The Armitage Papers

Game Master greg white 722

7th ed. 'Call of Cthulhu'.


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Ronny drives and talks, "My notes are at my house but here is what I remember.

Havingshill is a champion for the more human and progressive treatment of the mentally ill, and specializes in the treatment of what he terms 'traumatic psychic disabilments', what in this day and age we would call Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders.

He made his reputation treating the many Great War victims of shell-shock.

His politics appear to somewhat progressive and radical, a little out-of-step with Yankee pragmatism, which some columnists criticize him for.

The sanatorium is was built upon the site of a one sprawling dairy operation; and some of the outlaying milking barns still stand: it is stated in one column that is hoped that the facility will soon convert, or demolish, these structures, as they're frequently used by vagabonds and 'itinerants of the meanest sort' as shelter.

The Gardiners, of Kingsport, and particularly, the patriarch Oliver Gardiner, were instrumental in helping raising funding for the facility.

Now that all got me thinking, who are the Gardiners? So I went back yesterday and discovered that the Gardiners of Kingsport are an old and prosperous family, that made their money first in supplying Yankee whalers. They then moved on to the railroad business, and still own a controlling Share in the North-East Atlantic Railroad Co.

Then, after I sobered up late in the evening, I realized I had heard that name before!

Oliver Gardiner is mentioned in Armitage's rambling papers. Fancy that!

His notes I believe were: Oliver Gardiner - seemed to see through me and to become progressively more distant as I talked.

Not sure if we will see Gardiner thre but perhaps we should find some way to casually mention him while we are at the sanatorium. Right/"

All that talking made Ronny thirsty, he reached down to take a swig from his flask.


It looks like its going to be another great, late summer day.

You arrive at the Sanatorium.

It sits in the midst of a green and airy park, surrounded by a low wall.

The gates are open.

Hmmm. Are there some faded marks, like chalk scrawls there on the left gate-post?

It'll be a difficult test of Intelligence (half of your attribute rating) for Pritchard, Blakesmith, and Dr. Mayfield. Nils has seen something like in his recent travels, so he can use his normal Intelligence rating.


The only thing scarier than the spooky asylum? Ronny's drinking and driving!

Lawrence sits back, listening to Ronny report on his findings, enjoying the country view as it rolls by. "I'd certainly think so. If we're posing as potential investors, the topic of other important people related to the funding of the institution may well come up."

Upon arrival, he notices that not only are the gates open, but that there appears to be faded writing just to the left of it. "What do you suppose that says?" he asks, pointing it out. "You think they're letting the patients write on walls out here?"

Intelligence: 1d100 ⇒ 62

Lol I have a feeling I'm going to roll high this entire game.


"What says what?" Ronny clearly has no clue and squints at what Lawrence points out.

Back in the good ole' days when you could drink and drive. The only crime, spilling your drink!


Male Human Professor

"Possibly a hobo code of some kind," Edward speculates.
Edward shrugs. "Or graffiti. Teenagers these days show no respect."

Intelligence: 1d100 ⇒ 50.


Had it been a normal roll, that would've been a successful, but as it is you're baffled by the vague chalk scrawls peeping out from behind the lilac bushes.

Blacksmith rolls forward, along an oiled road that winds through the elm trees, the rays of the morning sun spearing down through the leafy canopy.


Male Human Professor

Edward, who miraculously remembered to bring along his clipboard and pen, makes a sketch of the front gate showing the placement of the symbol, and then on a separate page makes a larger sketch of the symbol itself. He does as best he can as the Packard rumbles along the drive.


"Well, we are almost there.

Look sharp Gentlemen, we are about to be on!"


The main building comes into view, a sprawling building in a fairly relaxed neo-classical style that is a mixture of white marble facing and red-brick.

There is a large, well-groomed lawn in front of the place, where it looks like some patients are engaging is some morning calisthenics.

There is small car park to the left, into which Blakesmith deftly maneuvers the car.

