Aysha Myrni |
1d100 ⇒ 31
Hearing that Edward wanted to know where the professor's office is. Aysha decides to search for Marion who must still be at the museum.
'I couldn't help overhearing your idea to find the professor's office Edward. I think I can help. Be discreet- I will be back'
I think Marion has shown that she can be trusted and she has extensive knowledge of London archaeological society. she may know where his office is.
Aysha spots a white (with shock) Marion at the bar with a bottle of whiskey.
'this is terrible Marion. Is there anything we can do?'
Gerald 'Jerry' McNaughton |
Sanity check: 1d100 ⇒ 28
Discreetly handing the keys over to Jerry: "why don't you head over there first, it's only a few streets away. I'll catch up with you later."
About to take the key Edward is offering, Jerry suddenly remembers that his hands are covered in Professor Whitlow's blood.
"Stella, would you mind taking the key please?" he says gesturing to his hands.
He looks at Edward and says "I just need to wash this blood off and then we can get over to the Prof's apartment and see what we can find."
He gamely smiles at Stella and says "I hope you're okay Stella, because I feel a little wobbly!"
DSXMachina |
Marion, looking white as a sheet, answers her voice unsteadily; "I know, you could do that to oneself." she shakes her head and the whisky spills over the side of the tumbler. Marion licks her finger; "Why?"
"Well at least the police will be here and we can get this cleared up." she downs the remaining drink before holding it out to get it re-filled from the bar-keep.
Well done you two, that was only 1 San loss.
Stella Mahoney |
Sanity Check: 1d100 ⇒ 65
Stella looks over at Jerry and says in a quiet voice, "Sure Jerry, but let's get a move on. The police should be here soon and the less questions we have to answer the better. I think time is not our friend at all right now. We need to make it lickity split over to this here professor's house and see what the hell is going on." She quickly stashes the keys in her pocket and gets up slowly. She signals to Jerry to lead the way.
Gerald 'Jerry' McNaughton |
Stella looks over at Jerry and says in a quiet voice, "Sure Jerry, but let's get a move on. The police should be here soon and the less questions we have to answer the better. I think time is not our friend at all right now. We need to make it lickity split over to this here professor's house and see what the hell is going on." She quickly stashes the keys in her pocket and gets up slowly. She signals to Jerry to lead the way.
"I agree Stella, but I don't want to be searching the Prof's flat and leaving bloody handprints everywhere; it would be very incautious."
He walks quickly across the room and past the bar to the gentleman's lavatory. Within a minute he is back out his hands cleaned of blood.
"Right you are Stella; let's look alive. Or, how d'you say? 'Lickity split!"
DSXMachina |
Dr Whitlow's Flat
As you walk down the street, the rain starts in earnest. Another soaking London night as the rain flickers past the gas lamps to fill the streets and gutters. The howling wind picks up and rips through the bare trees that sporadically line the road.
The flat is a top floor of a two-storey house, a detached building covered in gloom as none of the lights are on. Moving to the side entrance the door before you appears locked....
Stella Mahoney |
Making a spot check to see if anything is out of order or if someone is hiding near the entrance: 1d100 ⇒ 90
If I am sure I don't see anyone my character will pull out the key and unlock the door and peak inside before she turns a light on.
Rolling for another spot check: 1d100 ⇒ 18 My ability is 65
If I don't see anyone Stella will make her best attempt to walk inside quietly and signal for Jerry to follow.
Rolling for sneak: 1d100 ⇒ 30 My ability is 65
Edward Lewis Pitt |
1d100 ⇒ 27
Surprised by Aysha's enthousiasm, and happy she remembered him, Edward lets his eyes wander on her as she heads towards Marion.
He then spots Smokey amongst the crowd and heads toward hims as he realises the curators offices will likely all be in the same block. If you find one, you find them all...
"What a terrible way to end
- And In front of the ladies, I thought the Professor curt at times, but this goes beyond anything he's ever done...
- Sure, sure... I am about to leave, and there was something I wanted to share with Curator Merriweather... To do with a current article... but it looks like he is going to be awfully busy tonight..."
He then adds "You wouldn't happen to know where his office is?"
DSXMachina |
The man looks back at him, slightly pale "I know, old chap, dashed bad show offing himself publically like that. The stress of the exhibition must have got to him. Some people don't have the hearty constitution of us," he says shakily before adding "there are some sensitive souls out there, especially amongst the ladies. I'll have to see if I can 'console' some of them." He winks wanely and you suspect if any lady is 'lucky' enough then she will be consoling him.
