Evelyn rubs her temple, "Ohhhh.....a bath sounds divine. Thank you Squire. I think....that and sleep are what I require now." She manages a weak smile. "I'm afraid I will not be very good company right now and hopefully the others will be able to regale you with our adventures while I rest."
"Thank you Sir, I'll need the use of your phone to contact Dr Armitage but we can leave that till tomorrow...just now dinner and a bath sound most welcome"
Fergus's head is spinning from the days activities, and the physical effort of climbing through the caves. "I think I'll just take some hot tea and retire for the evening if thats OK with everyone". "I am not feeling too well".
"Well it will take some time to ready a bath, so you might as well sit and eat right now since the food is ready.
Red can you put some water on to boil. The ladies here need to get cleaned up."
Fergus seems a little out of sorts (as you all are) and he leaves the Squire's home to head back to his lodgings, while the rest of you sit down to eat.
The squire gives you some time quietly eat. After you've been eating for a few minutes in silence, he inquires. "I get the sense that your visit to the old farm was taxing. Anything you're willing to share?"
Rita picks at her food, seeming to have little appetite.
"There were caves under da hill." she says finally, " And wierd things too, like these huge bugs - whadya call them -centipedes...I guess." she shivers.
She looks to the others."I'm not sure WHAT to call da thing in the water."
She then goes silent again, stiring her food around the plate in a fairly absent way, as if she's forgotten what its for.
"It was a pretty taxing day Squire...but we saw enough to know that this needs a full team up here from Arkham..people who know what they are looking at. Theres an extensive tunnel network down there with strange geology and some unusual species of wildlife and we really need to get experts to look at it"
Robert throws a warning look at Rita hoping she takes the hint and stops talking about the creatures they saw
For a moment the squire's look grows dark and his voice grows stern.
"This has always been a pretty insular community Mr. Jackson. I don't think the folks here will take too kindly to an army of scientists poking their noses around. I'd advise you show some discretion when you take your stories back to Arkham.
However, your vehicle has been successfully hauled out of that mire you managed to get caught up in. I recon you could be on the road tomorrow if you wish."
Taking her hand from her head to lightly touch the Squires arm, "You have been most kind to us. We don't wish to bring you or your town undue hardship. We shall remain discreet. I believe Robert is only refering to consulting Dr. Armitage who is already in the know regarding these circumstances and we both trust" She gives a warning look of her own too Robert. "Please Squire, I very much would like to have your insights and thoughts regarding what we encountered in those caves."
"Well you haven't really told me what you saw, but I after the incident with that left the house in ruin in the first place, I could imagine almost anything being down in them caves. Maybe it's best to leave anything that's down there be.
Of course, none of that goes to far to helping you solve the mystery you were sent here to look into in the first place."
Robert takes the hint from Evelynn
"Some strange Amphibian..possibly some sort of mutation and a overly large Millipede as well as some strange geology none of us is really qualified to comment on"
Another dark look crosses the squire's face, and he nods his head.
"You don't need to say anymore about these matters. You are tired, and have obviously seen a great deal today. Replenish yourselves and get some rest. If you wish I can have Red bring you to your car tomorrow morning and you can head back to Arkham.
Tell Dr. Armitage what you saw. He'll know what to do."
bump
Evelyn excuses herself and heads to the bath which seems to really be the only thing on her mind at the moment.
Do we still have any players around besides Evelyn or is this game done?
Still here. Just not sure what to do next, and waiting for someone else to decide.
Robert gazes into the fire his mind working over the events of the past two days.
"Maybe we should concentrate our efforts into finding who stole the old wizards bones...proper detective work not this pulp adventure stuff"
Well it seems like you basically have two options. Either you stay in Dunwich for now and keep trying to investigate (possibly exploring other leads- not that you have all that many right now, though Noah Whateley's grave being dug up might be considered one) or you could head back to Arkham bring Armitage your findings thus far, and try to determine how you should proceed from there- possibly bringing back an expert on the geology/caving and better gear etc... It's just a matter of deciding which you think would be the better choice right now.
