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Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Mon Jun 05, 2017 3:05 pm
by HoneyDog
Thursday 7th June

After a hearty breakfast, the companions set off on their journey to Brattleboro, with Balzac driving. It is a gloriously sunny day, and as they speed through the Massachusetts countryside they can be forgiven for thinking that they are on an excursion to enjoy scenic New England, instead of the rather more somber task of locating a missing man.

Rolling through quaint villages and hamlets, they stop for lunch at Athol, before turning onto Route 91 and heading north. They cross the state line into Vermont, and in late afternoon finally reach Brattleboro.
800px-BrattleboroFall_crop.jpg
Located in the Connecticut River Valley, many of the houses are clustered close together, giving it an intimate feel. There are many fine examples of colonial architecture going back to the town’s foundation after the French and Indian War. Isadora is pleased to spot a couple of art galleries nestled amongst the picturesque shops and churches.
Brooks_House_from_up_Main_Street.jpg
A particularly nice spot to stay seems to be Hotel Brooks. George has provided Isadora with plenty of pocket money, so this might be a nice option to stay should they choose to begin their investigations here.

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Mon Jun 05, 2017 6:53 pm
by evil_scientist
Isadora Carmichael

Isadora makes a mental note to check out the galleries later, although she suspects that her peculiar style might be too much for local tastes. But you never know what or who lurks in small towns...

She proposes to take lodgings at the Hotel Brooks, then go out for supper.

"Maybe we can try to gather some information about the surroundings, then rise early tomorrow and start looking for the lost journalist? Although, I admit, I don't have an affinity for the wilderness."

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Mon Jun 05, 2017 7:21 pm
by innsmouth
Henry Glynn

"We should get along to the newspaper office and see what else they know."

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2017 5:09 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

"Yes, that's a good place to start," says Alice. "If there's an organized search effort, they'll know how we can join it too."

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2017 10:00 am
by innsmouth
Henry Glynn

"Bartley's no fool. He must have been on to something solid."
OOC:   Is it too late to go to the newspaper office now or is it likely closed until morning?  

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2017 10:06 am
by evil_scientist
innsmouth wrote:Henry Glynn

"Bartley's no fool. He must have been on to something solid."
"Does he have a family, relatives we could talk to? Or a secretary or a colleague, who might know what he was working on?"

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2017 10:22 am
by innsmouth
Henry Glynn

"Lost his wife to influenza a few years back and his son is down in Baltimore I think. He had some close colleagues at the Tatler so that might be our best bet."

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2017 10:37 am
by HoneyDog
OOC:   Is it too late to go to the newspaper office now or is it likely closed until morning?  
[/quote]
OOC:   HoneyDog says - its almost 5pm now. Let's assume you all checked into the hotel. If you don't mind waiting a bit longer for dinner, the newspaper office isn't far away. We can move the action to there.  

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2017 10:38 am
by evil_scientist
OOC:   Sounds good to me!  

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2017 10:41 am
by innsmouth
OOC:   Let's go there and discuss what we learn over dinner  

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2017 1:05 pm
by andyw666
OOC,On the way out of town, [b]Balzac[/b] would have dragged the team to his garret to collect his various items of investigativeness, including the various firearms. Basically, all his possessions less the Webley, which is in Canada.

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2017 3:23 pm
by HoneyDog
A little way along Main Street are the offices of the Brattleboro Tattler. Peering through the windows, the heroes can see that the small reception area is deserted, but there is a light burning in the room beyond. The reception is covered by front page editions of the Tattler, recording significant events in the town’s history. While small, the offices are clean and well-kept

Opening the door triggers a bell, which soon brings forth a short man of around sixty years of age, wearing a wrinkled but fairly new suit, who eyes them curiously. He seems unfazed by Isadora’s unusual attire.

“We’re closed now folks” he tells them, but not in an unfriendly way. “Why not come back tomorrow?”

