In the morning Dr. Clarke prepares himself for the day. He sharpens his pencils, places the date on a fresh page in his ledger and loads his recently acquired revolver with six shots. He places the revolver in his jacket pocket and looks at himself in the mirror. The weight of the gun uncomfortable pull to one side causing him to have to adjust every so often. He places his pencils in his upper front pocket and takes his ledger under his arm. He exits his room, placing the do not disturb sign on the knob and knocks on Dr. Morgan's door. He warmly greet Dr. Morgan and accompanies him down to breakfast where he joins the rest of the group. Dr. Clarke observes Dr. Morgan thoughtout breakfast. He's worried his colleague is obsessing over the crystal in an unhealthy way. To the point at which the crystal might be controlling him if that's possible.
Book Two - Undertows of Disbelief
Re: Book Two - Undertows of Disbelief
Dr. Clarke:
In the morning Dr. Clarke prepares himself for the day. He sharpens his pencils, places the date on a fresh page in his ledger and loads his recently acquired revolver with six shots. He places the revolver in his jacket pocket and looks at himself in the mirror. The weight of the gun uncomfortable pull to one side causing him to have to adjust every so often. He places his pencils in his upper front pocket and takes his ledger under his arm. He exits his room, placing the do not disturb sign on the knob and knocks on Dr. Morgan's door. He warmly greet Dr. Morgan and accompanies him down to breakfast where he joins the rest of the group. Dr. Clarke observes Dr. Morgan thoughtout breakfast. He's worried his colleague is obsessing over the crystal in an unhealthy way. To the point at which the crystal might be controlling him if that's possible.
"Very interesting Mr. Wilkins" referring to the Xaqloui phrase "but what does this mean? It all sounds so cryptic."
In the morning Dr. Clarke prepares himself for the day. He sharpens his pencils, places the date on a fresh page in his ledger and loads his recently acquired revolver with six shots. He places the revolver in his jacket pocket and looks at himself in the mirror. The weight of the gun uncomfortable pull to one side causing him to have to adjust every so often. He places his pencils in his upper front pocket and takes his ledger under his arm. He exits his room, placing the do not disturb sign on the knob and knocks on Dr. Morgan's door. He warmly greet Dr. Morgan and accompanies him down to breakfast where he joins the rest of the group. Dr. Clarke observes Dr. Morgan thoughtout breakfast. He's worried his colleague is obsessing over the crystal in an unhealthy way. To the point at which the crystal might be controlling him if that's possible.
Last edited by DadsAngry on Tue Dec 15, 2015 10:07 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Re: Book Two - Undertows of Disbelief
Dr. Morgan:
Frank stares in the mirror in the bathroom of his hotel, temporarily lost in his own reflection. For a moment, he hardly recognizes himself. He splashes cold water from the tap on his face and drags his fingers through his hair, attempting to make himself look somewhat presentable. He grasps the sides of the basin with both hands and stares at the valet containing the trapezohedron crystal resting on the counter nearby. His gaze then returns to the mirror as he addresses himself, "You've come a long way from simply grading essays at the University. You need to get a grip on yourself, old man. You were given a glimpse into the unknown that may grant immeasurable knowledge." He straightens himself, picks up the valet, and walks back into the bedroom.
From between the mattresses of the bed, he removes the small pistol he picked up before coming to New York, checks to make sure it is loaded, and snaps the cylinder shut. Suddenly, there is a knock at the door. Putting the pistol in his front pocket, he walks to the door and looks through the peephole, spotting his friend, David.
Frank returns Dr. Clarke's warm welcome as he opens the door. David notices that Frank looks much more relaxed and at ease than when the two men met earlier this morning. "David, my good man, I was just on my way to meet you. Again, I want to thank you for hearing me out this morning. What I experienced shook me to my core. I am almost embarrassed that you saw me in such a ghastly state." He clears his throat uncomfortably and fidgets with the clasp on the valet he holds firmly in his grasp.
As the two men proceed down the hall, Frank speaks in a lowered voice, "There is more to what happened last night that I will disclose later this evening. I would like for Reginald to be present when I do. We need to compare his experience at the mural with mine." He turns to his friend and smiles, "So, after breakfast, where to first, the library or the newspaper?"
