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Post by Squashua on Jun 10, 2009 23:08:51 GMT -5
TEXT READ TIMES (by Character)
5 : 40 PM
OOC = read
Journeeys of Brandon Dubois
TIME: 8 hours
Daniel: 6h, 10m
Roger: 7h, 3m
David: 6h, 24m 1h
Henry: 5h, 12m 5m
Charles: 4h, 20m 4h, 20m
Benjamin: 4h, 52m
Business Papers
TIME: 3 hours
Daniel: 2h, 17m
Roger: 2h, 21m 1h, 35m
David: 2h, 39m
Henry: 2h, 26m
Charles: 2h, 6m
Benjamin: 2h, 12m 1h, 20m
Journal of Aaron Dubois
TIME: 4 hours
Daniel: 3h, 5m
Roger: 3h, 32m
David: 3h, 12m
Henry: 2h, 36m 2h, 36m
Charles: 2h, 10m
Benjamin: 2h, 27m
Log of the Tanager
TIME: 14 hours (840m)
Daniel: 10h, 47m
Roger: 12h, 20m
David: 11h, 46m
Henry: 9h, 6m
Charles: 7h, 34m
Benjamin: 8h, 33m
Diary of Virginia Dubois
TIME: 4 hours
Daniel: 3h, 5m
Roger: 3h, 32m
David: 3h, 12m
Henry: 2h, 36m
Charles: 2h, 10m
Benjamin: 2h, 27m
Letters of Bertrand
TIME: 30 minutes
Daniel: 24m
Roger: 27m
David: 24m
Henry: 20m
Charles: 17m
Benjamin: 19m
Journal of Bertrand
TIME: 3 hours
Daniel: 2h, 17m
Roger: 2h, 39m
David: 2h, 39m
Henry: 1h, 57m
Charles: 1h, 38m
Benjamin: 1h, 50m
Diary of Allen Dubois
TIME: 6 hours
Daniel: 4h, 34m
Roger: 5h, 18m
David: 5h, 18m
Henry: 3h, 56m
Charles: 3h, 16m
Benjamin: 3h, 40m
The Secret Book
TIME: 3 hours
Daniel: 2h, 17m
Roger: 2h, 39m
David: 2h, 10m
Henry: 1h, 47m
Charles: 1h, 38m
Benjamin: 1h, 50m
Letters to Beatrice
TIME: 1 hour
Daniel: 47m
Roger: 53m
David: 48m
Henry: 39m
Charles: 33m
Benjamin: 37m
Diary of Beatrice
TIME: 1 hour
Daniel: 47m 47m
Roger: 53m
David: 48m
Henry: 39m
Charles: 33m
Benjamin: 37m
Diary of Aaron Dubois
TIME: 2 hours
Daniel: 1h, 33m
Roger: 1h, 46m
David: 1h, 36m
Henry: 1h, 18m
Charles: 1h, 5m
Benjamin: 1h, 14m 20m
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Post by Squashua on Jun 23, 2009 13:45:02 GMT -5
Art Museum - 1855
Library - 1852
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DUBOIS PAPERS ARTICLES
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New Hampshire Herald
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ITEM 1
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1873
A birth announcement for Henry Wadsworth Hamelin, son of Bertrand and Deborah Dubois Hamelin.
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ITEM 2
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DUBOIS PAPERS 1
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ITEM 3
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1893
A birth announcement tells the birth of a son, Maurice, to Virginia Dubois. The father is not named.
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ITEM 4
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DUBOIS PAPERS 2
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ITEM 5
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1911
An obituary announcing the death of Virginia Dubois from natural causes.
===========================
New Hampshire Gazette
===========================
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ITEM 1
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1852
An obituary for Elizabeth Dubois, who died at the age of 20. No cause of death is given.
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ITEM 2
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1857
A birth announcement for Virginia Dubois, born of Aaron and Beatrice.
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ITEM 3
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1859
An obituary for Priscilla Dudley Dubois. Death was attributed to pneumonia. She is survived by her husband, Henry, and her son, Aaron.
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ITEM 4
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1861
The paper lists men who have joined the Union forces. Captain Aaron Dubois is among them.