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2017 3:53 pm
by innsmouth
Henry Glynn

"Good day Sir, we're here about Bartley Hodges. He was friend of my father Henry Glynn Snr. We were hoping to speak to one of his close colleagues. Is anyone around? I can't quite remember any of the names. There was an Albert McLean I think, or was it McColl ..."

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2017 12:05 am
by HoneyDog
"McColl.That'd be me, editor of our little paper. Henry Glynn, eh? Name seems familiar to me." He rubs his chin thoughtfully.

"You'll be wanting the reward then? Well, where is he?" He pantomimes looking around the room in search of Hodges.

"Why'd you choose now to rekindle the old relationship Mr. Glynn?"

His tone is still mild, but he is obviously a little suspicious.

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2017 4:42 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

"We've come to help look for him," says Alice. "We were hoping to find out more about his disappearance here so we'd know where exactly to start, and to see if there's any organized search effort."

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2017 5:12 am
by HoneyDog
McColl mellows a little and looks at Henry. “A friend of your father’s you say? I see. But if you don’t know the area, it might be you we end up looking for! There are still some local parties with the police combing the area, but they’ll start to wind down. Bartley knew the area well and wouldn’t have just wandered off into the woods unprepared.”

He sighs and leans against the doorframe. “He worked for us here and after retiring settled in Jenning. He still contributed the odd story, as you know. A solid, reliable fellow. It’s awful to think so, but we thinking that as he likes to walk along Jenning’s Notch by the river there, mebbe he slipped in. If he did go anywhere particular, he didn’t tell anyone about it.”

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2017 9:25 am
by innsmouth
Henry Glynn

"I know the area a bit Mr McColl - my family is from just out of Newfane. Pretty little village right? Don't suppose you know what stories he was working on? The one about the fires maybe? My friends and I are keen to help - we didn't come for the money."

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2017 9:57 am
by HoneyDog
"Oh sure! He was working on the fires alright. Not much else happening out in Jenning! But he definitely thought that there's something happening around that old mountain. I'm sure there must be a rational explanation though.

McColl glances over his shoulder. "He didn't say that much about it, and he didn't leave any notes here. Anyway, he's the type to want to have the whole picture before he starts to speculate. He's thorough like that."

He frowns and a shadow crosses his face. He is obviously upset and concerned.

"If you want to join the search then you should talk to the police. I don't think they'll have much use for you though." He looks at Isadora's attire doubtfully.

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2017 11:24 am
by andyw666
Balzac doffs the bowler. "I wonder, Monsieur, if we might have a look at M. Hodges' desk, if he had one? Fresh eyes might see something new? We promise we will take nothing."

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2017 11:53 am
by evil_scientist
Isadora Carmichael

Just for the record: Isadora did bring some sensible clothing, to put on when she directs the setup of her exhibition in Burlington...

When McColl says "there must be a rational explanation", Isadora suppresses a smile and asks: "So there are many rumors and theories abound, of an irrational character?"

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2017 11:57 am
by innsmouth
Henry Glynn

Glynn winks at McColl and whispers "Don't underestimate Mrs Carmichael."

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2017 2:34 pm
by HoneyDog
To Balzac McColl says "No, he didn't work from here, just dropped in his reports. He retired, but he’d cover stories relating to Jenning for us. Couldn’t get it out of his system, see. A real newshound.”

He turns to Isadora. “Well, these fires and the strange sounds people heard got quite a few of them spooked, but no-one found anything. Hodges was pretty determined to get to the bottom of it though. Yes, a real newshound” he says sadly. “As to the cause of the fires, your guess is as good as mine. Probably bored, no-good kids.”

McColl raises his eyebrows at Henry. Mrs. Carmichael might want to think about changing her dress if you want to visit Jenning. I don’t think the folks there approve of bohemian lifestyles.”

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2017 6:39 pm
by innsmouth
Henry Glynn

"It's not every place that's as progressive as Brattleboro." smiles Henry
OOC:   How far is it to Jenning from here?  