There appears to be a small garage. Through the windows you see a man at a desk, reading a newspaper.

Showtime!


sorry about the late reply, had some stuff going on at home this week

intelligence: 1d100 ⇒ 14


Male Human Professor

Edward points toward the garage, drawing everyone’s attention toward the man with the newspaper.

"It’s the janitors, grounds crew and custodians who always have the most up-to-date information, gentlemen. They’re also the people you never want to make mad. I suggest we start with him."


Nils Svensson, as you journeyed across the country you often saw such markings, and you can indeed tell Dr. Mayfield that are Hobo markings, and they seem to indicate a nearby shelter.

The man in the garage has put down his newspaper and he appears to be watching you.


Lawrence glances at the man in the garage, then looks back at the others. "So, uh, is making contact and arranging meetings the attaché's job?" He straightens out his suit as best he can.


Ronny begins acting the fop, "Absolutely!

Make haste my good man. Once this fellow directs us to the right place our business can begin properly".


Lawrence nods and strides off toward the garage. He knocks on the door there, waiting for the man inside -- or anyone else, really -- to answer.

"Good day to you!" he says when the man inside comes to the door. "I'm here with a potential donor to this institution. Who might I speak to about arranging a meeting with one of the higher-ups here?"


Male Human Professor

Edward stands in the back of the group (he remembered to wear his bowler hat this time), and takes copious notes on his clipboard.

Does COC have the equivalent of a perception check?


Spot Hidden is basically Perception or at least that is how I use it when I run.


Mechanic : "Sure, let me call the main building and let them know you're here!"

Yes. Spot Hidden is what you would roll to detect anything out of place, possible clues, or hidden threats


So, as normally I would make those rolls:

secret roll for Dr. Mayfield's Spot Hidden:
Dr.Mayfield's SPot Hidden Roll Spot Hidden: 1d100 ⇒ 64
.

If there's any skullduggery going on it is not immediately apparent to Dr. Mayfield.


The mechanic dials a phone at this desk.

Mechanic : "Were you expecting some donors this morning? Yeah. Ok they're here. All right. "

He puts the phone down.

Mechanic : "Some-one will be down from the main office in just a minute."

Are you going to be using aliases? If so, better have them at hand .

A few minutes later a cheerful young man in an expensive looking suit comes hurrying down across the lot.

Newcomer : "Hello, I'm Dr. Ritchie, the Assistant Director. If you would come with me please. "

He begins to lead you back towards the main building.


"We certainly would Doctor. I am Geronimous Earp, along with me is my entourage, I travel nowhere without the best of help! I understand if I seek the best of help for a family member that is ahhhh.... ill. Yes ill, then this would be the place where I would also be able to find the best of help".


Dr. Ritchie : "Yes, this is an excellent, modern and progressive facility, where we're committed to providing the best and most respectful care!"

You stroll across the grounds towards the main building.

Looking around you see patients taking their ease in the morning sunlight.

A few orderlies, identified usually by their athletic builds, are standing unobtrusively around.

Dr. Ritchie : "If I may, what is the nature of the patient's, ahhh, condition? "


"Yes that. Well, there are those who claim him "Mad". My parents believed him to be simply misunderstood.

Bless their hearts they meant well and where we are from treatments are not so modern as your American Medicine.

With their passing it's time to get my Brother the help he needs. I had heard about a Doctor here, a Havingshill is it? That worked wonders with his treatments".


Dr. Ritchie : "Dr. Havingshill is a tremendous star in this field, he has really been at the fore-front of change and innovation in the world of psychiatric health!"

You've reached the grandiose entrance of the place.

Above the door is a marble pediment, at the center of which is a bas-relief of a bee-hive

There is some scroll-work below which bears the inscription: "Be happy, be busy, be healthy."


"This place is quite beautiful Doctor. But what can you tell me of its history? I have a peculiar interest in the history of any place I go, call me superstitious but if the past was bad the present may look the same and I can't have my Brother placed in such a situation. You understand I am sure".


