Play@YSDC

Gary receives no response to his calls and knocks. After an examination of the latch area of the door (where he sees no evidence of a break-in), he takes the key given him by Richard and opens the door. The two step into a wood-panelled foyer and turn to the right, where on the other side of a hallway, the sitting room is a shambles. Shattered glass covers the floor in front of the mantlepiece, and loose papers cover most of the rest of the floor, appearing to have come from an overturned desk and wastebasket. Two chairs are also lying on their sides. A large bookcase stands against the wall, flanked by windows.

The hallway is short. Three doors break off of it and a window at hall's end looks out into the yard at the back.

Gary stopped and looked trying to take in the whole area. "Oh my, this does not bode well for Arthur. Someone was looking for something. Watch your step Richard."

Gary steps down the hall carefully, opening each of the 3 doors and looks in without going in. Then looks out the window into the back.
Is the window locked?

Someone sought something
Richard remark as he observes the overturned desk, probably a personal journal or a notebook. Richard goes to the overturned desk and kneels down. He begins to search among the papers and the waste basket for any clue.

If we want to understand Arthur we should look at his reading materials, one can know a lot about others if he knows what topics others prefer to read.
Richard intention is to search the bookcase as well, after he will finish with the desk.

"I'll take the bedroom"

assumption,I'm sure the bedroom is also a wreck

"Arthur was into sports and art, that's how I met him." Gary says as he starts going through the bedroom looking for any clues.

Richard begins combing through the papers scattered across the floor, but doesn't find very much of any real interest. There are several letters to Lord Godfrey that Arthur began to write but never finished, written in a very shaky hand. There are also some attempts at poetry, likewise unfinished. Many of the poems mention a "dark queen of Eastern splendor." There are also a few letters to and from a man named John Bidwell, which seem to be about ghosts and spiritualism.

Moving over to the bookcase, he glances over the titles present. Many are standard classics - Dickens and others - but some of the most well-worn and apparently most heavily read seem to be decadent French literature and occult books - À Rebours by J.K. Huysmans, most of the poetry of Baudelaire, Occultism Unveiled by Eliphas Lévi.

OOC,Make a Spot Hidden roll.

Gary heads back through the hallway, peering into the rooms - in marked contrast to the sitting room, the other rooms seem to be in order. After trying the back window, which remains locked, he moves into the bedroom. In plain display on the nightstand is a wooden box, which when Gary opens it proves to be a new and apparently never-fired Webley revolver, complete with 24 bullets in a smaller case next to it.

Despite the lady who had apparently entered his life, Gary doesn't see any photographs of a woman on the nightstand.

Moving over to the dressing-table, it is found to be exceptionally cluttered with the normal things one would expect in a gentleman's bedroom - various colognes and cast-offs of the day.

OOC,Give me a Spot Hidden roll.

Abandoning the door which leads only into a water closet, Gary heads through the other one, which leads into an artist's studio. Finished sketches hang from a piece of twine stretched around the perimeter of the room, unfinished ones strewn all over the floor (and there do seem to be an awful lot of unfinished ones). Arthur apparently had begun to experiment with painting, as well; an easel sits in the center of the room, a white sheet tossed over it. A palette rests on a nearby table where it was last placed by Arthur. The paints on the palette are dry. In the rear corner sits a large wardrobe.

Looking over the sketches (which seem to be arranged chronologically, judging by the dates in the corners) the first several are simple street scenes. One was apparently sketched from the front windows, another sketched in the park across the street, depicting canal boats; others are sketched from various points across the city. Around the middle of April of this year, a sketch appears depicting the face of a woman; around the same time, various figures from classical mythology begin to appear in the scenes. The woman's visage is interspersed throughout the other sketches. One dated April 30 is of the same street scene sketched from his window, but with a Green Man-type figure lurking in the wood opposite the home - this same sketch is repeated several times, but with more and more Green Man figures present.

Fantastical landscapes, apparently dreamscapes, begin to appear in May; later that month the sketches begin to take a turn - more and more, they are of a violent or sexual nature.

