mmmm... five more minutes... *snore*

Jason 2009/10/13(Tue)18:44 No. 64355 ID: 728150
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Someone speaks, they are close. I bolt out of bed, snatching my knife and swinging it open.

> "Who's there?!"

Suggestion 2009/10/13(Tue)18:47 No. 64359 ID: 9cc8fd
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>>64355

Jason 2009/10/13(Tue)19:23 No. 64390 ID: 728150
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My imagination? Must have been the ending of a dream. I am, unfortunately, awake now and must face my current unreality head on.

My cell registers a missed call. The caller left a voicemail.

> "Hello, sir? This is Amy with the library, we spoke yesterday? I didn't find much, but I had the archives send me the few entries they could find about that house. We'll be open until 5 PM today. Thanks!"

She seems eager to please.

>>64390
Oh god, a morning person.
Get the wooden stakes.

Yes, thank you. Say you'll be right over. You need to take a shower and clothe yourself. You look like shit. Had a nightmare?

>>64390
You should check out the cashier at the laundromat that Loe mentioned. See if you can get her to talk when there's no one around to cut her off.

Jason 2009/10/13(Tue)19:32 No. 64395 ID: 728150
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I furrow my brow. There is no one here, but I hear a voice as though it were my own mind speaking so loudly my ears could hear.

> "... wooden stakes?"

I fear I am going mad at an alarmingly quickening pace. The thought of committing myself flashes across my mind, but is quickly discarded. I will not sacrifice my freedom for the safety of strangers.

[Sanity Level -1 Unlocked : You can now speak directly to Jason, rather than guiding him subliminally!]

>>64395
Why are you so thin? I can see your bones, man.

>>64395
Hi.
Pretty sure you're crazy now.
We're a collective of advice-giving voices from beyond space and time.
For the sake of my eyes, please ignore the ones that want you to mack on any siblings you might have as well as the ones that want you to wear fetish gear.
As to the positive points... We'll jabber at you when you're in trouble.

Deal kinda sucks, yeah.

Jason 2009/10/13(Tue)19:53 No. 64437 ID: 728150
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> "Right. A shower."

I encourage the steam to billow forth - I want to be cleansed of everything. I breathe it deeply, hoping my dementia will find its heat pleasant and leave me as I exhale it. It takes a truly desperate man to seek solace in metaphoric thought.

> "I am not thin, nor am I obese. I am perfectly healthy... physically. Yes, going to the laundromat does sound promising. There is the matter of the library to attend, as well. I did not have a nightmare, I am living one. I suspect your speaking at all says volumes about my being 'in trouble'. Do you have any light you can shed on my current situation beyond that?"

I am talking to myself... and I am getting a response.

>>64437
You encountered some otherworldly force, and are now going insane.

'gratz.

>>64441
Well, not really sure what it is at this point.
Could be swamp gas.

>>64437
When you touched the lock, that wasn't an electrical shock. It was something more akin to a branding iron, spiritually. You've been cursed.

Jason 2009/10/13(Tue)20:12 No. 64470 ID: 728150
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Unsurprisingly, the steam has not soothed my ailing psyche. If anything there are more voices than before.

> "Ah gazhered zat - sho ahm mahked nah? -- "

I spit - the hotel toothpaste's flavor does not improve my morning.

> "Ahem. I gathered that. So I'm marked now, hm? I believe it would be prudent to remove that marking. I have limited experience in this field, and don't know of anyone credible who might be able to help. I am at something of a loss in regards to remedying this."

I don't know either, would help if you knew more about the damn place. A certain librarian might have something.

>>64470
Where else but a church?

>>64470
Obviously, we shall bend our considerable arcane might to...
Yeah, I have no clue.
Try all the standbys, though.

Jason 2009/10/13(Tue)22:20 No. 64621 ID: 728150
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> "Fair enough. We'll see what our librarian has for us. I hardly think the Christians would know what to do with me, though I will visit should I find more encouraging evidence."

All of the lights seem to be functioning again. My throat still catches on the air here. The librarian is sitting attentively at the desk. She is wearing a good deal more makeup than yesterday.

> "Good morning, sir! That was fast. I had these faxed over from the archives today. They would have been here sooner but I kept getting disconnected last night. Honestly they seem a little light, but Jennai swears up and down that that's all there is."

She holds three sheets of paper. I take them and examine each in kind.

[1/4]

Jason 2009/10/13(Tue)22:21 No. 64623 ID: 728150
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[2/4]

Jason 2009/10/13(Tue)22:21 No. 64625 ID: 728150
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[3/4]

Jason 2009/10/13(Tue)22:22 No. 64627 ID: 728150
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[4/4]

Who is that G.F?

So let's summarize:

House is built: early Jan 1982

House is lived in: mid may 1984

House is *abandoned*: Early feb 2002.

This implies that the house was NEVER PUT UP FOR SALE. In other words, the guy living there? Up and vanished, and it took some time to find out.