As the group finishes breakfast and begins to part ways for the day, Dr. Morgan turns to Mr. Wilkins, "Mr. Wilkins would it be possible if David and I met up with you later this evening, after dinner perhaps, to discuss your dealings with the mural?"
Frank stares in the mirror in the bathroom of his hotel, temporarily lost in his own reflection. For a moment, he hardly recognizes himself. He splashes cold water from the tap on his face and drags his fingers through his hair, attempting to make himself look somewhat presentable. He grasps the sides of the basin with both hands and stares at the valet containing the trapezohedron crystal resting on the counter nearby. His gaze then returns to the mirror as he addresses himself, "You've come a long way from simply grading essays at the University. You need to get a grip on yourself, old man. You were given a glimpse into the unknown that may grant immeasurable knowledge." He straightens himself, picks up the valet, and walks back into the bedroom.
From between the mattresses of the bed, he removes the small pistol he picked up before coming to New York, checks to make sure it is loaded, and snaps the cylinder shut. Suddenly, there is a knock at the door. Putting the pistol in his front pocket, he walks to the door and looks through the peephole, spotting his friend, David.
Frank returns Dr. Clarke's warm welcome as he opens the door. David notices that Frank looks much more relaxed and at ease than when the two men met earlier this morning. "David, my good man, I was just on my way to meet you. Again, I want to thank you for hearing me out this morning. What I experienced shook me to my core. I am almost embarrassed that you saw me in such a ghastly state." He clears his throat uncomfortably and fidgets with the clasp on the valet he holds firmly in his grasp.
As the two men proceed down the hall, Frank speaks in a lowered voice, "There is more to what happened last night that I will disclose later this evening. I would like for Reginald to be present when I do. We need to compare his experience at the mural with mine." He turns to his friend and smiles, "So, after breakfast, where to first, the library or the newspaper?"
As the group finishes breakfast and begins to part ways for the day, Dr. Morgan turns to Mr. Wilkins, "Mr. Wilkins would it be possible if David and I met up with you later this evening, after dinner perhaps, to discuss your dealings with the mural?"
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SocraticLawyer
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Re: Book Two - Undertows of Disbelief
Reginald Wilkins, bookdealer and reluctant occultist
Reginald frowns in response to Dr. Clarke's question. "I don't know, exactly," he says. "As you say, these Xaqloui phrases are quite cryptic. But they are important to the cult that we are hunting, so I will continue to try to learn as much as I can of their meanings." There is a rather uncomfortable, pregnant pause. "To stop them, I mean."
To Dr. Morgan, Reginald says, "Of course. I would welcome your insight into my experience. I actually have a few questions for you as well."
Once the group gets going, Reginald's first stop will be the New York bookdealer referenced in the Carcosa letters. After that, he plans to approach Chertovski.
Reginald frowns in response to Dr. Clarke's question. "I don't know, exactly," he says. "As you say, these Xaqloui phrases are quite cryptic. But they are important to the cult that we are hunting, so I will continue to try to learn as much as I can of their meanings." There is a rather uncomfortable, pregnant pause. "To stop them, I mean."
To Dr. Morgan, Reginald says, "Of course. I would welcome your insight into my experience. I actually have a few questions for you as well."
Once the group gets going, Reginald's first stop will be the New York bookdealer referenced in the Carcosa letters. After that, he plans to approach Chertovski.
How do we know you're not a donkey-brained man?
Re: Book Two - Undertows of Disbelief
Marius Albertoni, hunter
Marius walks down to breakfast, trying his best to fill out his rude, baggy jacket and feeling distinctly underdressed in the hotel. Over eggs, toast and coffee he listens to Reginald's translations, shaking his head and muttering that they make about as little sense to him translated as they did before.
People begin rising from the table, splitting off to their various duties, and he takes his cue to toss his napkin onto the plate and swig the last of his coffee. "I don't think I'd be much help to anybody looking through books, but we decided yesterday that there's no point in hunting through the Shunned House if we don't know which tracks we're looking for. I'll come along to the paper and the library, if you don't mind."
He retires quickly to his room to get his hat, coat and gun.
Marius walks down to breakfast, trying his best to fill out his rude, baggy jacket and feeling distinctly underdressed in the hotel. Over eggs, toast and coffee he listens to Reginald's translations, shaking his head and muttering that they make about as little sense to him translated as they did before.
