Book Three: Out of Time

[Grognardsw]

Dr. David Clarke makes his way through Chambers Hall to the third floor, called the Yellow floor for its colored wallpaper. The old wood floor creaks as he passes the closed doors of other rooms, hearing muffled conversation there, girlish giggling here, a violin from one room, the smell of cigarette smoke from another.



The professor reaches Asenaith’s room, number 13, and pauses before the closed door. There is a small chalkboard on the door, as there are on many doors for students to leave notes for each other. Written there is “Judge not, lest ye be judged,” followed by a smiley face, and then “Be back in an hour Jenny to study!”

Dr. Clarke hears no noise beyond the closed door before him.



Dr. Frank Morgan watches his colleague enter the Miskatonic dorm. The eerie light of the half-moon fades as rain clouds pass on this Autumn Night. A cold drizzle starts falling. Dr. Morgan keeps an eye out for the man suspected to be following Dr. Clarke, but he seems to have left after the exchange. Asenaith’s window is dark.



In the Providence, RI, apartment of Reginald Clark, above the antiquarian bookseller’s shop, he and Marius Albertoni discuss their investigations. They are hopeful their suspicions are on-the-mark. They must speak with Dr.s Clarke and Morgan about their Mt. Latmos trip. The men plan to take a train tomorrow to Arkham, Massachusetts and Miskatonic University.

They also realize that Agent Mulder and the BOI should be informed of their hypothesis to see what help they can bring to what may be an international cult.

The cult’s Xaqloui language has been challenging, and something of a stumbling block to a deeper understanding of some parts of the Pnakotic Manuscripts. It occurs to Reginald that he may consult an old friend, an Indian national named Baba Balandabar, that he knows from his university days. The man is now a professor in ancient languages at Miskatonic University.

This new professor Balandabar is a new player’s character. I’ve summarized some of the findings in this Book 3, but feel free to take things where you like.

[Mant72]

”Godspeed, David,” Dr. Morgan whispers as he shields his eyes against the rain and glances up at the darkened window of Asenaith Waite. ”Dark...” He wipes the raindrops from his glasses, turns his collar up to ward against the chilling drizzle, and watches the night.

[DadsAngry]

Dr. Clarke:

Slowly Dr. Clarke places his hand on the door handle and gently turns the handle. If it turns without resistance, not locked, he pushes it open and steps in closing the door behind him.

[SocraticLawyer]

Reginald Wilkins, unhinged bookdealer

Reginald blinks.

For a moment, or what seemed like a moment, he felt waves of time pass by. He felt himself in another world, whisked away by some unseen servant, to a world of screens and mirrors and lights. He lived there, in that future-place, for nearly two years.


No. That can't be right. He was here the whole time.

The hole time.

Does the fabric of space time have holes? What would be on the other side? Or who?

Reginald tries to clear his head. He remembers an old colleague, Dr. Balandabar, and wonders why he hadn't thought of him before. Making a mental note to see his psychotherapist again and mention the weird futurespace daydream, Reginald looks for the number of his old friend.

What time of day is it? Does Reg have time to contact Balandabar today?

[Grognardsw]

Chambers Hall, Miskatonic University
Arkham, Massachusetts
7:05 pm, Oct. 7, 1925


The door is open. Prof. Clarke slips quietly through the threshold. He stands in the common room; a small lamp casts dim light. There is a mild smell from a smoldering piece of incense; it reminds him of church. The door to Asenaith’s bedroom is half-open, revealing a view to her desk.

Dr. Clark steps to the door and sees a neat, tidy, shadowy bedroom. The lamp provides little light into this room. Curtains on the cracked-open window are half-drawn. He sees a two-shelf bookcase full of books. Papers on desk. A small end table with several vials. An unmoving woman lying on her back on the bed, duvet rumpled, pillow on the floor.





Above Charter's Bookshop
Providence, Rhode Island
7:05 pm, Oct. 7, 1925


Reginald Wilkins ponders whether it is too late to call his old friend Baba Balandabar. He has probably finished dinner by now.

"Go ahead," says Marius Albertoni with his Italian accent, pausing in his reading of The Pnakotic Manuscripts. He takes a long draw on his pipe. The hunter has been reading more and more of the disturbing tome, claiming it is helping him get an edge of his "prey." "And let's get some food."





Bureau of Investigation office
New York City, NY
7:05 pm, Oct. 7, 1925


Another late night. Agent William Mulder stares at two large bulletin boards upon which are tacked a dizzying array of pictures and documents linked by arrows and strings. He takes a drag on his third butt, exhaling slowly. The room is smokey.

The investigation began with ritualistic murders and has grown into an alleged multi-state cult operation, with drug dealing, illegal speak-easies, museum heists, and unexplained happenings (Mulder is still reluctant to call it “occult.”)

