Eric
You've never gotten used to the groaning of the frogs. Most
people think that they chirp with an innocent "ribbit" but when
you're at the marshy waterfront surrounded by hundreds of them they sound more
like dying moans of the dead after a battlefield. You remember the fire and
brimstone sermons the pastor used to give; he'd always say that hell was full
of inverted choirs of the damned gasping in agony. As a child you'd hear those
choirs every summer night in the croaking of the legions of frogs in the
swamp. You were far too young for those kinds of sermons. You were far too
young for a lot of things.
You are on a motor boat humming its way through the swamp. Night has recently fallen. The spindly trees raise their twisted branches above the water, creating a strange canopy. It is uncomfortably humid and muggy as it usually is in the summer here. It feels like you are swimming through the air itself. Heat lightning occasionally cracks through the sky, illuminating the sharp thorns and branches before a distant boom many seconds later. Crickets and insects buzz, but they are mostly drowned out by those frogs. Those god damned frogs.
There is an old man by the rudder of the row boat. He is hearing a wide hat and overalls and nothing else. He chews on a long reed as he pilots the small craft. You are wearing a light suit, an offwhite seersucker, with a matching hat. Inside the jacket pocket (heat be damned you are keeping your jacket on!) is a LETTER and a POCKET WATCH.
I'll recognize most of your ACTIONS, but in general you con go any cardinal direction NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST etc, you can LOOK to see your surroundings or LOOK AT anything specific. You can TALK TO people or PICK UP items. INVENTORY or INV will let you check your inventory, COMBINE will let you interact two different objects in your inventory. Z will let you wait, usually for one hour. TIME lets you check your pocket watch.
You are on a motor boat humming its way through the swamp. Night has recently fallen. The spindly trees raise their twisted branches above the water, creating a strange canopy. It is uncomfortably humid and muggy as it usually is in the summer here. It feels like you are swimming through the air itself. Heat lightning occasionally cracks through the sky, illuminating the sharp thorns and branches before a distant boom many seconds later. Crickets and insects buzz, but they are mostly drowned out by those frogs. Those god damned frogs.
There is an old man by the rudder of the row boat. He is hearing a wide hat and overalls and nothing else. He chews on a long reed as he pilots the small craft. You are wearing a light suit, an offwhite seersucker, with a matching hat. Inside the jacket pocket (heat be damned you are keeping your jacket on!) is a LETTER and a POCKET WATCH.
I'll recognize most of your ACTIONS, but in general you con go any cardinal direction NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST etc, you can LOOK to see your surroundings or LOOK AT anything specific. You can TALK TO people or PICK UP items. INVENTORY or INV will let you check your inventory, COMBINE will let you interact two different objects in your inventory. Z will let you wait, usually for one hour. TIME lets you check your pocket watch.
Adam
TIME; then READ LETTER; then TALK to OLD MAN, specifically
asking him how long until we arrive.
Eric
Your Pocket Watch says 8:30 PM
Eric
Taped onto the letter is a tiny KEY with the name SIMON
ZIMMER carved on it.
You've read this letter countless times in the past month since the police handed it to you. As you read it again you realize that you have memorized every word.
"Calvin,
Others might question why I’ve addressed this to you. To them it may seem that we haven’t spoken to each other in decades. But we both know that these past couple years we’ve corresponded with each other in our dreams. Every night we’d awaken from whatever lie we’ve built for ourselves as adults and return to who we really are and where we really belong. God had allowed us to return to Lord’s Landing once again; where we can play along the docks and splash in the river, troll the swamp and explore the old ruins. Every night we were allowed to bathe in the outside warmth and catch fireflies in the secluded gardens. In our dreams we were allowed to speak to James again, although we couldn’t tell him how sorry we are that we couldn’t save him.
I know you know this. I know you shared these visions. I know how astonished you are that you could meet James and Ginny again. James was always the best of the three of us, the smartest and the bravest. And Ginny… we both loved her with all our hearts. In our cold adult life James died for his goodness and Ginny is still trapped there in Lord’s Landing but every night we got to return to a place of new adventures, of first loves, of second chances.
I’ve been taking opium more and more in order to return to my childhood. Those in the cold outside world said my work slipped, my friends and acquaintances ignored as I spent more and more time in my dreams. They didn’t know how quickly these dreams turned sour, how terrible Lord’s Landing could really be. How we, once again, heard news of our friends and loved ones disappearing into the swamp and reappearing dead and eviscerated impossibly. The fear that came into our hearts as the swamp came to surround the town and tried to swallow it whole. How evil the grownups actually were.
The Lord of the Frogs has returned. It demands a sacrifice even greater than the one before. In my grown life, my adult lie, I was a considerable biologist and I managed to use my talents and resources to help you find ways to fight it. I understand you are a private investigator now. People thought you were stupid back then, because of your size and your grades. Everyone underestimated you. I’ve always known you had a knack for deductive thinking. You need to be the one to fix this. This key in this envelope should open a lockbox in the post office there. Ask for SIMON’S PACKAGE.
I cannot join you, I simply can’t. If James was the greatest of us then I am surely the least, but I cannot return to Lord’s Landing. I fear it too much. It must be you. Return to our home. Stop the monster for good this time.
I go now to that place of childhood and happiness forever. I go now to that Lord’s Landing that never was, the Lord’s Landing before we discovered how wretched the world really is.
May God Have Mercy on Our Souls,
Simon"
He had hung himself in his tiny apartment. He was emaciated and filthy when the police found him. They asked you what any of this meant, but you'd be a piss poor private eye if you couldn't outwit the cops.
Screw him. He didn't have the balls to return and now you were the only one left. You and Ginny.
You've read this letter countless times in the past month since the police handed it to you. As you read it again you realize that you have memorized every word.
"Calvin,
Others might question why I’ve addressed this to you. To them it may seem that we haven’t spoken to each other in decades. But we both know that these past couple years we’ve corresponded with each other in our dreams. Every night we’d awaken from whatever lie we’ve built for ourselves as adults and return to who we really are and where we really belong. God had allowed us to return to Lord’s Landing once again; where we can play along the docks and splash in the river, troll the swamp and explore the old ruins. Every night we were allowed to bathe in the outside warmth and catch fireflies in the secluded gardens. In our dreams we were allowed to speak to James again, although we couldn’t tell him how sorry we are that we couldn’t save him.
I know you know this. I know you shared these visions. I know how astonished you are that you could meet James and Ginny again. James was always the best of the three of us, the smartest and the bravest. And Ginny… we both loved her with all our hearts. In our cold adult life James died for his goodness and Ginny is still trapped there in Lord’s Landing but every night we got to return to a place of new adventures, of first loves, of second chances.
