Approaching the people say says through chattering teeth, "Ex-excuse me. Would you be k-kind enough to direct us t-t-to the best hotel h-here?"
Rita nervously huddles lower into her coat, and eyes the locals for a moment, then breaks into her default "I'm friendly but dim,honest" smile.
She turns her smile onto the locals, and does her best to look friendly and inoffensive.
In total there are five folks standing outside the general store. One is a reasonably normal looking man in his mid thirties. The other folks are much older. Standing beside the first man is a fellow in his mid fifties He is drinking out of a metal hip flask. There is tall, big man who you would place in early 70s standing behind a deformed looking woman bound to a wheelchair. She is of a similar age, but looks very sickly. Her limbs are withered and deformed. The final fellow is around 50. He is obviously blind because he carries a walking stick and his eyes are completely milky white. Pink scar tissue has formed around his eyes, suggesting a tragic accident sometime in his past.
All of the villagers cease their conversation and stare as you come tromping across the bridge, feet covered in mud, shivering. They just watch as you approach them. You can hear the blind fellow asking the others who the folks are, but you don't hear their responses.
When you ask about the hotel. The younger man takes the lead in the conversation. His voice is surprisingly friendly (given what you've heard about Dunwich folk).
"There ain't no hotel in Dunwich, but there are a few folks around who will let a room for a night. Are you folks alright? Where'd you come?"
"There ain't no hotel in Dunwich, but there are a few folks around who will let a room for a night. Are you folks alright? Where'd you come?"
Looking gratefully toward the friendly man and managing a weak smile, "A b-bit c-cold. From A-Aylesbury. Got our c-car stuck in the m-mud. C-could you direct us to s-someone who might put us up for the n-night?"
"Yep, the roads around here can be quite treacherous at this time of year. They usually ain't so good for driving. A lot of the folk in these parts still use horses to get around.
Widow Morgan and Allen and Harriet Ames could likely rent you a room. I'm sure Willie here could take you to see them for a few dimes." (he points to the blind fellow with the milky eyes)
The blindman nods.
"I spose I could do that."
The younger man then says.
"My name's Joe Osborn by the way. I own the store here. If there's anything you need feel free to drop in. Though, from the looks of you, I'd say you're pretty eager to go get yourselves warmed up, so I won't pester you with questions right now.
Willie why don't you take these folks to the Ames place. You probably won't be able to stay there. The gentleman could stay with the Ames' likely, and the ladies would probably be better off at Widow Morgan's place."
Rita's smile turns a little more genuine.
"Why, thank you, Mr Osborn, Willie, thats very kind. We are very greatful. I must say a warm cup of coffee would be welcome about now.I must admit its rare to find someone so charmingly decent these days. "
Blind Willie leads you up the road a little ways to the house that belongs to the Ames family. Like all the Dunwich homes it looks to be in a state of neglect and disrepair. It's white washed exterior is in dire need of paint.
You make your way up to the door, and Mrs. Ames opens it. She's a haggard looking woman in her forties. She wears a conservative old dress, and her hair looks gnarled and tangly. She seems a little surprised to see visitors.
Willie speaks up. "These folks had there car break down out of town. They're looking for a room to let for the night."
Mrs. Ames looks you over. "Well I only got room for two."
Fergus says, "Well Mrs. Ames, I believe I'll be staying here. I think the ladies are going to go stay with Widow Morgan."
"Very well. Bring your things in, and let's get you warmed up."
Fergus heads inside. "Thank you mam."
He turns his head as he leaves. "See you a little later then ladies. Get yourselves cleaned up. Don't worry about the car Evelyn we'll get this all sorted out just as soon as we get ourselves warmed up."
Fergus then heads inside and the door closes behind.
Willie then leads Evelyn and Rita on towards Widow Morgan's place.
"You smell nice," he says to Evelyn as he walks.