Still unsure exactly what an attaché would be doing in this situation, Lawrence follows along as "Geronimous" speaks with Dr. Ritchie, listening as they go. Along the way he looks about constantly, partially to get a feel for the institution, and partially to see if anything looks amiss or out of place.

Spot Hidden: 1d100 ⇒ 43 Figured I'd roll it since Lawrence is actively looking around. If you'd rather roll it then that's fine too.


Nils looks respectfully disinterested in the current conversation, but listens in just in case. He follows in the entourage near the back


Male Human Professor

Edward Mayfield, ever the clueless academic, never misses a chance to be socially clueless. He wanders away from the group and begins to overtly inspect the lobby.


You've moved into the atrium by now.

A receptionist watches from behind a massive oak counter.

A mix of painted portraits and photographs adorn the walls.

Dr. Ritchie : "Well, there was a dairy here before, which I believe closed, I think, in 1917."

Laurence, there doesn't appear to be anything too untoward, but you did note, as you walked up to the main building, perhaps unsurprisingly, that the windows are rather tall and narrow, and would not readily allow egress.

Dr. Maysfield, you busy yourself with the artwork. You come to a photograph, which appears to have been taken at the grounds-breaking.
The plaque identifies the Institute's director, Dr. Havingshill, and 'patron and benefactor', Oliver Gardiner. The former is a genial man sporting a full mustache. The latter is tall, elderly man, who can only manage a wan smile for the photographer.


"A dairy farm, well that is a relief. Many of these institutions are simply remodeled from old asylums which have been the location of less than savory approaches to those of our families who are less than ahhh... socially cogent shall we say?

So Doctor Havingshill then came from somewhere else and had the means to open this institution? Wonderful! I prefer a man who is independent of investors who may focus more on means than results".


Male Human Professor

Edward studies the photograph in some detail.

Spot Hidden: 1d100 ⇒ 38.


Dr. Ritchie : "Dr. Havingshill came here from England, where he did great work with those who suffered terrible mental wounds in the trenches of the Great War!"

"But he did get help in realizing his vision for this institution from many fine philanthropists! The esteemed Oliver Gardiner, of Kingsport, was a great assistance!"

"Have you ever visited Kingsport, it is a beautiful town."

Dr. Mayfield: the photograph seems innocuous. In the background you noticed a beaming, elderly woman, Mrs. Gardiner perhaps? There is a slight, turbaned man at her side.


Dr. Ritchie continuing on : "Is there anything you would like to see? The rooms? The art and craft center? The hydro-therapy center? The dining hall? Dr. Havingshill insists that our patients receive a nourishing and rich diet."


Male Human Professor

I missed two important posts up above: One was the bas-relief of a bee-hive. It seems logical to me that Edward would've made a note of it on his clipboard, but I don't want to meta-game, so maybe he just didn't see it. Also, I missed the part where the GM rolls "spot hidden"... sorry about that.

Edward decides that the elderly woman and turbaned man bear some scrutiny.

Nom de plume. Nom de plume. I must have an alias. Ah, yes, the long-dead folklorist Eli Davenport should work perfectly.

Edward approaches the couple and tips his hat: "Sir, madam, Eli Davenport, at your service. I am the secretary of this party who is considering taking on a philanthropic role here at the asy-, er, um, hospital. I was wondering if you are part of staff."


Ok. However, the woman and her mysterious companion are in the background of the photograph of the grounds-breaking celebration, rather than present in the atrium with you. Sorry that that wasn't clear.

At this time the only other 'staff-person' here is the bored looking receptionist, perched behind the massive counter.


"Doctor, I wish to see everything. My entourage will of course accompany me. Without them I could not remember half of what I see and her".


Nils politely clears his throat and whispers not too quietly to Ronny in order to put our guide mentally off balance and give a plausible opening to Armatige, "I have not heard mention of finances, it would be simple to promise near-utopia for prospective residents but offer sub-standard fare after visiting hours. After all, what good is the word of a resident compared to an administrator? Might I humbly suggest talking directly to one of the residents, one of our choosing?"