People begin rising from the table, splitting off to their various duties, and he takes his cue to toss his napkin onto the plate and swig the last of his coffee. "I don't think I'd be much help to anybody looking through books, but we decided yesterday that there's no point in hunting through the Shunned House if we don't know which tracks we're looking for. I'll come along to the paper and the library, if you don't mind."
He retires quickly to his room to get his hat, coat and gun.
Re: Book Two - Undertows of Disbelief
Dr. Morgan:
Before Marius departs, Dr. Morgan speaks up, "Of course my friend, you are more than welcome to accompany us on our excursion. I would truly enjoy the company of an outdoorsman such as yourself. I have always been fascinated with the mysteries of the forests, woodlands, and mountains, and I have always held a profound appreciation for nature... "
Although Dr. Morgan is sincere in his inquisitive discussion, he continues to prattle on to the huntsman which probably leads to annoying the man.
Before Marius departs, Dr. Morgan speaks up, "Of course my friend, you are more than welcome to accompany us on our excursion. I would truly enjoy the company of an outdoorsman such as yourself. I have always been fascinated with the mysteries of the forests, woodlands, and mountains, and I have always held a profound appreciation for nature... "
Although Dr. Morgan is sincere in his inquisitive discussion, he continues to prattle on to the huntsman which probably leads to annoying the man.
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Grognardsw
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Re: Book Two - Undertows of Disbelief
The investigators discuss matters over breakfast. Agent Mulder takes notes, trying to cross-reference any insights from the men into the overall investigation, as the BOI is the clearinghouse. "I would like us to go to Chertovski and his Shunned House with some forethought, and consideration of who the group will be," says Mulder.
Dr. Clarke studies his friend Frank Morgan. He's known the man for some time and has been on several expeditions with him. As he watches Frank, he realizes the fellow professor is under considerable strain which he is valiantly trying to cover up. There is an occasional clutching of his fist around the handle of his valet bag. Frequent glances down to the bag. Dr. Clark doesn't think Frank is even aware he's doing it. Wanting to conceal his experiences and state from others is natural, he supposes, but is it wise? Should Dr. Clark offer more counsel, or bring in professionals, or just inform Agent Mulder? Now they all went through a horrifying experience at Mt. Latmos, so Dr. Clark understands some of how he is feeling. But the trapezohedron crystal, which was part of the disappearance of Raymond Rudolph, has been with Frank for some time now. Dr. Clark fears it is having a deleterious effect on his friend.
Dr. Clarke studies his friend Frank Morgan. He's known the man for some time and has been on several expeditions with him. As he watches Frank, he realizes the fellow professor is under considerable strain which he is valiantly trying to cover up. There is an occasional clutching of his fist around the handle of his valet bag. Frequent glances down to the bag. Dr. Clark doesn't think Frank is even aware he's doing it. Wanting to conceal his experiences and state from others is natural, he supposes, but is it wise? Should Dr. Clark offer more counsel, or bring in professionals, or just inform Agent Mulder? Now they all went through a horrifying experience at Mt. Latmos, so Dr. Clark understands some of how he is feeling. But the trapezohedron crystal, which was part of the disappearance of Raymond Rudolph, has been with Frank for some time now. Dr. Clark fears it is having a deleterious effect on his friend.
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Grognardsw
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Re: Book Two - Undertows of Disbelief
Dr. Clarke, Dr. Morgan and Marius Albertoni arrive at the offices of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle. Outside the building, paperboys gather at the corner hawking this morning's issue.
While the newspaper does not normally let non-employees access the morgue, Det. Malone places a call to the editor and the archives are opened to the investigators.
(All please make Library Use rolls. There is a morgue librarian who can assist should rolls not succeed. The librarian has an 80% Library Use roll.)
Reginald Wilkins and Isaiah Bartlett take the train over to Manhattan and visit the famed book row.
There they find the shop of Alestier McDowley, a dealer in religious and mystic incubala. According to letters found in Ambrose Carcosa's apartment, this man had exchanged correspondence with the cult figure regarding book searches for occult, archeology and historical volumes.
"How may I help you gentlemen?" asks Mr. McDowley
as the investigators enter his second-floor shop.
While the newspaper does not normally let non-employees access the morgue, Det. Malone places a call to the editor and the archives are opened to the investigators.
