Of all things Strange and Wild

[Aurelio]

Perception: 52% / 1d100: [11] = 11
JIC: 1d20: [15] = 15 1d100: [17] = 17
Language: English 72% / 1d100: [30] = 30
Literacy: English 50% / 1d100: [88] = 88
Conditions: Closed to the Supernatural. Heals twice as quickly as normal. Incredibly strong. +2 v Magic/Toxins.
Location: Glen Jean, West Virginia, Ms. Gipsum's house
Current Investigation: The drowning death of Mr. Gipsum, late of Glen Jean, West Virginia.
Case Notes
Emotions: Aurelio is genuinely curious and sympathetic to the woman's plight.

The widow calls out from the kitchen. ”Oh the accent gave it away, but I haven’t the foggiest where you come from?” The widow says, obviously not wise to the wider world.

Aurelio smiles. "Up until not too long ago, I lived in northern Italy. Helped my folks try to make ends meet on the farm. They're getting older, so I came to America for work. Now I help by sending back what I can to them. Hopefully it's enough for them to hire on a couple hands or something."

"I've spoken to Kevin and some of the others around the lake who frequent its shores for fishing. Was your husband an avid fisherman as well?"

The woman sighs. ”A bit too much if you ask me. But in truth I doubt he was always fishing.” The widow says, a sad look about her eyes.

Aurelio, genuinely curious and a bit naieve, simply asks, "There doesn't seem to be much in town for a man with an injury to do. What would he be doing if not fishing?"

"Father Blake suggested it has been a rough couple of years for you."

Mrs. Gypsum nods. ”When Michael was injured, he wasn’t able to work for a long while, and it made for tough times. He started drinking again, not sure where he found the foul beverages he consumed, but he turned into a mean drunk… and… let's just say life is full of hardships, but now that he is gone, I am at a loss as to what to do… the bills pile up.” The woman’s eyes begin to well up a bit, she dabs them with a napkin, before sipping her coffee. ”I’m not a horrible woman to say his death doesn’t sadden me, but him not being around, has given me some peace.” She finishes.

He sips his coffee and decides to offer up the woman a bit of sympathetic understanding. "When my papa died in the war, my momma struggled for a while, too. Me and other boys helped as best we could, but it was hard, lean times. But then she met my father in-law. He's a very good, pious man. Now she's happy even though times remain lean. Trust in Him, and I'm sure Providence will provide for you as well." Aurelio sets his coffee down and looks at his hands. Never use a God-given tool for evil. "I'm a boxer by trade. I know something of violence. It's not right for a man to visit that on his wife. That's what flawed men do when they're afraid and feel powerless--they try to feel powerful at someone else's expense." He looks up, "What made Mr. Gipsum feel that way?"

Contingency: If the group is attacked by anything, Aurelio will push himself into harm's way to protect the others. His protective priority will always be to protect Claudia, then the other guys.

Initiative (+1 included): 1d20+1: [18]+1 = 19
All actions reserved for defense.

Parries: 1d20+6: [14]+6 = 20 , 1d20+6: [5]+6 = 11 , 1d20+6: [18]+6 = 24 , 1d20+6: [9]+6 = 15 , 1d20+6: [7]+6 = 13
Auto-Dodge: 1d20+1: [6]+1 = 7 , 1d20+1: [12]+1 = 13 , 1d20+1: [4]+1 = 5 , 1d20+1: [18]+1 = 19 , 1d20+1: [1]+1 = 2

[Claudia]

Perception: 1d100: [47] = 47 / 36%
JIC: 1d20: [19] = 19 / 1d100: [26] = 26
Current I.S.P.: 53/63
Conditions: Empathy, Open to the Supernatural, Sixth Sense?, Psychic Bloodhound?
Impervious to Hypnotic Suggestion, Mind Controlling Drugs and most forms of Mind Control (including magic)
Skills:

The Widow’s House, Glen Jean

Claudia’s gaze falls to her glass of milk as she sorts through the wave of emotions in the room. The house is sad. The lake is sad. She is sad… She looks up at Mrs. Gypsum, studying her with sympathetic eyes for a moment. Then Claudia looks at her uncle. He’s worried. Turning her attention back to the widow, she picks up on a new emotion. “Why are you afraid?” she asks Mrs. Gypsum softly. Making eye contact with her, Claudia suggests, “You can tell us anything.” (Hypnotic Suggestion, -6 ISP)

[Theo]

Perception 18%: d100: [96] = 96
JIC: d100: [98] = 98 , d20: [4] = 4

A Visitor

Location: Glen Jean, West Virginia
Date: Tuesday, March 20th, 1925. 8:45 AM (10 Minutes have passed)
Weather: 53 degrees Fahrenheit; Light clouds.
I.S.P. Modifier: x2 Investigating the Supernatural (Claudia is at x3)
Case Notes

Theo decides to pop into one of the local shops, and steps into the main hall of a theater. Behind the ticket booth window is a young man, who seems more than a little bored, but he perks up when the duo enters.

"Excuse me, Good Morning, I was just curious if the town has a newspaper and if so, where the offices might be located? Do you get your newspaper from a nearby city and if so is there a local reporter who writes stories for the paper about local events?"

The young man shakes his head. ”No sir, not a local one at least. We get the Fayetteville Courier, that has most of the local news, or what passes for news.” the young man says. ”Don’t know about any reporters, I suppose they send one down when they need to. Someone probably calls up the Courier when there’s something newsworthy to report. Though I know you can get the paper at the company store.” The young man finishes.