I’ve been taking opium more and more in order to return to my childhood. Those in the cold outside world said my work slipped, my friends and acquaintances ignored as I spent more and more time in my dreams. They didn’t know how quickly these dreams turned sour, how terrible Lord’s Landing could really be. How we, once again, heard news of our friends and loved ones disappearing into the swamp and reappearing dead and eviscerated impossibly. The fear that came into our hearts as the swamp came to surround the town and tried to swallow it whole. How evil the grownups actually were.
The Lord of the Frogs has returned. It demands a sacrifice even greater than the one before. In my grown life, my adult lie, I was a considerable biologist and I managed to use my talents and resources to help you find ways to fight it. I understand you are a private investigator now. People thought you were stupid back then, because of your size and your grades. Everyone underestimated you. I’ve always known you had a knack for deductive thinking. You need to be the one to fix this. This key in this envelope should open a lockbox in the post office there. Ask for SIMON’S PACKAGE.
I cannot join you, I simply can’t. If James was the greatest of us then I am surely the least, but I cannot return to Lord’s Landing. I fear it too much. It must be you. Return to our home. Stop the monster for good this time.
I go now to that place of childhood and happiness forever. I go now to that Lord’s Landing that never was, the Lord’s Landing before we discovered how wretched the world really is.
May God Have Mercy on Our Souls,
Simon"
He had hung himself in his tiny apartment. He was emaciated and filthy when the police found him. They asked you what any of this meant, but you'd be a piss poor private eye if you couldn't outwit the cops.
Screw him. He didn't have the balls to return and now you were the only one left. You and Ginny.
Eric
You are about ask OLD FERDINAND (he looked the same now as
he did 20 years ago!) that very question but he announces first "alright
we're headed out of the swamp. Welcome to Lord's Landing Mr.
Merryweather."
The boat emerges onto the headwaters of the LORD CHRIST RIVER. The lights of the town and the dock glow welcomingly and violin music echoes across the waters. It is as lovely as it ever was, but this doesn't ease the fear in your heart.
The boat emerges onto the headwaters of the LORD CHRIST RIVER. The lights of the town and the dock glow welcomingly and violin music echoes across the waters. It is as lovely as it ever was, but this doesn't ease the fear in your heart.
Adam
PUT AWAY the LETTER; TIME; ASK OLD FERDINAND, "Has
anyone else come this way lately?"
Eric
The old man chuckles,
"nope! Most damn fools from the city take the long road through the swamp but you were smart enough to catch a boat with Ol' Ferdinand and go the short way!" He slaps his knee
"Just you an me an OL SCRATCH has the sense to come this way! But tell me now, this handsome man in front of me used to be Big Cal? Big Silent Cal is now fancy Mr. Merryweather the Private Eye!"
He has a hardy good natured laugh
"nope! Most damn fools from the city take the long road through the swamp but you were smart enough to catch a boat with Ol' Ferdinand and go the short way!" He slaps his knee
"Just you an me an OL SCRATCH has the sense to come this way! But tell me now, this handsome man in front of me used to be Big Cal? Big Silent Cal is now fancy Mr. Merryweather the Private Eye!"
He has a hardy good natured laugh
Adam
ASK, "Where's OL SCRATCH now?
Eric
"Heh Ol' Scratch is in hell wardinin' the damned as is
his duty. But he's got plenny of his spies up here though." He gestures at
the fireflies which pulsate in the evening dark. "See them night embers
over yonder are used to be pagan spirits before the Good Word came. They was mischevious
but kindly. The thing is though they wasn't baptised spirits but rather things
of pure flame. So heaven didnt wannem. An hell had no use for friendly beings.
So the devil gave em a job, told them to keep tabs on mortals during the summer
nights. They'se nice enough for devil-spies though."
He leans over the boat and hollers at the fireflies,
"HOW YOU DOIN OL' SCRATCH? I RECKON ITS JUST AS HOT UP HERE AS IT IS DOWN THERE!"
You recall Ferdinand never quite had all his marbles
He leans over the boat and hollers at the fireflies,
"HOW YOU DOIN OL' SCRATCH? I RECKON ITS JUST AS HOT UP HERE AS IT IS DOWN THERE!"
You recall Ferdinand never quite had all his marbles
Adam
TELL OLD FERDINAND, "Thank you for the journey. Do me a
favor for old times: if anyone asks, I'm not here." LOOK; TIME
Eric
"Alright but I'm not the only one that needs to
keep mum"
He looks suspiciously at the fireflies.
The boat has landed to the edge of the dock. To the NORTH is the town waterfront. Lights flicker merrily from the waterfront homes and noises come from the saloon. To the WEST, jutting out of the water is the LORD'S CROSS, a massive stone slab with a giant wooden cross sticking out of it.
As if the world needed to know this town found religion.
Sitting the base of the Lord's Cross sits a LITTLE BOY playing a violin, who had somehow climbed or swam his way there. He is black and likely no older then twelve. He is playing a sweet ballad on his violin and he is remarkably talented.
It is 8:10
He looks suspiciously at the fireflies.
The boat has landed to the edge of the dock. To the NORTH is the town waterfront. Lights flicker merrily from the waterfront homes and noises come from the saloon. To the WEST, jutting out of the water is the LORD'S CROSS, a massive stone slab with a giant wooden cross sticking out of it.
As if the world needed to know this town found religion.
Sitting the base of the Lord's Cross sits a LITTLE BOY playing a violin, who had somehow climbed or swam his way there. He is black and likely no older then twelve. He is playing a sweet ballad on his violin and he is remarkably talented.
It is 8:10
Adam
WEST; SPEAK to the LITTLE BOY, "Hey kid, how's
tricks?"
Eric
The cross just juts out of the water, its
inaccessible. The boy is a lot more spry then you and a lot less well dressed;
he probably swam or jumped his way there from the dock, though how he kept his
violin dry is a mystery. You are still able to talk to him from the dock or the
boat however.
As you say those words the violin music stops. The kid takes a look at you and shrugs. He then continues playing.
As you say those words the violin music stops. The kid takes a look at you and shrugs. He then continues playing.
Adam
Well screeewwwww him. EAST; NORTH; LOOK; Let's check out
what's going down in Lord's Landing proper.
Eric
You are at the central waterfront. To the North is MAIN
STREET. To the East and West are the EASTERN and WESTERN WATERFRONTS
respectively, where there are more stores like the ones here. To the South is
the DOCK where you can hear lonely violin music. In front of you is a large
PAVILLION with many chairs and a podium where presumably public events and
announcements take place. There is a large wooden NEWS POST with many billets,
flyers and news items posted to it. There are several storefronts with signs beyond
the pavillion. One says: FELIX'S GENERAL GOODS AND ICE CREAM. Another says GOOD
SAMARITAN INN. A third points to some stairs leading underneath the inn which
says HORNYTOAD SALOON. Noises are coming from the saloon.
Something near the pavilion smells strongly of garlic.
Something near the pavilion smells strongly of garlic.
