Corsario |
It is now the final term of the academic year 1929–1930.
Another university field trip to Vermont is planned for the summer months under the management of Professor Harrold of the Anthropology Department and the expedition’s coordinator Robert Blaine, a senior student. Blaine will be leading the trip as Professor Harrold has a pressing workload and must stay behind at the university.
Extra credit is available for students of history, anthropology, and folklore. At the behest of Professor Learmonth of the Geology Department, geography, geology, and students of other sciences will also be able to gain extra credit by joining the field trip to conduct geological surveys of the area.
You are all attending the information meeting in the Starkweather hall, as you are interested in participate.
Ok, time for you to show up, describe your characters, and say hello to the others.
Abigail Crow |
Walking into the small gathering of students Abigail signs her name, and looks for a seat to listen to the discussion of what is planned for this field trip. Looking about the room she tries to find someplace she can blend in, never wanting to call attention to herself. Her shoulder length mousy brown hair pulled back to keep it out of her face.
Seeing a familiar face near the window, she smiles on her way to stand near Deanndra. "Hello Deanndra, have I missed anything yet?" she asks, before turning her attention to the front of the room and Professor Harrold. Glancing around the room she takes in the mix of students scattered about the room in small groups or alone. Brought to the gathering by the promise of extra credit, or just the chance to get off of campus for a few days. Turning her attention back to the Professor Abigail begins to play with the simple gold locket that she always wears, a habit for when she is not really paying attention, but hopes she looks like she is.
OOC: Is there a way to color my talking text? Its been so long since I've done a play by post that I don't remember... I'll flesh out Abi's look later on, just wanted to get the ball rolling
Corsario |
No color per se, but you can bold it with [b ] and [/b ] (without the spaces). There is a How to format your text (Show) button at the bottom with a handy cheat sheet.
Abigail Crow |
Glancing over to see the new arrival Abigail gives a slight frown as the ball player wanders into the room. She quickly wipes her face before he notices the slight expression. Having had him in one of her Accounting classes Abigail is not surprised to see him here... Hank (she believes that was his name) could surly use the extra credits. More brawn than brains, she couldn't help but admit that he had done good things for the school baseball team.
Deanndra |
While braiding her thick dark brown hair, Deanndra kept watch out the window as students went back and forth. She loved the outdoors and wished this meeting was taking place outside.
Glancing up as Abigail approached and spoke, Dea grinned. "Hello, and no, you haven't missed anything. Hopefully we'll be starting this soon."
With a sigh, she says I've been here for about twenty minutes already. I really don't know why I do this to myself, getting somewhere so early. But I'd much rather be early than late.
Abigail Crow |
"Oh, good! When I saw that Professor Learmonth had allowed extra credit for going on this field trip I knew I had to sign up for it. Its not that I'm doing bad, but the extra credit, and the field work, can only help." she says with a grin, glad that she wasn't coming in late to the meeting.
Hank Macon |
Hank sauntered into the gathering hall with his usual swagger. He wasn't particularly interested in the trip, but any chance at some extra credit couldn't hurt things. He slowly scanned the room as he looked for the most comfortable chair available
He noticed the two young ladies sitting alone, and moved in their direction. Could be worse than sitting with two girls, he thought as he folded his long lanky frame into one of the seats.
He pulled off his baseball cap, and ran his fingers through his short dark hair, before replacing it on her head. As Hank was wont to do, he carried his black Louisville Slugger baseball bat, the same kind that Ty Cobb had made famous.
"What exactly do they want us to do on this dumb trip," he whispered to the ladies.
Deanndra |
"I'm looking forward to the trip. Like you, I'm not doing bad but the extra credit will help me some.
She looks up at the young man that sat down beside them, eyeing the baseball bat. I've seen him around and he's always got that bat. I wonder if he's just always expecting trouble or loves the thing. Dea was barely able to suppress a snicker at that thought.
"Hank, isn't it? They want us to conduct geological surveys in Vermont. Other than the basics of what that implies, I'm not sure what they are going to want us to do."