I need to ask questions without making them think I am interrogating them.
Invoke Trust 15%: d100: [37] = 37

“Thank you for the information. This is a beautiful theater you have here. Would you know who in town would call the newspaper when there is a story? I apologize about the questions. They published some stories about the drownings in the lake here near Glen Jean that a friend showed me. You see I am a former detective from Richmond and an aspiring writer. I am trying to write my first mystery novel. Those stories inspired an idea for an amazing narrative about a series of drownings in a lake. So I am here enjoying this beautiful town you have while doing a little research. So all these a questions are to figure out how things work in a small town so I can make it believable.” Theo focuses on keeping a friendly demeanor.

[Zachary Splindt]

Perception: 1d100: [29] = 29 (23%)
JIC 1D100: 1d100: [100] = 100
JIC 1D20: 1d20: [2] = 2
Conditions: Closed to the Supernatural

Zachary listens to the conversation intently. Well that about answers most of what I had in mind, the detective thinks to himself, I wonder if I could maybe add a couple in case...

”No sir, not a local one at least. We get the Fayetteville Courier, that has most of the local news, or what passes for news.”

Turning to Theo, Zachary sees his chance, "Fayetteville... you reckon that's a long drive?" asks the detective, "I thought maybe the towns here would be a bit more spaced out, but maybe it's closer than we thought if they are able to send a courier on short notice."

[Callum]

Precp 43%: 1d100: [67] = 67
JIC: 1d20: [6] = 6 1d100: [100] = 100

Conditions:
Closed to the Supernatural
ISP: 22/22

Callum's brows are drawn tight as he considers what the men have said, then he smiles as the barber spins him around and shows off the trimmed hair and neat shave. Not a bad conversation. Only thing better would be if I could have found a knitting circle. Nobody gossips like the older ladies do. He puts a smile on his face and pays the barber, giving the man a 50% tip, "Thank you sir. My face hasn't looked this good in a while. Gentlemen." He offer a nod and a part wave part salute to the other men gathered at the barber shop. He tugs on his coat and tries to straighten it out so that it matches his clean cut hair and smooth face.

Callum makes his way out of the baraber shop and back down the road to the car to wait for the other to come back around. He leans up against the car as he waits, I hadn't heard about a girl going missing. That seems more like a mystery than the drownings. For the cops those are solved but a girl still missing? That would be big news.

[Consumer]

A Visitor

Location: Glen Jean, West Virginia
Date: Tuesday, March 20th, 1925. 8:55 AM (10 Minutes have passed)
Weather: 53 degrees Fahrenheit; Light clouds.
I.S.P. Modifier: x2 Investigating the Supernatural (Claudia is at x3)
Case Notes

At the Widow’s house, the discussion continues.

"There doesn't seem to be much in town for a man with an injury to do. What would he be doing if not fishing?"

The widow shakes her head. ”Oh there is plenty someone could do in town, many diversions can be found here, given it’s a company town. They like to keep the miners happy.” Mrs. Gypsum says.

"When my papa died in the war, my momma struggled for a while, too. Me and other boys helped as best we could, but it was hard, lean times. But then she met my father in-law. He's a very good, pious man. Now she's happy even though times remain lean. Trust in Him, and I'm sure Providence will provide for you as well...I'm a boxer by trade. I know something of violence. It's not right for a man to visit that on his wife. That's what flawed men do when they're afraid and feel powerless--they try to feel powerful at someone else's expense... What made Mr. Gipsum feel that way?"

Mrs. Gypsum looks down. ”My condolences. To answer your question, I don’t rightly know.” The woman says, her eyes downcast, obviously it’s a painful subject.

Claudia continues to feel the emotions in the room, and they seem to follow the same theme, the woman seems to be getting more and more depressed as she talks with them.

“Why are you afraid?... You can tell us anything.”

Mrs. Gypsum’s eyes blink slowly for several seconds. Her voice slightly slurred, and slow. ”I just don’t know what to do anymore, I have nowhere left to turn for help. I barely know how I’m gonna survive the next day.” Mrs. Gypsum says.

At the barber shop, Callum goes over his thoughts in his head as the old barber does his work, sweeping up the loose hair that he trimmed off of Callum. The men’s conversation turns to talk about the weather and upcoming baseball games. Callum gets a firm smile. ”Come again when you need a trim.”

Callum considers the new information while waiting at Theo’s car for the others to return.

On the streets of Glen Jean, Theo and Zachary continue to talk to the ticket seller.

“Thank you for the information. This is a beautiful theater you have here. Would you know who in town would call the newspaper when there is a story?”

”I apologize about the questions. They published some stories about the drownings in the lake here near Glen Jean that a friend showed me. You see I am a former detective from Richmond and an aspiring writer. I am trying to write my first mystery novel. Those stories inspired an idea for an amazing narrative about a series of drownings in a lake. So I am here enjoying this beautiful town you have while doing a little research. So all these a questions are to figure out how things work in a small town so I can make it believable.”

The young man shakes his head. ”No clue sir, I would assume someone who had news to be reported.” The young man says.

”I apologize about the questions. They published some stories about the drownings in the lake here near Glen Jean that a friend showed me. You see I am a former detective from Richmond and an aspiring writer. I am trying to write my first mystery novel. Those stories inspired an idea for an amazing narrative about a series of drownings in a lake. So I am here enjoying this beautiful town you have while doing a little research. So all these a questions are to figure out how things work in a small town so I can make it believable.”

The young man doesn’t seem to register what Theo is implying. ”Good luck with that I suppose.” He says with a smile.

"Fayetteville... you reckon that's a long drive?.. I thought maybe the towns here would be a bit more spaced out, but maybe it's closer than we thought if they are able to send a courier on short notice."

”Oh it’s probably thirty or forty minutes from here. I think it’s supposed to be faster once they finish the Interstate.” The man says in response to Zachary’s question. ”The towns actually are pretty close together, but it’s the mountains that make the trips longer, gotta follow the roads around the peaks sometimes.” The young man finishes.

