http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/api.php?action=feedcontributions&feedformat=atom&user=202.14.0.0%2F16Tatters of the King - User contributions [en-gb]2026-10-24T21:03:18ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.46.2http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Aftermath&diff=3505Aftermath2006-10-06T02:44:53Z<p>202.14.141.254: </p>
<hr />
<div>Locating [[Francesca]] quite easily, [[Nathaniel Browne]] asks her to return to England with him, a request to which she happily agrees. The two elope soon after [[Andrew Saunders]]' memorial service which is held near the end of April, 1931, and spend some time in America, where Browne finally meets with Robert Chambers. The two return to England and settle in the west country. <br />
<br />
Meanwhile, [[Captain Withers]] marries the widow Morrison in a church ceremony on the 14th of December, 1930. Over the next few years, he and Browne meet on occasion to reminisce, and to wonder if, and when, the [[King in Yellow]]'s prescence on Earth might be felt. When war stirs in Europe, each wonders whether this is the King's influence, and whether armies united under the banner of the yellow sign might soon be marching across the continent.<br />
<br />
The Brownes' first child arrives stillborn in the February of 1932, and despite trying, they have difficulty conceiving again. Nathaniel continues his writing. Despite never turning in an adequate sequel to [[Tatters of the King]], he continues to write horror stories. His book "The Frozen Tomb" about an ancient horror buried beneath the Antarctic Ice who's dreams invade those of researchers in the southern continent, enjoys some popularity, especially after the tragic Starkweather-Moore expedition of 1933 makes the news. Eventually a living son, Andrew Frederick Browne, is born on the 18th of February, 1937 although the birth is difficult and Francesca almost perishes in childbirth. After this, Nathaniel's stories become, like Chambers before him, light romances. Fortunately, in wartime England, these prove, although critically reviled, massively successful. Indeed one, "Love At Sea", which tells the tale of an author meeting a beautiful woman on an ocean liner to India, is eventually made into a film starring Alec Guinness in the 1950s. <br />
<br />
In 1941, during the blitz, disaster strikes. Visiting relatives in the outskirts of London, Francesca is killed when a building, weakened by nazi munitions, collapses. Andrew, who was with Francesca at the time, is also assumed dead. In fact Andrew, traumatized by the event, wanders, dazed, into London where he is eventually picked up by the police and put into an orphanage. Utterly traumatized, the boy does not speak for the next 3 years. <br />
<br />
Nathaniel's writing becomes, again, dark. His stories are now haunted, disjointed things, full of faustian bargains. Nathaniel begins planning an archaeological excavation in the Nepalese highlands, to be funded from his own fortune. On the morning of November 1st, 1947, Nathaniel is found dead in his study, shot through the head. A revolver lays in his right hand. Neighbors say that the previous evening there was a large car outside the house, possibly an army staff car. A heated argument took place in which the word 'Carcosa' was mentioned, and also something about a 'king'. Finding no trace of any foul play in the house, however, and finding copious supplies of opium both in the house and in Nathaniel's blood, the case is deemed suicide. To everyone's surprise, Nathaniel has left everything to his second cousin in Australia. Unable to contact her or arrange for the dispersal of the estate, the house is simply locked up and left. The police do not notice the burned remains of several maps, notes and books in the fireplace.<br />
<br />
[[Image:darkp.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Nathaniel's Last Work]]<br />
<br />
Withers, by now a Colonel and a war veteran, attended the funeral, then went back to a life that had long left behind the horrors of Carcosa and Leng, except occasionally in dreams. As the only true survivor of the entire incredible affair he never really knew to what extent they could be said to have triumphed.<br />
<br />
In the years after Nathaniel's death, his books experience a incredible upsurge in popularity, due in no small part to the mysterious circumstances surrounding his demise. His publishers arrange for his last work in progress to be finished by a leading author of the day. The work turns out to be a magnum opus, a fiction of great emotional power which borrows heavily, although the readers don't know it, from the real adventure of Nathaniel and his friends. Scholars debate the work for decades to come.<br />
<br />
In 1965, under hypnosis while undergoing psychotherapy (by sheer coincidence, at the Bartlett Institute In London), the now adult Andrew Browne, now known as Alan Tate, remembers his name and his family. To his surprise he finds that, as the only surviving member of the Browne family, he has gained entitlement to his fathers house and belongings. He takes up residence in the house, which has become much overgrown and run down. While cleaning up the fireplace, he discovers a loose brick. behind the brick is a journal, embossed with a strange yellow sign...</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Session_16&diff=3498Session 162006-10-06T00:41:54Z<p>202.14.141.254: /* Action Resumes */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Session Report - Played Monday 2nd October, 2006==<br />
<br />
=== The Upper House - February 1930 ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:king.jpg|right]]<br />
The [[King in Yellow]] appears standing beside the gate. He was not seen to pass through it.<br />
<br />
The King does not speak, but all hear his words in their minds:<br />
<br />
GREETINGS PILGRIMS I AM THE KING IN YELLOW WHICH OF YOU HAS COME TO GUIDE ME<br />
<br />
THE WHITE ACOLYTE WILL BE MY HONOURED SERVANT MY HIGH PRIEST TO CARRY MY GOSPEL TO THE WORLD<br />
<br />
====Nathaniel Browne====<br />
<br />
Ahead of the others, [[Nathaniel]] stands, awestruck by the power and majesty of the being before him. This is his muse, the very personification of the driving force behind the last year and a half of his life. There seems nothing more important to him than to be the servant of this being, this god, this king. But he remembers. He remembers the deaths of [[Bacon]], [[Edwards]], and [[Quarrie]]. He remembers the grave of [[Frederick Bartlett]], his friend. He remembers the horrors which have driven him and his friends across London, across England, across oceans and high mountains. He remembers his dream, the graveyard of the world. At last, finally and overwhelmingly, he remembers [[Francesca]]. His love is a greater thing than his art. His head moves slowly to the left, then to the right in slow, but unmistakable, denial. He passes the test. He will not serve. He will not be the [[White Acolyte]].<br />
<br />
====George Withers====<br />
<br />
Such is the power of the King in Yellow's presence that for a brief moment even [[Withers]] remains transfixed by his majesty and beauty. Of all his friends and companions Withers has always remained the most unaffected and unimpressed by the power of the dream they have been pursuing. Far, far removed from the positive revelry in sensation that Nathaniel Browne has abandoned himself to and distant even from the professional curiosity about those people affected, felt by his close friend Doctor Frederick Bartlett. Frederick. The thought of his friend snaps Withers out of his brief reverie - his dear friend was butchered by one of the servants or heralds or some damn thing serving the creature that stands before him now. How could he have allowed himself, even for a second, to waver in his purpose!. That THING is a threat to every thing he holds dear and there is no damn way that George Withers is going to be the White Acolyte. He'd burn in hell first!<br />
<br />
====Umberto====<br />
<br />
Recognising the King in Yellow from his dreams, for a second the majesty of the King makes Umberto doubt all he believes. Surely this reality is greater than any Christian myth? Then he realises that this being is the truth behind the story of Satan. This is the Lord of Lies, and Umberto will not be tempted.<br />
<br />
====Andrew Saunders====<br />
<br />
Saunders has spent his adult life living a lie. His life has been a life of compromises and half-truths. The majesty and glory of the King in Yellow offers certainty, beauty and freedom. The veil lifts from his eyes and Saunders wants nothing more than to serve this being. Saunders realises that it is his destiny to be [[the White Acolyte]].<br />
<br />
===Action Resumes===<br />
<br />
The voice in his head urges him to be it's servant, but [[Nathaniel Browne]] again denies it. The voice says "ONE OF THESE OTHERS LOVES ME". Nathaniel turns to his companions, a look of deep worry sketched on his face. "Remember Franscesca" begs [[Withers]]. "I know" replies Browne, "It's not me I'm worried about". [[Umberto]] begins to move toward the King, his right hand grasping the symbol around his neck. He is closely followed by Withers. Browne intercepts, raising a hand to block his path, "No, I don't think so" he says. Umberto looks, bewilderdered, at Browne. "What are you doing?" asks Browne. "That is the apparition!" replies Umberto. "The King?" enquires Browne, confused. "No king of mine" replies Umberto in a firm voice. <br />
<br />
Suddenly, Withers notices that [[Saunders]], uninvolved in this confrontation, has moved forward - a vacant, rapt, expression on his face - and has almost reached the imposing figure of the King! "Saunders!" shouts Withers, realizing he cannot reach his friend in time. Saunders appears to struggle against an irresistable pull, "Shoot me Withers, shoot me!" he begs. Withers draws his revolver, carefully aiming for the Scotsman's legs. Click! The round is a dud! Hastily Withers makes to fire again, but he is too late - Saunders' outstretched arm makes contact with the spectre's robe, the king unseen eyes seem to bore into those of Withers, Browne and Umberto and they stand paralyzed. Unable to move the others can only watch and listen.<br />
<br />
A change comes across Saunders' expression. It is obvious that his infatuation with the King in Yellow is fading fast. "No", the sound bursts from the Scot's throat, a few seconds later "No, you'll destroy it!" and finally, in total denial "NO!". At this third declaration, the others find they can move again, but before they can react, the King in Yellow spins, becoming a whirlwind of yellow. The tatters of his robe hit Saunders and, before their horrified eyes, the others see Saunders torn apart, a gout of red stained gore spreads across the floor. Withers fires, his bullet passing harmlessly through the whirlwind of colour. <br />
<br />
The King in Yellow reforms. His voice fills their heads once more: WILL ONE OF YOU GUIDE ME. "Go to [[Carcosa]], it's where you belong!" says withers, 'Nooo!!" shouts Umberto, "By the Lord's name I shall not!", Nathaniel remains silent. WILL YOU GUIDE ME the King asks again, his face looking straight at Nathaniel, "No!", he shouts. At this third denial, the King turns on the spot and vanishes. <br />
<br />
While Browne moves forward to inpect the lecturn next to the gate, Withers and Umberto approach what is left of Andrew Saunders. "I'm so sorry", intones Umberto, "it should have been me". "Oh, God" says Withers, "poor Saunders". <br />
<br />
"The [[Yellow Sign]]!" - the sudden outburst from Browne breaks their reverie. "What?" says Withers. "This lecturn", replies Browne, "it's just like the one in the cave here we came to this place". "You think it's somehow magical?" asks Withers. "Yes!" replies Browne. "Then let's get out of here!" shouts Withers. Browne nods, drawing the knife with the yellow sign pommel from his belt, he slices his palm and places it against the lecturn. For over a year this sign has been the focus of his life, the tracing is perfect. The gate changes from misty white to blue. Nathaniel steps thorugh. Immediately, a high-pitched keening noice begins to emit from the gate. There is a gasp of horror from Umberto. Withers turns and sees the King in Yellow, flying at high speed towards the gate. "Quckly!" he says, jumping through. The last thiing he sees, as his face passes throught the curtain of blue light, is the King's robed arm sweeping the bloody sign from the lecturn.<br />
<br />
===The Return===<br />
<br />
Withers emerges from the gate and stumbles, yelping in pain. The skin has been stripped from the back of his trailing right leg, leaving it raw and bloody. Browne rushes forward to help. He glances up at the gate, finding it has returned to a misty white curtain through which can once again be seen the elephantine bulk of [[Chaugnar Faughn]]. The two have clearly returned to Mustang. Withers looks <br />
back at the gate in horror - Umberto has not followed them through! The fate of the world rests in the hands of a man they hardly know, nor trust.<br />
<br />
===Gethsemane===<br />
<br />
[[Image:Prayer.jpg|right]]<br />
<br />
Back in Leng, the gate snaps shut as the King wipes the blood away. The King advances on Umberto. WILL YOU AID ME. "No!" reiterates Umberto, clutching at his holy symbol. I CANNOT LEAVE YOU HERE YOU WILL WAIT I WILL SEE YOU SOON. The robes of the King flap up blocking Umberto's view and he finds himself in cold and solitary darkness. <br />
<br />
Umberto flicks on his torch, finding imself in a large, flagstone floored chamber with four exits, one in each wall. This is clearly deep in the bowels of the [[Upper House]]. There is absolute silence. Careful to mark his route, Umberto explores his surroundings, finding himself back in the labyrinth of <br />
the Upper House. Without the piping to guide him and with no idea where he is, Umberto returns to the room the King left him in and prays. <br />
<br />
After an hour or so, the King's voice again fills his head. YOUR FRIENDS ARE DEAD YOU ARE ALONE BUT YOU NEED NOT BE GUIDE ME TO YOUR WORLD AND YOU WILL BE MY CHOSEN ONE. "Never!" says Umberto defiantly, "you will not break me, I serve a higher power!". At this, the presence leaves him. Some hours later, the King returns and asks again, and is again rebuffed, although Umberto can feel his resistance ebbing slowly away. The presence does not return for some hours, during which Umberto again prays. Finally, just a moment after the last power from his torch is gone and he is again left in total blackness, the voice again returns. DARK AND ALONE HUNGRY IT NEED NOT BE LIKE THIS GUIDE ME. "No..., my...heart..lies...with...God!" this time Umberto barely resists the King's mental intrusions, delivering the words through gritted teeth. For a time beyond knowing, Umberto lies in the darkness. Finally, when all his food is gone and but a sip of water remains, Umberto realizes what he must do.<br />
<br />
'''Umberto cradles the rifle in his lap.'''<br />
<br />
"Dominus reget me et nihil mihi deerit." - "The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want."<br />
<br />
'''He takes a round from his pocket and lays it on the floor'''.<br />
<br />
"In loco pascuae ibi; me conlocavit super aquam refectionis educavit me." - "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters"<br />
<br />
'''He picks up the rifle in his left hand.'''<br />
<br />
"Animam meam convertit deduxit me super semitas iustitiae propter nomen suum." - "He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake"<br />
<br />
'''He cranks the lever to open the breach.'''<br />
<br />
"Nam et si ambulavero in medio umbrae mortis non timebo mala quoniam tu mecum es virga tua et baculus tuus ipsa me consolata sunt." - "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."<br />
<br />
'''He loads the round.'''<br />
<br />
"Parasti in conspectu meo mensam adversus eos qui tribulant me inpinguasti in oleo caput meum et calix meus inebrians quam praeclarus est." - "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemes; thou annointest my headwith oil; my cup runneth over."<br />
<br />
'''He cocks the rifle.'''<br />
<br />
"Misericordia tua subsequitur me omnibus diebus vitae meae..." - "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life..."<br />
<br />
'''He raises the barrel to his mouth, the toe of his right foot reaching for the trigger.'''<br />
<br />
"Et ut inhabitem in domo Domini in longitudinem dierum." - "and I will dwell in the house of The Lord forever."<br />
<br />
'''A bang, a thump, then silence...'''<br />
<br />
===Home Again===<br />
<br />
[[Image:Explode.jpg|400px|right]]<br />
<br />
BOOOOMMMMM!!!! A huge explosion rocks the cave where the gate lay. Browne and Withers have given up waiting for Umberto. They hope beyond hope that he has somehow managed to defy the King, or lead him elsewhere and have determined to seal the cave to prevent others coming to free him. Withers initially wanted to use his dynamite to destroy the gate, but Browne thought it unwise as he felt it may break down the very walls of reality and bring [[Hastur]], or something even worse, to Earth. The two argued about whether to collapse the cave or wait for Umberto to come out. At last they reached a compromise - they would wait as long as they could and then collapse the cave. That time limit has now expired. <br />
<br />
The two stand now at the base of the rockface, watching the dust settle. They know that a mere barrier of rock will mean nothing if Umberto leads the King back to Earth. Nathaniel idly wonders what the natives might think if they hear the explosion, perhaps the voice of the gods. This may not be so far from the truth.<br />
<br />
They make their way back to the Monastery at [[Te]] where they find [[Siva]] still waiting for them. He is surprised by their quick return and they come to realize that during their journey to [[Leng]], no time has passed in this world. Fortunately, in their abscence, the old guide has recovered somewhat from his wounds, he is not up to the journey down the mountain, but can wait alone at the monastery until help is sent. After another uneasy night at the Monastery, the troupe of three make their way wearily down the mountain. Withers and Browne wonder with every step whether the King will come through the portal, but the trip remains unevental back through Nepal, and then through India to [[Bombay]]. For better or worse, the adventure is over.</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Aftermath&diff=3490Aftermath2006-10-05T00:31:18Z<p>202.14.141.254: </p>
<hr />
<div>Locating [[Francesca]] quite easily, [[Nathaniel Browne]] asks her to return to England with him, a request to which she happily agrees. The two elope soon after [[Andrew Saunders]]' memorial service which is held near the end of April, 1931, and spend some time in America, where Browne finally meets with Robert Chambers. The two return to England and settle in the west country. <br />
<br />
Meanwhile, [[Captain Withers]] marries the widow Morrison in a church ceremony on the 14th of December, 1930. Over the next few years, he and Browne meet on occasion to reminisce, and to wonder if, and when, the [[King in Yellow]]'s prescence on Earth might be felt. When war stirs in Europe, each wonders whether this is the King's influence, and whether armies united under the banner of the yellow sign might soon be marching across the continent.<br />
<br />
The Brownes' first child arrives stillborn in the February of 1932, and despite trying, they have difficulty conceiving again. Nathaniel continues his writing. Despite never turning in an adequate sequel to [[Tatters of the King]], he continues to write horror stories. His book "The Frozen Tomb" about an ancient horror buried beneath the Antarctic Ice who's dreams invade those of researchers in the southern continent, enjoys some popularity, especially after the tragic Starkweather-Moore expedition of 1933 makes the news. Eventually a living son, Andrew Frederick Browne, is born on the 18th of February, 1937 although the birth is difficult and Francesca almost perishes in childbirth. After this, Nathaniel's stories become, like Chambers before him, light romances. Fortunately, in wartime England, these prove, although critically reviled, massively successful. Indeed one, "Love At Sea", which tells the tale of an author meeting a beautiful woman on an ocean liner to India, is eventually made into a film starring Alec Guinness in the 1950s. <br />
<br />
In 1941, during the blitz, disaster strikes. Visiting relatives in the outskirts of London, Francesca is killed when a building, weakened by nazi munitions, collapses. Andrew, who was with Francesca at the time, is also assumed dead. In fact Andrew, traumatized by the event, wanders, dazed, into London where he is eventually picked up by the police and put into an orphanage. Utterly traumatized, the boy does not speak for the next 3 years. <br />
<br />
