Allotter 2010/02/05(Fri)21:29 No. 126026 ID: 1d2d60
File 126543416320.jpg - (60.58KB , 994x769 , lighting up the stairs.jpg )

If I could curb my curiosity...

Allright, lets get a glance on this crime scene. Luckily, they didn' clean it up yet.

How good are your nightvision? we cant just turn on the lights, yannow.

I wanna know what else is in the bag!!

Allotter 2010/02/06(Sat)20:20 No. 126940 ID: 1d2d60
File 12655164156.jpg - (402.51KB , 1000x852 , Somewhat worse for wear.jpg )

... I would not be the man I am today.

Well then, lets see what there is to see shall we?

Is that a phonograph?

...Turn it on.

Nah.
Bed seems to have nothing, unless theres something taped underneath.

Hmmn, drawer cabinet. I'd hide something, either in a drawer, or under the bottom drawer. Remove the bottom drawer to check underneath.

maybe moving the cabinet to check behind is overkill.

>>126940
Check out the blood.

>>126940

Check the shelf, and behind the picture.

>>126940
some forms of old cabinets had secret compartments built into their drawers, concealed by perspective and use of thin panels. If the drawers come out easily, check 'em.

Allotter 2010/02/07(Sun)13:18 No. 127415 ID: a56bd0
File 126557749731.jpg - (383.51KB , 992x650 , currious tools.jpg )

Yes.. I think I may want to check that phonograph, and that picture, in a moment.. but first let us see what this chest of drawers conceal? I set down my bag on the cot and being to inspect this item of furniture.

The top surface itself seems to be covered in candles and melted candle waxes. A large box of matches sits nearby, there also appears to be an ivory covered copy of the every preacher's most essential text.

Within the drawers themselves there are of course the standard clothes and sundry items to be expected in a man's wardrobe.

However under some shirts in the bottom drawer I find a small glass jar filled halfway with a silvery whitish, almost metallic powder... as well what appears to be a wood handled icepick or perhaps an engraving tool to some kind.

Nothing appears to be hidden under the drawers except a few lone coins and buttons which likely found their own way here.

Is there something in the top-right quarter of the window?

Can't you light this place up somehow?

A-HEMN, no lights! The point is to not be seen from the outside!

Allotter 2010/02/08(Mon)18:12 No. 128346 ID: 817cd3
File 126568154239.jpg - (382.74KB , 1000x852 , not much.jpg )

The object I spy hanging in the window appears to be a simple wooden crucifix and rosary.

Lifting up the picture and peaking behind there appears to be nothing on the wall or hidden on the frame itself. The picture itself depicts a rather homely looking couple in early century clothing... perhaps his parents?

... hmm I don't want to draw attention to myself unnecessarily... but my search may be better aided by some additional light. My eyes as weak as they are find the electric torch somewhat tiresome.

However as this building is not wired my choices are apparently between: making do with my electric torch... lighting some of his candles... retrieving and attempting to use "the instrument" from my bag (a possibly perilous act, considering my past luck with it and the rooms of dead clergymen)... or perhaps even cutting out the light and trying to let my dim eyes adjust to the moonlight?

>>128346
Use the instrument. So long as you don't shine it on anything WEIRD you should be good.

Well I'm pretty stumped. Let's try turning off the light and see if something starts glowing ominously.

(By the way, great job with the shadows)

Animated Allotter 2010/02/09(Tue)21:26 No. 129057 ID: 817cd3
File 126577959580.gif - (4.53MB , 1000x852 , changingcells.gif )

I procure the 'instrument' from my tool-bag (on recollection I really should have named this thing at some point) removing the protective leather lens cap and dialing back the focal adjustment knobs. I try the switch to no avail.

"Damn batteries, must have..."

It seems the cells were drained during the lengthy storage. I never designed the unit for economical power usage. I switch out the cells from my torch as my eyes adjust to the darkness and mingled moonlight.

I see a thin almost, metallic tracery in the pools of moonlight which slowly resolves into view. Suddenly the device come alive in my hand (having forgotten to turn it off before switching the cells.) It normally possesses the power to reveal as of yet unforeseen details in even the most mundane scene... but here...

"God's Name.. what is all this?.."

>>129057

Sweep the room with flashlight. Ready weapon.

I'm not sure what we're seeing, here. Blood, but not dramatic murder splotches or anything, either that which wasn't cleaned up or something more sinister. And... marks on the wooden boards? Is it chalk?

Animation Allotter 2010/02/11(Thu)13:57 No. 129891 ID: a56bd0
File 126592543818.gif - (1.38MB , 1000x852 , Sweep.gif )

I tighten my fist and hold it ready to strike or fend off anything that should come leaping out of the shadows.. or perhaps even the walls themselves? A sweep of the blood seems to show a strange path leading out one of the windows. The luminous lines appear to cover both the walls and the floor is a tessellation of triangles and lines.