What Are Your Intentions?

Aurellio: HP: 33/33, S.D.C.: 76/76.
Claudia: HP: 22/22, S.D.C.: 13/13, I.S.P.: 51/42
Callum: HP: 37/37, S.D.C.: 49/49, I.S.P.: 44/44.
Zachary: HP: 21/21, S.D.C. 29/29, I.S.P.: 14/14
Theo: HP: 20/20, S.D.C. 48/48

[Zachary Splindt]

Perception: 1d100: [47] = 47 (23%)
JIC 1D100: 1d100: [47] = 47
JIC 1D20: 1d20: [10] = 10
Conditions: Closed to the Supernatural

”Oh it’s probably thirty or forty minutes from here. I think it’s supposed to be faster once they finish the Interstate.” The man says in response to Zachary’s question. ”The towns actually are pretty close together, but it’s the mountains that make the trips longer, gotta follow the roads around the peaks sometimes.” The young man finishes.

Zachary listens to the reply and gives Theo a quick elbow. "Still a lot of daylight left. Maybe we oughta make a trip? Reckon we might also have a shot if we can find out who spilled the beans in the first place "

[Claudia]

Perception: 1d100: [84] = 84 / 36%
JIC: 1d20: [12] = 12 / 1d100: [47] = 47
Current I.S.P.: 53/63
Conditions: Empathy, Open to the Supernatural, Sixth Sense?, Psychic Bloodhound?
Impervious to Hypnotic Suggestion, Mind Controlling Drugs and most forms of Mind Control (including magic)
Skills:

The Widow’s House, Glen Jean

Mrs. Gypsum’s eyes blink slowly for several seconds. Her voice slightly slurred, and slow. ”I just don’t know what to do anymore, I have nowhere left to turn for help. I barely know how I’m gonna survive the next day.” Mrs. Gypsum says.

With her head tilted with curiosity, Claudia blinks at Mrs. Gypsum. She doesn’t quite know what to make of the woman’s answer, but she tries to reassure their hostess that, “Uncle Ari will help.” Her eyes then go to her uncle, waiting for him to ask another question. Go on. She can tell you anything…

[Theo]

Perception: 25% / 1d100: [7] = 7
JIC: 1d20: [15] = 15 1d100: [12] = 12

Conditions: Closed to the Supernatural.+ 1v Magic/Horror Factor, +3 Psionics.

Zachary listens to the reply and gives Theo a quick elbow. "Still a lot of daylight left. Maybe we oughta make a trip? Reckon we might also have a shot if we can find out who spilled the beans in the first place "

Theo ponders for a moment and says, "I wholeheartedly agree. Head that way grab some lunch and hit the newspaper. Maybe there are some weird things that Carl's friend didn't catch. Those cops, didn't feel right. Something is off and it may go deeper than just the lake. Pun intended." Theo laughs a little. They didn't want us poking around, even threatened to to arrest us. 'Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.' I need to read Hamlet again.

[Aurelio]

Perception: 52% / 1d100: [13] = 13
JIC: 1d20: [9] = 9 1d100: [7] = 7
Language: English 72% / 1d100: [12] = 12
Literacy: English 50% / 1d100: [65] = 65
Conditions: Closed to the Supernatural. Heals twice as quickly as normal. Incredibly strong. +2 v Magic/Toxins.
Location: Ms. Gypsum's House, Glen Jean
Current Investigation: The drowning death of Mr. Gipsum, late of Glen Jean, West Virginia.
Case Notes

The widow shakes her head. ”Oh there is plenty someone could do in town, many diversions can be found here, given it’s a company town. They like to keep the miners happy.” Mrs. Gypsum says.

Mrs. Gypsum looks down. ”My condolences. To answer your question, I don’t rightly know.” The woman says, her eyes downcast, obviously it’s a painful subject.

Mrs. Gypsum’s eyes blink slowly for several seconds. Her voice slightly slurred, and slow. ”I just don’t know what to do anymore, I have nowhere left to turn for help. I barely know how I’m gonna survive the next day.” Mrs. Gypsum says.

With her head tilted with curiosity, Claudia blinks at Mrs. Gypsum. She doesn’t quite know what to make of the woman’s answer, but she tries to reassure their hostess that, “Uncle Ari will help.” Her eyes then go to her uncle, waiting for him to ask another question.

Aurelio notes the change in the woman's demeanor. What in heaven? It's like she's half-asleep. Claudia's look to him is suggestive. He's not quite sure just what happened here, but... If she's sleepy, made she's suggestible like when people are sleepy. "Ma'am, Claudia's right. We're here to help. You can tell us anything. We're trying to get to the bottom of these deaths, and we think there's a connection between them." Ari considers his words. "Really, even if it's only a suspicion you have, or something you might be ashamed of, you can tell us. We're not here to spread gossip, but to help." An idea takes him. "You know, it's possible there might be honest work available in Prosperity. We know some of the locals there--good people--who might be able to connect you with work enough to get by on."

[Consumer]

A Visitor

Location: Glen Jean, West Virginia
Date: Tuesday, March 20th, 1925. 9:00 AM (5 Minutes have passed)
Weather: 53 degrees Fahrenheit; Light clouds.
I.S.P. Modifier: x2 Investigating the Supernatural (Claudia is at x3)
Case Notes

At the Widow’s house, the discussion continues. Claudia’s revelation of Aurellio being able to help Mrs. Gypsum, causes the woman’s demeanor to change. She goes back from the kind of sleepy eyed look she had moments before, back to a more alert version of herself. Though seemingly equally confused by the comment.

"Really, even if it's only a suspicion you have, or something you might be ashamed of, you can tell us. We're not here to spread gossip, but to help." An idea takes him. "You know, it's possible there might be honest work available in Prosperity. We know some of the locals there--good people--who might be able to connect you with work enough to get by on."