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ITEM 5
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A story dated September, 1862, tells of Captain Aaron Dubois' citing for heroism at the second Battle of Bull Run.
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ITEM 6
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1863
An obituary announcing the death of Henry Wadsworth Dubois, "from a mercifully brief illness."
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ITEM 7
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DUBOIS PAPERS 3
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ITEM 8
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DUBOIS PAPERS 4
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Library Research
=========================
History of Rockingham County, 1836-1912, published in 1914.
There are a number of references to the Dubois family here, including notice of the efforts put forth by Henry and Aaron toward the incorporation of the city of Exeter in 1850 along with their early interest in furniture manufacture, which came to prominence in the area in 1859. Most of the information is of a civic nature and holds little interest, however one story about the war hero Aaron Dubois mentions speculation that he had once been a link in the underground railroad and had kept a secret room in the basement of the Dubois home to this end.
=======================
DUBOIS PAPERS 1
=======================
Article from The New Hampshire Herald dated 1878.
An accident yesterday, at the site of an archaeological excavation west of Exeter, has left one man seriously injured and two others suffering from minor cuts and bruises.
Bertrand Hamelin, who is credited with the discovery of the Indian mound being excavated, is resting in Exeter Hospital recovering from multiple injuries and broken bones stemming from the accident. Apparently, a large iron tripod, used to support a heavy block and tackle, slipped down the side of the earthen mound, troppled over and trapped the unfortunate Mr. Hamelin beneath it. Workers at the site can give no explanation for the accident, but a spokesman for Miskatonic University, which is in charge of the dig, has announced that despite the accident, work will continue as scheduled.
Mr. Hamelin, a business graduate of the University, is married to Deborah Dubois, daughter of local Civil War hero Aaron Dubois and presently resides on the Dubois property where he first discovered the mound. Doctors have not released details regarding his injuries, but he is listed in fair condition and expected to recover.
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DUBOIS PAPERS 1-A
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A volume published in 1880 by Miskatonic University Press, written by a Dr. Richard Penhew.
Holds a scientific report on findings made in the excavation of a small Pennacook Indian mound located west of Exeter.
The discoveries at the site were of a singularly unspectacular nature.
The book is dedicated to Bertrand Hamelin, who was severely injured during the course of the excavation, and who is credited with first discovering the mound, located on the Dubois family property.
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DUBOIS PAPERS 2
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Article from The New Hampshire Herald dated 1898.
It was announced today that Beatrice Dubois, wife of the late Aaron Dubois, died yesterday as the result of a fall in her home, Her daughter, Virginia Dubois, said the older woman had been in poor health for the last few years and was kept confined to the house. She apparently stumbled and fell while descending the staircase in the family home. The Dubois name is well-known in Exeter. Earlier members of the family were instrumental in the incorporation of the city, and the name Dubois can be found on many public buildings including the public library and art museum.
Mrs. Dubois is survived not only by her daughter Virginia, but by a grandson, Maurice, and another daughter, Deborah, now residing in Bangor, Maine. Private services are scheduled for tomorrow and the body will be interred in the family plot located on the Dubois property.
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DUBOIS PAPERS 3
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Article from The New Hampshire Gazette dated 1863.
Allen Dubois, of the Exeter Dubois', died yesterday in his home, the result of an accidental, self-inflicted gunshot wound to the stomach. The accident was reported by Captain Aaron Dubois, a cousin of Allen, presently home on leave from the Union Army.
According to the report, Mr. Dubois was cleaning the pistol in an upstairs room of the Dubois mansion when the weapon accidentally discharged, striking him full in the stomach. He expired before a doctor could be summoned. Graveside services will be held at the family home.
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DUBOIS PAPERS 4
=======================
Article from The New Hampshire Gazette dated 1866.
It was learned today that Captain Aaron Dubois is dead. His body was found late yesterday evening in the woods near his home apparently the victim of a freak hunting accident. Having left the home earlier in the day, the family became worried when he did not return in time for dinner. A gunshot had been heard earlier in the afternoon, but was thought that Mr. Dubois had been firing on game. The grim discovery made later showed that Dubois, while stepping through a tangle of briars, had apparently fallen, causing his rifle to discharge, and killing him instantly.
