RolePlay onLine RPoL Logo

, welcome to Cthulhu Fhtagn: The Order of the Ancient Stone

08:19, 28th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Monday, Midnight, June 16th 1924: The Implacable Enemy.

Posted by The Keeper of SecretsFor group 0
trahernwithglasses
player, 90 posts
Heirloom Specialist
Tue 27 Mar 2018
at 14:28
  • msg #7

Monday, Midnight, June 16th 1924: The Implacable Enemy

In reply to The Keeper of Secrets (msg # 6):

Roll for history: 19

Clarke stood up. He ran his hand over his moustache, pretending as if he was still tired from the fit of sleep they received. He was trying to remember something, anything, about the 4th Brigade in France. It must be lodged somewhere in his memories.

"Excellent to see an officer of the law so attentive to their duties," he told the sheriff. "You said something about harassing its citizens? I was asleep when we rolled in, did my friends do something?"

Zoe stood behind the sheriff, looking bored. She tapped the wall. Her finger hitting it hard and making a solid thudding sound. "Kill him, kill him, kill him," she started to mumble in time to her action.

In an attempt to ignore her, he moved his glasses.

She smiled and started clapping in response. Her song changed. "Kiss him, kiss him, kiss him, kiss him..."
The Keeper of Secrets
GM, 163 posts
Harbinger of Doom
Tue 27 Mar 2018
at 14:41
  • msg #8

Monday, Midnight, June 16th 1924: The Implacable Enemy

In reply to trahernwithglasses (msg # 7):

Clarke
Perhaps it was the information gathering aspect of Clarke's time in the military but he had heard a number of things about the 4th Brigade. Originally formed during World War I as the 4th Marine Brigade, it served in France as one of the two infantry brigades of the U.S. Army 2nd Infantry Division. The 4th fought actions at Belleau Wood, Soissons and Meuse-Argonne campaign. However, unlike many of the other combat units from the war, the 4th had garnered a reputation for using terror tactics. Numerous civilians were interrogated by the 4th as potential spies and they were often called upon to ferret out traitors and collaborators. This negative reputation led to their deactivation following the war.

Everyone
"It seems you were scaring away all of Old Bart's customers. He says you even snatched one of his papers. Well, we turned his pocket out and found the coin you gave him so we know that ain't true. But it begs the question: What were you snooping around Bart's for?
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:43, Tue 27 Mar 2018.
trahernwithglasses
player, 91 posts
Heirloom Specialist
Tue 27 Mar 2018
at 14:49
  • msg #9

Monday, Midnight, June 16th 1924: The Implacable Enemy

In reply to The Keeper of Secrets (msg # 8):

"Ooh," Zoe said. She stepped forward, in a sway, like a professional dancer might when trying to show how smooth they were to the judges. "This man's a monster. But a man. He's a monster-man. A monster in a man. He's going to torture you."

Her face shifted from being full of life to decomposing skin. He could see where he'd shot her. It looked the same as when they'd asked him for identification in the mortuary.

"KILL THE FUCKER!" Her long, dirty nails went through the sheriff as she lunged at Clarke. He adjusted his glasses again, letting her apparition pass though him.

"I still love you," she said. Her hand stroked his throat. It was warm once more and had returned to its faint golden colour.
Jrodimus
player, 111 posts
Wed 28 Mar 2018
at 04:20
  • msg #10

Monday, Midnight, June 16th 1924: The Implacable Enemy

In reply to The Keeper of Secrets (msg # 8):

Mike smiled and chuckled as he shook the Constable's hand, matching his firm grip. He felt oddly at ease, almost nostlagic, to be in the company of rough men who had known the sadistic glee of wettening the end of their bayonets with the intestines of the enemy. The disturbing feeling of waking up and your squad mate dead in his sleep from stray shrapnel in his neck. The familiar smell of blood, piss, and shit in the mud.

11:36, Today: Jrodimus rolled 14 using 1d100.  Fast talk. Pass.

"I fought with some Marines in the 2nd. Tough crazy bastards, but the best men to have at your back." He released his grip and let his arms fall to the sides the way people do when they're in the company of familiar faces. He scratched his beard briefly, "We're very sorry to disturb Old Bart, I guess we had parked on his corner of the street. We were looking for directions to the clinic and I'm pretty sure he overcharged me for a newspaper. Not that I blame the man." Mike smiled good naturedly.

