Play@YSDC

Location: Dr. Karl Chambers Lounge, Boston Museum Room 105b
Date: March 20, 1921 7:30 PM


About the time you didn't think this mysterious doctor would ever show, an old man with a walking stick comes in through the folding door smoking a cigar.



"Hello, I am Dr. Karl Chambers and welcome to MAPS, or Massachusetts Area Paranormal Society. I want to thank each of you for accepting my invitation tonight." He stops to take a deep draw off his cigar and lets the smoke out as he looks at each of you one at a time up close. His vigor and strength talking seem to defy the age in his face, and his hands seem even older.
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Dr. Chambers continues, "Some of you maybe skeptics and think paranormal activity does not exist, or, how did you say it Harrison, Applesauce. Quite amusing that little anecdote. That is a good thing. I've been running Maps for several decades and the overwhelming majority of reports that get filtered to me, are little more than, applesauce." He smiles as he stops to pour himself a glass of whiskey and takes a sip.
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"Oh, but for that small percentage, you will need all the wits you can get, all the luck you can steal, and a touch of this to help." tapping his glass. "But don't take my word for it. If anything you find is a fake, prove it. Don't take anything on faith."
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The good doctor looks around the room at the pictures hanging on the walls. "We haven't used this room in over a decade. I thought we had driven it back, back to where it wouldn't bother us again for centuries, and here we are again. Can't you feel it? Hell just walk outside. For the first time in history its going to be over 80 degrees in Boston in March. It's like a curse has been laid on this city. I tried to deny it, but I can't any longer. I've put this off for a year, no more. This city needs you."
With this he goes to a small cabinet and pulls out 5 flasks. He hands one to each of you. On one side is the letters M.A.P.S. and on the other is your name engraved. Each is filled with your liquor of choice (not what you normally drink, but what you drink when you can pick anything.) If you don't drink alcohol its filled with spiced rum.
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"Hold onto these, if you are really in trouble, and need help on the job, these can be used as a calling card to the higher authorities around town, but only in emergencies." He finishes his drink and takes the last puff on his cigar before putting it out.
"Now, let me tell you why I've called you here. Late last night a Mister Martin Bishop contacted me about his house. He claims it is haunted and my preliminary investigation has indicated there may be some validity to his claim. I've asked him to join us here tonight and he should be arriving any minute. For those interested the job does pay, and not bad. Maps will help by setting up a small fund for equipment needed. Just contact Ms.Patton on what you need and why. I'll be out of town this week lecturing up at Miskatonic University, north of here in Essex. Ms.Patton can reach me in the event of an emergency. You will have full control of your own investigation. Good luck." He stops and finally takes a seat in one of the larger leather chairs. "Now if you have any questions for me, I'll be glad to answer them as best I can."
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All,If you are studying the doctor closely and want to, roll a psychology roll and a spot hidden roll. If you are not, you don't have to.

Charles shakes his head, trying to organize his thoughts. "I'm sorry, Professor - Massachusetts Area Paranormal Society? What is it, exactly? Who runs it?" After a pause, he frowns. "And, due respect, you haven't told us what the job is. There's a house that is allegedly haunted - what do you want us to do, exactly? Uncover a fraud?"

Sonny regards the professor studiously.

OOC - rolls,http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4175583/ - both fails

and is then somewhat taken aback by the engraved flask. "How did you know who would come tonight? How did you know how many of these flasks to have engraved and with whose names?" he blurts out. His mind in turmoil, trying to take in all the information that has been presented and trying to fill in the gaps of what wasn't, acknowledging that at least there was a job in the offering but not understanding what the job is all about. The confusion is painted clearly on his face.

The doctor looks over at Charles. "I understand you have questions. Some of this you will need to take on faith. But Maps looks into anything that falls outside the realm of what we would call normal. So a haunted house for example. As to who runs it, that would be me right now. But Maps has been around for at least two to three centuries. I certainly haven't run it the whole time. As for what you need to do to the house, well that all depends. With a haunting, I find no two are ever the same. Sure, if its a fraud, expose it. But if not, figure out what needs to be done to stop it, and put an end to this once and for all."
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"Sonny, my good young man, relax." The doctor smiles at him in a grandfather sort of way. "You should be proud, you are the first black to be in Maps, I am really excited. You know Boston prides itself on being the forefront of including your race into main population." The doctor is talking in that way people do when they think this is what a black man wants to hear, but they don't know any better. "But to answer your question, the reason I knew you were coming was because I invited you. Do you think I would leave something like this to chance? I actually invited 7 of you, only 5 chose to show up, that happens. Some are able to resist the invitation, but not most. And who knows maybe the other 2 flasks in the cabinet will find their ways to their owners yet."
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Karl looks around at the obvious confused faces, "I was going to wait for the landlord to spell out specifically what he is looking for, but there are strange things going on at the house. All you need to do is figure out what, and stop it." Then with a smile, "should be simple enough."