This has been a bitch of a case, Mulder thinks as he rubs his eyebrows. Too many moving parts, too much weirdness. How does it all fit together? He feels he can see the edges, and the shadow of the thing, but a clear view remains elusive.

His own people, and consultants, have cracked under the pressure. The boss doesn’t like him using so many civilians, but they’ve been more helpful than his own people.

The latest twist to cast doubt: Reginald Wilkins lied about the Egyptian parchment incriminating Konstantin Chertovski. It didn’t contain any damning evidence against the Russian. Well, the point is moot with the man dead. But could he trust Reginald now? Is the antiquarian bookdealer on the same path that private investigator Sam Archer took, which led to him murdering Chertovski?

Agent Mulder takes a another puff on his fag and studies the boards. There is an alleged address on this Ambrose Carcosa in New Orleans. Looks like a visit to the Big Easy is in order.

[SocraticLawyer]

Reginald Wilkins, unhinged bookdealer
Reginald finds his friend's number amongst the detritus of his apartment. He phones his old friend.

Baba? Hello, its Reginald. Yes, Wilkins, from Brown.
Sorry to call you so late. Say, are you available to meet sometime this week? I've, er, acquired a rather unusual text and am having some trouble understanding it. It would be great if you could lend your expertise. I'm heading to Miskatonic tomorrow for business, so I can stop by your office.

After the phone call, Reg and Marius step out for some food.

Does Reginald still have The Testament of Selene?

[DadsAngry]

Dr. Clarke:

"Raspberries!" Dr. Clarke says in his mind. He wasn't planning on Asenaith’s roommate being home. Already on thin ice with the department, he can't risk being caught snooping around. He goes over to the door and raps on it gently and speaks to the motionless body on the bed. He clears his throat "excuse me, are you wake? The door was open?" He watches for the young women for movement.

[Starbeard]

Marius Albertoni's soul whirls as his mind soaks up the forbidden secrets of the Pnakotic Manuscripts.

Oh, the humanity! [1d4] = 3

[Grognardsw]

Chambers Hall, Miskatonic University
Arkham, Massachusetts
7:06 pm, Oct. 7, 1925

Dr. Clarke is startled by the woman on the bed. Didn't Edith say the room was empty? The professor's eyes acclimate to the gloom of the room, though he can't see the girl's face. She says nothing to Dr. Clarke's inquiry and is still unmoving. Her body is akimbo. Something feels wrong.

The sudden scream of a woman startles Dr. Clarke. He whirls around to receive a still greater shock:

Edith Walton is in the middle of the common room, behind Dr. Clarke. A look of horror on her face as she screams again!

Her piercing cry reverberates through the dorm. Cries of panic and alarm are heard from other rooms. Sounds of footfalls in the hallway outside.

“Oh my god David, what have you done?!” Edith laments.

“You-you-you-“ Edith stutters in horror, pointing a finger at Dr. Clarke. “You killed her!” She staggers back, trips, screams.

Someone is pounding on the door to the common room. “Asenaith, are you okay? Asenaith? Open up now!”

“Help me!” screams Edith.

Actions?

Dr. Frank Morgan, keeping watch outside the door, sees a police car drive up. Three officers get out quickly and run into the building.

Hardly a minute passes when Dr. Morgan hears a woman’s terrified scream from the dorm. He would swear it came from the cracked-open window of Asenaith’s room!





Above Charter's Bookshop
Providence, Rhode Island
7:15 pm, Oct. 7, 1925

Reginald Wilkins talks with Dr. Baba Balandabar. “Reggie old friend, it has been some time. How are you? How is the shop? Yes, I would be happy to take a look at your book. Give me a call when you arrive in Arkham.”

Reginald glances at one of his bookcases and confirms that The Testament of Selene is there. That strange tome that told tales of the moon goddess incarnations, myths and folklore, prominently featuring Selene. Marius had wondered if the she-creature under the Shunned House (or through a Gate under the house) may somehow be part of the mythos in The Testament.

Chemistry Professor Harold Mathers had left The Testament with Reginald after his recent visit. Along with chemical formulas for the “stink” bomb and “flash” pellets which Reginald has yet to concoct in the chemistry lab at Brown University.

Stomachs rumbling after a day of vigorous intellectual work, Marius and Reginald step out for a late dinner. They make their way down Dover St. to The Brown Derby, a restaurant at the bottom of College Hill frequented by professors and students.

“Reginald, that man across the street,” whispers Marius. “I think he’s watching us.”

[DadsAngry]

Chambers Hall, Miskatonic University
Arkham, Massachusetts
7:06 pm, Oct. 7, 1925

Edith Walton is in the middle of the common room, behind Dr. Clarke. A look of horror on her face as she screams again!

