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21:58, 28th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Lesser Edale

Posted by GMFor group 0
GM
GM, 154 posts
Soren
Tue 25 Sep 2018
at 16:10
  • msg #1

Lesser Edale

You take the train from London to Derby, watching the endless green and pleasant hills of the English countryside pass by. The train offers modest comforts, but Bromley’s presence ensures the undivided attention of the train staff, and you are well rested by the time you arrive in the city of Derby.

From there, you check the connections to Lesser Edale. The village can be reached from Derby via motor omnibus leaving Derby at 7:52 a.m., 2:12 p.m., and 9:40 p.m., or by hired car. Hikers from Derby need nearly six hours to arrive in Lesser Edale.

The valley of the Derwent is one of the most beautiful regions in England, and its upper reaches frequently are compared to the Lakes district. You find the limestone cliffs and outcrops, the lovely wooded vales, and the splendid waterfalls refreshing after the dank mornings and dangers of London. The countryside is immaculately green and the fences well-tended. The rain seems clean and fresh after the grimy droplets of London; however, dark storm clouds are on the horizon and a cold wind is blowing.

Lesser Edale sits in the Edale Valley in the Derbyshire Peak District. The area is known for its natural beauty of rolling hills, valleys, and streams. Three miles south of the village stands Mam Tor, on which lies the remains of an Iron Age hill fort (a hike of about an hour) and, half a mile further is the Blue John Cavern where banded fluorite is mined.

The village of Lesser Edale is as beautiful as its setting. There are about thirty homes in the village (including two which still have thatch for roofing), the Laughing Horse pub, the Pitchlock Modern Mercantile store, a small modern church (beside the foundations of the Elizabethan-era church unfortunately burnt in 1906), and a veterinary clinic serving the upper valley and adjacent vales.



Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 66 posts
Tue 25 Sep 2018
at 22:37
  • msg #2

Lesser Edale

In reply to GM (msg # 1):

Naturally, Dermot goes to check into the inn. Leaving his bag behind, he returns downstairs for some of the black stuff. As we discuss what to do, he suggests a visit to Harold Short's house to have a word about the monster incident.
Dr. Arthur Digby (Art)
NPC, 25 posts
Tue 25 Sep 2018
at 22:47
  • msg #3

Lesser Edale

There are not many people visible in the small village, but there is music and laughter coming from the Inn. With the skies darkening and a light drizzle turning into a proper shower, it seems that many have taken shelter inside.

Art nods to himself and strides confidently towards the building. "Well, come on then!" he calls to you. "Not much else to do here."

As you enter the pub, the locals look up from their beer and talk, and stare at you with curiosity. The conversation dies down, but Art gives a friendly nod to the crowd. "God bless all here. We're looking for room and board."

The innkeeper, Bill Tatlock, smiles at you. "Na' then, lad! Gerrin withy. Tha'll catch hey death o'cowd!"

[Henceforth using normal English] :)

He informs you that yes, he has rooms available. Four doubles and one single, for 2/6 (2 shillings and 6 pence) per night, breakfast included.
This message was last updated by the GM at 22:47, Tue 25 Sept 2018.
Rachel Katz
(Lanz), 64 posts
Wed 26 Sep 2018
at 05:07
  • msg #4

Lesser Edale

In reply to GM (msg # 1):

For the rest of the journey, Rachel had been in a venomous mood, but the country air seemed to have lifted her spirits as they arrived in Lesser Edale.

"I'll take the single, if nobody minds," Rachel muttered as she took the keys and headed up the room.
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 65 posts
Wed 26 Sep 2018
at 05:17
  • msg #5

Lesser Edale

In reply to Dr. Arthur Digby (Art) (msg # 3):

Gustav would want to explore the area for a little while. Being in England and its old country charms, he wont be able to resist the new landscape. After a quick pint of bitter, he'll go to the fields for a short walk to breath the favorable english air.
GM
GM, 156 posts
Soren
Wed 26 Sep 2018
at 16:59
  • msg #6

Lesser Edale

Gustav finishes his bitter and heads out to explore the surrounding area. There are a few people out and about in the village and they offer him curious glances and cautious greetings. The evening is cold and dark, with a million stars overhead.

Back at the inn, Art nods at Dermot's suggestion that they talk to the survivor of the attack, Harold Short. He gets up from the table and asks the innkeeper where Mr. Short can be found. The conversation dies down and people look at each other with uncomfortable glances.