Adam
LOOK NEWS POST
Eric
Today's date is it the top:
July 6th, 1935
Below it in large letters:
CURFEW 12:00 AM NO EXCEPTIONS
There are various NEWS ITEMS about the depression, some of which are fairly old and weathered.
There are more then a couple MISSING CHILD posters.
There is an ADVERTISEMENT at the bottom
Something uncomfortably close to you smells strongly of garlic
July 6th, 1935
Below it in large letters:
CURFEW 12:00 AM NO EXCEPTIONS
There are various NEWS ITEMS about the depression, some of which are fairly old and weathered.
There are more then a couple MISSING CHILD posters.
There is an ADVERTISEMENT at the bottom
Something uncomfortably close to you smells strongly of garlic
Adam
Umm AGRESSIVELY INVESTIGATE GARLIC SMELL
Eric
Just as you begin to notice the garlic smell it disappears.
Huh, that was weird. I'm sure it was nothing.
Huh, that was weird. I'm sure it was nothing.
Adam
AGGRESSIVELY SIGH; LOOK MISSING CHILD POSTERS
Eric
You keep down a sickly feeling as you notice just how many
of them there are. Most of the children seem to come from poorer families whose
options are limited. Many of them are black. All of them have this in common:
the children seem to have simply vanished in the night. The parents tucked them
into bed and the next morning they were gone.
Adam
REMEMBER where GINNY lives
Adam
And where the POST OFFICE is
Eric
GINNY's family used to live a block NORTH and a block WEST,
in a circle with a STATUE at the center. But its been 20 years she certainly
could have moved. Besides no one in Lord's Landing is going to be open to
visitors at this time of night.
The post office is probably still around. That's two blocks NORTH and one block EAST. It was attached to the railway and telegraph station
The post office is probably still around. That's two blocks NORTH and one block EAST. It was attached to the railway and telegraph station
Adam
NORTH; LOOK.
Eric
You are on MAIN STREET which leads from City Hall to the
Boardwalk Pavillion.
You remember its heyday when it teemed with life: cannery workers, fishers, peddlers, swamp trollers, frog hunters, freshwater pearl-divers and river merchants whose colorful small craft docked on the harbor; reputable folk like local politicians and circuit judges using the fine City Hall, archeologists and historians examining the vast ruins in the swamp, bankers and business owners, and even stock brokers who traded money futures on the river market and who would be no better then the alley gangsters and bookies if their gambling were not so thoroughly cloaked in its veneer of class; and also the disreputable folk: sailors and rogues of all stripes, gypsies and fortune tellers, troubadours and vagrants, and of course musicians with their drums and hurdy-gurdies and organs and tambourines and dancing monkeys. All these and more congregated in the busy market days of your childhood.
Time changes things doesn't it? The street is dusty and and riddled with potholes, most of the stores are boarded up and the shambling apartments are empty. It is night, but it isn't hard to see how daytime would like its former bustle. The only places that seem to be in operation at all is the public LIBRARY and the local newspaper, THE LANDING HORN.
To the NORTH is City Hall, still lit up and impressive in the night. To the SOUTH is the Central Boardwalk and Pavillion where the Inn and Tavern still look like they're open. To the WEST are relatively wealthier housing around STATUE CIRCLE. To the EAST is a poor shantytown called the CROW'S NEST for, as you recall, a very unpleasant reason.
You remember its heyday when it teemed with life: cannery workers, fishers, peddlers, swamp trollers, frog hunters, freshwater pearl-divers and river merchants whose colorful small craft docked on the harbor; reputable folk like local politicians and circuit judges using the fine City Hall, archeologists and historians examining the vast ruins in the swamp, bankers and business owners, and even stock brokers who traded money futures on the river market and who would be no better then the alley gangsters and bookies if their gambling were not so thoroughly cloaked in its veneer of class; and also the disreputable folk: sailors and rogues of all stripes, gypsies and fortune tellers, troubadours and vagrants, and of course musicians with their drums and hurdy-gurdies and organs and tambourines and dancing monkeys. All these and more congregated in the busy market days of your childhood.
Time changes things doesn't it? The street is dusty and and riddled with potholes, most of the stores are boarded up and the shambling apartments are empty. It is night, but it isn't hard to see how daytime would like its former bustle. The only places that seem to be in operation at all is the public LIBRARY and the local newspaper, THE LANDING HORN.
To the NORTH is City Hall, still lit up and impressive in the night. To the SOUTH is the Central Boardwalk and Pavillion where the Inn and Tavern still look like they're open. To the WEST are relatively wealthier housing around STATUE CIRCLE. To the EAST is a poor shantytown called the CROW'S NEST for, as you recall, a very unpleasant reason.
Adam
WEST; LOOK.
Eric
You are in STATUE CIRCLE
These townhouses look a little nicer. The neighborhood is positioned around a circle with the old bronze STATUE of CECIL CLEMENTINE. The houses are totally dark. With the warnings you read in the letter and the knowledge of the missing children you can understand why people aren't leaving their houses at night. But are people so scared that they won't turn on lights?
To the NORTH are the Town Gardens. To the WEST is an ominous looking church. To the EAST is Main Street.
A POLICE OFFICER is leaning against a lamp post. He is twirling a nightstick and has a weaselly looking face. He doesn't seem to notice you... yet.
These townhouses look a little nicer. The neighborhood is positioned around a circle with the old bronze STATUE of CECIL CLEMENTINE. The houses are totally dark. With the warnings you read in the letter and the knowledge of the missing children you can understand why people aren't leaving their houses at night. But are people so scared that they won't turn on lights?
To the NORTH are the Town Gardens. To the WEST is an ominous looking church. To the EAST is Main Street.
A POLICE OFFICER is leaning against a lamp post. He is twirling a nightstick and has a weaselly looking face. He doesn't seem to notice you... yet.
Adam
WALK REAL CASUAL LIKE to GINNY'S HOUSE (or at least what I
remember being Ginny's house)
Eric
Its too bad, he sees you and with a predator's speed
corners you.
"What'r'ya doing out this late at night fancypants? Don't reckon the nice people of this neighborhood like strangers stamping around their homes."
You recognize the sharp face cluttered, piebald really, with freckles. Back in school he was JUNIOR HABERGRACE, son of the richest man in town. He was also a psychotic bully. His daddy ED HABERGRACE had to pull so many strings and bribe so many people to keep the stupid creep in school its a wonder the HABERGRACE CANNING COMPANY didn't go bankrupt. You always thought that he'd wind up in jail or in a gutter somewhere.
But a policeman? Ginny's father was the sheriff back in the day and he was a good man. He'd never give a cruel thug like this so much power. But that was decades ago. Maybe the sheriff is someone different? Or maybe Junior changed his ways?
"What'r'ya doing out this late at night fancypants? Don't reckon the nice people of this neighborhood like strangers stamping around their homes."
