have some handy. Meanwhile, decisions have already been made about immediate follow-through actions. HENRY
Roger or David can you do me a favor and take a look at the
locked desk in the study? I can't seem to get it open but you two
might have better luck than I, with no mechanical skills. "Sure Slater, I'll see if I can whizbang a locked desk open. Just keep an ear out for the guys upstairs, I still think somebody's in this house with us." Roger began to analyze the locked desk in the study for any signs to open it without the appropriate key. Pulling out one of the smaller screwdrivers he carries with him from his jacket pocket, Roger sets to work at the small, antique lock. While strongly made from base metals, the lock's intent was to discourage the passively curious, and only stall the more determined. And stall it did. After a minute or so of fidgeting, the lock clicks, and the roll-top rolls upwards, visibly undamaged, revealing a great array of organized and disorganized papers, likely of business intent, in addition to three smaller, closed drawers. HENRYMight as well finish exploring the first floor, did anyone check the
door by the stairs and dining room yet? No? Fine, I'll take a look.
(Takes a look out the back door, locks it, then checks the next room.) The door pulls outward, and Henry peers into The Kitchen. Bare-flored, its cupboard doors hang open and empty. The kitchen seems the most deserted of the rooms found on the first floor. The sink is stained and dry, and thick cobwebs shroud the pump on the counter over-handing it. There is a small, wooden table of simple design, set with two chairs. To one side of the table is a narrow, wooden door with a keyhole. On the other side is a smaller door, of different design and measuring only three feet high and two feet wide, set about four feet about the floor. Henry's experience with houses of this stature leads him to believe this smaller door to be the dumbwaiter. Swinging doors are mounted on this, and the opposite exit from the room.  Leaving the bathroom Daniel looks around at the shut doors "Probably best we try some of these." Walking across the hall he approaches the first door closest to the suits of armor and attempts the door. Ben takes up station on the other side of the door, a few steps back, and brings his shotgun up to a ready position. Daniel's hand grasps the doorknob, when he suddenly shudders, and Ben witnesses the hairs on Daniel's arm standing up on end. PM sent to Daniel (Mr. E.)The time is now... 12 : 10 PM |
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Post by Obbi on May 14, 2009 1:39:32 GMT -5
Roger exhaled with relief, cringing at his cramped hand from his victory over the well-crafted lock. He began to open his mouth to shout for Sir Henry, but his paranoia over the unknown occupant of the house kept him from making such a call.
Instead, Roger peered at the smaller drawers within the desk. Perhaps it would be best to read over the papers to see what kind of business the former owner of the estate was handling before his leave.
With that, Roger began scanning the papers for information.
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Post by Wildcat on May 14, 2009 6:58:32 GMT -5
Ben's eyes widened slightly at Daniel's reaction to the doorknob; he gripped the shotgun even tighter and swallowed nervously at what might lie beyond.
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Post by Squashua on May 14, 2009 9:19:08 GMT -5
Ben takes up station on the other side of the door, a few steps back, and brings his shotgun up to a ready position. Ben's eyes widened slightly at Daniel's reaction to the doorknob; he gripped the shotgun even tighter and swallowed nervously at what might lie beyond. Instead, Roger peered at the smaller drawers within the desk. Perhaps it would be best to read over the papers to see what kind of business the former owner of the estate was handling before his leave. With that, Roger began scanning the papers for information. A cursory look reveals there to be many papers relating to the family businesses, including many yellowed records, letters, legal documents, receipts, shipping bills, etc. Some pertain to the furniture business, others to even less esoteric businesses. It could conceivably take several hours, a proper seat, and good lighting to go through them properly. |
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Post by Mr. Embark on May 14, 2009 10:05:41 GMT -5
Daniel shook and held his hand on the door knob. Looking back at benjamin with a curious look on his face. "That was strange..."
"You might want to get that shotgun ready. I'll open the door, shine the light in and move back and you aim in, could be nothing but you never know."
Daniel lifted the flashlight and twisted the handle. Opening the door he pushed it in as he stepped back shining a light into the room.
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Post by Wildcat on May 14, 2009 10:07:38 GMT -5
I was actually thinking that he would be facing west, with his back to the staircase, with Daniel facing the suit of armour and ready to open the door and swing it open?
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