After her bath, with the Squires assistance to deceive the locals, she makes her nightly call to Armitage. She asks about whether he has discovered anything regarding the ancient golden ferroniere and relates thier underground expedition to him. Then she heads off to bed.
When morning arrives, feeling refreshed and fed, Evelyn addresses the others, "It seems the caves are for now a dead end. I thought maybe the source of the Whatley gold would be there....and....well maybe it still is. However, you are right in us not being properly equiped for further investigations and it is not currently helping us with finding out more about Amos. We need to canvas the people in this town about Amos to find out more about why he wants those books." Looking toward the Squire, "Perhaps the Squire can once again rescue us with some guidance about who to speak with about the man without alerting him to what we are up to."
Having come out of the caves you can't help but think a little about how what you've seen might shed some light on some of the entries from Wilbur's diary. (This is from an earlier posting)
October 31, 1926
The meddlesome one is gone. I carried her to the top of the hill last night and there chanted until they came. Others, not seen before, came with them but I was prepared. Lavinia offered much resistance but was no match for the whole of us. She went miserably but it’s now over. I disposed of what was left in the usual manner.
November 25, 1925
Visted by Squire and cousin Tristram today. They asked questions about the Streeter child, and I told them I knew nothing. If only they could imagine what become of him, I’m sure their poor minds would be blasted beyond recognition. Cousin Tristram looked in the old furnace but of course found nothing. They left soon after.
June 3, 1925
I found the way to the depths today and saw that one that dwells in the hills. Vast is He, but still asleep. I have been promised that He will awake when the time approaches. I have constructed a doorway that I may reach Him easier in the future.
February 18, 1924
An accident yesterday while grandfather and I were making the gold. Fortunately none of us were hurt. I will be happy when the Change comes and no longer will I have to do such things as this. Many in the village still lust after the secret of the gold but if they knew the truth of the future, gold would be like dust to them.
A look of realization comes across Evelyn's face, "That door that Wilbur mentioned in his diary. It could very well be that one on the other side of the lake. I'm not sure we want to open it however.....with something 'vast' on the other side." Curse it! I am starting.....no beyond starting to believe all these fantastic stories! Catching the Squires eye, "Do you recall any 'accident' that happened or was reported back on February 18th 1924? Is this Cousin Tristam available to speak with?"
Tristam's my son. He's actually the village constable, and he lives not far from my place. In fact, I half expect he'll be by sometime this evening. I'm sure he'd be interested in speaking with such fascinating folks as yourselves. As for the incident in 24, I can't say I recall anything about that.
A few minutes later, Squire Whateley puts through a call to Dr. Armitage. Armitage answers.
"Oh Evelyn, it's so good to hear your voice. It feels like it's been ages since we last talked."
He pauses for a moment and his voice goes more serious.
"I hope all is well in Dunwich."
A few minutes later, Squire Whateley puts through a call to Dr. Armitage. Armitage answers.
"Oh Evelyn, it's so good to hear your voice. It feels like it's been ages since we last talked."
He pauses for a moment and his voice goes more serious.
"I hope all is well in Dunwich."
Evelyn's voice is weary but still polite, "As good as can be expected Dr. Armitage. I was hoping you may have come across something in your further research that may assist us. Anything on that subject I asked you about yesterday?"
He pauses for a moment.
"The journals make some mention of the item. They suggest that the item was from a culture that is relatively unknown to most people, and there has been much speculation among scholars whether it even exists at all. It is called Hyboria and it was said to exist well thousands of years of before recorded history. According to the notes it is said to have power over the dead. Beyond that there is little information to suggest what its properties are."
Evelyn's voice is weary but still polite, "As good as can be expected Dr. Armitage. I was hoping you may have come across something in your further research that may assist us. Anything on that subject I asked you about yesterday?"A few minutes later, Squire Whateley puts through a call to Dr. Armitage. Armitage answers.
"Oh Evelyn, it's so good to hear your voice. It feels like it's been ages since we last talked."
He pauses for a moment and his voice goes more serious.
"I hope all is well in Dunwich."
