[D20 CoC] Beyond the Mountains of Madness Campaign - Prologue

[jdeleski]

"Tell me. Have you covered any of Mr. Starkweather's previous exploits before?" he asks the venerable newspaper man, of course, hoping for a story.

Hubert stops and thinks for a moment, then responds "I'm very sure that my newspapers did indeed cover some of Commander Starkweather's past exploits, but I can't recall the exact details. He's always been known to be a bold leader, particularly during The War, and his men followed him without reservation! I'm sure that a few of my old colleagues at the Tribune could provide you with more details."

"I simply feel that if a mission like this is to be successful, Mr. Starkweather's going to need the best. And I've never lost a crewman." he says.

Mrs. Broughton grimaces at this comment and says "Hmpf! You've certainly stated the truth, Mr. Poole! That man will surely need the best! And your record may be at risk!" She then stops herself, looks down at the floor for a moment, then returns her gaze to Jim and says "I'm sorry, that was very rude of me and I apologize. I hardly know the man, but he is one of the most arrogant, boorish...", and she stops herself again and simply smiles, attempting to bite her tongue in half.

 

[taitzu52]

Jim nods to Hubert, responding, "Well, best I could muster was the Corps of engineers. I'm no war hero, but I did my part like everybody else. And you know, that would be great if your gents could send me some clippings, or at least lemme come down to their office. I do love a good story." Jim's curiosity is getting the better of him as was his drawl. Being in the field at the time of receiving the invitation, he had little time to do any research on the man that Starkweather was.

But soon, a much different version of things comes to light. The charming Mrs. Broughton lets her guard down, for some reason or another. Jim very quietly responds, "Forgive me for asking, but if you barely know him, how...." Jim is used to working for oil tycoons and other self made men, i.e. glorified thieves. He is simply curious as to what would make a proper lady risk so much in conversation.

 

[jdeleski]

Engaging Douglas

"Sure thing, Douglas. But hell, I'll let you call me Jim." he says with a warm smile and a handshake, pretending that he's extending the young man some exclusive right to shorten his own name.
"Well Douglas, I just pick the spot, it's somebody else's job to make it flapjack flat for you." he says, letting his western accent come out a bit for 'Douglas'. "So can I assume that you're a pilot, or part of the air crew in some fashion?"

Jim manages to elicit a smile from Douglas, his first of the evening that Jim has noticed.

Douglas responds to Jim “Yes, you are correct, Jim. I’m one of two pilots who are currently assigned to this expedition, and we could use another. Mr. Starkweather has purchased 4 airplanes for our adventure, and I’m very familiar with the Boeing 247’s that we have.” Douglas then launches into a 10-minute dissertation on the merits of the Boeing 247, and you become very sure that this young man knows every screw, cable, and fuel line in that airplane.

Eventually, Douglas stops talking about his true love and asks a Jim a few questions about his geological background and past projects, seeming to memorize and catalog Jim's every response for future reference.

 

[jdeleski]

Camille's Entrance

Mentally shrugging her shoulders, Camille handed the note to the doorman at the ballroom entrance, and took the oportunity to ask him, "Excuse me, but has either the Antartica expedition team or Mr. Starkweather himself arrived? I have become quite fascinated with travel, you see."

Before the man could answer, Camille peeked over his shoulders, hoping to catch a glimse of the team or, preferably, the infamous Starkweather himself. If worse came to worse, she could still give Starkweather her response and watch the resulting chaos.

The large man in the dark suit standing on the left examines Camille from her shoes to the top of her head, apparently looking for something, then flatly states that "The expedition team has arrived...", he then glances down at the letter from the lobby desk, "...Mrs. Lockhart. But we haven't yet seen your husband or Mr. Starkweather. If you'd care to take your placecard from the cabinet along the wall on your right, then we'll tell your husband, when he arrives, that you are already seated."

He then hands you back your letter and returns to his statue-still stance, hands clasped behind his back, carefully scrutinizing every detail of the empty hallway.

OOC – The placecard for Mr. and Mrs. Watson lists Table 21.