"Anyways, my friends and i just received word that a friend of ours from the war died in Europe recently. As children we used to go camping up in Maine." Mike said, leaving out the cabin. "So we thought a hunting trip and camping would make a fitting tribute to the memory of our friend. In the middle of the night a big bear got into our camp." Mike started to get more animated as he was telling the story, gesturing and making mock expressions of surprise and fear. He pointd a thumb in Clarke's direction.  "My buddy over there  tried to scare it off, but the fucker must've got startled and jumped on top of him! The Padre went to help him, not knowing I was about to take a shot with my revolver. Instead I got the Padre instead but the shot scared the Bear." He started to talk faster, excitedly, like telling an unbelievable but exciting story. "When I went to see if everyone was alright, the fucker came back and raked my back as a parting shot before this guy," He gestured his other thumb at Byron, "finally scared him off for good. We didn't know where else to go, but i had heard there was a doctor in Bolton, so we drove here, but not before I swerved to miss a deer  into a goddamn ditch. So I accidentally shot my friend, probably ruined my drive shaft, and that's how we got to Bart's who we had to bribe with a newspaper purchase to give us directions to this place."

Mike finally paused, and took a breath. "And that's how we ended up here. The Doctor was kind enough to take care of our friend and give us a place to rest."

Mike paused briefly and scratched his beard again. He pulled out his  lucky strikes and tapped out a cigarete. He lit it then said, "Anyways Constable, we don't plan on staying longer than we have to. We'd like to leave at first light if possible. We're awfully sorry to inconvenience anyone and we are mighty thankful for the help we've received." He said his last sentence in a tone to convey that he understood everyone had a job to do and that job was harder with them barging in town disturbing the peace.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 04:21, Wed 28 Mar 2018.
The Keeper of Secrets
GM, 164 posts
Harbinger of Doom
Wed 28 Mar 2018
at 05:50
  • msg #11

Monday, Midnight, June 16th 1924: The Implacable Enemy

In reply to Jrodimus (msg # 10):

"That sounds like a rotten turn of events and I know a thing or two about being unlucky," says the constable. Sweeping off his hat you see that a large chunk of his left ear is missing. "Let's just say some of those frogs rather enjoyed the taste of sauerkraut ." He replaces his hat with a flourish and looks a bit aimlessly about the room. "Well I suppose if you don't plan on staying, this little... kerfuffle can be overlooked. And it's good to know there's a bear in the area. I'll have to let the town know." He pauses for a moment. "And you don't owe the doc nothing do you?" he asks with a glance towards Dr West who gives a quick shake of his head. "Then square's square."

"Let me show you out Constable," says Dr West, darting forward towards the door before stopping in his tracks as the constable raises a hand.

"Although.... If you'd bear with me, I'm a mite curious about your situation. My mama always said it was my worst quality." The constable begins to pace in front of the fire. "So y'all were out camping and I thought to myself that was a bit strange. Checked your truck when I got here, nothing in it. And I thought to myself 'Norm, if you had a run in with a bear and you had damn near killed a man, you'd leave everything behind too and hightail it to a hospital."

The fire provides an ominous backdrop to the constables monologue. "But you didn't leave behind everything did you? Doc says you brought a heavy box with you and never set it down." He stops pacing and looks directly at the party. "So in your rush to treat the... padre," he continues mouth twisting distastefully, "you leave everything behind. Except. One. Box. They say curiosity killed the cat but I've got to ask..."

Silence seems to fill the room.

"What's in the box?"
trahernwithglasses
player, 92 posts
Heirloom Specialist
Mon 2 Apr 2018
at 04:19
  • msg #12

Monday, Midnight, June 16th 1924: The Implacable Enemy

In reply to The Keeper of Secrets (msg # 11):

"A friend's things," Clarke said. "Mementos that he wanted disposed of. And we were about to burn them in the woods before the bear attacked."

Clarke motioned to Mike. "Mike had stayed in better touch with him during our respective tours. But we all wanted to respect his final wishes."
The Keeper of Secrets
GM, 165 posts
Harbinger of Doom
Tue 3 Apr 2018
at 11:04
  • msg #13

Monday, Midnight, June 16th 1924: The Implacable Enemy

In reply to trahernwithglasses (msg # 12):

Clarke's words seem to do little to extinguish the glint of greed in the constable's eyes. "Well, if you friend has truly gone to meet the maker, I doubt he'd begrudge a humble man such as myself a rummage through his things. Maybe we can still put them to good use." He pauses for a moment, carefully noting the party's reticence to make the box's contents know.