I apologize for your last post having gotten deleted; I mistakenly edited your post rather than posting my own and had to do it this way so I could minimize confusion. There may have been a way to undo the editing, I don't know; anyway, your prior actions had been leaving the bedroom and checking the other rooms, in case you had forgotten.

OOC,Give me an Art roll or Psychology roll, although you're far more likely to make the Art roll. Both are for the same information, though.

ooc,not a problem, figured that was what happened, the only thing missing was my failed roll for spot hidden and my observation, I'll re-post that. And understanding Art, while hard is not impossible. Understanding people, forget about it.

Gary calls out to Richard moving from the bedroom to the drawing room. "Well looks like they found what they were looking for. And I don't think he was taken here, or he would have tried for the gun in his bedroom. "

As he looks at the drawings, "These are definitely Arthur's work. But there is more here than first meets the eye."

I know my art,Made it [url=http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3250650/]Art roll target = 50 (1d100=21)[/url]

It seems your friend Arthur was dealing with topics that are far more mysterious then poems and sport.
Richard remark as he gathers the poems and letters to and from John Bidwell.
John Bidwell, do you recognize the name Gary?

He then glances at the books in the bookcase, thumbing through the first chapters for several minutes, looking for brief prologues and such.

Spot Hidden (1d100=81) - Fail

Once Gary calls him, Richard stands with the books and letters under his arm.
I’m coming
He makes his way to the studio to observe the paintings.

As Richard flicks through the books, a slip of paper, neatly typed, falls out of the second volume of The Golden Bough, where it is apparently being used as a bookmark. He gathers up the letter from where it had fallen onto the floor and grabs an unbound book entitled The Book of Dzyan. Armed with the letters and poetry, he heads towards the back. Upon arriving in the studio, he's somewhat taken aback by the number of sketches hanging in the room and scattered on the floor.

Gary,Your artistic training allows you to determine that Arthur's compositional style has been degenerating since the first sketches of the woman's face appeared - it has become more sketchy and less polished. Hopefully, Arthur wasn't suffering from some sort of degenerative disorder...

Richard,[img]http://img804.imageshack.us/img804/828/bchandout2.jpg[/img] Also, make an idea roll.

Richard barely looks at the painting as he is concentrated on the letter written by S. to Arthur.
We may have a link of some sort Gary. Clearly the man was in trouble, I fear his life and his family were threatened.
And the literature he was reading ... this is another concern
He raise his look from the letter and approach the painting and Gary
Where are Reg and Maud?
He then takes a closer look at the painting, handing the letter to Gary
What do you think?

"Good Lord!" exclaims Reg when he sees the state of Arthur's flat. "Have you two discovered anything? We found out from Mr. Borelli that a 'narrow man' appears to have abducted Arthur on the second night that the police were called." He tells Richard and Gary what the violinist had told him and Maud. As he does so, he takes a very careful look around the room for any possible clues that aren't obvious.

I suspect Arthur is in grave danger and I truly hope that he is still alive. Someone threatened him and the good lord but was foolish enough to leave a letter about it.
Richard says to Reg and Maud and nods to the letter he found that he handed a moments ago to Gary .
Read the letter, someone instructed Arthur to meet someone named Jakeswill or to risk being hurt.
Arthur was into something sinister. You knew him as one who loved art and sport but...
He points to the pile of books and letters under his arm.
This material indicates that Arthur read occult things that were better left under the carpet. We’ll have to skim the reading material to understand what he was involved with.

"That's an important lead," says Reg. "Some of us should go to Purbrights and ask for Jakeswill, who can then introduce us to the author of this letter. The Limehouse isn't far from my own stomping grounds. It can be a rough neighborhood, but nothing I can't handle."

Maud reads the letter. "Gosh. Who was this woman? Have you found anything about her in the flat? If there's a picture or suchlike I could take it round the theatres, it's a good time as the shows will be finishing and I can question the back-stage hands. Signor Borelli said that Arthur had an argument with his friend Mr Blaylock and the police came to break it up. Then a carriage came with a visitor who stayed a few hours, another fight? A gunshot and then dragging sounds; another carriage and this narrow man with a white face. He also saw some boys dressed in green up in the trees. In fact, he says he still sees them. Which is very odd." Maud sniffs. "He's on medication." She looks at the mess. "It looks like more than two fights; what a mess. Has anyone ever met this Mr Blaylock?