I don't imagine it to be chalk... surely my simple flashlight would have revealed it before if it was? Whatever it is seems to shine.. or perhaps glow on contact with the device's radiance (hmm perhaps that would be a good name for this, the "Radiance Device"?)

What shall I inspect next I wonder?

Hmm the lattice seems to be organized, but on the wall, is that some form of writing you can read?

See if you can't read/transcribe the writing covering all of everything everywhere.

Allotter 2010/02/12(Fri)17:20 No. 130188 ID: 817cd3
File 126602402171.jpg - (41.45KB , 1000x400 , text.jpg )

I focus in on the damaged looking section just below the window.

Latin... to be expected I suppose. Let me see...

"-thy-comes-kingdom-thy--------as-in-heaven-so-in-earth... oh okay.. I think I get the picture..."

Running my fingers over the surface shows no reaction. However, I 'can' feel very thin etching on the surface matching the marking. Also, significant... yet another set of burn marks or tracks.

Maybe this entire thing was some sort of seal or binding or something, which was broken?

Do you have any idea what could've made the scratches that block out the middle part? Or do you have an idea even of what the Latin was written with?

Allotter 2010/02/12(Fri)21:30 No. 130395 ID: 817cd3
File 126603905156.jpg - (45.54KB , 650x650 , unfinished.jpg )

"Hmm yes some kind of ward or perhaps a binding? but to keep something in? or out?"

I sweep the Radiance Device over the rest of the room, just to be sure nothing else is reacting unusually (I should take care to preserve my batteries having to currently share them between the torch and the power hungry Device.)

A cursory sweep shows nothing of note.. I notice however, that the lattice pattern seems to extend evenly and continuously even down the stairwell. But shining my light up...

"uhuh?" why of course... he could not have reached up into the belltower... not unaided anyway. The pattern is obviously unfinished here, even to my untrained eye.

I consider if there is anything left here I should check?

That's the rope for the bell, right? Still, if he was unable to keep the pattern going past his physical reach, then he must've written it with some sort of worldly device...

>>130544
Or he had a ladder or something.

Allotter 2010/02/13(Sat)17:07 No. 130806 ID: 817cd3
File 12661096469.jpg - (352.87KB , 1000x852 , so.jpg )

"Yes... he likely used a ladder to reach the ceiling and the lower parts of the towershaft... but it likely wouldn't extend all the way up, at least nothing one could bring up past the turn in those stairs.

Besides this room was likely never meant to be lived in.. probably only started after his house burnt dow... wait... who am I talking... never mind... creepy empty buildings."

I consider once more that I probably should never have come out into the back-country. At least in the city there are other people to rely on, specialists who actually know what they are doing.

I take a look around the room before switching out the batteries, pondering if there is anything left I have forgotten, or if I should take of the items I have found with me? The energy from that little nap and dinner is wearing off and there is some part of tonight I would still like to spend in repose.

Oooh lookie here, he's beginning to hear us a bit clearer...

Take the jar with the powder and the accompanying pick-thing... and the Ivory bible. I think Ivory is going to be the key, here.

But before you leave, make sure to listen to the phonograph.

Allotter 2010/02/14(Sun)11:29 No. 131285 ID: a56bd0
File 126617574695.jpg - (30.74KB , 650x650 , phonograph.jpg )

I try the phonograph... at first there is nothing but distorted noise... but I readjust it to hear...

Allotter 2010/02/14(Sun)11:54 No. 131308 ID: a56bd0
Audio Recording.mp3 - (682.68KB )

>>131285
...the static breaks for the tinny sound of band music which then fades into a dull static roar, continuing for a moment until a hoarse, excited voice begins whispering over the background sounds...

"I have seen him---- guarded against it--- the hungering titanspawn--- ruins below ruins of--- cities never dead for long--- fouled image of Saturn's madness--- in mockery waits--- the mines almost--- still anxious to follow the bidding of the hidden blood mistress--- yet abandoned as useless--- straining--- worming--- but trapped again--- the tree of light seals--- the silver poisons him and his--- sends out his cooker-sons--- small enough-- slipping the nets laid--- what does the diamond stalker sleep for? how long? friend or foe--- sent for experts."

Allotter 2010/02/14(Sun)15:35 No. 131469 ID: a56bd0
File 126619055832.jpg - (42.49KB , 620x650 , erm_.jpg )

>>131308
"urhm..."

Check the picture in closer detail. Sounds like there was some weird shit going on here.

Yes, shine the Radiant Device on more than just the walls and floor.