Aaron Dubois, besides being well known for his military exploits in defense of the Union, is also well-remembered for his intensive efforts to incorporate the city of Exeter and his unfailing devotion to public causes. These include helping to establish the city’s first library and its first art museum.
Captain Dubois' widow was unavailable for comment. Funeral arrangements have not yet been made.
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DUBOIS PAPERS 5
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8 hours cover-to-cover
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A condensed version of The Voyages and Journees of Brandon Dubois
Introduction
This is written by Henry Wadsworth Dubois in tribute to his younger brother, "a hale and hearty man who could never resist a challenge," and, among other things, tells of Brandon's sudden death in 1847. It mentions the book was incomplete at the time of Brandon’s death and that a limited edition of fifty copies will be printed and distributed to friends, family, and public institutions.
Foreward
From here on, the book is written by Brandon, and in this section describes how he was "commissioned" by his brother to travel to Europe and beyond in search of antique furnishings, works of art, fine woods and carpets, tapestries, and anything else that would add to the value and prestige of the family home. At the same time, he hoped to find time to do some exploring and hunting.
Chapter I
This chapter describes the trans-Atlantic voyage by clipper ship. Brandon tells of a gigantic waterspout seen by the crew and passengers on the third day of the voyage.
Chapter II
Arrival in London. The early parts of the chapter are concerned with the time spent at auctions of art and furniture while in the city. Later in the chapter he describes some of the finer dining establishments to be found in the city.
Chapter III
Leaving London, Brandon writes of a short trip to the north of Scotland where he investigates an ancient oval enclosure built of granite rocks It is presumed to have been built by a Celtic tribe, the mystery being its vitrified interior. Inside, the granite has been melted by intense heat into a glass-like glaze. This would require temperatures in excess of 1300 degrees C. No normal fire could possibly produce this effect. While returning through the south, Brandon stops near Dumfries where he selects a huge European oak from a stand of trees about two miles west of town. This lumber will be used to refurbish portions of the house.
Chapter IV
Sailing across the English Channel, Brandon arrives in Paris. Here he chances to meet a rare book dealer he describes as a "very mysterious fellow." Brandon purchases an unnamed volume from the man and makes an appointment to meet him the following evening to view some other rare volumes. The next morning, the book dealer’s shop is discovered open and looted, and the old man’s body later found floating on the Seine.
Chapter V
This chapter contains a lengthy description of Brandon’s travels through central and eastern Europe on his way to the Near East. While in Transylvania, he receives an opportunity to visit a mysterious castle high in the mountains, but at the last minute is forced to decline due to time considerations.
Chapter VI
While in Beirut, Brandon meets an old Muslim who tells him the legend of a nameless city constructed long before people walked the earth, and now forgotten to mankind. The old man claims to know its location and Brandon briefly considers mountmg an expedition before dismissing the idea. Brandon spends several weeks in and around Syria and Palestine, collecting carpets, tapestries, imported woods, and many other items for the Dubois household.
Chapter VII
While in Cairo, Egypt, Brandon visits the Sphinx and experiences a vision. He does not describe what he saw, but does mention that the night before he had taken the opportunity to sample a small bit of hashish purchased from his hired guide. From a dealer in Cairo, Brandon purchases a shipment of exotic woods brought from the interior of the continent. Among these pieces are large blocks of dense, black wood called ebony. Brandon also tells of the purchase from this same dealer, of a fetish, stolen from one of the tribes of the interior. Brandon describes it as being about a foot tall, carved of wood, and studded with metal nails. It is in the likeness of an ugly, squat demon.
Chapter VIII
In this chapter, Brandon describes the first portion of a safari to equatorial Africa in search of big game. He is particularly interested in reports of a strange, purple brown, deer-like animal, said to be known to the tribes of the interior.
It was at this point in the writing of the book that Brandon was stricken by his fatal illness and his story ends rather abruptly while halfway through the hunting expedition.