Smokey flicks the side of his spec's; "Merriweathers Office, that down in the basement with all the other offices. In the North Wing, where we are. You know temporary ones, to be near the exhibit." He leans in slightly to Edward and the pungent Turkish tobacco smell lingers.
"You know they were all moaning about the cramped conditions and having to share with the African storage area. But it'll be locked, best just to wait here for old Adair. I am sure the police won't take too long." Smokey sighs heavily.
"So which of those trio of beauties is your date? Let a pal take a crack at one of the others?" He asks, then shakes his head sensing he has gone astray.
The police start to appear on the scene, walking into the exhibition generally making an unsubtle scene of themselves.
So everyone only lost 1 Sanity from the Professor's death
DSXMachina |
At the Professors' Flat
Looking around outside there appears to be naught but a grey cat looking at you as you open the door. It opens straight onto what you assume was Whitlow's living room, in the gloom you see nobody there. But turning on the light, all here is in disarray.
The tight cluttered living space is an absolute state, books have been thrown onto the sofa against the near wall. Spines bend and pages missing the piles of books and manuscripts are a librarian nightmare as they spill out onto the end tables.
In the corner a threadbare chair stands proudly next to an overturned art noveau lamp, the delicate glass cracked.
More papers and a shattered paper-weight cover the hard-wood floor. Whilst over-looking this carnage is an intact marble bust of William Shakespeare, proudly positioned upon the mantle piece. The fire below slowly smoulders.
A small but servicable writing desk and bureau stands in the corner, buried under piles of papers, letters and books.
There is a small doorway in the corner, or to the far side of the room a hallway that leads off to 3 other rooms.
A quick cusory glance shows that many of the books are about Roman and Greek art, legends and anthropology. Taking a good look around this room later will take an hour (and i'll use that roll if you wish Stella).
Stella Mahoney |
Yes, please use that spot check Chris.
Stella gingerly pulls her derringer out of her boot and slowly walks around investigating. She whispers to Jerry, "I'll look around this room why don't you take that one room to left and check for anyone who might be still paying the late professor an unwelcome visit."
She is going to search the desk, bookcases, under furniture, and look for any hidden compartments through the first area.
Stella will listen intently to make sure she doesn't hear anyone: 1d100 ⇒ 50
DSXMachina |
Vernon's Abode
Quietly Stella, gun in hand searches throughout the ransacked room. Carefully moving and prodding the living area.
Jerry advances to the open area on the far side, two doors lie in the small hallway, to the right and ahead. To the left an archway opens into what could be a kitchen in the gloom...
Gerald 'Jerry' McNaughton |
Yes, please use that spot check Chris.
Stella gingerly pulls her derringer out of her boot and slowly walks around investigating. She whispers to Jerry, "I'll look around this room why don't you take that one room to left and check for anyone who might be still paying the late professor an unwelcome visit."
"absolutely old girl".
Jerry crosses to the fireplace and grabs a poker from the stand, hefting it in his hand to test the weight. He turns and gives Stella the thumbs up and then advances towards the open area on the far side.
Jerry tries to move quietly towards the archway (Sneak: 1d100 ⇒ 75), but before stepping through he stops and listens (Listen: 1d100 ⇒ 21).
Does Jerry hear anything from through the archway?
DSXMachina |
Through the archway, all appears to be quiet the flickering illumination of the living area casting long shadows into the small room. As he moves forward he topples a pile of books over despite his cautious nature, Jerry's hand shoots out and he stops the landslide. However a couple of books fall but the sounds are easily muffled by the plush carpet.
The galley kitchen appears deserted...
Gerald 'Jerry' McNaughton |
Through the archway, all appears to be quiet the flickering illumination of the living area casting long shadows into the small room. As he moves forward he topples a pile of books over despite his cautious nature, Jerry's hand shoots out and he stops the landslide. However a couple of books fall but the sounds are easily muffled by the plush carpet.
The galley kitchen appears deserted...
Jerry moves to the door on the other side of the hallway and puts his ear to it (Listen: 1d100 ⇒ 99).
DSXMachina |
With a smooth pull of the door and a click of the lamp, the room is starkly illuminated...
The stark bathroom is finished with a cold hoary tiles. A pedestal sink, a clawfoot iron enamelled bath with a toilet parallel, take up the majority of the space. Black towels hang upon rods below a mirror. A small shelf holds assorted cosmetics, cologne , a shaving brush and cup, and, somewhat disturbingly, a straight razor.
