Results 61 to 90 of 119
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2019-08-30, 06:21 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Aug 2013
- Location
- California
- Gender
Re: ACExtravaganza's Alone Against the Flames IC
By this point you are not surprised to find there is no published work on Emberhead’s Festival. Winters pokes around and finds a cased monograph, handwritten on yellowing paper by a Dr. Aniolowski. “An acquaintance of my father’s, I believe,” Winters says.
The manuscript is somewhat difficult to read and you make slow progress. Aniolowski speculates that the Festival has its origin in Pagan rites brought over by Celtic settlers, which celebrate the ancient festivals of Beltane, Samhuinn, Imbolc, and Lughnasadh. There is some discussion of the struggle between the seasons and a couple of oblique references to “the alignment” in Emberhead. Aniolowski suggests that the meaning of the Festival slowly changed around the turn of the century.
The monograph terminates mid-sentence at the end of page 28, just as it begins to discuss the modern practices. You ask Winters if he has the remaining pages.
“No. I’m afraid those have been misplaced,” he says. “Perhaps they are still in the library somewhere, but...” He shrugs. “I must make the time for a thorough stock take.”
The afternoon wears on. You have not quite finished your reading when Winters glances out of the window and stands up. He clears his throat.
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Please give me a credit rating roll (1d100) to see if Winters approves of leaving you on your lonesome within the library/records office.
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2019-08-30, 07:53 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Sep 2016
Re: ACExtravaganza's Alone Against the Flames IC
First roll is the one you asked for
(1d100)[4]
Second roll is for Library Use
(1d100)[65]
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2019-08-30, 09:38 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Aug 2013
- Location
- California
- Gender
Re: ACExtravaganza's Alone Against the Flames IC
“I’m happy to leave you in charge for a half-hour or so.” He smiles. “Please don’t issue any books without a valid library card.” He subsequently winks.
You thank Winters for his trust and continue with your reading for a time. As the light dims, you find yourself yawning in the closeness of the room. Perhaps it is time for a change of material.
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As Felix looks around, please give me a Spot Hidden roll (you consider yourself an amateur in this field).
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2019-08-30, 10:08 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Sep 2016
Re: ACExtravaganza's Alone Against the Flames IC
(1d100)[7]
for length
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2019-08-30, 10:18 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Aug 2013
- Location
- California
- Gender
Re: ACExtravaganza's Alone Against the Flames IC
Emberhead, 6:36 PM, September 2nd, 1921
As you scan the shelves you try to move aside one of the three volumes of Walpole’s A Comprehensive Grammar of the Andean Peoples. It will not shift, and upon further inspection, you find the three volumes are actually glued together and attached to the wall. Is this some kind of unobtrusive way to reinforce the shelves?
You hear footsteps in the hall and, on instinct, move away from this curious discovery.
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You have succeeded in a Spot Hidden roll, and thus your skill might improve by the end of the adventure.
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The door opens and Winters re-enters the library. He wears a small, satisfied smile. His gaze shifts to you where you stand at the shelves. “Exhausted our stock already? Of course we accept donations.” He chuckles. “I’m afraid it’s closing time.”
You leave the building with Winters and wait as he locks up. You thank him for the coffee and the access to the library. He strolls away down Silbury Street.
Emberhead, 7:49 PM, September 2nd, 1921
As the light fades, you return to the Ledbetter house and eat a light supper. May is unusually taciturn. Ruth’s eyes flick to yours several times during the meal. There is an urgency there you cannot quite interpret. Afterwards, May ushers the girl into their room.
You have been in Emberhead for barely one whole day and you already feel confined by it, both geographically and socially. The evening seems to offer little.
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What would you like to do tonight? Maybe ask Ruth about what happened, or, the night is looking quite clear, would you like to go stargazing?
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2019-08-30, 10:26 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Sep 2016
Re: ACExtravaganza's Alone Against the Flames IC
Contrive for some way to get alone with Ruth so her mother doesn't know what she's saying. not sure what skill that would be, maybe persuade?