============
DUBOIS PAPERS 6
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3 hours in business papers, relevant only if looking for it.
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A letter dated June, 1844, addressed to Henry Dubois, from the foreman at one of the family sawmills.
James Lessert, Foreman
Blake River Mill No. 1
June, 1844
Dear Mr. Dubois,
In regards to the delay surrounding the milling and cutting of the lumber recently received in the shipment from overseas, I regret to inform you that the delay has increased, When I last wrote you in May, I had expected the work to be finished before the end of the following month and explained the delay then to the fact that the saws would have to be frequently reset to make all the different cuts that you required. Since that time, another problem has occurred that will, I fear, increase the delay again. The main saw, used to make the initial cuts on the larger pieces has been accidentally damaged. I personally oversaw the operation and the man operating the saw is our most skilled employee. Nonetheless, the main blade has fractured and will need to be replaced. The manufacturer, located in New York, has assured me that shipment will take no longer than four weeks at which time we will be able to proceed with the job. In the meantime, I would recommend specifically against trying to cut these large pieces at another of the mills. All of their saws are less accurate than the one here and I believe that the problem stems from the operator’s initial unfamiliarity with the strange and exotic woods that you would use, Therefore, I would suggest that the added delay of waiting for the shipment of the new blade, to be followed by the cutting, here, of the rest of the shipment would be rewarded.
Humbly yours,
James Lessert
===============
DUBOIS PAPERS 7
=================
3 hours in business papers, relevant only if looking for it.
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A copy of a letter sent by Henry Dubois to an employee permanently injured while helping to carry in the large block of oak that was used as a mantle over the east fireplace.
To Peter Cornwall,
I and my family were very sorry to learn of the permanence of the injuries you received while in our employ. The fact that it happened in our home grieves us even more.
While by no means can I or the company accept responsibility for the accident (I, myself, had told the foreman that more men would be needed for the job, that the large blocks of wood were very heavy, and maneuvering them through the doorway would be difficult and dangerous work), we would not wish your family (my foreman tells me you have a wife and four children) to suffer unduly from your further inability to earn a proper living. Please accept the enclosed draft for $250, the least our family can do for yours in gratitude for the years of service you have given.
Sincerely yours,
Henry W. Dubois
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DUBOIS PAPERS 8
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4 hours in Aaron Journal
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This journal was kept from early 1853 until Aaron departed to fight in the Civil War. It primarily details business and social engagements, and minor matters of note, mostly pertaining to civic interests about Exeter, but the following entry does prove interesting and of some relevance.
Excerpt from the journal of Aaron Dubois.
June 12, 1853
A strange event took place last evening. About eight o'clock, as I sat reading Gibbons in the living room, I was aroused by a weak, but seemingly urgent knocking upon the front door. Quickly marking my place, I hurried to the foyer and pulled open the door to find a man, of dark skin and obviously foreign birth, dressed in a dark cloak, huddled against the driving rain. I invited the poor wretch in and as he stepped across the sill, he was set with a wracking cough so dreadful, I was compelled to take him by the arm, for without support, I am sure that he would have fallen to the floor.
At this same moment, Beatrice appeared, and seeing the poor man's condition, insisted that he be taken upstairs immediately and put to bed in one of the guest rooms. Despite his weakened condition, it was necessary that he climb the stairs all the way to the third floor, all the rooms on the lower floors presently being occupied, and as I helped the man, I tried to talk with him only to discover that he knew not a word of English. I could not begin to guess what strange, Asiatic tongue he used, but I’m sure it was an expression of sincere thanks that he gave to us that evening before his passing. Refusing all and any offers of food, we left him to rest and the wracking cough soon came to a stop and we assumed that he was sleeping peacefully. It was this morning that it was discovered he was dead, passing away some time quietly during the night, God rest his soul.