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2017 11:59 pm
by HoneyDog
OOC:   Jenning is about a 30 minute drive.  
"Well folks, I'm about to close up. Thanks for your concern about old Hodges, but the truth is we're not optimistic. Still, if you can help, we're grateful." McColl walks over to the door.
OOC:   Anymore questions for him?  

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2017 1:48 am
by andyw666
Balzac hesitates. "Ah, is there a Mme Hodges? We could perhaps call on her tomorrow to see if M. Hodges left any useful notes behind."

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2017 3:32 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

"Thank you for your help, Mr. McColl," says Alice. "Is anyone on the staff here close to Mr. Hodges?"

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2017 5:45 am
by HoneyDog
McColl

“Well, we all like and respect him. I’ve known him a long time. He wouldn’t disappear without reason, which is why I’m so pessimistic that something bad has happened to him. He’s an experienced woodsman who knows the area. Like I said, he probably fell into the river. He’s not as young as he used to be, after all.”

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2017 7:14 am
by innsmouth
Henry Glynn

"Alas she passed some years ago Dr Balzac."

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2017 7:31 am
by HoneyDog
McColl addresses Balzac. "Yes, he lived alone in his house in Jenning. The police searched it but there was nothing amiss. But they would have been looking for any evidence of foul play. If you folks are really determined to find Hodges, then you have my blessing. I'm sure the folks over in Jenning will help if they can, but I advise you to be respectful."

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2017 8:40 am
by evil_scientist
Isadora Carmichael

Isadora hates the "do not like 'em fancy city folks 'round these parts" routine, but knows, that it'll be better to change to her working clothes before going to Jenning.

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2017 9:55 am
by andyw666
Balzac looks at his colleagues. "Do we want to drive over to Jenning for a quick look this evening before dinner? Or shall we rest, ready to start early tomorrow?"

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Fri Jun 09, 2017 2:24 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

"I think we should go to Jenning now and get our bearings," says Alice. "Then we won't have to spend as much time tomorrow morning before we start searching."

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Fri Jun 09, 2017 3:21 pm
by HoneyDog
As the companions walk back to the hotel to get their car, McColl hurries up to them.

Henry Glynn! I thought I’d heard the name before”.

He presses an envelope into Henry’s hands.

Hodges left this with me to mail, but with everything going on I couldn’t. It’s for you.”

He turns and leaves. Henry opens the envelope, while the others crowd around, curious at the contents. The letter is dated 5th June.
The letter,Dear Henry We haven’t spoken for a very long time, but I hope this letter finds you well. I’m very pleased for your success in being published, and wish you well. I have to admit not really being a fan of the occult, but your writing shows promise. It’s also the real reason for this letter. My current investigations are centered around some strange phenomena we’ve encountered here in Jenning. Fires on the mountain, and a kind of drumming in the night. I’m not given to flights of fancy, but I lately I could not shake the impression that there is something out of the ordinary happening here. There is a shadow hanging over the town, and indescribable sense of dread, which I could not account for. The feeling was not really supported by any evidence, but I could not help it. But just yesterday, I found a man who could offer some kind of information, but his tale is so wild, I can scarcely believe it. God, I must sound like a fool. You know me to be a rational man. But I’m reaching out for advice, and you are my best hope. Please, if you can spare the time, please come to me and meet with this man. I cannot say too much in this letter, but if you can come, all will be revealed. God speed, Bartley Hodges

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Fri Jun 09, 2017 3:27 pm
by innsmouth
Henry Glynn

"Goodness! I wonder who the man was and how we can find out?"

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Sat Jun 10, 2017 4:16 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

"I always keep meticulous notes," says Alice. "Any journalist worth his salt would too. We should check his home for them."

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Sat Jun 10, 2017 9:07 am
by andyw666
Balzac nods in agreement. "Let's drive over and have a look around tonight, come back tomorrow morning ready to go. All the equipment we bought last time is in the boot if needed."

