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Post by Mr. Embark on May 14, 2009 10:08:56 GMT -5
well how bout we both face our backs to the staircase cause I gotta shine the light in anyhow.
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Post by Wildcat on May 14, 2009 10:12:18 GMT -5
Works for me.
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Post by Squashua on May 14, 2009 12:48:42 GMT -5
Opening the door, he pushed it in as he stepped back, shining a light into the room. The door swings inward, but either the electric torch has dimmed, or an eerie, inky blackness pervades the room, as the light cannot penetrate inward further than a couple feet beyond the doorway. The room has the appearance of great size. A large bulky object is across from the door, wavering in the blackness. Both men, their backs to the staircase leading downstairs, hear an odd repetitive creaking at some distance behind them and to the left. No one downstairs hears or sees this. |
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Post by Mr. Embark on May 14, 2009 12:57:06 GMT -5
Looking into the room Daniel swallows hard "So, that's a bit odd." Looking over his shoulder at the odd noise Daniel tries to pin point where it comes from before returning his attention to the room.
Looking back at the room ,then at Benjamin, Daniel wipes at his forehead with his sleeve although no sweat is there.
"Well the room isn't going to explore itself, just keep that shotgun of yours ready." Walking forward , he taps the light to ensure it still works properly as he reaches the opening and peers inside, shining the light in further.
This is getting a bit weird, I hope the guys downstairs hear this odd noise.
David was downstairs, he had returned to his prior job of setting up, he was pulling gear out of the boxes when he began to worry about the gentleman upstairs.
Maybe I should take a peek and see if they need a hand.
He put down the equipment and grabbed a light walking upstairs.
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Post by B:L on May 14, 2009 13:50:57 GMT -5
HENRY
(Enters the kitchen and checks the dumbwaiter to see if anything
was inside, then tries the door that by estimation leads to the pantry.)
Curious, from the dining room it appears that our guests left in
quite a hurry, but the kitchen is completely cleaned out, and I
doubt Hans was responsible. The pantry may shed some light on things.
(Gets his cane handy in case of trouble, but remembers that there's
a cat about that may jump out and spook the other gentlemen.) |
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Post by Squashua on May 14, 2009 14:25:36 GMT -5
HENRY
(Enters the kitchen) When actually standing in the kitchen, Henry's mental map performs a double-take, as he realizes the north wall is considerably closer to the interior of the kitchen, Maybe to allow for extra plumbing?  HENRY
(checks the dumbwaiter to see if anything was inside The dumbwaiter appears empty, but it's tough to gauge as the lighting is so poor. HENRY
then tries the door that by estimation leads to the pantry.) [/tt][/quote] The doorknob is covered in a greenish grime, and there is a keyhole. Which hand does Henry use to test the door? Looking into the room, Daniel swallows hard "So, that's a bit odd." Looking over his shoulder at the odd noise Daniel tries to pin point where it comes from before returning his attention to the room. Possibly one of the closed rooms down the hall to the southwest. It's very quiet and dark in this house at the moment, so it is quite easy for sounds to travel. The creaking sounds are growing further apart, reducing in length, and dimming in volume. Walking forward, he taps the light to ensure it still works properly as he reaches the opening and peers inside, shining the light in further. This is getting a bit weird, I hope the guys downstairs hear this odd noise.It's just creaking wood. House settling, right? Daniel takes a step into the room. KRAKA-BOOM!Lightning explodes quite nearby outside, and the entire house shudders. Flashes of light from the cracks in the shuttered windows blaze through the darkness for but a moment, but penetrate the darkness. Daniel's eyes adjust slowly. One would think they'd have been acclimated to the dark by now, but apparently not. The large bedroom, actually two rooms connected by an archway, has an oddly designed wallpaper covering the wall, and the thickly carpeted floor gives softly underfoot. It is almost impossible to see into the southern end of the room, but in front of Daniel is a massive canopy bed flanked by nightstands. Gauze curtains are drawn around the bed, preventing him from seeing it anything lies therein.  David was downstairs, he had returned to his prior job of setting up, he was pulling gear out of the boxes when he began to worry about the gentleman upstairs. Maybe I should take a peek and see if they need a hand.He put down the equipment and grabbed a light walking upstairs. A new creaking sound permeated the house, drowning out the earlier one, as David ascends the stairs to the second floor. |
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Post by Obbi on May 14, 2009 17:07:06 GMT -5
There's a lot of information here, too much to really go through. Roger set the papers back down on the desk.
Looking over, he attempted to open the three smaller drawers contained in the desk.