"Ol' 'Arold isn't here at the moment, lad," replies the innkeeper. "Haven't seen him for a good while now." He addresses some of the old men that seem permanently attached to the bar. "Oi, anyone know where 'Arold is?"  The men shake their heads and begin to discuss the matter. You overhear the following snippets of information;

The murders happened some three months back. Two were killed, George Osgood and Lydia Perkins. Both were torn to shreds on different nights. A day later, Harold Short was attacked and was lucky to survive. Most fear that the monster that did this will return.

Beware the moon! Many have heard howls when the moon is full. Full moon, they remind you, is just two nights away.

One man swears he caught a glimpse of the thing, “No dog be a-walkin’ round on his back paws. And no dog e’er ripped bone fra bone in such a way as done to poor Lydia.”

The Black Dog of Edale is abroad! A great beast, black as the night, with glowing red eyes. All who hear its howl can be sure death is coming.

Some of the locals mention hearing that the vicar, Jeremy Stratton, said he’d caught a glimpse of the beast.

Ernest Wallop and Ned Loughton, a couple of the locals (and friends of Constable Tumwell), say that Tumwell shot a wild dog and that, as far as he’s concerned, settled the matter.

At this, an old woman says, “He didn’t look nearly so sure when those big-city detectives came out about the killings, nor when the inquest was held.” Murmurs of agreement flow around the bar.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:02, Wed 26 Sept 2018.
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 67 posts
Wed 26 Sep 2018
at 21:33
  • msg #7

Lesser Edale

In reply to GM (msg # 6):

Hearing of the beast, Dermot mutters toward Art:

"Walkin on it's hind legs, eh? If that don't sound like more of the devil's work... perhaps we ought to see the vicar doubly then."

Addressing the innkeeper, he inquires:

"Is there a missus Short? Anyone living at the house?"
Bromley Aveline-Edgeware
(Joshua), 41 posts
Wed 26 Sep 2018
at 21:48
  • msg #8

Lesser Edale

In reply to Dermot Murphy (msg # 7):

After taking a long swig of his pint, Bromley nods at Dermot in agreement.

"Yes, I think we should head to the rectory and see the Vicar. Best check in with him anyway..." adding a little more quietly "These country sorts can be a superstitious lot - Meeting him will put us in better standing with the locals. Perhaps we should acquaint ourselves with the village constabulary as well"

With that, he finishes his drink and heads to the bar for another pint of mild and bitter - While doing so he asks the barman directions to both residences
This message was last edited by the player at 21:49, Wed 26 Sept 2018.
Constable Tumwell
NPC, 0 posts
Sat 29 Sep 2018
at 18:01
  • msg #9

Lesser Edale

Osgood Farm
The Osgood farm lies beyond the village, about half a mile to the west. Edith Osgood greets you and takes you through to the kitchen. Her two children, Maggie and Rachel, cling to her skirt throughout the interview.

Edith, through mounting tears, describes that her husband heard a noise in the barn and went out to investigate, taking his shotgun with him. A moment later she heard him fire and then scream. Peering out, she saw a hairy, hunched-over form race away into the darkness. “It was as tall as a man, and ran howling into the woods. By the Lord’s divine grace, I swear it were a demon,” she says, wiping tears from her eyes. Unable to say more, she apologizes and shows you out.

Parkins’ House
You find John Parkins’ house in the village. A normally resolute and temperate man, Parkins has grown sullen and maudlin since he lost his daughter. Parkins found his daughter’s body after coming home from the Laughing Horse. He is convinced that Lawrence Vane, son of Lord Arthur Vane, had something to do with it. A neighbor saw Lawrence Vane the night of Lydia’s murder. Corty told Parkins that young Vane looked upset, and was hurrying from the direction of the Parkins’ house.

Constable Tumwell and his superiors questioned Lawrence Vane but declared him innocent of involvement. Parkins doesn’t believe the police story and thinks the authorities are protecting the Vane family from scandal. Bitterly, he declares that the Labour Party must correct such class injustice, and proceeds to lecture you about English politics and its oppressive ruling class.

Constable Tumwell
As you return from visiting Parkins, you are approached by the village bobby, Constable Tumwell of the Derbyshire Constabulary;. He is overweight and rotund, and wears a well-kept police uniform.

“Good morning, folks,” he greets you politely. “I hear you’ve been asking people about the killings a few months ago. Mind telling me what your interest is in that?”


This message was last edited by the player at 18:01, Sat 29 Sept 2018.
Rachel Katz
(Lanz), 65 posts
Fri 28 Sep 2018
at 00:29
  • msg #10

Lesser Edale

"Morning, officer. Why, no, not at all. You see, me and my colleagues here are working on a book on subjects like this. We've actually come across several cases in the U.S. that seem to mimic the situation. Curious, don't you think so?" Rachel replied without missing a beat as she stepped forward, the long night's rest helping her feel much like her old self.