Mrs. Gypsum shakes her head. ”Prosperity is too far away for someone like me. I don’t drive, so walking is just out of the options. God will provide somehow. As for the rest, I don’t really know anything else, if I did, I would surely tell you.” The woman says. Aurellio has the feeling, this may be a good leaving point for the two of them.

On the streets of Glen Jean, Theo and Zachary decide that the best course of action is to leave town to speak with people at the nearest newspaper office. Moving from the theater, they make it back to Theo’s car to find Callum standing near it, presumably waiting for them as was originally planned.

What Are Your Intentions?

Aurellio: HP: 33/33, S.D.C.: 76/76.
Claudia: HP: 22/22, S.D.C.: 13/13, I.S.P.: 51/42
Callum: HP: 37/37, S.D.C.: 49/49, I.S.P.: 44/44.
Zachary: HP: 21/21, S.D.C. 29/29, I.S.P.: 14/14
Theo: HP: 20/20, S.D.C. 48/48

[Aurelio]

Mrs. Gypsum shakes her head. ”Prosperity is too far away for someone like me. I don’t drive, so walking is just out of the options. God will provide somehow. As for the rest, I don’t really know anything else, if I did, I would surely tell you.” The woman says. Aurellio has the feeling, this may be a good leaving point for the two of them.

Perception: 52% / 1d100: [62] = 62
JIC: 1d20: [7] = 7 1d100: [16] = 16
Language: English 72% / 1d100: [60] = 60
Literacy: English 50% / 1d100: [87] = 87
Conditions: Closed to the Supernatural. Heals twice as quickly as normal. Incredibly strong. +2 v Magic/Toxins.
Location: Glen Jean, West Virginia
Current Investigation: The drowning death of Mr. Gipsum, late of Glen Jean, West Virginia.
Case Notes

Aurellio will drain the remainder of his coffee, and scratch out the phone number to Whitlach Manor for her on a piece of paper. "Should you need a hand, or have anything you'd like to share with us, do give us a call. If we come upon anything that might aid you, we'll pay you another visit. Good day, ma'am, and again...our condolences." He gives Claudia a "time to go" look, and rises to head for the door. I thought surely that she would have a better insight than ourselves. Somewhat abashed, Aurellio will help Claudia into the sidecar as always, and take a drive to downtown Glen Jean to see what these "many diversions" might be of which Ms. Gypsum spoke.

[Claudia]

Perception: 1d100: [19] = 19 / 36%
JIC: 1d20: [19] = 19 / 1d100: [37] = 37
Current I.S.P.: 53/63
Conditions: Open to the Supernatural, Sixth Sense?, Psychic Bloodhound?
Impervious to Hypnotic Suggestion, Mind Controlling Drugs and most forms of Mind Control (including magic)
Skills:

Glen Jean

He gives Claudia a "time to go" look, and rises to head for the door.

Understanding her uncle’s expression, Claudia looks at Mrs. Gypsum and says a simple, but polite, “Goodbye.” She follows Ari out the door, fiddling with the buttons of her coat along the way. “Are we going to talk with more women?” she asks her uncle as he helps her hop into the sidecar. Her goggles are fitted over her eyes. “Are we going back to the lake? Where is everyone else?” I hope they didn’t fall into the water.

[Callum]

Precp 43%: 1d100: [65] = 65
JIC: 1d20: [8] = 8 1d100: [51] = 51

Conditions:
Closed to the Supernatural
ISP: 22/22

Callum rubs a hand along his smooth chin and gives the other fellas a grin as they approach. His freshly shaved face and clean, combed hair are obvious. As the other two men draw near, Callum says, "I had a bit of luck at the local barbershop. The men there aren't too happy with the mine operators but it seems like its the only game in town even though it sounds like a death trap. They also said I should avoid the lake after all the drownings and then they mentioned a girl going missing." He gives the other two men a hard look and raises both his eyebrows.

Callum nods at Theo and Zack, "Yeah. I almost missed it when they told me. And not dead but missing. But there hasn't been a word of it in the papers? Now that does sounds strange to me. I didn't push for a name but something tells me if we look a little we can find out."

[Aurelio]

(rolls held)
Spotting Callum & the others around the one car downtown, Aurellio pulls over and joins them with Claudia. Hearing the news of a missing girl, Aurelio becomes even more concerned and looks to Claudia protectively. "Did they say when the girl went missing, Callum?"

[Claudia]

((Rolls held over))

"A little girl?" Claudia asks after her uncle's inquiry. Maybe she saw something scary and hid? Claudia looks around, hoping to spot a good hiding place as if she were a seeker in a game of hide-and-seek with the missing girl.

[Zachary Splindt]

Perception: 1d100: [90] = 90 (23%)
JIC 1D100: 1d100: [11] = 11
JIC 1D20: 1d20: [11] = 11
Conditions: Closed to the Supernatural

Spotting Callum, Zachary gives the man a quick wave. "Nice hair cut," remarks the detective.

Callum rubs a hand along his smooth chin and gives the other fellas a grin as they approach. His freshly shaved face and clean, combed hair are obvious. As the other two men draw near, Callum says, "I had a bit of luck at the local barbershop. The men there aren't too happy with the mine operators but it seems like its the only game in town even though it sounds like a death trap. They also said I should avoid the lake after all the drownings and then they mentioned a girl going missing." He gives the other two men a hard look and raises both his eyebrows.

Callum nods at Theo and Zack, "Yeah. I almost missed it when they told me. And not dead but missing. But there hasn't been a word of it in the papers? Now that does sounds strange to me. I didn't push for a name but something tells me if we look a little we can find out."