Nathaniel's writing becomes, again, dark. His stories are now haunted, disjointed things, full of faustian bargains. Nathaniel begins planning an archaeological excavation in the Nepalese highlands, to be funded from his own fortune. On the morning of November 1st, 1947, Nathaniel is found dead in his study, shot through the head. A revolver lays in his right hand. Neighbors say that the previous evening there was a large car outside the house, possibly an army staff car. A heated argument took place in which the word 'Carcosa' was mentioned, and also something about a 'king'. Finding no trace of any foul play in the house, however, and finding copious supplies of opium both in the house and in Nathaniel's blood, the case is deemed suicide. To everyone's surprise, Nathaniel has left everything to his second cousin in Australia. Unable to contact her or arrange for the dispersal of the estate, the house is simply locked up and left. The police do not notice the burned remains of several maps, notes and books in the fireplace.<br />
<br />
In the years after Nathaniel's death, his books experience a incredible upsurge in popularity, due in no small part to the mysterious circumstances surrounding his demise. His publishers arrange for his latest work in progress to be finished by a leading author of the day. The work turns out to be a magnum opus, a fiction of great emotional power which borrows heavily, although the readers don't know it, from the real adventure of Nathaniel and his friends. Scholars debate the work for decades to come.<br />
<br />
In 1965, under hypnosis while undergoing psychotherapy, the now adult Andrew Browne, now known as Alan Tate, remembers his name and his family. To his surprise he finds that, as the only surviving member of the Browne family, he has gained entitlement to his fathers house and belongings. He takes up residence in the house, which has become much overgrown and run down. While cleaning up the fireplace, he discovers a loose brick. behind the brick is a journal, embossed with a strange yellow sign...</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Aftermath&diff=3489Aftermath2006-10-05T00:30:21Z<p>202.14.141.254: </p>
<hr />
<div>Locating [[Francesca]] quite easily, [[Nathaniel Browne]] asks her to return to England with him, a request to which she happily agrees. The two elope soon after [[Andrew Saunders]]' memorial service which is held near the end of April, 1931, and spend some time in America, where Browne finally meets with Robert Chambers. The two return to England and settle in the west country. <br />
<br />
Meanwhile, [[Captain Withers]] marries the widow Morrison in a church ceremony on the 14th of December, 1930. Over the next few years, he and Browne meet on occasion to reminisce, and to wonder if, and when, the [[King in Yellow]]'s prescence on Earth might be felt. When war stirs in Europe, each wonders whether this is the King's influence, and whether armies united under the banner of the yellow sign might soon be marching across the continent.<br />
<br />
The Brownes' first child arrives stillborn in the February of 1932, and despite trying, they have difficulty conceiving again. Nathaniel continues his writing. Despite never turning in an adequate sequel to [[Tatters of the King]], he continues to write horror stories. His book "The Frozen Tomb" about an ancient horror buried beneath the Antarctic Ice who's dreams invade those of researchers in the southern continent, enjoys some popularity, especially after the tragic Starkweather-Moore expedition of 1933 makes the news. Eventually a living son, Andrew Frederick Browne, is born on the 18th of February, 1937 although the birth is difficult and Francesca almost perishes in childbirth. After this, Nathaniel's stories become, like Chambers before him, light romances. Fortunately, in wartime England, these prove, although critically reviled, massively successful. Indeed one, "Love At Sea", which tells the tale of an author meeting a beautiful woman on an ocean liner to India, is eventually made into a film starring Alec Guinness in the 1950s. <br />
<br />
In 1941, during the blitz, disaster strikes. Visiting relatives in the outskirts of London, Francesca is killed when a building, weakened by nazi munitions, collapses. Andrew, who was with Francesca at the time, is also assumed dead. In fact Andrew, traumatized by the event, wanders, dazed, into London where he is eventually picked up by the police and put into an orphanage. Utterly traumatized, the boy does not speak for the next 3 years. <br />
<br />
Nathaniel's writing become, again, dark. They are now haunted, disjointed things, full of faustian bargains. Nathaniel begins planning an archaeological excavation in the Nepalese highlands, to be funded from his own fortune. On the morning of November 1st, 1947, Nathaniel is found dead in his study, shot through the head. A revolver lays in his right hand. Neighbors say that the previous evening there was a large car outside the house, possibly an army staff car. A heated argument took place in which the word 'Carcosa' was mentioned, and also something about a 'king'. Finding no trace of any foul play in the house, however, and finding copious supplies of opium both in the house and in Nathaniel's blood, the case is deemed suicide. To everyone's surprise, Nathaniel has left everything to his second cousin in Australia. Unable to contact her or arrange for the dispersal of the estate, the house is simply locked up and left. The police do not notice the burned remains of several maps, notes and books in the fireplace.<br />
<br />
In the years after Nathaniel's death, his books experience a incredible upsurge in popularity, due in no small part to the mysterious circumstances surrounding his demise. His publishers arrange for his latest work in progress to be finished by a leading author of the day. The work turns out to be a magnum opus, a fiction of great emotional power which borrows heavily, although the readers don't know it, from the real adventure of Nathaniel and his friends. Scholars debate the work for decades to come.<br />
<br />
In 1965, under hypnosis while undergoing psychotherapy, the now adult Andrew Browne, now known as Alan Tate, remembers his name and his family. To his surprise he finds that, as the only surviving member of the Browne family, he has gained entitlement to his fathers house and belongings. He takes up residence in the house, which has become much overgrown and run down. While cleaning up the fireplace, he discovers a loose brick. behind the brick is a journal, embossed with a strange yellow sign...</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Aftermath&diff=3487Aftermath2006-10-04T20:11:10Z<p>202.14.141.254: </p>
<hr />
<div>Locating [[Francesca]] quite easily, [[Nathaniel Browne]] asks her to return to England with him, a request to which she happily agrees. The two elope soon after [[Andrew Saunders]]' memorial service which is held near the end of April, 1931, and spend some time in America, where Browne finally meets with Robert Chambers. The two return to England and settle in the west country. <br />
<br />
Meanwhile, [[Captain Withers]] marries the widow Morrison in a church ceremony on the 14th of December, 1930. Over the next few years, he and Browne meet on occasion to reminisce, and to wonder if, and when, the [[King in Yellow]]'s prescence on Earth might be felt. When war stirs in Europe, each wonders whether this is the King's influence, and whether armies marching under the banner of the yellow sign might soon be marching across the continent.<br />
<br />
The Brownes' first child arrives stillborn in the February of 1932, and despite trying, they have difficulty conceiving again. Nathaniel continues his writing. Despite never turning in an adequate sequel to [[Tatters of the King]], he continues to write horror stories. His book "The Frozen Tomb" about an ancient horror buried beneath the Antarctic Ice who's dreams invade those of researchers in the southern continent, enjoys some popularity, especially after the tragic Starkweather-Moore expedition of 1933 makes the news. Eventually a living son, Andrew Frederick Browne, is born on the 18th of February, 1937 although the birth is difficult and Francesca almost perishes in childbirth. After this, Nathaniel's stories become, like Chambers before him, light romances. Fortunately, in wartime England, these prove, although critically reviled, massively successful. Indeed one, "Love At Sea", which tells the tale of an author meeting a beautiful woman on an ocean liner to India, is eventually made into a film starring Alec Guinness in the 1950s. <br />
<br />
In 1941, during the blitz, disaster strikes. Visiting relatives in the outskirts of London, Francesca is killed when a building, weakened by nazi munitions, collapses. Andrew, who was with Francesca at the time, is also assumed dead. In fact Andrew, traumatized by the event, wanders, dazed, into London where he is eventually picked up by the police and put into an orphanage. Utterly traumatized, the boy does not speak for the next 3 years. <br />
<br />
Nathaniel's writing become, again, dark. They are now haunted, disjointed things, full of faustian bargains. Nathaniel begins planning an archaeological excavation in the Nepalese highlands, to be funded from his own fortune. On the morning of November 1st, 1947, Nathaniel is found dead in his study, shot through the head. A revolver lays in his right hand. Neighbors say that the previous evening there was a large car outside the house, possibly an army staff car. A heated argument took place in which the word 'Carcosa' was mentioned, and also something about a 'king'. Finding no trace of any foul play in the house, however, and finding copious supplies of opium both in the house and in Nathaniel's blood, the case is deemed suicide. To everyone's surprise, Nathaniel has left everything to his second cousin in Australia. Unable to contact her or arrange for the dispersal of the estate, the house is simply locked up and left. The police do not notice the burned remains of several maps, notes and books in the fireplace.<br />
<br />
In the years after Nathaniel's death, his books experience a incredible upsurge in popularity, due in no small part to the mysterious circumstances surrounding his demise. His publishers arrange for his latest work in progress to be finished by a leading author of the day. The work turns out to be a magnum opus, a fiction of great emotional power which borrows heavily, although the readers don't know it, from the real adventure of Nathaniel and his friends. Scholars debate the work for decades to come.<br />
<br />
In 1965, under hypnosis while undergoing psychotherapy, the now adult Andrew Browne, now known as Alan Tate, remembers his name and his family. To his surprise he finds that, as the only surviving member of the Browne family, he has gained entitlement to his fathers house and belongings. He takes up residence in the house, which has become much overgrown and run down. While cleaning up the fireplace, he discovers a loose brick. behind the brick is a journal, embossed with a strange yellow sign...</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Session_16&diff=3459Session 162006-10-04T02:09:27Z<p>202.14.141.254: /* Drakmar */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Session Report - Played Monday 2nd October, 2006==<br />
<br />
=== The Upper House - February 1930 ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:king.jpg|right]]<br />
The [[King in Yellow]] appears standing beside the gate. He was not seen to pass through it.<br />
<br />
The King does not speak, but all hear his words in their minds:<br />
<br />
GREETINGS PILGRIMS I AM THE KING IN YELLOW WHICH OF YOU HAS COME TO GUIDE ME?<br />
<br />
THE WHITE ACOLYTE WILL BE MY HONOURED SERVANT MY HIGH PRIEST TO CARRY MY GOSPEL TO THE WORLD<br />
<br />
====Nathaniel Browne====<br />
<br />
Ahead of the others, [[Nathaniel]] stands, awestruck by the power and majesty of the being before him. This is his muse, the very personification of the driving force behind the last year and a half of his life. There seems nothing more important to him than to be the servant of this being, this god, this king. But he remembers. He remembers the deaths of [[Bacon]], [[Edwards]], and [[Quarrie]]. He remembers the grave of [[Frederick Bartlett]], his friend. He remembers the horrors which have driven him and his friends across London, across England, across oceans and high mountains. He remembers his dream, the graveyard of the world. At last, finally and overwhelmingly, he remembers [[Francesca]]. His love is a greater thing than his art. His head moves slowly to the left, then to the right in slow, but unmistakable, denial. He passes the test. He will not serve. He will not be the [[White Acolyte]].<br />
<br />
====George Withers====<br />
<br />
Such is the power of the King in Yellow's presence that for a brief moment even [[Withers]] remains transfixed by his majesty and beauty. Of all his friends and companions Withers has always remained the most unaffected and unimpressed by the power of the dream they have been pursuing. Far, far removed from the positive revelry in sensation that Nathaniel Browne has abandoned himself to and distant even from the professional curiosity about those people affected, felt by his close friend Doctor Frederick Bartlett. Frederick. The thought of his friend snaps Withers out of his brief reverie - his dear friend was butchered by one of the servants or heralds or some damn thing serving the creature that stands before him now. How could he have allowed himself, even for a second, to waver in his purpose!. That THING is a threat to every thing he holds dear and there is no damn way that George Withers is going to be the White Acolyte. He'd burn in hell first!<br />
<br />
====Umberto====<br />
<br />
Recognising the King in Yellow from his dreams, for a second the majesty of the King makes Umberto doubt all he believes. Surely this reality is greater than any Christian myth? Then he realises that this being is the truth behind the story of Satan. This is the Lord of Lies, and Umberto will not be tempted.<br />
<br />
====Andrew Saunders====<br />
<br />
Saunders has spent his adult life living a lie. His life has been a life of compromises and half-truths. The majesty and glory of the King in Yellow offers certainty, beauty and freedom. The veil lifts from his eyes and Saunders wants nothing more than to serve this being. Saunders realises that it is his destiny to be [[the White Acolyte]].<br />
<br />
===Action Resumes===<br />
<br />
The voice in his head urges him to be it's servant, but [[Nathaniel Browne]] again denies it. The voice says "ONE OF THESE OTHERS LOVES ME". Nathaniel turns to his companions, a look of deep worry sketched on his face. "Remember Franscesca" begs [[Withers]]. "I know" replies Browne, "It's not me I'm worried about". [[Umberto]] begins to move toward the King, his right hand grasping the symbol around his neck. He is closely followed by Withers. Browne intercepts, raising a hand to block his path, "No, I don't think so" he says. Umberto looks, bewilderdered, at Browne. "What are you doing?" asks Browne. "That is the apparition!" replies Umberto. "The King?" enquires Browne, confused. "No king of mine" replies Umberto in a firm voice. <br />
<br />
Suddenly, Withers notices that [[Saunders]], uninvolved in this confrontation, has moved forward - a vacant, rapt, expression on his face - and has almost reached the imposing figure of the King! "Saunders!" shouts Withers, realizing he cannot reach his friend in time. Saunders appears to struggle against an irresistable pull, "Shoot me Withers, shoot me!" he begs. Withers draws his revolver, carefully aiming for the Scotsman's legs. Click! The round is a dud! Hastily withers makes to fire again, but he is too late - Saunders' outstretched arm makes contact with the spectre's robe, the king unseen eyes seem to bore into those of Withers, Browne and Umberto and they stand paralyzed. Unable to move the others can only watch and listen.<br />
<br />
A change comes across Saunders' expression. It is obvious that his infatuation with the King in Yellow is fading fast. "No", the sound bursts from the Scot's throat, a few seconds later "No, you'll destroy it!" and finally, in total denial "NO!". At this third declaration, the others find they can move again, but before they can react, the King in Yellow spins, becoming a whirlwind of yellow. The tatters of his robe hit Saunders and, before their horrified eyes, the others see Saunders torn apart, a gout of red stained gore spreads across the floor. Withers fires, his bullet passing harmlessly through the whirlwind of colour. <br />
<br />
The King in Yellow reforms. His voice fills their heads once more: WILL ONE OF YOU GUIDE ME. "Go to [[Carcosa]], it's where you belong!" says withers, 'Nooo!!" shouts Umberto, "By the Lord's name I shall not!", Nathaniel remains silent. WILL YOU GUIDE ME the King asks again, his face looking straight at Nathaniel, "No!", he shouts. At this third denial, the King turns on the spot and vanishes. <br />
<br />
While Browne moves forward to inpect the lecturn next to the gate, Withers and Umberto approach what is left of Andrew Saunders. "I'm so sorry", intones Umberto, "it should have been me". "Oh, god" says Withers, "poor Saunders". <br />
<br />
"The [[Yellow Sign]]!" - the sudden outburst from Browne breaks their reverie. "What?" says Withers. "This lecturn", replies Browne, "it's just like the one in the cave hwre we came to this place". "You think it's somehow magical?" asks Withers. "Yes!" replies Browne. "Then let's get out of here!" shouts Withers. Browne nods, drawing the kinfe with the yellow sign pommel from his belt, he slices his palm and places it against the lecturn. For over a year this sign has been the focus of his life, the tracing is perfect. The gate changes from misty white to blue. Nathaniel steps thorugh. Immediately, a high-pitched keening noice begins to emit from the gate. There is a gasp of horror from Umberto. Withers turns and sees the King in Yellow, flying at high speed towards the gate. "Quckly!" he says, jumping through. The last thiing he sees, as his face passes throught the curtain of blue light, is the King's robed arm sweeping the bloody sign from the lecturn.<br />
<br />
===The Return===<br />
<br />
Withers emerges from the gate and stumbles, yelping in pain. The skin has been stripped from the back of his trailing right leg, leaving it raw and bloody. Browne rushes forward to help. He glances up at the gate, finding it has returned to a misty white curtain through which can once again be seen the elephantine bulk of [[Chaugnar Faughn]]. The two have clearly returned to Mustang. Withers looks <br />
back at the gate in horror - Umberto has not followed them through! The fate of the world rests in the hands of a man they hardly know, nor trust.<br />
<br />
===Gethsemane===<br />
<br />
Back in Leng, the gate snaps shut as the King wipes the blood away. The King advances on Umberto. WILL YOU AID ME. "No!" reiterates Umberto, clutching at his holy symbol. I CANNOT LEAVE YOU HERE YOU WILL WAIT I WILL SEE YOU SOON. The robes of the King flap up blocking Umberto's view and he finds himself in cold and solitary darkness. <br />
<br />
Umberto flicks on his torch, finding imself in a large, flagstone floored chamber with four exits, one in each wall. This is clearly deep in the bowels of the [[Upper House]]. There is absolute silence. Careful to mark his route, Umberto explores his surroundings, finding himself back in the labyrinth of <br />
the Upper House. Without the piping to guide him and with no idea where he is, Umberto returns to the room the King left him in and prays. <br />
<br />
After an hour or so, the King's voice again fills his head. YOUR FRIENDS ARE DEAD YOU ARE ALONE BUT YOU NEED NOT BE GUIDE ME TO YOUR WORLD AND YOU WILL BE MY CHOSEN ONE. "Never!" says Umberto defiantly, "you will not break me, I serve a higher power!". At this, the presence leaves him. Some hours later, the King returns and asks again, and is again rebuffed, although Umberto can feel his resistance ebbing slowly away. The presence does not return for some hours, during which Umberto again prays. Finally, just a moment after the last power from his torch is gone and he is again left in total blackness, the voice again returns. DARK AND ALONE HUNGRY IT NEED NOT BE LIKE THIS GUIDE ME. "No..., my...heart..lies...with...God!" this time Umberto barely resists the King's mental intrusions, delivering the words through gritted teeth. For a time beyond knowing, Umberto lies in the darkness. Finally, when all his food is gone and but a sip of water remains, Umberto realizes what he must do.<br />
<br />
'''Umberto cradles the rifle in his lap.'''<br />
<br />
"Dominus reget me et nihil mihi deerit." - "The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want."<br />
<br />
'''He takes a round from his pocket and lays it on the floor'''.<br />
<br />
"In loco pascuae ibi; me conlocavit super aquam refectionis educavit me." - "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters"<br />
<br />
'''He picks up the rifle in his left hand.'''<br />
<br />
"Animam meam convertit deduxit me super semitas iustitiae propter nomen suum." - "He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake"<br />
<br />
'''He cranks the lever to open the breach.'''<br />