Dr. Ritchie: "I totally understand, follow me please."

Dr. Ritchie nods to the receptionist.

An out-of-sight button gets pressed, and there is a faint buzzer.

The inner doors swings open.

Just inside the door is another desk, with another of the hulking attendants hunched over the desk. The attendant takes some keys from inside the desk and stands.

"Good morning doctor."

"Good morning Boris."


Male Human Professor

Sorry, meant to tell you that I am
In a class all week. I won’t be able to post again until the weekend. Just go ahead and “NPC me” if you need to.


So you're walked down the hall, and the attendant then unlocks the inner doors.

Dr. Ritchie. : "We will begin with the gymnasium then. Healthy minds require healthy bodies!"

You enter the gym.

The equipment appears to be modern and of quality.

A group of young women in modest singlets, are performing calisthenics; some enthusiastically, some indifferently, while a few appear to be bored beyond belief.

Dr. Ritchie : Gently chides one of the more aimless participants, a pale brunette. "Come on Virtue, lets see little more energy! Its only a few knee-bends!"


She gives a kind of half-shrug.

Dr. Ritchie : "Come on gentlemen, if you will follow me."

Virtue in a very low voice : "What an ass."

Dr. Ritchies leads you through the the gym.

Dr. Ritchie : "Ah, Director, this is Mr. Earp and party, they're touring our facility, to determine its suitability to receive a loved one."

Dr. Havingshill : "Good to meet you Mr. Earp. And what are your first impressions of 'Morning Rise'?"


Male Human Professor

I'm back from class

Edward shakes his head incredulously. The man and woman he thought he was talking to were embedded in the picture.

Edward thinks about what just happened. How long has it been since I've had one of my hallucinations? I thought they went away with the migraines.


As Dr. Mayfield recovers from his odd 'reverie' he turns slightly, to see 'Virtue' peering out at your little party through the doors of the gym.

Dr. Havingshill : "I think you'll find that ours is a most progressive and modern facility."


An orderly hurries up to Dr. Havingshill. There's a brief, whispered conversation.

Dr. Havingshill : "I'm afraid I have some business to attend to, if after your tour is done you still have questions that Dr. Ritchie cannot answer perhaps he can you bring you by my office."

Dr. Havingshill hurries off, with the orderly following close by.

Through the gym doors Virtue snickers, and then ducks out of sight as Dr. Rithies turns to you.

Dr. Ritchie : "Let's continue then, shall we?"

"Here is the dining hall. We serve fresh and wholesome food, prepared according to strict dietary standards."

Ok, is there anything that you specifically want to ask or request of Dr. Ritchie? Anything you want to try, or specifically check out?


Male Human Professor

Catching sight of her peculiar behavior, Edward drifts away from his group and follows Virtue.

"Pardon me. Miss? May I have a word?"


Dr. Mayfield slips, apparently undetected, away, as Dr. Ritchie leads the party further on.

He finds Virtue, skipping through a hallway, singing some doggerel verse.

Virtue : "Be busy. Be happy. Don't cry any tears of thought.
Be busy. Be happy. Don't cry any tears of thought. Ohhh, what's in the Red Box!"


Male Human Professor

Edward raises an eyebrow but otherwise tries to retain his composure.

"The red box? Why, yes, of course, the red box. Why don't we see what's in the red box together?"


Virtue suddenly seems anxious and reticent.

Virture : "But no one is supposed to look in the Red Box!"


Elsewhere, Dr. Ritchie, seemingly oblivious of Dr. Mayfield's absence,
leads the rest of you through the facility.

Dr. Ritchie : "And here is the arts and crafts center. The exercise of the creative imagination, is very therapeutic."


Mr. Earp smiles as Mayfield manages to slip away the job now is to keep the tour guide busy while his companion learns more about this place, "So every resident partakes in all of these activities every day?"

Sorry, RL was a bit crazy there.

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