"We had a run-in with the coppers not too long ago. Not really the friendliest people there. Seems as though they're hiding something, right Theo?" exclaims Zachary as he looks at him. The detective continues. "The weird thing is that this possible victim is a girl this time, where all the previous victims were men."

Hearing the news of a missing girl, Aurelio becomes even more concerned and looks to Claudia protectively. "Did they say when the girl went missing, Callum?"

Zachary raises an eyebrow. "Well, hold on. When did those other guys bite the dust?" inquires Zachary as he retrieves the newspaper clippings from whoever has them on their person. Flipping through the newspaper, Zachary's eyes scan the pages to get an idea on whether there might have been a common time of location of the body. If they were all found the morning of, then that might mean there is a common thread in that they perished sometime at night. Though that's not exactly a perfect correlation, and we might have a better shot looking at it from a coroner's report than a newspaper. "Wonder if there's a link between when they all went missing." exclaims the detective.

[Theo]

Perception: 25% / 1d100: [65] = 65
JIC: 1d20: [12] = 12 , 1d100: [95] = 95

Conditions: Closed to the Supernatural.+ 1v Magic/Horror Factor, +3 Psionics.

Theo waves at Callum as he approaches and then again to Claudia and Aurelio when they meet up.

Callum nods at Theo and Zack, "Yeah. I almost missed it when they told me. And not dead but missing. But there hasn't been a word of it in the papers? Now that does sounds strange to me. I didn't push for a name but something tells me if we look a little we can find out."

"Did they say when the girl went missing, Callum?"

Theo awaits an answer to the question. Now a girl. Doesn't fit in with the previous victims. Maybe she isn't in the lake. Maybe she has something to do with the drownings, or has information about them.

"We had a run-in with the coppers not too long ago. Not really the friendliest people there. Seems as though they're hiding something, right Theo?"

"That is an understatement. There was something not right about them. Their whole demeanor was off. They seemed disinterested in the drownings, and more interested in threatening anyone poking around the town."

"The weird thing is that this possible victim is a girl this time, where all the previous victims were men."

"That is if she is a victim. She could be a scared witness hiding, or even involved. Anything is possible at this point. I think the little girl is possibly the key, especially since it isn't in the papers. I would suggest we pull that thread before going to the paper in Fayetteville. But we need to be cautious, I can't imagine how those cops will react to us investigating this. Small town cops have a lot more power than they should due to little oversight."

[Consumer]

A Visitor

Location: Glen Jean, West Virginia
Date: Tuesday, March 20th, 1925. 9:05 AM (5 Minutes have passed)
Weather: 53 degrees Fahrenheit; Light clouds.
I.S.P. Modifier: x2 Investigating the Supernatural (Claudia is at x3)
Case Notes

The trio of Callum, Theo, and Zachary meet up, and exchange some basic information just before Aurelio and Claudia arrive by motorcycle. The group catches itself up on the relative information each person has gathered, whether it is useful or not. Theo and Zachary talk about maybe wanting to go to nearby Fayetteville to ask questions at the newspaper, but seem to decide against it for the moment in light of new information. Zachary goes back over the newspaper clippings, and finds most are either obituaries, or police blotter articles, posted by the county sheriff’s department, and not the Glen Jean Police.

Aurellio is also of the mindset of looking into the many diversions a man may find in Glen Jean, and may have more or less come to the answer on his drive. The main road through the town has two theaters, an opera house, several dance halls, and a variety of other things for men with cash in hand to spend at.

Conversation eventually falls to the missing girl that Callum found out about. There doesn’t seem to be any note of her in the newspaper clippings, and Mr. Blanche certainly didn’t mention her at all either. This leaves the investigators still standing on the side of the road, next to Theo and Aurellio’s vehicles.

What Are Your Intentions?

Aurellio: HP: 33/33, S.D.C.: 76/76.
Claudia: HP: 22/22, S.D.C.: 13/13, I.S.P.: 51/42
Callum: HP: 37/37, S.D.C.: 49/49, I.S.P.: 44/44.
Zachary: HP: 21/21, S.D.C. 29/29, I.S.P.: 14/14
Theo: HP: 20/20, S.D.C. 48/48

[Aurelio]

Perception: 52% / 1d100: [2] = 2 CRIT
JIC: 1d20: [11] = 11 1d100: [55] = 55
Language: English 72% / 1d100: [62] = 62
Literacy: English 50% / 1d100: [66] = 66
Conditions: Closed to the Supernatural. Heals twice as quickly as normal. Incredibly strong. +2 v Magic/Toxins.
Location:
Current Investigation: The drowning death of Mr. Gipsum, late of Glen Jean, West Virginia.
Case Notes

"The weird thing is that this possible victim is a girl this time, where all the previous victims were men."

Aurelio nods in agreement.

"Did they say when the girl went missing, Callum?"

Aurelio looks at Callum intently, anticipating an informative response.

"That is if she is a victim. She could be a scared witness hiding, or even involved. Anything is possible at this point. I think the little girl is possibly the key, especially since it isn't in the papers. I would suggest we pull that thread before going to the paper in Fayetteville. But we need to be cautious, I can't imagine how those cops will react to us investigating this. Small town cops have a lot more power than they should due to little oversight."

Aurelio nods with Theo as well. "What we know based on what Callum has stated so far is that a girl went missing as well. We need a lot more information than that. How old is the girl? A child, a teenager, a young woman? What does the girl look like? What is her name? Where is her family? Who is her family? Where did she reside or work? Who were her friends? When did she go missing, and where and when was she last seen?" Aurelio taps his head, "I try not to get hit, so my wits aren't so dull as to realize we need some bread crumbs to follow here." He looks to Callum, "Do you know these things? If not, let's back to where you heard about the girl and find get some answers."