<br />
"Nam et si ambulavero in medio umbrae mortis non timebo mala quoniam tu mecum es virga tua et baculus tuus ipsa me consolata sunt." - "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."<br />
<br />
'''He loads the round.'''<br />
<br />
"Parasti in conspectu meo mensam adversus eos qui tribulant me inpinguasti in oleo caput meum et calix meus inebrians quam praeclarus est." - "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemes; thou annointest my headwith oil; my cup runneth over."<br />
<br />
'''He cocks the rifle.'''<br />
<br />
"Misericordia tua subsequitur me omnibus diebus vitae meae..." - "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life..."<br />
<br />
'''He raises the barrel to his mouth, the toe of his right foot reaching for the trigger.'''<br />
<br />
"Et ut inhabitem in domo Domini in longitudinem dierum." - "and I will dwell in the house of The Lord forever."<br />
<br />
'''A bang, a thump, then silence...'''<br />
<br />
===Drakmar===<br />
<br />
BOOOOMMMMM!!!! A huge explosion rocks the cave where the gate lay. Browne and Withers have given up waiting for Umberto. They hope beyond hope that he has somehow managed to defy the King, or lead him elsewhere and have determined to seal the cave to prevent others coming to free him. Withers initially wanted to use his dynamite to destroy the gate, but Browne thought it unwise as he felt it may break down the very walls of reality and bring [[Hastur]], or something even worse, to Earth. The two argued about whether to collapse the cave or wait for Umberto to come out. At last they reached a compromise - they would wait as long as they could and then collapse the cave. That time limit has now expired. <br />
<br />
The two stand now at the base of the rockface, watching the dust settle. They know that a mere barrier of rock will mean nothing if Umberto leads the King back to Earth. Nathaniel idly wonders what the natives might think if they hear the explosion, perhaps the voice of gods. This may not be so far from the truth.<br />
<br />
They make their way back to the Monastery at [[Te]] where they find [[Siva]] still waiting for them. He is surprised by their quick return and they come to realize that during their journey to [[Leng]], no time has passed in this world. Unfortunately, in their asbscence, the old guide has died from his wounds. After another uneasy night at the Monastery, the sad troupe make their way down the mountain. Withers and Browne wonder with every step whether the King will come through the portal, but the trip remains unevental back through Nepal and through India to [[Bombay]]. For better or worse, the adventure is over.</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Session_16&diff=3458Session 162006-10-04T01:56:58Z<p>202.14.141.254: /* Gethsemane */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Session Report - Played Monday 2nd October, 2006==<br />
<br />
=== The Upper House - February 1930 ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:king.jpg|right]]<br />
The [[King in Yellow]] appears standing beside the gate. He was not seen to pass through it.<br />
<br />
The King does not speak, but all hear his words in their minds:<br />
<br />
GREETINGS PILGRIMS I AM THE KING IN YELLOW WHICH OF YOU HAS COME TO GUIDE ME?<br />
<br />
THE WHITE ACOLYTE WILL BE MY HONOURED SERVANT MY HIGH PRIEST TO CARRY MY GOSPEL TO THE WORLD<br />
<br />
====Nathaniel Browne====<br />
<br />
Ahead of the others, [[Nathaniel]] stands, awestruck by the power and majesty of the being before him. This is his muse, the very personification of the driving force behind the last year and a half of his life. There seems nothing more important to him than to be the servant of this being, this god, this king. But he remembers. He remembers the deaths of [[Bacon]], [[Edwards]], and [[Quarrie]]. He remembers the grave of [[Frederick Bartlett]], his friend. He remembers the horrors which have driven him and his friends across London, across England, across oceans and high mountains. He remembers his dream, the graveyard of the world. At last, finally and overwhelmingly, he remembers [[Francesca]]. His love is a greater thing than his art. His head moves slowly to the left, then to the right in slow, but unmistakable, denial. He passes the test. He will not serve. He will not be the [[White Acolyte]].<br />
<br />
====George Withers====<br />
<br />
Such is the power of the King in Yellow's presence that for a brief moment even [[Withers]] remains transfixed by his majesty and beauty. Of all his friends and companions Withers has always remained the most unaffected and unimpressed by the power of the dream they have been pursuing. Far, far removed from the positive revelry in sensation that Nathaniel Browne has abandoned himself to and distant even from the professional curiosity about those people affected, felt by his close friend Doctor Frederick Bartlett. Frederick. The thought of his friend snaps Withers out of his brief reverie - his dear friend was butchered by one of the servants or heralds or some damn thing serving the creature that stands before him now. How could he have allowed himself, even for a second, to waver in his purpose!. That THING is a threat to every thing he holds dear and there is no damn way that George Withers is going to be the White Acolyte. He'd burn in hell first!<br />
<br />
====Umberto====<br />
<br />
Recognising the King in Yellow from his dreams, for a second the majesty of the King makes Umberto doubt all he believes. Surely this reality is greater than any Christian myth? Then he realises that this being is the truth behind the story of Satan. This is the Lord of Lies, and Umberto will not be tempted.<br />
<br />
====Andrew Saunders====<br />
<br />
Saunders has spent his adult life living a lie. His life has been a life of compromises and half-truths. The majesty and glory of the King in Yellow offers certainty, beauty and freedom. The veil lifts from his eyes and Saunders wants nothing more than to serve this being. Saunders realises that it is his destiny to be [[the White Acolyte]].<br />
<br />
===Action Resumes===<br />
<br />
The voice in his head urges him to be it's servant, but [[Nathaniel Browne]] again denies it. The voice says "ONE OF THESE OTHERS LOVES ME". Nathaniel turns to his companions, a look of deep worry sketched on his face. "Remember Franscesca" begs [[Withers]]. "I know" replies Browne, "It's not me I'm worried about". [[Umberto]] begins to move toward the King, his right hand grasping the symbol around his neck. He is closely followed by Withers. Browne intercepts, raising a hand to block his path, "No, I don't think so" he says. Umberto looks, bewilderdered, at Browne. "What are you doing?" asks Browne. "That is the apparition!" replies Umberto. "The King?" enquires Browne, confused. "No king of mine" replies Umberto in a firm voice. <br />
<br />
Suddenly, Withers notices that [[Saunders]], uninvolved in this confrontation, has moved forward - a vacant, rapt, expression on his face - and has almost reached the imposing figure of the King! "Saunders!" shouts Withers, realizing he cannot reach his friend in time. Saunders appears to struggle against an irresistable pull, "Shoot me Withers, shoot me!" he begs. Withers draws his revolver, carefully aiming for the Scotsman's legs. Click! The round is a dud! Hastily withers makes to fire again, but he is too late - Saunders' outstretched arm makes contact with the spectre's robe, the king unseen eyes seem to bore into those of Withers, Browne and Umberto and they stand paralyzed. Unable to move the others can only watch and listen.<br />
<br />
A change comes across Saunders' expression. It is obvious that his infatuation with the King in Yellow is fading fast. "No", the sound bursts from the Scot's throat, a few seconds later "No, you'll destroy it!" and finally, in total denial "NO!". At this third declaration, the others find they can move again, but before they can react, the King in Yellow spins, becoming a whirlwind of yellow. The tatters of his robe hit Saunders and, before their horrified eyes, the others see Saunders torn apart, a gout of red stained gore spreads across the floor. Withers fires, his bullet passing harmlessly through the whirlwind of colour. <br />
<br />
The King in Yellow reforms. His voice fills their heads once more: WILL ONE OF YOU GUIDE ME. "Go to [[Carcosa]], it's where you belong!" says withers, 'Nooo!!" shouts Umberto, "By the Lord's name I shall not!", Nathaniel remains silent. WILL YOU GUIDE ME the King asks again, his face looking straight at Nathaniel, "No!", he shouts. At this third denial, the King turns on the spot and vanishes. <br />
<br />
While Browne moves forward to inpect the lecturn next to the gate, Withers and Umberto approach what is left of Andrew Saunders. "I'm so sorry", intones Umberto, "it should have been me". "Oh, god" says Withers, "poor Saunders". <br />
<br />
"The [[Yellow Sign]]!" - the sudden outburst from Browne breaks their reverie. "What?" says Withers. "This lecturn", replies Browne, "it's just like the one in the cave hwre we came to this place". "You think it's somehow magical?" asks Withers. "Yes!" replies Browne. "Then let's get out of here!" shouts Withers. Browne nods, drawing the kinfe with the yellow sign pommel from his belt, he slices his palm and places it against the lecturn. For over a year this sign has been the focus of his life, the tracing is perfect. The gate changes from misty white to blue. Nathaniel steps thorugh. Immediately, a high-pitched keening noice begins to emit from the gate. There is a gasp of horror from Umberto. Withers turns and sees the King in Yellow, flying at high speed towards the gate. "Quckly!" he says, jumping through. The last thiing he sees, as his face passes throught the curtain of blue light, is the King's robed arm sweeping the bloody sign from the lecturn.<br />
<br />
===The Return===<br />
<br />
Withers emerges from the gate and stumbles, yelping in pain. The skin has been stripped from the back of his trailing right leg, leaving it raw and bloody. Browne rushes forward to help. He glances up at the gate, finding it has returned to a misty white curtain through which can once again be seen the elephantine bulk of [[Chaugnar Faughn]]. The two have clearly returned to Mustang. Withers looks <br />
back at the gate in horror - Umberto has not followed them through! The fate of the world rests in the hands of a man they hardly know, nor trust.<br />
<br />
===Gethsemane===<br />
<br />
Back in Leng, the gate snaps shut as the King wipes the blood away. The King advances on Umberto. WILL YOU AID ME. "No!" reiterates Umberto, clutching at his holy symbol. I CANNOT LEAVE YOU HERE YOU WILL WAIT I WILL SEE YOU SOON. The robes of the King flap up blocking Umberto's view and he finds himself in cold and solitary darkness. <br />
<br />
Umberto flicks on his torch, finding imself in a large, flagstone floored chamber with four exits, one in each wall. This is clearly deep in the bowels of the [[Upper House]]. There is absolute silence. Careful to mark his route, Umberto explores his surroundings, finding himself back in the labyrinth of <br />
the Upper House. Without the piping to guide him and with no idea where he is, Umberto returns to the room the King left him in and prays. <br />
<br />
After an hour or so, the King's voice again fills his head. YOUR FRIENDS ARE DEAD YOU ARE ALONE BUT YOU NEED NOT BE GUIDE ME TO YOUR WORLD AND YOU WILL BE MY CHOSEN ONE. "Never!" says Umberto defiantly, "you will not break me, I serve a higher power!". At this, the presence leaves him. Some hours later, the King returns and asks again, and is again rebuffed, although Umberto can feel his resistance ebbing slowly away. The presence does not return for some hours, during which Umberto again prays. Finally, just a moment after the last power from his torch is gone and he is again left in total blackness, the voice again returns. DARK AND ALONE HUNGRY IT NEED NOT BE LIKE THIS GUIDE ME. "No..., my...heart..lies...with...God!" this time Umberto barely resists the King's mental intrusions, delivering the words through gritted teeth. For a time beyond knowing, Umberto lies in the darkness. Finally, when all his food is gone and but a sip of water remains, Umberto realizes what he must do.<br />
<br />
'''Umberto cradles the rifle in his lap.'''<br />
<br />
"Dominus reget me et nihil mihi deerit." - "The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want."<br />
<br />
'''He takes a round from his pocket and lays it on the floor'''.<br />
<br />
"In loco pascuae ibi; me conlocavit super aquam refectionis educavit me." - "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters"<br />
<br />
'''He picks up the rifle in his left hand.'''<br />
<br />
"Animam meam convertit deduxit me super semitas iustitiae propter nomen suum." - "He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake"<br />
<br />
'''He cranks the lever to open the breach.'''<br />
<br />
"Nam et si ambulavero in medio umbrae mortis non timebo mala quoniam tu mecum es virga tua et baculus tuus ipsa me consolata sunt." - "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."<br />
<br />
'''He loads the round.'''<br />
<br />
"Parasti in conspectu meo mensam adversus eos qui tribulant me inpinguasti in oleo caput meum et calix meus inebrians quam praeclarus est." - "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemes; thou annointest my headwith oil; my cup runneth over."<br />
<br />
'''He cocks the rifle.'''<br />
<br />
"Misericordia tua subsequitur me omnibus diebus vitae meae..." - "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life..."<br />
<br />
'''He raises the barrel to his mouth, the toe of his right foot reaching for the trigger.'''<br />
<br />
"Et ut inhabitem in domo Domini in longitudinem dierum." - "and I will dwell in the house of The Lord forever."<br />
<br />
'''A bang, a thump, then silence...'''<br />
<br />
===Drakmar===<br />
<br />
Back</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Session_16&diff=3457Session 162006-10-04T01:55:33Z<p>202.14.141.254: /* Gethsemane */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Session Report - Played Monday 2nd October, 2006==<br />
<br />
=== The Upper House - February 1930 ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:king.jpg|right]]<br />
The [[King in Yellow]] appears standing beside the gate. He was not seen to pass through it.<br />
<br />
The King does not speak, but all hear his words in their minds:<br />
<br />
GREETINGS PILGRIMS I AM THE KING IN YELLOW WHICH OF YOU HAS COME TO GUIDE ME?<br />
<br />
THE WHITE ACOLYTE WILL BE MY HONOURED SERVANT MY HIGH PRIEST TO CARRY MY GOSPEL TO THE WORLD<br />
<br />
====Nathaniel Browne====<br />
<br />
Ahead of the others, [[Nathaniel]] stands, awestruck by the power and majesty of the being before him. This is his muse, the very personification of the driving force behind the last year and a half of his life. There seems nothing more important to him than to be the servant of this being, this god, this king. But he remembers. He remembers the deaths of [[Bacon]], [[Edwards]], and [[Quarrie]]. He remembers the grave of [[Frederick Bartlett]], his friend. He remembers the horrors which have driven him and his friends across London, across England, across oceans and high mountains. He remembers his dream, the graveyard of the world. At last, finally and overwhelmingly, he remembers [[Francesca]]. His love is a greater thing than his art. His head moves slowly to the left, then to the right in slow, but unmistakable, denial. He passes the test. He will not serve. He will not be the [[White Acolyte]].<br />
<br />
====George Withers====<br />
<br />
Such is the power of the King in Yellow's presence that for a brief moment even [[Withers]] remains transfixed by his majesty and beauty. Of all his friends and companions Withers has always remained the most unaffected and unimpressed by the power of the dream they have been pursuing. Far, far removed from the positive revelry in sensation that Nathaniel Browne has abandoned himself to and distant even from the professional curiosity about those people affected, felt by his close friend Doctor Frederick Bartlett. Frederick. The thought of his friend snaps Withers out of his brief reverie - his dear friend was butchered by one of the servants or heralds or some damn thing serving the creature that stands before him now. How could he have allowed himself, even for a second, to waver in his purpose!. That THING is a threat to every thing he holds dear and there is no damn way that George Withers is going to be the White Acolyte. He'd burn in hell first!<br />
<br />
====Umberto====<br />
<br />
Recognising the King in Yellow from his dreams, for a second the majesty of the King makes Umberto doubt all he believes. Surely this reality is greater than any Christian myth? Then he realises that this being is the truth behind the story of Satan. This is the Lord of Lies, and Umberto will not be tempted.<br />
<br />
====Andrew Saunders====<br />
<br />
Saunders has spent his adult life living a lie. His life has been a life of compromises and half-truths. The majesty and glory of the King in Yellow offers certainty, beauty and freedom. The veil lifts from his eyes and Saunders wants nothing more than to serve this being. Saunders realises that it is his destiny to be [[the White Acolyte]].<br />
<br />
===Action Resumes===<br />
<br />
The voice in his head urges him to be it's servant, but [[Nathaniel Browne]] again denies it. The voice says "ONE OF THESE OTHERS LOVES ME". Nathaniel turns to his companions, a look of deep worry sketched on his face. "Remember Franscesca" begs [[Withers]]. "I know" replies Browne, "It's not me I'm worried about". [[Umberto]] begins to move toward the King, his right hand grasping the symbol around his neck. He is closely followed by Withers. Browne intercepts, raising a hand to block his path, "No, I don't think so" he says. Umberto looks, bewilderdered, at Browne. "What are you doing?" asks Browne. "That is the apparition!" replies Umberto. "The King?" enquires Browne, confused. "No king of mine" replies Umberto in a firm voice. <br />
<br />
Suddenly, Withers notices that [[Saunders]], uninvolved in this confrontation, has moved forward - a vacant, rapt, expression on his face - and has almost reached the imposing figure of the King! "Saunders!" shouts Withers, realizing he cannot reach his friend in time. Saunders appears to struggle against an irresistable pull, "Shoot me Withers, shoot me!" he begs. Withers draws his revolver, carefully aiming for the Scotsman's legs. Click! The round is a dud! Hastily withers makes to fire again, but he is too late - Saunders' outstretched arm makes contact with the spectre's robe, the king unseen eyes seem to bore into those of Withers, Browne and Umberto and they stand paralyzed. Unable to move the others can only watch and listen.<br />
<br />
A change comes across Saunders' expression. It is obvious that his infatuation with the King in Yellow is fading fast. "No", the sound bursts from the Scot's throat, a few seconds later "No, you'll destroy it!" and finally, in total denial "NO!". At this third declaration, the others find they can move again, but before they can react, the King in Yellow spins, becoming a whirlwind of yellow. The tatters of his robe hit Saunders and, before their horrified eyes, the others see Saunders torn apart, a gout of red stained gore spreads across the floor. Withers fires, his bullet passing harmlessly through the whirlwind of colour. <br />
<br />
The King in Yellow reforms. His voice fills their heads once more: WILL ONE OF YOU GUIDE ME. "Go to [[Carcosa]], it's where you belong!" says withers, 'Nooo!!" shouts Umberto, "By the Lord's name I shall not!", Nathaniel remains silent. WILL YOU GUIDE ME the King asks again, his face looking straight at Nathaniel, "No!", he shouts. At this third denial, the King turns on the spot and vanishes. <br />
<br />
While Browne moves forward to inpect the lecturn next to the gate, Withers and Umberto approach what is left of Andrew Saunders. "I'm so sorry", intones Umberto, "it should have been me". "Oh, god" says Withers, "poor Saunders". <br />
<br />
"The [[Yellow Sign]]!" - the sudden outburst from Browne breaks their reverie. "What?" says Withers. "This lecturn", replies Browne, "it's just like the one in the cave hwre we came to this place". "You think it's somehow magical?" asks Withers. "Yes!" replies Browne. "Then let's get out of here!" shouts Withers. Browne nods, drawing the kinfe with the yellow sign pommel from his belt, he slices his palm and places it against the lecturn. For over a year this sign has been the focus of his life, the tracing is perfect. The gate changes from misty white to blue. Nathaniel steps thorugh. Immediately, a high-pitched keening noice begins to emit from the gate. There is a gasp of horror from Umberto. Withers turns and sees the King in Yellow, flying at high speed towards the gate. "Quckly!" he says, jumping through. The last thiing he sees, as his face passes throught the curtain of blue light, is the King's robed arm sweeping the bloody sign from the lecturn.<br />
<br />
===The Return===<br />