But there appears to be nobody here.
Aysha Myrni |
Aysha is not sure Marion can help her and is feeling suddenly claustrophobic. She steps outside, where the rain is hammering down, to think.
My father told me Vernon was a great reader, the best of academics. I think I must see his library. There has to be a clue there. If only I had followed Stella
Aysha scans the misty street for a clue for the route that Jerry and Stella took.
Can Aysha see anything?
DSXMachina |
Aysha remembers a story her father told her of going to the doctors place to have a look at his etchings and busts. That the flats address was 2b like Mr Holmes but it wasn't Baker street, it was....
Aysha rushes off down the wet street, he feet splashing puddles. Moving quickly so as to not ruin her hair or make-up. She sees the flat 2b with some lights could it be that Stella is there or is it that she has been attacked by some raving loony like the doctor had become.
Quietly she pushes open the door she sees Stella rummaging amongst the debris and detritus. Stella turns around derringer drawn.
Stella Mahoney |
Stella turns in surprise and alarm but slowly lowers her gun, "Well, you just about scared the bejesus out of me lady. You look like a drowned rat. No offense though missy. I have been lookin around and can't seem to find a darn thing. You reckon you can makes sense out of this mess? Maybe I am missin something that you will have a better eye for."
Stella lifts her hat and scratches her head in bewilderment unable to determine what exactly she should be looking for.
Edward Lewis Pitt |
Seeing that not much more will be accomplished at the Museum today, Edward gets ready to leave.
And then remembers that Aysha had offered to help. Scanning the room for her, he sees her parting company with Marion and head outside.
Grabbing his jacket and umbrella from the cloakroom, he heads outside in the pouring rain.
Aysha is still there, gazing into nowhere in particular
Edward opens his umbrella and steps towards her, and shelters her from the rain.
"I got the professor's office location. I doubt we will be able to learn much at the museum tonight though with all the commotion though."
Showing the telegram to Aysha
"Something happened tonight. The professor had offered to share some information on his work after the event. He seemed agitated initially, but was well dressed. But just before he ended his life, he looked like he had been in a fight or something, all filthy and unkept.
And then, there is those things he said. About new youngs to be born in a few days, some summoning and Orobourous to be silenced..."
He takes his breath and then adds:
"None of that remotely makes sense to me, but it must be related to his work."
"I am heading out to the Professor's flat, to meet up with Jerry."
Edward Lewis Pitt |
oops, it seems my timing was off... That's what happens when you run a film in your head and everything changes before you have time to set it in motion.... Anyway, let's rewind :D
Seeing that not much more will be accomplished at the Museum today, Edward gets ready to leave.
And then remembers that Aysha had offered to help. Scanning the room for her, he sees her parting company with Marion and head outside.
Grabbing his jacket and umbrella from the cloakroom, he heads outside in the pouring rain.
She doesn't seem to be there anymore.
After opening his umbrella, he asks Bernard where the lady went, and heads in that direction.
He spots her at the end of the street, stepping inside flat 2b.
And follows shortly after.
Gerald 'Jerry' McNaughton |
With a smooth pull of the door and a click of the lamp, the room is starkly illuminated...
The stark bathroom is finished with a cold hoary tiles. A pedestal sink, a clawfoot iron enamelled bath with a toilet parallel, take up the majority of the space. Black towels hang upon rods below a mirror. A small shelf holds assorted cosmetics, cologne , a shaving brush and cup, and, somewhat disturbingly, a straight razor.
But there appears to be nobody here.
"Why does the Prof have cosmetics in his bathroom? wonders Jerry. "Maybe he has - had - some little filly squirreled away somewhere....
He switches off the light, steps out of the bathroom and pulls the door to, before moving cautiously to the last door in the hallway. He puts his hand on the handle and then moves his head closer to see if he can hear anything (1d100 ⇒ 33).
DSXMachina |
There are no sounds in the room apart from a low sound if the window; carefully opening the door. Inside the room is a spartan affair, with a simple bed, oaken chest of drawers and night-stand. Everything here is in dis-array; covers are thrown off the bed, drawers are pulled out and are askew and clothes and sheets litter the floor. A window is a jar, although this does not seem to be the entry point for the burglar. The pane has a small crack, running along it.