You recognize the sharp face cluttered, piebald really, with freckles. Back in school he was JUNIOR HABERGRACE, son of the richest man in town. He was also a psychotic bully. His daddy ED HABERGRACE had to pull so many strings and bribe so many people to keep the stupid creep in school its a wonder the HABERGRACE CANNING COMPANY didn't go bankrupt. You always thought that he'd wind up in jail or in a gutter somewhere.
But a policeman? Ginny's father was the sheriff back in the day and he was a good man. He'd never give a cruel thug like this so much power. But that was decades ago. Maybe the sheriff is someone different? Or maybe Junior changed his ways?
Adam
Well now's as good a time as any. SAY "Well, I
aint' never been called fancypants round these parts, and I aint' no stranger
either. You tellin' me you don't recognize me by the light of this moon,
Junior? Or should I say, Officer Habergrace?"
Eric
He eyes you up and down with fear. You are bigger then
his usual prey and he wasn't expecting you to sass back. But then the light of
recognition dawns in his eyes, a smug grin oozes across his face and he gives a
loud whistle.
"Well, well well if it isn't big dumb Cal! James' little pet retard! Back from the big city all dressed like a ho-mo-sexual in a fancy suit. What brings you crawlin' back here to Lord's Landing?"
"Well, well well if it isn't big dumb Cal! James' little pet retard! Back from the big city all dressed like a ho-mo-sexual in a fancy suit. What brings you crawlin' back here to Lord's Landing?"
His use of the word 'retard' would have hurt your feelings
once. Now for some reason it brings back a specific MEMORY. You can REMEMBER it
if you'd like.
Adam
I would! REMEMBER that MEMORY.
Eric
Its just bizarre that Junior would be so glib about the
mentally challenged. Urban legend had it that Ed Habergrace had a second son
TIMMY who killed Mrs. Habergrace coming out of the womb and was touched in the
head. They say Mr. Habergrace keeps him locked up in their basement, out of
sight of the public. Some say that he's totally deformed, others say that he's
some kind of savant, other kids made the claim that classmates of theirs was
actually Timmy in disguise.
Of course no one knows the truth of it. No one has actually ever seen Timmy Habergrace. He most likely doesn't exist at all. Except...
Except of course any time it was mentioned in front of Junior it was like a red flag in front of a bull. Last person who brought up the subject got his ass kicked so hard he was hospitalized. This got Junior expelled for good this time. You guess daddy got him a quick stint in juvvie before sending him off to boarding school. It was the last time you ever saw Junior.
Of course no one knows the truth of it. No one has actually ever seen Timmy Habergrace. He most likely doesn't exist at all. Except...
Except of course any time it was mentioned in front of Junior it was like a red flag in front of a bull. Last person who brought up the subject got his ass kicked so hard he was hospitalized. This got Junior expelled for good this time. You guess daddy got him a quick stint in juvvie before sending him off to boarding school. It was the last time you ever saw Junior.
Eric
Word to the wise Cal: don't bring this up right now.
Junior's armed.
Adam
Noted. SAY "Can't rightly say, Jun... Officer
Habergrace. You know me, can't get my thoughts straight, never could and still
can't. Just figured it was about time to swing on home for a spell. Felt I
should give a walk by the old stomping grounds before bunking down at the Good
Samaritan for the night. How've things been every since, Officer?"
Adam
100% invested in this, btw.
Eric
He gives you a long look and then spits out something black
and foul. You guess that he was chewing tobacco. "Well a little of good
and a little of bad. We've been having some nasty luck lately. Children have
been going missing. People wanderin' around at night been found the next day
half mauled to death!" He says that last part a little too excitedly.
"An' its not like things have been great before that neither. Most
businesses around here have shut down and many people left. Only really
thriving industry is dad's factory, and I reckon its because he never
associated with them Jews what manufactured this depression in the first
place." He spits out another smelly black glob. "Of course, you're
from the city, you've probably seen all kinds of degenerates runnin'
around."
"Still its not all bad. The depression and the fear brings people back to their... uh... moral values!" He straightens up as he says this part. "REVEREND CLEER says that men don't whine about unions or fairness no more and women've learned their place in the household. People don't sin in the streets at night no more and they go to church like they're supposed to!"
"And lately its not like the decent kids are disappearing anymore, just a bunch of dirty little CROWS who've gone missing. If you ask me the police shouldn't even have to worry about them."
You don't like a lot of what he said, but he said CROWS in a particularly repulsive way.
"Still its not all bad. The depression and the fear brings people back to their... uh... moral values!" He straightens up as he says this part. "REVEREND CLEER says that men don't whine about unions or fairness no more and women've learned their place in the household. People don't sin in the streets at night no more and they go to church like they're supposed to!"
"And lately its not like the decent kids are disappearing anymore, just a bunch of dirty little CROWS who've gone missing. If you ask me the police shouldn't even have to worry about them."
You don't like a lot of what he said, but he said CROWS in a particularly repulsive way.
Adam
What a fine young man Junior's grown into.
SAY, "Well gosh Junior... I'm sorry, Officer
Habergrace, any idea what's causin' all these maulings?"
Eric
Lord's Landing's finest. But it doesn't seem like he's the brains
behind whatever gave him a uniform or the moral confidence to wield power. In
fact he said that last part about the REVEREND like he was reciting a sermon
instead of something in his own words. Not that his own words are any good.
"Nope but its happened before, right before you ran off
to the big city remember? Thing is it died down soon after that. I think its
just some big critter."
"Everyone is panicking over nothing if you ask me. If anything it gives people the fear of the LORD in their hearts!" As he says "the LORD" an inexplicable icy chill runs down your spine. Its gone before you even notice though. "Like right now they got me chasin off after some crow brat who ran away from home. His momma called in scared and I laughed it off, but the cheif is some kinda crow-lover and ordered me out to fetch him. But I'm still gonna take my sweet time about it!" Even his chuckle is gross
"Everyone is panicking over nothing if you ask me. If anything it gives people the fear of the LORD in their hearts!" As he says "the LORD" an inexplicable icy chill runs down your spine. Its gone before you even notice though. "Like right now they got me chasin off after some crow brat who ran away from home. His momma called in scared and I laughed it off, but the cheif is some kinda crow-lover and ordered me out to fetch him. But I'm still gonna take my sweet time about it!" Even his chuckle is gross
Adam
FORCE a CHUCKLE; SAY, "Where they think this kid
is?"
Eric
"Dunno, but shouldnt be too hard to find him,
what with his fiddle playin. I've dealt with the little thug before, he runs
away all the time." He spits out another smelly glob
Adam
FORCE a HARDER CHUCKLE; SAY, "WHat's this little
thug's name, Junior, I'm sorry, Officer Habergrace?"
