Chapter 10: The Arkham Historical Society

[Mr. Handy]

"It does make some sense," says Alice. "The Bosworth family may have owned the land on which the house stands for centuries. Where did you hear this story? Do you know what stood on that spot before the house was built?"

[HoneyDog]

Peabody shakes his head, smiling.

“It doesn’t change the fact that there is no record of a witch named ‘Goody Bosworth’. We have to put our trust into the historical fact, and not some rumour. There are other stories about the house, equally unconnected and equally fantastic. I’m sure the local residents would be able to furnish you with a variety.”

[Mr. Handy]

"Thank you, Mr. Peabody," says Alice, already thinking of ways she can follow up on finding out what stood on the site before the Bosworth House and the story of Goody Bosworth, alleged witch. She looks to the others to see if they have any questions.

[evil_scientist]

Isadora Carmichael

"Maybe she was recorded under another name," Isadora thinks out loud. "Do you have any information about what stood at the place before the Bosworth house was built?" she risks the question, but doesn't set her hopes high.

Other than that, she doesn't want to ask anything else.

[Starspawn338]

"I've got nothing else."

[HoneyDog]

“I believe that area was mostly undeveloped. As the town grew, houses began to be built. I wouldn’t concern yourselves into researching the story. As I said, there is nothing to indicate any truth to it. It’s just local people trying to give some substance to their disquiet.”

[Starspawn338]

"Well thank you for your help." Harrison says to Peabody. Then turning to the others, he says, "I'm at a loss. There's only a certain number of things that this phenomenon can be. Normally it would be either a person, place or thing. In this case, Peabody at least doesn't think it's the Bosworth house or the land it is on itself so that rules out the place. It can't be a person because it's affecting Isadora as well as Margaret." Harrison looks over to Isadora as he says that to make sure she's still okay.

"So that leaves thing. Is there something in the house or the room that is affecting the people? Something that has been there since Jessica and William's time? Maybe something behind the wallpaper?

[Mr. Handy]

"It could still be a person," says Alice quietly, going aside with the others so that Peabody can't hear, "if that person is Goody Bosworth. With everything we've seen, we can't discount the possibility that death hasn't stopped her, if she is indeed a witch. She could be the woman in the walls, bound to the site where she died. We need to find out everything we can about her."

[evil_scientist]

Isadora Carmichael

"The Historical Society doesn't have records about Goody Bosworth. Where else can we turn? Back to the university library?"

Isadora fantasizes about a raging flame, fueled by the Historical Society's useless archives, that consumes Bosworth House.

[Mr. Handy]

"Yes, I think the library is our best bet," says Alice.

[HoneyDog]

Spoiler:

Is it the University library you want to visit? Shall I move the action there?

[Mr. Handy]

Spoiler:

Yes, please.

[HoneyDog]

The investigators make their way to Miskatonic University. At the library, directed to the sections on local history and the occult, they are unfortunate to discover no references about any woman named Goody Bosworth.

By the time the companions have finished, the evening has drawn in and the library is about to close.

Spoiler:

Roll SAN. Failure is another 1d2 roll for loss for the mental frustration of this fruitless search.

[Mr. Handy]

"We'll have to call it a night," says Alice. "Tomorrow we can seek out an expert on local folklore here at the university. Peabody had to have heard the story from someone. It's a shame he ignored my question about how he heard of it."

[evil_scientist]

Isadora Carmichael

"These academics, they don't care about real history. They are of no use to us," Isadora says, irritated. "We are running around in circles. Pointless conversations with people who only see their little slice of the world, and cannot see the bigger picture."

Spoiler:

Rolling for frustration
SAN 56

evil_scientist rolled 1d100:
93

SAN loss

evil_scientist rolled 1d2:
2

Down to SAN 54

Total SAN loss in this game: 9

[Mr. Handy]

"We need to find out more about Goody Bosworth if we're to defeat her," says Alice. "If not from academics, from whom can we learn it?"

[Starspawn338]

"Well, we're talking about a witch, have any of you heard of any covens in the area? We could also speak to someone from church. Sometimes they keep records on witches and possessions." Harrison pauses before continuing. "The only other suggestion I would have would be to go to a tavern where there are older people. Buy a round or two and they love to talk about the history and rumors of the area."

[Mr. Handy]

"Those sound like good ideas," says Alice. "I've not heard of any modern witches, unless you count Asenath Waite, and I'd rather not have anything to do with her again if I have any say in the matter."

[evil_scientist]

Isadora Carmichael

Isadora shivers at the bare mention of Asenath Waite. All it took was a split second of eye contact for that witch to get inside her head...

"I don't know any witches, per se... But there are practicioners of different traditions in my social circle. Researchers of hidden histories, adepts of Eastern paths, ceremonial magicians - of the good kind, of course. I will ask around, too."

[HoneyDog]

Spoiler:

What are your next moves? It is evening now. Margaret can be visited on Saturday if her parents can be convinced via Beth with a Persuade roll. Unfortunately we seem to have lost innsmouth, so I'll have to NPC his character.