 

[jdeleski]

August 1, 1933


​

Father J. P. Rucker


Dear Father Rucker,

Thank you for your letter of July 12th which expressed your desire to
join my expedition to the South Pole. I found your recent experience in the
priesthood to be very interesting and your inclination to focus on religion and
faith-based improvements for society is most admirable.

However, this venture is primarily a scientific and archeological
endeavor, and we do not have the space nor resources to waste on such abstract
and theological concepts as those related to a priest. To ask stalwart
men of physical courage and bold adventure to engage in religious
exercises or to cry like women in a confessional would be to mock the very
spirit in which this great quest is being undertook., and so it is with
great regret that I must decline your request.

A man with such delicate and socially-conscious aspirations is not likely to find
the cold, harsh and lonely environment of Antarctica to be very amenable,
but I would be happy to share with you any findings that we discover so that you
may study them at your leisure in more commodious surroundings after the hard
work has been done.


Sincerely,
James Starkweather
Expedition Leader

Amherst Hotel​

8th Avenue and 44th Street
New York City, New York

​

 

[Morpheus]

August 1, 1933


​

Father J. P. Rucker


Dear Father Rucker,

Thank you for your letter of July 12th which expressed your desire to
join my expedition to the South Pole. I found your recent experience in the
priesthood to be very interesting and your inclination to focus on religion and
faith-based improvements for society is most admirable.

However, this venture is primarily a scientific and archeological
endeavor, and we do not have the space nor resources to waste on such abstract
and theological concepts as those related to a priest. To ask stalwart
men of physical courage and bold adventure to engage in religious
exercises or to cry like women in a confessional would be to mock the very
spirit in which this great quest is being undertook., and so it is with
great regret that I must decline your request.

A man with such delicate and socially-conscious aspirations is not likely to find
the cold, harsh and lonely environment of Antarctica to be very amenable,
but I would be happy to share with you any findings that we discover so that you
may study them at your leisure in more commodious surroundings after the hard
work has been done.


Sincerely,
James Starkweather
Expedition Leader

Amherst Hotel​

8th Avenue and 44th Street
New York City, New York

​

OOC: It's nice to know that Starkweather isn't a misogynist-he treats everyone badly!

 

[jdeleski]

The Chilean turns to Hubert Broughton – on his lapel is the round pin of the American Geographical Society. “It appears that Señor Starkweather has not yet arrived,” Paco continues. “Are you familiar with him, Señor Broughton? Perhaps you could tell us something of the great man himself.”

Mr. Broughton quickly extends his hand and, with a hearty shake, says “It’s a great pleasure to meeting you, Señor Guerini! I’ve heard many good things about your work with Padre Agostini, especially your successful summit attempts at the Patagonia Ice Cap. And you led an especially-courageous rescue mission, if I recall?”

He then smiles and says “I’ve known James Starkweather now for, oh, about ten years. He’s a great leader of men and his bravery is unquestioned. As with many great leaders, I’ve found him to be confident, quick to make decisions, and,” he laughs, “perhaps a trifle overbearing at times. But there are many experienced adventurers, Professor Moore included, who have expressed their willingness to travel to the ends of the earth with him.”

 

[jdeleski]

Vittorio's Introduction

Joining the group, he introduces himself with a round of firm handshakes.

"Pleased to meet you all at last. My name is Vittorio Liuzzi, and I will serve as engineer and mechanical specialist on this endeavor."

After you greet Douglas Halperin, who strikes you as a bit quiet but seems nonetheless very pleased to meet a fellow team member, a gentleman from a nearby table walks over and introduces himself. "Hello Mr. Liuzzi, my name is Frank Pabodie. I'm one of the professors of engineering from Miskatonic University and I overheard you introduce yourself as an engineer and mechanical specialist of the Starkweather-Moore Expedition. It's a pleasure to meet you! I invented the core drilling apparatus that your team will be using in Antarctica"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Job (the tortured one).

NOTE: Frank Pabodie's image in this post is out of date (as many who know Frank can attest). This image was from approximately 1929, 4 years prior to this fundraising event. I have attached an updated image of Frank in my follow-up to this encounter here: http://www.enworld.org/showpost.php?p=2538620&postcount=83.