Her piercing cry reverberates through the dorm. Cries of panic and alarm are heard from other rooms. Sounds of footfalls in the hallway outside.

“Oh my god David, what have you done?!” Edith laments.

Surprised, Dr. Clarke whirls around to the familiar voice.
"Edith!? What are you doing here? Wait? What!?"

“You-you-you-“ Edith stutters in horror, pointing a finger at Dr. Clarke. “You killed her!” She staggers back, trips, screams.

He turns back to the opened door of Ms. Waite and looks upon the still figure.
"No, no, I didn't... How could you think... Edith, what's wrong with you? Why are you here? You didn't...?"

Someone is pounding on the door to the common room. “Asenaith, are you okay? Asenaith? Open up now!”

“Help me!” screams Edith.

Dr. Clarke rushes over to the common room door and quickly opens it and speaks to the person on the other side.
"Call the police! There has been murder."
He turns his head as to not shout in the persons face in the doorway.
"Edith my dear get a hold of yourself! Help is coming."
Turning back he says "and call for a doctor as well. Dear god."
Placing his hands around his mouth to elevate his voice he shouts "Frank! Frank!"

[Mant72]

Dr. Francis Morgan:

Dr. Morgan squints, peering through the drizzling rain at the approaching police car. He grows concerned as the three officers rush into the dorm, and his worries escalate at the sound of a woman’s scream that seemingly comes from Asenaith’s room.

“Frank!” “Frank!” Dr. Clarke’s desperate calls jolt Frank into action, and he rushes into the building quickly following on the heels of the officers.

[SocraticLawyer]

Reginald Wilkins, bookdealer
Reginald curses quietly at Marius' observation. Marius, do you have your pistol with you?

Does Reg know of any speakeasys or coffee shops nearby?
He wants to see if the observer follows them but doesn't want to go back to Charter's.

[Grognardsw]

Asenaith Waite's Room, Chambers Hall, Miskatonic University
Arkham, Massachusetts
7:07 pm, Oct. 7, 1925

Edith eyes’ widen as Dr. Clarke tries to calm her. "How can you say that...?"

Dr. Clarke opens the outer door to the hallway. Had he locked it? A residence proctor stands there, a worried look on his young face.

“A murder?” he gasps in response to Dr. Clarke. “Asenaith?”

“I saw him over her, with his hands on her throat!” sobs Edith.

Dr. Clark, confused if not dumbfounded by the accusation of his paramour, looks unbelievably at Edith. She seems shaken and... (psychology roll please.)



Heavy footfalls are heard in the hallway as three police officers arrive. “All right now, everyone remain calm. Sir, please sit on the bed,” he says nodding at Dr. Clarke. “And Miss, you there,” pointing to a chair. “My name is Officer McAshton. What happened here?”

“I came in and David was leaning over the body, hands at her throat. I was afraid something like this would happen,” says Edith, dabbing a handkerchief at her eyes. “He was obsessed with her.”

Officer McAshron nods as he takes notes. “We’ll take your full statements at the station.”

“What is your story?" Officer McAshton asks Dr. Clarke.

Another officer invesgtigates the body in the bedroom. “Dead alright. Looks to be strangled. Call the coroner." He begins looking about the room.

The third officer is questioning the residence proctor.

Dr. Clarke tries to remain calm as his mind processes what is going on (Int. roll please.)

A winded Dr. Frank Morgan arrives on scene.





Dover St., College Hill
Providence, Rhode Island
7:20 pm, Oct. 7, 1925



Suspecting a tail, Reginald and Marius pause in their walk to The Brown Derby restaurant at the bottom of College Hill. Marius nods yes when asked if he has his pistol.

Reginald knows of several cafes in the area besides their destination. He heads to the closest one on Benefit Street, a bohemian cafe known as The Cosmic Bean. The man Marius claims is following them does indeed do so, but does not enter the cafe after Reginald and Marius.

The lurking man:

[DadsAngry]

Dr. Clarke:

psychology roll 5% [1d100] = 18

Int. roll 9% [1d100] = 46

[Mant72]

Dr. Francis Morgan:

Lungs blowing like a bellows, Dr. Morgan stumbles into the room, ”David,...is everything... okay?”

[SocraticLawyer]

Reginald Wilkins, paranoid bookdealer
Reg and Marius enter The Cosmic Bean. If there is a window to the street, they take the table closest to it and keep any eye out. If not, they keep their backs to the wall and sit close to the door. If the man does not immediately follow them in, Reg orders a coffee.