Eric
Byron Brandt. Uppity little crow. I remember he'd always
sass back to us. One day he turned up at the county hospital with his tongue
cut out. We reckoned he got smart with a white man one too many times and they
shut him up for good." He spits out another smelly glob. "But then
some jackass felt sorry for him and gave him a fiddle. Turns out the kid's some
kind of genius or whatever. Now he's noisier then he ever was."
Adam
SAY, "Well, I'm glad to see that the town's in good
hands, Junior. Tell you what, I'll see you around, yeah?"; EAST; SOUTH;
SOUTH; WEST; LOOK.
Eric
You are looking over at the LORD'S CROSS. Ol'
Ferdinand has long left the dock. The only people under the rumbling night sky
is you and BYRON. The kid is playing a lively jig that you recognize as a
rendition of "Makin' Whoopie," except altered to fit a dance tempo
Adam
SAY, "Hey there, Byron. Makin' Whoopie, always one of
my favorites. I'm Cal."
Eric
The music stops. Byron looks at you with his eyebrow
arched. He cocks his head over across the river at where Ol Ferdinand lives in
the swamp and gives you an inquisitive expression.
Adam
SAY, "Yeah, Ol Ferdinand just dropped me off. Been away
from home for a while. Way I hear it, so have you. Now I haven't seen my momma
in a while, but I miss her greatly. I'm sure wherever she is she misses me too.
What'd you say, Byron, think it's time to head on home too?"
Eric
You actually do REMEMBER how your momma died but its
just a little too painful right now. There will come a time when it is right to
reminisce but not now.
Byron takes a look at you, then rolls his eyes and stands up. He tucks his violin under his arm and hops the surprisingly short distance from one corner of the Lord's Cross to the edge the dock. He then slowly walks back toward town without giving you a second look.
Byron takes a look at you, then rolls his eyes and stands up. He tucks his violin under his arm and hops the surprisingly short distance from one corner of the Lord's Cross to the edge the dock. He then slowly walks back toward town without giving you a second look.
The Zelda nice going jingle plays.
Just kidding, no it doesn't
Just kidding, no it doesn't
Adam
FOLLOW BYRON, but not creepily; SAY, "Whew! Quite the
jump! I've never been much of a jumper myself, too big as you might've guessed.
Listen, kid, I'm gonna talk after you for a while if you don't mind. Haven't
had a good talk for a while, and as I've heard neither have you. Sound good?
Eric
He gives you a bemused expression. You bet he's heard all
the mute jokes in the world by now. He then shrugs and keeps walking with an
aloof expression on his face. His body language doesn't indicate that he minds
you being there though.
Adam
CONTINUE FOLLOWING BYRON; LOOK for FIREFLIES
Eric
He walks across the dock and the two of you are in the
Pavilion. There are occasional fireflies about.
Adam
CONTINUE FOLLOWING BYRON
Eric
Byron goes north on Main Street and heads east through
a narrow alley. On the other side is the CROW'S NEST. It is a ramshackle
shantytown that looks like scavengers assembled rickety tenements, old
shuttered ruins, bits of wire, and odd metal edifices who serve no clear
function or at least lost their purpose long ago right in the middle of the
town. This cluttered assemblage doesn't only look poor; it looks disorganized,
as though it were sewn together from pieces of vastly different shantytowns
everywhere without any coherence.
To the NORTH is the Train and Telegraph Station. To the SOUTH is the Eastern Portion of the Waterfront. To the WEST is Main Street. To the EAST, rising ominously in the distance, you can see the smokestacks of the Canning Factory, its soot dusts the Crow's Nest.
Byron gestures toward the only Tenement with its lights still on.
To the NORTH is the Train and Telegraph Station. To the SOUTH is the Eastern Portion of the Waterfront. To the WEST is Main Street. To the EAST, rising ominously in the distance, you can see the smokestacks of the Canning Factory, its soot dusts the Crow's Nest.
Byron gestures toward the only Tenement with its lights still on.
Adam
CONTINUE FOLLOWING BYRON; SAY, "Things sure have
changed since I've last been here. Then again, not sure how much."
Eric
The thing is, you don't really know if things have changed.
Although your mother would offer herbal remedies and midwifery to anybody who
came in to your store, Crow or otherwise, it was an unspoken rule of the
neighborhood that you weren't allowed to go to *this* part of town. The Crow's
nest could have always been this ramshackle or only recently.
The door of the house with its lights on opens. A frazzled looking woman in a patched dress steps out onto the porch and shouts "Byron Percival Brandt you scared the hell out of me!"
Byron steps onto the porch and looks at his shoes peevishly.
"You know whats been going on, you cant sneak out like that anymore!" She takes a look at you. "You ain't the police." It's one of those statements that's actually a question.
The door of the house with its lights on opens. A frazzled looking woman in a patched dress steps out onto the porch and shouts "Byron Percival Brandt you scared the hell out of me!"
Byron steps onto the porch and looks at his shoes peevishly.
"You know whats been going on, you cant sneak out like that anymore!" She takes a look at you. "You ain't the police." It's one of those statements that's actually a question.
Adam
SAY, "No, ma'am. Having met one of the law officers in
this town, I'll take that as a compliment. The name's Calvin, Calvin
Merryweather. I assume you're Mizz Brandt?"
Eric
She chuckles."They're not all bad. SHERIFF BLAIR was
always a good man, though he's a bit sickly nowadays. I guess that's why he
don't have any control over whether or not damn fools like Junior get to be on
the force.
She takes a look at you.
"I remember you Big Cal. I've been in your momma's store on the EAST DOCKS. You probably don't remember me, I was one of those big teenagers she used to help out. But my, don't you clean up nice?"
She takes a look at you.
"I remember you Big Cal. I've been in your momma's store on the EAST DOCKS. You probably don't remember me, I was one of those big teenagers she used to help out. But my, don't you clean up nice?"
Adam
SAY, "Yes, ma'am. A little time away from Lord's
Landing does a right amount of good, it would seem. I'm glad I could ferry young
Byron home this evening, ma'am. What exactly has been going on here as of
late?"
Eric
"I suppose we should go inside if we're gonna be
talking at length." She warily eyes the darkness. "And I guess I
should be feeding you if you're going to be in my house."
She walks inside, keeping the door open. "Alright boys dinner's ready!"
She walks inside, keeping the door open. "Alright boys dinner's ready!"
Adam
SAY, "I am truly honored, Mizz Brandt." FOLLOW her
inside; TIME
Eric
It is 10:00
You walk with Byron through the hallway to a common room with some dim lights and an oven. The place looks as ramshackle from the inside as the outside but the smell of the crab stew makes the place much more inviting. Apparently the landlord doesn't mind Mrs. Brandt using the kitchen a little bit later.
"Go set the table Byron, we eat like civilized people around here." Byron rolls his eyes at this but goes to a nearby cabinet to grab some pewter plates.