Allotter 2010/02/14(Sun)18:34 No. 131638 ID: a56bd0
File 126620124591.jpg - (373.53KB , 1000x852 , nothing.jpg )

I pack up the jar and the 'icepick?" as well as the ivory bound Bible. Sweeping the Radiance Device across the room and its contents reveals nothing new, I even check behind objects for good measure before switching out the cells again.

I am weary, confused, and feel little closer to any kind of resolution.

>>131638
Follow the markings downstairs then.

All right time to get our head in the game. I'm going to assume the voice is that of the pastor. It looks like the previous pastor found something, he says he "saw it," some kind of eldritch beast... And it's tryin to get out. Out of where? Seems like something underground, the mines, perhaps? It may be the ruins of an ancient city, the creature left over from a prior age. It can't leave, as the "tree of light" seals it... Does a "tree of light" ring a bell? Furthermore, it looks like you'll be wanting to get your hands on some silver, as it seems to be an effective weapon. Lastly, the pastor indicates that the creature is able to send out minions, probably the thing that he, the town, and you have to worry about most for the time being. Any ideas what the "diamond stalker" refers to?

Oh, and if the pastor sent for experts.. surely there'd be some paper trail? Ask the post office if he sent a letter to anyone.

Or did he send for you?

Allotter 2010/02/15(Mon)19:38 No. 132546 ID: 817cd3
File 126629148114.jpg - (63.61KB , 489x666 , all the way down.jpg )

The marks go all the way down the stairs and even cover the whole of the interior chapel in the same repeated pattern and script. They do not however, extent past the doors. I imagine this would have taken many hours of work and likely a short ladder of some kind.

The silver dust and the icepick is probably what he used to make the design. If he only used half to do all this, it must go a really long way.

How he learned to do this is the real mystery. The information on the design has to be somewhere. Best think about it tomorrow.

I imagine all the runes and glyphs and whatnot are for protection, protection from the minions that can venture out from the caves. Of course, no man can stay in a chapel forever, so perhaps he did go insane and kill himself in the end. Make a note to ask about the ex-pastor's activities prior to his death.

Allotter 2010/02/16(Tue)15:37 No. 132925 ID: a56bd0
File 126636344443.jpg - (68.81KB , 590x590 , rule-.jpg )

Yes... everything might make more sense in the morning, there is nothing else I can do unprepared tonight anyhow.

Allotter 2010/02/16(Tue)15:43 No. 132927 ID: a56bd0
File 126636378469.jpg - (26.89KB , 640x650 , -of-.jpg )

...But even in the light of day I doubt this whole affair makes sense. A slumbering evil? I hope dearly that I am not the help he sent for... as I was only informed that he needed a replacement, not some kind of "exorcist" or "daemon hunter"!

I was just a physicist... only a student before any of this. This has to be some kind of mistake?

Wait, are you going to sleep HERE? Don't you have a room to go back to?

Allotter 2010/02/16(Tue)15:53 No. 132934 ID: a56bd0
File 126636440599.jpg - (24.58KB , 640x650 , -three.jpg )

"..of course I remembered to lock the door." my hollow voice echoes from the faded walls of my hotel room. I feel oddly off balance... as though the amber quiet in this dying town is creeping into my head...solitude even stronger in the night.

However, just to make sure I lean a chair against the doorknob and place a vase carefully against the window latch. That should buy me a few moments... just in case. A few moments is exactly all I might need.

Careful boss man, no one said anything about demon hunting. Yeah, that's demon, with no 'a' ...Daemon is pretentious. Then again, you seem to sleep with a Bible under your pillow, so I suppose it's unfair to keep you up to my standards.

Allotter 2010/02/16(Tue)18:12 No. 133086 ID: a56bd0
File 126637273060.jpg - (19.38KB , 640x650 , a black grin.jpg )

Black: "well then? That was a rather uninspiring first move... ahahaha...even if you cheated by using a pawn with a past... I mean a pocket thaurmatic radiance emitter? what kind of backstory did you have to cook up to justify that."

Allotter 2010/02/16(Tue)18:20 No. 133096 ID: a56bd0
File 12663732254.jpg - (63.76KB , 640x650 , Yellow.jpg )

>>133086
Yellow: "We agreed to play by Antananarivo rules, yes? The Codex clearly states that when using Antananarivo rules a player jumping into an already running game is allowed at least one character with a special equipment allowance."

Gee, if it's "at least one" then Black really should have seen it coming. Still, there's really nothing to say at the moment, other than 'what are the odds that our pastor happens to call his mystery device in an accurate manner.'

So... who are you guys?

Allotter 2010/02/16(Tue)19:22 No. 133163 ID: a56bd0
File 12663769735.jpg - (80.11KB , 640x650 , gametable1.jpg )

Yellow: "And furthermore I thought didn't know were were teaming up and don't think I don't see what you are trying to pull there Red..!"