You round a corner in the road and you soon arrive at Widow Morgan's place. Willie leads you up to her door, and knocks. Like the Ames', she too is home. Widow Morgan is still reasonably young. She's probably in her early forties. She's reasonably attractive or she would be if it weren't for her rather sunken eyes.
Willie says to her the same thing he said to Mrs. Ames.
Widow Morgan nods and says, "Come in I have a room you can let. It's a dollar a night. It's small. I don't usually rent it out to more than one person. Follow me."
She leads you into the home (presumably you hand Willie a few dimes for his trouble). It has only a single floor (except for possibly an attic). The living room is sparsely furnished, but includes a spinning wheel. There is a fire place, but the fire is mostly coals. She tosses long on the hearth, as you enter. She then leads opens a wooden door just left of the entrance. It opens into a small bedroom. It barely has room for more than bed, which is a double. It looks like you have to share it.
"This will be your room. I'll give you a few minutes to get settled. I'll put on some tea, and get you some extra blankets. Come have a seat in front of the fire when you are ready and get yourselves warmed up."
As you close the door to your room. You find you have a bit of privacy. There doesn't seem to be a lock on the door. You can hear Miss Morgan puttering around on the creaky wooden floor in the next room. One thing you had noticed about the place as you entered was that it had a musty old smell about it. In your room there is a slightly different scent. Though, not overly strong you detect a slight odor of carrion hanging in the air.
Rita thanks Widow Morgan, and when the door is shut whispers "Seems like a nice enough old lady, and hthat Joe Osborne seemed an ok guy. Didn't the Doc say he mihgt be a good person to ask questions of ?"
She wanders around the room a bit, inspecting nooks, crannies (and any bric-a-brac) in a faintly bored manner.
"Could do with some fresh air in here, though. What *is* that smell ?
When Evelyn informs her, she adds "Eww. I was better off not knowin'. Me and my big mouth."
Rita thanks Widow Morgan, and when the door is shut whispers "Seems like a nice enough old lady, and hthat Joe Osborne seemed an ok guy. Didn't the Doc say he mihgt be a good person to ask questions of ?"
She wanders around the room a bit, inspecting nooks, crannies (and any bric-a-brac) in a faintly bored manner.
"Could do with some fresh air in here, though. What *is* that smell ?
When Evelyn informs her, she adds "Eww. I was better off not knowin'. Me and my big mouth."
"You smell nice," he says to Evelyn as he walks.
"T-thank you Willie." She huddles her arms around her as she trudges along.
Just happier to be someplace warm, Evelyn gives the smell little notice. "Probably some small animal died under the house or the like. Imagine that happens a lot out her in the middle of nowhere." She goes looking for a washroom to clean up and to change into her spare clothes she brought.
Evelyn quickly discovers that there is no washroom in the house. There is an outhouse out back. Widow Morgan lets Evelyn borrow a handheld mirror to help her get herself together (there is no mirror in the bedroom).
After braving the outhouse and getting changed, you have a seat in front of the fire with a couple of blankets wrapped around you and a cup of hot tea. Widow Morgan puts together a simple lunch of bread and cheese (all home made).
As you eat she chats a little with you.
"So, what brings a couple of ladies like you to Dunwich?"
"Seems like a nice enough old lady, and hthat Joe Osborne seemed an ok guy. Didn't the Doc say he mihgt be a good person to ask questions of ?"
Whispering back to Rita, "Your right after we get situated we should go track him down and talk to him."
Evelyn seems much calmer now that she is front of a warm fire. She continues to sip on her tea letting Rita take the lead on this one as she still doesn't seem very happy or talkative.
OOC: I'll have sporadic Internet service for the next four days so feel free to play Fergus as needed.
Also I'll be back to more frequent posting by Oct. 24th if things go according to plan. Lots of travel between now and then, but I'm following things on my blackberry.
Rita smiles. "Thank you so much for putting us up at short notice, its very kind of you. I've never been to this area before, it seems you have some lovely countryside around here. Is there anywhere nice we could visit while we're here ?"