Abigail Crow |
"I think the Anthropology department is also looking into any of the local lore that we can dig up, maybe old Indian sites, or local legends?" Abigail chimes in. "I'm not overly interested in that part, but it will be good to get out of these classrooms and get our hands dirty doing some surveys."
Abigail Crow |
Seeing the negro student shuffle into the room Abigail raises an eyebrow, slightly uncomfortable with the thought of being in such a remote place with him. On campus, surrounded by so many others is one thing, but out in the 'wilds' of Vermont... Still, the credits will help, and there will be others around... Looking at him closer she is also comforted by the fact that he appears to be a fairly small man, not much larger than herself.
Shaking the crude thoughts from herself, she reminds herself that Howard (like most students on campus, she knows of the Quaker's experimental student at the nearly all white campus) has been a model student.
Oliver Woodcock |
Oliver enters the lecture hall and looks around with a squint. A little taller than average and better fed, He looks like a stereotypical farm boy. His buzz cut is so tight and hair so light brown a person might mistake him for bald, until close up.
He doesn't seem to recognize anyone. Why would he? The field trip would be of no interest to his classmates in the engineering department. He was here for a different reason. A free trip to wilds of Vermont. Prime hunting territory. All he had to do was was hitch a lift and steal away for some well earned recreation.
He walks deeper into the hall wondering where to sit. He sees a couple of cute girls. With his attention distracted, he walks right into a desk. The noise was loud enough to draw stares. Slightly embarrassed, He fixes the desk's position and quickly sits down.
Deanndra |
Dea looked over at the noise when the tall guy ran into the desk. She didn't laugh or even giggle. She'd been there and felt bad for the guy.
She looked back at Howard. She felt bad for him also. He was hunched over in his seat at the back of the room. Wonder if he has made any friends?
Not wanting to get caught staring at anyone, she returns her attention to the front of the room.
Corsario |
Visibly agitated, Prof. Roger Harrold, age 44, famed anthropologist and head of the expedition arrives at the room.
"Please forgive my tardiness, there is so much to do..."
Following him a tall young handsome student, with a serious expression, enters too.
The professor takes a minute to catch his breath, and starts talking, as if giving a lecture.
"You all recognize Mr. Robert Blaine, I expect. This fine man has convinced me for the value of continuing this field trips, and will take charge of the field operations. I expect for you to behave as students of this university, with morality and proper etiquette, keeping the good standing of our alma mater name."
Make a couple Know Rolls, to what you know about Prof. Roger Harrold and Robert Blaine.
Corsario |
Yes, sorry I didn't make it more clear for the new guys.
The Know roll let us see if your student investigator remembers some important piece of information.
You all have an EDU value, so you roll a 1d100 and if you get a number equal or under your EDU value, you got it!
So, in Oliver's case, with and EDU of 60, he needs to roll 1-60 on a 1d100 to make it.
Howard, for example, knows Professor Harrold because he is a good friend of Dr. Terrence Parker, and knows Harrold led several groups of students during the summer break of 1929 in a field trip like this one.
One of the groups had an accident, in which one of them died, and two went missing, which caused him a great deal of consternation.
In fact, Howard thinks he remembers Professor Harrold saying he would never organize a field trip like that again.
Nevertheless, he don't know that Blaine character really. He has seen him around school, but that is it.
Corsario |
That was a great roll about Blaine. Good enough to be a childhood friend, an old girlfriend or a somewhat distant relative. What would you like?
Corsario |
Sorry for the delay... not really, but he seems... somewhat distant. Detached.
Corsario |
Ok, basically Deanndra's roll about Blaine and Abigail's one about Prof. Roger Harrold let you know everything about them. To make it quick I will put it here, for all to see.
Professor Roger Harrold, age 44, anthropologist
Harrold is a friendly man with wavy blond hair, bluish-green eyes, and a pale complexion. He is fond of brown suits, gold-rimmed glasses, and smoking cherry flavored tobacco in his ever-present pipe.