Mrs. Brandt takes a seat at the table and pulls out a chair for you. "Thanks for finding my son. Have a seat Mr. Merryweather."
You walk with Byron through the hallway to a common room with some dim lights and an oven. The place looks as ramshackle from the inside as the outside but the smell of the crab stew makes the place much more inviting. Apparently the landlord doesn't mind Mrs. Brandt using the kitchen a little bit later.
"Go set the table Byron, we eat like civilized people around here." Byron rolls his eyes at this but goes to a nearby cabinet to grab some pewter plates.
Mrs. Brandt takes a seat at the table and pulls out a chair for you. "Thanks for finding my son. Have a seat Mr. Merryweather."
Adam
Hell yes crab stew. SIT.
Eric
Byron sets the table and Mrs. Brandt fills both of your
bowls with some steaming crab stew. Both you and Byron are about to chow but
Mrs. Brandt gives a sharp "shh" and gives grace "thanks god for
these thy blessings we are about to receive amen."
Byron begins eating with gusto. Mrs. Brandt turns to you and says "I bet you have some questions"
Byron begins eating with gusto. Mrs. Brandt turns to you and says "I bet you have some questions"
Adam
SAY, "Yes, ma'am, I believe I do. Maybe we could
start with the recent disappearances?"; EAT DELICIOUS CRAB STEW.
Eric
The crab stew is just like your momma used to make it.
Mrs. Brandt sighs and says "Well you certainly get to the point don't you."
Byron gives a funny sort of look to his mother but she looks at him back and says "no Byron. It's about time you heard this. Officially I mean, no doubt you've been evesdropping."
She turns to you. "You remember what it was like before you left right? That one summer nineteen years ago? Children started going missin in their beds. Folk who stayed out in the dead of night were found mauled, like some huge critter got to them."
"But the worst was the swamp. It surrounded the town, kept anyone from coming in or out. But it was more then that too... maybe it was the fear or the heat, but folks just lost their minds. There was rioting, looting. I know your buddy James somehow got killed in that mess. A lot of people from *our* side of town were targeted too. And that Reverend Cleer..." her face sours. "He was always a fire and brimstone type but he seemed to relish the anarchy. If anything he egged the town on. I'm sure other folks think he's doin God's work, but anyone who saw him then could see what he really is: bloodthirsty."
"Then the storm broke, and the rain just washed away everyone's madness.The weather cooled and the swamp receded and it was like everyone woke from a dream. No one could remember that anything had happened at all, 'cept for those whose loved ones died. My folks were killed. If it weren't for Byron's father I'd be dead too."
"I reckon you had enough of this town and left, but things were pretty good for a while. Even when the depression started, and one by one the jobs started leaving Lord's Landing, I told myself that at least it wasn't like back then. But I didn't notice that Cleer's sermons were getting nastier and nastier like they used to. I didn't notice that the only industry left in town was Habergrace's crab company. I didn't notice when the paper stopped printing anything about the unemployed or the problems in town. It was only when the kids started disappearing again is when I noticed."
"Calvin, its only a matter of time before hell breaks loose, and this time there are no authorities to help. Not the papers, not the mayor, not the only man in town with any money, certainly not the church. Maybe Sheriff Blaire could help but he's much too sickly, and his deputies are halfwits like Junior."
"Why did you come back Calvin? Did you return to help us? God knows we need all the help we can get."
Mrs. Brandt sighs and says "Well you certainly get to the point don't you."
Byron gives a funny sort of look to his mother but she looks at him back and says "no Byron. It's about time you heard this. Officially I mean, no doubt you've been evesdropping."
She turns to you. "You remember what it was like before you left right? That one summer nineteen years ago? Children started going missin in their beds. Folk who stayed out in the dead of night were found mauled, like some huge critter got to them."
"But the worst was the swamp. It surrounded the town, kept anyone from coming in or out. But it was more then that too... maybe it was the fear or the heat, but folks just lost their minds. There was rioting, looting. I know your buddy James somehow got killed in that mess. A lot of people from *our* side of town were targeted too. And that Reverend Cleer..." her face sours. "He was always a fire and brimstone type but he seemed to relish the anarchy. If anything he egged the town on. I'm sure other folks think he's doin God's work, but anyone who saw him then could see what he really is: bloodthirsty."
"Then the storm broke, and the rain just washed away everyone's madness.The weather cooled and the swamp receded and it was like everyone woke from a dream. No one could remember that anything had happened at all, 'cept for those whose loved ones died. My folks were killed. If it weren't for Byron's father I'd be dead too."
"I reckon you had enough of this town and left, but things were pretty good for a while. Even when the depression started, and one by one the jobs started leaving Lord's Landing, I told myself that at least it wasn't like back then. But I didn't notice that Cleer's sermons were getting nastier and nastier like they used to. I didn't notice that the only industry left in town was Habergrace's crab company. I didn't notice when the paper stopped printing anything about the unemployed or the problems in town. It was only when the kids started disappearing again is when I noticed."
"Calvin, its only a matter of time before hell breaks loose, and this time there are no authorities to help. Not the papers, not the mayor, not the only man in town with any money, certainly not the church. Maybe Sheriff Blaire could help but he's much too sickly, and his deputies are halfwits like Junior."
"Why did you come back Calvin? Did you return to help us? God knows we need all the help we can get."
Eric
By the end of this she is close to tears
Adam
SAY, "I came back to tie up some loose ends. If I
end up helpin' some in the process, then good. Way I've seen it, things like
this most people end up hurt no matter how hard you try. However, Mrs. Brandt,
I'll give you a piece of advice that may be your best bet: tomorrow morning,
take Byron, take his fiddle, go to the docks, and tell Old Ferdinand to take
you out of this place, as far as he's willing to take you. Tell him Ol' Scratch
is coming back, and that anyone I send to the docks he's to take as far from
here as he can. Would you agree to that?"
Eric
She looks at you for a moment. She then laughs and shakes
her head. There is a familiar hardness to her face. "I got two jobs, a
home and a boy to raise. Our life is in Lord's Landing, you don't just pick up
and leave. When I've saved enough to send Byron to a music conservatory
maybe."
"I'm sorry for overreacting there Mr. Merryweather. I guess all these troubles were boiling up in me and they just needed a friendly face to come rushing out to. But we poor folks'll stick together. We know how to hide here in the Crows Nest." She turns to Byron "but now you know why you can't sneak out anymore!"
To you: "thanks for indulging a frantic old woman. Do you have any other questions?
"I'm sorry for overreacting there Mr. Merryweather. I guess all these troubles were boiling up in me and they just needed a friendly face to come rushing out to. But we poor folks'll stick together. We know how to hide here in the Crows Nest." She turns to Byron "but now you know why you can't sneak out anymore!"
To you: "thanks for indulging a frantic old woman. Do you have any other questions?