Dr. Chambers pauses for a bit, "I guess I could tell you how I dealt with the last 2 hauntings I had. One was a half-body appirition that would posses people. We ended up finding a symbol to capture it and then exorcise it out of the body. Unfortunately the person that was possessed didn't make it either. Tough way to go with that one." He leaned back thinking, "Now the last one was pretty easy. Once we identified who was haunting the place, we tracked down his bones and burned them. That seemed to do the trick. The hauntings stopped." He paused again, this time with a big grin on his face like someone does thinking about glory days.
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"I'm not saying either of those will work in this case. But follow the leads, there is more information in there than you think. I've found whatever is doing things, leaves a trail." Karl gets up and walks over to his humidor and pulls out another cigar. Runs it under his nose, "ahhh, now thats good." Taking a seat he clips it and lights up.
"Anymore questions?"

Michael runs a hand through his hair and feels it thick with perspiration. He takes off his jacket in an attempt to cool himself, clearly showing the .38 automatic he keeps in a holster under his arm. He taps out a smoke and lights it. He takes a deep drag and closes his eyes while his brain struggles to comprehend the torrent of strange information being thrown at him.

"Look here old timer," Michael begins, "you're spouting a lot of what sounds like nonsense and you've got me all balled up and in a state over here. You say you invited us, but for the life of me I can't recall an invitation beyond an article in the newspaper I just happened to read - a paper that went out to an entire city." He pauses to take a sip from his bourbon. "Look, don't get me wrong, O'Connor Investigations will look into anything, and I mean anything, but only if the price is right. You say some house is haunted and you want me to check it out, I can do that. I think you've lost your marbles, but I can do it. Hey, if you think its the real mc'coy, well that's fine and dandy. Hell I had a dame ask me to look into some missing panties. Said they'd gone missing. Crazy broad thought it was ghosts. Nope, just the strange fella next door who'd gone funny over her and strangely liked to sniff 'em. So like I say Dr. Chambers, if you want me to check out a haunted house for some land lord, well I'll be happy to make some rounds, locate the hobo sleeping in the attic whose likely makin' a series of spooky sounds in the house and come to collect. Now what did you say this job is payin'?" He pauses as if mid-thought. "And what the hell is with these flasks?"

"Profess....err.Dr. Chambers, please don' get me wrong sir. I can understand why you'd invite an investigator and maybe why you'd invite these other folks but I don't understand why you'd be inviting a negro musician up from New Orleans and down on his luck? I don't know nothin' 'bout investigatin, especially investigatin' spooks an' ghouls an' ghosts. I'm grateful an all an' I need the money and sure I am proud to be the first black in MAPS but why you choose me? I only just got here! I mean my auntie Loosa, she played a bit with the vodun and stuff but I don' really know nuthin' bout that stuff..."

Sonny's voice trail's off as he realises he's just babbling and his accent has descended back to the dockside. He takes a breath and composes himself "What I'm trying to say, I don't know anything about haunted houses, I have no clue how you go about investigating one."

Harrison snuffs out his cigarette in a nearby ashtray and finishes his whiskey. He takes the flash with appreciation, sniffing its contents but setting it aside on top of his coat. "I have to confess, I was expectin' a lecture or somethin', not being recruited into some sort of secret society. Still, it sounds like a fun way to spend the evening, especially if all we have to do is check out some haunted house. Especially if there is some pay involved. How much can we expect to net from this little adventure?"