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2019-08-30, 10:30 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Aug 2013
- Location
- California
- Gender
Re: ACExtravaganza's Alone Against the Flames IC
In time, May returns to the kitchen and busies herself clearing up. To speak to Ruth, as you've mentioned you will need to get May to leave for a short while. You help with the dishes and try to think of some ruse. In time, an idea comes and you ask about Silas and his friends in the village.
May narrows her eyes. “He knows Troy on the other side of town,” she says. “Not sure I’d call them friends. More like an old feuding couple. But he probably spent last night at Troy’s place.”
You ask May if she could visit Troy and ask if Silas mentioned any plans to return. May looks dubious. “Right now?” she asks.
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Please provide to me dialogue of what your character is saying. Is Felix appealing to her emotions? Is he using rationality -- explaining how a further delay threatens your new career at Miskatonic? Or is he simply trying to rush her into compliance?Last edited by zingbobco000; 2019-08-30 at 10:30 PM.
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2019-08-30, 10:38 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Sep 2016
Re: ACExtravaganza's Alone Against the Flames IC
I'm sorry for the inconvenience, and I really do wish I'd thought of it earlier, but it would be very helpful for me. You have such a lovely tight-nit community here, I'm sure he wouldn't mind this late of an intrusion, but I really must get to Miskatonic on time, you see I have a lecture comming up and if I were to miss my first lecture I fear the school might think I don't really care about my responsibilities or worse, may not keep me on at all.
Last edited by ACExtravaganza; 2019-08-30 at 10:39 PM.
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2019-08-30, 10:39 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Aug 2013
- Location
- California
- Gender
Re: ACExtravaganza's Alone Against the Flames IC
Give me a Persuade roll (you are a professional in this field) please.
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2019-08-30, 10:41 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Sep 2016
Re: ACExtravaganza's Alone Against the Flames IC
Luck, don't fail me now! (1d100)[12]
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2019-08-30, 10:44 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Aug 2013
- Location
- California
- Gender
Re: ACExtravaganza's Alone Against the Flames IC
Apparently luck didn't fail you!
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“Well… I suppose it will only take a few minutes.” May fetches a coat and heads out into the night. You give her time to get clear, then rap on the bedroom door. Nothing comes but silence. Then feet pad across the floor and the door opens a few inches. Ruth’s eyes stare through the gap, glancing from left to right. You explain her mother has left the house and ask what has been bothering her. Those eyes flick up to stare at you.
“It’s tomorrow,” she whispers. “Same as every year. They took my da. They’ll take you, if you let them.”
The conviction in her eyes is chilling. You press her. Who is she talking about?
“All of them. Every one. They’ve been watching since you got here. You’re marked.” Her voice is hollow. “One year, when I’m older… they’ll take me.”
You hear footsteps approaching from outside. Ruth’s eyes flash and the bedroom door slams. You turn back to drying the dishes. May enters and removes her coat.
“That man is a waste of time,” she hisses, and heads through to the bedroom.
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You have succeeded in a Persuade roll, you may be given the opportunity to improve it after this adventure!
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The familiar surroundings of your guest room are becoming constrictive. The neat bed, small wardrobe, and dressing mirror have the feel of a prison cell about them. What are you still doing here in Emberhead? Your new life is elsewhere.
You lie on the bed and stare at a small crack in the ceiling. You turn over the day’s events, thinking through the little details you spotted. You are certainly weary from the elevation and the fresh air. But do you still feel safe here?
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Are you going to fall asleep?Last edited by zingbobco000; 2019-08-30 at 10:44 PM.
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2019-08-30, 10:50 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Sep 2016
Re: ACExtravaganza's Alone Against the Flames IC
I think I'm going to head out. You said it was a clear night, so it shouldn't be too dark. I'm going to take my things and walk in the direction the next town should be in, the opposite road out of the way I came.