"So, what can you tell us about the killings?"
Constable Tumwell
NPC, 0 posts
Sat 29 Sep 2018
at 18:01
  • msg #11

Lesser Edale

Tumwell frowns at Rachel. “Not much to tell, miss. I tracked down a wild hound and shot it. Gone off to die in the hills. Been no trouble since I shot the blighter, thank God.”

He seems unsure on how to handle Rachel’s approach, and stutters slightly as he provides her with the following information;

He confirms the names of George Osgood and Lydia Perkins. The bodies of each were found on consecutive days, and the attack on Harold Short happened a day later. All incidents took place near to their homes. The bodies were ripped apart and savaged: a grisly sight, not for the squeamish. The Police Examiner confirmed the bites and claw marks were evidence of a wild animal attack, such as a large dog. The incidents happened three months ago, during the nights of the full moon.

Harold Short was knocked unconscious and suffered deep lacerations to the abdomen. He survived and has gone to his brother’s house in Skegness (on the East Coast) to recuperate.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 18:01, Sat 29 Sept 2018.
Rachel Katz
(Lanz), 66 posts
Fri 28 Sep 2018
at 00:57
  • msg #12

Lesser Edale

In reply to GM (msg # 11):

"Thank you very much, officer. We're so glad you're around to protect us all. So glad. In fact, I think a letter of commendation should be in order." Rachel says, patting the officer as she looked at the others as if to say, "anything else we need from the officer?"

"Police like you are the reason we can roam free without fear, thank you officer."
Constable Tumwell
NPC, 0 posts
Sat 29 Sep 2018
at 18:01
  • msg #13

Lesser Edale

Tumwell blushes a bit at Rachel's words but seems pleased. "Aye, thank you, miss. I must confess that having those fellas come up from Derby to oversee the murder investigation was an unnerving experience. I'm glad the matter is now closed."

He draws his cape around him and frowns at the dark skies. "If I can help you lot with aught, let me know. I'm usually in the Horse if I'm not doing my rounds."

He starts to walk away but stops and turns to Bromley with a respectful demeanour. "I have a phone at my house should you wish to call anyone, Sir. I suppose you'll be wanting to visit Plum Castle?"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:01, Sat 29 Sept 2018.
Constable Tumwell
NPC, 0 posts
Sat 29 Sep 2018
at 18:01
  • msg #14

Lesser Edale

Hearing Gustav's question, Tumwell explains; The Vane family has lived in Derbyshire for centuries; some say as long as 700 years. They were made lords (titled) during the reign of Charles II, although no one knows exactly why. The Vanes live in the keep of a medieval castle that has otherwise fallen or is in bad repair. Their home is called Plum Castle.

Lord Arthur Vane, a member of the House of Lords, is in his sixties; his heir is Lawrence Vane, aged 23, whose sister is Eloise, who turned 21 a few months ago. A few servants, all old and loyal, also live in “the Keep.”
This message was last updated by the player at 18:01, Sat 29 Sept 2018.
Reverend Stratton
NPC, 0 posts
Sat 29 Sep 2018
at 18:02
  • msg #15

Lesser Edale

You ask Constable Tumwell to arrange an appointment at Plum Castle. He heads back to his house to make the call, asking you to meet him at the Laughing Horse afterwards.

In the meantime, you walk to the small church to talk to Reverend Stratton. He lives in a small vicarage next to the grounds of the Lesser Edale church. The church itself is newly built, constructed from limestone. Within the church grounds are the village cemetery and the old foundations of the former church building, which was burned down in 1906. The grounds are well tended by the groundskeeper, Jed Wainwright.

Knocking on the door of the vicarage, you are greeted by Mrs. Bright, an elderly lady who keeps house for the Reverend. Mrs. Bright does not allow anyone inside the vicarage and directs you to the church.

The church is quit and beautiful. As you enter, the Reverend comes out from a small office to greet you. He is genial old gentleman, near bald and somewhat hunchbacked due to age. He is dressed in a vicar’s collar and black clerical robes.




This message was last edited by the player at 18:02, Sat 29 Sept 2018.
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 68 posts
Fri 28 Sep 2018
at 16:24
  • msg #16

Lesser Edale

In reply to GM (msg # 15):

Dermot makes a polite greeting:
"Good mornin, Reverend. Lovely church you've got here."

Not being one to engage with Anglican tradition, he casts his eyes about the limestone architecture in a subdued gesture of approval.
Reverend Stratton
NPC, 0 posts
Sat 29 Sep 2018
at 18:02
  • msg #17

Lesser Edale

In reply to Dermot Murphy (msg # 16):

The vicar smiles at Dermot. "A Dublin man if I'm not mistaken. Spent a few years in Ireland in my youth. Such a lovely place. How can I help you?"

