Play@YSDC

You climb into your 2 cars and motorcycle and drive North up main street.

You see nothing but residential homes till you get to the T intersection. In front of you, the beach stretches out and the Ocean is only 100 feet away. To the left you see a sign that says Beach St. , while to the right the sign says Main st. As you turn right and go East, you see several non-residential buildings.
On the left you see a store with a name, John Tarr Store.
Next on the left is the Memorial Hall.
The next building on the left is Sandy Bay Cafe.
Right next to it is the Public Library.

On the right side you see a paved street named School st. going South.
Next on the left as you continue down Main street, you see a small building with a new sign on it, Rockport Art Association.
The next building on the left says Rockport Storage Plant.

Right after these you see a sign that says Dock Square but it looks more like a triangle to you. You can turn right onto Mt. Pleasant St. or you could bear right where a sign says Bearskin Neck. A building on the left says Sandy Bay Pier Company.

You turn right on to Mt. Pleasant and it is mostly residential houses. You see a street to the right named Broadway. You guess this is the same Broadway you saw earlier.

On the left you see Sandy Bay Bakery. And finally you see on the left a large home with a sign named The Woods House.

It is 3 stories and appears to have an attic as well. It takes almost the whole block, but appears it was originally a residential home.

"Well, this is the place," says Eddie giving the hotel a long, appraising look. "I suggest we arrive in separate groups spaced a few minutes apart, divided by vehicle. It might be best not to let too many people know we're all here together."

Richard smiles and and replies "Well since the reservations were all made by Ms Patton they will probably know we are together but we can go and check in seprately if you like, I will be a part of the last group to check in if you don't mind" and with that Richard looks around and starts to walk around a little to get a better view of the Woods house on the outside and everything that surrounds it. He will take a quick walk around the bolck if necassary in order to understand where all the exits & entrances are and what other buildings surrond it.

"Ladies first," Alyssa declares, she collects her camera over her shoulder and makes her way to the door.

Aunt Loosa goes in with Alyssa. The door leads to a small hall with a rack for hanging coats. There is then an open hall with a large living room on one side and a large dining room on the other. Directly in front of you are stairs going up that double back and continue to the 2nd floor. The hard wood floors look beautiful, with Victorian era furniture in both rooms. The paintings on the walls appear to be of sea shores, boats, wharfs and other subjects that you could find by walking out onto the beach you just passed.

The Victorian era decor, felt like she had walked into a small exclusive world of sophistication and history. Everything stayed right where it's suppose to be. Yet the climate only brought mournful memories for the past, "I must say, it doesn't fail to impress," Alyssa looks to Aunt Loosa. Wandering through the hall and standing by the staircase, Alyssa wondered where the reception is, "Anyone home? Alyssa remarks.

Richard walks around the house. You can see 2 dirt roads on either side of the huge yard that holds the house. They lead down to the ocean, that is a good half mile away. But there is nothing but fields between the house and the beach. Several yard trees are in the back, one has a tire swing on it, and a ball laying in the back yard.

Nothing seems to catch your eye as being out of the ordinary.

Alyssa and Aunt Loosa hear a female voice from upstairs, "I'll be right down."

Charles walks out of the car and up a bit closer to the house. He looks around and stretches his legs a bit, waiting for Richard to get back to see if he saw anything special and for his turn to go inside the house.

"Please, it is not to worry," Alyssa responding back to the voice, as she paces around the room trying to make herself comfortable in the stiff air.

Charles,make a spot hidden.

.
A slim young girl walks down the stairs, you looks like she could be a late teenager, or possibly early 20's. She is wearing a modest dress and an apron. Her very long brown hair contrasts with her fair skin. The only jewelry she has on is a large ruby ring. She has a very broad smile as she walked down the steps in an elegant way that can only be learned if you were taught from birth.
.
"Good afternoon, you must be Aunt Loosa and Alyssa. I hope your drive up from Boston was pleasurable. I know I always enjoy following the coast down to Boston." she smiled and gave a slight curtsey. "I am Angela, I will be your host during your stay. Please come in and have a seat."