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2019-08-30, 11:02 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Aug 2013
- Location
- California
- Gender
Re: ACExtravaganza's Alone Against the Flames IC
Emberhead, 10:17 PM, September 2nd, 1921
You take money, water, and some sandwiches. It seems polite to leave May Ledbetter a note explaining the situation and that you will return for your bags as soon as possible... but in all honesty, this place just gives you the shivers. The sky is by now flecked with a couple clouds, but the sky is clear and the stars shine down upon the road. At this point the sky shows no sign of imminent rain.
As you descend on the southern road and follow it around to the east. The black metal structure looms on the promontory above. You shiver as you pass the lower huts and head out of Emberhead.
After the miserable, enclosed streets of Emberhead, you are refreshed by the open air and sense of progress. An hour later, however, the empty road ceases to be a novelty. You have just entered the first patch of woodland when you hear an eerie, lilting howl from the north.
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Please give me a Spot Hidden (you are a Amateur in this field) roll and a Natural World (you are a Neophyte in this field) roll.
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2019-08-30, 11:07 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Sep 2016
Re: ACExtravaganza's Alone Against the Flames IC
spot hidden
(1d100)[46]
and natural world
(1d100)[68]
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2019-08-30, 11:08 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Aug 2013
- Location
- California
- Gender
Re: ACExtravaganza's Alone Against the Flames IC
You hesitate at the howl. You have grown up in the familiar landscape of the town among books of anthropology and archeology. Wild animals are a little outside your experience. Is it unwise to head on into the unknown by yourself, during the night no less?
Last edited by zingbobco000; 2019-08-30 at 11:08 PM.
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2019-08-30, 11:13 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Sep 2016
Re: ACExtravaganza's Alone Against the Flames IC
How far out am I? I might try climbing a tree for the night...
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2019-08-30, 11:18 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Aug 2013
- Location
- California
- Gender
Re: ACExtravaganza's Alone Against the Flames IC
You're maybe one hour or so out, you don't feel too tired just yet, but then again... it is getting late. Alternatively, you might be able to return to the village.
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The Woods Outside Emberhead, 11:04 PM, September 2nd, 1921
As you look around considering trees to climb for a rest, a second call answers the first, but it sounds further away. You've been following the road through woodland.
Branches lean over the road. The foliage is quite beautiful, from gold to russet and a deep, rich red. Fallen leaves crunch beneath your feet.
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So are you planning on climbing a tree and resting now or pushing on for a bit longer?
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2019-08-30, 11:19 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Sep 2016
Re: ACExtravaganza's Alone Against the Flames IC
I'm going to climb the tree.
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2019-08-30, 11:21 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Aug 2013
- Location
- California
- Gender
Re: ACExtravaganza's Alone Against the Flames IC
You begin to search for a climbable tree as another cry splits the gloom. It is the same unearthly call you heard when you entered the first patch of woodland, but this time with a grating undertone that makes you shiver. It seems closer.
You select a tree with obvious footholds and a thick branch at about twice your height. You haul yourself up. You are not dressed for this.
The echoing call comes again, and this time it is answered by something closer to you. This seems a good time to get off the ground.
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Please give me an Easy Climb (you consider yourself an amateur in this field) roll (easy means that you only fail on a 96-100).Last edited by zingbobco000; 2019-08-30 at 11:21 PM.
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2019-08-30, 11:23 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Sep 2016
Re: ACExtravaganza's Alone Against the Flames IC
characters!
(1d100)[74]
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2019-08-30, 11:26 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Aug 2013
- Location
- California
- Gender
Re: ACExtravaganza's Alone Against the Flames IC
You ease yourself onto the widest branch you can see. It is less than comfortable, but you do at least feel safer in this elevated position.
Night settles slowly around you. The woods come alive with small noises: scratching nearby, distant bird calls, and the gentle rustle of leaves. Although you're a bit afraid from the sounds you hear, you quickly find yourself yawning. You loop your belt around the branch and your clothing, to hold yourself in place as best you can. Then you close your eyes.
In your dreams, the trees change position, lifting their roots from the ground, and shuffling to another spot before planting themselves again. This seems perfectly normal, companionable even. They start to glow, a greenish-yellow as the flames lick—
Flames?
