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10:47, 28th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Sunday, 15 March 1925.

Posted by The KeeperFor group 0
Howard Lampton
player, 73 posts
Noted Author
Mon 13 Feb 2012
at 17:10
  • msg #36

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

Howard chooses to remain at the hotel with Fulty and Weston, hoping to hear from Phil. He occupies his time with continued reading.
The Keeper
GM, 333 posts
Tony Stroppa
Fri 17 Feb 2012
at 08:28
  • msg #37

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

12 o'clock
Light rain


The group of investigators arrived close to the former location of the Shipley residence. Even a couple blocks away there was a strong smell of smoke.

Darlington went ahead to send the constable guarding the scene away for his lunch. He came back and notified the group the coast was clear.

The location was very much a former location, the entire block having burned down. The skeleton of the brick walls remained, but floors, roofs and furnishings were all consumed and had seemingly collapsed into the basement. Partially-burned and soaked furniture littered the sidewalk where the fire brigade had pulled it out to extinguish any remaining sparks.

Water stood in pools from the fire hoses. Adding to them, a drizzle of rain spattered down, hissing as it touched some charred bit of still-hot wood. Although the stench of burning was almost overwhelming, it looked like it was quite possible to enter the brick shell of the building. The front door was smashed in by a fireman's axe.

The space beyond contained the remains of the basement, main floor, first floor (where it seemed Mrs. Shipley had her sparse room) and the garret under the eaves. They could not determine the status of the upper floors from outside on the street, save the roof looked caved-in from the fire.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:37, Fri 17 Feb 2012.
Albert Darlington
NPC, 75 posts
Detective Sergeant
Metropolitan Police
Fri 17 Feb 2012
at 08:33
  • msg #38

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

In reply to The Keeper (msg #37):

"Not so bad. Evry geezer's oray for the next 'our and an 'alf. The Fire >arshall 'as yet ter perform an examination or make a determination on the nature and possible cause."

"No bodies 'ave been found. Yet."

"I'll stay in front if yer wish ter enter."


Darlington lit his pipe, keeping an eye out for anyone coming around the front, so as to send them away as soon as possible.
Count Sigismund Bathony
player, 83 posts
Antiquarian Book Dealer
Owner Abingdon Rare Books
Fri 17 Feb 2012
at 09:27
  • msg #39

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925



"Thank you Inspector, I believe this won't take long."

With that the Count entered the former Shipley homestead. The smell was nearly to much and he visibly staggered at the front door. Steeling himself he walk in and tried to make his way to the kitchen again.

He made for the area where the basement door had been and tried to make his way down.
Imran Singh
player, 76 posts
Decorated Ex-Soldier
Loyal Sikh Manservant
Fri 17 Feb 2012
at 11:37
  • msg #40

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

Imran detains Cynthia at the front doorway.

"I advise we let the Count inspect, Miss. The structure is probably quite unstable, too dangerous."
Cynthia Jane Holloway
player, 138 posts
Dilettante
Globetrotting Free Spirit
Fri 17 Feb 2012
at 13:22
  • msg #41

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

Before she proceeds to the house, Cynthia asks, "Does that mean all the residents have been accounted for? Or are some perhaps missing?"

This is far worse than Cynthia expected. Even something as large as a body would be likely completely concealed by the debris. Finding something as minor as a picture frame would be almost impossible. Still, Cynthia will peer over the edge, looking for anything curious, especially anything shiny.

"Very well. But should he find the stairs passable, I would appreciate your help in descending. I don't plan to poke far, but more eyes are certainly better than fewer, and I'm concerned about threats far greater than a fall off a flight of steps."
The Keeper
GM, 334 posts
Tony Stroppa
Sat 18 Feb 2012
at 22:38
  • msg #42

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

DI Darlington clarified that no one (Miles, Mrs. Shipley or possibly Phil) had been accounted for, either alive or dead. So, technically, all were "missing" at this point but one or more remains were expected to be found buried in the rubble at some point.

Inside the front door, the Count could see the remains of the timbers supporting the first floor above them. Intact portions of the ceiling remained next to the brick exterior walls. Most of the roof above them was completely gone, collapsed onto the middle of the first floor which then collapsed onto the ground floor and quite possibly into the basement.

The stairs to the right of the front door led up to nowhere, ending in charred runners outlined above against the grey sky. Inside the door, a massive mound of charred wood and brick barred further further progress into the ruin. The basement door was in the kitchen in the back, perhaps access could be gained from the rear door through the garden?

Going around to the back via the alley, they gained entry to the ragged overgrown garden through the open rear gate.

The kitchen door was also broken in, and there was an inch of standing water from the fire brigade's hoses. Some of the ceiling above the kitchen and much of the walls still remained, as did a portion of the roof. Across ten feet of knee-high charred debris the Count could see the basement door, still intact.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:01, Sat 18 Feb 2012.
Imran Singh
player, 77 posts
Decorated Ex-Soldier
Loyal Sikh Manservant
Sat 18 Feb 2012
at 22:59
  • msg #43

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

"Please, allow me, Baron," murmurs Singh.