Ben,Where there any side or back doors leaving the house? Did there appear to be a basement with a storm shelter door leading out? No sheds or barns in the back yard? Sorry for all the questions ;)

Richard walks back to the front of the house and walks up to Charles and says "Nothing out of the ordinary from what I can see, I have a feeling that Ms Patton has taken good care of us as usual with this place"

Oh yes, the drive was most exciting, thank you for asking replies Aunt Loosa Have you ever ridden in a motorcycle Angela? It is very exhilirating!

Alyssa looks to Aunt Loosa and back, "Thank you kindly for asking Miss Angela, it was a wonderful drive." Alyssa helps herself to a seat, "I'm at a loss of words for the sights we saw. it's hard to believe I haven't heard of this little piece of heaven here in Rockport until now."

Warren Kaine:

I pull my small travelling bag from the car's trunk and turn to Richard, "Got a cigarette pal? I ran out. Think I'll check in then go find a regular store"
I look at Scott, "You coming or are you gonna spend the night in the car?"

Richard,sorry yes, there appears to be a basement, a back door, a side door with a pathway to a small set of rooms, probably for servants.

.
"Oh my, no I've never had the pleasure, but some friends of mine have said they can be very exciting." As she smiled for a minute, she looked more like a young girl who wanted to be out running around with friends instead of running a hotel, then it quickly shifted back. "So is the rest of your party coming in, I saw you all pull up from the window upstairs?"
.
She looks towards a back room, "Johnny, you back there, come get their bags," Angela says in a loud voice.

Scott, who had been surveying the various businesses with dull interest, nods at Warren's probing and steps out the automobile.

"Lets just get our rooms settled." he mutters wearily.

Norman takes in the sight, the hotel looking rather inviting after a day spent in an automobile.

He knows however that he won't truly be able to relax. Not until Phil was stopped. Looking at Scott, it seems clear that he feels much the same.

"All right, let's go inside and check in," says Eddie, glancing at his watch. He takes his luggage and leads Norman and Charles into the Woods House.

Ben,[url=http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4634531/]1d100=20, 1d10=9[/url]

Charles nods back at Richard as he looks him over when he comes back and wait for the rest.

Charles,It appears to be a LOT of crows in the trees nearby looking at you.

.
As you walk towards the front door a young boy of perhaps 11 or 12 is coming out. "Oh can I help you with those mister?"
.

Charles ooc,just put the name of the button first and then put a comma, everything else goes inside the button. I'll edit your post so you can then edit and see what it looks like. I'll be adding test, to it.

"Thank you, laddie," says Eddie, handing over his suitcase to the boy.

"I'm sure the rest of my party will be here soon. They must be stretching their legs and enjoying the sun," Alyssa replying to Angela's question.

Scott eyes the crows suspiciously and leans in towards Eddie as they approach the front door.

"Birds?" he asks, "Or are we being staked out?"

Eddie follows Scott's glance with his eyes. "You're right, I hadn't noticed," he says. "It wouldn't surprise me. I'll never look at birds the same way again."

Charles looks at the birds and feels the uncomfortable feeling filling him up again. The stress from the possibility of these being both "spy's" and flying creatures makes him feel like the air grows thin. He sees Eddie and Scott talking and pointing to them and nods in their direction and back to the birds. With the sudden panic feeling he doesn't get out much more than that.

The boy takes your bags and walks into the house. "They are all here Miss Allen".

Norman follows the boy inside the house, wanting to get as far away from the birds gaze as possible.

Warren Kaine:

Travelling bag in hand, I follow everyones gaze towards the crows. I frown, memories of the dead crow by the pond - Phil?
I stop walking, bend and pick up a stone. With a grunt of effort I shy the stone towards the crow infested tree,

Warren thinking:   Yeah [b]Phil[/b] it's me [b]Warren[/b], and I'm coming for you

Charles shakes his head in an effort to regain his nerve after witnessing the crows and follows the others into the house.