The trees begin to scream.
Tongues of flickering fire snake up the tree towards you. You scrabble at the belt which binds you to this pyre, coughing as the vapors fill your throat, choking—
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Please give me a Sanity roll.
Oh boy, our first one of these...
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2019-08-30, 11:36 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Sep 2016
Re: ACExtravaganza's Alone Against the Flames IC
Lets see how sane I am...
(1d100)[27]
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2019-08-30, 11:51 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Aug 2013
- Location
- California
- Gender
Re: ACExtravaganza's Alone Against the Flames IC
Something is not right here. Even as your fingers find the clasp of the belt and open it, some rational part of your mind recognizes that this fire does not look natural. And trees neither scream nor move by themselves.
The belt releases and you drop through air. Can you see figures there? Coming out of the dark—
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You have lost 1 hit point as you fall through the air.
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The skin of your face feels warm. There is a mattress beneath you. You blink against the sunlight. A blurred figure swims in your vision.
“You’re awake. It’s May. May Ledbetter.”
You shift and pain wracks your body. You feel bruised, and your head throbs. May comes into focus.
“You’re lucky to be alive. A farmer found you in the small hours, lying by the road. Patched you up and brought you back on his cart. Said you were in the middle of the woods somewhere? Best take it easy today. I’ll look in on you later.”
The farmer and his cart are long gone, of course. You snooze for just a little longer, you can barely move and your bones ache, but eventually... you get up.
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Luckily for you, during your recovery you received First Aid which healed 1 hit point of damage.
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Emberhead, 9:29 AM, September 3rd, 1921
By the time you get up the Ledbetter kitchen is empty, although bread and eggs have been laid out for your breakfast. There is a note from May explaining that she has taken Ruth out for a few hours.
You make a quiet circuit of the village, pausing in unobtrusive places to watch the villagers. It is rather busy for this time in the morning. Yawning locals stream back and forward along the roads, carrying bundles of split logs to the site of what you’ve heard referred to as the Beacon. You see two figures already up in its superstructure, arranging the wood. The Festival bonfire will be most impressive. But do you intend to stay to see it? You are pretty sure by now that something is amiss here.
While the villagers are distracted, you may do some illicit investigation. Or you may simply leave town without looking back.
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Would you like to, search May's room while she's not there? Take a look at the strange bookshelf in the Village Hall? Head to the artisan's courtyard and investigate? Spy on activity at the beacon? Or just try and slip down the east road to flee for good?Last edited by zingbobco000; 2019-08-30 at 11:51 PM.
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2019-08-30, 11:55 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Sep 2016
Re: ACExtravaganza's Alone Against the Flames IC
investigate first. Dam Felix's curiosity...
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2019-08-30, 11:56 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Aug 2013
- Location
- California
- Gender
Re: ACExtravaganza's Alone Against the Flames IC
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2019-08-30, 11:59 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Sep 2016
Re: ACExtravaganza's Alone Against the Flames IC
Sorry, probably try to get someone alone and persuade them to tell me details about the festival.
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2019-08-31, 12:00 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Aug 2013
- Location
- California
- Gender
Re: ACExtravaganza's Alone Against the Flames IC
Give me an Intelligence (Idea) roll please.
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2019-08-31, 12:01 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Sep 2016
Re: ACExtravaganza's Alone Against the Flames IC
No, this isn't ominous at all...
(1d100)[22]
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2019-08-31, 12:02 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Aug 2013
- Location
- California
- Gender
Re: ACExtravaganza's Alone Against the Flames IC
Based on the interactions he's had previously with the villagers, it seems most of them are pretty intent on having whatever this festival is. For the time being, he's able to simply walk around unnoticed, but talking to someone might attract unwanted attention, after all, it seems that many forces are conniving to keep him stuck in this town.
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2019-08-31, 12:05 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Sep 2016
Re: ACExtravaganza's Alone Against the Flames IC
Start walking out of town again.