Black: " Oh come on Yellow *green sniggers at this a moment before a disturbuingly placid anf faraway look returns to his/her/it's lone eye* you know thats how the game is always played.

Red: "Red and Black look so good together.."

Black: "Black goes with everything my dea.. >>133098 >>133099 oh damn I think the atmospheric lighting has started talking again."

White: "..."

Black: " Okay fine whatever, get off my back"

Green *snorts and continues shaking at some private joke*

Blue: "I wanna change boards can we change boards?.. this timefram is boarien lets have sum cool magiken and stuff and swords n' things I haet des slow ivest- ivesti-- detectiven gaems. if we play in 2030 I can bring out this awsumcooldude wiff hiz lazor miniguns and his"

Black: "Shut up you illiterate twink and wait.. we will get there you unclultu-"

Yellow: (wisper):"Erh... hello there 'voices' can... can you hear me? I'm a somewhat new at actually playing this game so... I was wondering how or really if you have any suggestions. I'm really just filling in for someone else. I mean I've seen you pull off some crazy stuff, but I didn't know you were actually watching, or listening... or whatever we are doing."

If you're asking us for help, you're probably doomed. At the moment, we are completely unfamiliar with the game. you'd have to inform us of the rules, the goal, and what choices we have.

>>133163
Yellow: Are you and Green together? We'll help you if you answer all our nosy questions!

The game is very simple. Good versus evil. Good starts, evil has one turn first, but will try to even the game, and if good side isn't lucky, conquer the game.

Blue one usually plays "the pirates" at FIRST because he can't really plot anything and is sentimental.

Green needs help in everything but is a reasonably good buffer and a companion against evil. Otherwise green is very absent and sometimes annoying. White only observes that all the rules are followed. The game is played by first figuring out the rules, by trial and error.

Red never does turns but can cast curses on players. Black is very cunning and active in the game, because of Red's influence. So it will be very challenging, unless Black and Red get wrapped into a perilous rule breaking spiral.

Allotter 2010/02/17(Wed)15:53 No. 133592 ID: 817cd3
File 126645083733.jpg - (225.16KB , 700x500 , shifting gameboard.jpg )

Yellow:>>133173 "Urhm gee... thanks... like I really didn't know how screwed I was when I showed up and White deals me a 10 of Hearts, The Cavalier of Diamonds, a card saying 'No', 3 SORRY pieces, 3d6's... oh and the Monopoly Dog...

>>133178 Together? No I -uhm- I haven't partnered up with anyone yet, I just got here, I've been out of the game for a while, wait erh what do you mean 'together' you don't mean like umh?"

Orange: *fiddling with his pieces* "Come on dudes just cram it and maybe we get caught up to speed again, we are at least 3 sessions behind because of this and I wa..."

*Violet extends up from a near reclining position to take note of the drama... Green seems to almost respond in kind to this movement, perking up a little as it's eye focuses dazedly into Yellow's mask*

Green: "A partner huh? I can help a little if you are willing to let me play my way a little? huh?" *green's vine grip tightens just a little before relaxing and sliding off* "I know the game and if you give me a little maybe I can can try to get a little from Violet, huh?"

Yellow: "Please don't lean on me Green... I erh some of your methods... I mean uhm-"

Green: " Red collects power... I...I... discharge power... disperse it... I am an opposite... a perfect ally."

>>133418
Yellow: Good vs Evil huh? make up the rules? Well I tried a little prep reading back at C-------- before I got here and the impression was a bit like a metaphysical game of Tabletop Calvinball."

>>133592

The No is your trump card, save it. The Cavalier of Diamonds is more of a sideswipe to protect/cancel certain things, or overcome certain challenges.

10 of Hearts is a good solid first play. Sorry is to deteriment other people's cards. d6s help in a pinch, so don't worry too much about using them-they're fairly common.

The dog is a companion. If you play it too early or too late, it will either die (and commit damage) or be ineffective.

You seem top have a lot of reaction and interference cards.

>>133611
... do you actually know the rules, or you ARE playing Calvinball here?

>>133592
What's wrong with Green's 'methods'? If Green can counteract Red, then it should be advantageous to accept an alliance.

Allotter 2010/02/17(Wed)22:39 No. 134031 ID: 817cd3
File 126647516227.jpg - (56.96KB , 640x650 , suuure.jpg )

>>133800
>>133611
Yellow: "I am not really sure, I'm think that some rules exist... it's just... they are very convoluted and malleable... open to some interpretation. I agree with your assessment of the "No" Card, and yes I'm am certain the Dog is a power servant if used correctly, but I am under the impression the the Cavalier of Diamonds is actually the gift giver.. or perhaps the ability to put the right item in the right hands, but then I heard the Cavaliers really come into their only if you can hold all four."