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Post by Squashua on May 14, 2009 17:33:21 GMT -5
There's a lot of information here, too much to really go through. Roger set the papers back down on the desk. Looking over, he attempted to open the three smaller drawers contained in the desk. All the drawers are not locked and open right up. Inside the top one is a variety pencils, pens, sharpeners, a letter opener, clips, ink stamps, and assorted implements you would expect to find in a desk. The second drawer contains more used business-styled envelopes and letters, as well as some more legal documents and lists of various business contacts. As Roger draws them out for future perusal, planning to place them on the stack of other documents and seeing as how it's unlikely Maurice would notice, he feels an odd, cooler object underneath, and pulls out a leather-clad journal. KRAKA-BOOM! synchronized with prior post.The journal is in a generally deteriorated condition, the yellowed pages coming loose from the bindings and the faded ink difficult to read, especially under these physical conditions (lighting, atmosphere, etc.) It is apparently the diary of one Aaron Dubois, and starts at 1853. The third drawer contains a proper stack of blank paper, some blank mailing envelopes, and some stamps. |
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Post by B:L on May 14, 2009 17:34:49 GMT -5
(I would imagine that a flashlight would be enough to light a dumbwaiter... unless it's not down in the first place, but I'm not sticking my head in there. Also, what kind of knob is that door using? Something that can be opened by using a foot?)HENRY
(Puts on his gentlemen's gloves and pulls out a hankerchief.)
What is this terrible greenish grime? I wonder if Dubois accepts
it as evidence of a haunting... but we'll check this and the wall later.
(Standing to the left of the door, he opens it with his right hand
using a handkerchief and his left hand with his cane held high.)
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Post by Squashua on May 14, 2009 17:41:46 GMT -5
(I would imagine that a flashlight would be enough to light a dumbwaiter... unless it's not down in the first place, but I'm not sticking my head in there. Also, what kind of knob is that door using? Something that can be opened by using a foot?) The dumbwaiter appears empty, but there could be a large brown stain across the bottom of the cart. Metal knob. Yes, you can use a foot, but do you really want to?HENRY
(Puts on his gentlemen's gloves and pulls out a hankerchief.)
What is this terrible greenish grime? I wonder if Dubois accepts
it as evidence of a haunting... but we'll check this and the wall later.
(Standing to the left of the door, he opens it with his right hand
using a handkerchief and his left hand with his cane held high.) The cold, metal doorknob rattles. It is locked. KRAKA-BOOM! synch |
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Post by B:L on May 14, 2009 17:48:22 GMT -5
KRAKA-BOOM! (The sound of thunder reverberates all around.)HENRY
(Running back to Roger but starts walking before he is reached.)
So, what have you found? There's a locked door in the kitchen and
what I think is a trick wall. Want to take a look together?
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Post by Obbi on May 14, 2009 18:41:37 GMT -5
Roger carefully presents the ancient notebook to Henry.
"I think this is the journal of Aaron Dubois. I can't make out what it says in here, we'll have to get some lighting in the seating room for us to go over the amount of information contained in this desk."
Afraid that moving around will further damage the book, Roger delicately places the book on the desk.
"Alright, let's take a look at that locked door. We'll come back for this afterwards."
Roger makes his way to the Kitchen, preparing his hands for another battle.
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Post by Oats on May 14, 2009 18:46:37 GMT -5
Having been jogging a little while now, what Charles can only hope is the Dubois manor begins to come into view.
Slowing his speed somewhat, he approaches the gate and attempts to hail the man he knows solely as Hans between panting for breath.