[Claudia]

Perception: 1d100: [22] = 22 / 36%
JIC: 1d20: [7] = 7 / 1d100: [50] = 50
Current I.S.P.: 53/63
Conditions: Open to the Supernatural, Sixth Sense?, Psychic Bloodhound?
Impervious to Hypnotic Suggestion, Mind Controlling Drugs and most forms of Mind Control (including magic)
Skills:

Glen Jean

With an expression somewhere between worry and confusion, Claudia watches her uncle as he rattles off a string of questions regarding the missing girl. Her head tilts to the side. Your words are too fast! When he stops, she panics a little, believing that she has to add something to the conversation. “Mr. Gypsum was not a nice man,” she blurts out.

[Aurelio]

(rolls held)

"Ah, yes, I should add that the widow Gypsum revealed that the late Mr. Gypsum had been a bit of an abusive alcoholic of late." Aurelio adds, complementing the announcement from Claudia.

[Theo]

Perception: 25% / 1d100: [65] = 65
JIC: 1d20: [20] = 20 1d100: [81] = 81

Conditions: Closed to the Supernatural.+ 1v Magic/Horror Factor, +3 Psionics.

"What we know based on what Callum has stated so far is that a girl went missing as well. We need a lot more information than that. How old is the girl? A child, a teenager, a young woman? What does the girl look like? What is her name? Where is her family? Who is her family? Where did she reside or work? Who were her friends? When did she go missing, and where and when was she last seen?" Aurelio taps his head, "I try not to get hit, so my wits aren't so dull as to realize we need some bread crumbs to follow here." He looks to Callum, "Do you know these things? If not, let's back to where you heard about the girl and find get some answers."

"That would take priority over the paper in Fayetteville for sure. No matter what investigating the girl's disappearance, yield's I have a feeling it is tied to this case. Callum learned this during his haircut. I really like their style. I could use a trim myself." They are obviously an information hub for the town. "Shall we make our way to the shop?" Theo waits for a response?

[Zachary Splindt]

Perception: 1d100: [65] = 65 (23%)
JIC 1D100: 1d100: [48] = 48
JIC 1D20: 1d20: [13] = 13
Conditions: Closed to the Supernatural
Lore: Ghosts and Entities: 1d100: [9] = 9 (45%)

When he stops, she panics a little, believing that she has to add something to the conversation. “Mr. Gypsum was not a nice man,” she blurts out.

"That is if she is a victim. She could be a scared witness hiding, or even involved. Anything is possible at this point. I think the little girl is possibly the key, especially since it isn't in the papers. I would suggest we pull that thread before going to the paper in Fayetteville. But we need to be cautious, I can't imagine how those cops will react to us investigating this. Small town cops have a lot more power than they should due to little oversight."

Zachary raises an eyebrow at the mention of Gypsum's change in demeanor, as well as Theo's implication that there's a possibility the girl could have been a witness or an accomplice. Well that changes things. A ghost is a ghost, but a ghost oughta have a reason for going on a murderous rampage. It sounds kind of familiar to a couple more aggressive phantoms I ran into a while back. Wonder if I can remember how they differed from other ghosts... Zachary tries to think back, using his past experiences to try and recall if there were particular types of ghosts that sought vengeance on the living rather than desiring wanton destruction. Lore: Ghosts and Entities

"What we know based on what Callum has stated so far is that a girl went missing as well. We need a lot more information than that. How old is the girl? A child, a teenager, a young woman? What does the girl look like? What is her name? Where is her family? Who is her family? Where did she reside or work? Who were her friends? When did she go missing, and where and when was she last seen?" Aurelio taps his head, "I try not to get hit, so my wits aren't so dull as to realize we need some bread crumbs to follow here." He looks to Callum, "Do you know these things? If not, let's back to where you heard about the girl and find get some answers."

"That would take priority over the paper in Fayetteville for sure. No matter what investigating the girl's disappearance, yield's I have a feeling it is tied to this case. Callum learned this during his haircut. I really like their style. I could use a trim myself." They are obviously an information hub for the town. "Shall we make our way to the shop?" Theo waits for a response?

"A shave?" inquired Zachary, "Don't see how that helps u-... oh." Zachary feels a bit stupid for not having noticed earlier. "Suppose that's as good of a bread crumb trail as any. Got a mind to revisit this lake too, assuming this missing girl and whatever lies in the lake are related." If the barber shop happens to be nearby, Zachary opens the door and walks in with a wave.

[Consumer]

A Visitor

Location: Glen Jean, West Virginia
Date: Tuesday, March 20th, 1925. 9:10 AM (5 Minutes have passed)
Weather: 53 degrees Fahrenheit; Light clouds.
I.S.P. Modifier: x2 Investigating the Supernatural (Claudia is at x3)
Case Notes

A real meeting of the minds happens on the streets of Glen Jean, as the investigators go over what they’ve found out. One of the more game changing pieces of info is that before all these men died, a girl of indeterminate age went missing. Theo immediately has a theory, that Aurelio tempers with the most basic of questions needed to support it. Aurelio and Claudia let the group know that the last victim was not a nice individual, in the least. Zachary begins to think about his actual area of expertise.

Zachary considers the known facts and thinks if it is the case, the culprit could be some type of haunting entity in the lake, a vengeful kind of spirit that is known for causing suffering and death. The hows and whys of it are still unknown to the ghost hunter, but the idea has weight.

Theo, not one to sit still, thinks it’s best to go back to the barber shop and ask more questions. Though given his usual style of questioning, may or may not yield information. So he begins to head to the Barbershop, followed by at least Zachary (Not sure if the others care to follow or not). Upon their arrival, they are greeted politely. ”Greetings, what can we do for you?” Asks an old man in an apron.

What Are Your Intentions?