<br />
Withers emerges from the gate and stumbles, yelping in pain. The skin has been stripped from the back of his trailing right leg, leaving it raw and bloody. Browne rushes forward to help. He glances up at the gate, finding it has returned to a misty white curtain through which can once again be seen the elephantine bulk of [[Chaugnar Faughn]]. The two have clearly returned to Mustang. Withers looks <br />
back at the gate in horror - Umberto has not followed them through! The fate of the world rests in the hands of a man they hardly know, nor trust.<br />
<br />
===Gethsemane===<br />
<br />
Back in Leng, the gate snaps shut as the King wipes the blood away. The King advances on Umberto. WILL YOU AID ME. "No!" reiterates Umberto, clutching at his holy symbol. I CANNOT LEAVE YOU HERE YOU WILL WAIT I WILL SEE YOU SOON. The robes of the King flap up blocking Umberto's view and he finds himself in cold and solitary darkness. <br />
<br />
Umberto flicks on his torch, finding imself in a large, flagstone floored chamber with four exits, one in each wall. This is clearly deep in the bowels of the [[Upper House]]. There is absolute silence. Careful to mark his route, Umberto explores his surroundings, finding himself back in the labyrinth of <br />
the Upper House. Without the piping to guide him and with no idea where he is, Umberto returns to the room the King left him in and prays. <br />
<br />
After an hour or so, the King's voice again fills his head. YOUR FRIENDS ARE DEAD YOU ARE ALONE BUT YOU NEED NOT BE GUIDE ME TO YOUR WORLD AND YOU WILL BE MY CHOSEN ONE. "Never!" says Umberto defiantly, "you will not break me, I serve a higher power!". At this, the presence leaves him. Some hours later, the King returns and asks again, and is again rebuffed, although Umberto can feel his resistance ebbing slowly away. The presence does not return for some hours, during which Umberto again prays. Finally, just a moment after the last power from his torch is gone and he is again left in total blackness, the voice again returns. DARK AND ALONE HUNGRY IT NEED NOT BE LIKE THIS GUIDE ME. "No..., my...heart..lies...with...God!" this time Umberto barely resists the King's mental intrusions, delivering the words through gritted teeth. For a time beyond knowing, Umberto lies in the darkness. Finally, when all his food is gone and but a sip of water remains, Umberto realizes what he must do.<br />
<br />
'''Umberto cradles the rifle in his lap.'''<br />
<br />
"Dominus reget me et nihil mihi deerit." - "The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want."<br />
<br />
'''He takes a round from his pocket and lays it on the floor'''.<br />
<br />
"In loco pascuae ibi; me conlocavit super aquam refectionis educavit me." - "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters"<br />
<br />
'''He picks up the rifle in his left hand.'''<br />
<br />
"Animam meam convertit deduxit me super semitas iustitiae propter nomen suum." - "He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake"<br />
<br />
'''He cranks the lever to open the breach.'''<br />
<br />
"Nam et si ambulavero in medio umbrae mortis non timebo mala quoniam tu mecum es virga tua et baculus tuus ipsa me consolata sunt." - "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."<br />
<br />
'''He loads the round.'''<br />
<br />
"Parasti in conspectu meo mensam adversus eos qui tribulant me inpinguasti in oleo caput meum et calix meus inebrians quam praeclarus est." - "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemes; thou annointest my headwith oil; my cup runneth over."<br />
<br />
'''He cocks the rifle.'''<br />
<br />
"Misericordia tua subsequitur me omnibus diebus vitae meae..." - "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life..."<br />
<br />
'''He raises the barrel to his mouth, the toe of his right foot reaching for the trigger.'''<br />
<br />
"Et ut inhabitem in domo Domini in longitudinem dierum." - "and I will dwell in the house of The Lord forever."<br />
<br />
'''A bang, a thump, then silence...'''</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Session_16&diff=3456Session 162006-10-04T01:54:21Z<p>202.14.141.254: /* The Return */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Session Report - Played Monday 2nd October, 2006==<br />
<br />
=== The Upper House - February 1930 ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:king.jpg|right]]<br />
The [[King in Yellow]] appears standing beside the gate. He was not seen to pass through it.<br />
<br />
The King does not speak, but all hear his words in their minds:<br />
<br />
GREETINGS PILGRIMS I AM THE KING IN YELLOW WHICH OF YOU HAS COME TO GUIDE ME?<br />
<br />
THE WHITE ACOLYTE WILL BE MY HONOURED SERVANT MY HIGH PRIEST TO CARRY MY GOSPEL TO THE WORLD<br />
<br />
====Nathaniel Browne====<br />
<br />
Ahead of the others, [[Nathaniel]] stands, awestruck by the power and majesty of the being before him. This is his muse, the very personification of the driving force behind the last year and a half of his life. There seems nothing more important to him than to be the servant of this being, this god, this king. But he remembers. He remembers the deaths of [[Bacon]], [[Edwards]], and [[Quarrie]]. He remembers the grave of [[Frederick Bartlett]], his friend. He remembers the horrors which have driven him and his friends across London, across England, across oceans and high mountains. He remembers his dream, the graveyard of the world. At last, finally and overwhelmingly, he remembers [[Francesca]]. His love is a greater thing than his art. His head moves slowly to the left, then to the right in slow, but unmistakable, denial. He passes the test. He will not serve. He will not be the [[White Acolyte]].<br />
<br />
====George Withers====<br />
<br />
Such is the power of the King in Yellow's presence that for a brief moment even [[Withers]] remains transfixed by his majesty and beauty. Of all his friends and companions Withers has always remained the most unaffected and unimpressed by the power of the dream they have been pursuing. Far, far removed from the positive revelry in sensation that Nathaniel Browne has abandoned himself to and distant even from the professional curiosity about those people affected, felt by his close friend Doctor Frederick Bartlett. Frederick. The thought of his friend snaps Withers out of his brief reverie - his dear friend was butchered by one of the servants or heralds or some damn thing serving the creature that stands before him now. How could he have allowed himself, even for a second, to waver in his purpose!. That THING is a threat to every thing he holds dear and there is no damn way that George Withers is going to be the White Acolyte. He'd burn in hell first!<br />
<br />
====Umberto====<br />
<br />
Recognising the King in Yellow from his dreams, for a second the majesty of the King makes Umberto doubt all he believes. Surely this reality is greater than any Christian myth? Then he realises that this being is the truth behind the story of Satan. This is the Lord of Lies, and Umberto will not be tempted.<br />
<br />
====Andrew Saunders====<br />
<br />
Saunders has spent his adult life living a lie. His life has been a life of compromises and half-truths. The majesty and glory of the King in Yellow offers certainty, beauty and freedom. The veil lifts from his eyes and Saunders wants nothing more than to serve this being. Saunders realises that it is his destiny to be [[the White Acolyte]].<br />
<br />
===Action Resumes===<br />
<br />
The voice in his head urges him to be it's servant, but [[Nathaniel Browne]] again denies it. The voice says "ONE OF THESE OTHERS LOVES ME". Nathaniel turns to his companions, a look of deep worry sketched on his face. "Remember Franscesca" begs [[Withers]]. "I know" replies Browne, "It's not me I'm worried about". [[Umberto]] begins to move toward the King, his right hand grasping the symbol around his neck. He is closely followed by Withers. Browne intercepts, raising a hand to block his path, "No, I don't think so" he says. Umberto looks, bewilderdered, at Browne. "What are you doing?" asks Browne. "That is the apparition!" replies Umberto. "The King?" enquires Browne, confused. "No king of mine" replies Umberto in a firm voice. <br />
<br />
Suddenly, Withers notices that [[Saunders]], uninvolved in this confrontation, has moved forward - a vacant, rapt, expression on his face - and has almost reached the imposing figure of the King! "Saunders!" shouts Withers, realizing he cannot reach his friend in time. Saunders appears to struggle against an irresistable pull, "Shoot me Withers, shoot me!" he begs. Withers draws his revolver, carefully aiming for the Scotsman's legs. Click! The round is a dud! Hastily withers makes to fire again, but he is too late - Saunders' outstretched arm makes contact with the spectre's robe, the king unseen eyes seem to bore into those of Withers, Browne and Umberto and they stand paralyzed. Unable to move the others can only watch and listen.<br />
<br />
A change comes across Saunders' expression. It is obvious that his infatuation with the King in Yellow is fading fast. "No", the sound bursts from the Scot's throat, a few seconds later "No, you'll destroy it!" and finally, in total denial "NO!". At this third declaration, the others find they can move again, but before they can react, the King in Yellow spins, becoming a whirlwind of yellow. The tatters of his robe hit Saunders and, before their horrified eyes, the others see Saunders torn apart, a gout of red stained gore spreads across the floor. Withers fires, his bullet passing harmlessly through the whirlwind of colour. <br />
<br />
The King in Yellow reforms. His voice fills their heads once more: WILL ONE OF YOU GUIDE ME. "Go to [[Carcosa]], it's where you belong!" says withers, 'Nooo!!" shouts Umberto, "By the Lord's name I shall not!", Nathaniel remains silent. WILL YOU GUIDE ME the King asks again, his face looking straight at Nathaniel, "No!", he shouts. At this third denial, the King turns on the spot and vanishes. <br />
<br />
While Browne moves forward to inpect the lecturn next to the gate, Withers and Umberto approach what is left of Andrew Saunders. "I'm so sorry", intones Umberto, "it should have been me". "Oh, god" says Withers, "poor Saunders". <br />
<br />
"The [[Yellow Sign]]!" - the sudden outburst from Browne breaks their reverie. "What?" says Withers. "This lecturn", replies Browne, "it's just like the one in the cave hwre we came to this place". "You think it's somehow magical?" asks Withers. "Yes!" replies Browne. "Then let's get out of here!" shouts Withers. Browne nods, drawing the kinfe with the yellow sign pommel from his belt, he slices his palm and places it against the lecturn. For over a year this sign has been the focus of his life, the tracing is perfect. The gate changes from misty white to blue. Nathaniel steps thorugh. Immediately, a high-pitched keening noice begins to emit from the gate. There is a gasp of horror from Umberto. Withers turns and sees the King in Yellow, flying at high speed towards the gate. "Quckly!" he says, jumping through. The last thiing he sees, as his face passes throught the curtain of blue light, is the King's robed arm sweeping the bloody sign from the lecturn.<br />
<br />
===The Return===<br />
<br />
Withers emerges from the gate and stumbles, yelping in pain. The skin has been stripped from the back of his trailing right leg, leaving it raw and bloody. Browne rushes forward to help. He glances up at the gate, finding it has returned to a misty white curtain through which can once again be seen the elephantine bulk of [[Chaugnar Faughn]]. The two have clearly returned to Mustang. Withers looks <br />
back at the gate in horror - Umberto has not followed them through! The fate of the world rests in the hands of a man they hardly know, nor trust.<br />
<br />
===Gethsemane===<br />
<br />
Back in Leng, the gate snaps shut as the King wipes the blood away. The King advances on Umberto. WILL YOU AID ME. "No!" reiterates Umberto, clutching at his holy symbol. I CANNOT LEAVE YOU HERE YOU WILL WAIT I WILL SEE YOU SOON. The robes of the King flap up blocking Umberto's view and he finds himself in cold and solitary darkness. <br />
<br />
Umberto flicks on his torch, finding imself in a large, flagstone floored chamber with four exits, one in each wall. This is clearly deep in the bowels of the [[Upper House]]. There is absolute silence. Careful to mark his route, Umberto explores his surroundings, finding himself back in the labyrinth of <br />
the Upper House. Without the piping to guide him and with no idea where he is, Umberto returns to the room the King left him in and prays. <br />
<br />
After an hour or so, the King's voice again fills his head. YOUR FRIENDS ARE DEAD YOU ARE ALONE BUT YOU NEED NOT BE GUIDE ME TO YOUR WORLD AND YOU WILL BE MY CHOSEN ONE. "Never!" says Umberto defiantly, "you will not break me, I serve a higher power!". At this, the presence leaves him. Some hours later, the King returns and asks again, and is again rebuffed, although Umberto can feel his resistance ebbing slowly away. The presence does not return for some hours, during which Umberto again prays. Finally, just a moment after the last power from his torch is gone and he is again left in total blackness, the voice again returns. DARK AND ALONE HUNGRY IT NEED NOT BE LIKE THIS GUIDE ME. "No..., my...heart..lies...with...God!" this time Umberto barely resists the King's mental intrusions, delivering the words through gritted teeth. For a time beyond knowing, Umberto lies in the darkness. Finally, when all his food is gone and but a sip of water remains, Umberto realizes what he must do.<br />
<br />
'''Umberto cradles the rifle in his lap.'''<br />
<br />
"Dominus reget me et nihil mihi deerit." - "The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want."<br />
<br />
'''He takes a round from his pocket and lays it on the floor'''.<br />
<br />
"in loco pascuae ibi; me conlocavit super aquam refectionis educavit me." - "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters"<br />
<br />
'''He picks up the rifle in his left hand.'''<br />
<br />
"animam meam convertit deduxit me super semitas iustitiae propter nomen suum." - "He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake"<br />
<br />
'''He cranks the lever to open the breach.'''<br />
<br />
"nam et si ambulavero in medio umbrae mortis non timebo mala quoniam tu mecum es virga tua et baculus tuus ipsa me consolata sunt." - "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."<br />
<br />
'''He loads the round.'''<br />
<br />
"parasti in conspectu meo mensam adversus eos qui tribulant me inpinguasti in oleo caput meum et calix meus inebrians quam praeclarus est." - "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemes; thou annointest my headwith oil; my cup runneth over."<br />
<br />
'''He cocks the rifle.'''<br />
<br />
"misericordia tua subsequitur me omnibus diebus vitae meae..." - "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life..."<br />
<br />
'''He raises the barrel to his mouth, the toe of his right foot reaching for the trigger.'''<br />
<br />
"et ut inhabitem in domo Domini in longitudinem dierum." - "and I will dwell in the house of The Lord forever."<br />
<br />
'''A bang, a thump, then silence...'''</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Session_16&diff=3455Session 162006-10-04T00:37:10Z<p>202.14.141.254: /* Action Resumes */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Session Report - Played Monday 2nd October, 2006==<br />
<br />
=== The Upper House - February 1930 ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:king.jpg|right]]<br />
The [[King in Yellow]] appears standing beside the gate. He was not seen to pass through it.<br />
<br />
The King does not speak, but all hear his words in their minds:<br />
<br />
GREETINGS PILGRIMS I AM THE KING IN YELLOW WHICH OF YOU HAS COME TO GUIDE ME?<br />
<br />
THE WHITE ACOLYTE WILL BE MY HONOURED SERVANT MY HIGH PRIEST TO CARRY MY GOSPEL TO THE WORLD<br />
<br />
====Nathaniel Browne====<br />
<br />
Ahead of the others, [[Nathaniel]] stands, awestruck by the power and majesty of the being before him. This is his muse, the very personification of the driving force behind the last year and a half of his life. There seems nothing more important to him than to be the servant of this being, this god, this king. But he remembers. He remembers the deaths of [[Bacon]], [[Edwards]], and [[Quarrie]]. He remembers the grave of [[Frederick Bartlett]], his friend. He remembers the horrors which have driven him and his friends across London, across England, across oceans and high mountains. He remembers his dream, the graveyard of the world. At last, finally and overwhelmingly, he remembers [[Francesca]]. His love is a greater thing than his art. His head moves slowly to the left, then to the right in slow, but unmistakable, denial. He passes the test. He will not serve. He will not be the [[White Acolyte]].<br />
<br />
====George Withers====<br />
<br />
Such is the power of the King in Yellow's presence that for a brief moment even [[Withers]] remains transfixed by his majesty and beauty. Of all his friends and companions Withers has always remained the most unaffected and unimpressed by the power of the dream they have been pursuing. Far, far removed from the positive revelry in sensation that Nathaniel Browne has abandoned himself to and distant even from the professional curiosity about those people affected, felt by his close friend Doctor Frederick Bartlett. Frederick. The thought of his friend snaps Withers out of his brief reverie - his dear friend was butchered by one of the servants or heralds or some damn thing serving the creature that stands before him now. How could he have allowed himself, even for a second, to waver in his purpose!. That THING is a threat to every thing he holds dear and there is no damn way that George Withers is going to be the White Acolyte. He'd burn in hell first!<br />
<br />
====Umberto====<br />
<br />
Recognising the King in Yellow from his dreams, for a second the majesty of the King makes Umberto doubt all he believes. Surely this reality is greater than any Christian myth? Then he realises that this being is the truth behind the story of Satan. This is the Lord of Lies, and Umberto will not be tempted.<br />
<br />
====Andrew Saunders====<br />
<br />
Saunders has spent his adult life living a lie. His life has been a life of compromises and half-truths. The majesty and glory of the King in Yellow offers certainty, beauty and freedom. The veil lifts from his eyes and Saunders wants nothing more than to serve this being. Saunders realises that it is his destiny to be [[the White Acolyte]].<br />
<br />
===Action Resumes===<br />
<br />
The voice in his head urges him to be it's servant, but [[Nathaniel Browne]] again denies it. The voice says "ONE OF THESE OTHERS LOVES ME". Nathaniel turns to his companions, a look of deep worry sketched on his face. "Remember Franscesca" begs [[Withers]]. "I know" replies Browne, "It's not me I'm worried about". [[Umberto]] begins to move toward the King, his right hand grasping the symbol around his neck. He is closely followed by Withers. Browne intercepts, raising a hand to block his path, "No, I don't think so" he says. Umberto looks, bewilderdered, at Browne. "What are you doing?" asks Browne. "That is the apparition!" replies Umberto. "The King?" enquires Browne, confused. "No king of mine" replies Umberto in a firm voice. <br />
<br />
Suddenly, Withers notices that [[Saunders]], uninvolved in this confrontation, has moved forward - a vacant, rapt, expression on his face - and has almost reached the imposing figure of the King! "Saunders!" shouts Withers, realizing he cannot reach his friend in time. Saunders appears to struggle against an irresistable pull, "Shoot me Withers, shoot me!" he begs. Withers draws his revolver, carefully aiming for the Scotsman's legs. Click! The round is a dud! Hastily withers makes to fire again, but he is too late - Saunders' outstretched arm makes contact with the spectre's robe, the king unseen eyes seem to bore into those of Withers, Browne and Umberto and they stand paralyzed. Unable to move the others can only watch and listen.<br />
<br />
A change comes across Saunders' expression. It is obvious that his infatuation with the King in Yellow is fading fast. "No", the sound bursts from the Scot's throat, a few seconds later "No, you'll destroy it!" and finally, in total denial "NO!". At this third declaration, the others find they can move again, but before they can react, the King in Yellow spins, becoming a whirlwind of yellow. The tatters of his robe hit Saunders and, before their horrified eyes, the others see Saunders torn apart, a gout of red stained gore spreads across the floor. Withers fires, his bullet passing harmlessly through the whirlwind of colour. <br />
<br />
The King in Yellow reforms. His voice fills their heads once more: WILL ONE OF YOU GUIDE ME. "Go to [[Carcosa]], it's where you belong!" says withers, 'Nooo!!" shouts Umberto, "By the Lord's name I shall not!", Nathaniel remains silent. WILL YOU GUIDE ME the King asks again, his face looking straight at Nathaniel, "No!", he shouts. At this third denial, the King turns on the spot and vanishes. <br />