Allen has been sent to town to bring the doctor but not until after I was forced to listen to his raging about the "bringing of foreigners into our home," although this time I would have to admit that he may have been the wiser last night when, upon learning of the stranger’s presence, protested loudly and vehemently, the wisdom of my decision. I must admit I am at a loss to explain the man's mysterious illness and upon checking the pockets of clothing, I find that he carried almost no money and absolutely nothing that would identify him. As for the disposal of the body, I have already talked this matter over with Beatrice, and we have decided that if it proves impossible to identify the man, we will have him given a proper Christian burial in the family plot. I am sure that Allen will protest the decision, but it has been decided that it is the only proper thing to do.
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DUBOIS PAPERS 9
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Instantly after finding Bible
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The suicide letter of Elizabeth Dubois
My dearest Mother and Father,
Please try to understand what I am about to do and remember me in your prayers. I know God has written that it is wrong, but I have been assured by a voice from another world that death in this world will be followed by rebirth in another, more glorious and beautiful than can be imagined. I have made the decision to join this voice in the other world.
I have never told anyone about this voice for fear that the family would think me mad, but I have been "talking" with it since I was but a little girl. I first heard the voice while in the sitting room and it came to me all of a sudden and I was scared at first. But later I heard it again, calling my name, and this time I answered; not with my voice, but somehow just by thinking what I wanted to say. This voice has told me many things over the time I have spent in its company and he has now invited me to join him. The time has come for me to leave this mundane existence.
Tell Aaron I am sorry I won’t see him for a while and give my love to the rest of the family.
Your loving daughter,
Elizabeth Dubois
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DUBOIS PAPERS 10
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14 hours of study
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The log of the Tanager
This old record can be found in the sea-chest of Erich.
It is a record of the voyages he made while captain of the ship and a memento of his life at sea. It is quite derailed and lengthy, most of it dull and along with its archaic script, quite tedious to read requiring 14 hours of study. It will also require successful Read English rolls to note the following 'interesting' passages contained in the latter portions of the log.
June 21, 1817
Left Samoa today. Intend to sail north.
A ship was spotted near the horizon, the watch identified it as possibly the "Columby" out of lnnsmouth. It would be captained by Obed Marsh if it is. Winds are fair and we will set course for the Solomons.
January 8, 1818
Saw Marsh's ship again today, headed easterly. He must be coming out of the Caroline Islands, he has been doing a lot of trading in that area the last few years and I think that It is somehow connected with the family's seemingly replenished financial resources. The "Hetty" and the "Sumatra Queen" both have made voyages there. I would not mind learning the source of their new-found wealth myself.
February 12, 1818
A stroke of luck today. One of the crew, while ashore, discovered in a tavern one of Obed Marsh's men. This sailor apparently jumped ship while the "Columby" was here m port and is of the lowest type, addle-headed and addicted to rum. Nonetheless, he knew the port in which old Obed has been trading, a primitive native village located not far from the island of Ponape. It cost me but little money to persuade him to indicate the tiny island's position on the chart, but no amount of persuasion could get him to agree to accompanying us. For this reason I distrust the man, thinking that he has purposely sold me bad information. But if that is so, why would he sell it for the price of a few bottles of rum? I also had to promise not to reveal his existence to anyone for he fears reprisals from Captain Marsh, so again, I doubt his reason to do me wrong. I have decided to set sail in the morning.
March 14, 1818
Have left the Carolines today, God help us all. We have discovered the source of Obed's wealth and have paid with some of our lives and souls. I pray for those of us left and ask a merciful God to cast down his wrath upon the accursed Marsh and those things with which he consorts. I have lost six men, some to the blasphemous thing that rose out of the sea, and some to the madness that beset most of my crew afterward. Mate Hannigan, I must say, deserves as much praise for saving us as any. Without his able help I don't believe that I could have brought the "Tanager" out alone. I fear now for his soul. He has grown increasingly quieter and now refuses to speak at all. Perhaps that madness has beset him now that it has left most of the crew. Heaven help provide a safe passage home for us. I would return home, if I might, and there make arrangements to move my family. Move them somewhere far from the sea and the things that I have discovered living there. God save us all.
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11
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4 hours to read
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The diary of Virginia
This book was kept only intermittently and spans the years 1889 to 1911. It requires no Read rolls but it will take an investigator 4 hours to thoroughly read. It contains only two clues.