Reg bends over and picks up a program he sees under one of the fallen chairs. "Speaking of the theatre," he says, examining it and showing it to the others, "this is for a production of The Duchess of Malfi from last month at the Adelphi. Someone has underlined the name Frederick Milton and written 'Her escort according to A.T.' Who do we know with those initials? Does anyone know Travisham's first name"

I suggest to write down our open leads and then to think about our next move.
Richard goes back to the living room and grabs a piece of paper, ink and feather and jots down the following.

• Skim the following books: The Golden Bough, Book of Dzyan.
• Read the poems and letter by John Bidwell.
• Visit a man called Jakeswill at Purbrights the Pawnbrokers in Fall row in Limehouse.
• Who is S. from the letter.
• Who is the Narrow man with the white face?
• Who are the boys that were dressed in green?
• Who is the mysterious woman Arthur was in contact with?

OOC for all,maybe we can move this trailers to the clues section. Any one will be able to add more as we proceed.

Maud
Richard calls
If the neighbor from the upper floor says that he sees boys dressed with green then I suggest checking it out before we are ruling it out and claim the man is insane. I can volunteer and stay here with my driver, I will skim the letters and books and check out what is going out from here or, if the neighbor will permit, from his apartment.

OOC,sorry I've been absent. RL has been a bitch

Gary had been engrossed in the pictures and finally speaks. "A thin man took Arthur, and men in green. Then you'll find this very interesting. First, here is a pic of what I would imagine his lady dated around mid-April. But then look, there is an appearance of a man in green. And anyone can see how his skill starts to deteriorate rather quickly over the next few weeks."

He scratched his chin, "The occult. I would not believe it. If I recall, Arthur may have mentioned it once or twice during our conversations but if he did I would have told him everything can be explained with science given enough time. But he obviously was afraid enough to acquire a handgun. But looking at this letter and his drawings, I fear for his health. I think we should make haste to the pawnbrokers mentioned."

"I quite agree," says Reg. "I just hope the pawnbroker is still open at this hour. I can go with you there, and perhaps Miss Marrick can investigate the theatre crowd." He offers her the program. "Mr. Maurice could escort her. If we lock the flat up behind us, nobody should disturb it. The 'narrow man' that Mr. Borelli described is one of the lads in green. He said the man was dressed in green rags with a white face - and no eyes." It only took a second for him to recall Travisham's first name.

Idea roll (1d100=37) - Success.

I prefer to remain here for now, skim Arthur's reading material and speak to the violinist.
Richard reply
I will send my driver to take you wherever you want but he will come back to pick me up later. I suggest we'll meet at my mansion later for a tea and some honey rolls and to discuss further out next steps.

Keeper,Idea (55) [url=http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3264014/]1d100=82[/url]

Maud wanders into the studio and looks at the pictures with Gary. "You're right, they are quite good to start with but these last ones are awful and very unpleasant. Can I take this one with me?" She picks up the drawing of a lady. "These others, the cityscapes, do you think they are relevant?" Maud looks carefully but the brushstrokes are too jumbled to make out any landmarks: Know (75)1d100=90 She walks over to the easel and pulls off the white cloth.

OOC,Is it getting very late at night? Do we continue through the night or head home for some sleep? What's the usual proceedure? Also, how would one go about ordering a cab at this time of night? Telephone or small messenger boy?

"I don't see why Arthur would object. It is to help him. I didn't realize the hour, perhaps it is better to finish up here tonight and hit the pawnshop and theater tomorrow. I would not wish for Maud or any of us to go to either place alone. As for the drawings I think they are mainly of the park across the way here, but as you can see the later ones are too deteriorated to tell what they are." Gary says, then he turns to Reg, "A man with a white face and no eyes. More likely wearing a mask to protect his identity. Something the theater might have handy if you ask me."

idea,[url=http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3264207/]Idea roll target = 75 (1d100=92)[/url] obviously Gary never heard the first name.