<br />
While Browne moves forward to inpect the lecturn next to the gate, Withers and Umberto approach what is left of Andrew Saunders. "I'm so sorry", intones Umberto, "it should have been me". "Oh, god" says Withers, "poor Saunders". <br />
<br />
"The [[Yellow Sign]]!" - the sudden outburst from Browne breaks their reverie. "What?" says Withers. "This lecturn", replies Browne, "it's just like the one in the cave hwre we came to this place". "You think it's somehow magical?" asks Withers. "Yes!" replies Browne. "Then let's get out of here!" shouts Withers. Browne nods, drawing the kinfe with the yellow sign pommel from his belt, he slices his palm and places it against the lecturn. For over a year this sign has been the focus of his life, the tracing is perfect. The gate changes from misty white to blue. Nathaniel steps thorugh. Immediately, a high-pitched keening noice begins to emit from the gate. There is a gasp of horror from Umberto. Withers turns and sees the King in Yellow, flying at high speed towards the gate. "Quckly!" he says, jumping through. The last thiing he sees, as his face passes throught the curtain of blue light, is the King's robed arm sweeping the bloody sign from the lecturn.<br />
<br />
===The Return===</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Session_16&diff=3454Session 162006-10-03T23:26:16Z<p>202.14.141.254: /* Nathaniel Browne */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Session Report - Played Monday 2nd October, 2006==<br />
<br />
=== The Upper House - February 1930 ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:king.jpg|right]]<br />
The [[King in Yellow]] appears standing beside the gate. He was not seen to pass through it.<br />
<br />
The King does not speak, but all hear his words in their minds:<br />
<br />
GREETINGS PILGRIMS I AM THE KING IN YELLOW WHICH OF YOU HAS COME TO GUIDE ME?<br />
<br />
THE WHITE ACOLYTE WILL BE MY HONOURED SERVANT MY HIGH PRIEST TO CARRY MY GOSPEL TO THE WORLD<br />
<br />
====Nathaniel Browne====<br />
<br />
Ahead of the others, [[Nathaniel]] stands, awestruck by the power and majesty of the being before him. This is his muse, the very personification of the driving force behind the last year and a half of his life. There seems nothing more important to him than to be the servant of this being, this god, this king. But he remembers. He remembers the deaths of [[Bacon]], [[Edwards]], and [[Quarrie]]. He remembers the grave of [[Frederick Bartlett]], his friend. He remembers the horrors which have driven him and his friends across London, across England, across oceans and high mountains. He remembers his dream, the graveyard of the world. At last, finally and overwhelmingly, he remembers [[Francesca]]. His love is a greater thing than his art. His head moves slowly to the left, then to the right in slow, but unmistakable, denial. He passes the test. He will not serve. He will not be the [[White Acolyte]].<br />
<br />
====George Withers====<br />
<br />
Such is the power of the King in Yellow's presence that for a brief moment even [[Withers]] remains transfixed by his majesty and beauty. Of all his friends and companions Withers has always remained the most unaffected and unimpressed by the power of the dream they have been pursuing. Far, far removed from the positive revelry in sensation that Nathaniel Browne has abandoned himself to and distant even from the professional curiosity about those people affected, felt by his close friend Doctor Frederick Bartlett. Frederick. The thought of his friend snaps Withers out of his brief reverie - his dear friend was butchered by one of the servants or heralds or some damn thing serving the creature that stands before him now. How could he have allowed himself, even for a second, to waver in his purpose!. That THING is a threat to every thing he holds dear and there is no damn way that George Withers is going to be the White Acolyte. He'd burn in hell first!<br />
<br />
====Umberto====<br />
<br />
Recognising the King in Yellow from his dreams, for a second the majesty of the King makes Umberto doubt all he believes. Surely this reality is greater than any Christian myth? Then he realises that this being is the truth behind the story of Satan. This is the Lord of Lies, and Umberto will not be tempted.<br />
<br />
====Andrew Saunders====<br />
<br />
Saunders has spent his adult life living a lie. His life has been a life of compromises and half-truths. The majesty and glory of the King in Yellow offers certainty, beauty and freedom. The veil lifts from his eyes and Saunders wants nothing more than to serve this being. Saunders realises that it is his destiny to be [[the White Acolyte]].<br />
<br />
===Action Resumes===<br />
<br />
The voice in his head urges him to be it's servant, but [[Nathaniel Browne]] again denies it. The voice says "ONE OF THESE OTHERS LOVES ME". Nathaniel turns to his companions, a look of deep worry sketched on his face. "Remember Franscesca" begs [[Withers]]. "I know" replies Browne, "It's not me I'm worried about". [[Umberto]] begins to move toward the King, his right hand grasping the symbol around his neck. He is closely followed by Withers. Browne intercepts, raising a hand to block his path, "No, I don't think so" he says. Umberto looks, bewilderdered, at Browne. "What are you doing?" asks Browne. "That is the apparition!" replies Umberto. "The King?" enquires Browne, confused. "No king of mine" replies Umberto in a firm voice. <br />
<br />
Suddenly, Withers notices that [[Saunders]], uninvolved in this confrontation, has moved forward - a vacant, rapt, expression on his face - and has almost reached the imposing figure of the King! "Saunders!" shouts Withers, realizing he cannot reach his friend in time. Saunders appears to struggle against an irresistable pull, "Shoot me Withers, shoot me!" he begs. Withers draws his revolver, carefully aiming for the Scotsman's legs. Click! The round is a dud! Hastily withers makes to fire again, but he is too late - Saunders' outstretched arm makes contact with the spectre's robe, the king unseen eyes seem to bore into those of Withers, Browne and Umberto and they stand paralyzed. Unable to move the others can only watch and listen.<br />
<br />
A change comes across Saunders' expression. It is obvious that his infatuation with the King in Yellow is fading fast. "No", the sound bursts from the Scot's throat, a few seconds later "No, you'll destroy it!" and finally, in total denial "NO!". At this third declaration, the others find they can move again, but before they can react, the King in Yellow spins, becoming a whirlwind of yellow. The tatters of his robe hit Saunders and, before their horrified eyes, the others see Saunders torn apart, a gout of red stained gore spreads across the floor. Withers fires, his bullet passing harmlessly through the whirlwind of colour. <br />
<br />
The King in Yellow reforms. His voice fills their heads once more: WILL ONE OF YOU GUIDE ME. "Go to [[Carcosa]], it's where you belong!" says withers, 'Nooo!!" shouts Umberto, "By the Lord's name I shall not!", Nathaniel remains silent. WILL YOU GUIDE ME the King asks again, his face looking straight at Nathaniel, "No!", he shouts. At this third denial, the King turns on the spot and vanishes. <br />
<br />
While Browne moves forward to inpect the lecturn next to the gate, Withers and Umberto approach what is left of Andrew Saunders. "I'm so sorry", intones Umberto, "it should have been me". "Oh, god" says Withers, "poor Saunders". <br />
<br />
"The [[Yellow Sign]]!" - the sudden outburst from Browne breaks their reverie. "What?" says Withers. "This lecturn", replies Browne, "it's just like the one in the cave hwre we came to this place". "You think it's somehow magical?" asks Withers. "Yes!" replies Browne. "Then let's get out of here!" shouts Withers. Browne nods, drawing the kinfe with the yellow sign pommel from his belt, he slices his palm and places it against the lecturn. For over a year this sign has been the focus of his life, the tracing is perfect. The gate changes from misty white to blue. Nathaniel steps thorugh. Immediately, a high-pitched keening noice begins to emit from the gate. There is a gasp of horror from Umberto. Withers turns and sees the King in Yellow, flying at high speed towards the gate. "Quckly!" he says, jumping through. The last thiing he sees, as his face passes throught the curtain of blue light, is the King's robed arm sweeping the bloody sign from the lecturn.</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Session_16&diff=3453Session 162006-10-03T23:23:38Z<p>202.14.141.254: /* Action Resumes */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Session Report - Played Monday 2nd October, 2006==<br />
<br />
=== The Upper House - February 1930 ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:king.jpg|right]]<br />
The [[King in Yellow]] appears standing beside the gate. He was not seen to pass through it.<br />
<br />
The King does not speak, but all hear his words in their minds:<br />
<br />
GREETINGS PILGRIMS I AM THE KING IN YELLOW WHICH OF YOU HAS COME TO GUIDE ME?<br />
<br />
THE WHITE ACOLYTE WILL BE MY HONOURED SERVANT MY HIGH PRIEST TO CARRY MY GOSPEL TO THE WORLD<br />
<br />
====Nathaniel Browne====<br />
<br />
Ahead of the others, [[Nathaniel]] stands, awestruck by the power and majesty of the being before him. This is his muse, the very personification of the driving force behind the last year and a half of his life. There seems nothing more important to him than to be the servant of this being, this god, this king. But he remembers. He remembers the deaths of [[Bacon]], [[Edwards]], and [[Quarrie]]. He remembers the grave of [[Frederick Bartlett]], his friend. He remember the horrors which have followed him and his friends across London, across England, across oceans and high mountains. He remembers his dream, the graveyard of the world. At last, finally and overwhelmingly, he remembers [[Francesca]]. His love is a greater thing than his art. His head moves slowly to the left, then to the right in slow, but unmistakable, denial. He passes the test. He will not serve. He will not be the [[White Acolyte]].<br />
<br />
====George Withers====<br />
<br />
Such is the power of the King in Yellow's presence that for a brief moment even [[Withers]] remains transfixed by his majesty and beauty. Of all his friends and companions Withers has always remained the most unaffected and unimpressed by the power of the dream they have been pursuing. Far, far removed from the positive revelry in sensation that Nathaniel Browne has abandoned himself to and distant even from the professional curiosity about those people affected, felt by his close friend Doctor Frederick Bartlett. Frederick. The thought of his friend snaps Withers out of his brief reverie - his dear friend was butchered by one of the servants or heralds or some damn thing serving the creature that stands before him now. How could he have allowed himself, even for a second, to waver in his purpose!. That THING is a threat to every thing he holds dear and there is no damn way that George Withers is going to be the White Acolyte. He'd burn in hell first!<br />
<br />
====Umberto====<br />
<br />
Recognising the King in Yellow from his dreams, for a second the majesty of the King makes Umberto doubt all he believes. Surely this reality is greater than any Christian myth? Then he realises that this being is the truth behind the story of Satan. This is the Lord of Lies, and Umberto will not be tempted.<br />
<br />
====Andrew Saunders====<br />
<br />
Saunders has spent his adult life living a lie. His life has been a life of compromises and half-truths. The majesty and glory of the King in Yellow offers certainty, beauty and freedom. The veil lifts from his eyes and Saunders wants nothing more than to serve this being. Saunders realises that it is his destiny to be [[the White Acolyte]].<br />
<br />
===Action Resumes===<br />
<br />
The voice in his head urges him to be it's servant, but [[Nathaniel Browne]] again denies it. The voice says "ONE OF THESE OTHERS LOVES ME". Nathaniel turns to his companions, a look of deep worry sketched on his face. "Remember Franscesca" begs [[Withers]]. "I know" replies Browne, "It's not me I'm worried about". [[Umberto]] begins to move toward the King, his right hand grasping the symbol around his neck. He is closely followed by Withers. Browne intercepts, raising a hand to block his path, "No, I don't think so" he says. Umberto looks, bewilderdered, at Browne. "What are you doing?" asks Browne. "That is the apparition!" replies Umberto. "The King?" enquires Browne, confused. "No king of mine" replies Umberto in a firm voice. <br />
<br />
Suddenly, Withers notices that [[Saunders]], uninvolved in this confrontation, has moved forward - a vacant, rapt, expression on his face - and has almost reached the imposing figure of the King! "Saunders!" shouts Withers, realizing he cannot reach his friend in time. Saunders appears to struggle against an irresistable pull, "Shoot me Withers, shoot me!" he begs. Withers draws his revolver, carefully aiming for the Scotsman's legs. Click! The round is a dud! Hastily withers makes to fire again, but he is too late - Saunders' outstretched arm makes contact with the spectre's robe, the king unseen eyes seem to bore into those of Withers, Browne and Umberto and they stand paralyzed. Unable to move the others can only watch and listen.<br />
<br />
A change comes across Saunders' expression. It is obvious that his infatuation with the King in Yellow is fading fast. "No", the sound bursts from the Scot's throat, a few seconds later "No, you'll destroy it!" and finally, in total denial "NO!". At this third declaration, the others find they can move again, but before they can react, the King in Yellow spins, becoming a whirlwind of yellow. The tatters of his robe hit Saunders and, before their horrified eyes, the others see Saunders torn apart, a gout of red stained gore spreads across the floor. Withers fires, his bullet passing harmlessly through the whirlwind of colour. <br />
<br />
The King in Yellow reforms. His voice fills their heads once more: WILL ONE OF YOU GUIDE ME. "Go to [[Carcosa]], it's where you belong!" says withers, 'Nooo!!" shouts Umberto, "By the Lord's name I shall not!", Nathaniel remains silent. WILL YOU GUIDE ME the King asks again, his face looking straight at Nathaniel, "No!", he shouts. At this third denial, the King turns on the spot and vanishes. <br />
<br />
While Browne moves forward to inpect the lecturn next to the gate, Withers and Umberto approach what is left of Andrew Saunders. "I'm so sorry", intones Umberto, "it should have been me". "Oh, god" says Withers, "poor Saunders". <br />
<br />
"The [[Yellow Sign]]!" - the sudden outburst from Browne breaks their reverie. "What?" says Withers. "This lecturn", replies Browne, "it's just like the one in the cave hwre we came to this place". "You think it's somehow magical?" asks Withers. "Yes!" replies Browne. "Then let's get out of here!" shouts Withers. Browne nods, drawing the kinfe with the yellow sign pommel from his belt, he slices his palm and places it against the lecturn. For over a year this sign has been the focus of his life, the tracing is perfect. The gate changes from misty white to blue. Nathaniel steps thorugh. Immediately, a high-pitched keening noice begins to emit from the gate. There is a gasp of horror from Umberto. Withers turns and sees the King in Yellow, flying at high speed towards the gate. "Quckly!" he says, jumping through. The last thiing he sees, as his face passes throught the curtain of blue light, is the King's robed arm sweeping the bloody sign from the lecturn.</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Session_16&diff=3452Session 162006-10-03T23:17:12Z<p>202.14.141.254: /* Andrew Saunders */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Session Report - Played Monday 2nd October, 2006==<br />
<br />
=== The Upper House - February 1930 ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:king.jpg|right]]<br />
The [[King in Yellow]] appears standing beside the gate. He was not seen to pass through it.<br />
<br />
The King does not speak, but all hear his words in their minds:<br />
<br />
GREETINGS PILGRIMS I AM THE KING IN YELLOW WHICH OF YOU HAS COME TO GUIDE ME?<br />
<br />
THE WHITE ACOLYTE WILL BE MY HONOURED SERVANT MY HIGH PRIEST TO CARRY MY GOSPEL TO THE WORLD<br />
<br />
====Nathaniel Browne====<br />
<br />
Ahead of the others, [[Nathaniel]] stands, awestruck by the power and majesty of the being before him. This is his muse, the very personification of the driving force behind the last year and a half of his life. There seems nothing more important to him than to be the servant of this being, this god, this king. But he remembers. He remembers the deaths of [[Bacon]], [[Edwards]], and [[Quarrie]]. He remembers the grave of [[Frederick Bartlett]], his friend. He remember the horrors which have followed him and his friends across London, across England, across oceans and high mountains. He remembers his dream, the graveyard of the world. At last, finally and overwhelmingly, he remembers [[Francesca]]. His love is a greater thing than his art. His head moves slowly to the left, then to the right in slow, but unmistakable, denial. He passes the test. He will not serve. He will not be the [[White Acolyte]].<br />
<br />
====George Withers====<br />
<br />
Such is the power of the King in Yellow's presence that for a brief moment even [[Withers]] remains transfixed by his majesty and beauty. Of all his friends and companions Withers has always remained the most unaffected and unimpressed by the power of the dream they have been pursuing. Far, far removed from the positive revelry in sensation that Nathaniel Browne has abandoned himself to and distant even from the professional curiosity about those people affected, felt by his close friend Doctor Frederick Bartlett. Frederick. The thought of his friend snaps Withers out of his brief reverie - his dear friend was butchered by one of the servants or heralds or some damn thing serving the creature that stands before him now. How could he have allowed himself, even for a second, to waver in his purpose!. That THING is a threat to every thing he holds dear and there is no damn way that George Withers is going to be the White Acolyte. He'd burn in hell first!<br />
<br />
====Umberto====<br />
<br />
Recognising the King in Yellow from his dreams, for a second the majesty of the King makes Umberto doubt all he believes. Surely this reality is greater than any Christian myth? Then he realises that this being is the truth behind the story of Satan. This is the Lord of Lies, and Umberto will not be tempted.<br />
<br />
====Andrew Saunders====<br />
<br />
Saunders has spent his adult life living a lie. His life has been a life of compromises and half-truths. The majesty and glory of the King in Yellow offers certainty, beauty and freedom. The veil lifts from his eyes and Saunders wants nothing more than to serve this being. Saunders realises that it is his destiny to be [[the White Acolyte]].<br />
<br />
===Action Resumes===<br />
<br />
The voice in his head urges him to be it's servant, but [[Nathaniel Browne]] again denies it. The voice says "ONE OF THESE OTHERS LOVES ME". Nathaniel turns to his companions, a look of deep worry sketched on his face. "Remember Franscesca" begs [[Withers]]. "I know" replies Browne, "It's not me I'm worried about". [[Umberto]] begins to move toward the King, his right hand grasping the symbol around his neck. He is closely followed by Withers. Browne intercepts, raising a hand to block his path, "No, I don't think so" he says. Umberto looks, bewilderdered, at Browne. "What are you doing?" asks Browne. "That is the apparition!" replies Umberto. "The King?" enquires Browne, confused. "No king of mine" replies Umberto in a firm voice. <br />
<br />
Suddenly, Withers notices that [[Saunders]], uninvolved in this confrontation, has moved forward - a vacant, rapt, expression on his face - and has almost reached the imposing figure of the King! "Saunders!" shouts Withers, realizing he cannot reach his friend in time. Saunders appears to struggle against an irresistable pull, "Shoot me Withers, shoot me!" he begs. Withers draws his revolver, carefully aiming for the Scotsman's legs. Click! The round is a dud! Hastily withers makes to fire again, but he is too late - Saunders' outstretched arm makes contact with the spectre's robe, the king unseen eyes seem to bore into those of Withers, Browne and Umberto and they stand paralyzed. Unable to move the others can only watch and listen.<br />
<br />
A change comes across Saunders' expression. It is obvious that his infatuation with the King in Yellow is fading fast. "No.", the sound bursts from the Scot's throat, a few seconds later "No, you'll destroy it" and finally, in total denial "NO!". At this third declaration, the others find they can move again, but before they can react, the King in Yellow spins, becoming a whirlwind of yellow. The tatters of his robe hit Saunders and, before their horrified eyes, the others see Saunders torn apart, a gout of red stained gore spreads across the floor. Withers fires, his bullet passing harmlessly through the whirlwind of colour. <br />