Jason 2009/10/13(Tue)23:11 No. 64652 ID: 728150
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> "Tell me, who is this 'G.F' that keeps showing up on all of these?"
> "The council members who deal with whatever motion or whatever's being recorded are noted in that record."

She wears a strange expression.

>>64652
"It stands for Grey Fox, doesn't it."

>>64657
or Gordon Freeman.

>>64652
Very well. Let's pound the pavement. Check out what sort of following the church is, and walk towards the house. Let's see if this weirdness gets any worse.

Jason 2009/10/15(Thu)15:31 No. 65157 ID: 84ae51
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> "Who is this 'G.F. Abbott' that keeps showing up?"

She examines the papers she handed me closely, allows herself a quiet "hmm", and begins typing on her terminal.

I let my gaze wander around the library. It is fairly well kept, though unsurprisingly has seen little use. I notice a child across the room staring at me. It wears a brightly colored mask and a cloth about its head. I casually take a step back, its gaze follows me.

> "Looks like her full name is Geraldine Ford, she's the mayor of Hawksbury."

>>65157
Thank the librarian quietly, then leave.
That is a creepy-ass kid there.

>>65157
Go over and compliment him on his mask.

Jason 2009/10/15(Thu)17:05 No. 65174 ID: 84ae51
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> "Oh, thank you. One more question and I'll get out of your hair."
> "No, no! Please, I have lots of it so uh..."

She trails off. I'm fairly certain she was attempting humor. I'm also fairly certain she failed miserably.

> "Er, what I mean is that it gets pretty boring around here, you know? Not many people visit, and the one's that do aren't really chatty."
> "I'd love to stay and get to know you better, but I've work to attend in town and I am, unfortunately, on a strict deadline. Perhaps I will have time for play after."
> "I -- no I m-- okay. Heh. That sounds good."

She blushes and pretends to start sorting a thoroughly sorted pile of books. It never hurts to cultivate admiration. I leave the library once more, smiling to the child as I go.

> "Nice mask."

It turns and disappears behind one of the many bookshelves.

> "Oh! By the way, where might I find the nearest church?"
> "I haven't seen any in Hawksbury - the closest I know of is the Church of Christ over in Hartman."

I settle into the car and begin driving, still considering where to go next.

> "Well, I could drive to the next town over. I'm still not convinced that that would actually help. There are still the archives to consider. Loe might appreciate a more complete profile of the home's owner. Am I missing anything?"

We need a gun, not that puny ass knife.

By the way
She's fallen hard for you, I'd say.

I'm gonna say archives sound like a solid plan.

She might be useful later. Good work there.

We got a good number of names from this. We should look into this H. Morano.[Also I hope that's a clerical error, I'm pretty sure that house wasn't zoned in 1890.]
With any luck Morano is still around for questioning. Maybe there were strange occurrences during construction? In any case, Morano Housing shouldn't be too hard to track down. Hell, start with the phone book. If no luck, the internet, then maybe some corporate registry.

Also, any info we might dig up about McCullen would be gold. Where's he from, does he have relatives, any old friends who might still be around.

The archives would probably be the prime suspect on all of these.

Jason 2009/10/15(Thu)19:36 No. 65217 ID: 84ae51
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> "Yes... a firearm would make me feel more... comfortable, and the constabulary do not seem particularly alert in this city. I believe I saw a survival shop on the way in, should I drop by there first or make haste to the archives?"

I pause and consider my options. I can be more efficient than this. My phone is warm - feels nice against my face.

> "Morano Housing, Hawksbury, please."

> "One moment... connecting you now, sir." > "Morano Structures and Housing, Arnold speaking. What can we build for you today?"

"Actually, I'm calling about a house that you've already built. This is the very same Morano Housing that was active in this area in the eighties? Good, could you give me your street address? I'll drop by later today."

I doubt we'd get as much out of them by phone. Grilling people for information is always more effective in person.

>>65217
Are you using your cellphone while driving? That's not safe at all. Pull over to the side of the road or park somewhere, if you really must call them now.

Jason 2009/10/15(Thu)19:58 No. 65222 ID: 84ae51
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I get the address and brief directions and hang up. Yet another location to throw on the pile.

What is that in my backse---

I feel a chill ripple through my core.

>>65220
Seconded, lets plan to meet him sometimes later this afternoon. After we procure some protection.

You're... probably just seeing things. Maintain control of the car, and pull over to somewhere where there's people.
While you're doing that, ask the kid what the hell is he doing there. Remain calm

Jason 2009/10/15(Thu)20:25 No. 65229 ID: 84ae51
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I am shaken, but I am in control. The car complains as I pull it off onto the shoulder. I get out and open the back door.

Nothing.

This dementia is becoming an inconvenience.

> "There was something here a moment ago. I saw it. You saw it too, yes?"

... Are you asking the voices in your head if we saw the imaginary man in your back seat?

Man, you're more messed up than I thought.