Gary then goes back into the hall making sure we have covered every room.

apartment,is there any rooms we have not searched.

"We should now go through the rooms again in case we missed something of some importance. I'll look through the front room. Since it is too late to go else where."

"Well, the theatre should still be open now, at least," says Reg. "When we do go to the pawnbroker's, we should bring that letter with us. But, yes, let's finish searching the other rooms in the flat before we go. And a mask was my thought too regarding the narrow man's white face."

Maud puts the portrait in her large bag. "As my flat is in the West End, it's not much of a detour to the theatre district. Mr. Maurice, could your driver drop me off at Piccadilly Circus? I think there is little chance of hailing a cab around here now. I'll speak to some fellows there and then head home. I'll be at yours first thing or should I come back here? Or I could meet Reg in the East End and go on to the pawnbrokers with him."

Nonsense, I would not instruct my driver to drop a lady far from her home. He will take you to your apartment. I think I will take the reading material to my mansion.
Turning to Gary and Reg
Join us and my driver will take you to your apartment as well.

Maud reveals an odd painting beneath the easel, only partly finished: it is a crudely-done painting of Christ on the cross, with Arthur's face on the crucified figure. Approaching him is a female figure bearing what appears to be a severed arm. A large red wound gapes in its palm. The green man figures so familiar from the other paintings and all sorts of other demons cavort in the background.

OOC,the painting is subtly disturbing in a Hieronymous Bosch sort of way; make a Sanity roll (you'll lose only 1 point on a failure).

Reg and Richard,You recall that Travisham's name was Abner.

Gary,There aren't any rooms you haven't looked through.

Gary cringes at the picture

San,[url=http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3267083/]Sanity roll target = 50 (1d100=75)[/url]

"What a horrid picture? This is libel to give me nightmares tonight."

Reg finds the painting disturbing, but he has seen far worse in his time in the Sudan, men shot and stabbed and torn apart. This pales in comparison. "I just recalled Travisham's first name," he says. "It's Abner. He could very well be A.T."

Sanity,Sanity (75) [url=http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3267706/]1d100=66[/url]

Maud takes one look at the painting and turns away feeling faint. "This can't be Arthur, I can't believe this is Arthur's work; it must be that horrid Narrow Man. Oh what has he done with him?" She starts to cry. "I'm sorry, it's just I can't understand, oh I don't know." Maud takes a hanky from her bag and mops her eyes. "Yes please Mr Maurice, take me home. I think I've had enough of this place for one night."

This is disturbing
Richard remarks and turns away from the paintings
Come with me dear Maud.

San roll 70% - (1d100=70)

As the four recoil in horror at the vision of the surreal painting, they note the sound of a carriage driving down the street. It stops somewhere along the road and a door slams.

"I think its time to call it a night, I believe we have discovered all we can from Arthur's apartment." Gary says.

"Let's make sure we lock the door behind us," says Reg. "We don't want anyone else poking about here, or at least we don't want to make it easy for them. People have locks on their doors to keep honest people out, after all. I am curious about who is arriving outside at this hour. Shall we have a look?"

Richard takes the rear and locks the door to Arthur's flat behind him, he fights the stubborn lock for several moments since under his second arm he piled the books, notes and letters.
Bill should be in the street.
He remarks

Gary goes down into the street trying to see whoever was in the carriage that just pulled up.

Maud follows the others down, glad to get out. She's still feeling wobbly so lags behind in the search for the new arrival.

Gary arrives in the street first, soon followed by Reg, Richard, and a moment later, Maud.

On the steps outside the front door sits the young woman the four last saw in the company of Mr. Travisham earlier in the evening; a few doors down the street sits a second carriage. A largish man smoking a cigar sits in the driver's seat, looking rather sullen, clearly waiting for someone. But what the four almost immediately notice is over at Richard's carriage, where the driver Bill is speaking with a man none of the four recognizes. Tall, with short-cropped dark hair, dressed in a rather worn-looking suit jacket, he looks over at the four.

Back to The Investigation thread.