He edges past the other man and begins carefully picking his way across the rubbled space toward the door. He watches where he places each step, testing the integrity of the underlying structure, before taking the next step.

It takes several minutes before he has reached the door.
Count Sigismund Bathony
player, 84 posts
Antiquarian Book Dealer
Owner Abingdon Rare Books
Sun 19 Feb 2012
at 04:36
  • msg #44

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925



"Indeed Mr Singh, by all means"

The Count rested his right hand on the grip of the revolver in his jacket pocket. He moves to right of Mr Singh so he may cover him and provide himself with a clear shot if it was needed.

Again the smell threatened to overwhelm him with emotion and memories. He had to undertake a similar task when his ancestral seat had been burned by the anarchists and Bolsheviks that had rebelled in his fathers lands.

His family had been impalement in the central courtyard and the castle set alight. He had risked his life to search the library for a ledger that his father had put together of the conspirators and their supporters. His retribution had been terrible, added by the loyal servants who survived he had killed every person on that list including several connected to the Royal Family.

The library, the smoke and the waste...
Albert Darlington
NPC, 76 posts
Detective Sergeant
Metropolitan Police
Mon 20 Feb 2012
at 09:54
  • msg #45

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

As they prepared to get to work, DS Darlington came around to see what they were up to.

"'Old on a minute, I 'ave some fings that might come in 'andy." He left, then returned a few minutes later bearing thick leather gloves, a pry bar and an electric torch.

"I were finkin' of 'avin' a 'ave a look meself so I came prepared. Yer lot would be advised ter do the same in th' bloomin' future! Struth!" Darlington handed the items to Imran with a wink, then pulled out his watch on its fob.

"Yer 'ave about forty five minutes left, don't tarry." he said, then returned to the front.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:04, Mon 20 Feb 2012.
The Keeper
GM, 335 posts
Tony Stroppa
Mon 20 Feb 2012
at 09:58
  • msg #46

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg #44):

It was a truly horrifying, filthy task, clearing the debris in front of the basement door enough to allow it to be wrenched open. There was a constant risk of injury from nails and broken glass, and soon Imran became covered in soot and ash.

Rain continued to spatter down, and they splashed about in the water as the dirty task was performed. After a quarter-hour of effort, Singh was ready to open the charred door, Bathony covering him.
Imran Singh
player, 78 posts
Decorated Ex-Soldier
Loyal Sikh Manservant
Mon 20 Feb 2012
at 18:19
  • msg #47

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

"Thank you, Mr. Darlington."


Singh manages to rap his elbow very smartly on a protruding beam, causing him to stop work for a minute as waves of pain wash over him. The arm is considerably weakened after that and he has trouble exerting enough force to open the door.

Twenty minutes pass as he tries again and again without success, cursing in Hindi toward the end. Finally, frustrated, he takes the prybar to the hinges.
The Keeper
GM, 338 posts
Tony Stroppa
Tue 21 Feb 2012
at 06:05
  • msg #48

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

In reply to Imran Singh (msg #47):

Finally, after much effort, Singh pried the locked door open. There was no key in the inside lock. A foul smell of burned and singed hair and meat wafted out at them.

Pooled water from the kitchen drained down the wooden steps down into the cellar with a splash. At the bottom of the steps the weak sunlight glinted off black water. It wasn't quiet down there, oh no, water dripped and drained down into the partially-flooded basement, echoing. Something bobbed in that foul nightmare fluid.


Keeper's Note: Singh and the Count must make SAN checks due to the smell. Singh, the Count and Cynthia (if close enough) can all make Spot Hidden checks to see more details. Include your rolls in an IC post, or post to the rolls thread.
Count Sigismund Bathony
player, 86 posts
Antiquarian Book Dealer
Owner Abingdon Rare Books
Tue 21 Feb 2012
at 08:33
  • msg #49

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925


The Count raised his hand to his mouth, the smell was familiar. He took a second to compose himself.

"May I Inspector.."

The Count took the offered torch and gave the room and stairs a sweep of light before descending. He removed his revolver from his pocket and with it pointing in the direction of the light beam cocked the hammer.
Imran Singh
player, 79 posts
Decorated Ex-Soldier
Loyal Sikh Manservant
Tue 21 Feb 2012
at 11:37
  • msg #50

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925



Letting the Count take the lead, Singh follows the nobleman's example in drawing his own revolver. His nose wrinkles at the stench wafting from below. As the Count's light darts from place to place, Singh finds it difficult to see anything clearly.

I must get some pocket torches for Miss Cynthia and myself, he notes.
Cynthia Jane Holloway
player, 139 posts
Dilettante
Globetrotting Free Spirit
Tue 21 Feb 2012
at 13:52
  • msg #51

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

Cynthia waits, a little frustrated and watches for any other prying eyes as the gentlemen descend ...
Albert Darlington
NPC, 77 posts
Detective Sergeant
Metropolitan Police
Thu 23 Feb 2012
at 09:14
  • msg #52

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

Count Sigismund Bathony:
The Count raised his hand to his mouth, the smell was familiar. He took a second to compose himself.