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Post by Squashua on May 14, 2009 22:55:02 GMT -5
Roger carefully presents the ancient notebook to Henry. "I think this is the journal of Aaron Dubois. I can't make out what it says in here, we'll have to get some lighting in the seating room for us to go over the amount of information contained in this desk." The library, while secluded, seems more appealing for reading if light is supplied. It was also apparently built for the entertainment of intellectual and political guests. The seating room is more for contemplation, but it is more open. Afraid that moving around will further damage the book, Roger delicately places the book on the desk. Understandable, as some pages might break during any potential roughhousing. "Alright, let's take a look at that locked door. We'll come back for this afterwards." Roger makes his way to the Kitchen, preparing his hands for another battle. Agreeing with Henry as regards the size of the kitchen, it doesn't look like one could easily go through the wall here. The door to what Henry supposed was a pantry is locked as a standard tumbler lock. Granted, there is a key ring just upstairs with Daniel, but Roger was on a lockpicking high. Unfortunately, his screwdriver didn't fit and with the age of the lock, he was afraid of getting something smaller irrevocably jammed in there. It is now... 12 : 15 PM |
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Post by Squashua on May 14, 2009 23:45:03 GMT -5
Having been jogging a little while now, what Charles can only hope is the Dubois manor begins to come into view. Slowing his speed somewhat, he approaches the gate and attempts to hail the man he knows solely as Hans between panting for breath. The time is 02 : 25 PMThe rain had let up and Charles was slightly out of breath on the approach. He put his hands on his knees, when a particularly wet droplet landed on his neck. Reaching back to wipe it off, his hand came away sticky... and red. Startled, he peered upward at the trees... LOSE 30 SAN. (Slow down, hotshot, I'm trying to move them along...)Timeline updated. Notably, the only actual item in this post is the OOC text and the time of arrival. Everyone else's actions are still taking place at 12 : 15 +. |
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Post by B:L on May 14, 2009 23:52:48 GMT -5
HENRY
(Plunks a few candles down on the table by the sofa in the living
room and lights them, providing enough lighting for reading.)
I think they should be fine by themselves upstairs. What say we
plunk down here and get some research done before blindly
charging into whatever lays in the darkness, Roger?
(Pats the seat next to him by the sofa, dusting it off.)
This is as good a place as any. Multiple exits, and we can catch
Charles if he comes in early, so he won't have to wander for us.
(Starts with the Journees book, looking for anything that may point
to the female apparition, artifacts of strange descent, or any information
of value to this investigation of the Dubois manor.) |
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Post by Mr. Embark on May 15, 2009 3:32:24 GMT -5
Looking to the window as the thunder hits Daniel sighs "See it wasn't anything, just the bed." Speaking more to himself than to Benjamin.
Walking into the room Daniel flashes the light around trying to get a feel for the room. "Well this must be the master bedroom, or just a really large spare room."
Shaking a bit, the light going around the room and finally ending on the bed. "Well then, think we should move to the next room?"
--
David walks up the stairs and notices the large painting, then looking around he spots the suits of armor.
Never seen anything like that before.
Turning around he spots Daniel and Benjamin walking into a room where the darkness seems to defy the light in Daniels hand. Noticing a strange noise behind him David begins to feel a bit nervous. Eyeballing the suits of armor again he looks at the two men now in the room.
"Hey guys, wait for me!" David says as he hurries over to the room.
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Post by Squashua on May 15, 2009 9:00:34 GMT -5
Attention B:L and Obbi
If you guys "settle in" to perform the research to "wait" for Oats, understand that Wildcat and Embarkation aren't idle, and we'll still have to play out their parts upstairs in 5 minute intervals.
You know, in case something happens. Like, for example, a shotgun going off. I'm certain one of you would naturally make his way upstairs to check out what the hell happened, etc.
That shotgun thing was just an example.
Keep this in mind when deciding to take now as a time to do research.
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Post by Squashua on May 15, 2009 12:33:28 GMT -5
Looking to the window as the thunder hits Daniel sighs "See it wasn't anything, just the bed." Speaking more to himself than to Benjamin. Walking into the room Daniel flashes the light around trying to get a feel for the room. "Well this must be the master bedroom, or just a really large spare room." Shaking a bit, the light going around the room and finally ending on the bed. "Well then, think we should move to the next room?" His eyes finally adjust to the light. The walls are covered in a flowered wallpaper, and the soft underfooting proved to be thick, comfortable rugs. The south end of the room contains a dressing table, wardrobe, and other, smaller pieces of furniture. Daniel turns to leave. PM sent.David joins the other two in the master bedroom. Anyone may manipulate David for now, including Oats, Obbi or B:L. HENRY
(Plunks a few candles down on the table by the sofa in the living
room and lights them, providing enough lighting for reading.)
Henry shakes the matches out as the candles flare up, providing some, yet poor reading light. Probably the hurricane-style lamps on the tables or wall-mounts might provide better use. Roger adjusts the slapping shutters on the south window, making sure they no longer slap against the walls. As the only window in the house, it lets in a fair amount of light, even with the storm outside. He considers opening more, as it is quite suffocating in here and they could do with a bit of fresh air. Any future references to lighting as regards this portion of the narrative take place before the time of 12 : 20 PMHENRY
(Starts with the Journees book, looking for anything that may point
to the female apparition, artifacts of strange descent, or any information
of value to this investigation of the Dubois manor.) , while bound in expensive-looking leather and printed in heavy paper, has a great length and it's amateurish style would prove to be a challenge. It would take an uneducated man several hours to pore through. Luckily for him, Henry had years of experience reading through poorly written material. Introduction and Foreward as published earlier in this thread. Each subsequent chapter will be delivered as read.Roger brings the paperwork and journal in from the other room, spreads it out across the table, and starts organizing. |
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Post by Squashua on May 15, 2009 13:29:28 GMT -5
EARLIER... around 11 : 50HENRY
No need, just fulfilling my contractual obligations. Now that I'm
energized for anything, let's find some clues.