 

[jdeleski]

The First Dance

Martin surveys the room slowly after some idle chitchat with someone-or-other; spying some rather attractive ladies in a group, he heads over to them with a bright smile upon his face.
"Good evening, ladies. Would any of you care to dance?"

The group of three ladies all look up from their conversation and smile at you.

"Well, hello there!" immediately responds a dark-haired young lady in a sultry voice, her red glittering dress attracting your attention, "I would love to!" You notice the other two women pass each other a conspiritorial look, and then return their gazes and their smiles to you and your new companion, who extends her hand to encircle your arm. As she moves near, the smell of her perfume, an earthy intoxicating fragrance, envelops you.

The two of you make your way to the dance area which, as of yet, is somewhat dead, but the quartet of musicians see you approach and welcome you by playing a livelier tune. The piano player kicks it up a notch.

"My name is Susan," says your partner as she sinuously follows your lead, "and who might you be, handsome?"

 

[jdeleski]

The Arrival

A commotion begins at the rear doorway as two gentlemen, resplendent in black tuxedos, enter the room. One of the pair, a tall, striking, brown-haired individual with a mustache is mingling loudly with all of the guests in that general area; laughing, shaking hands, slapping the backs of the men and politely kissing the cheeks of all of the ladies. The other gentleman, a few inches shorter with dark brown hair and wearing a pair of round glasses, seems a bit more reserved but is also greeting guests at a frenetic pace.

The majority of guests are apparently on a first-name basis with the tall man, hailing him as “James” while respectfully greeting his bespectacled partner as “Professor Moore”. Obviously, your expedition leaders have arrived.

The two quickly work their way over to the mayor’s group and begin exchanging greetings and laughs.

 

[Morpheus]

"My name is Susan," says your partner as she sinuously follows your lead, "and who might you be, handsome?"

"Mon cheri, I am Martin LeBlanc and I am most definitely pleased to make your acquaintance."

 

[Bobitron]

"Hello Mr. Liuzzi, my name is Frank Pabodie. I'm one of the professors of engineering from Miskatonic University and I overheard you introduce yourself as an engineer and mechanical specialist of the Starkweather-Moore Expedition. It's a pleasure to meet you! I invented the core drilling apparatus that your team will be using in Antarctica"

"Good evening, Professor Pabodie. Core drilling machinery, eh? I would be most interested in seeing the concept of how your machine operates. Does it use a counter-bearing apparatus, such as Miller's, or a dove-tail kickback pendulum, such as Polaski's?" He removes a pen and hands it to the Professor, lifting a glass of water off a nearby cocktail napkin to give him a drawing surface.

ooc: How's that for some BS about machinery? Laying it on too thick?

 

[Dallas4lr]

Father Rucker reread the letter he recently drafted to James Starkweather. After checking it for typos, he sealed the envelope, and called for his secretary. As Mrs. James entered the study Father Rucker replied:

“Mrs. James can you have a seat please. Mrs. James, I must inform you that the church has approved my leave of absence and I will be leaving for New York City this evening. I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for all of your hard work and your dedication.”

Mrs. James replied,

“Father you speak as if you won’t be returning?”

Father Rucker replies,

“If things go as planned, I will not be returning. I am hoping to accompany a team of explorers on an expedition to Antarctica. Since the announcement of this expedition the nightmares have returned. I have been convinced that for better or worse I have some part to play in this thing.”

Mrs. James begins sobbing and continues to stare at Father Rucker as he states,

“I have a sense of dread growing inside of me concerning this trip, and the events that befell the previous expedition. I feel the weight of Satan himself mounting against this expedition, and I would not be able to live with myself if another tragedy occurred.”

Mrs James began shaking.

“But Father you have risen to such prominence so quickly, and you are now viewed as the foremost authority on exorcism in the country, and maybe the entire Jesuit order. We need you here; I cannot bear the thought of you leaving. All of our members from the surrounding villages will be very disappointed at this news. Who will they now call when the demons and the possessed haunt them? And if Satan has cursed this new expedition why can’t you combat him through prayer. Father I don’t like the sound of this not one bit, what if something happens to you.”