(All please make Library Use rolls. There is a morgue librarian who can assist should rolls not succeed. The librarian has an 80% Library Use roll.)
Reginald Wilkins and Isaiah Bartlett take the train over to Manhattan and visit the famed book row.
There they find the shop of Alestier McDowley, a dealer in religious and mystic incubala. According to letters found in Ambrose Carcosa's apartment, this man had exchanged correspondence with the cult figure regarding book searches for occult, archeology and historical volumes.
"How may I help you gentlemen?" asks Mr. McDowley
as the investigators enter his second-floor shop.
Re: Book Two - Undertows of Disbelief
Dr. Morgan:
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SocraticLawyer
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Re: Book Two - Undertows of Disbelief
Reginald Wilkins, bookdealer and reluctant occultist
"I'm looking for some rare books," he says. "A friend of ours is trying to track down a copy of Unaussprechlichen Kulten by von Junzt, among others. Do you have anything like that here?"
Thought it best not to mention the Pnakotic Manuscripts or The Testament of Selene for now.
Although he wants to confront the man directly about Carcosa, Reginald decides to take a less direct route, at least for now.Grognardsw wrote:Reginald Wilkins and Isaiah Bartlett take the train over to Manhattan and visit the famed book row.
There they find the shop of Alestier McDowley, a dealer in religious and mystic incubala. According to letters found in Ambrose Carcosa's apartment, this man had exchanged correspondence with the cult figure regarding book searches for occult, archeology and historical volumes.
"How may I help you gentlemen?" asks Mr. McDowley as the investigators enter his second-floor shop.
"I'm looking for some rare books," he says. "A friend of ours is trying to track down a copy of Unaussprechlichen Kulten by von Junzt, among others. Do you have anything like that here?"
Thought it best not to mention the Pnakotic Manuscripts or The Testament of Selene for now.
How do we know you're not a donkey-brained man?
Re: Book Two - Undertows of Disbelief
Isaiah Bartlett, wise old man
Isaiah Bartlett wisely lets Reginald do the talking, it will seem less suspicious, or rather, not suspicious at all.
Isaiah Bartlett wisely lets Reginald do the talking, it will seem less suspicious, or rather, not suspicious at all.
G A M E S :
Running Vaults & Wastelands [Fallout]
Isaiah Bartlett in That Which Should Not Be [CoC]
Ingrid Esthof in The Horror at Briarsgate [1e]
Jónas Gillman in The Sinister Secret of Saltmarsh [1e]
I N A C T I V E : (
Ballar Uh in Dungeonesque [LL/AEC]
Favrick in The Rise of Smaug [BW]
Running Vaults & Wastelands [Fallout]
Isaiah Bartlett in That Which Should Not Be [CoC]
Ingrid Esthof in The Horror at Briarsgate [1e]
Jónas Gillman in The Sinister Secret of Saltmarsh [1e]
I N A C T I V E : (
Ballar Uh in Dungeonesque [LL/AEC]
Favrick in The Rise of Smaug [BW]
Re: Book Two - Undertows of Disbelief
Marius Albertoni, hunter
The hunter listens to Dr. Morgan prattle on about natural history the entire way to the newspaper building. He listens politely, if somewhat stiffly. He has, however, had a bit of education in natural history and considers himself a bit of a practical amateur, and can comprehend perhaps half of what Dr. Morgan is saying. At one point he chimes in with thoughtful distinctions between leaf types and their susceptibilities to various tree diseases, after Dr. Morgan eventually disentangles the hunter's layman terms into their proper Latin counterparts. He describes how the different diseases attract or repel specific insects from feeding on the tree, thus ultimately affecting the living habits of different species of game, and the obvious ecological ramifications.
At the newspaper he takes a seat at a nearby desk in the reading room, and tries his best pouring through the articles for anything of interest to their search, although he does find himself periodically sucked into a juicy story about crashed airplanes or Communists and Fascist demonstrations in response to the Interparliamentary Conference at the Capitol.
The hunter listens to Dr. Morgan prattle on about natural history the entire way to the newspaper building. He listens politely, if somewhat stiffly. He has, however, had a bit of education in natural history and considers himself a bit of a practical amateur, and can comprehend perhaps half of what Dr. Morgan is saying. At one point he chimes in with thoughtful distinctions between leaf types and their susceptibilities to various tree diseases, after Dr. Morgan eventually disentangles the hunter's layman terms into their proper Latin counterparts. He describes how the different diseases attract or repel specific insects from feeding on the tree, thus ultimately affecting the living habits of different species of game, and the obvious ecological ramifications.