She stares at you with an "Are you f*!$ing kidding me look?" when you ask that question.
Hey, coming from the rough end of new york, anywhere thats green looks good ....
"Well I see that neither of you look like you're in the mood to chat right now, so I''m going to finish up some work in the kitchen. Dinner will be at six," she says rather matter of a factly.
She wanders off and you hear her clattering around in the kitchen rather loudly.
After you've had your tea and sat by the fire for a while you find that you are feeling much better. It about 3:30 in the afternoon on Saturday, so you still have some day left.
Feeling better Evelyn sighs and says to Rita, "I guess we better go back and talk to Fergus. He seemed to think there was something we could do about the car."
Rita turns to Evelyn
"What do you think is a better story - Reporters aren't always liked as they're considered too nosy, but its at least a good excuse for wandering around. Telling the truth might be easier but would tip our hand. Tourist seems unrealistic, given the area."
Thinks...
"The only other idea I can think of is census bureau or maybe land surveyors....that would give us an excuse to wander about, but we'd need some props."
Evelyn stops Rita before she says much and then allows her to continue after they leave and are walking to meet Fergus. "I tend to think the reporter story is the best one currently because it explains why we will be snooping without tipping off Amos of what specifically we are after. The reason is that we are going to be asking a lot of questions that have nothing to do with surveying and the like. However, before we say anything we have to make sure Fergus is on the same page as us. We do need to think of a good story to be following up on as reporters though that would take three reporters. Maybe following up on the police deaths."
Rita nods
"That makes sense to me, boss."
She thinks a bit more.
"That being the case, I guess we ought to start asking where we can find some of the folks involved in the disappearance. I think the doc gave us a list"
She roots around in her handbag..
"Torch....makeup...ah..here we are."
You do have a list of names.
You head out from Widow Morgan's place, and round up Fergus. He still doesn't seem to have fully recovered from the cold muddy walk, but he manages to drag himself out, complaining about being hungry.
Where to?
I suggest we talk to Joe Osbourne first?
You step out of the Ames house with Fergus. The Osborn general store is just a short ways down and across the street (see map). You see right away that there is now a much larger crowd in front of the store. And as you step onto the street you again find that they all stop and stare. Two figure emerge from the crowd and approach you. One is tall, older fellow (probably in his 80's) with thinning hair and a long tangly beard. His face is well weathered, but he holds himself well. The other is a woman, who looks to be in her early 30s. She is dressed very conservatively, but is reasonably attractive, especially by Dunwich standards.
The two come up to you and the woman makes the introductions.
"Hello my name is Mary Bishop. I'm the local school marm here in Dunwich, and this is Squire Whateley. He's our village selectman and Justice of the Peace. We had just heard the rumors that there were some new faces in town, so we thought we'd introduce ourselves."
Squire Whateley smiles slightly, "What brings you to Dunwich?"
Squire Whateley smiles slightly, "What brings you to Dunwich?"
Evelyn smiles slightly back, "Actually, you do. My name is Evelyn and this is Rita and Fergus. We work for the The Aylesbury Transcript as reporters and have come to find out more about the accidental police deaths that happened several months back out here. The piece is to be published on the anniversary as a memorial to those who died in the line of duty. Do you have a few moments for some questions?" Evelyn takes Squire Whateley to the side leaving Mrs. Bishop with Rita and Fergus. She gives Rita a friendly you know what to do glance.
Rita smiles broadly
"Like Evelyn says we were hoping to write an article on the policemen as a tribute, also maybe a piece about the area to support it.Is there anything you could tell me about that ? I'm sure it would be very helpful.."
Rita smiles broadly
"Like Evelyn says we were hoping to write an article on the policemen as a tribute, also maybe a piece about the area to support it.Is there anything you could tell me about that ? I'm sure it would be very helpful.."
Squire Whateley's face grows very somber and serious.
"Those were some dark days, and what happened to those officers was tragic. Our community is trying to move forward. I don't think those events are the kinda thing you want to be publishing in your paper."