The first information found is the general chronicling of the steadily increasing insanity of Beatrice. Besides revealing the old woman's tendencies toward somnambulism, there is also an attempt to phonetically spell the strange mouthings and mutterings of the sleepwalking woman. A successful Linguist roll reveals the words to be old Gaelic.
The second revelation contained is the identity of Maurice's father as Harvey Rawson, a young man who Virginia employed for a few months as a handy man. A little investigation around town will turn up Harvey, now a skid-row wino with half a mind. He never knew Virginia had a child and upon learning he has a son will seek out Maurice to be "reunited with his family." Maurice's reaction will be similar and the investigators can expect to be the recipients of some kind of consideration from Maurice.
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12
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Found after 30 minutes of searching letters in upstairs study
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Letter to Bertrand Hamelin from the University of Michigan
Dear Bertrand,
How kind of you to write. Of course I remember you, you were one of my favorite students and I still think that you should have followed your instincts and pursued a career in archaeology. I thing that it would have suited you far better than the business education you choose.
But enough of that. In answer to your questions, yes, your discovery sounds authentic. As you describe it, it would sound like a mound as sometimes built by the Pennacook tribe, but there are some rather odd details you mentioned that I would like to see for myself before making a final judgment. As for the chances of undertaking an excavation this summer, I would say that if the mound proves authentic, that chances are good. It would require little funding from the University as I would choose to use some of my students who, although untrained m some aspects, are willing and able workers. Of course I am willing to accept your offer of aid in the project and in light of the general inexperience of the students I would be using, even your admittedly limited experience should prove valuable.
Sincerely yours,
Professor R. Penhew
====================
13
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3 hours to read; upstairs study
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The journal of Bertrand Hamelin. This slim volume was kept from near the date of his marriage to Deborah in 1872 until he moved his family to Detroit in 1880. The entries are sparse and it reads more like a scientific journal than personal memoirs. It will require no Read rolls and only three hours time to thoroughly digest the contents.
Reading the journal the investigator will discover that Bertrand, although in possession of a business degree, fancied himself a scientist and the book is filled with his observations on all facets of the natural world including studies of the local fauna and flora. Preferring this to regular employment he was content to live off his wife’s inheritance and the notebook is clearly intended to be used as source material for a future book. In addition, the investigator may find the following entries of specific interest.
August 28, 1875
Last night, while standing at the back door, my attention was attracted by a sizzling, rushing sound that seemed to come from above and behind me. Looking over my shoulder I was just in time to see a large ball of fire, sparks trailing in its wake, arc across the heavens over the roof of our house. I did not see it travel far before it seemed to explode with the sound of a far distant cannon, pieces streaking off in all directions from the sudden demolition. Most of these pieces seemed to burn up and disappear but one, apparently larger than the rest survived the explosion and as it fell into the woods north of the house I could hear the sound of breaking branches. My attempts to locate it by lamplight last night were unsuccessful but this morning, by the light of day, I was fortunate enough to locate the object, laying in a deep furrow in the earth, still warm from its passage across the heavens. It was not as large as I had thought measuring only eight or ten inches across but its glazed surface spoke of the high temperatures that it had endured. Time has not allowed me full and proper study of the object but in the meantime I have placed the celestial remnant on the mantle in the living room where it adds a touch that the room otherwise lacks.
March 25, 1878
A day of discovery! While walking through the north woods today I discovered what all evidence leads me to believe is a mound, perhaps a grave-site, left here by Indians. It is odd that I never before took notice of the oddly circular hill in the woods, but it is covered with a quite dense growth of trees and I probably wouldn’t have noticed it if it had not been for the melting snows. It was so obvious as I passed through, the bare, circular mound surrounded by snow-covered ground all around. I will write Professor Penhew at once and hope that I can interest hint in verifying and excavating the find.
July 5, 1878
The major part of the excavation of the mound begins tomorrow. Initial digging is completed and the students have erected a large tripod, fitted with a block and tackle, to lift the huge flat stones that seem to roof the anticipated chambers below. Although we have as yet to discover anything of real significance, our finds being limited to a few arrowheads and unidentifiable clay shards, the high spirits of the students does not fail to lend an air of excitement to the whole undertaking. I find myself barely able to wait until tomorrow.