"Unless I'm prying of course? But that's another conversation perhaps better had at the station."
Jrodimus
player, 112 posts
Tue 10 Apr 2018
at 12:30
  • msg #14

Monday, Midnight, June 16th 1924: The Implacable Enemy

In reply to The Keeper of Secrets (msg # 13):

Fast talk check: 26. Pass

Mike scratched the back of his head while looking sideways at the Constable in embarrassment. "Well..." he began sheepishly, "our friend was a bit eccentric. He had some... trifles that to most of us would seem useless. But for some reason he grew attached to them. If you would like to take a look I suppose it's no problem. But there isn't anything much for the taking."

He walked towards the constable and leaned in conspiratorially and lowered his voice, "If there were anything of value, hell I might consider selling them off."

He straightened up, "But at the same time it would be a shame to go through a brother-in-arms' possessions after his untimely passing."

Mike took a drag off his lucky strike and did his best to look reverent.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:31, Tue 10 Apr 2018.
The Keeper of Secrets
GM, 166 posts
Harbinger of Doom
Tue 10 Apr 2018
at 15:40
  • msg #15

Monday, Midnight, June 16th 1924: The Implacable Enemy

In reply to Jrodimus (msg # 14):

A look of slight disappointment crosses the constable's face. "Well, I suppose it ain't very christian like to be going through a dead man's things," he says. "Everything seems to be on the up and up here." With practiced ease he pulls down his lip and removes the wad of chaw, tossing it into the fire. "Just the matter of settling up your fines before you leave town and we'll be good to go." A cloying smile spreads across his face as the glint of greed returns to his dark eyes.

Dr West clears his throat with a slight cough. "It's my medical opinion that the patient shouldn't be moved for at least a few days. His injuries are..."

The constable's glare causes the doctor to trail off.

"I don't give a two flying fucks about that subversive. You and I are gonna have a different discussion and soon." Turning back to the party his smile returns. "As soon as we get these good folks squared away that is."
Jrodimus
player, 113 posts
Wed 11 Apr 2018
at 14:09
  • msg #16

Monday, Midnight, June 16th 1924: The Implacable Enemy

In reply to The Keeper of Secrets (msg # 15):

Mike looked at the doctor and the constable, unsure of how to broach the tension following the constable's outburst.

He took a drag of his lucky strike and flicked the ashes into the fire place. He looked at the Constable, "And what misdemeanors did we commit to warrant such fines?"
The Keeper of Secrets
GM, 167 posts
Harbinger of Doom
Wed 11 Apr 2018
at 15:31
  • msg #17

Monday, Midnight, June 16th 1924: The Implacable Enemy

In reply to Jrodimus (msg # 16):

"Oh you know the usual, a few traffic violations, disturbing the peace, harboring a subversive. I could go on but I don't want to bore you." The constable thumbs the badge on his chest. "But as you may have noticed, I happen to be top dog around here. Now, I'm sure we can settle this like gentlemen."

The constable looks around at the party. "So... you boys splitting the check or has the charitable spirit of the holy ghost seized one of you?"
Jrodimus
player, 114 posts
Wed 11 Apr 2018
at 15:42
  • msg #18

Monday, Midnight, June 16th 1924: The Implacable Enemy

In reply to The Keeper of Secrets (msg # 17):

Mike flicked the smoldering ash of his cigarette into the fire place and asked the Constable, "And how much would the sum of these fines be?"

He knew they were getting rinsed, but he didn't want to draw more attention to themselves than necessary. He was quite aware of state law, but city ordinances might be different and he always steered clear of Bolton.
The Keeper of Secrets
GM, 168 posts
Harbinger of Doom
Thu 12 Apr 2018
at 02:36
  • msg #19

Monday, Midnight, June 16th 1924: The Implacable Enemy

In reply to Jrodimus (msg # 18):

The constable pushes back his hat, scratching at his scalp. "I've never had a head for numbers...." He begins to count on his fingers mumbling to himself. "One.... Carry the four.... Plus tax...." The smile that spreads across his face evokes the image of a cat toying with a mouse. "I'd say the total comes to everything you got"

You notice that his hands are again resting on the ivory grips of his revolvers.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:44, Thu 12 Apr 2018.
Jrodimus
player, 115 posts
Thu 12 Apr 2018
at 14:08
  • msg #20

Monday, Midnight, June 16th 1924: The Implacable Enemy

In reply to The Keeper of Secrets (msg # 19):

The facade of good-natured camaraderie fell from Mikes face and he clicked his tongue in disappointment. He pulled his wallet out.