Aurellio: HP: 33/33, S.D.C.: 76/76.
Claudia: HP: 22/22, S.D.C.: 13/13, I.S.P.: 51/42
Callum: HP: 37/37, S.D.C.: 49/49, I.S.P.: 44/44.
Zachary: HP: 21/21, S.D.C. 29/29, I.S.P.: 14/14
Theo: HP: 20/20, S.D.C. 48/48

[Claudia]

Perception: 1d100: [24] = 24 / 36%
JIC: 1d20: [16] = 16 / 1d100: [9] = 9
Current I.S.P.: 53/63
Conditions: Open to the Supernatural, Sixth Sense?, Psychic Bloodhound?
Impervious to Hypnotic Suggestion, Mind Controlling Drugs and most forms of Mind Control (including magic)
Skills:

Glen Jean

Claudia watches as Theo and Zachary walk off in the direction of the barbershop. Then her gaze bounces between her uncle and Callum, waiting for either of them to speak up. It’s clear that she isn’t sure of the next step. Should we find the girl? she silently wonders. Were the others mean too? Maybe they tried to hurt her… Her desire to return to the lake nags her. The bad things happened there.

[Callum]

Precp 43%: 1d100: [60] = 60
JIC: 1d20: [10] = 10 1d100: [74] = 74

Conditions:
Closed to the Supernatural
ISP: 22/22

Callum smiles sadly at Claudia as he thinks about his unknown girl, then he looks up at Ari, "All good questions my friend but I didn't want to spoil the conversation so I tried to keep things simple. They also said the mines are a hard place to work and the company cares little about its employees, though maybe we can pull that thread if we decide to investigate that article about the mines." He shrugs to the big man. So many oddities in the world. We can't solve them all, but I would like to make the world a better place. Now if only the governments would stop getting into wars. You'd think that The Great War would be the end of it.

Looking back down the road to where Theo and Zack went into the barber shop, he says back to Ari and Claudia, "I can't help but think there are answers at the lake."

[Aurelio]

Perception: 52% / 1d100: [99] = 99
JIC: 1d20: [6] = 6 1d100: [83] = 83
Language: English 72% / 1d100: [49] = 49
Literacy: English 50% / 1d100: [13] = 13
Conditions: Closed to the Supernatural. Heals twice as quickly as normal. Incredibly strong. +2 v Magic/Toxins.
Location: Glen Jean
Current Investigation: The drowning death of Mr. Gipsum, late of Glen Jean, West Virginia.
Case Notes

Looking back down the road to where Theo and Zack went into the barber shop, he says back to Ari and Claudia, "I can't help but think there are answers at the lake."

Ari looks from Callum to Claudia and back to Callum. "I've had something of a feeling since we got here that Claudia wanted to go there, too. Perhaps you'd follow us? I suppose you could ride behind me on the motorcycle if you hold tight." He picks his teeth a moment before pulling a Lucky out and lighting it. Claudia's been looking at me strangely since we got here. It's like she's been trying to give me the hee-bee-jeebies. "Maybe while the others ask some more questions, we can find some physical answers down by the lake." Ari heads for his motorcycle, presumably with Claudia & Callum close behind. He'll head off for the lake and park in the same spot as last time upon arrival.

[Theo]

Perception: 25% / 1d100: [14] = 14
JIC: 1d20: [5] = 5 1d100: [59] = 59

Conditions: Closed to the Supernatural.+ 1v Magic/Horror Factor, +3 Psionics.

A Visitor

Location: Glen Jean, West Virginia
Date: Tuesday, March 20th, 1925. 9:10 AM (5 Minutes have passed)
Weather: 53 degrees Fahrenheit; Light clouds.
I.S.P. Modifier: x2 Investigating the Supernatural (Claudia is at x3)
Case Notes

”Greetings, what can we do for you?” Asks an old man in an apron.

"Good Morning sir. A friend of mine came in here just a bit ago and got himself a haircut and came out looking sharp as tack." He takes off his hat and shows his longer than comfortable hair. "Was hoping I could get my hair and beard trimmed up nice." If they agree he will sit in the chair and let them give him the one haircut they have in the 20's and clean up his beard.

While sitting there he says, "This town is real nice. This is my first time to Glen Jean, but it truly is a pretty place. I am looking forward to coming back and fishing that amazing lake. It would be my first time fishing since coming back from overseas. It's been hard to get away from the Police force in Richmond. That life took its toll so I decided to start anew, retired early. I work at the engine house in Prosperity. There is something of a rebirth doing honest labor again. Decided to branch out and explore this country. A thing of beauty West Virginia is. This is a coal town isn't it? I had an uncle that was a miner in Kentucky. Black Lung took him, but he provided for his family and lived a good life. A hard one, but a good one." You are talking too much again Theo. Let them talk. "What's life like here in Glen Jean?"

[Zachary Splindt]

Perception: 1d100: [53] = 53 (23%)
JIC 1D100: 1d100: [36] = 36
JIC 1D20: 1d20: [12] = 12
Conditions: Closed to the Supernatural

Zachary enters the barber shop with Theo. Before the detective can figure out to ask however, Theo has already taken a seat for a haircut and a shave. Not knowing what exactly how to interpret this social situation, Zachary awkwardly stands to the side and listens in to the conversation.

While sitting there he says, "This town is real nice. This is my first time to Glen Jean, but it truly is a pretty place. I am looking forward to coming back and fishing that amazing lake. It would be my first time fishing since coming back from overseas. It's been hard to get away from the Police force in Richmond. That life took its toll so I decided to start anew, retired early. I work at the engine house in Prosperity. There is something of a rebirth doing honest labor again. Decided to branch out and explore this country. A thing of beauty West Virginia is. This is a coal town isn't it? I had an uncle that was a miner in Kentucky. Black Lung took him, but he provided for his family and lived a good life. A hard one, but a good one." You are talking too much again Theo. Let them talk. "What's life like here in Glen Jean?"