Green: "ooohh... and you got a Cavalier... but you know to really play that you are going to need certain people, and you can't bring everyone you would need together on a few memories and dreams"

Yellow: "Stop peaking I- we arn't a team, I told you we- fine, hold up- (aside) Green's methods are a little, simple at times, I concern myself more in dreams and memories, Green's motives are far more basic, I'm afraid, far more more... primal.

I mean not that there is anything wrong with basic... if controlled and directed, it's just sometimes Green can't see the field for the flowers is all, get's lost in such petty things. Black however, 'is' a game ruining bastard, never plays alone either. Red is quite powerful in a rather more direct fashion so I 'may' need Green's help this game, especially if Green can bring Violet over."

>>134031
Better do it then. You can really use the help, and it's not like Green's going to fuck up the game THAT badly.

aaand if I'm interpreting Green's methods properly, the 10 of Hearts will be very, very useful.

>>134031

Sounds about right. The Four Horsemen is a very powerful image, regardless of how it's used.

What you really need to do is pit red and black against each other. This tends to create a lot of backlash, so you need to hit them both when they're distracted. Don't know how you'll pull that off, though.

If you really want... the Dog can be used in combination with the Cavalier, or any other number of cards (if I'm guessing right from your skill). You need to make it fully Otherwordly, though. Expensive.

Allotter 2010/02/19(Fri)11:12 No. 135336 ID: 817cd3
File 126660676159.jpg - (113.43KB , 750x797 , Orange and Yellow.jpg )

>>134084
Yellow: "I-I suppose... as long as you don't try to fuck around with my units too much. Remember, this isn't some kind of... alliance this is just a mutual enemy thing"

Green:"Mmmsure fellow... I'll pass you a few pieces to play with a little later.. just be gentle with them..."

Orange: ".... and furthermore Blue... stop babbling like an idiot, we know you can form cohesive grammar so do it!"

Blue:"Silly secondy noob... doncha see, all 0f teh grammerings change change an change again...my gud fellu. Tiss awl verily dis most wonderous und grande cacophony of noise und fury signifying..."

*violet quietly wispers*
Violet: "Nothing..."

Yellow:(aside)>>134088 "I see you.. erh.. understand... I was planning to keep the 10 of Hearts in line with the Dog... but it would be much more cost effective if I can use one of green's pawns I suppose.

>>134146
Unfortunately Black is very persuasive... I mean we all know Black will probably screw over anyone who is teamed with them, but Black always knows what tempts you.

> the Dog can be used in combination with the Cavalier, or any other number of cards (if I'm guessing right from your skill). You need to make it fully Otherwordly, though. Expensive.

This... idea.. it intrigues me... Black currently has the Dog blocked as my first round I attacked with it and dealt lasting damage, but he quickly countered and locked it. If I can unlock it again-I yesss-I can boast it's power manifold with a card combination and A Cavalier combined with the Dog's tenacity and loyalty would be truly ruthless."

Orange:"Figuring out how the game works again or just mumbling to yourself like always there hrmm Yellow?"

Question: Is everyone playing the game and making alliances to benefit themselves, or are only some people playing and some people observing, with the observers picking sides and giving advice? If it's the latter, there's virtually no risk in receiving advice (as long as they don't then provide information to the enemy), but if it's the former we must be sure not to make promises we cannot deliver on.

Allotter 2010/02/20(Sat)20:23 No. 136504 ID: 817cd3
File 126672621826.jpg - (317.95KB , 750x501 , hardly safe_.jpg )

>>136298
Orange: (aside)"Ahaha so he's not just mumbling to himself, don't worry, I'm rather more astute than Yellow, I'll only let those I 'wish' to hear me do so. Now 'who' exactly that includes... well that's my little secret now isnt't it?

Anyhow.. yes 'everyone' plays the game... well everyone but White.. but White deals so that could be playing after a fashion. oh and a little hint... it you want to address one of us in particular you may wish to specify to whom they are addressed... lest messages get snatched from the air ehh?"

>>136298
Yellow: (aside)"I will keep that in mind, I am wary of forming any kind of alliance.. I remember it once said that the enemy of your enemy is merely your enemy's enemy... no more no less... Green is simple yes, but our goals are not the same. I consider accepting the aid.. but my trust is as far as my reach... and I may need the aid of others to bring down Black.

Doubtlessly Black could be secretly influencing almost anyone at the table. Caution is gained from experience and I benefit from experience, though 'this' game is new, the rule holds true."