At the newspaper he takes a seat at a nearby desk in the reading room, and tries his best pouring through the articles for anything of interest to their search, although he does find himself periodically sucked into a juicy story about crashed airplanes or Communists and Fascist demonstrations in response to the Interparliamentary Conference at the Capitol.
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Grognardsw
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Re: Book Two - Undertows of Disbelief
"Unaussprechlichen Kulten you say?" responds Aleister McDowley to Reginald Wilkins. "A rare tome indeed and of dark occult import. I do have a selection of books of mysticism, though not that particular volume. I may be able to procure a copy, though it could take some months."
He walks Reginald and Isaiah over to a barrister book case. "Here are some of my more rare volumes in demonology, kabbalism and numerology..."
Observed on the shelf:
Dr. Clark, Dr. Morgan and Marius Albertoni begin their researches in the newspaper morgue. Hopefully not an omen of things to come, Dr. Clarke suffers a nasty paper cut (the fumble
)Marius, hunter of animals, surprisingly turns up a choice piece of information in his casual perusing. (He got the best Library Use roll.) The investigators had found at the Historical Society the short obituary on Constantin's deceased wife Emilie, who died of an unstated illness. The piece makes reference to son and daughter Anton and Natalia. Marius finds a 20-year old article about the then-new funeral parlor opened by son Anton, which in cross reference to a business directory is found to be still in business.
Marius continues to look through the business and retail directories, thinking to look up who may own the church-turned-meetinghouse. He finds confirmation of what Dr. Clark and Dr. Morgan had uncovered at the Historical Society: The church current owner is Ford Real Estate Holdings, New York City. But he learns a bit more: That business is owned by James Ford, the same one associated with the Miskatonic Expedition.
Amid other findings: The double murder in 1895 is detailed further. It was suspected a crazed thief broke into the house and killed the husband and wife. The hole in the wall was attributed to a weak ceiling from roof leaks.
Every year there is an obligatory Halloween story which mentions the Shunned House as a local haunted house with its notorious history. Over the years the owners sometimes comment in the story, in a jocular and humorous fashion in line with the tone of the article. None of the pieces are particularly insightful, recapping various "legends" such as hauntings, strange sounds and bad luck to the owners.
One article from a few years ago discusses the variety of lectures going on in the then-newly opened community center in the old church. Immigrants can learn English, U.S. history, cooking and self-help classes, and other topics. One of those is spiritualism and mysticism, from Konstantin Chertovski. His lectures are very popular among those from the old countries.
Several times that morning Dr. Clark observes Dr. Morgan open his valet bag to check its contents. On one occasion Dr. Clark hears Dr. Morgan mumbling quietly to himself, a habit he has not observed before in his work with the fellow Miskatonic professor.
Re: Book Two - Undertows of Disbelief
Dr. Morgan:
While combing through the news articles, David overhears Frank faintly muttering to himself, "...the two suns..." He then opens the valet to peer in at its contents. He looks longingly into the satchel, apparently gazing at the trapezohedron crystal inside. He suddenly notices Dr. Clarke observing him and snaps the valet shut. He smiles warmly at his friend, "Any luck finding anything?"
While combing through the news articles, David overhears Frank faintly muttering to himself, "...the two suns..." He then opens the valet to peer in at its contents. He looks longingly into the satchel, apparently gazing at the trapezohedron crystal inside. He suddenly notices Dr. Clarke observing him and snaps the valet shut. He smiles warmly at his friend, "Any luck finding anything?"
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SocraticLawyer
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Re: Book Two - Undertows of Disbelief
Reginald Wilkins, bookdealer and reluctant occultist
"Please do show us your section on early religions. It is a topic I have great interest in," he says. Does Reginald remember what books Carcosa was asking about in his letters?
"Interesting..." says Reginald, looking over the demonology/kabbalism/numerology texts. Does he recognize any of them from his own shop?Grognardsw wrote:"Unaussprechlichen Kulten you say?" responds Aleister McDowley to Reginald Wilkins. "A rare tome indeed and of dark occult import. I do have a selection of books of mysticism, though not that particular volume. I may be able to procure a copy, though it could take some months."