Eddie follows the boy and heads for the front desk.

The rest of you walk into the house. Eddie is a bit surprised there is no desk. If you didn't know better you would think it was just a residential home. You see a very young girl, around 20 years old, standing there. "Welcome gentlemen, I hope you enjoy your time at the Woods House."

"Thank you, Miss," says Eddie, taking off his cap. "My name is Eddie Donovan."

"A pleasure to meet you, I am Angela Allen, and this is my home." She replies.

"And a lovely home it is," says Eddie with a smile. "The pleasure is all mine. I'm sure I'll enjoy my stay here."

Alyssa gets up from her seat and smiles politely, "I'm afraid to say, though may you show us our rooms? We're quite eager to see the rest of the day please."

"Absolutely. Right this way," Angela says as she leads you up the stairs, "Ms. Patton was kind enough to book the entire house for a whole week. There are enough rooms for everyone, unless you would like to share." She blushes slightly. "Your room includes 3 meals a day, so if you don't plan to make it back for a meal, please let us know so we don't waste." She leads you up to the bedrooms at the 2nd and 3rd floors. Nicely furnished
"Just let me know if you need anything. My room is downstairs, but you will usually find me in the kitchen." She smiles to walk away, "Good day." she says before turning to go.

Warren Kaine:
"Excuse me Miss...Allen. Where is the nearest store that I can get a pack of cigarettes?"

Richard follows the others in listening to the conversations. He notices the ring on the girls finger and stares at it a moment thinking to himself. After she answers Warren, Richard politely ask Miss Allen "You have a wonderfull property here Miss Allen, Miss Patton always knows of the best places for us for our travels, has she put anyone up here before?"

Ben,I am curious if the ruby ring reminds me of anything that would be of an occult back ground or something that would appeal to my mother the gypsie.

"Miss Allen, do you know where we could find a map of Rockport?" asks Eddie as he follows her upstairs.

"I would think the Tarr store on Main should have most of what you would need." She answered.
.

Richard,make an occult roll.

I'd like a room on the first floor Angela, my old legs aren't quite what they used to be Aunt Loosa says, though she seems spritely enough as goes up the stairs and is there a room over-looking the sea-front? I do like the sea she smiles.

Her sharp eyes dart around, taking in her surroundings, decor, wall hangings etc.

Ben,Generally looking for anything out of the ordinary or that would raise her suspicions of magic or unnatural activity Couple of rolls if you need them: Spot Hidden[75]:[dice]0[/dice] Occult[90]:[dice]1[/dice]

Warren Kaine:

Ben,Did we pass that store on our way here?

Warren,yes

Aunt Loosa,you notice a painting of a building that looks very similar to the post card found at the chapel.

"Oh dear, we do have a room on the 1st floor, but its meant to be a maids room, it is not nearly as nice as these, or have a view. We have this room here with a gorgeous view," she says. As you look out the window, you can see the double light houses off on an island and the coast to the ocean about 1/4 mile away.

"It's a beautiful home," notes Norman, following Angela as she gives them the tour. "Grand scenery as well. Very relaxing." If only I could actually relax.

"Do you get much business here?" He inquires, noticing she had not answered Richard's question.

Charles follows the rest and takes in the surroundings as they walk around. He listens to the information and looks around the house to see if anything seems strange and hope that this will be a peaceful refuge during the rather un-ordinary researches they might have to do. The mention of the view sends a chill down his spine and he hopes for a way to block the view of possible birds through the windows. He turns to the girl, "Excuse me Miss Allen, is there some kind of draperies in the bedrooms? I have such a hard time sleeping without them..."

Charles, there are draperies on the windows. They are just currently open.