As each person speaks up the smile on Dr. Chambers face just gets bigger and bigger. "Damn I love it when a team comes together. I wish I could be there when you're out in the field."
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"Michael, you may be right, my marbles maybe packed away in one of these old crates or left in a book in my office, but it doesn't stop the money. And if you don't think you were personally invited, just keep on believing that. Sometimes its better not to peak behind the curtain." he looks over at Sonny, "Ain't that right" with a quick wink. "Either way the team will need your PI skills before this is over."
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"Sonny, you're a good man at heart. You are an equal member of this team, and don't ever let anyone tell you different. You'll play an important part in this before it is over, all of you will. Trust me Sonny, it's more in your blood than you know."
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"And Harrison, who wants to listen to a lecture when you can check out a haunted house. Life is meant to be lived, not read or listened about. As for pay, I'm not sure, Mr. Bishop is the one hiring you, he is the one paying. It's a small job, 1 haunted house, a few days effort, I'd think at least $100 a piece though. Not bad for throwing a bum out of the attic."

"Well sir, seeing as you put it like that and seeing as I'm no position to turn down an offer of work, you can count me in!"

He grins a broad grin "As papa said, never look a gift horse in the mouth!".

Michael whistles when he hears the pay out. "One hundred sounds fine Dr. Chambers, real fine. I still think you're mad, but I'll take a mad man's money just as fast as I would a sane one." He takes another drag from his smoke. "So spill the details. What specifically is it that you need from this motley crew you've assembled ... what do you need for the job to be complete?"

Dr. Chambers smiles, "Good, good. Let me introduce Mr. Martin Bishop."

A middle aged man is escorted in by Ms. Patton.



He clears his throat as he looks around the people in the room. "Hello gentlemen. As the good doctor said, my name is Mr. Bishop. I'm here to ask your help. I have a sizable investment into a house in downtown, but there has been a series of accidents in the home, and the last 2 tenants have been committed to Roxbury Sanitarium." Martin pauses for a minute as if remembering something sad.
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"I need to know whats going on. Sure I heard rumors it was haunted but I figured that was all a bunch of crap. But now I'm not so sure. If they are just rumors, I need you to put them to rest, if they aren't..." He pauses again as if he is searching for the right words. 'Just fix it."
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Mr. Bishop looks around the room to see what the reactions are, "listen, this property is worth a lot to me, but its worthless if its got ghosts. I'll pay you $20 a day and $100 when you show me proof that the house is ready for new tenants next month. I need you finished up by next weekend."

Richard standing quietly taking in the whole conversation while shooting his Tequila gives a long look at Dr Chambers before turning to Mr Bishop as he enters the room.

Richard stares down at his name on the flask in his hand before placing the flask in the inside chest pocket of his trench coat to signal his formal acceptance of being a member of the this investigation, then calmly ask Mr Bishop "We will need to know a little about the house. When and whom did you purchase it from? What do you know of the history of the house and its previous tenants? Also how will we come to an agreement that the job has been completed in order for us to collect the final $100 pay?"

Richard takes a close look at Mr Bishop as he is asking his questions.

Mr. Bishop looks a bit nervous but he pushes on, "I can't tell you a lot about the house. I bought it as part of a goverment estate sell a couple years back. Last year the Macario family moved in as tenants, nice family Vittorio his wife and 2 sons. Then the series of accidents started. Then they started talking crazy. Then 3-4 months back Mr Macario went crazy and they put him in the institution. Then just last month they sent the wife there as well, and the sons were shipped off to relatives."
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Mr Bishop walked over to the bar and got a stiff drink and downed it in one gulp.
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"Excuse me, where was I? Oh yes the Macario's. Thats about all I know. I found out when I didn't get my check and went over to find the house abandoned. Heard it from a shop keeper nearby that they came and took the wife and kids away. As for payment, if its obvious, you can just show me. If its, well, not so obvious, I'll trust Dr. Chambers to say it is safe."

Richard,You can't read Dr. Chambers at all, and you don't notice anything. You can read the landlord Mr. Bishop pretty easily. Typical easy mark. But he doesn't seem to be lying. If anything he looks worried for you and your team.

"Do you have any idea of how to contact the boy's so we could maybe ask them a few questions about the house?" Richard asks Bishop
Waiting on Bishops response he turns back to Chambers "and you clearly have experience with these types of events, why are you so convinced that this is not a hoax that you would send your 'Special' invitations to us?"

Mr. Bishop thought for a second, "no, all I heard was with relatives up north."
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The doctor smiled, "when you've been doing this as long as I have, you just know when someone isn't just blowing smoke. I got a strange feeling about this one. Can't quite put my finger on it though. The old mind isn't what it use to be. But I'm feeling an old ghost stirring."