"Hmmmm, that is an interesting connection actually doctor. We discovered the vast cave system refered to in the diary. They had some.....rather...unique things down in them. Not sure they assist much in our investigation but somehow I suspect it is all connected. Let's just suffice to say that any doubts of your original story are quickly evaporating in the face of the unusual things we have now seen. I hope to be able to return and speak to you in person soon but the investigation here is still unfinished."
Robert is getting more convinvced by the minute that the party should investigate the graverobbing.
"If we find who took the bones we might be able to move a step closer to solving this mystery and I for one agree with Evelyn,..what ever lies behind that door I dont think we want to see it"
Some good ideas, but how to go about implementing them. Evelyn's suggestion about canvasing people seems like a good one, but where to start?
Robert turns to the Squire..."Sir...in your opinion who should we speak to on this matter...I mean who would be willing to speak to us in Dunwich?"
"We could start with Tristam."
Fergus
"Well good evening sir. I had heard there were some strangers in town. You must be one of them. My name's Virginia."
The squire ponders Robert's question.
"I'm not sure who would be useful to talk to. Part of me thinks that perhaps you should meet Mother Bishop. She's by far the oldest resident in the village, and knows more about this town than anyone. She's still sharp as a whip, but won't ever show it around strangers. I should warn you though that if you go speak to her I suggest you bring her a gift of some kind or else you won't get any more out of her than some comments about the weather. I know she likes new shawls and fresh fish among other things."
Keeper
Fergus jerks with surprise.
"Yes...well...umm...ahhh pleasure to make your acquaintance. I'm Fer...I mean Father Garrity".
"I haven't seen you around before", he stammers.
Fergus
"A father? As in a priest? We don't see too many of them around these parts. Such a pleasure to meet you. So what brings you to Dunwich?" She asks in a friendly manner.
"Mother Bishop eh...very well, I think we should go see her tomorrow...and I'll be sure to bring her something."
Robert bids his goodnights and returns to his lodgings
Evelyn retires and enjoys her bath.
Robert (being a gentleman) escorts Rita and Evelyn home and then returns to his own lodgings. It is only about 9 in the evening, but you find the streets are empty and the village seems as though it has shut down.
Robert
'Strange' thinks Robert and returns to speak to Mrs Ames
"Pardon me Ma'am but have you seen Father Garrity this evening? He left the Squires house some time ago and I would have expected him to have returned here immediately""
Mrs Ames looks up from her knitting. "Why no, I haven't seen him since he left with you this morning."
'Strange' thinks Robert and returns to speak to Mrs Ames
"Pardon me Ma'am but have you seen Father Garrity this evening? He left the Squires house some time ago and I would have expected him to have returned here immediately""
Keeper
"I err...we...that is my companions and I are investigating some of the local lore and legends for the University".
Fergus recovering his composure then inquires what Virginia is doing out alone on this night, falling naturally into his public friendly priest role.
Robert slips his colt into the pocket of his flying jacket before stepping out into the night air. He looks around for any sign of Fergus.
Do we still have any players around besides Evelyn or is this game done?
Sorry guys, I was unexpected quite badly ill, I've been out of circulation for quite some time..should be back now
Robert begins a search for Fergus convinced that some foul play has befallen the priest
Good to see everyone is still here.
To fast forward things a little: Robert you spend some time searching for Fergus, but see no sign of him about the village. As the chill spring night closes in on you, you make your way to Widow Morgan's to let Evelyn and Rita know what's going on. The three of you venture out to try to solve the mystery, only to see Fergus staggering down the street. He seems to be missing his trousers, and is walking in a daze. You hurry to approach him; he doesn't seem to even notice or recognize you. It's like he's sleep walking. As far as you can tell no one else is around.
Fergus
Upon spotting Fergus Evelyn lets out an involuntary gasp and covers her mouth obviously not sure what to say or make of the situation.
"What the...Fergus...Fergus... are you OK man"..Robert strips off his heavy flying coat and wraps it around Fergus to preserve his modesty.
Fergus
Sanity Check: 1d100=51
You loose 1 Sanity.
Robert gets Fergus back to the lodgings telling the ladies to go back to bed. He brushes aside any queries their landlady might have and gets Fergus into bed then retires to his room to compose a long letter to the professor giving him details of everything that has occured