Angela answers, "Oh we are usually always completely sold out in the summer. But all the sudden last night the whole family had an emergency and left. Ms. Patton was a savior for me to save my summer. I'd never done business with her before, but it is a pleasure, I hope to do more business with her in the future."

MIss Patton probably arranged for them to leave to make room for us, thinks Eddie as he looks around and admires the room and the view. I'm not sure I want to know how she pulled that off.

The rooms are all very nice, and there is a room for each person split between the 2nd and 3rd floor. Each door is lockable and you are given the key.
All the windows have drapes that can close and the beds are comfortable.

If you have any further questions you can easily find Angela and ask.

Once settled into her room, Aunt Loosa goes back to the picture and examines it more closely.

Warren Kaine:

Having left my case in my room. I go in search of the shop.

Aunt Loosa,it appears to be nothing more than a red barn looking building out on a man made wharf constructed of square wood timbers.

Warren,you find the store easily enough. As you walk in you see a young man in his mid twenties with black skin manning the store. He greets you with "[color=#0000FF]good afternoon, what can I help you with.[/color]"

Eddie drops off his luggage in his room and leaves, locking the door behind him. Then he heads downstairs to meet up with the others in the lobby.

Richard checks out the view from his room taking into account which floor he is on and which side of the house his window is on. After his inspection of the room he walks out into the halway and locks his door, then he walks around to see if the stairs is the only way back down. If he finds a different path down he takes it to see where it leads, if not he goes back down to the lobby checking the time on his watch.

When you check around, you find there is only 1 stair to the 3rd floor, and a door that is locked. On the 2nd floor, the main stair goes up and down and you find a small stair at the end of a hall, around a corner so it is hidden. It is obviously meant to be a servants stair.

There are rooms that face every direction, so you can pick one that faces whichever way you like it to.

When you gather back in the lobby its about 2 PM and you discover Warren has taken one of the cars and left.

Aunt Loosa joins the others. After making some general pleasantries she says in a low voice Did of any you notice the painting over there? Don't you think the building has an uncanny resemblance to the picture on the postcard from the chapel?

Norman examines the painting in turn. "Indeed it does. Perhaps we should ask our host and see about taking a trip there. It is the best lead we have at the moment. That is, if the more experienced members of this group agree with that suggestion." He seems a little sheepish, as if afraid to offend.

"Warren is gone? Oh my, I hope he is alright. Might I suggest in the future none of us wander off alone? Phil could be watching us at this very moment." He shivers.

"Yes, I think that's a sound idea," says Eddie. He looks at the painting. "I hadn't noticed it before, but you're right.'

After checking the room (the drapes) and putting away the luggage , Charles joins the others by the painting. Turning to the group he agrees: "Checking it out seems like the best we got right now"

Richard wonders to himself were Warren might have gotten off to as he walks around the lobby looking at all of the pictures, but knows Warren can take care of himself. Richard ask the others "Should we tell our host that we will not be back for dinner, or to make it a late dinner?"

Angela walking through the house, notices you looking at the painting, "Yea I like that painting, I think the artists are calling it Motif number one. Its just right down the road at the wharf.'

"Thank you, Miss Allen," says Eddie. "Yes, it is quite inspiring. I think we will go have a look at the real thing. Do you know who painted it?"

Warren Kaine:

Tipping my hat to the back of my head, I gaze around the store.
"Huh? ...Oh yeah pack of cigarettes, Lucky Strikes' if you got em" I dig into my trouser pocket for some change.
"Seems like a quiet town. Where do you go for a little action around here?"

Warren,He gives you the cigs and takes your money. [color=#0000FF] "A little action huh. Well the Long Beach Pavillion has a dance hall, on the south end of Thatcher. "[/color]

Angela looks close at the painting, "Can't make out the signature, looks like a squiggle. But there were at least 1/2 dozen just like it. I got it down at the Art Association on Main."

"Thank you again," says Eddie. "I'll have to ask there."