Michael rolls his eyes when Dr. Chambers once again mentions the supernatural, but he is in this for the money so off to work he goes. He opens his job bag and takes out his leather-bound notebook and a pencil. He begins to scribble down what information the group has learned thus far and then begins to speak without looking up from his writing. "Mr. Bishop, you said that the previous two tenants have been committed. You've only mentioned the Macario family. What about the tenant before them?"

Rubbing his chin, Harrison studies Bishop intently as the man describes the haunted house and the fate of the previous residents. He knew what desperation and anxiety was -- it was his job to write about it -- and he wondered how much of this was the landlord putting on a show. Still, if it was an act, it didn't make a whole lot of sense for Bishop to blow hundreds of dollars on it. "Without some details, tracking down the kids is goin' to be problematic," Harrison thinks aloud. "It might be a good idea to see if we can interview Vittorio and his wife in the looney bin, provided we can persuade the doctors at the Roxbury to give us access." He turns his attention onto Bishop. "So what sort of crazy things were happenin' at the house? The Macarios must have complained to you before they went completely ga-ga. What we talkin' here? Leaky pipes? Creaky floorboards? Bleedin' walls?"

I made a Psychology roll,but it failed: [url=http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4177267/]1d100=43[/url]

Bishop clears his throat with another bout, "I meant the husband and wife as the last 2 tenants. I had a tenant before that, a Tom Lawrence, but he simply disappeared. Left all his stuff behind. Didn't let it bother me before, but now, I'm not so sure. Vittorio's wifes name is Gabriela if that helps."
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Bishop looks around like he is expecting someone is listening in, then in a more hushed voice. "Nothing in particular, they told me it was haunted, I laughed it off, maybe if I hadn't." He stops for a minute, then goes on. "I know he said their was an accident in the basement and in one of the top bedrooms. Vittorio said that top bedroom was haunted. It's my fault they are crazy." He sits down on one of the couches and covers his face. You are not sure, but he maybe crying.

Harrison,You can't tell if its all just an act or if he's serious.

Richard speaks up "What can you tell us about Tom Lawrence? What kind of a person was he? Where did he work? What happen to everything he left behind, where are those items it might be a good idea to look through them."

Bishop looked up from his hands, "Who? Oh Tom, sorry. Tom was a strange sort. A loner who seemed really happy to move into the house. When I mentioned it might be haunted he seemed delighted. I just left his clothes in the house, I'm not sure what the Macarios did with his stuff. It might still be there, or they might have thrown it out. To be honest, I'm a bit frieghtened to return."

Richard responding to Bishops answer "Well that is interesting. I do not mean to over run you with questions but there is a chance that Conway could have done something to start the whole haunting. Do you know where he lived prior to moving in? Was he from the Boston area or from out of town? How old was he? Where did he work? Who where his friends, where did he hang out at"

Turning to Michael Richard ask "so Michael do you think that your investigation company will be able to find out the history on the house? Who has owned it and lived in it in the past? Also maybe if there is anything special about the parcel that it sits on, like it was the site of some witch trials or burnings in the past or any other history of the supernatural type related to the house or grounds that it is built on?"

Dr. V,instead of Conway did you mean Tom Lawrence?

Bishop takes another sip, "It's ok, I understand. I'm not sure who Conway is, maybe you misspoke. Did you mean Tom Lawrence? I can't imagine he had anything to start this, the house was supposed to be haunted before Tom came along. He didn't have a Boston accent and now that I think about, he never did tell me where he was from. He paid cash, 6 months advance, I didn't ask a lot of questions. When I came back after 6 months, it didn't look like he had been there for a while. I'd say he was in his mid-twenties, blondish hair except for a bit right up front was white, as well as one of his eyes. So he was half-albino I guess. It was strange look. Never knew anything else about him."

Charles has been listening and jotting down notes, with the same neutral expression his face usually takes on when taking notes at a simple business meeting. Now, when he speaks, his voice has a note of frustration. "Now, Dr. Chambers, I can't help but be a bit puzzled by all this. Mr. Bishop's been very helpful in giving us information that we can look into and whatnot. But we're not trying to locate the heir to a deed or anything like that. You want us to find out if this house is haunted, and I don't know about my colleagues here, but I don't have any experience with this kind of thing. In fact, far as I can understand, you're the only one here who has. So perhaps it would be helpful if you could tell us what constitutes a haunting, in your experience. Should we be looking for an indian burial ground? The restless soul of a wronged woman? I'm at a bit of a loss as to which novelist we should be taking as a reference for our ghosts here..."