The mines! Zachary thinks to himself, That's one place we never checked. If those cops were hiding something, or if someone went missing... something tells me it would have been there. Maybe Gypsum was a miner? Hoping his next words don't upset the barber, Zachary begins to speak. "Is it still coal town? Not sure if mining is still the profession it used to be."

[Consumer]

A Visitor

Location: Glen Jean, West Virginia
Date: Tuesday, March 20th, 1925. 9:20 AM (10 Minutes have passed)
Weather: 53 degrees Fahrenheit; Light clouds.
I.S.P. Modifier: x2 Investigating the Supernatural (Claudia is at x3)
Case Notes

A seemingly unspoken decision happens once more as the group splits up once more. Theo and Zachary make their way to the barber’s shop, while Aurelio, Claudia, and Callum get real cozy on Aurelio’s Harley with a sidecar, making their way to the lake.

Theo and Zachary are greeted, and Theo announces his intentions to get a haircut and a beard trim. One of the old men waves Theo over to a chair and begins his work, putting a cloth over Theo’s large shoulders. Before moving off to get his supplies. The shop smells of disinfectant, cleaners, and cigar smoke.

"This town is real nice. This is my first time to Glen Jean, but it truly is a pretty place. I am looking forward to coming back and fishing that amazing lake. It would be my first time fishing since coming back from overseas. It's been hard to get away from the Police force in Richmond. That life took its toll so I decided to start anew, retired early. I work at the engine house in Prosperity. There is something of a rebirth doing honest labor again. Decided to branch out and explore this country. A thing of beauty West Virginia is. This is a coal town isn't it? I had an uncle that was a miner in Kentucky. Black Lung took him, but he provided for his family and lived a good life. A hard one, but a good one... What's life like here in Glen Jean?"

Theo’s thoughts of him maybe talking too much seem well founded enough, as the barber pauses in his work. Theo notices the others in the shop also quiet down, like Theo has said some magic word to cause a pause in the general conversation. ”I’d be really careful here son. B&L don’t take kindly to nosy folk in their company towns. Just a bit of advice. Other than that, nice enough town, more for the younger men than us old guys. A lot of outsiders recently.” The Barber says, his tone even and non-threatening, really more parental than anything.

The Barber continues his work, when Zachary pipes up.

"Is it still coal town? Not sure if mining is still the profession it used to be."

The old folk in the shop all kind of stare at Zachary as if he’s said the strangest thing. ”You’re definitely not from around here, stranger. Coal is life in West Virginia. We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t” One of the old men playing checkers says.

Meanwhile after a short, cozy ride, the trio arrives at the lake, more of a very large pond if one were to be real honest. The short dock the group saw the day before is surprisingly empty of people. The wind near the lake has picked up and while very normal seeming, is uncomfortably carrying a chill. Claudia can hear what she could consider wailing, faint, and carried on the breeze. (See PM ~Consumer)

What Are Your Intentions?

Aurellio: HP: 33/33, S.D.C.: 76/76.
Claudia: HP: 22/22, S.D.C.: 13/13, I.S.P.: 51/42
Callum: HP: 37/37, S.D.C.: 49/49, I.S.P.: 44/44.
Zachary: HP: 21/21, S.D.C. 29/29, I.S.P.: 14/14
Theo: HP: 20/20, S.D.C. 48/48

[Callum]

Precp 43%: 1d100: [21] = 21
JIC: 1d20: [7] = 7 1d100: [63] = 63

Conditions:
Closed to the Supernatural
ISP: 22/22

Tracking (people) 45%: 1d100: [100] = 100 To search around the pond for evidence of a struggle

Callum makes his way out onto the dock, almost tempted to dive into the pond and see what happens but the chill wind dispels that idea almost before he has it. Feels colder than it should. Bah, its just the wind coming off the pond.

Instead Callum looks up at Ari and says, "Unless you want me to hand around here. I'm gonna circle the bank as best I can. See if I can find any evidence of a struggle." He gives a slight shrug, "I doubt I will. With the number of people that were here yesterday and how long its been. Anyway, I won't go in the water."

Callum looks off to either side of the dock trying to find a good place to start. If the girl was harmed here it wouldn't have been out in the open. It'd be a secluded spot. He starts walking down the dock and back toward the bank, If it is some kind of psychic event, the men could have gotten to close to the lake. He rubs his arms as a chill passes over him.

[Aurelio]

Perception: 52% / 1d100: [48] = 48
JIC: 1d20: [20] = 20 1d100: [3] = 3
Language: English 72% / 1d100: [3] = 3
Literacy: English 50% / 1d100: [85] = 85
Conditions: Closed to the Supernatural. Heals twice as quickly as normal. Incredibly strong. +2 v Magic/Toxins.
Location:
Current Investigation: The drowning death of Mr. Gipsum, late of Glen Jean, West Virginia.
Case Notes

Instead Callum looks up at Ari and says, "Unless you want me to hand around here. I'm gonna circle the bank as best I can. See if I can find any evidence of a struggle." He gives a slight shrug, "I doubt I will. With the number of people that were here yesterday and how long its been. Anyway, I won't go in the water."

Ari reples, "Kevin spoke of a snag on the other side, a patch of rough area where it's not safe to fish from. Probably not safe for one's line and pole is what he meant, but that might be a good place to start. We'll follow behind you here in a minute at a reasonable pace. Gonna let Claudia get a feel for the place from the dock a bit first." Aurelio tries to never let his eyes stray from his niece while at the lake. She nearly fell in the other day. Gotta keep an eye on her.