Chapter 4: Turner's Blues

[HoneyDog]

Dorchester North.jpg

The sun begins to sink lower in the sky as the cab arrives at Dorchester North. This is a very old cemetery, containing the graves of both rich and poor alike. An air of peaceful repose hangs over the location, but the companions know that this tranquility may yet be shattered. What will await them as they step through the leafy gates, and how will they proceed?

Spoiler:

Isadora in particular will feel a deep sense of foreboding, of something awful waiting to happen.

Benny remains in the cab. “Remember what I said. You seem like nice folks, I’m not sure why I think that, but I don’t wanna get killed! So 40 dollars now, see.”
He holds out his hand.

[Mr. Handy]

Alice gasps as she sees the cemetery. "All those graves..." she says. "If he plays that trumpet here...we'd better hurry!"

[evil_scientist]

Isadora Carmichael

Isadora digs into her purse and, hopefully, finds enough cash to give to Bennie. "Thank you!"

"I don't even dare to think..." she replies to Alice. She had the same thoughts, but didn't dare to speak them out loud. "Now to find Marnie Smeaton's grave..."

Isadora looks around - is there an office or register of some sorts?

[HoneyDog]

There is a small office next to the gate, but there are not many people here in the cemetery at the moment.

Which means that its easy to spot a lone figure in the graves ahead, who could be Leroy Turner.

[evil_scientist]

Isadora Carmichael

"Quick, let's... let's move!" Isadora points to the lone figure and quickly moves towards the presumed Turner (she doesn't run, just walks quickly).

[HoneyDog]

Sure enough, as the investigators come closer, the figure is revealed to be Taylor. He is standing looking down at a gravestone, and is unaware of their approach. He is swaying slightly on his feet. As always, the trumpet is in his hand.

The name on the grave reads 'Marnie Smeaton'.

Suddenly conscious of our heroes, Turner looks up.

[andyw666]

Balzac clears his throat nervously. "M. Turner, please forgive our intrusion but we are hoping to save you from the terrible mistake."

"Can I tempt you to a good French cigarette?" Balzac pulls out his blue packet of Gauloises and offers one to Turner.

[HoneyDog]

Turner doesn't seem to see Balzac's outstretched hand. His cheeks are wet with tears.

"I wanna play for her" he says. "I want her back again".

[Mr. Handy]

"I know you love her," says Alice, with a sad look in her eyes, "but this isn't the right way. Everyone who comes back when you play that trumpet comes back wrong, and all the dead in this cemetery will hear it as well. How would you feel if, after your death, you woke up trapped in a coffin buried six feet underground? Don't put her through that. When she wakes up, let it be in Heaven, and you can one day join her there, when Gabriel blows his trumpet."

[HoneyDog]

"That's a real sweet speech, Miss" says Turner sincerely. "and it's probably true. But I gotta see her now."

He raises the trumpet to his lips, and begins to play.

All of Turner’s torment pours out into the music. The wasted opportunities and regrets of a life spent searching for something he could never find, music he’ll never make, everything he’ll never do, his dependence on booze, and most of all the life he couldn’t make with Marnie produce a sound of enduring melancholy sweetness. The notes fill the air around the graves.

[evil_scientist]

Isadora Carmichael

For a few seconds, Isadora is captivated by Turner's beautiful playing, but then she feels a sudden burst of anger and terror.

"NO!" she screams, steps forwards, and shoves Turner with all her strength.

"Don't let him play his wretched song!! Get his trumpet!" she shouts to the others.

[HoneyDog]

Isadora’s shove causes Turner to stumble, and the trumpet leaves his lips.

Spoiler:

Roll Luck.

[evil_scientist]

Isadora Carmichael
Luck 65%

evil_scientist rolled 1d100:
78

[HoneyDog]

Although he stumbles, Turner doesn’t let go of his trumpet. He begins to play again.

Around the companions, the ground begins to stir. Several tombstones tilt and crack; the wing of a marble angel breaks and falls from a nearby mausoleum. The investigators can hear a groaning coming from beneath several graves, combined with creaking and scratching noises. The earth atop Marnie Smeaton’s grave begins to stir.

[innsmouth]

Henry Glynn

Henry attempts to punch Turner in the gut

Spoiler:

Henry Punch 50

innsmouth rolled 1d100:
28

[andyw666]

Balzac flings his cigarette pack aside and attempts to rugby tackle Turner.

Spoiler:

45% and he rolls...

andyw666 rolled 1d100:
13

[HoneyDog]

Unprepared for the attack, Turner gasps as Henry's punch connects with his stomach and he doubles over in pain. At that moment, he is hit by the solid form of Balzac. Unable to resist, he lays on the ground, with Balzac on top of him.

Spoiler:

Roll Luck. If either of you succeed, Turner drops the trumpet.

The scratching sounds around the heroes intensify, however. The earth on Marnie’s grave starts to scatter, as something beneath it is digging its way out. Shortly, the companions can see a withered hand poke its way through the earth. In the graves around them, this process is being repeated.

Spoiler:

The heroes should be used to seeing dead bodies come back to life by now, so no SAN roll is necessary (although they're probably shitting themselves). Alice however had temporary insanity earlier, so she is obliged to roll. If she fails, roll 1d3 for loss Mr. H.

[innsmouth]

Spoiler:

Henry Luck 65

innsmouth rolled 1d100:
78

[Zeppo]

Ron holds his hand out towards Balzac.

"Pass me your gun, old chap, I was always the better shot."

[andyw666]

Spoiler:

Is 65% and Balzac rolls...

andyw666 rolled 1d100:
10

OOC:   Critical success with the luck!

"You threw my gun away!" Balzac grunts at Ron.