The Fathers comforts Mrs. James and says,

“Child this is my destiny, it is the church’s wish that I accompany the expedition. For my part I do not expect to return. You must not repeat what I have shared with you this evening to no one. Mrs. James I have two final requests: the first is to insure that this letter is delivered to this gentleman in New York City special delivery; the second is that you and Father Brown must accompany the crate setting in the foyer to Boston. The Diocese was informed that I would be sending all of my notes on the exorcisms and strange occurrences in this region prior to my departure. The head of the Jesuit order has also deemed that the crate will only be opened in the event of my death. The two of you will be departing the train station for Boston one hour before I leave for New York City. We do not have much time.”


Mrs. James heads to the post office to mail the letter, and then home to pack her baggage as Father Rucker makes his final preparations for departure. At 4PM a carriage arrives, the crate, numerous trunks, Mrs. James, and Father Brown board the carriage, as father Rucker approaches the locked doors of the church. A small boy standing nearby hands the Father two sets of chains and a massive lock. The Father threads the massive chains around the hardware attached to both doors and applies the massive locks. He then begins to chant a prayer in Latin. After completing his prayer the Father bends down and hugs the young boy with tears in eyes and states:

“Lad you have been a great help to me, but now it is time for you to return home to your parents. Do not fear lad, my prays will always be with you and the spirits will not return to plague you or your family.”

The father reaches into his pocket and gives the boy a sizeable amount of money and says,

“Put this away, go straight home, and give your parents the money. Informed them that I have departed and at sundown they should begin burning the candles for the next seven days as we discussed. No one in your family should be outdoors after sunset for the next seven days.”

“Do you understand?”

The boy replies, “yes”.

As Father Rucker boards the carriage his heart feels so heavy, but he reins in enough of his emotions to tell the boy,

“May the power of God be with you”

Then the carriage pulls off.

 

[Taokan]

Pasting a smile on her face, Camille nodded agreeably to the door guard and added her little card to the large filing cabinet along the large wall; doing that, she attempted to copy a nearby fancy lady's glide into the ball room.

From what the guard had said, she had roughly half an hour befour the real Mr. and Mrs. Lockhart arrived. Hopefully she wouldn't need all of that time.

Now that she had finished the first part of her goal, she just had to find to find the expedition team, or preferably, that chauvinistic child. Peering about the room, she saw no one really standing out, but then again, she didn't expect anyone to.

She saw people flirting, or attempting to anyway, eating, drinking, chatting, dancing (ugh! Camille loathed dancing!), and turning her way... Camille froze. That had to be Monsieur Starkweather! He was exactly like she pictured him.

It was the bushy moustache, the smug look, his hair was even slightly thinning. Granted, he was kissing women on the hand, but smiling politely at them. He was too much of a politician to do otherwise. (Must... resist being sarcastic.)

Now, how to get over to him with her letter... Ah! Rushing over to the man through the thick crowd and pulling her duplicated letter out from her concealed hiding spot, she handed the destestable man her letter. "Excuse me, sir, I have a letter for you. Here you are."

Camille's lips faintly twitched in the effort not to let lose some kind of remark. In her mind, she was resisting fairly well. However, if she said something now, she saw fairly certain the secousse would not allow her on the team. Oh well.

 

[Taokan]

/ooc Made it twice... Whoops...

 

[The Shaman]

“You are much too kind, Señor y Señora Broughton,” Paco replies, tugging slightly at his collar, then the sleeves of his suit, his discomfiture obvious.

The rest of the conversation around the table is lost on the mountaineer as he shares stories of his Patagonian adventures with the inquisitive Mrs. Broughton. Paco is thoughtful as he contemplates the journey ahead.