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14
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6 hours to read
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The diary of Allen Closson Dubois. This book can be found behind a secret panel of the desk in the third floor library. ft was kept secretly by Allen from 1853 until his death in 1863 and is quite lengthy. Reading the book will take an investigator 6 hours and he will find that most of it is a rambling discourse against other members of the family. The investigator will be required to make a successful Read English roll to gain each of the following clues.
Any investigator making a Psychoanalysis roll after reading the complete book, regardless of how many specific clues were obtained, will come to understand some of the character of the madman, Allen Dubois. His progressively worsening alcoholism and an obsession with being buried alive will become obvious. The keeper may wish to add, as he deems appropriate an additional clue or two regarding the personality or behavior patterns of this man. These additional clues may be supplied in an effort to aid or mislead the players, as desired.
1853
Allen excitedly writes of his anticipation of the delivery of a volume of fiction he has ordered from a New York publishing firm. It apparently is a book of short stories by an author named Edgar Allan Poe.
1854
More references to the writer named Poe. Allen pays particular attention to a couple of stories. One is "The Black Cat" and the other is "The Cask of Amontillado."
1854
Allen is upset. It seems that he overheard Henry and Aaron discussing plans in the third floor study to remodel the house. Apparently, the convenience of the family is not the only thing they have in mind. Allen believes that they are intending to use the house to help smuggle escaping slaves north to Canada; an idea that he disapproves of intensely.
1857
Allen has had a serious argument with his cousin. He has confronted Aaron with the fact that he knows what he has been doing in regards to the smuggling of escaped slaves. Apparently, Aaron told Allen that if he tried to expose the activities of the family, he would kill him.
1859
Allen has discovered a book that once belonged to his father. It is a book of dark secrets and strange tales that was originally purchased by Brandon Dubois while traveling in Europe. Somehow David came into possession of the mysterious volume, for he signed his name on the inside cover, beneath a number of other, unknown signatures. Allen writes that, after reading it, he has likewise decided to sign the book.
1861
Aaron has enlisted in the Union forces and gone to war. Allen feels that due to the weakened condition of Henry, he is now in charge of the household. It is obvious that Allen is in a vengeful frame of mind and will begin by winning the senile Henry's confidence and then offering to help him in the smuggling of the slaves.
1862
After terrorizing the family with threats and curses for the last year, Allen has finally committed his heinous plan sealing four escaping slaves in the secret room of the basement and leaving them to die. In the meantime, he has assured Henry that they escaped during the night and that he had to seal off the room and destroy any evidence of their presence due to suspicions being raised by certain, unsympathetic, circles in town.
1863
Triumph! In a drunken rage, Allen has confronted Henry with his dark deed, causing the old man to be stricken with a fatal heart attack. Allen gloats after the old man's death.
1863
In one of the last entries, Allen tells how Beatrice must have overheard his last conversation with the old man and written to Aaron. Aaron will be arriving home soon. Allen is very fearful of what Aaron may do.
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15
==============================
3 hours
---------------------------------
The Secret Book.
Found with the Diary of Allen Dubois.
This untitled Mythos volume is a rambling text written in English and claims to be a study of necromancy taken from a Book of the Dead that originated in either ancient Persia or Afghanistan. It takes a Read English roll to successfully read the work, and the investigator faces a loss of 1D4 SAN points along with a potential gain of 4% added to his Cthulhu Mythos score. The book contains one spell, Summon Ghost, which may be learned with a roll of INTx5% (see page 62 under “Spells.”)
Among the numerous signatures on the inside cover are those of David Douglas Dubois and Allen Closson Dubois.
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16
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Letters in Beatrice Room - 1 hour
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The letters of Aaron Dubois. This is a bundle of old, yellowed envelopes, tied with a blue ribbon, and containing the letters written home to Beatrice by Aaron, her husband gone off to war. They can be found in the nightstand of the east bedroom of the third floor.