Marie Bishop steps in.
"The people of Dunwich are peaceful and private folk, they like to live their lives and mind their own business, and they don't like attention on them. I don't think you'll be finding people here that want to talk about any of those events. I suggest you head back to the city and look for some other story. People in the cities always want to be the center of attention, surely there are stories there that would be of more interest to your readers."
Squire Whateley smiles slightly, "What brings you to Dunwich?"Evelyn smiles slightly back, "Actually, you do. My name is Evelyn and this is Rita and Fergus. We work for the The Aylesbury Transcript as reporters and have come to find out more about the accidental police deaths that happened several months back out here. The piece is to be published on the anniversary as a memorial to those who died in the line of duty. Do you have a few moments for some questions?" Evelyn takes Squire Whateley to the side leaving Mrs. Bishop with Rita and Fergus. She gives Rita a friendly you know what to do glance.
"The people of Dunwich are peaceful and private folk, they like to live their lives and mind their own business, and they don't like attention on them. I don't think you'll be finding people here that want to talk about any of those events. I suggest you head back to the city and look for some other story. People in the cities always want to be the center of attention, surely there are stories there that would be of more interest to your readers."
Ah, someone who wants to stonewall us already, must of struck a nerve. Looking dispassionately toward Mrs. Bishop, "Be that as it may, I'm afraid we are not going anywhere until the roads dry out and we can get my car out. So, I think we'll just have to make the best of our time together. Squire Whatley do you have a few moments to spare?" SHe flashes him her best smile.
Squire nods his head, and motions to Mary. She wanders away a little (out of earshot- at least if you are talking quietly)
Squire then says.
"I heard your car is stuck down by the south swamp . I'm surprised that wasn't the first thing you said. I've got a couple of horses, could probably pull it out of the mud.
Anyhow what is it that you want to talk with me about that you think good Miss Bishop shouldn't hear?"
At the mention of horses that can pull her car out her smile becomes even more genuine, "That would be wonderful, thank you."
Glancing Mrs. Bishops way, "Oh, I wouldn't say it has anything to do with Mrs. Bishop in particular I just prefer talking one-on-one when doing interviews. If their is a private place to buy a cup of coffee and sit I would offer to get us both one. By the way here are my credentials if you wish to look them over." She hands him the letter of introduction making sure to position him so his back is to Mrs. Bishop and the crowd to avoid prying eyes.
The squire takes the letter and looks it over. His expression seems to change. He looks at you with suspicion.
"You know Dr. Armitage? He is a good man. The folk of this village are in his debt. However, he ain't the sort of man that would be sending reporters here. Who are you really and what do you want?"
She shakes her head and gives him an exasperated look, "That would be what I wanted to talk to you about in private. It's not you I am trying to keep things from."
Well right now you two are still pretty much in private. The other villagers are near the general store watching and well out of earshot. Marie Bishop is also out of whispering earshot, though she might have heard the last comment Squire made.
"I see. I understand. Maybe we should go to my house. Follow me he says."
Rita will circulate, basically trying to act as a decoy so no-one notices the Squire and Evelyn are missing...
Fergus and Rita stay behind with Marie Bishop, while Evelyn and Squire Whateley head off.
As the two leave Squire says to Marie, "The lady and I are going to have a little chat at my place about getting some horses to pull their car out of the mud. Could you please see to those two while we're gone."
Marie nods.
"Follow me," she says to Fergus and Rita, "I'll introduce you to a few of the locals..."
She starts leading them towards the folk that have gathered outside Osborne's General Store.
Well right now you two are still pretty much in private. The other villagers are near the general store watching and well out of earshot. Marie Bishop is also out of whispering earshot, though she might have heard the last comment Squire made.
I hope Rita kept her distracted well enough
"I see. I understand. Maybe we should go to my house. Follow me he says."
She follows Mr. Whateley to his residence making small chat about the weather and whether it is unusual for this time of year until they get there.