Dr. Chambers took a puff off his cigar, "You are right, but to be honest I don't know either. Like I said everyone I've ever seen has been different, don't expect this one to be like any others I've done. Go check it out, check into the history, see what you can find out, then when can talk about what need to be done."
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"Good luck, I think you gentlemen have a lot to talk about, plans to be made, and all that." Dr. Chambers gets the keys and address from Mr. Bishop and lays them on the table. "Thank you Mr. Bishop. If there are no further questions, then I'd like to wish him a good night and let him be on his way."
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So you need to decide if you want to get started tonight, or tomorrow morning."

Richard looking down pulls out his pocket watch and checks the time, 8:13pm
Richard ask "How far is the house from here?" continuing "its only 8:13 so if its not to far from here we could probably stop by the house tonight"
Richard looks back up for a response from the others as he reinserts his pocket watch into his pocket.

Harrison picks up the address off the table. "121 Norman Street, I think I know where this is at. Its only 5 to 10 minutes away. What do you guys think?"

Warren,As you approach the museum, you know you are late, but you are hoping you can still meet with the writer of the article. As you give a quick knock on the door, you hear a voice say [color=#0000FF]"please come in."[/color] As you open the door, you see a woman sitting at a desk going through a box. [color=#0000FF]"You are a bit late, but they are still in the Lounge."[/color]

Richard looks at both Chambers and Bishop and says"Because we have limited time on this I say we go check out the house tonight, Bishop you said we have until next weekend so does that mean by midnight Friday or Sunday?" The exact verbage of a contract is always crucial to Richard being a grifter.

Bishop looks a bit lost at the question, "You're right, sorry, why don't we say by Saturday at noon?"

Richard reply's to Bishop "Not to quibble but the money clearly means something to several of us here" as he looks to Sonny and Harrison. He looks back to Bishop and says "the fact that 1st off we don't know if its real or a fraud, and proving its a fraud might be harder that proving its real when you think about it, I mean how do we convince someone that it wasn't a house that drove two people to the looney bin. If it is real then we are going to have to understand what it is to eliminate it which will take time, and considering that everyone with the exception of Dr Chambers here is new to this type of investigation and what to do to resolve it" Richard looks to the others in the room to see if anyone owns up to knowing exactly how to handle this type of experience or to have had any type of prior experience with a "haunting". When no one reply's Richard turns back to Bishop "I for one would like to have at least until noon on Sunday"

Persuade,roll [url]http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4179288/[/url] Roll = 5 skill = 75% Roll was successful

Bishop looked up, "Of course, of course, take whatever time you need. I have a family moving in at the beginning of April. So I just need a day or two to get it ready. Now if you will excuse me, I have to go."

As Mr Bishop turns and starts to leave Richard calls to him"Mr Bishop"
Richard waits until Bishop turns around and looks back at him.
Richard then looks him directly in the eyes and states in a calm and reassuring voice "You have my word that we will do our very best to have this all taken care of as quickly and as quietly as possible"

Late? The advert had read 7.00pm. Warren fumbled at his waistcoat and dragged his battered pocket watch from one of the pockets, he glanced at it and realised that it had stopped at 6.57pm.
For a moment he shook it, vigorously, then smiled at the woman. Receptionist he thought, “Sorry”, he grinned apologetically. Folded his overcoat, which had turned out unnecessary so far, over his arm, took off his hat and moved towards the door she had indicated which he guessed was the 'Lounge'.
Inside the room a group of men seemed already in full flow. Damn, he thought, I hope I haven’t missed anything important…

"I also suggest we don't rush into things," Charles says firmly. "We've gotten a lot of information. Let's digest it, check up on it, and go to the house with a better idea of what we're looking for."

He pauses a minute, then continues. "Besides, I'm not sure that answering an advertisement in a newspaper, being told an improbable story and then dashing off the same night to a supposedly empty house is necessarily a wise course of action. Or, for that matter, a safe one."

Ms. Patton leads Warren into the lounge. "Excuse me gentlemen. Doctor, may I introduce Mr. Warren Kaine."