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 2:22 am
by HoneyDog
The companions set off for Jenning as the sun begins to set, leaving them with about two hours of light. Jenning is located in the hills not far from Jenning’s Notch, where the west fork of the Windham River rushes through to join the Connecticut. Passing by, the heroes see where it is supposed that Hodges met his end – this stretch of the river is fast-flowing and very rocky. It is unlikely that anyone falling in could have survived.

Jenning itself consists of only a few hundred people. Entering the town, it is plain that while the buildings are neat and in good repair, the town is no longer prosperous, and has an aged feel.

Driving around, the investigators note a few public buildings – a grade school, a church, a general store, and a feed store. The stores are closed at this late hour. There are a few pedestrians on the street, and a few cars. It seems that the town is settling down for the night.

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 3:39 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

"What is Mr. Hodges's address?" asks Alice. "We should at least drive by it."

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2017 9:22 am
by andyw666
Balzac considers. "Perhaps we could find a pay phone and look in the phone book? Or ask at the general store?"

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 10:28 am
by innsmouth
Henry Glynn

Henry leans out of the car and ask a friendly looking pedestrian:

"Say, do you know where Bartley Hodges' place is?"

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 2:38 pm
by HoneyDog
The man’s face screws up in indignation. “Absolutely not!”

He walks away muttering. “Damn ghoulish tourists!”

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 3:36 pm
by innsmouth
Henry Glynn

Henry pulls his head back into the car.

"That went well. Perhaps we should make contact with the local police?"

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2017 12:20 am
by HoneyDog
OOC,You can all try an idea roll if you like

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2017 5:13 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Alice thinks of something.
OOC,Idea roll (65% stat) about [b]Hodges[/b]'s house: [dice]0[/dice]

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2017 7:25 am
by HoneyDog
Alice,Alice recalls that Henry has a letter from Hodges...

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2017 9:44 am
by innsmouth
OOC:   Just thought of the letter! We'll drive over and take a look at the place.  

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2017 10:14 am
by HoneyDog
OOC:   Okay then, if you thought about it. Please dialogue the revelation! Credit must also go to Mr.H for his successful roll.  

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2017 10:20 am
by innsmouth
Henry Glynn

Henry looks at Alice and it's clear they have both had the same revelation:

"The letter! It has his address! We've had it all along! Let's drive there now before it gets dark - it shouldn't be too hard to find in a small town.""

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2017 10:40 am
by HoneyDog
Following this realization, the companions drive a short while to the location of Hodges' home, not far from the river.

It is a quiet street, with only a few other houses. Hodges' is a simple four-room clapboard affair, which looks to be in good condition.There is a small, well-tended garden and a broad front porch.

As might be expected, there are no lights visible.

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2017 3:41 pm
by andyw666
Balzac sniffs thoughtfully. "Reluctant as I am to postpone discovering the gastronomic delights of Vermont, I wonder if M. Hodges' home is likely to be locked? Perhaps at least a stroll would be a good idea. M. Henry, you knew him, you have a good excuse to go in. I shall stand lookout on the street."

He gets out of the car and lights a Gauloises.

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2017 3:58 pm
by innsmouth
Henry Glynn

Henry nods to Balzac. He waits until there are no pedestrians around and then gets out of the car and tries the door, knocking first.

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2017 4:22 pm
by evil_scientist
Isadora Carmichael

Isadora, clad in her sensible clothes (simple and black, with no frills, and just a barely visible extra ornamentation), gets out of the car, and joins Henry.

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 12:03 am
by HoneyDog
The door is unlocked and opens easily to an empty living room. However the light is beginning to fade as the sun goes down, and it is difficult to make things out clearly in the gloom.

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 1:22 am
by innsmouth
Henry Glynn

Henry returns to the car to fetch a flashlight.

"It's getting dark in there. We'll need this." he says to Alice and Balzac.