Spoiler for Evelyn
Whateley leads you up the porch stairs and in the large front doors. Beyond is a well furnished sitting room. The furnishings look like they are all from the previous century and the whole place has a musty odor to it. The decoration on the walls is minimal. There is a cross above the hearth and a few portraits on the wall. One is of a woman in her early 30s. The other looks to be Squire Whateley at a much younger age. He is dressed in a Union civil war uniform.
Whateley has a seat in a chair, and motions for you to sit on a nearby sofa.
He seems to forget about your earlier request for coffee and gets down to business.
"So why did Professor Armitage send you here?"
Spoiler for Rita and Fergus
"I heard about your car. I hear it's quite a nice vehicle. It's too bad it's got hung up in the mud. Old Squire Whateley's got some decent horses. I imagine he'd be willing to use them to help you get it pulled out of the mud."
As you are talking with Joe you see a man walking down the road towards the store. He's wearing only a robe and slippers, and the robe is hanging wide open. The man is an older fellow in his 70s. Several of the villagers notice and point, but then quickly look away. Several glance towards Marie Bishop, and they seem to be monitoring her reaction. She sees the man and hurries toward him, a look of embarassment on her face. "Father your robe."
The old man doesn't seem to notice his daughter and keeps on walking. mumbling as he goes.
Joe looks to you. "Don't stare. Sorry you had to see that. Marie's father is a little senile in his old age."
Keeper:
"So why did Professor Armitage send you here?"
Not put off by his abrupt manner, "That cup of coffee would be nice as it is sure to be a bit of a conversation. I am putting my faith in the fact that Mr. Armitage has highly recommended you, as can be verified by that letter. My associates and I were approached by Mr. Armitage who was very concerned about a lawsuite that had been recently brought to bear against Miskatonic University where he works. Now, as I believe you are aware, a Wilbur Whateley tried and failed to break into the University to steal some of it's rarer books. Unfortunately, it seems, Wilbur perished in the incident. Several weeks later there was the infamous incident here in Dunwich involving the deaths of multiple police officers and a Noah Whateley. The police confiscated documents, diaries, and books from the estate after the incident which were than, in turn, delivered to the University archives for safekeeping. What prompted Mr. Armitage to contact us was that this recent lawsuite was initiated by a Mr. Amos Whateley in an attempt to recover the material that had been confiscated from the Noah and Wilbur Whateley residence. Mr. Armitage's concerns about further damage that could be wrought by Mr. Amos Whateley and associates should he manage to succeed in his lawsuite are the main issue here. Mr. Armitage is adamant that this not happen or in the very least should it happen that the materials be given over to individuals with upstanding virtuous backgrounds and demeanors. We are here to investigate Mr. Amos Whateley and determine his character and intent for the materials he wishes to recover and, if it is determined that those goals conflict with Mr. Armitages wishes, to gather enough information to stop him. Our claiming to be reporters allows us to ask around and is close enough to the truth to hopefully keep Amos guessing as too our real purpose for awhile." Evelyn relaxes a little after going through all the hard facts into a more casual conversational pace, "Now, Squire Whateley, I apologize for our earlier deception but as you can see it was necessary. Will you assist us?"
Spoiler for Evelyn
Squire Whateley gets up and grinds and fixes some coffee. He gives you a cup and hobbles back to his chair.
"To put it bluntly Amos Whateley is an a@#! h!!#, and though he's one of my kin, I have no real love of him. I'm not sure what he would want with Wilbur's old books, as I don't think he can even read, but what you are telling me is new to my old years. I had no idea he was trying to get possession of any of those books. However, I think that Armitage is right to be concerned. Wilbur's collection would be much better off in the safe keeping of the university.
How much has the professor told you about the incident last September?"
Keeper:
How much has the professor told you about the incident last September?