Aysha Myrni |
'Yes, I think it is raining outside now! Ha ha! Aysha replies with a nervous giggle as she narrowly escaped death!
'Ahh Edward you are late.... as usual and still no taste in umbrellas... it's a shame! anyway at least you are here now. Stella needs all the help she can get- this place looks like a herd of cattle charged through it!'
'maybe we should start by looking through his antiquities, let's leave the books for now.'
Stella and Edward follow Aysha's gaze as she drips from head to toe all over the professor's prized Persian carpet.
DSXMachina |
Thus looking around the flat at a glance (with only the small door in the living room to check out), there appears to be no-one here any more. They ransacked the place looking for something....
With Aysha's help whilst she looks through the antiquities, Stella looks through the books and papers.
Aysha finds that he has many small items with a speciality in Greco-Roman culture and the classics. Though there are not that many pieces here each seems to be valuable and holds some special significance. Either professional or personal, the items do provide evidence of the digs he participated in.
Stella checks through the papers and books with a heavy Romanic influence; however one thing catches her notice. It's a late reminder from the British Museum Reading Room, with yesterday's post-mark for a book, the 'Sera Altaria'. 'Well the late fine is the last of his worries.'
Stella Mahoney |
Stella reaches into the book and pulls out the note and shows it to everyone. "Hey guys, I think I found somethin!It looks like a reminder from the British Museum Reading Room, with yesterday's post-mark for a book, the 'Sera Altaria'. And also it says 'Well the late fine is the last of his worries.'
Edward Lewis Pitt |
Edward announces to the ladies that he is interested in anything that might be related to summonings or Orobourous or birthings.
He then starts moving furniture around to check for pieces of parchment that might have gone astray.
He then quickly flicks through the non dusty books in the library, checking for loose notes / schemas or arcane anotations.
Gerald 'Jerry' McNaughton |
There are no sounds in the room apart from a low sound if the window; carefully opening the door. Inside the room is a spartan affair, with a simple bed, oaken chest of drawers and night-stand. Everything here is in dis-array; covers are thrown off the bed, drawers are pulled out and are askew and clothes and sheets litter the floor. A window is a jar, although this does not seem to be the entry point for the burglar. The pane has a small crack, running along it.
Jerry moves carefully through the wreckage to the window and peers out.
What can he see?
Gerald 'Jerry' McNaughton |
So everyone's looking in the Living Room/Lounge at the moment. Not checking out the shelves/cupboards in the kitchen, the bathroom, the bedroom or the small door yet?
Chris, Jerry is in the bedroom about to look out of the window. After that he will probably search the room, unless he sees something....
DSXMachina |
Bedroom
As Gerry walks over the the piles of clothes on the floor, and past the night-stand to look out of the cracked window. Outside in the dark driving rain you can see the vista of a watery Bloomsbury garden. The flowers and trees are bare in the winter conditions.
Spot Hidden Roll or two please.
Gerald 'Jerry' McNaughton |
Bedroom
As Gerry walks over the the piles of clothes on the floor, and past the night-stand to look out of the cracked window. Outside in the dark driving rain you can see the vista of a watery Bloomsbury garden. The flowers and trees are bare in the winter conditions.
Spot Hidden Roll or two please.
Spot Hidden rolls:
#1 1d100 ⇒ 65
#2 1d100 ⇒ 4
DSXMachina |
Stella
Lose 0 sanity
Nerves on edge, however it only takes the resolute Texan a moment to realise those eyes that stare at her are her own.
She has opened a closet, with a mirror facing her. There are coats hung up before her, with a hat box shelf above. Where there appears to be a few boxes placed there. The coats include a woollen jacket with leather elbow pads and a long trench coat.
To one side is a small hook with some keys hanging there.
DSXMachina |
Jerry
Walking across the clothes strewn floor, he checks the nightstand. The drawer appears to just have a few scraps of mundane items....
But then he spots a scrap of paper stuck in the runners, holding the drawer firmly the pilot pulls back. The kinky runner sticks fast stopping the trays easy removal, so putting more brute strength in Jerry yanks harder.
With a squeal of metal it gives way and Jerry stumbles back across the floor, his heel stomps down on the edge of some clothes and there is a crack of glass?!
Checking down, there is a wooden picture frame underneath his feet, looking at it.... It's a picture of Vernon somewhere outdoors, with him is two men Head Curator Adair Merriweather and the handsome faced Curator O'Donnell (the man with a small scar on his chin)
The scrap of paper that was stuck in the runner of the drawer is an envelope, lightly scented and cream coloured. It appears to be from Ms. Lily Whitefield, Banbury.