He looks a bit alarmed at the large crowd suddenly entering his church but seems friendly enough.
This message was last updated by the player at 18:02, Sat 29 Sept 2018.
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 69 posts
Fri 28 Sep 2018
at 20:20
  • msg #18

Lesser Edale

In reply to GM (msg # 17):

Dermot looks back at the vicar.

"Ah, you know the Pale then! Lovely indeed. This 'ere valley's not so bad either."

He looks back toward Bromley and Art.

"Well then boyos, crack on with yer countryman! He's shewn himself to have fierce taste."
GM
GM, 163 posts
Soren
Fri 28 Sep 2018
at 22:33
  • msg #19

Lesser Edale

Art greets the vicar politely and asks if he would kindly recount the details of what he saw that evening, three months ago. The old priest hesitates but then invites you into his small, cluttered office.

You notice various correspondences on his desk with the letterhead of the Derwent Valley Order of the Golden Druid, as well as a primer for Greek to English translation that occupies a significant portion of the desk. Further cluttering up the desk are various loose papers containing Stratton’s handwritten notes, which obscure an old, leather-bound journal. The word “Vane” can be discerned on one of the loose papers.

“I’ll never forget it,” says Stratton. “I only glimpsed it momentarily, when I was walking home after visiting one of my parishioners. It was around 9 o’clock and the moon was full, although a heavy mist had risen. As I was opening the front gate, I heard a heavy breathing a few feet away. Looking up, I saw a huge dark shape, shrouded in mist. While the form was obscured, its burning red eyes filled me with terror. It let out a bloodcurdling cry and I knew it had seen me. Without thought, I bolted into the house and locked the door, thanking God for my safety!”

He makes the sign of the Cross as he says this. Stratton hopes the shooting of the wild dog by the constable has put an end to things, but notes he has reservations that the matter is over. Howls are still being heard during nights of the full moon, even if there have been no further attacks. He expresses sorrow and hopes that village life can return to normal, while also pointedly saying that no one wants such tragic events raked up and the families should be left to grieve in peace.
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 66 posts
Sat 29 Sep 2018
at 01:20
  • msg #20

Lesser Edale

In reply to GM (msg # 19):

Gustav seated himself close to Rev. Stratton and asked

"Has the town made any precaution in case this monster shows up again? Constable Tumwell was confident that he had already taken care of the situation. But listening to your story, I do not think you are quite convinced."

"Pardon me, My name is Gustav Schmidt. I am a Detective for the New York Police Department. We have been experiencing these events in the other side of the Atlantic as well. hence here I am"



Keeper I would like to know if he made any gestures when i dropped the name of the constable or the admission that this is also happening in the US
This message was last edited by the player at 01:20, Sat 29 Sept 2018.
Johan Braun
(Steve), 30 posts
Sat 29 Sep 2018
at 03:31
  • msg #21

Lesser Edale

In reply to GM (msg # 19):

Johan pauses in thought for a moment, as a slight smirk comes across his face. "Reverend, please tell me that, they are not still publishing this primer.... <shifting into greek> Αυτό είναι ένα τρομερό εργαλείο για την εκμάθηση της ελληνικής γλώσσας. At University long ago we learned of certain texts to avoid due to misrepresentations of context, I fear this is one of them.  I know it's not our business at hand, but if you need assistance, I would happy to translate. Δεν υπάρχει κανένα πρόβλημα, θα ήταν τιμή μου"
Rachel Katz
(Lanz), 67 posts
Sat 29 Sep 2018
at 03:33
  • msg #22

Lesser Edale

Rachel listened intently, glancing around the office. The story reminded her of The Hound of the Baskerville's.

"Could you perhaps show us where you saw this creature?" Rachel began to ask, but then she blinked in surprise as Johan displays quite the knowledge for the Greek language and digressed.
Reverend Stratton
NPC, 0 posts
Sat 29 Sep 2018
at 18:02
  • msg #23

Lesser Edale

“το μικρό άλογο διαβάζει την εφημερίδα του ελέφαντα” replies the vicar with an atrocious Greek accent. “I didn’t realize you could speak Greek. Very impressive. It’s really just a hobby of mine. My predecessor, the former vicar, kept his journal in Greek and I’ve been trying to decipher a few passages about the Vane family. You know, local folklore and superstitions.”

He leans back in his chair and studies you all for a long while. “You seem like good people. If I were to tell you some of my thoughts on the past events, could I trust you to keep things discreet?”
This message was lightly edited by the player at 18:02, Sat 29 Sept 2018.
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