(To Yellow): Well technically there's absolutely no harm in accepting aid, as long as you don't become reliant on it. Also there's the risk that if you accept aid and don't in any way reciprocate, you may make a firm enemy. Additionally, Orange is capable of hearing un-directed communication, so be wary of what you say and to whom... That may not be an ability limited to Orange. Most importantly... What exactly is your goal, here? I mean, if we're to advise you, I'd like to know what it is you desire. Is it merely to win this game? If so, we need to know the conditions necessary for victory.

(To Orange): There is no technical contract between ourselves and Yellow, so if you wish you may as well address us for whatever purpose you wish. It would, in a way, be to our advantage to gain the perspective of a more experienced player, but I feel no personal obligation to share such knowledge with any other. Without any specific prior allegiances, it behooves one to place one's bets on the side most likely to win, no?

Allotter 2010/02/22(Mon)18:12 No. 137465 ID: 817cd3
File 126689116937.jpg - (376.89KB , 900x900 , striving.jpg )

>>136507
Yellow (aside): "Thankyou for the advice... I will keep these things in mind. The game is lost by the destruction of all controlled pieces on the board. If I lose the game... I will have lost what I gambled to join.

My goal is to thwart Black in taking what does not belong to 'it', my desire is to chastise Red for a past betrayal, but most of all, I seek to reclaim what I once lost in a different game a different time... it was..

Orange (aside): " Haha, I like that line of reasoning, very mercenary of you, very cautious for one who has nothing to gain and nothing to lose except the chance to amuse ehh? Anyhow, I suppose this one's >>133099 question must gain an answer, no? We are..

Allotter 2010/02/22(Mon)18:24 No. 137477 ID: 817cd3
File 126689189894.jpg - (331.05KB , 900x900 , upon waking.jpg )

"... a most curious dream. No, I shall correct that, I have had curious dreams, and I have had horrible dreams... but that.. that would just Weird in the most profound and unusual sense... or as I suppose the Norse would have it "Wyrd"?

More confusingly what is this here I drew? The designs to another device perhaps? but the scale of it... and I don't see how some of these parts would manage under the tensions... the materials and techniques would have to be quite obscure... Hell I don't even know what this could even be used for! It looks like a obscene aeroplane with too many wings had progeny with some kind of Chinese Rocket!"

I consider it a moment more before reasoning that I should probably set it from my mind and plan my day. What tasks shall I prepare for and set before myself?

Inspect the drawing closely.

During the day, it might be a good idea to go to the haunted rock where the lightning was last night. It might be a better idea to get a couple of allies before you go.

Sssshhow it to ussssss. Also check in with the sheriff, ask about the pastor's activities prior to his death, eat breakfast.

>>137481
This

Allotter 2010/02/23(Tue)12:51 No. 137838 ID: 817cd3
File 126695830624.jpg - (324.90KB , 700x933 , one page of many.jpg )

I glance a moment over the first page of several seemingly related drawings I sketched out. While considering my options.

I could go try to scale that rather precarious looking hill from which it is said 'the lights' emanate from. I should probably gather together some stout souls to join and guide me to the summit of the 'haunted rock.' I could check in with the sheriff and clear up some questions regarding the activities of the former Father McKenzi leading up to his death.

Perhaps even the Sheriff, if unwilling to join me himself can at least point me to someone adventurous enough to do so.

But before any of these things... I am going to eat breakfast.

Can you read the Latin for us, Mister? Pretty please? And I think it'd be better to be investigating alone, for the time being. I mean, how are you going to justify yourself to whoever else you'd bring? "I saw some magic lightning up this way..."

Eat breakfast, then Sheriff. He sounds like the best source of posse in these parts.

Allotter 2010/02/24(Wed)19:27 No. 138417 ID: 817cd3
File 126706842839.jpg - (143.78KB , 500x317 , Breakfast and latin.jpg )

The majority of this here is far too jumbled and overlapping for me to decipher as a short matter.. however, the rather bold subscript seems reads as follows:

"FELIC ERGO NOE QUAE PRAECEPERAT ILLI DEUS"
Or in the King James...
"Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he."

Hmmm... I suppose I 'may' wish look into deciphering the rest of this later.

It has occurred to me now that it would be rather hard to justify bothering the locals to inspect some 'random hilltop' without appearing too suspicious. I will have to think of a reasonable argument to make to Sheriff Parker. if I wish to acquire his aid, the people of these small towns are notoriously suspicious. However, having spoken to and made some kind of impression on his younger sister perhaps she can vouch for me?

It might be better just to ask her to come along instead. She was the large, muscular girl, correct?

You may have made a good impression on Clara (might have), but it's far too early to try to be calling in favors. You need something to give you some credit, first. I'm afraid it'll probably be a solo mission until you find some hard evidence that makes your cause seem plausible.