<br />
The King in Yellow reforms. His voice fills their heads once more: WILL ONE OF YOU GUIDE ME. "Go to [[Carcosa]], it's where you belong!" says withers, 'Nooo!!" shouts Umberto, "By the Lord's name I shall not!", Nathaniel remains silent. WILL YOU GUIDE ME the King asks again, his face looking straight at Nathaniel, "No!", he shouts. At this third denial, the King turns on the spot and vanishes. <br />
<br />
While Browne moves forward to inpect the lecturn next to the gate, Withers and Umberto approach what is left of Andrew Saunders. "I'm so sorry", intones Umberto, "it should have been me". "Oh, god" says Withers, "poor Saunders". <br />
<br />
"The [[Yellow Sign]]!" - the sudden outburst from Browne breaks their reverie. "What?" says Withers. "This lecturn", replies Browne, "it's just like the one in the cave hwre we came to this place". "You think it's somehow magical?" asks Withers. "Yes!" replies Browne. "Then let's get out of here!" shouts Withers. Browne nods, drawing the kinfe with the yellow sign pommel from his belt, he slices his palm and places it against the lecturn. For over a year this sign has been the focus of his life, the tracing is perfect. The gate changes from misty white to blue. Nathaniel steps thorugh. Immediately, a high-pitched keening noice begins to emit from the gate. There is a gasp of horror from Umberto. Withers turns and sees the King in Yellow, flying at high speed towards the gate. "Quckly!" he says, jumping through. The last thiing he sees, as his face passes throught the curtain of blue light, is the King's robed arm sweeping the bloody sign from the lecturn.</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Session_16&diff=3451Session 162006-10-03T23:14:21Z<p>202.14.141.254: /* Action Resumes */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Session Report - Played Monday 2nd October, 2006==<br />
<br />
=== The Upper House - February 1930 ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:king.jpg|right]]<br />
The [[King in Yellow]] appears standing beside the gate. He was not seen to pass through it.<br />
<br />
The King does not speak, but all hear his words in their minds:<br />
<br />
GREETINGS PILGRIMS I AM THE KING IN YELLOW WHICH OF YOU HAS COME TO GUIDE ME?<br />
<br />
THE WHITE ACOLYTE WILL BE MY HONOURED SERVANT MY HIGH PRIEST TO CARRY MY GOSPEL TO THE WORLD<br />
<br />
====Nathaniel Browne====<br />
<br />
Ahead of the others, [[Nathaniel]] stands, awestruck by the power and majesty of the being before him. This is his muse, the very personification of the driving force behind the last year and a half of his life. There seems nothing more important to him than to be the servant of this being, this god, this king. But he remembers. He remembers the deaths of [[Bacon]], [[Edwards]], and [[Quarrie]]. He remembers the grave of [[Frederick Bartlett]], his friend. He remember the horrors which have followed him and his friends across London, across England, across oceans and high mountains. He remembers his dream, the graveyard of the world. At last, finally and overwhelmingly, he remembers [[Francesca]]. His love is a greater thing than his art. His head moves slowly to the left, then to the right in slow, but unmistakable, denial. He passes the test. He will not serve. He will not be the [[White Acolyte]].<br />
<br />
====George Withers====<br />
<br />
Such is the power of the King in Yellow's presence that for a brief moment even [[Withers]] remains transfixed by his majesty and beauty. Of all his friends and companions Withers has always remained the most unaffected and unimpressed by the power of the dream they have been pursuing. Far, far removed from the positive revelry in sensation that Nathaniel Browne has abandoned himself to and distant even from the professional curiosity about those people affected, felt by his close friend Doctor Frederick Bartlett. Frederick. The thought of his friend snaps Withers out of his brief reverie - his dear friend was butchered by one of the servants or heralds or some damn thing serving the creature that stands before him now. How could he have allowed himself, even for a second, to waver in his purpose!. That THING is a threat to every thing he holds dear and there is no damn way that George Withers is going to be the White Acolyte. He'd burn in hell first!<br />
<br />
====Umberto====<br />
<br />
Recognising the King in Yellow from his dreams, for a second the majesty of the King makes Umberto doubt all he believes. Surely this reality is greater than any Christian myth? Then he realises that this being is the truth behind the story of Satan. This is the Lord of Lies, and Umberto will not be tempted.<br />
<br />
====Andrew Saunders====<br />
<br />
Saunders has spent his adult life living a lie. His life has been a life of compromises and half-truths. The majesty and glory of the King in Yellow offers certainty, beauty and freedom. The scales lift from his eyes and Saunders wants nothing more than to serve this being. Saunders realises that it is his destiny to be [[the White Acolyte]].<br />
<br />
===Action Resumes===<br />
<br />
The voice in his head urges him to be it's servant, but [[Nathaniel Browne]] again denies it. The voice says "ONE OF THESE OTHERS LOVES ME". Nathaniel turns to his companions, a look of deep worry sketched on his face. "Remember Franscesca" begs [[Withers]]. "I know" replies Browne, "It's not me I'm worried about". [[Umberto]] begins to move toward the King, his right hand grasping the symbol around his neck. He is closely followed by Withers. Browne intercepts, raising a hand to block his path, "No, I don't think so" he says. Umberto looks, bewilderdered, at Browne. "What are you doing?" asks Browne. "That is the apparition!" replies Umberto. "The King?" enquires Browne, confused. "No king of mine" replies Umberto in a firm voice. <br />
<br />
Suddenly, Withers notices that [[Saunders]], uninvolved in this confrontation, has moved forward - a vacant, rapt, expression on his face - and has almost reached the imposing figure of the King! "Saunders!" shouts Withers, realizing he cannot reach his friend in time. Saunders appears to struggle against an irresistable pull, "Shoot me Withers, shoot me!" he begs. Withers draws his revolver, carefully aiming for the Scotsman's legs. Click! The round is a dud! Hastily withers makes to fire again, but he is too late - Saunders' outstretched arm makes contact with the spectre's robe, the king unseen eyes seem to bore into those of Withers, Browne and Umberto and they stand paralyzed. Unable to move the others can only watch and listen.<br />
<br />
A change comes across Saunders' expression. It is obvious that his infatuation with the King in Yellow is fading fast. "No.", the sound bursts from the Scot's throat, a few seconds later "No, you'll destroy it" and finally, in total denial "NO!". At this third declaration, the others find they can move again, but before they can react, the King in Yellow spins, becoming a whirlwind of yellow. The tatters of his robe hit Saunders and, before their horrified eyes, the others see Saunders torn apart, a gout of red stained gore spreads across the floor. Withers fires, his bullet passing harmlessly through the whirlwind of colour. <br />
<br />
The King in Yellow reforms. His voice fills their heads once more: WILL ONE OF YOU GUIDE ME. "Go to [[Carcosa]], it's where you belong!" says withers, 'Nooo!!" shouts Umberto, "By the Lord's name I shall not!", Nathaniel remains silent. WILL YOU GUIDE ME the King asks again, his face looking straight at Nathaniel, "No!", he shouts. At this third denial, the King turns on the spot and vanishes. <br />
<br />
While Browne moves forward to inpect the lecturn next to the gate, Withers and Umberto approach what is left of Andrew Saunders. "I'm so sorry", intones Umberto, "it should have been me". "Oh, god" says Withers, "poor Saunders". <br />
<br />
"The [[Yellow Sign]]!" - the sudden outburst from Browne breaks their reverie. "What?" says Withers. "This lecturn", replies Browne, "it's just like the one in the cave hwre we came to this place". "You think it's somehow magical?" asks Withers. "Yes!" replies Browne. "Then let's get out of here!" shouts Withers. Browne nods, drawing the kinfe with the yellow sign pommel from his belt, he slices his palm and places it against the lecturn. For over a year this sign has been the focus of his life, the tracing is perfect. The gate changes from misty white to blue. Nathaniel steps thorugh. Immediately, a high-pitched keening noice begins to emit from the gate. There is a gasp of horror from Umberto. Withers turns and sees the King in Yellow, flying at high speed towards the gate. "Quckly!" he says, jumping through. The last thiing he sees, as his face passes throught the curtain of blue light, is the King's robed arm sweeping the bloody sign from the lecturn.</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Session_16&diff=3450Session 162006-10-03T23:13:48Z<p>202.14.141.254: /* Action Resumes */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Session Report - Played Monday 2nd October, 2006==<br />
<br />
=== The Upper House - February 1930 ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:king.jpg|right]]<br />
The [[King in Yellow]] appears standing beside the gate. He was not seen to pass through it.<br />
<br />
The King does not speak, but all hear his words in their minds:<br />
<br />
GREETINGS PILGRIMS I AM THE KING IN YELLOW WHICH OF YOU HAS COME TO GUIDE ME?<br />
<br />
THE WHITE ACOLYTE WILL BE MY HONOURED SERVANT MY HIGH PRIEST TO CARRY MY GOSPEL TO THE WORLD<br />
<br />
====Nathaniel Browne====<br />
<br />
Ahead of the others, [[Nathaniel]] stands, awestruck by the power and majesty of the being before him. This is his muse, the very personification of the driving force behind the last year and a half of his life. There seems nothing more important to him than to be the servant of this being, this god, this king. But he remembers. He remembers the deaths of [[Bacon]], [[Edwards]], and [[Quarrie]]. He remembers the grave of [[Frederick Bartlett]], his friend. He remember the horrors which have followed him and his friends across London, across England, across oceans and high mountains. He remembers his dream, the graveyard of the world. At last, finally and overwhelmingly, he remembers [[Francesca]]. His love is a greater thing than his art. His head moves slowly to the left, then to the right in slow, but unmistakable, denial. He passes the test. He will not serve. He will not be the [[White Acolyte]].<br />
<br />
====George Withers====<br />
<br />
Such is the power of the King in Yellow's presence that for a brief moment even [[Withers]] remains transfixed by his majesty and beauty. Of all his friends and companions Withers has always remained the most unaffected and unimpressed by the power of the dream they have been pursuing. Far, far removed from the positive revelry in sensation that Nathaniel Browne has abandoned himself to and distant even from the professional curiosity about those people affected, felt by his close friend Doctor Frederick Bartlett. Frederick. The thought of his friend snaps Withers out of his brief reverie - his dear friend was butchered by one of the servants or heralds or some damn thing serving the creature that stands before him now. How could he have allowed himself, even for a second, to waver in his purpose!. That THING is a threat to every thing he holds dear and there is no damn way that George Withers is going to be the White Acolyte. He'd burn in hell first!<br />
<br />
====Umberto====<br />
<br />
Recognising the King in Yellow from his dreams, for a second the majesty of the King makes Umberto doubt all he believes. Surely this reality is greater than any Christian myth? Then he realises that this being is the truth behind the story of Satan. This is the Lord of Lies, and Umberto will not be tempted.<br />
<br />
====Andrew Saunders====<br />
<br />
Saunders has spent his adult life living a lie. His life has been a life of compromises and half-truths. The majesty and glory of the King in Yellow offers certainty, beauty and freedom. The scales lift from his eyes and Saunders wants nothing more than to serve this being. Saunders realises that it is his destiny to be [[the White Acolyte]].<br />
<br />
===Action Resumes===<br />
<br />
The voice in his head urges him to be it's servant, but [[Nathaniel Browne]] again denies it. The voice says "ONE OF THESE OTHERS LOVES ME". Nathaniel turns to his companions, a look of deep worry sketched on his face. "Remember Franscesca" begs [[Withers]]. "I know" replies Browne, "It's not me I'm worried about". [[Umberto]] begins to move toward the King, his right hand grasping the symbol around his neck. He is closely followed by Withers. Browne intercepts, raising a hand to block his path, "No, I don't think so" he says. Umberto looks, bewilderdered, at Browne. "What are you doing?" asks Browne. "That is the apparition!" replies Umberto. "The King?" enquires Browne, confused. "No king of mine" replies Umberto in a firm voice. <br />
<br />
Suddenly, Withers notices that [[Saunders]], uninvolved in this confrontation, has moved forward - a vacant, rapt, expression on his face - and has almost reached the imposing figure of the King! "Saunders!" shouts Withers, realizing he cannot reach his friend in time. Saunders appears to struggle against an irresistable pull, "Shoot me Withers, shoot me!" he begs. Withers draws his revolver, carefully aiming for the Scotsman's legs. Click! The round is a dud! Hastily withers makes to fire again, but he is too late - Saunders' outstretched arm makes contact with the spectre's robe, the king unseen eyes seem to bore into those of Withers, Browne and Umberto and they stand paralyzed. Unable to move the others can only watch and listen.<br />
<br />
A change comes across Saunders' expression. It is obvious that his infatuation with the King in Yellow is fading fast. "No.", the sound bursts from the Scot's throat, a few seconds later "No, you'll destroy it" and finally, in total denial "NO!". At this third declaration, the others find they can move again, but before they can react, the King in Yellow spins, becoming a whirlwind of yellow. The tatters of his robe hit Saunders and, before their horrified eyes, the others see Saunders torn apart, a gout of red stained gore spreads across the floor. Withers fires, his bullet passing harmlessly through the whirlwind of colour. <br />
<br />
The King in yellow reforms as before His voice fills their heads once more: WILL ONE OF YOU GUIDE ME. "Go to [[Carcosa]], it's where you belong!" says withers, 'Nooo!!" shouts Umberto, "By the Lord's name I shall not!", Nathaniel remains silent. WILL YOU GUIDE ME the King asks again, his face looking straight at Nathaniel, "No!", he shouts. At this third denial, the King turns on the spot and vanishes. <br />
<br />
While Browne moves forward to inpect the lecturn next to the gate, Withers and Umberto approach what is left of Andrew Saunders. "I'm so sorry", intones Umberto, "it should have been me". "Oh, god" says Withers, "poor Saunders". <br />
<br />
"The [[Yellow Sign]]!" - the sudden outburst from Browne breaks their reverie. "What?" says Withers. "This lecturn", replies Browne, "it's just like the one in the cave hwre we came to this place". "You think it's somehow magical?" asks Withers. "Yes!" replies Browne. "Then let's get out of here!" shouts Withers. Browne nods, drawing the kinfe with the yellow sign pommel from his belt, he slices his palm and places it against the lecturn. For over a year this sign has been the focus of his life, the tracing is perfect. The gate changes from misty white to blue. Nathaniel steps thorugh. Immediately, a high-pitched keening noice begins to emit from the gate. There is a gasp of horror from Umberto. Withers turns and sees the King in Yellow, flying at high speed towards the gate. "Quckly!" he says, jumping through. The last thiing he sees, as his face passes throught the curtain of blue light, is the King's robed arm sweeping the bloody sign from the lecturn.</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Session_16&diff=3444Session 162006-10-03T22:49:35Z<p>202.14.141.254: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Session Report - Played Monday 2nd October, 2006==<br />
<br />
=== The Upper House - February 1930 ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:king.jpg|right]]<br />
The [[King in Yellow]] appears standing beside the gate. He was not seen to pass through it.<br />
<br />
The King does not speak, but all hear his words in their minds:<br />
<br />
GREETINGS PILGRIMS I AM THE KING IN YELLOW WHICH OF YOU HAS COME TO GUIDE ME?<br />
<br />
THE WHITE ACOLYTE WILL BE MY HONOURED SERVANT MY HIGH PRIEST TO CARRY MY GOSPEL TO THE WORLD<br />
<br />
====Nathaniel Browne====<br />
<br />
Ahead of the others, [[Nathaniel]] stands, awestruck by the power and majesty of the being before him. This is his muse, the very personification of the driving force behind the last year and a half of his life. There seems nothing more important to him than to be the servant of this being, this god, this king. But he remembers. He remembers the deaths of [[Bacon]], [[Edwards]], and [[Quarrie]]. He remembers the grave of [[Frederick Bartlett]], his friend. He remember the horrors which have followed him and his friends across London, across England, across oceans and high mountains. He remembers his dream, the graveyard of the world. At last, finally and overwhelmingly, he remembers [[Francesca]]. His love is a greater thing than his art. His head moves slowly to the left, then to the right in slow, but unmistakable, denial. He passes the test. He will not serve. He will not be the [[White Acolyte]].<br />
<br />
====Andrew Saunders====<br />
<br />
====George Withers====<br />
<br />
Such is the power of the King in Yellow's presence that for a brief moment even [[Withers]] remains transfixed by his majesty and beauty. Of all his friends and companions Withers has always remained the most unaffected and unimpressed by the power of the dream they have been pursuing. Far, far removed from the positive revelry in sensation that Nathaniel Browne has abandoned himself to and distant even from the professional curiosity about those people affected, felt by his close friend Doctor Frederick Bartlett. Frederick. The thought of his friend snaps Withers out of his brief reverie - his dear friend was butchered by one of the servants or heralds or some damn thing serving the creature that stands before him now. How could he have allowed himself, even for a second, to waver in his purpose!. That THING is a threat to every thing he holds dear and there is no damn way that George Withers is going to be the White Acolyte. He'd burn in hell first!<br />
<br />
====Umberto====<br />
<br />
<br />
===Action Resumes===<br />
<br />
The voice in his head urges him to be its servant, but [[Nathaniel Browne]] again denies it. The voice says "ONE OF THESE OTHERS LOVES ME". Nathaniel turns to his companions, a look of deep worry sketched on his face. "Remember Franscesca" begs [[Withers]]. "I know" replies Browne, "It's not me I'm worried about". [[Umberto]] begins to move toward the King, his right hand grasping the symbol around his neck. He is closely followed by Withers. Browne intercepts, raising a hand to block his path, "No, I don't think so" he says. Umberto looks, bewilderdered, at Browne. "What are you doing?" asks Browne. "That is the apparition!" replies Umberto. "Thie King?" enquires Browne, confused. "No king of mine" replies Umbrto in a firm voice. Suddenly, Withers notices that [[Saunders]], uninvolved in this confrontation, has moved forward - a vacant, rapt, expression on his face - and hasalmost reached the imposing figure of the King! "Saunders!" shouts Withers, realizing he cannot reach his friend in time. Saunders appears to struggle against an irressistable pull, "Shott me Withers, shoot me!" he begs. Withers draws his revolver, carefully aiming for the scotsman's legs. Click! The round is a dud! Hastily withers makes to fire again, but he is too late - Saunders' outstretched arm makes contact with the spectre's robe, the king unseen eyes seem to bore into those of Withers, Browne and Umberto and they stand paralyzed. Unable to move the others can only watch and listen. "No.", the sound bursts from the scot's throat, a few seconds later "No, you'll destroy it" and finally, in total denial "NO!". At this third declaration, the others find they can move again, but before they can react, the King in Yellow spins, becoming a whirlwind of yellow. The tatters of his robe hit Saunders and, before their horrified eyes, the others see Saunders torn apart, a gout of red stained gore spreads across the floor. Withers fires, his bullet passing harmlessly through the whirlwind of colour.</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Session_16&diff=3441Session 162006-10-03T04:42:57Z<p>202.14.141.254: /* Nathaniel Browne */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Session Report - Played Monday 2nd October, 2006==<br />