Well, search the car thoroughly. And lock the doors to your car once you're done. That way we at least know for sure when a phantasm hitches a ride with us.

After this, maybe we should acquire a gun. Like, right now.

Suggestion 2009/10/15(Thu)20:56 No. 65233 ID: dda9dd
File 125566541280.jpg - (71.41KB , 640x600 , specialization-2.jpg )

>>65231
Because a gun is gunna save us when the mask head and his army of dark energy entities come for us huh?

Yeah I am betting that the church could have more useful weapons against what you're going to face shortly, I would also invest in one of these.

>>65229
Yeah, there was that kid with the mask in the back seat. Maybe you should ask around if children usually wear that kind of thing. There might be some kind of meaning to it.

Jason 2009/10/16(Fri)15:04 No. 65354 ID: 84ae51
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> "No... there's nothing here. Not anymore, at least. Yes, I concur. Protection is in order."

I make my way to the local bank and make use of their ATM. A weapon purchase will still be traceable through my permit registration, but paying cash is never a bad idea in these circumstances.

[1/2]

Jason 2009/10/16(Fri)15:13 No. 65360 ID: 84ae51
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The survival shop is cluttered and chaotic. Things are arranged according to what I assume is a hunter's logic, rather than the oft-expected big-box-store categorization. The counter lacks a warm body, though I hear rustling and tinny metal clinks coming from some unseen back room.

> "I hold two-thousand sixty dollars. My kit at the hotel holds little by way of sheer survival, so consider this starting from scratch. What shall I purchase?"

[2/2]
[Inventory shopping time! Prices will be based on an average of equivalent quality (or matching) items searched online.]

Do they have a G18? That's reliable.

Alright, lets get the essential equipment to solve 90% of horror scenario puzzles.

Flashlight, Pocket Radio, MP3 player [to be filled with hardcore music to pump you up in combat - exact genre is up to your tastes] and headphones, toolbelt [including at least screwdriver, hammer, crowbar, small box of nails, pliers, and various sized wrenches], some variety of handgun [the suggested G18 will work fine], at least 2 spare magazines for it, a double barreled shotgun, a small case of shells for it, a second knife in case something happens to the first one, a single flash grenade [if available], and a combat vest to protect your vitals.

In addition, a high intensity flash light might come in handy, in case weird shadow monsters are weak to light.

And a night light so you can sleep better tomorrow night.

It would be convenient to be prepared for the worst, as cases of isolation and/or imprisonment.

Get yourself a canteen flask and fill it with water. Also buy some food rations to keep in your pockets.

Get a Deagle and a katana sword. You will be unstoppable.

>>65668
Only if you gold-plate them.
Anyway, a small medical kit as well, if you aren't over budget twice.

Jason 2009/10/18(Sun)15:19 No. 66447 ID: 84ae51
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> "I agree that we must be prepared, but I do not want to be so encumbered that I cannot move freely."

The shop carries a G19, and so I purchase it as well as an extra magazine and enough ammunition to last me through the Alamo. I also add to my growing inventory of necessities a survival tool with a high-intensity light, high-grade steel blade, and a water-safe firestriking stick good for 3,000 strikes. A canteen and handful of "Meals Ready to Eat" also make their way into my purchase.

I cannot afford both a shotgun and a vest, so I opt for the latter. It does not restrict me as much as I thought, and my overcoat conceals its bulge rather conveniently.

I already own a maglite - it and my emergency medical kit are resting in the rental's trunk. The tire iron in the car's flat kit can be used as a crowbar in a pinch.

I pay the man, who does not falter for a moment when I present his asking price in bills, and leave.

> "I feel more comfortable already. My firearm is loaded, though not chambered, and the safety catch is on. It will take me a moment to bring it to bear, so please keep that in mind if you plan on warning me of approaching danger."

Truth be told, I feel a tinge of malevolence. I am angry at these things for making me feel so foolish, and would like to repay the favor.

[1/2]

Jason 2009/10/18(Sun)15:29 No. 66462 ID: 84ae51
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Things are off as I walk through the parking lot. It appears City Hall is conjoined with the Archives - far from unusual. The geometry of the buildings feels off, however. Angles don't meet as they should. Windows seem impossible small or bizarrely huge - I cannot see through a one of them.

I look around. Black fog is rolling in from every direction, and I can no longer see the end of the street. There is no wind. There are no birds. I feel as though there is even an absence of silence. I strain to listen for my footsteps - they eke out only when I make a conscious effort to note them, as if the only thing keeping the sound from hurtling into oblivion is my attention.

I walk through the front door. The thing behind the desk glares at me with one eye, but does not move otherwise. A voice wracked with pain, doubling in on itself drips through the air.

> "Sssssstate your busssinesssss"

[2/2]

Its got a tit. Hott. Pretend like everything is totally normal. Ask to see the relevant title search information. If you show fear, they have already one.

Oh God.

>>66482
Don't feak, its probably all in your head. Just act normal and don't break.