Dr. Chambers looks at the man who entered, a strange look came over him for a second, its hard to tell if he is upset, disappointed or just deep in thought. Then almost as quickly a big smile broke out onto his face. "Welcome Mr. Kaine, please come in." As he motions for Warren to take a seat, he reaches into a cabinet and pulls out a small flask and hands it to him. On one side is written 'M.A.P.S' and on the back side is Warren's name. Inside it is filled with Warren's favorite liquor.

Then to the rest of the group. "I will leave you gentlemen to figure out what course of action to take next. I can see wisdom in either path. But I must retire to get ready for my trip. Stay as late as you like tonight. Ms. Patton can get you whatever you think you might need." He then goes around the room shaking all of your hands, while saying the same thing. "Thank you, be careful, and good luck." Almost like it was a ritual of some sort.

When he gets to Warren last. "I'm sorry we didn't get to visit, I'm sure your new friends here can fill you in on everything. Good luck."

Then he looks over to Mr. Bishop, "Let me walk you out." And the 2 men leave the room.

Ms. Patton is standing in the lounge entryway. "Is there anything I can get you gentlemen tonight?"

Richard reply's to Ms Patton "A map that shows the part of town that this house is on if you have one"

Warren stares quizically at the flask for a few moments, turning it back and forth, "M.A.P.S", he reads the letters aloud, "What the hell is M.A.P.S?"
He unstoppers the flask and sniffs the contents, "Hmm, Southern Comfort", he traces his name, "How the hell...?"
As if suddenly aware of the others he nods at them, "Warren Kaine, would someone like to fill me in?"

Ms. Patton steps over to a wall and pushes on one of the wall boards and a small section pops out about an inch. She reaches underneath and pulls down a large map.



"Now if you look closer here."


She then points to one area ( the red star) "This is the museum where we are at on Huntington."

She then points to another area (the green star) "This is where Norman street is located."

If you look up close on the map you can see Norman better.


You can see her beaming that she was able to help you so quickly. "Anything else? Or do you need any supplies?"

Richard with a warm smile on his face and appreciation in his voice tells Ms Patton "I can't think of any supplies at the moment but let us talk for a while and we will get with you before we leave and let you know what we might need and what are plans are."

Michael puts his cigarette in the corner of his mouth and gets up to meet Warren. He extends his hand to shake Warren's and says: "Michael O'Connor of O'Connor Investigations ... welcome to the craziest meeting ever held. The old man and his friend here are offering a hundred plus a person to help figure out why some old house here in town is haunted." Michael bunny ears the word haunted to show his disdain. "Anyway, its probably nothing and its a quick one week contract with a good pay off."

To Richard he says: "If by my investigation company, you mean me, then yes I think I can dig up some information on the house and its previous owners. I could use a hand at some places around town like the library and city hall or wherever they keep municipal records. I'd think we would want to gather as much information before we go stumbling around in the dark. Shall we have a few more drinks here and go over what we know?"

Charles turns to Michael. "I'm happy to do some research at the library and at City Hall tomorrow." There's a spark of enthusiasm in his eyes at the project, one that hasn't been there for a while.

Warren Kaine:
I take my much abused and battered cigarette case from my jacket's inside pocket and put a butt between my lips, lighting it while shielding the flame with my left hand an unconscious act left over from my year in France.
"Haunted house, huh?"
Taking a deep drag from the cigarette I glance up at the guy who is extending his hand, "Investigating ghosts? Is this some kinda joke?" But I can tell from his expression that someone is being serious.
Returning the lighter to my pocket I reach out to shake the offered hand, "Kaine, Warren Kaine. Still if there's money in it...Wish I'd brought my camera though. I'm sure the papers would pay good money for a photo of a ghost or two".

"Alright Charles, you and I can spend the day up to our eyes in dust," says Michael, "and hopefully we learn something. You got any kind of special skills or schooling or anything like that Charles? You look like a bit of a bookworm ... I mean that in a good way." He rubs at his chin and thinks, occasionally looking at his notes. "Perhaps some others in the group could drop by the Sanitarium and see if the previous owners have any insight to shed on this supposed haunting? I imagine you'll have nothing but ranting and ravings, but hey, you never know."

Michael stamps out the butt of his cigarette and taps out another from the pack. "Oh and Warren, I bring my Kodak number one with me everywhere I go. If you've got a lead on the papers or any kind of publishing, I'll split the profits from a sold photo fifty-fifty on account of using my camera. Whad'ya say?"