Allotter 2010/02/25(Thu)20:46 No. 138850 ID: 817cd3
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For a moment my mind considers the completely preposterous idea of taking along Miss Parker with me should her brother not agree to the idea. What could posses me to even consider such a thing?

Even 'robust' as she is this is 'man's work' so to speak... Besides... the gossip could be deadly is a small town as this. A young woman roaming around the countryside with a strange, older man.

hmmm, I suppose I should take my toolbag, but would it be appropriate to be walking through the town with my gun? I suppose I 'could' pass it off a little hunting expedition?

If you NEED to explain yourself, you can say that you want to scout out the premises a bit, and that you're bringing your gun in case the opportunity to hunt pops up. And you can put your bag in your hat.

Allotter 2010/02/27(Sat)00:06 No. 139490 ID: 817cd3
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The wind must have picked up some last night... a strong breeze rustles the dry grasses... and I can taste something different about the air today. It resonates a mournful tone through the hills just noticeable under the normal, if somewhat subdued, small town noises.

I feel all too aware of the weight of the gun upon my back... but no one seems to give it any special notice.

Allotter 2010/02/27(Sat)15:25 No. 139665 ID: 817cd3
File 126731310436.jpg - (392.54KB , 628x900 , no answer.jpg )

I find my way to the house of the Parker brother and sister by the directions of a few cautiously friendly children in the town. Is seems a well build frame, whitewashed with a black tar sealed roof.

No one answers my initial knock.... nor the second... or the third...

"Curious..."

I peer in through the glass and see no movement from the shadows inside...

I hear no sounds but the creaking frame of the house... and the low moaning wind carrying the sounds of the children playing at rhymes from over the hill behind me.

"Here we... the prickly pear prickly... here we go round the prickly pear at five o’clock in the morning..."

>>139665
Is the door locked?

Just sayin'.

>>139665
Push the door open if unlocked, and poke your head in to see if anything is obviously wrong.

Allotter 2010/02/28(Sun)14:00 No. 140201 ID: a56bd0
File 126739441848.jpg - (364.04KB , 700x702 , a look around.jpg )

"Erh... hello?"

Nor reply comes to my ears...

The rooms seem quite clean if a little cluttered and there is almost a clear divide between the masculine and feminine (at least I suspect it could pass for feminine.)

Aged posters and notices hang from some half of the vertical surfaces, while the other seems to be unpainted shelves covered in assorted bric-à-brac and whittled wooden toys.

The air smells of sandalwood, cedar and sage.

>>140201
Looks pretty normal. Is there somewhere else he could be during this time of day? You probably shouldn't trespass.

Huh... mono-colored rubix cube would either be incredibly easy or impossibly difficult. Anyway, I don't think going inside like this is a very good idea. Remember, both these people have jobs, and places of work where they'd likely be at during the day. It's only in the evenings, after the day's work is done, that you'd likely find them at their place of residence. DUMMY.

Allotter 2010/03/01(Mon)16:41 No. 140714 ID: 817cd3
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I decide better to not intrude and check Clara's workshop around back... nobody, well nobody but my dead predecessor and he's nailed in tight.

>>140714
I think we'd better check inside to make sure nothing happened, then. This situation seems odd.

Allotter 2010/03/01(Mon)17:10 No. 140729 ID: 817cd3
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I check inside again just to be sure. No signs of a struggle, no odd stains, no peculiar burns or scratches.

However, I do find a note scrawled in a kind of chicken-scratch handwriting on the ledger by the door.

"ARON"S A COWURD GOING TOO FIND SAM. TOOK PISTEL WATUR LANTURN 19 HOURS GONE. FIND ELEVATOR FIRST RESTOR POWER MIGHT WORK, MAYBE HANDCRANK?

CLARA---"

I decide to head over to the Jail/Sheriff's Office back in town. I am greeted by a bit of a commotion and shoo a small crowd of children aside to look in the window. I see a small mountain of a man getting some wounds treated by a few ladies who fuss over his bandages.

He turns a bleary eye to me.
>Who the fuck are... oh yeah.. yor that new preacher fella... well yur gunna be doing mur funerals soon t'looks like so... Whaddah yauh wunt?" he blurts out.

His lower lip is busted and already swollen. I can smell the whiskey in his breath and the sour smell of fear and hard labor on him. The clean shaven and somewhat slight of build Sheriff I met yesterday is nowhere to be seen.

>>140729
"Wait, more funerals?"

Allotter 2010/03/02(Tue)16:45 No. 141297 ID: a56bd0
File 12675771248.jpg - (325.83KB , 597x800 , funerals.jpg )

"Wait, more funerals?"