"I guess no honor among lawmen and lawyers." He opened his wallet, removed ten dollars and offered it to the constable. "This should cover the...damages for the lot of us."
trahernwithglasses
player, 93 posts
Heirloom Specialist
Thu 12 Apr 2018
at 16:03
  • msg #21

Monday, Midnight, June 16th 1924: The Implacable Enemy

In reply to Jrodimus (msg # 20):

Clarke tapped his glasses, and carefully slid a $10 note out from his wallet as well.

"I don't want to intrude on my friend's generosity, but I feel that with so many indiscretions we must have committed by accident, I should add to our compensation. Even though we are men of modest means, the law requires us all to play our part."

He held it out, alongside Mike's, to show the increase of their visible offer.
The Keeper of Secrets
GM, 169 posts
Harbinger of Doom
Thu 12 Apr 2018
at 16:12
  • msg #22

Monday, Midnight, June 16th 1924: The Implacable Enemy

In reply to trahernwithglasses (msg # 21):

"The Lord looks kindly upon those who give from their hearts," says the constable to Clarke. He reaches out for the bills but stops short looking at Byron. "Now don't tell me the devil's got your wallet boy. Matthew 5:42, Give to him who asks of you..." he trails off. "There is a bit more nonsense after but I think you get the point."
novissimo
player, 54 posts
Mon 16 Apr 2018
at 02:53
  • msg #23

Monday, Midnight, June 16th 1924: The Implacable Enemy

In reply to The Keeper of Secrets (msg # 22):

Byron raises his eyebrows and frowns.

“Yes, my dear Constable. And Proverbs 21:15 states “When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.”

Byron pulls out his wallet like his friends but only removes a single two dollar bill.

“I’ve been an academic for many years. I can not afford much as you may tell from my thread bare and rather tatty clothes.”

He holds out the bill toward the lawman.
The Keeper of Secrets
GM, 170 posts
Harbinger of Doom
Mon 16 Apr 2018
at 06:30
  • msg #24

Monday, Midnight, June 16th 1924: The Implacable Enemy

In reply to novissimo (msg # 23):

The constable looks disapprovingly at the paltry amount held out by Byron, but that doesn't stop him from reaching out and taking the bill. "Seems my mama was right. Book learning won't get you much," he says tucking the money into his breast pocket. "Well, my job here is done. Law and order has been restored and the townsfolk can sleep safely again."

The constable tips his hat to the party before his gaze turns to the doctor and the facade of companionship melts away. "You and I will be having word tomorrow doc'." And with that he departs, the shutting of a car door and the rev of an engine soon following.

With the constable gone some of the awkwardness of the doctor returns. "I think it's.... best you leave immediately... Please..."
Jrodimus
player, 116 posts
Tue 17 Apr 2018
at 02:05
  • msg #25

Monday, Midnight, June 16th 1924: The Implacable Enemy

In reply to The Keeper of Secrets (msg # 24):

Mike nodded to the doctor, "Understood. Thank you for your kindness and hospitality. We'll collect our friend and go. Is he fit enough to walk?"

He looked to his friends, ready to get out of Bolton and see this town behind them in the rear view mirror.
The Keeper of Secrets
GM, 171 posts
Harbinger of Doom
Tue 17 Apr 2018
at 05:54
  • msg #26

Monday, Midnight, June 16th 1924: The Implacable Enemy

In reply to Jrodimus (msg # 25):

"He should refrain from.... any strenuous activities.... And i would recommend... colloidal silver. The party is able to rouse the groggy father and he is able to move about, albeit gingerly. "Did i miss much?" he asks, his gaze swinging in and out of focus.

The doctor follows the party to the door and as soon as the last of you leave, he shuts and locks.