Adam
SMILE; SAY, "No apology necessary, Mrs. Brandt. Glad to
see there are still hearty folk in Lord's Landing. Only one more question: I am
recently returned here and have no place to stay. I was hoping it wouldn't be
too much of a burden to allow me to stay the night in your most hospitable of
homes?"
Eric
"Of course honey, we got a spare bed. It looks
like its going to rain pretty soon too."
As if on cue thunder echoes in the distance.
Byron and his mother rise to take the dishes to the sink
As if on cue thunder echoes in the distance.
Byron and his mother rise to take the dishes to the sink
Adam
HELP the family CLEAN UP.
Eric
You help the family clean and Mrs. Brandt leads you to
up the stairs. She stops by a pull string and says, "this attic space is
part of our lease, there's a spare bed there."
She pulls and a stair ladder descends. She turns to you. "Good night Mr. Merryweather." She enters her room. Byron gives you a casual nod and joins his mother.
She pulls and a stair ladder descends. She turns to you. "Good night Mr. Merryweather." She enters her room. Byron gives you a casual nod and joins his mother.
Adam
UP; LOOK.
Eric
You are in a small attic space, thinly and haphazardly
surrounded by a solid mass of boxes and junk which effectively form three of
the walls of this "room." The fourth wall is a slanted and corrugated
and you recognize it as the inside of the tin roof. There is a window: a square
cut out of the roof and placed on a hinge with the edges rounded and a handle
stuck in. The window is open and you can look down to the street below. It even
looks like you could crawl onto the roof.
There is a comfy looking BED in this small space, a BASIN with water to wash in and a CLOTHESLINE to hang your clothes up. A lever pulls up the STAIR LADDER if you'd like privacy.
All in all it makes for a fairly cozy sleeping space.
There is a comfy looking BED in this small space, a BASIN with water to wash in and a CLOTHESLINE to hang your clothes up. A lever pulls up the STAIR LADDER if you'd like privacy.
All in all it makes for a fairly cozy sleeping space.
Adam
LOOK at JUNK
Eric
It is a solid wall of boxes of stuff, dusty and barely
looked at for what looks like a long time. Perhaps the Brandt's found the
drawstring and discovered this tiny space in the packed attic by accident? If
nobody knew about that drawstring no one would even know this place existed.
Even the window they fashioned is probably not visible from the street below.
Adam
FURTHER INSPECT JUNK
Eric
Boxes crammed tight. It is a solid mass
Adam
LOOK at BED
Eric
Well made and clean. Sparse, but increasingly inviting
Adam
TAKE OFF JACKET; PUT JACKET on CLOTHESLINE; DOWN, real quiet
like.
Eric
You are in the creaky upstairs hallway of the tenement
building. You are underneath a STAIR LADDER leading to the attic. There are
closed and locked doors all along this hall, presumably with sleeping families
inside. There is another staircase leading DOWN to the first floor.
Adam
DOWN, real quiet like
Eric
You are in the Front Hall of the Tenement. To the EAST
is the common kitchen, to the SOUTH is the front exit. To the NORTH is a back
exit to a little courtyard.
Adam
EAST; LOOK.
Eric
Here was the kitchen where you had stew earlier. There is a
small table and chairs, an ICEBOX, a CABINET, a SINK, and an OVEN. To the WEST
is the front hall
Adam
OPEN CABINET; LOOK INSIDE.
Eric
Tin plates, bowls, and cups, tarnished cutlery and the like.
Adam
LOOK CUTLERY, is there a big knife?
I promise I'm going somewhere not weird with this.
Eric
Why yes there is!
Adam
TAKE BIG KNIFE; WEST; SIT against the wall next to the
Brandt's bedroom and LISTEN.
Eric
You hear peaceful snoring.
Adam
Good. SLEEP.
Eric
You head back up the stair ladder and pull it closed. It
still sweltering and the sky outside boils. You plunge into the comfy sheets
but are unable to sleep until you hear a loud thunderclap. A gust of cool air
bursts through the window and a torrent of rain crashes to the earth below.
You'd think the rain on the tin roof would be louder but its actually quite
soothing. You've always loved these summer rains. The cool air that cuts
through the humidity like a knife, the lulling hum of the drops. Maybe its not
so bad, being back home...
You are in the middle of the swamp. Dark trees loom
overhead, their branches like claws grasping at the air. It is dusk, and
getting dark fast. You are waist deep in filthy muck.
You are twelve years old. You are dirty and tired and scared. To the EAST is endless swamp. To the WEST is endless swamp. To the NORTH is endless swamp. To the SOUTH is a dry hillock emerging from the waters. JAMES is on the hillock, beckoning to you
You are twelve years old. You are dirty and tired and scared. To the EAST is endless swamp. To the WEST is endless swamp. To the NORTH is endless swamp. To the SOUTH is a dry hillock emerging from the waters. JAMES is on the hillock, beckoning to you
Adam
SOUTH; LOOK.
Eric
The hillock juts out of the water awkwardly, like some
primordial fist grasping out of the ooze.
You climb out of the water onto the dry land and look up at JAMES. He is a little higher up the slope and is beckoning you to follow him.
He has no eyes. James' eye sockets are totally empty.
You climb out of the water onto the dry land and look up at JAMES. He is a little higher up the slope and is beckoning you to follow him.
He has no eyes. James' eye sockets are totally empty.
Adam
SAY, "James... James I'm back. I can help!"
Eric
James silently turns and climbs to the top of the
hill.
Adam
SAY, "James, James no! It doesn't have to be like
this!; CLIMB after JAMES
Eric
You are at the top of the hill. You see the swamp,
terrible and thorny, as far as the horizen. James stares at you with his empty
sockets and then points at a glow far in the distance.
Adam
LOOK at GLOW
Eric
In the distance you see Lord's Landing. A terrible
multichromatic light, shifting and undulating, hovers above the town. All of
Lord's Landing is on fire.
As you stare you begin to hear noises from that direction: screaming and wailing, a terrible metallic grinding, the rapid tolling of the church bell.
James puts a hand on your shoulder.
As you stare you begin to hear noises from that direction: screaming and wailing, a terrible metallic grinding, the rapid tolling of the church bell.
James puts a hand on your shoulder.
Adam
TURN to face JAMES; SAY, "James, help me, I can
stop it!"
Eric
The church bell tolls incessantly.
James is inches away from your face, his eyeless sockets peering into yours.
He is smiling. The wide, broad, toothy grin on his face expresses a perverse glee.
He opens his mouth and out comes a terrible VOICE. It sounds as though the frogs, birds, mammals, insects; the vast multitude of life in the swamp were painfully forced to emulate human speech all in unison.
"SOON"
James is inches away from your face, his eyeless sockets peering into yours.
He is smiling. The wide, broad, toothy grin on his face expresses a perverse glee.