[DadsAngry]

Dr. Clarke

"Well, you see wait... How did you get here so fast? Edith just started scream and I just called for the police a minute before you arrived. Were you in the building for something else? "
Dr. Clarke has a puzzled look on his face but continues.
"Anyway my name is Dr. David Clarke of the Archeology Department here at the University. That over there..." he gestures in Edith direction "is Edith Walton a close friend."
His speech lowers as he gazes at Edith; lost at her reaction.
"I don't know what has happened to her? She has gone mad or..."
David regains focus, giving his full attention to the officer.
"Well you see Ms. Walton, myself and another colleague here at the University have been investigating a series of murders; you know the students found at the Old Mill back in August. In our investigation, in conjunction with Agent Mulder of the Bureau of Investigation, we have discovered a connection to other murders of a ritualistic nature. Though ritualist murders are not a new thing. They date back to man’s earliest of history. Usually as an offering to one’s deity for a particular appeasement. Though once we hit the Iron Age and the development of religion these types of sacrifices lessen. They are seen in the Old World as barbaric. However human sacrifice continued to be widespread to varying degrees. It isn’t until the European expansion into the America where we see this type of conduct fall out of favor. The Spanish Conquistadors were appalled at the rituals performed by the Mesoamerican inhabitants upon their discovery in the early 1600s. Some of these have been illustrated in the Codex Mendoza, which contains a history of the Aztec rulers and their conquests. The Codex is held at the Bodleian Library at Oxford University since 1659. Fascinating culture the Aztecs. It’s a shame much of their history and heritage has been lost. Do you know the legend of El Dorado, The mythical city of gold? Not many people know this but it was the German conquistadors Nikolaus Federmann and Georg von Speyer who firsted searched for the famed city between 1531 and 1538. Whereas Sir Walter Raleigh the one you're most-likely familiar with was, in fact, the second.”
Dr. Clarke smiles at the officer; always happy to enlighten those who allow him. Though the look on the officer’s face doesn’t look pleasing. He realises he’s been rambling again. He tries to get back to the subject at hand.
“I’m sorry I’ve seemed to gone off track there. What was your question? Oh! there you are, Frank. Come over here and help this officer, officer... I'm sorry I forgot your name?”

[Grognardsw]

Asenaith Waite's Room, Chambers Hall, Miskatonic University
Arkham, Massachusetts
7:09 pm, Oct. 7, 1925


“We were called here on suspicion of a break-in and attack,” Officer McAshton answers Prof. Clarke.

Officer McAshton’s face turns from attentiveness to confusion to frustration as Prof. Clarke rambles on.

“Look here now, what are you talking about?” says the officer. “Murders, Federal investigations, Aztecs? Balderdash! Show me identification you are even a Miskatonic employee!”

“And who are you?” he snaps at the recently arrived Prof. Morgan.

“I found a diary,” says the police officer searching Asenaith’s room.

“Oh hello Mr. Morgan” says Edith upon seeing Prof. Frank Morgan. “I feel faint” - hand on her forehead, looking out window - “this smell of death. May I please have a glass of water?”



Edith Walton





The Cosmic Bean cafe, College Hill
Providence, Rhode Island
7:25 pm, Oct. 7, 1925

Reginald and Marius find a window seat inside The Cosmic Bean cafe. The air is heavy with cigarette smoke and hints of marijuana. In the corner a battered Victrola plays a scratchy record of that new-fangled jazz. Bohemian students mingle with locals and even a few negroes.

Reginald peers out the window. Across the street the man still lurks, collar up, hat pulled low, cigarette in mouth. He doesn’t move. A light drizzle begins to fall as a wind picks up, whipping about the fallen leaves of a dark Autumn.

“I was watched before,” says Marius, taking out his pipe. “At the Providence library. And before, at my house there was a midget going through my mail box. These people...” His voice trails off, tinged with anger and frustration. "I need a drink."


Marius Albertoni looks pensively out the window

Funny Dr. Clarke post!

[SocraticLawyer]

Reginald Wilkins, paranoid bookdealer
Reg curses quietly again.

Obviously, the cult is following him and Marius. The cult must know about his shop and apartment. Which means that they could be there right now, looking for Carcosa's occult tomes.

It's no use trying to hide at this point. The priority must be to get the tomes back in their possession, and shut down the cult at its source.

Marius, we must return to my shop. We are being followed, but the occult books we left there are too important to be left unguarded.

Keep your pistol ready. We may have to deal with that one, he says, indicating the man that followed him.

If Marius agrees, Reg gets up and walks out. If the man (who Reg is sure is a member of the cult) follows them, Reg takes a detour down a darkened alley if one is available. Get ready! he whispers to Marius.

[Mant72]

Dr. Francis Morgan:

Frank recovers from his recent sprint and is momentarily taken aback by the gruff officer’s query.

He inhales deeply and extends his hand to Officer McAshton, ”I am Dr. Francis Morgan, Professor of Archeology here at the University, and you are...?”

Waiting for Officer McAshton’s reply, he looks askance at Edith and replies by placing emphasis on his title, ”Dr. Morgan.”