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 2:47 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Alice goes with Henry when he returns to the porch. "The darkness is actually a good thing," she says. "People are less likely to see us an ask inconvenient questions."

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 3:55 am
by HoneyDog
The house is simply furnished, but clean and well-kept. The companions enter the front room, which is obviously a living room. Doors lead off to the other rooms.
There is a small couch and easy chair with a bookcase containing a large number of volumes. Further back is a small dining room table with a chest of drawers. In the corner, against the wall, is a writing desk and typewriter, obviously where Hodges did his work.

The walls are decorated with newspaper front pages; memorabilia of the stories broken by Hodges. There are also lots of photographs, including who must be Hodges’ departed wife, and Henry is also pleased to recognize his father in one of them. In short, it is the type of modest, unremarkable home you might expect a retired, single newsman to have.
OOC,Is it correct to say then that Henry, Alice and isadora are inside the house, and Balzac is outside?

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 4:38 am
by andyw666
OOC,Affirmative. Outside, smoking.

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 7:53 am
by HoneyDog
Balzac,Roll Luck

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 9:58 am
by innsmouth
Henry Glynn

Henry picks up the photo and shows it to Alice "Say, look it's Senior!"

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 10:02 am
by evil_scientist
Isadora Carmichael

Isadora pulls the curtains closed, if there are any. Then she walks over to the writing desk. If there is a table lamp, she switches it on, otherwise she calls over Henry with his flashlight. She wants to search the desk for any papers, notes.

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 10:22 am
by HoneyDog
Isadora switches on the reading lamp on the writing desk and takes stock of what she sees. As well as the typewriter there is a stack of blank paper and a couple of last weeks copies of the Tattler, and there are some pens and a notebook. The desk also has a couple of drawers, and there is a wastebasket on the floor next to it with a few screwed-up bits of paper.

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 10:52 am
by evil_scientist
Isadora Carmichael

Isadora fishes out the papers from the wastebin.

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 11:10 am
by innsmouth
Henry Glynn

Henry puts down the picture and flicks through the notebook looking for details of recent contacts.

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 2:56 pm
by HoneyDog
Isadora,Roll Spot Hidden.
Henry,[b]Henry[/b] looks through the notebook. From a quick glance, it is largely a collection of [b]Hodges' [/b]musings about the local area; personalities, the climate, the local woods and mountains, and particular points of historical interest. It might take some time to look through thoroughly, but nothing currently stands out.

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 2:57 pm
by evil_scientist
Isadora Carmichael
Spot hidden 30%

[dice]0[/dice]

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 2:59 pm
by HoneyDog
Isadora looks at the pieces of paper, but in the fading light is unable to make anything out. They appear blank.

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 3:55 pm
by andyw666
OOC,[b]Balzac's[/b] [i]Luck[/i] is 65% and he rolls... [dice]0[/dice]

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 3:58 pm
by innsmouth
Henry Glynn

"I'll just borrow this for a while." says Henry, slipping the notebook into his inside pocket.

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2017 4:04 pm
by evil_scientist
HoneyDog wrote:Isadora looks at the pieces of paper, but in the fading light is unable to make anything out. They appear blank.
This is strange... Why would anybody tear up and throw out a blank sheet of paper? Isadora pockets the pieces for later, maybe to examine in better light.

She then looks through the drawers.

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2017 3:36 am
by HoneyDog
The drawers don't hold anything of interest – stationary, spare typewriter ribbons, ink bottles, envelopes – things of that nature.

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2017 4:22 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

"I can see the resemblance," says Alice, studying the picture. She examines the books in the bookcase to see if there's anything of interest.

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2017 4:41 am
by HoneyDog
The books seem to be innocent enough. There are some novels, biographies, books on journalism and history, and also some about the flora and fauna of the local area.

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2017 10:47 am
by innsmouth
Henry Glynn

"Let's take what we've got and go back to Brattleboro. We can look at the notes over dinner."

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2017 10:49 am
by evil_scientist
Isadora Carmichael

"Yes, let's not linger for too long here..."