It will require 1 hour to read through all the letters and the investigator who does so will discover almost nothing of interest, most of the letters being no more than Aaron's expressions of longing for his wife and home. The one exception is the last letter written by Aaron announcing his imminent return home in response to his fathers death. In this letter he expresses his hatred for his cousin, Allen, and vows to take revenge upon the man.
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17
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Diary of Beatrice - 1 hour
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The diary of Beatrice Dubois.
This slim volume will be found tucked between the mattresses of the bed found in the third-floor bedroom last inhabited by Beatrice. It will require 1 hour of time and a successful Read English roll to discover:
This diary, started in 1885, was obviously kept by an older, potentially unhinged woman. Among the ramblings about missing her late husband Aaron, writing about "that bastard" Allen or Allan, and putting up with her whore of a daughter Virginia, are writings about her various aches and pains, the foodstuffs she consumed daily, and her constant paranoia regarding her daughter and grandson. Beatrice truly wrote little of note, spending much time doodling intricate looping designs to decorate the edges of many half-written pages. Many of the loops are symmetrical and varying, but far from precise. They don't remind you of anything in particular than possibly something that might be used in an intricate fence or even a stained glass design.
An investigator making a Linguistics, Anthropology, Celtic, or Religion (as last resort) roll while examining these symbols will find they are Celtic in origin.
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18
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Diary of Aaron - 2 hours
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The Diary of Aaron Dubois (as opposed to his pre-Civil War Journal).
This can be discovered in the third floor storage room among other belongings of Aaron placed here by the widowed Beatrice. It spans the years between Aaron's return home in 1863 until his death in 1866. The ink is somewhat faded requiting successful individual Read English rolls to elicit each of the following facts. It will require 2 hours time to read the small diary.
Fact 1
In a very early entry, Aaron describes how his cousin died. Aaron is obviously remorseful wishing that he had waited and figured a way to turn the matter over to the authorities. He also describes how he covered the death to make it look like Allen had accidentally shot himself in the stomach.
Fact 2
Aaron describes making arrangements with a clergyman from a church in Grand Rapids to secretly perform religious rites upon the sealed room wherein the bodies of the slaves lay.
Fact 3
Sometime in 1864, Aaron makes note of his wife's increasing emotional instability He writes that she is restless at night, tossing and turning, and mumbling strange words. Aaron says that sometimes it almost sounds like old Gaelic, but not always.
Fact 4
The last entry. Aaron has decided to end it all. He is preparing to go hunting but writes that he does not intend to return. The last thing he writes is "God help us all."
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19
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A letter to Mary Closson found in the attic upstairs.
My Dearest Mary,
Please try to find it in your heart to forgive my actions on the day of your wedding to David. You must understand that it was only a mother's love for her only daughter that made me say the things I said. Your wedding day should have been happy and I am sorry if I have upset the Dubois' and hope that they will also be able to forgive me someday.
I hope you will come to visit your father and I soon, for we both miss you very much. Perhaps you could make plans to spend a day or two at home with us again. Please say you will. It has been almost three months since your wedding and we have not heard from you. Please write and say you forgive me.
Your father made me promise not to bring up the issue again, but if you will come to see me, even for an hour, I can show you proof of my accusations. It is a fact that the Dubois family was forced to come to America after being accused of heresy by the Church. They are without God, Mary, and you risk your very soul by associating with them, Say you will renounce your marriage and come home to a family that loves you and will help you turn back to your salvation. Living with these people will condemn your soul to hell!
Your loving mother,
Katherine Closson
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Letter to Hans
Dear Hans,
These six fine gentlemen are are staying at the house for the weekend. Their names are
Henry Slater
Charles O'tway
Daniel Thompson
Benjamin Miller
Roger Hildebrand
David Black
They are to be given open access to the mansion and grounds. You are to leave the gate unlocked for them during the day, but as always you must maintain it locked at night, unless they require entrance or exit. You must escort them to and from the property at all times. They should not be removing any belongings from the premises or causing any property damage. You may inspect them or their vehicles if you suspect they are taking anything. Please contact me if there is any trouble. I will be up on Monday morning to check on them. Give my love to Heidi.
Yours,
Maurice Dubois
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