The sun is just starting to rise and the small town begins to stir around you...
Jrodimus
player, 117 posts
Thu 19 Apr 2018
at 03:52
  • msg #27

Monday, Midnight, June 16th 1924: The Implacable Enemy

In reply to The Keeper of Secrets (msg # 26):

Irritated but relieved to be getting out of there, Mike got into the truck. He rolled down the window and enjoyed the nice cool morning air.

He lit a lucky strike, "Alright guys, head back to Arkham?"
trahernwithglasses
player, 94 posts
Heirloom Specialist
Fri 20 Apr 2018
at 15:00
  • msg #28

Monday, Midnight, June 16th 1924: The Implacable Enemy

In reply to Jrodimus (msg # 27):

Clarke put the box down, a feat that made him feel slightly sad but also relieved.

"Is there no other place for this box? Not only has it spat demon shadow monsters at us, but also cost me ten dollars I can ill afford. There is not much money in the antique business these days."

He patted himself for a cigarette. A nervous habit he had thought he'd given up since the war.

Zoe smiled, only her face visible. Her smile was larger than normal, encompassing almost half her face. Her teeth seemed to have become pointy. As had her ears. She glowed with an otherworldly light despite the room's candles.

"Can I bum a cigarette off you?" he asked Mike.
Jrodimus
player, 118 posts
Fri 20 Apr 2018
at 15:57
  • msg #29

Monday, Midnight, June 16th 1924: The Implacable Enemy

In reply to trahernwithglasses (msg # 28):

Mike reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out his pack and handed it to Clarke. "Sure, help yourself." He inhaled his own Lucky Strike and put the keys in the ignition.

"I agree, we should find a spot to store this damn thing. I think the best place for it would be somewhere at the University." He adjusted the rear view mirror and caught a glimpse of Byron as he slid into the backseat with the Father. "What do you two think back there?"
trahernwithglasses
player, 95 posts
Heirloom Specialist
Fri 20 Apr 2018
at 16:16
  • msg #30

Monday, Midnight, June 16th 1924: The Implacable Enemy

In reply to trahernwithglasses (msg # 28):

Clarke leaned on the truck and put the cigarette in his mouth. It had the same paper feel as from all those years ago. He lit it with the lighter he usually used for the lantern. The flame flickered, its yellows bleeding into the blue sky. A small grey floated up from the tip and rose into the air.

"Shit," he said to no one. "Shit, shit, shit, shit."

Zoe's smile still could be made out from the shadows though it was fading.

"Fucking Arkham."

He took the cigarette out and blew out all the smoke he'd been swirling around in his mouth. The smell of it reminded him of the thrifty U.S. Major that had run the paranormal operations back in Cairo. There had been an Englishman as well, but he had smoked a pipe. "A more refined poison," he had told Clarke. As if their vices had mattered in the end. Both of them had been disembowelled by the same monster they'd been seeking to control.

"Just, fuck."

He flicked the cigarette towards the doctor's house and picked up the box. He put it in the truck. He tried to adopt a more formal air about him as he climbed in. "Our choices are limited. Perhaps we can store it with some of the other relics?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 16:18, Fri 20 Apr 2018.
novissimo
player, 55 posts
Tue 24 Apr 2018
at 03:00
  • msg #31

Monday, Midnight, June 16th 1924: The Implacable Enemy

In reply to The Keeper of Secrets (msg # 26):

Byron climbed into the back seat of the truck cab and sat with a huff.

“God damn dirty cop should give him what he really deserves” Byron thought to himself.

He sighed and took a moment to let pass his feeling of having been robbed.

“So Arkham it is” he said aloud, finally.

He looked down into his right inside coat pocket and found his note book and pen still there.

He took them out and began organizing his notes on the recent paranormal experiences.

He wrote:

 “Encountered selectively visible, semi permeable Phantasmic apparition with physically manifest ectoplasmic claws, highly aggressive. Check Tobin’s spirit guide for any category or classification of entity matching description. Collected stone carved object, psionic and healing properties, also observed disintegrating live adult male, extra dimensional entity possession confirmed, PKE level needs testing in lab for precise measure but certainly at most extreme ranges. Critically dangerous, catastrophic potential. Check Hurlburt’s Magic and Alchemy Almanac for mana power suppression or demonic obedience spells. Also review last year’’s Parapsychology Today for article on totemic seance objects used in summoning...”

Byron scribbled on.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:12, Tue 24 Apr 2018.
Sign In