<br />
=== The Upper House - February 1930 ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:king.jpg|right]]<br />
The [[King in Yellow]] appears standing beside the gate. He was not seen to pass through it.<br />
<br />
The King does not speak, but all hear his words in their minds:<br />
<br />
GREETINGS PILGRIMS I AM THE KING IN YELLOW WHICH OF YOU HAS COME TO GUIDE ME?<br />
<br />
THE WHITE ACOLYTE WILL BE MY HONOURED SERVANT MY HIGH PRIEST TO CARRY MY GOSPEL TO THE WORLD<br />
<br />
===Nathaniel Browne===<br />
<br />
Ahead of the others, [[Nathaniel]] stands, awestruck by the power and majesty of the being before him. This is his muse, the very personification of the driving force behind the last year and a half of his life. There seems nothing more important to him than to be the servant of this being, this god, this king. But he remembers. He remembers the deaths of [[Bacon]], [[Edwards]], and [[Quarrie]]. He remembers the grave of [[Frederick Bartlett]], his friend. He remember the horrors which have followed him and his friends across London, across England, across oceans and high mountains. He remembers his dream, the graveyard of the world. At last, finally and overwhelmingly, he remembers [[Francesca]]. His love is a greater thing than his art. His head moves slowly to the left, then to the right in slow, but unmistakable, denial. He passes the test. He will not serve. He will not be the [[White Acolyte]].<br />
<br />
===Andrew Saunders===<br />
<br />
===George Withers===<br />
<br />
Such is the power of the King in Yellow's presence that for a brief moment even [[Withers]] remains transfixed by his majesty and beauty. Of all his friends and companions Withers has always remained the most unaffected and unimpressed by the power of the dream they have been pursuing. Far, far removed from the positive revelry in sensation that Nathaniel Browne has abandoned himself to and distant even from the professional curiosity, about those people affected, felt by his close friend Doctor Frederick Bartlett. Frederick; the thought of his friend snaps Withers out of his brief reverie - his dear friend was butchered by one of the servants or heralds or some damn... thing serving the creature that stands before him now. How could he have allowed himself, even for a second, to waver in his purpose!. That THING is a threat to every thing he holds dear and there is no damn way that George Withers is going to be the White Acolyte. He'd burn in hell first!<br />
<br />
===Umberto===</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Tatters_of_the_King&diff=3440Tatters of the King2006-10-03T04:16:15Z<p>202.14.141.254: /* Sessions */</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:Tatters_Cover.gif|right]]<br />
'''Tatters of the King'''[http://catalog.chaosium.com/product_info.php?products_id=773&osCsid=07f84f248e3a49f3cf6199ee7fbb6629] is a Call of Cthulhu campaign written by Tim Wiseman and published by [http://chaosium.com Chaosium] and through which our role-playing [http://tentaclesandunderpants.info group] is currently being run. Play started on May 8th 2006. See [[current events]] for next session date. <br />
<br />
The game is being played in the suburb of Ellerslie, in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auckland Auckland, New Zealand].<br />
<br />
==Setting==<br />
<br />
The game is initially set in [http://www.yog-sothoth.com/docs/article-london-guide-1928.pdf London], [http://greywolfnz.homeip.net/wiki/attachments/1928.doc 1928]. It is the start of a bitterly cold winter, the worst in decades.<br />
<br />
London is the capital of an empire covering a quarter of the globe and governing one quarter of the human race. The people busy themselves with concerns of politics and government, finance and production, work and recreation. How fragile things are. What ignorance there is.<br />
<br />
There are those whose engage in different pursuits - who would see an inhuman power come to Earth such that it would make mundane activity seem like a last twitch before dying.........<br />
<br />
==Keeper of Arcane Lore==<br />
<br />
The Game Master is [[Mark Chiddicks]]<br />
<br />
==Players==<br />
<br />
The players are:<br />
<br />
[[Nicola Bishop]]<br />
<br />
[[Julia Blackmore]]<br />
<br />
[[Marcus Gustafsson]]<br />
<br />
[[Darryn Mercer]]<br />
<br />
==[[Player Characters]]==<br />
<br />
[[image:crew2.jpg|right|200px]]<br />
<br />
[[Nathaniel Browne]] - A failed writer, looking for his big story, played by Darryn Mercer<br />
<br />
[[Andrew Saunders]] (Deceased) - British Museum curator and proud Scot, Played by Julia Blackmore.<br />
<br />
[[Captain George Withers]] - Coldstream Guards. Career soldier. Played by Nicola Bishop.<br />
<br />
'[[Umberto]]' (Deceased) - Mysterious former Vatican investigator. Played by Marcus Gustafsson.<br />
<br />
[[Doctor Frederick Bartlett]] (deceased) - Eminent research psychologist, played by Marcus Gustafsson.<br />
<br />
==Notable Non-Player Characters==<br />
<br />
'''Prologue - Opening Night'''<br />
<br />
[[Talbot Estus]] (deceased) - American novelist, now debuting as a playwright<br />
<br />
''The Group'' - an amateur theatrical troupe:<br />
<br />
[[Michael Gillen]] - Retired publisher, amateur actor and acquaintance of [[Doctor Frederick Bartlett]]. Estus's friend and companion.<br />
<br />
[[Hannah Keith]] - Amateur Actress and sister of [[Andrew Saunders]]<br />
<br />
[[George Keith]] - Amateur Actor and husband of [[Hannah Keith]]<br />
<br />
[[Walter Paige]] - Amateur Actor<br />
<br />
[[Jean Hewart]] - Amateur Actress<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter One - The Madman'''<br />
<br />
[[Dr. Charles Highsmith]] - Asylum Superintendent<br />
<br />
[[Alexander Roby]] - Incarcerated Madman<br />
<br />
[[Lucius Harriwell]] - Incarcerated Madman<br />
<br />
[[Price and Evans]] - Asylum Nurses<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Two - A Walk in the Park'''<br />
<br />
[[Dr. Lionel Trollope]] (deceased) - Roby family physician<br />
<br />
[[Grahame Roby]] - Financier, Alexander Roby's brother<br />
<br />
[[Detective Inspector Andrew Taylor]] - of New Scotland Yard<br />
<br />
[[Delia Hartston]] - Alexander Roby's former fiancee, now [[Delia Morrison]]<br />
<br />
[[Peter Morrison]] (deceased) - Abusive husband of Delia<br />
<br />
[[Vincent Tuck]] - Private Detective, hired by Grahame Roby<br />
<br />
Michael [[Coombes]] (deceased?) - Sinister stalker, Bacon's ex-bodyguard.<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Three - Springer Mound & the Canal'''<br />
<br />
[[Harold Jennings]] (deceased) - Unfriendly Suffolk farmer<br />
<br />
[[Montague Edwards]] (deceased) - Alexander Roby's secret guardian<br />
<br />
[[Lawrence Bacon]] (deceased) - Antiquarian, occultist and sorcerer<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Four - The Flight North '''<br />
<br />
[[Cec Watts]] (deceased) - Tabloid Journalist<br />
<br />
[[Henry Lister]] - Terrified cultist and necrophobe<br />
<br />
[[Aleister Crowley]] - Famed Occultist<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Five - To Walk Upon the Earth in Carcosa'''<br />
<br />
[[Quentin Spence]] - Poet and Failed Cultist<br />
<br />
[[Noss]] of Yhtill - Leather worker from an alien world<br />
<br />
[[Yolanda]] - Noblewoman from [[Cassilda]]'s court<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Six - Talk of Goatswood'''<br />
<br />
[[Wilfred Gresty]] (deceased) - Writer of letters and spy for the Goatswood cult<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Seven - Nug's Farm'''<br />
<br />
[[Hillary Quarrie]] - Estranged wife of Malcolm and priestess of the Goat<br />
<br />
[[Atkinson]] (deceased) - Ailing leader of the Goatswood Shub-Niggurath cult<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Eight - The Brothers of the Yellow Sign'''<br />
<br />
[[Paolo Tuminardo]] - Milanese Guide and young Fascist<br />
<br />
[[Giuseppe Colombo]] - Ancient, curmudgeonly Italian Brother of the Yellow Sign<br />
<br />
[[Thomas Villiers]] (deceased) - Insane artist and Brother of the Yellow Sign<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Nine - The Viceroy of India'''<br />
<br />
[[Julian Knight]] - Minor diplomat and lounge lizard, en route to India<br />
<br />
The Reverend [[Ian Gore]] - Missionary, en route to India<br />
<br />
Mrs [[Henrietta Tullis]] - Matronly figure, en route to India<br />
<br />
[[Stephen Thomas]] - Quiet, bookish man, en route to India<br />
<br />
Miss [[Francesca Nicholson]] - Bright young thing, en route to India<br />
<br />
Miss [[Patricia Berry]] - Quiet, shy young lady, en route to India<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Ten - A Thousand Miles'''<br />
<br />
[[Sivakumar Patel]] - Guide and translator from Bombay<br />
<br />
[[Jigme Rinzing]] - Nepalese merchant/guide<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Eleven - To Drakmar'''<br />
<br />
[[Tsewan Pemba]] - Tibetan Guide <br />
<br />
[[Carlo Schippone]] (deceased) - Graduate student and Himalayan adventurer<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Twelve - The Upper House'''<br />
<br />
Major [[Ricardo Delnegro]] (deceased) - ''Alpini'' officer and Himalayan adventurer<br />
<br />
[[Roberto Anzalone]] (deceased) - Professor of Asian History and Brother of the Yellow Sign<br />
<br />
[[Malcolm Quarrie]] (deceased) - Elusive scientist and occultist<br />
<br />
[[The King in Yellow]] - Beautiful, yet terrible, alien god<br />
<br />
==Literary Works==<br />
[[Image:mask.jpg|300px|right|thumb|The Masque of Yhtill]]<br />
<br />
[[Carcosa, or The Queen and the Stranger]] - a fantasy in two acts, [http://greywolfnz.homeip.net/wiki/attachments/CARCOSA.pdf script] by [[Talbot Estus]]<br />
<br />
[[The King in Yellow]] - a collection of short [http://www.yankeeclassic.com/miskatonic/library/stacks/literature/chambers/stories/kinginye/contents.htm stories] by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_W._Chambers Robert W Chambers]<br />
<br />
[[Le Roi en Jeune]] - a rare French play, playwright anonymous<br />
<br />
[[An Inhabitant of Carcosa and Haita the Shepherd]] - by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambrose_Bierce Ambrose Bierce]<br />
<br />
[[Der Wanderer durch den See]] - by [[Alexander Roby]]<br />
<br />
[[British Gods]]: Religion and Myth in the Western Kingdoms of Anglo-Saxon Britain - by [[Malcolm Quarrie]]<br />
<br />
[[The Turner Codex]]: A translation of Mesoamerican prayers and libations to Hastur - trans. M. Turner ''et al''<br />
<br />
[[The Tatters of the King]]: A book of short stories by [[Nathaniel Browne]]<br />
<br />
[[The Revelations of Glaaki]]: The Goatswood cult's compilation of occult knowledge<br />
<br />
==Locations==<br />
<br />
[http://www.mdx.ac.uk/www/study/mapengwa.htm Map of England and Wales, 1928]<br />
<br />
[http://www.yog-sothoth.com/docs/article-london-guide-1928.pdf London], England - [http://www.londonancestor.com/maps/roads-central.htm Map of London, 1926]<br />
<br />
The [[Scala Theatre]], Charlotte St, London<br />
<br />
[[St Agnes Asylum]], [[Weobley]], Herefordshire, England<br />
<br />
[[Clare Melford]], Suffolk, England<br />
<br />
[[Loch Mullardoch]], near Inverness, Scotland<br />
<br />
[[Carcosa]], a dream city made flesh<br />
<br />
[[Goatswood]], an area of the Severn Valley in Gloucestershire<br />
<br />
[[Nug's Farm]], Hillary Quarrie's home, in the Goatswood region<br />
<br />
[[Milan]], Lombardy, Italy<br />
<br />
[[The Viceroy of India]] - Modern P&O passenger liner, en route to India<br />
<br />
[[India]], the gateway to Nepal<br />
<br />
[[Bombay]], port of entry to India<br />
<br />
[[Nepal]], mountain kingdom, closed to Westerners<br />
<br />
[[Mustang]], a small kingdom in Northern Nepal<br />
<br />
[[Drakmar]], in Mustang, the legendary site of the death of the ogress Balmo<br />
<br />
[[Leng]], legendary icy plateau - not on this Earth<br />
<br />
[[The Upper House]], labyrinthine alien structure, found in Leng<br />
<br />
==Sessions==<br />
<br />
''As referred to in the session reports below, there have been a number of [[murders]] related to the Roby case.''<br />
<br />
[[Session 1]] - Opening Night<br />
<br />
[[Session 1.5]] - The Madman<br />
<br />
[[Session 2]] - The Plot Thickens<br />
<br />
[[Session 3]] - Alexander's Friends<br />
<br />
[[Session 4]] - Teeth of Winter<br />
<br />
[[Session 5]] - Four Go Mad in London<br />
<br />
[[Session 6]] - Death by Night, Death by Day<br />
<br />
[[Session 7]] - Missing Persons<br />
<br />
[[Session 8]] - To Walk Upon the Earth in Carcosa<br />
<br />
[[Session 9]] - Aftermath - a Year in the Lives...<br />
<br />
[[Session 10]] - Nug's Farm, or "Are You Local?"<br />
<br />
[[Session 11]] - Il Fratelli di Signo Giallo<br />
<br />
[[Session 12]] - The Viceroy of India, or "May I Have This Dance?"<br />
<br />
[[Session 13]] - A Matter of Honour<br />
<br />
[[Session 14]] - The Trail of the Pilgrims<br />
<br />
[[Session 15]] - Drakmar and Beyond<br />
<br />
[[Session 16]] - The King Steps Down<br />
<br />
[[Aftermath]] - Forever Wondering</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Tatters_of_the_King&diff=3439Tatters of the King2006-10-03T04:16:01Z<p>202.14.141.254: /* Sessions */</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:Tatters_Cover.gif|right]]<br />
'''Tatters of the King'''[http://catalog.chaosium.com/product_info.php?products_id=773&osCsid=07f84f248e3a49f3cf6199ee7fbb6629] is a Call of Cthulhu campaign written by Tim Wiseman and published by [http://chaosium.com Chaosium] and through which our role-playing [http://tentaclesandunderpants.info group] is currently being run. Play started on May 8th 2006. See [[current events]] for next session date. <br />
<br />
The game is being played in the suburb of Ellerslie, in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auckland Auckland, New Zealand].<br />
<br />
==Setting==<br />
<br />
The game is initially set in [http://www.yog-sothoth.com/docs/article-london-guide-1928.pdf London], [http://greywolfnz.homeip.net/wiki/attachments/1928.doc 1928]. It is the start of a bitterly cold winter, the worst in decades.<br />
<br />
London is the capital of an empire covering a quarter of the globe and governing one quarter of the human race. The people busy themselves with concerns of politics and government, finance and production, work and recreation. How fragile things are. What ignorance there is.<br />
<br />
There are those whose engage in different pursuits - who would see an inhuman power come to Earth such that it would make mundane activity seem like a last twitch before dying.........<br />
<br />
==Keeper of Arcane Lore==<br />
<br />
The Game Master is [[Mark Chiddicks]]<br />
<br />
==Players==<br />
<br />
The players are:<br />
<br />
[[Nicola Bishop]]<br />
<br />
[[Julia Blackmore]]<br />
<br />
[[Marcus Gustafsson]]<br />
<br />
[[Darryn Mercer]]<br />
<br />
==[[Player Characters]]==<br />
<br />
[[image:crew2.jpg|right|200px]]<br />
<br />
[[Nathaniel Browne]] - A failed writer, looking for his big story, played by Darryn Mercer<br />
<br />
[[Andrew Saunders]] (Deceased) - British Museum curator and proud Scot, Played by Julia Blackmore.<br />
<br />
[[Captain George Withers]] - Coldstream Guards. Career soldier. Played by Nicola Bishop.<br />
<br />
'[[Umberto]]' (Deceased) - Mysterious former Vatican investigator. Played by Marcus Gustafsson.<br />
<br />
[[Doctor Frederick Bartlett]] (deceased) - Eminent research psychologist, played by Marcus Gustafsson.<br />
<br />
==Notable Non-Player Characters==<br />
<br />
'''Prologue - Opening Night'''<br />
<br />
[[Talbot Estus]] (deceased) - American novelist, now debuting as a playwright<br />
<br />
''The Group'' - an amateur theatrical troupe:<br />
<br />
[[Michael Gillen]] - Retired publisher, amateur actor and acquaintance of [[Doctor Frederick Bartlett]]. Estus's friend and companion.<br />
<br />
[[Hannah Keith]] - Amateur Actress and sister of [[Andrew Saunders]]<br />
<br />
[[George Keith]] - Amateur Actor and husband of [[Hannah Keith]]<br />
<br />
[[Walter Paige]] - Amateur Actor<br />
<br />
[[Jean Hewart]] - Amateur Actress<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter One - The Madman'''<br />
<br />
[[Dr. Charles Highsmith]] - Asylum Superintendent<br />
<br />
[[Alexander Roby]] - Incarcerated Madman<br />
<br />
[[Lucius Harriwell]] - Incarcerated Madman<br />
<br />
[[Price and Evans]] - Asylum Nurses<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Two - A Walk in the Park'''<br />
<br />
[[Dr. Lionel Trollope]] (deceased) - Roby family physician<br />
<br />
[[Grahame Roby]] - Financier, Alexander Roby's brother<br />
<br />
[[Detective Inspector Andrew Taylor]] - of New Scotland Yard<br />
<br />
[[Delia Hartston]] - Alexander Roby's former fiancee, now [[Delia Morrison]]<br />
<br />
[[Peter Morrison]] (deceased) - Abusive husband of Delia<br />
<br />
[[Vincent Tuck]] - Private Detective, hired by Grahame Roby<br />
<br />
Michael [[Coombes]] (deceased?) - Sinister stalker, Bacon's ex-bodyguard.<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Three - Springer Mound & the Canal'''<br />
<br />
[[Harold Jennings]] (deceased) - Unfriendly Suffolk farmer<br />
<br />
[[Montague Edwards]] (deceased) - Alexander Roby's secret guardian<br />
<br />
[[Lawrence Bacon]] (deceased) - Antiquarian, occultist and sorcerer<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Four - The Flight North '''<br />
<br />
[[Cec Watts]] (deceased) - Tabloid Journalist<br />
<br />
[[Henry Lister]] - Terrified cultist and necrophobe<br />
<br />
[[Aleister Crowley]] - Famed Occultist<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Five - To Walk Upon the Earth in Carcosa'''<br />
<br />
[[Quentin Spence]] - Poet and Failed Cultist<br />
<br />
[[Noss]] of Yhtill - Leather worker from an alien world<br />
<br />
[[Yolanda]] - Noblewoman from [[Cassilda]]'s court<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Six - Talk of Goatswood'''<br />
<br />
[[Wilfred Gresty]] (deceased) - Writer of letters and spy for the Goatswood cult<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Seven - Nug's Farm'''<br />
<br />
[[Hillary Quarrie]] - Estranged wife of Malcolm and priestess of the Goat<br />
<br />
[[Atkinson]] (deceased) - Ailing leader of the Goatswood Shub-Niggurath cult<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Eight - The Brothers of the Yellow Sign'''<br />
<br />
[[Paolo Tuminardo]] - Milanese Guide and young Fascist<br />
<br />
[[Giuseppe Colombo]] - Ancient, curmudgeonly Italian Brother of the Yellow Sign<br />
<br />
[[Thomas Villiers]] (deceased) - Insane artist and Brother of the Yellow Sign<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Nine - The Viceroy of India'''<br />
<br />
[[Julian Knight]] - Minor diplomat and lounge lizard, en route to India<br />
<br />
The Reverend [[Ian Gore]] - Missionary, en route to India<br />
<br />
Mrs [[Henrietta Tullis]] - Matronly figure, en route to India<br />
<br />
[[Stephen Thomas]] - Quiet, bookish man, en route to India<br />
<br />
Miss [[Francesca Nicholson]] - Bright young thing, en route to India<br />
<br />
Miss [[Patricia Berry]] - Quiet, shy young lady, en route to India<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Ten - A Thousand Miles'''<br />
<br />
[[Sivakumar Patel]] - Guide and translator from Bombay<br />
<br />
[[Jigme Rinzing]] - Nepalese merchant/guide<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Eleven - To Drakmar'''<br />
<br />
[[Tsewan Pemba]] - Tibetan Guide <br />
<br />
[[Carlo Schippone]] (deceased) - Graduate student and Himalayan adventurer<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Twelve - The Upper House'''<br />
<br />
Major [[Ricardo Delnegro]] (deceased) - ''Alpini'' officer and Himalayan adventurer<br />
<br />
[[Roberto Anzalone]] (deceased) - Professor of Asian History and Brother of the Yellow Sign<br />
<br />
[[Malcolm Quarrie]] (deceased) - Elusive scientist and occultist<br />
<br />
[[The King in Yellow]] - Beautiful, yet terrible, alien god<br />
<br />
==Literary Works==<br />
[[Image:mask.jpg|300px|right|thumb|The Masque of Yhtill]]<br />
<br />
[[Carcosa, or The Queen and the Stranger]] - a fantasy in two acts, [http://greywolfnz.homeip.net/wiki/attachments/CARCOSA.pdf script] by [[Talbot Estus]]<br />
<br />
[[The King in Yellow]] - a collection of short [http://www.yankeeclassic.com/miskatonic/library/stacks/literature/chambers/stories/kinginye/contents.htm stories] by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_W._Chambers Robert W Chambers]<br />
<br />
[[Le Roi en Jeune]] - a rare French play, playwright anonymous<br />
<br />
[[An Inhabitant of Carcosa and Haita the Shepherd]] - by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambrose_Bierce Ambrose Bierce]<br />
<br />
[[Der Wanderer durch den See]] - by [[Alexander Roby]]<br />
<br />
[[British Gods]]: Religion and Myth in the Western Kingdoms of Anglo-Saxon Britain - by [[Malcolm Quarrie]]<br />
<br />
[[The Turner Codex]]: A translation of Mesoamerican prayers and libations to Hastur - trans. M. Turner ''et al''<br />
<br />