Evelyn shifts uncomfortably, "Well, all of it I think but I am not sure how much to believe. It was a rather.........disturbing tale. I hope that our investigation stays a bit more mundane in nature." She looks for him to hopefully tell her it is all nonsense but already has that creeping feeling of dread that he is going to say the opposite.
Spoiler for Rita and Fergus
** spoiler omitted **
Rita nods. "My grandfather was like that when he got older. Its terrible to see someone you love become like that."
She tilts her head to one side. "So tell me, have you always lived around here ?"
Spoiler for Evelyn
There is something that occurred to me that I will mention to you. A couple of weeks ago someone broke into my home and a family heirloom was taken. The artifact was an ancient golden ferroniere . Some people in the village believe the ferroniere has magical properties, and it has been passed down through my family for many many generations. I have been very concerned about its disappearance, and now I'm wondering if it is somehow connected with Amos's interest in the books."
"If it was a disturbing tale than he probably did tell you all of it. I would imagine it is a tale that would be very hard to believe. Perhaps tomorrow after we get your car out of the muck. I should take you past Cold Spring Glen, Sentinel Hill or the Whateley farmhouse so that you can see some evidence of the incident for your own eyes.
With a bit of trepidation Evelyn says, "That would be most helpful, thank you."
There is something that occurred to me that I will mention to you. A couple of weeks ago someone broke into my home and a family heirloom was taken. The artifact was an ancient golden ferroniere (french word- a jewel held to the forehead by a chain, sometimes worn by wealthy renaissance women) . Some people in the village believe the ferroniere has magical properties, and it has been passed down through my family for many many generations. I have been very concerned about its disappearance, and now I'm wondering if it is somehow connected with Amos's interest in the books."
Now THIS was the sort of thing she enjoyed! She will have a lengthy discussion regarding the ferroniere's providence and why it is considered to have magical properties. She does say that it is very likely related due to the timeline in which this is all occuring. She also asks whether communication with Arkham is possible from here (telephone or the like).
Squire Whateley can't tell you much about the ferronier's history nor the nature of its magic except that he has been told that it is ancient as in thousands of years ancient. It is certainly pre renaissance and pre medieval.
There is a phone line. Villagers share party lines (often 6-8 residences sharing one party line). For non local calls they go through a switchboard in operated out of the home of two sisters called the Gardner sisters. The sisters operate the switchboard from 8am-8pm. Squire Whateley has a phone and he is willing to let you borrow it to connect to the university to speak with Armitage if you wish. He just warns you to be careful what you say, as he suspects that sometimes the sisters are a little nosey (especially if they know strangers are using the line), and they could easily listen in on your call.
"If it was a disturbing tale than he
probably did tell you all of it. I would imagine it is a tale that would be very hard to believe. Perhaps tomorrow after we get your car out of the muck. I should take you past Cold Spring Glen, Sentinel Hill or the Whateley farmhouse so that you can see some evidence of the incident for your own eyes.
With a bit of trepidation Evelyn says, "That would be most helpful, thank you."
There is something that occurred to me that I will mention to you. A couple of weeks ago someone broke into my home and a family heirloom was taken. The artifact was an ancient golden ferroniere (french word- a jewel held to the forehead by a chain, sometimes worn by wealthy renaissance women) . Some people in the village believe the ferroniere has magical properties, and it has been passed down through my family for many many generations. I have been very concerned about its disappearance, and now I'm wondering if it is somehow connected with Amos's interest in the books."Now THIS was the sort of thing she enjoyed! She will have a lengthy discussion regarding the ferroniere's providence and why it is considered to have magical properties. She does say that it is very likely related due to the timeline in which this is all occuring. She also asks whether communication with Arkham is possible from here (telephone or the like).
Keeper:
Evelyn will ask whether he has any pictures of the antique or if it is represented in any of the paintings in the house. "Do you think it would avoid suspicion if you made the call Squire Whateley? I would like to have Mr. Armitage look through the documents confiscated from Wilbur Whateley's residence for any mention of the missing piece and possibly do some research in his library for any other references to it."