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2017 2:13 pm
by HoneyDog
The investigators leave the house behind them and join Balzac back at the car. Luckily, their rather brazen entry of the house wasn’t spotted, and they drive back to Brattleboro unmolested.

The sun has gone down now, but Balzac can still make out the road in the fading light. The countryside is very peaceful, and rich in nature. It is hard to imagine anything sinister or untoward happening in such surroundings.

The road winds downhill to Brattleboro, and they reach the Hotel Brooks at almost 7pm, just in time for a much anticipated dinner, and eager to discuss what they have experienced.

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Fri Jun 16, 2017 1:38 am
by andyw666
Balzac provides a mind-numbing running commentary on the botany of Vermont on the drive back. The tedium is only relieved by his occasional outbursts of French swearing when small animals threaten to run across the road or when he lapses into ruminations on how these as-yet-undiscovered Cthulhoid monstrosities might be enslaved for the good of humanity...

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Fri Jun 16, 2017 4:22 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

"Let's take a look at his notes," says Alice while they wait for their food. "I'm familiar with shorthand, if he used it."

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Fri Jun 16, 2017 10:12 am
by HoneyDog
The notebook isn't in shorthand but there is a lot of information, much of which does not seem immediately useful.
OOC Everyone,You can try rolling Spot Hidden or Own Language (whatever is higher) to see if you can find anything pertinent.

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2017 3:46 am
by andyw666
OOC,[b]Balzac's[/b] Own Language is in fact French. His [i]Other Language: English[/i] is 76% and he rolls... [dice]0[/dice]
Merde!

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2017 5:16 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Alice reads the notebook with a critical eye, easily able to understand its contents.
OOC,Own Language(English) roll (80% base skill) reading the notebook: [dice]0[/dice]

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2017 6:10 am
by HoneyDog
Alice’s practiced eye roams through the notebook. Most of it does indeed seem irrelevant to discovering what might have alarmed Hodges so much, but there is one strange reference.

There is a brief mention of people talking about ‘unnatural things’ in the hills, and that some were afraid to be there at night, especially in the vicinity of Strafton Mountain.

Alice is unable to find anything else.

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2017 8:48 am
by evil_scientist
Isadora Carmichael

Isadora examines the pieces of paper once again. Hopefully, light conditions are better now.

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2017 8:52 am
by HoneyDog
OOC,Anyone examining the pieces of paper must roll Spot Hidden.

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2017 8:58 am
by evil_scientist
Isadora Carmichael
Spot Hidden 30%

[dice]0[/dice]

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2017 9:32 am
by andyw666
Balzac whips out the trusty magnifying glass.
OOC,[i]SpotHid[/i] is 50% and he rolls... [dice]0[/dice]

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2017 3:35 pm
by HoneyDog
The words are penciled so lightly on the paper they are barely visible. Balzac passes around the magnifying glass so that the others can see.

Harny Rooger

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2017 4:19 am
by Mr. Handy
Image

Alice shares what she found in the notebook. "Harny Rooger must be the man he referred to in his letter," she says. "We should look him up tomorrow. Perhaps he's listed in the telephone directory, if he has one. If not, we can inquire at the post office."

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2017 8:54 am
by andyw666
Balzac happily tucks into some venison with vegetables and lashings of sauce.
OOC,Is there anything exceptional about Vermont's flora and fauna? Culture, wars and international borders aside, on the map it appears not that far from [b]Balzac's[/b] native Quebec. Can he make a [i]Biology[/i] roll to know something useful?

Re: Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins

Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2017 1:22 am
by HoneyDog
andyw666,Sorry, there’s nothing to be gained from a knowledge of flora and fauna with this scenario. The fauna you’ll encounter aren’t native to the region!
After a good dinner, and tired out by the day’s travels, the companions decide to retire for the night, and see what the new day brings.
OOC:   I'll assume you'll go with Alice's plan.