Warren Kaine:
Taking a longer drag on the cigarette, pulling it from my lips and flicking ash into a handy ashtray, I smile at Michael, "Right you supply the picture and I'll supply the contacts. Sixty forty sounds better."
"I know a few people over at city hall who owe me a few favours, I'll ask them if they know anything about this...haunted house."

Ms. Patton shows up at the entry way with another lost looking soul. "Excuse me gentlemen, I believe the seventh the doctor mentioned has arrived. Please help yourself to a drink or cigar. I think the water has probably cooled, but I can boil up some more if you would prefer tea or coffee. Would you gentlemen be so kind as to fill in our new recruit into what is going on."
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She walks over to a small cabinet and reaches in to pull out a flask. She looks at it for a second and says, "You must be Jordan Lynch, Doctor Chambers got this for you." She hands you the flask. You notice on one side are the initials M.A.P.S. and on the other is your name. If you open the bottle it has your favorite liquor in it. You don't remember introducing yourself to anyone.
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She then walks over to another cabinet, opens it, pulls out a tray of finger sandwiches, and puts it on a serving table. Then goes and starts the kettle. "Please gentlemen help yourself to the sandwiches and if you want coffee or tea, the water should be boiling soon." She walks over to the entryway to leave then turns back. "I'm throwing together a small bag of standard M.A.P.S. gear for you, but let me know if there is anything special you need for your..." She pauses for a couple seconds, "job." She smiles, turns and leaves.

Michael smiles. He likes this Warren. "Sixty-forty sounds just fine my friend, and thank you for being so magnanimous. You're a real stand up chap for taking the smaller share. I can only assume that is what you meant given that you didn't specify you'd be snagging the larger share. Gotta watch your use of the English language there Warren, especially if you're hoping to sell some letters to the papers along with my photos." Michael takes a drag and grins. "I'm just ruffling yer feathers fella, don't mean nothing by it. We'll talk dollars and cents when and if we get a photo of something interesting ya?"

Micheal stands up and heads over for another finger or two of bourbon. "So what's the plan here fellas?" he asks over his shoulder as he pours the reddish-brown liqour, "splittin' up to do some research and interviewing the previous tenants sound good?"

"I am still very interested in a half albino who shows up to a house to rent, pays 6 months cash in advance and is 'Happy' to hear it might be haunted, then simply disappears" states Richard "I got a feeling that he has something to do with this haunting, I will see what I can dig up on him in Monday morning"

"I have a certain research experience," Charles tells Michael. "We'll see if it gets us anywhere. Now," he continues, turning to the latecomers, "for those of you who missed it, here's the gist of what we heard." He reads back from his detailed notes as if reciting the minutes of a board meeting.

Sonny walks over to the late-comers and extends his hand. "Sonny Goodman, musician and ghost-hunter" he smiles and winks. "Charlie there has filled in the blanks for you, don't think he's out missed anything, that's some fine note-taking Charlie"

Turning to the rest of the group "How bout a couple of us head to the house and ask the neighbours about the previous tenants or what they know of spooky or strange goings on in the house? I admit I ain't really one for dusty books and the like and going to the nut-house fills me with the heebie-jeebies, so I'm volunteering myself for talking to the neighbourhood. Who'd like to come with poor old me?"

"We won't go in the house, I suggest that when it's time for that bit of excitement we all go together"

Charles bristles at "Charlie", but decides to let it pass. "Wouldn't be a bad idea if someone were to swing by Roxbury to see if anything can be got out of the Macarios," he muses. "Any volunteers?"

Warren Kaine:
I pull his pocket watch from my waistcoat pocket and look at the time , before realising that it had stopped.
"Most places will be closed, and I doubt the neighbours would be too pleased to have someone knocking at the door asking questions tonight".
I walk over to the bar and pour myself a drink, noting the bottle of Southern Comfort standing amongst the other bottles. I smile at the sight, whoever and whatever this job is really about, they show good taste and obvious research skills, but how the hell they know I would come following a cryptic advertisement in the Globe?
Paranormal Societies and ghosts, that's for the birds. Hell, I've seen plenty of death in its most horrid and degrading worst, men screaming hanging on barbed wire, others struggling to keep their heads clear of the thick oozing mud of France. But nothing to show the presence of spirits or ghosts.
With a quiet laugh I throw the contents of my glass down my throat in a single swallow and fill the glass once more.
"I suggest that we get on over to the house now and take a looksee, before anyone has a chance to 'arrange' things"