He opens his mouth and out comes a terrible VOICE. It sounds as though the frogs, birds, mammals, insects; the vast multitude of life in the swamp were painfully forced to emulate human speech all in unison.
"SOON"
Eric
You jerk awake. You are in the upstairs attic.
Daylight streams in from the window. The church bell tolls from outside.
Adam
Well shit.
DRESS; DOWN; LOOK; LISTEN.
Eric
The hallway is silent, but you hear a merry sizzle
from the kitchen downstairs. It smells like bacon.
Light streams in from the window at the end. It is a fresh bright morning.
You hear the tolling churchbell outside
Light streams in from the window at the end. It is a fresh bright morning.
You hear the tolling churchbell outside
Adam
DOWN; LOOK.
Eric
You are in the Front Hallway. Mrs. Brandt is in the kitchen
to the EAST cooking some breakfast for Byron
Adam
Ah DAMMIT work gets in the way of everything.
Adam
EAST; SAY, "Thank you for your hospitality, Mrs.
Brandt. I'll be on my way, I hope to see you and Ol' Byron around Lord's
Landing."; WEST; SOUTH (i.e. outside).
Adam
I haven't given up on Lord's Landing!
That's cool, it's a chapter break
Eric
Mrs. Brandt is in a maid's uniform. She says "anytime
honey." She looks at Byron. "I've got work now sweetee, but I don't
want you skipping your violin lesson just cause its summer. MISS VIRGINIA and
MR MENDEL are doin you a boon." You don't stick around for whatever silent
sass-back Byron has in store.
It is a bright clear day in Lord's Landing. You are in the CROW'S NEST. Somewhere to the West the churchbell is tolling. You smell garlic.
It is a bright clear day in Lord's Landing. You are in the CROW'S NEST. Somewhere to the West the churchbell is tolling. You smell garlic.
Adam
CURIOUSLY INVESTIGATE the GARLIC.
Eric
Just as you notice the garlic smell it disappears
You can't quite pinpoint the garlic smell.
The door opens and Byron steps outside, fiddle in hand. He gives you a nod
The door opens and Byron steps outside, fiddle in hand. He gives you a nod
Adam
SAY, "Byron, you smell garlic?"
Eric
Byron raises an eyebrow at you. He looks like he is about to
shrug but then suddenly freezes.
He stares at the rooftops behind you. His face is ashen. It's jarring to see fear on the face of such a precocious kid but there it is, right behind his eyes.
He stares at the rooftops behind you. His face is ashen. It's jarring to see fear on the face of such a precocious kid but there it is, right behind his eyes.
Adam
TAKE OUT KNIFE; TURN AROUND.
Eric
The rooftops are totally empty
Adam
TURN AROUND; PUT AWAY KNIFE; SAY, "Byron!"
Eric
It's too late, Byron is running away as fast as he can. It
is not long before he has disappeared behind some buildings.
Adam
I'm sure it was nothing.
NORTH; TIME; LOOK.
Eric
You follow a small alleyway up north beyond some parked
train cars and piles of coal. You find yourself at the TRAIN/TELEGRAPH STATION.
There is a POST OFFICE attached to it.
It is 8:30 AM
To the WEST the church bells are still ringing
It is 8:30 AM
To the WEST the church bells are still ringing
Adam
WEST; LOOK.
Eric
The TOWN HALL rises in front of you. A grand dome sits atop
a central rotunda that is lit up magnificently at night. Growing up this area
was a hotspot for tourists, circuit judges and local politicians who could
never be elected without at least one photo-op in front of the county
seat.
The hall has emptied considerably in these troubled times.
To the SOUTH is MAIN STREET. To the WEST are the GARDENS. To the NORTH is the only road out of town. To the EAST is the TRAIN STATION/POST OFFICE
The hall has emptied considerably in these troubled times.
To the SOUTH is MAIN STREET. To the WEST are the GARDENS. To the NORTH is the only road out of town. To the EAST is the TRAIN STATION/POST OFFICE
Eric
To the SOUTHWEST the church bells toll
Adam
SOUTH; WEST; LOOK.
Eric
You are in front of a stark, unadorned CHURCH, its bell
clanging wildly.
To the NORTH is the SCHOOLYARD. To the SOUTH is a GRAVEYARD. To the EAST is STATUE CIRCLE. To the WEST the land drops suddenly into treeline and Swamp.
Once long ago you found the old ruins in the swamp, built by Cecil Clementine almost four hundred years ago. It was once a Catholic church, and at the time you became keenly aware of just how different Catholics are. The ruins had hideous gargoyles, arching columns, still intact stained glass windows that shattered beams of summer sun into strange illustrations on the dusty floor. The whole thing felt like a fairy tale.
But Cleer always said those things were sinful. Beauty is a papist lie, an almost pagan corruption from Rome. Celebration is a disease imported by filthy Italians and Irish. Love is a distraction from duty to both worldly masters and the other MASTER. Within these walls there will be no impediment between a man and the LORD. Merely a white building with a bell and a lone cross inside will do. There are no windows, no light at all except that which shines in through the open door.
The Bell tolls relentlessly, angrily, senselessly. There is no musicality or joy in its clamor. Was this new? Did they always pound that bell even during a sermon? You cannot remember, your brain won't let you think in the din. You hear Cleer's voice scream its revelations over the clanging and you realize that only the man who shouts the loudest can have any power here.
You realize you don't want to enter. You don't want to face Cleer or his noise or his schemes or his LORD. You once said you'd leave this place forever, is it too late to make good on that vow?
To the NORTH is the SCHOOLYARD. To the SOUTH is a GRAVEYARD. To the EAST is STATUE CIRCLE. To the WEST the land drops suddenly into treeline and Swamp.
Once long ago you found the old ruins in the swamp, built by Cecil Clementine almost four hundred years ago. It was once a Catholic church, and at the time you became keenly aware of just how different Catholics are. The ruins had hideous gargoyles, arching columns, still intact stained glass windows that shattered beams of summer sun into strange illustrations on the dusty floor. The whole thing felt like a fairy tale.
But Cleer always said those things were sinful. Beauty is a papist lie, an almost pagan corruption from Rome. Celebration is a disease imported by filthy Italians and Irish. Love is a distraction from duty to both worldly masters and the other MASTER. Within these walls there will be no impediment between a man and the LORD. Merely a white building with a bell and a lone cross inside will do. There are no windows, no light at all except that which shines in through the open door.
The Bell tolls relentlessly, angrily, senselessly. There is no musicality or joy in its clamor. Was this new? Did they always pound that bell even during a sermon? You cannot remember, your brain won't let you think in the din. You hear Cleer's voice scream its revelations over the clanging and you realize that only the man who shouts the loudest can have any power here.
You realize you don't want to enter. You don't want to face Cleer or his noise or his schemes or his LORD. You once said you'd leave this place forever, is it too late to make good on that vow?
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