Play@YSDC

Tuesday September 10th, 1929

West College Street, Arkham

8am

Henry and Alice arrive in the neighbourhood of the Bosworth House bright and early on a pleasant September morning. The houses here are well-kept, mostly in the Federal style. It is not too up-market, but there are no signs of poverty: the street is clean and everything is in a state of good repair. It feels like a successful and prosperous area.

If they dare to take a look at the house itself, they find that there is a large garden with many trees and bushes which obscure it from the street. Neighbouring houses are visible, and there are a few people around, hurrying about their daily business; children and adults on their way to school or work, an elderly man working in his garden, and a woman nursing a baby on her porch can also be seen.

"Shall we start by asking at the neighbors' houses on either side?" asks Alice. "They'll probably have known them best."

Henry Glynn

"Sure - then let's ask some kids about the "spooky house" - kids know the best stories."

Our pair select the nearest neighbouring house, which has an attractive selection of roses in the front garden. They ring the doorbell.

OOC,Roll Luck. If the roll succeeds, someone will come to the door. First roll only.

Alice knocks on the door. Luckily, someone is home.

OOC,Luck roll (65% stat) to see if anyone is home: [dice]0[/dice]

After a moment a middle-aged, well-dressed woman comes to the door. She eyes the companions suspiciously.

”If you’re the press I’ve already talked to the Advertiser” she says.

OOC,You’ll need successful Persuade rolls to get people to talk.

"No, not at all," says Alice. "I'm Alice Stanton. I'm a secretary at the University. I worked with Margaret."

OOC,Persuade roll (74% skill) to get the woman to talk: [dice]0[/dice]

"Oh" says the woman, but she clearly takes Alice at her word. "What can I help you with? I know Margaret of course, but I'm afraid we weren't very close. Such an awful tragedy".

"I know," says Alice. "I can scarcely believe it myself. It's so unlike her. Do you have any idea why she would have done such a thing?"

"I've heard talk that her house is haunted," says Alice. "Have you heard anything about that?"

"I see," says Alice. "Do you know how long the Hannigans have lived there, or who lived in the house before them?"

“We only moved in seven months ago I’m afraid” replies the woman.

"That's okay," says Alice. "Do you know if anyone else on this street has lived here a long time?"

She points to the man working in his garden. “Mr. Porter’s been here a while. He might talk to you, but don’t count on it”.

She bids the companions good day and closes the door.

"Thank you," says Alice, turning to Henry. "Shall we see if Mr. Porter will speak to us? I think I'm charming enough to get through to him."

The old man, Mr. Porter, is still working in his flowerbeds, pulling up weeds, as the companions approach. Intent on his work, he is oblivious to their approach. He is whistling and muttering to himself as he toils.

"Good morning, sir," says Alice with a wave and a smile. "Would you mind if we talked to you for a little?"

Henry Glynn

"Say, that's a fine looking garden you have there Mr."