He walks Reginald and Isaiah over to a barrister book case. "Here are some of my more rare volumes in demonology, kabbalism and numerology..."
"I have in the shop sections on astrology and early religions (with particular strength in theosophy.)"
"Please do show us your section on early religions. It is a topic I have great interest in," he says. Does Reginald remember what books Carcosa was asking about in his letters?
How do we know you're not a donkey-brained man?
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Grognardsw
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Re: Book Two - Undertows of Disbelief
A pensive Isaiah Bartlett at the bookshop, while Reginald Wilkins examines a volume.
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Grognardsw
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SocraticLawyer
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Re: Book Two - Undertows of Disbelief
Grognardsw wrote:
How do we know you're not a donkey-brained man?
Re: Book Two - Undertows of Disbelief
Marius Albertoni
"Well I'll be damned," says Marius. "Our man's got kids. At least, his wife Emilie had kids. Here, take a look at this," he says, showing them the obituary article and the business listings, "there are two children, Anton and Natalia. Anton's still running a funeral parlor, maybe we can put him in our scopes."
He continues to flip through papers, occasionally raising up bits of information: the double murder in 1895 was attributed to a crazed thief, supposedly unconnected to the hole that appeared in the ceiling ("a leaky roof, its says"); a string of Halloween editorials with fanciful ghost stories featuring the Shunned House; and Ford Real Estate Holdings's ownership of the church. "But get this—," he says, "—guess who owns Ford Real Estate? James Ford, Mr. Miskatonic Expedition himself."
"There's also some bits here about Konstantin Chertovski offering mumbo-jumbo mysticism classes to immigrants at the old church. Apparently he started them up as soon as the place opened a few years ago, and it seems they were pretty well-received from the old worlders." The hunter scratches his temple, savoring the sensation of uncovering a set of new tracks, wondering which one will lead inevitably to his prey.
He pauses his ruminating thoughts to observe Dr. Morgan fiddling with his valet bag. "Lose anything, Dr.? The lady told me no ink pens were allowed in the room; I've got an extra pencil here if you need one."
"Well I'll be damned," says Marius. "Our man's got kids. At least, his wife Emilie had kids. Here, take a look at this," he says, showing them the obituary article and the business listings, "there are two children, Anton and Natalia. Anton's still running a funeral parlor, maybe we can put him in our scopes."
He continues to flip through papers, occasionally raising up bits of information: the double murder in 1895 was attributed to a crazed thief, supposedly unconnected to the hole that appeared in the ceiling ("a leaky roof, its says"); a string of Halloween editorials with fanciful ghost stories featuring the Shunned House; and Ford Real Estate Holdings's ownership of the church. "But get this—," he says, "—guess who owns Ford Real Estate? James Ford, Mr. Miskatonic Expedition himself."
"There's also some bits here about Konstantin Chertovski offering mumbo-jumbo mysticism classes to immigrants at the old church. Apparently he started them up as soon as the place opened a few years ago, and it seems they were pretty well-received from the old worlders." The hunter scratches his temple, savoring the sensation of uncovering a set of new tracks, wondering which one will lead inevitably to his prey.
He pauses his ruminating thoughts to observe Dr. Morgan fiddling with his valet bag. "Lose anything, Dr.? The lady told me no ink pens were allowed in the room; I've got an extra pencil here if you need one."
Re: Book Two - Undertows of Disbelief
Dr. Morgan:
Startled by Marius' query, Frank breaks from his apparent reverie with a shake of his head. He appears confused for a moment and then stammers, "Uh... why, uh, no... Mr Albertoni, I haven't lost anything. Just checking over the contents of my bag, but thank you for your offer." He quickly glances again at the contents of the valet before clicking it shut. "Well gentleman, I think we have probably exhausted all our leads here. Shall we make our way to the library to conclude our research?"
Startled by Marius' query, Frank breaks from his apparent reverie with a shake of his head. He appears confused for a moment and then stammers, "Uh... why, uh, no... Mr Albertoni, I haven't lost anything. Just checking over the contents of my bag, but thank you for your offer." He quickly glances again at the contents of the valet before clicking it shut. "Well gentleman, I think we have probably exhausted all our leads here. Shall we make our way to the library to conclude our research?"