Stella Mahoney |
Stella
Lose 0 sanity
Nerves on edge, however it only takes the resolute Texan a moment to realise those eyes that stare at her are her own.
She has opened a closet, with a mirror facing her. There are coats hung up before her, with a hat box shelf above. Where there appears to be a few boxes placed there. The coats include a woollen jacket with leather elbow pads and a long trench coat.
To one side is a small hook with some keys hanging there.
"Well, slap my face. I just about pissed my pants! Stella calls out in a loud voice. "Just my reflection! She chuckles to herself. She rummages through the boxes and checks the coat pockets. She also grabs the keys just in case there is a lock box that a key may fit. She also searches for any hidden compartments.
Spot/Hidden roll: 1d100 ⇒ 99
DSXMachina |
Whilst looking roughly through the cupboard all Stella finds is a blank note book. As she turns to leave one of the displaced boxes gets under her feet and puts her off-balance. Stella's hand shoots out and finds the key hooks, which she uses to steady herself....
However the old wood snaps and the trio of key sets falls to the floor, with a clattering jingle. Outside the heavy rain falls relentlessly and a slow mist has started to rise from the river.
Edward Lewis Pitt |
Upon hearing Stella's shout, Edward decides he did a reasonable search through the professor's books and furniture. He decides to have a short break and heads towards the kitchen.
He asks loudly "Would anyone like a cuppa?"
He then goes about preparing the tea, briefly shuffling through some drawers in search of milk and tea leaves.
Gerald 'Jerry' McNaughton |
Jerry
Walking across the clothes strewn floor, he checks the nightstand. The drawer appears to just have a few scraps of mundane items....
But then he spots a scrap of paper stuck in the runners, holding the drawer firmly the pilot pulls back. The kinky runner sticks fast stopping the trays easy removal, so putting more brute strength in Jerry yanks harder.
With a squeal of metal it gives way and Jerry stumbles back across the floor, his heel stomps down on the edge of some clothes and there is a crack of glass?!
Checking down, there is a wooden picture frame underneath his feet, looking at it.... It's a picture of Vernon somewhere outdoors, with him is two men Head Curator Adair Merriweather and the handsome faced Curator O'Donnell (the man with a small scar on his chin)
The scrap of paper that was stuck in the runner of the drawer is an envelope, lightly scented and cream coloured. It appears to be from Ms. Lily Whitefield, Banbury.
Jerry tries to straighten the envelope and then opens it to see whether there's a letter inside.
Hearing Stella shouting for him, he shouts back: "Just a minute old girl, I'm looking at something."
DSXMachina |
The letter reads as follows:
December 10th, 1921
Dear Vernon,
I hope this letter finds you well.
I trust your new exhibit is coming along well and all will be ready for your big gala. I regret I cannot attend personally, but the children and my work takes all my time.
James and Melanie are doing well, all things considered. Miss Christy has moved in with us, and the twins seemed to be largely ignorant of the horrors that transpired in Luxor. Speaking of the twins - I've enclosed a recent drawing of theirs. I realised that you found their drawings curious since you visited; so I thought I'd send you a recent drawing. James and Melanie collaborated on this one, I'm thinking they have returned to normal play.
I wish you luck on your grand opening and hope the gala is a smashing success. Please do write when you find the time.
Yours very truly,
Lily.
Attached is a drawing, I'll have to scan it on Monday and put up a link. I could do a brief description, if you wish?
Gerald 'Jerry' McNaughton |
The letter reads as follows:
Attached is a drawing, I'll have to scan it on Monday and put up a link. I could do a brief description, if you wish?
Hi Chris. Yes, a brief description would be good.
Tucking the letter in his pocket, Jerry bends down and removes the photo of Vernon, Head Curator Adair Merriweather and Curator O'Donnell from the broken picture frame. He then makes his way back to the living room. Going to Stella, he removes the letter from his pocket and hands it to her saying, "What do you make of this Stella? Seems a little odd don't you think?"
DSXMachina |
The drawing consists of at the bottom, the names James and Melanie written in bold childish script. The picture itself consists of what appears to be rough rectangles, they make a D with the vertical I consisting of larger blocks. There is a small gap in the centre as well as a few other rectangles arrayed elsewhere. Some of them are also round O 's as well.
Well done, nearly got every clue.