Anyone even remotely connected to Miskatonic University knows of Professor Harrold. He is an anthropologist of great renown, who has spoken at several major universities, but has always called Miskatonic home. He first gained international fame after writing a book entitled Ghosts Of The Ice (concerning an elusive Inuit tribe found in the most northern reaches of Canada).
If you rolled under 20
The one time the professor’s remarkable academic career has ever been sullied was when he allowed three students to go to Cobb’s Corners, Vermont, to follow up on some personal research. A student was later found dead and the other two, including his star student, Daphne Devine, were never found at all. The Professor has been unable to shake the subsequent sense of guilt for the tragedy.
Robert Blaine, age 24, expedition leader
Good-looking, with a lean, muscular physique. Wears understated clothes of brown and gray. Rarely
smiles, except to deliver sardonic comments. At times of stress he unconsciously grinds his teeth.
Blaine is intelligent, with a biting sense of humor and a strong sense of purpose In recent months he has become withdrawn and more acidic in his dealings with people He no longer represents the university debating team or wrestling team, and is rarely seen at any of his old haunts It is widely known around campus that Blaine once had a somewhat serious drinking problem He seems to have few friends now.
If you rolled under 20
Blaine has switched courses away from science to focus on anthropology, history, and folklore He has been driven into a black despair over the loss of his only love, Daphne Devine.
Also, in the room, there are other students.
You each can have one "friend-acquaintance-boy/girl friend" from them. Please let me know.
Robert Blaine signals Professor Roger Harrold to let him answer Abigail's question.
"Professor Harrold's Anthropology Department want to continue to discover and record the folklore of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. There is much history and tradition there that will be lost in time if we don't catalog it before it does, as modernity encroaches those far away places. Professor Ashley Learmonth's Geology Department, students will also be able to gain extra credit by joining the field trip to conduct geological surveys of the area, letting us know the geological characteristics of the place, as well as identifying the mineral riches of it."
Professor Roger Harrold nods, and questions.
"Any other question?"
Hank Macon |
Hank noticed Clarissa out of the corner of his eye. How had he missed her before now? Other than getting some bonus credits, she was his other main reason for taking this study trip. She was so beautiful...he knew her to say hello, but never anything more than that. Maybe I can get to know her a bit better, he thought as he couldn't help but turn and stare at her.
Abigail Crow |
Frowning as she notices Harold Higgins, the jester of the geology department, but at least he does know a thing or two about geology. She smiles and nods in his direction when he glances up and sees her looking at him.
Turning back to the Professor "I've nothing else sir, looking forward to working with the team".
Corsario |
What Abigail knows about Harold Higgins:
A thin, frail-looking young man, with reddish-brown hair and green eyes. Born with a large, (silver dollar-sized) birthmark on the right side of his face. Makes friends easily due to his wonderful sense of humor.
Everyone on campus knows Harold. He is the quintessential class clown. In any class he’s in, Higgins is well liked by all, including his professors. He does have a serious side, but usually only shows it when studying his chosen major, geology. In addition to his skill as a geologist and comedian, Higgins has a wonderful singing voice that is only strengthened by his broad Irish accent. Lewis Gibbons is a close friend, and the two often perform together (one singing and the other playing the piano) at campus gatherings.
You know he has a side of his extended family involved in criminal activities, but he makes his best to keep that a secret, coming from the law-abiding side of the family.
What Deanndra knows about Louis Gibbons:
Average height and build, with blue eyes and blond hair. Perfect teeth and dimples that most girls think are the cutest things. He dresses sharply (although a little threadbare). Speaks with a very broad Boston accent.
You have had a chance to know Gibbons. Hailing from a wealthy Boston family, his father has a lucrative medical practice, Gibbons began college enrolled in the premed courses, but after one year at Miskatonic’s St. Mary’s Teaching Hospital, he abruptly changed his major to botany. Louis is also known to play piano at the Regatta restaurant in Arkham from time to time.
He is good friends with Harold Higgins.
What Hank knows about Clarissa Thurber:
Very attractive, with long, light brown hair and hazel eyes, with athletic physique. Has a very faint lisp that she works hard to conceal. She enjoys wearing pretty dresses of a conservative length. The only piece of jewelry she wears is a silver locket.