Harrison finishes his 3rd drink, "Sounds like we have a semi plan at least. From what I'm hearing, why don't Sonny and I go stake out the house to make sure no one messes with it."
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"Charles and Michael are planning on hitting the library in the morning? is that right?"
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"Richard is going to follow up on this Albino fellow, any ideas on where you are going for that?"
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"so we still need a couple to hit the asylum to talk to the crazy guys. Warren and Jordan, I guess coming in late gets you the short straws."
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Harrison pours another. "Well, what do you guys think?"

Warren Kaine

I raise my freshly filled glass to Harrison and smile, "Go talk to the crazy guys about crazy things, sure why not...Uh Miss you up for it?"

"So where and when do we want to meet up again? Here tomorrow at 1pm maybe? We can all go over what we have found out and then maybe we can go over and take a look in the house." Richard suggest. Richard looks to Warren & Jordan "Warren and Jordan I am Richard Rahl, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Make sure you ask a few questions about Tom Lawrence the half albino, the previous tenant. Did they know anything about him? Did anyone ever stop by to ask about him? Did they ever see him? What did they do with the belongings he left behind? Where his belongings are currently is probably the most important of the questions"

There was a lot of information to absorb out of this freak show, and quite frankly, Jordan was caught off guard and left uneasy that she was expected. Sarah, Vera, and Nicole, or whatever she could think up on the spot, were the false aliases Jordan would use under a facade. The atmosphere in the room was friendly and full of colourful faces, yet Jordan felt vulnerable, her mind plagued with the anxiety that other's may already know her true colours.

Jordan roamed around the lounge, scanning the room of it's decor and contents, walking off the dread in her mind. The facts were tough to swallow and Jordan needed something strong to wash it down. Jordan swished the contents of the flask in her hand and upon opening it, Glenfiddich scotch. It was her favourite. In disbelief, she closed the content and stowed it away in a fast flurry motion.

Feeling rather reserved and distant, Jordan gestures her hand towards Richard, "Jordan Lynch, pleasure to make your acquitance. Most people call me Jordie," her voice tightened, Jordan under the right light could take on a certain manner that mislead and deceive men, but this music wasn't right for her. Jordan gestures her hand towards Warren and rehearses the same line.

Jordan wasn't sure why she came, the five finger discount got her away with many things in life, but some hard earned cabbage can go long ways. Her youth could've earn her easy pocket change, but she was better than that.

There was a lot troubling Jordan's mind, she crossed her arms in and stroked her shoulder slowly, keeping her thoughts to herself.

Warren Kaine

I respond to Jordan's greeting. Then replacing my hat on my head I finish the contents of the glass,
"Well that's that then, if there's nothing else may I suggest we call it a night?"
I turn to leave, then turn back toward Jordan, "How do you want to work this, meet somewhere in the morning or can I pick you up somewhere?"
To the others in the room I touch the brim of my hat, "Untill tomorrow here at 1pm, as Richard suggests."

As each of you are getting ready to leave Ms. Patton hands each of you a small satchel. The letters M.A.P.S. are stamped into the soft leather. She also hands you a $20 bill. "Good Luck and I'll see you tomorrow."

If you look in the satchel, each bag has a flashlight, pocket knife, some rope, box of matches, a notepad, pen, small first aid kit and a set of 20 business cards with your name, the initials M.A.P.S., a fancy seal and a phone number you don't recognize, but it is a Boston city area number.
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OOC POST:
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I think we are ready to move onto chapter 3. Unfortunately my company has decided to lock image shack from my access even if I bypass their firewall, damn IT. Luckily they haven't locked this site yet.

So I have pictures for everyone but I'll have to post them tonight when I get home.

While in seperate threads you may not read the other threads. This is an honor system. When you get back together and someone says they tell you all about what happened, then you may read it. Otherwise you have to play with what info they give you if any.
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Sonny and Harrison will go here.
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Charles and Michael will go here.
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Richard will go here.
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Warren and Jordan will go here.
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I'll leave this thread open for another day or 2, so if you have some last thoughts or questions you can post them here. Feel free to post on your new thread now.