>"Yeah after me an Sheriff went n' took the awld fella by his sister to get all boxed up, Parker he said.. whe should go down looken' fer somethen in the mines... wouldn't tell meh whut we was looken fur but him... him and the alw fella was pretty confidential bout somethen.. saw them sometimes wispren bout somethem like they had some kinda secreat.. maybe they had some kinda treasure burried down there cause... suddenly we's getten pretty deep in the mine an the lights they jest go out and we's holleren and whoopen and suddenly I'm like... be'en 'sulted or sumate and theres somethen else down there yellen too and I got bit up and scratched up.. we were fraid of shooten so close and then I jest feal this tightness in mah chest and I kent breath.. s'like i'm froze up.. so I start runnen fast as I ken and I am runnen in the dark be'en chased by somat fur what seems forever.. make it to 'levator. I make it back nd I'm tellen his sister this see?"

"... go on?" I lean forward, trying to make out his hoarse, rambling tale.

>"Ans see the furst thing she does is tell me to get back in there and get her big brother.. so I tell her I'd rathur gotto hell.. fo 'fese sir?"

"erm.. so.."

>"und then she jest lays me one cross the face. was't the 'things' that busted up my face see?"

"...I see." Well, this is somewhat inconvenient.

Well fuck Clara's an illiterate little bitch. There goes any respect for her I might've had.

Anyway clearly this is Aaron and Clara left that message for someone, perhaps you, and took a pistol, some water, and a lantern. Not bad, I suppose. but I think it's about time you hoisted your shotgun and went after her to the mines... If you're lucky you'll catch her just as she's restoring power to the elevator.

...Gods I hate this backwater town.

Allotter 2010/03/03(Wed)20:18 No. 141702 ID: 817cd3
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I gather a few directions to the mine and make the short climb up to what the locals described as an old Spanish mission turned silver mine.

"God I hate the countryside...its not some much the place itself... as *puff* the people you meet and..." I utter under my breath as I scale finally crest the hill.

I recognize someone, the frustrated Swiss gentleman from General Store... Field's was it? He appears to be berating an Oriental looking manservant about something.

>"...and if you hadden't been gambling with my things they would have told us which entrance was..."

>"They told me it had to be lik-"

>"And how often does listening to their exact instructions get us in deeper shi *he notices me*

>"Erh hello? Name's Silus... Silus Fields, I don't believe we've met yet, I've been informed there was yet another outsider in town."

>>141702
Well? Say hello, I guess? And ask him what he's doing out here.

>>141702
"Hello, Silus. Name's Mr. White, I'm the new pastor in town. Taking a look at the mines too, are you?"

Allotter 2010/03/03(Wed)22:46 No. 141803 ID: 817cd3
File 126768519585.jpg - (328.92KB , 800x594 , handshake.jpg )

"Hello Silus, you may call me Mr. White I am the town's new Shepherd so to speak... out looking for a few missing sheep."

His grip is steady but a little weak. His man however, despite making a point not intrude looks to be made of far studier stuff, if perhaps a bit bowlegged.

>"I wasn't here long enough to be personally acquainted with the previous pastor so I'm afraid my understanding of the situation here is somewhat limited."

"Shh I see however that you are taking a look at the mines?"

>"I was, but after hearing the elevator was out I decided it may be easier to take a look at some ruins across the valley today. Locals say they're haunted or some such nonsense... I'm bit of a archeologist see? Researching North American cliff dweller ruins.. thus my reason for moving here."

>>141803
Elevator's out, hmm?

I guess you could try to find another way in, or... something?

Allotter 2010/03/04(Thu)15:35 No. 142096 ID: 407b5b
File 126774571532.jpg - (322.10KB , 800x594 , alternative routes.jpg )

"So the mine's elevator is still non-functional?"

>"I would believe so. Although I believe I saw young lady of sorts go by a bit ago with a rather determined look on her face and a few tools with her. Perhaps it will be running later but till the-"

His man interjects.
>"Sir, we should be off if we wish to make our way before the full heat of the day."

>"Ahah yes of course, as I was saying we'll just come back later after those repairs are done... I'm sure we will have time to converse at length later but for now, ah farewell."

At which he proceeds down the slope at a careful, yet deliberate pace.

"Hmm if the elevator's still out she will likely have been unable to repair it in short order. Clara is a carpenter, not an electrician. Perhaps I can catch up to her before she can access the lower levels?" I mutter as I begin to wonder whether or not talking to myself may not be healthier to my psyche than talking to anyone else around here?

"Also... let us hope I can get some lighting running in those mines... and 'not' have to haul any bodies out." I add under my breath as I make my way to the largest of the gaping holes in the hillside.

First Thread: End Allotter 2010/03/04(Thu)20:06 No. 142248 ID: 817cd3
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"A man must do, what a man must do."