The most lovely chemistry student Thurber is not well known in other social circles because of her strict study habits. It is known Thurber is not currently seeing anybody. You swear she has seen you some times, and has smiled to you.
Oliver, Slip away? Where? Why? Hunting? You were supposed to choose a "friend-acquaintance-boy/girl friend". I will choose one for you.
What Oliver knows about William Noakes:
A big, strapping lad with curly auburn hair, blue eyes, and freckles. He dresses in inexpensive clothes and has a pleasant, unassuming manner. Carries an old pocket watch his father gave him right before he started college, which he checks at least a dozen times a day.
Noakes is outgoing and friendly, with a generous nature and a genuinely kind heart. These traits have made him very popular at the university, not to mention he’s an Arkhamite and knows all the fun places in town. Noakes is also a star on the university swim team.
We still need Howard's selection... I will choose for him.
What Howard knows about Roderick “Little Rod” Block:
He has dark, wispy hair and light brown eyes. A broad and pleasant-looking face, marred by a small “U” shaped scar on his chin (from a long-forgotten incident as a child). Proudly wears his football jersey and jacket.
Block is one of the best players on the varsity football team. Originally from Georgia, he speaks with a slight southern accent. In addition to his formidable size and athletic prowess, Block is quite bright and is getting high grades.
He has been a good friend to Howard, even with their physical and race differences.
About Oliver's question Robert Blaine answers:
"We will leave Miskatonic University on August 15th well before dawn. We will travel in two automobiles and a large truck. We will be lodging in a deserted farmhouse, called Maclearan farmhouse; a building surrounded by uncultivated land, located three miles outside the town of Cobb’s Corners. The expedition will be split into two groups, one containing the geologists and archeologists students, which will be provided with an assortment of tools and surveying gear to conduct soil surveys. A local man named Joe Harlow has been commissioned to arrive each morning at the farmhouse and drive the students to and from their work site.
The other group will include the anthropologists, historians, folklorists and psychology students. They will be equipped with notepads, pencils, and incentive money to encourage locals to share folklore and stories from the area’s oral tradition. A camera with a flash powder tray is available, as well as a phonograph with recording cylinders should any of the students wish to record their conversations with willing locals. The two Chevrolet Model K automobiles will be available, allowing us to canvas the area. Terrence Laslow will drive one car and the other is placed in the care of William Noakes.
We should be there for 10 days.
Any other questions?"
Corsario |
You can ask after the meeting, or right now...
Or you can try to "accidentally" get in the same one as her.
Hank Macon |
As soon as the group breaks up, Hank slowly makes his way toward Clarissa. "What a pretty locket," he stammers with a slight blush.
"What group do you think they are going to place you in Clarissa? Isn't chemistry your thing? All those sciences are about the same to me. Would you mind if I tag along and see if I can pick up some things? I have to keep my grades up for baseball season, you know."
Corsario |
Will wait to see if somebody asks something before the meeting ends, and after that we will play your "Clarissa Move". ;)
Corsario |
Let's say William Noakes is an acquaintance of Oliver, then, not a friend.
Yes, I thought you mean hunting.
Corsario |
The reunion ends and everyone starts walking out.
Hank intercepts Clarissa Thurber.
"What a pretty locket."
She looks at the locket, and takes it in a small and graceful hand.
"Thank you, it was my mother's. Mr. Macon, is it?"
"What group do you think they are going to place you in Clarissa? Isn't chemistry your thing? All those sciences are about the same to me. Would you mind if I tag along and see if I can pick up some things? I have to keep my grades up for baseball season, you know."
She smiles and it's about to answer when Hank feels himself pushed sideway.
A very stern looking Robert Blaine stands between Hank and Clarissa.
"It is Ms. Thurber to you, mister. She will travel in the lead car with me, while you will go in the truck, with the other field students. I am responsible for the behaviour of all the students in this trip, and I want to make perfectly clear I won't tolerate anyone trying to turn this academic activity in something else. Are we clear or should I take you out of the trip, Mr. Macon?"