Warren Kaine:

at the store,I open the packet of cigarettes and put one between my lips. Nonchalantly I pull my lighter from a pocket and flick the wheel. [color=#0040FF]"Hmm...Say I wonder if you may have seen a pal of mine? By all acounts he's here for some art show or something. Name of [b]Phil[/b] (Surname)?"[/color] I flick the lighter again and light the end of the cigarette. I proceed to give a loose description of [b]Phil[/b], all the time watching the store attendant for any reaction.

Warren Kaine:

Psychology 05%,1d100 → [55] = (55) http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4645505/ Unsuprisingly - no.

He says he never heard of the guy, but a lot of people come in and out of his store. You can't tell if he is lying or not.

Scott peers at the painting for some time, lips tightened into a scrutinizing frown. He turns towards Eddie and shrugs his shoulder.

"Could be worthwhile to find the name of that artist." he suggests, "Though I still think heading down to the docks makes sense. I'm up for either. Maybe we could split up and cover more ground?"

Warren Kaine:

I thank the guy and walk out the store. Once outside on the street I pause, looking to my left beyond the Memorial hall I saw a cafe.

Warren thinking:   Hmm, maybe time for a hot cup of java and a little information

I head along the street towards the cafe, leaving the car outside the store, taking a quick look at the outside of the hall for any notices of interest.

Warren Kaine:

Spot Hidden,65% 1d100 → [55] = (55) http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4645911/

Charles: "Maybe there are more then one artist as there was a lot of the paintings? Not sure if that matter or even make sense though, but who knows." He closes in and try to make something out of the signing of the painting.

Richard says to Angela "We will probably not be here for dinner although we might want a late night sncak if that would be ok for tonight Angela?"

Angela says over her shoulder walking back towards the kitchen, "No problem, I'll leave some food in a keeper for you."
.
As you lean in close to the painting, it looks like in the squiggly signature a H and an S, the rest is not legible.

Charles thinks for a while and turns to the others by the painting "Hm... H and S is all I can see. Does that mean anything to either of you? Should we check the Art Association then? One group there and one to the location in the painting? Or is the name not that significant? What do you think?"

"Good idea," says Eddie. "I think learning the name of the artist might be useful, but I'd like to be part of the group that goes to the actual building."

"I'd also like to go to the building." Norman spoke up. Truthfully, he'd feel much safer remaining with Eddie. And it wasn't as though he knew enough about either art or persuasion to be of much use at the art association.

After settling into her room and making appropriate adjustments for the day ahead, Alyssa found herself among the apprehension of the picture. "Can't say I comprehend it's significance," Alyssa props her camera case up, "though I know a scoop when I see one, the Art Association seems promising."

Warren Kaine:

Ben,I don't understand. Was there nothing to see outside the hall, or did I not roll low enough to spot it?

Well dear, there may be no significance to it and it could just be a coincidence that a picture of that building in Rockport was in the chapel. However, Phil is the common connecting factor between the chapel and Rockport - so I think it's worth investigating.

It's not as though we have much else in the way of leads. Aunt Loosa smiles at Alyssa

Now, shall we ladies stay together and visit the Art Association together?

Richard stands there listening to what everyone has to say then chimes in "Well I am going to check out the library and local paper, and maybe the wherever the town keeps its court records, what time do we all want to meet back here?"

OOC:   Richard will sugest 7pm if you want to use that Ben and let us all move onto the areas we each wish to visit.

Charles: "I'll go to the art association thenand meet you back here. If anyone wants to join me, do so, otherwise we'll just catch up on what information we gathered tonight."

Warren Kaine:

I'm still heading for the diner.

Richard not hearing any responses says "Ok then I will see you all at 7pm back here." and turns and leaves, planning on heading to the library.

Charles: "Well, I'll go aswell then. If anyone wants to accompany me, do so. I'll see you all back here at 7pm aswell."