"May I Inspector.."

The Count took the offered torch and gave the room and stairs a sweep of light before descending. He removed his revolver from his pocket and with it pointing in the direction of the light beam cocked the hammer.


"My pleasure, sir. Daan't worry, I'm just a Detective Sergeant, I answers to a Detective Inspector. Cor blimey, I 'ates that smell!"

He handed over the items before heading back around to the front.
The Keeper
GM, 340 posts
Tony Stroppa
Thu 23 Feb 2012
at 09:55
  • msg #53

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

Slowly moving down the steps, the Count noted that the ground and first floor had collapsed into the basement, filling it except for a space at the bottom of the stairs, and off to the left.

There was about a foot of black water, sprayed onto the fire and then drained into the basement as the floor above collapsed. The shape appeared to be that of a corpse at the bottom of the stairs. It was wearing the slightly scorched remains of a flowered dress, mostly intact (resembling the dress Mrs. Shipley wore yesterday).

No other details were visible, save the body was lying face down and the yellow beam of the torch gleamed off her bald head, perhaps the hair had been singed off.



OOC: To clarify, while most of the basement is filled with rubble, you can still kind of work your way around to the left. You have to step over the corpse and of course will be up to your calf in very yucky water. If Cynthia sees the corpse she will need to make a SAN check too.
Count Sigismund Bathony
player, 88 posts
Antiquarian Book Dealer
Owner Abingdon Rare Books
Fri 24 Feb 2012
at 07:12
  • msg #54

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925


The Count did not trust Mrs Shipley in life and even less in death, so he kept his revolver pointing in her direction. He stepped into the water and began to search the basement. He tried to push her body away with his cane after handing Mr Singh the torch.

He was looking for the trunk the woman had mentioned as to containing the books she had wanted him to look at. He was also looking for any other bodies and if anything is hung on the walls.
Imran Singh
player, 80 posts
Decorated Ex-Soldier
Loyal Sikh Manservant
Fri 24 Feb 2012
at 11:25
  • msg #55

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

Regretfully, Singh immerses his boots and trouser legs in the dark water. Taking the torch from Bathory, he tries to keep it pointing a few feet ahead of his companion.

"What are you seeking here, Count?"
Count Sigismund Bathony
player, 90 posts
Antiquarian Book Dealer
Owner Abingdon Rare Books
Fri 24 Feb 2012
at 20:58
  • msg #56

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

Imran Singh:
"What are you seeking here, Count?"


"To be honest Mr Singh I am not sure. The late Mrs Shipley mention the basement on two occasions when I was taking to her. She also kept the door locked, I don't know if that is common in London houses.. It just seemed strange."
Imran Singh
player, 81 posts
Decorated Ex-Soldier
Loyal Sikh Manservant
Fri 24 Feb 2012
at 21:34
  • msg #57

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

"They seemed a strange pair in many ways, Count."
Count Sigismund Bathony
player, 91 posts
Antiquarian Book Dealer
Owner Abingdon Rare Books
Sat 25 Feb 2012
at 00:43
  • msg #58

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925


"That they where Mr Singh. I would also like to find our missing pair for good or bad. Lets see what the furthermost extent we can move through this rubble and lets examine the walls as we go."

If the inspector has not noticed the body the Count points it out.
The Keeper
GM, 342 posts
Tony Stroppa
Sat 25 Feb 2012
at 01:07
  • msg #59

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg #58):

Foul water dripped down around and on them from the ground floor, echoing in the basement.

Both their eyes were drawn to the corpse. It had slumped over when the Count stepped over it, allowing them a better look at its face.

Contrary to all possibility and reason, the corpse did not have a human face. It was the face of... a large snake? Did some mammoth snake, perhaps an Anaconda or Reticulated Python, crawl into the basement and into Mrs. Shipley's dress? It was impossible to determine the exact species. The head was clearly reptilian in nature, not human. A narrow forked tongue drooped out of the lips, small beady yellow orb-like eyes with vertical slits stared up at them. With mounting horror it was clear a snake hadn't crawled into the dress, oh dear God no, the head was fused to the body, it grew naturally out of the neck. The skin on the head and neck was not the expected pale flesh but a diamond-like pattern of iridescent scales reminiscent of the Asian Reticulated Python.

This was sheer madness, quite impossible!


OOC: Singh and Banthony must make SAN checks again, please.
Count Sigismund Bathony
player, 93 posts
Antiquarian Book Dealer
Owner Abingdon Rare Books
Sat 25 Feb 2012
at 01:58
  • msg #60

Re: Sunday, 15 March 1925



As the torch light passed over the corpse and its true form was revealed, the Count gave a visual start.

"My God Mr Singh look at this. Is it.... it, it looks like a Nāga, Hindu mythology I believe."

To the people listing to the Count his voice has an air of belief. He does not find this completely out of the realms of possibility that such things exist.

After a couple of minutes looking at the corpse, he adds:

"This really does not look good for our companions. Also given the circumstances of the fire why would this thing come down here ? Wouldn't it try to escape."

He continued to search, revolver at the ready.
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