“There are still many mysteries in Patagonia, señora,” he begins, “so much that is unknown. So far it has been God’s plan for me to spend my time among the mountains of my homeland. But I believe that it is His plan that I should seek His hand elsewhere for a time.” He smiles. “Antarctica holds mysteries that are beyond what the mind of man can imagine. By His tidings I have been blessed to seek them out. I hope to honor God in the service of this journey to the great unknown.”

Paco is interrupted by the commotion at the door. He cannot help but stare as Starkweather and Moore, the figures who have so far been no more than names in news clippings, enter the room - a rush of anticipation flows through him like an electric current, but the vision is dimmed by a slight cloud. The mountaineer leans close to Mrs. Broughton, speaking as softly as he can amid the hubbub of the guests.

“Señora Broughton, I do not wish to pry, but your opinion of Señor Starkweather...” He hesitates for a moment, unsure of how to continue. “You do not seem to think very highly of him,” he says directly. “If I am not being rude, may I ask why?”

 

[jdeleski]

Hubert Broughton's Insight

Jim nods to Hubert, responding, "Well, best I could muster was the Corps of engineers. I'm no war hero, but I did my part like everybody else. And you know, that would be great if your gents could send me some clippings, or at least lemme come down to their office. I do love a good story." Jim's curiosity is getting the better of him as was his drawl. Being in the field at the time of receiving the invitation, he had little time to do any research on the man that Starkweather was.

Hurbert paused. "Story... Yes, if I remember correctly, our Commander Starkweather actually wrote a couple of books. When I get back to my office, I'll contact my friends at the Tribune and ask them to look through their files. If they find anything, I'll have them contact your hotel. In the meantime, you might want to pay a visit to the library." Hubert reached into his jacket, retrieved a well-worn pocket notepad and fountain pen, wrote himself a reminder, then said with a wink and a smile, "Just be sure to keep me in mind if you find something interesting in your travels."

 

[jdeleski]

Mrs. Broughton's Response

The charming Mrs. Broughton lets her guard down, for some reason or another. Jim very quietly responds, "Forgive me for asking, but if you barely know him, how...." Jim is used to working for oil tycoons and other self made men, i.e. glorified thieves. He is simply curious as to what would make a proper lady risk so much in conversation.

The mountaineer leans close to Mrs. Broughton, speaking as softly as he can amid the hubbub of the guests.

“Señora Broughton, I do not wish to pry, but your opinion of Señor Starkweather...” He hesitates for a moment, unsure of how to continue. “You do not seem to think very highly of him,” he says directly. “If I am not being rude, may I ask why?”

Amanda Broughton looked decidedly uncomfortable for a moment, then flushed scarlet in deep contrast to the white pearls at her neck. "I...," she began, looked away, then returned her gaze to your eyes, "I honestly cannot speak more of the Captain. I'm afraid that he and I do not see eye to eye on many things." Then she brightened, "But enough of me and my trivial concerns! Are you planning to visit any sights in our city before you depart?"

 

[jdeleski]

Susan's Dance

"Mon cheri, I am Martin LeBlanc and I am most definitely pleased to make your acquaintance."

"Ooh!", Susan purred as she spun away to dance at arm's length, the two of you linked only by your fingertips, then asked with a smirk "So are you here to spend money? Or are you planning to jilt me after we've only just met and go join those madmen on the ice?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Job (the tortured one).

 

[The Shaman]

“But enough of me and my trivial concerns! Are you planning to visit any sights in our city before you depart?” asks Mrs. Broughton, quickly changing the subject.

“That will depend on Señor Starkweather and the needs of the expedition,” the mountaineer replies. “I will have much preparation to make before we leave. I will spend time with maps and stories from Almirante Byrd and Capitán Wilkins, and the Lake expedition, ciertamente. I hope to visit your American Museum of Natural History, to learn more about our destination.” Paco smiles broadly. “I would like to return to your Shawangunks – ” he says the word slowly, transforming “-gunks” into “–hunks” following the pronunciation of his native Spanish “ – to climb and keep fit for the expedition, and perhaps to visit los cerros Adirondacks if time permits.” He glances about the table, and leaning in toward the señora, whispers conspiratorially, “And I would like to visit your Empire State Building before we leave.”