(Takes the open glass sphere and empties it out on the nearby
sofa, taking care not to drop it.) The dusty mess clings to the inside of the sphere. Henry shakes it a bit more, and several lumps fall out onto the couch. There are tiny bones within, the unmistakable scales and skeletons of small, dessicated fish.
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Post by B:L on May 15, 2009 13:47:27 GMT -5
(I thought it wasn't important! Just consider me as having dusted that off the sofa onto the floor with the glass sphere being placed behind the sofa out of the way.)(Henry and Roger are deep in their literary research.)HENRY
(Looks up from his reading.)
I would be willing to wager that Charles has already read through
most of this. I doubt I would find any details that he would have
missed. If a man read through this at an average pace while taking
notes, they would have completed a few chapters at the least. By
my calculation, if Charles is arriving at that specified time... he
would have stopped... right around here. A good starting point.
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Post by Squashua on May 15, 2009 13:54:10 GMT -5
(I thought it wasn't important! Just consider me as having dusted that off the sofa onto the floor with the glass sphere being placed behind the sofa out of the way.)(Henry and Roger are deep in their literary research.)HENRY
(Looks up from his reading.)
I would be willing to wager that Charles has already read through
most of this. I doubt I would find any details that he would have
missed. If a man read through this at an average pace while taking
notes, they would have completed a few chapters at the least. By
my calculation, if Charles is arriving at that specified time... he
would have stopped... right around here. A good starting point. Last Henry heard, Charles was to be picked up by David around five-o-clock that evening. |
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Post by B:L on May 15, 2009 14:00:00 GMT -5
(Well I just didn't want to tread similar ground. You're the CoC pro, what do people usually do when they research the same material?)HENRY
I wonder if David remembers that he is to pick up Charles at 5?
We should give him a reminder when the time draws near.
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Post by Squashua on May 15, 2009 14:07:00 GMT -5
(Well I just didn't want to tread similar ground. You're the CoC pro, what do people usually do when they research the same material?)
Game Mechanics Time!
A given book takes X time to read.
The following are factors that adjust read time:
1 - Reader Intelligence
2 - Reader Education
3 - Reader knowledge of Language the book is written in
4 - Reader physical condition (tired, drunk)
5 - General experience with the material / subject matter.
6 - Environment (lighting, comfort level).
Charles is a highly educated character with a higher Intelligence and Education than most, in addition to literature skills. A somewhat exhausted and semi-inebriated Charles read this book in a "modern" library, starting past the first two chapters (having read them the night before at the Boston Library), and according to our time scale, took approximately three and a half hours (total four, counting the earlier evening).
Edit: And yes, I do delete my posts and re-post them when I've edited the response to be more comprehensive.
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Post by B:L on May 15, 2009 14:25:19 GMT -5
HENRY
(Fiddles with the lamps to try and get some better lighting.)
What a horrible night to read a verse.
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Post by Squashua on May 15, 2009 14:51:27 GMT -5
HENRY
(Fiddles with the lamps to try and get some better lighting.)
What a horrible night to read a verse.
There is no oil in the lamps and it isn't even close to night yet. |
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Post by B:L on May 15, 2009 15:37:42 GMT -5
HENRY
(Fiddles with the lamps to try and get some better lighting.)
What a horrible night to read a verse.
There is no oil in the lamps and it isn't even close to night yet. |
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Post by Squashua on May 15, 2009 15:42:17 GMT -5
The unpacked items are in the foyer, as David wasn't told where to put them and there was an anticipation of rain. And yes, there is oil.
Commandeering the kerosene from the lanterns in Daniel's stash, Roger and Henry fill and light the hurricane lanterns in the living room, making it habitable, if a bit stuffy and dusty.
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Post by Oats on May 15, 2009 16:55:17 GMT -5
Given Charles' high intellect, edu and reading conditions, can I just steal the summary you PM'd me?
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Post by B:L on May 15, 2009 23:22:12 GMT -5
HENRY
(Reading the journal of Aaron Dubois.)
Boy, would Charles be surprised when he gets here!
[/quote] |
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