[[The Tatters of the King]]: A book of short stories by [[Nathaniel Browne]]<br />
<br />
[[The Revelations of Glaaki]]: The Goatswood cult's compilation of occult knowledge<br />
<br />
==Locations==<br />
<br />
[http://www.mdx.ac.uk/www/study/mapengwa.htm Map of England and Wales, 1928]<br />
<br />
[http://www.yog-sothoth.com/docs/article-london-guide-1928.pdf London], England - [http://www.londonancestor.com/maps/roads-central.htm Map of London, 1926]<br />
<br />
The [[Scala Theatre]], Charlotte St, London<br />
<br />
[[St Agnes Asylum]], [[Weobley]], Herefordshire, England<br />
<br />
[[Clare Melford]], Suffolk, England<br />
<br />
[[Loch Mullardoch]], near Inverness, Scotland<br />
<br />
[[Carcosa]], a dream city made flesh<br />
<br />
[[Goatswood]], an area of the Severn Valley in Gloucestershire<br />
<br />
[[Nug's Farm]], Hillary Quarrie's home, in the Goatswood region<br />
<br />
[[Milan]], Lombardy, Italy<br />
<br />
[[The Viceroy of India]] - Modern P&O passenger liner, en route to India<br />
<br />
[[India]], the gateway to Nepal<br />
<br />
[[Bombay]], port of entry to India<br />
<br />
[[Nepal]], mountain kingdom, closed to Westerners<br />
<br />
[[Mustang]], a small kingdom in Northern Nepal<br />
<br />
[[Drakmar]], in Mustang, the legendary site of the death of the ogress Balmo<br />
<br />
[[Leng]], legendary icy plateau - not on this Earth<br />
<br />
[[The Upper House]], labyrinthine alien structure, found in Leng<br />
<br />
==Sessions==<br />
<br />
''As referred to in the session reports below, there have been a number of [[murders]] related to the Roby case.''<br />
<br />
[[Session 1]] - Opening Night<br />
<br />
[[Session 1.5]] - The Madman<br />
<br />
[[Session 2]] - The Plot Thickens<br />
<br />
[[Session 3]] - Alexander's Friends<br />
<br />
[[Session 4]] - Teeth of Winter<br />
<br />
[[Session 5]] - Four Go Mad in London<br />
<br />
[[Session 6]] - Death by Night, Death by Day<br />
<br />
[[Session 7]] - Missing Persons<br />
<br />
[[Session 8]] - To Walk Upon the Earth in Carcosa<br />
<br />
[[Session 9]] - Aftermath - a Year in the Lives...<br />
<br />
[[Session 10]] - Nug's Farm, or "Are You Local?"<br />
<br />
[[Session 11]] - Il Fratelli di Signo Giallo<br />
<br />
[[Session 12]] - The Viceroy of India, or "May I Have This Dance?"<br />
<br />
[[Session 13]] - A Matter of Honour<br />
<br />
[[Session 14]] - The Trail of the Pilgrims<br />
<br />
[[Session 15]] - Drakmar and Beyond<br />
<br />
[[Session 16]] - The King Steps Down<br />
<br />
[[Aftermath]] - Forever wondering</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Umberto&diff=3438Umberto2006-10-03T04:14:28Z<p>202.14.141.254: /* Friends */</p>
<hr />
<div>[[image:umberto.jpg|right]]<br />
<br />
The man known as '''Umberto Calzione''' is an former Vatican investigator and current member of the outlawed [[Order of the Sword of St. Jerome]]. Having a personal obsession with [[the Brothers of the Yellow Sign]] he found himself on the same trail as the other investigators and eventually encountered them on [[the Viceroy of India]].<br />
<br />
==Family==<br />
<br />
None<br />
<br />
==Passions==<br />
<br />
The eradication of supernatural evil in the name of Jesus Christ.<br />
<br />
==Friends==<br />
<br />
None<br />
<br />
==Death==<br />
<br />
Trapped and isolated by [[The King in Yellow]], feeling his ability to resist thhe being's insidious attacks ebbing away despite his unshakable faith and unwilling to endanger the world by his aquiesence, Umberto took his own life.<br />
<br />
==Secrets==<br />
<br />
His true identity, his past - almost everything in fact.<br />
<br />
==Spiritual Home==<br />
<br />
[[image:Vatican.jpg]]<br />
<br />
The Vatican</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Tatters_of_the_King&diff=3437Tatters of the King2006-10-03T04:12:04Z<p>202.14.141.254: /* Player Characters */</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:Tatters_Cover.gif|right]]<br />
'''Tatters of the King'''[http://catalog.chaosium.com/product_info.php?products_id=773&osCsid=07f84f248e3a49f3cf6199ee7fbb6629] is a Call of Cthulhu campaign written by Tim Wiseman and published by [http://chaosium.com Chaosium] and through which our role-playing [http://tentaclesandunderpants.info group] is currently being run. Play started on May 8th 2006. See [[current events]] for next session date. <br />
<br />
The game is being played in the suburb of Ellerslie, in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auckland Auckland, New Zealand].<br />
<br />
==Setting==<br />
<br />
The game is initially set in [http://www.yog-sothoth.com/docs/article-london-guide-1928.pdf London], [http://greywolfnz.homeip.net/wiki/attachments/1928.doc 1928]. It is the start of a bitterly cold winter, the worst in decades.<br />
<br />
London is the capital of an empire covering a quarter of the globe and governing one quarter of the human race. The people busy themselves with concerns of politics and government, finance and production, work and recreation. How fragile things are. What ignorance there is.<br />
<br />
There are those whose engage in different pursuits - who would see an inhuman power come to Earth such that it would make mundane activity seem like a last twitch before dying.........<br />
<br />
==Keeper of Arcane Lore==<br />
<br />
The Game Master is [[Mark Chiddicks]]<br />
<br />
==Players==<br />
<br />
The players are:<br />
<br />
[[Nicola Bishop]]<br />
<br />
[[Julia Blackmore]]<br />
<br />
[[Marcus Gustafsson]]<br />
<br />
[[Darryn Mercer]]<br />
<br />
==[[Player Characters]]==<br />
<br />
[[image:crew2.jpg|right|200px]]<br />
<br />
[[Nathaniel Browne]] - A failed writer, looking for his big story, played by Darryn Mercer<br />
<br />
[[Andrew Saunders]] (Deceased) - British Museum curator and proud Scot, Played by Julia Blackmore.<br />
<br />
[[Captain George Withers]] - Coldstream Guards. Career soldier. Played by Nicola Bishop.<br />
<br />
'[[Umberto]]' (Deceased) - Mysterious former Vatican investigator. Played by Marcus Gustafsson.<br />
<br />
[[Doctor Frederick Bartlett]] (deceased) - Eminent research psychologist, played by Marcus Gustafsson.<br />
<br />
==Notable Non-Player Characters==<br />
<br />
'''Prologue - Opening Night'''<br />
<br />
[[Talbot Estus]] (deceased) - American novelist, now debuting as a playwright<br />
<br />
''The Group'' - an amateur theatrical troupe:<br />
<br />
[[Michael Gillen]] - Retired publisher, amateur actor and acquaintance of [[Doctor Frederick Bartlett]]. Estus's friend and companion.<br />
<br />
[[Hannah Keith]] - Amateur Actress and sister of [[Andrew Saunders]]<br />
<br />
[[George Keith]] - Amateur Actor and husband of [[Hannah Keith]]<br />
<br />
[[Walter Paige]] - Amateur Actor<br />
<br />
[[Jean Hewart]] - Amateur Actress<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter One - The Madman'''<br />
<br />
[[Dr. Charles Highsmith]] - Asylum Superintendent<br />
<br />
[[Alexander Roby]] - Incarcerated Madman<br />
<br />
[[Lucius Harriwell]] - Incarcerated Madman<br />
<br />
[[Price and Evans]] - Asylum Nurses<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Two - A Walk in the Park'''<br />
<br />
[[Dr. Lionel Trollope]] (deceased) - Roby family physician<br />
<br />
[[Grahame Roby]] - Financier, Alexander Roby's brother<br />
<br />
[[Detective Inspector Andrew Taylor]] - of New Scotland Yard<br />
<br />
[[Delia Hartston]] - Alexander Roby's former fiancee, now [[Delia Morrison]]<br />
<br />
[[Peter Morrison]] (deceased) - Abusive husband of Delia<br />
<br />
[[Vincent Tuck]] - Private Detective, hired by Grahame Roby<br />
<br />
Michael [[Coombes]] (deceased?) - Sinister stalker, Bacon's ex-bodyguard.<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Three - Springer Mound & the Canal'''<br />
<br />
[[Harold Jennings]] (deceased) - Unfriendly Suffolk farmer<br />
<br />
[[Montague Edwards]] (deceased) - Alexander Roby's secret guardian<br />
<br />
[[Lawrence Bacon]] (deceased) - Antiquarian, occultist and sorcerer<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Four - The Flight North '''<br />
<br />
[[Cec Watts]] (deceased) - Tabloid Journalist<br />
<br />
[[Henry Lister]] - Terrified cultist and necrophobe<br />
<br />
[[Aleister Crowley]] - Famed Occultist<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Five - To Walk Upon the Earth in Carcosa'''<br />
<br />
[[Quentin Spence]] - Poet and Failed Cultist<br />
<br />
[[Noss]] of Yhtill - Leather worker from an alien world<br />
<br />
[[Yolanda]] - Noblewoman from [[Cassilda]]'s court<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Six - Talk of Goatswood'''<br />
<br />
[[Wilfred Gresty]] (deceased) - Writer of letters and spy for the Goatswood cult<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Seven - Nug's Farm'''<br />
<br />
[[Hillary Quarrie]] - Estranged wife of Malcolm and priestess of the Goat<br />
<br />
[[Atkinson]] (deceased) - Ailing leader of the Goatswood Shub-Niggurath cult<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Eight - The Brothers of the Yellow Sign'''<br />
<br />
[[Paolo Tuminardo]] - Milanese Guide and young Fascist<br />
<br />
[[Giuseppe Colombo]] - Ancient, curmudgeonly Italian Brother of the Yellow Sign<br />
<br />
[[Thomas Villiers]] (deceased) - Insane artist and Brother of the Yellow Sign<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Nine - The Viceroy of India'''<br />
<br />
[[Julian Knight]] - Minor diplomat and lounge lizard, en route to India<br />
<br />
The Reverend [[Ian Gore]] - Missionary, en route to India<br />
<br />
Mrs [[Henrietta Tullis]] - Matronly figure, en route to India<br />
<br />
[[Stephen Thomas]] - Quiet, bookish man, en route to India<br />
<br />
Miss [[Francesca Nicholson]] - Bright young thing, en route to India<br />
<br />
Miss [[Patricia Berry]] - Quiet, shy young lady, en route to India<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Ten - A Thousand Miles'''<br />
<br />
[[Sivakumar Patel]] - Guide and translator from Bombay<br />
<br />
[[Jigme Rinzing]] - Nepalese merchant/guide<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Eleven - To Drakmar'''<br />
<br />
[[Tsewan Pemba]] - Tibetan Guide <br />
<br />
[[Carlo Schippone]] (deceased) - Graduate student and Himalayan adventurer<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Twelve - The Upper House'''<br />
<br />
Major [[Ricardo Delnegro]] (deceased) - ''Alpini'' officer and Himalayan adventurer<br />
<br />
[[Roberto Anzalone]] (deceased) - Professor of Asian History and Brother of the Yellow Sign<br />
<br />
[[Malcolm Quarrie]] (deceased) - Elusive scientist and occultist<br />
<br />
[[The King in Yellow]] - Beautiful, yet terrible, alien god<br />
<br />
==Literary Works==<br />
[[Image:mask.jpg|300px|right|thumb|The Masque of Yhtill]]<br />
<br />
[[Carcosa, or The Queen and the Stranger]] - a fantasy in two acts, [http://greywolfnz.homeip.net/wiki/attachments/CARCOSA.pdf script] by [[Talbot Estus]]<br />
<br />
[[The King in Yellow]] - a collection of short [http://www.yankeeclassic.com/miskatonic/library/stacks/literature/chambers/stories/kinginye/contents.htm stories] by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_W._Chambers Robert W Chambers]<br />
<br />
[[Le Roi en Jeune]] - a rare French play, playwright anonymous<br />
<br />
[[An Inhabitant of Carcosa and Haita the Shepherd]] - by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambrose_Bierce Ambrose Bierce]<br />
<br />
[[Der Wanderer durch den See]] - by [[Alexander Roby]]<br />
<br />
[[British Gods]]: Religion and Myth in the Western Kingdoms of Anglo-Saxon Britain - by [[Malcolm Quarrie]]<br />
<br />
[[The Turner Codex]]: A translation of Mesoamerican prayers and libations to Hastur - trans. M. Turner ''et al''<br />
<br />
[[The Tatters of the King]]: A book of short stories by [[Nathaniel Browne]]<br />
<br />
[[The Revelations of Glaaki]]: The Goatswood cult's compilation of occult knowledge<br />
<br />
==Locations==<br />
<br />
[http://www.mdx.ac.uk/www/study/mapengwa.htm Map of England and Wales, 1928]<br />
<br />
[http://www.yog-sothoth.com/docs/article-london-guide-1928.pdf London], England - [http://www.londonancestor.com/maps/roads-central.htm Map of London, 1926]<br />
<br />
The [[Scala Theatre]], Charlotte St, London<br />
<br />
[[St Agnes Asylum]], [[Weobley]], Herefordshire, England<br />
<br />
[[Clare Melford]], Suffolk, England<br />
<br />
[[Loch Mullardoch]], near Inverness, Scotland<br />
<br />
[[Carcosa]], a dream city made flesh<br />
<br />
[[Goatswood]], an area of the Severn Valley in Gloucestershire<br />
<br />
[[Nug's Farm]], Hillary Quarrie's home, in the Goatswood region<br />
<br />
[[Milan]], Lombardy, Italy<br />
<br />
[[The Viceroy of India]] - Modern P&O passenger liner, en route to India<br />
<br />
[[India]], the gateway to Nepal<br />
<br />
[[Bombay]], port of entry to India<br />
<br />
[[Nepal]], mountain kingdom, closed to Westerners<br />
<br />
[[Mustang]], a small kingdom in Northern Nepal<br />
<br />
[[Drakmar]], in Mustang, the legendary site of the death of the ogress Balmo<br />
<br />
[[Leng]], legendary icy plateau - not on this Earth<br />
<br />
[[The Upper House]], labyrinthine alien structure, found in Leng<br />
<br />
==Sessions==<br />
<br />
''As referred to in the session reports below, there have been a number of [[murders]] related to the Roby case.''<br />
<br />
[[Session 1]] - Opening Night<br />
<br />
[[Session 1.5]] - The Madman<br />
<br />
[[Session 2]] - The Plot Thickens<br />
<br />
[[Session 3]] - Alexander's Friends<br />
<br />
[[Session 4]] - Teeth of Winter<br />
<br />
[[Session 5]] - Four Go Mad in London<br />
<br />
[[Session 6]] - Death by Night, Death by Day<br />
<br />
[[Session 7]] - Missing Persons<br />
<br />
[[Session 8]] - To Walk Upon the Earth in Carcosa<br />
<br />
[[Session 9]] - Aftermath - a Year in the Lives...<br />
<br />
[[Session 10]] - Nug's Farm, or "Are You Local?"<br />
<br />
[[Session 11]] - Il Fratelli di Signo Giallo<br />
<br />
[[Session 12]] - The Viceroy of India, or "May I Have This Dance?"<br />
<br />
[[Session 13]] - A Matter of Honour<br />
<br />
[[Session 14]] - The Trail of the Pilgrims<br />
<br />
[[Session 15]] - Drakmar and Beyond<br />
<br />
[[Session 16]] - The King Steps Down</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Session_16&diff=3436Session 162006-10-03T04:10:53Z<p>202.14.141.254: /* George Withers */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Session Report - Played Monday 2nd October, 2006==<br />
<br />
=== The Upper House - February 1930 ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:king.jpg|right]]<br />
The [[King in Yellow]] appears standing beside the gate. He was not seen to pass through it.<br />
<br />
The King does not speak, but all hear his words in their minds:<br />
<br />
GREETINGS PILGRIMS I AM THE KING IN YELLOW WHICH OF YOU HAS COME TO GUIDE ME?<br />
<br />
THE WHITE ACOLYTE WILL BE MY HONOURED SERVANT MY HIGH PRIEST TO CARRY MY GOSPEL TO THE WORLD<br />
<br />
===Nathaniel Browne===<br />
<br />
Ahead of the others, [[Nathaniel]] stands, awestruck by the power and majesty of the being before him. This is his muse, the very personification of the driving force behind the last year and a half of his life. There seems nothing more important to him than to be the servant of this being, this god, this king. But he remembers. He remembers the deaths of [[Bacon]], [[Edwards]], and [[Quarrie]]. He remembers the grave of [[Frederick Bartlett]], his friend. He remember the horrors which have followed him and his friends across London, across England, across oceans and high mountains. He remembers his dream, the graveyard of the world. At last, finally and overwhelmingly, he remembers [[Francesca]]. His love is a greater thing than his art. His head moves slowly to the left, then to the right, in slow but unmistakable denial. He passes the test. He will not serve. He will not be the [[White Acolyte]].<br />
<br />
===Andrew Saunders===<br />
<br />
===George Withers===<br />
<br />
Such is the power of the King in Yellow's presence that for a brief moment even [[Withers]] remains transfixed by his majesty and beauty. Of all his friends and companions Withers has always remained the most unaffected and unimpressed by the power of the dream they have been pursuing. Far, far removed from the positive revelry in sensation that Nathaniel Browne has abandoned himself to and distant even from the professional curiosity, about those people affected, felt by his close friend Doctor Frederick Bartlett. Frederick; the thought of his friend snaps Withers out of his brief reverie - his dear friend was butchered by one of the servants or heralds or some damn... thing serving the creature that stands before him now. How could he have allowed himself, even for a second, to waver in his purpose!. That THING is a threat to every thing he holds dear and there is no damn way that George Withers is going to be the White Acolyte. He'd burn in hell first!<br />
<br />
===Umberto===</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Session_16&diff=3435Session 162006-10-03T04:06:12Z<p>202.14.141.254: /* Nathaniel Browne */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Session Report - Played Monday 2nd October, 2006==<br />
<br />
=== The Upper House - February 1930 ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:king.jpg|right]]<br />
The [[King in Yellow]] appears standing beside the gate. He was not seen to pass through it.<br />
<br />
The King does not speak, but all hear his words in their minds:<br />
<br />
GREETINGS PILGRIMS I AM THE KING IN YELLOW WHICH OF YOU HAS COME TO GUIDE ME?<br />
<br />
THE WHITE ACOLYTE WILL BE MY HONOURED SERVANT MY HIGH PRIEST TO CARRY MY GOSPEL TO THE WORLD<br />
<br />
===Nathaniel Browne===<br />
<br />
Ahead of the others, [[Nathaniel]] stands, awestruck by the power and majesty of the being before him. This is his muse, the very personification of the driving force behind the last year and a half of his life. There seems nothing more important to him than to be the servant of this being, this god, this king. But he remembers. He remembers the deaths of [[Bacon]], [[Edwards]], and [[Quarrie]]. He remembers the grave of [[Frederick Bartlett]], his friend. He remember the horrors which have followed him and his friends across London, across England, across oceans and high mountains. He remembers his dream, the graveyard of the world. At last, finally and overwhelmingly, he remembers [[Francesca]]. His love is a greater thing than his art. His head moves slowly to the left, then to the right, in slow but unmistakable denial. He passes the test. He will not serve. He will not be the [[White Acolyte]].<br />
<br />
===Andrew Saunders===<br />
<br />
===George Withers===<br />
<br />
Such is the power of the King in Yellow's presence that for a brief moment even [[Withers]] remains transfixed by his majesty and beauty. Of all his friends and companions Withers has always remained the most unaffected and unimpressed by the power of the dream they have been pursuing. Far, far removed from the positive revelry in sensation that Nathaniel Browne has abandoned himself to and distant even from the professional curiosity, about those people affected, felt by his close friend Doctor Frederick Bartlett. Frederick; the thought of his friend snaps Withers out of his brief reverie - his dear friend was butchered by one of the servants or heralds or some damn thing serving the creature that stands before him now. How could he have allowed himself, even for a second, to waver in his purpose!. That THING is a threat to every thing he holds dear and there is no damn way that George Withers is going to be the White Acolyte. He'd burn in hell first!<br />
<br />
===Umberto===</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Session_16&diff=3434Session 162006-10-03T04:04:32Z<p>202.14.141.254: /* George Withers */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Session Report - Played Monday 2nd October, 2006==<br />
<br />
=== The Upper House - February 1930 ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:king.jpg|right]]<br />
The [[King in Yellow]] appears standing beside the gate. He was not seen to pass through it.<br />
<br />
The King does not speak, but all hear his words in their minds:<br />
<br />
GREETINGS PILGRIMS I AM THE KING IN YELLOW WHICH OF YOU HAS COME TO GUIDE ME?<br />
<br />
THE WHITE ACOLYTE WILL BE MY HONOURED SERVANT MY HIGH PRIEST TO CARRY MY GOSPEL TO THE WORLD<br />
<br />
===Nathaniel Browne===<br />
<br />
Ahead of the others, [[Nathaniel]] stands, awestruck by the power and majesty of the being before him. This is his muse, the very personification of the driving force behind the last year and a half of his life. There seems nothing more important in life than to be the servant of this being, this god, this king. But he remembers. He remembers the deaths of [[Bacon]], [[Edwards]], and [[Quarrie]]. He remembers the grave of [[Frederick Bartlett]], his friend. He remember the horrors which have followed him and his friends across London, across England, across oceans and high mountains. He remembers his dream, the graveyard of the world. At last, finally and overwhelmingly, he remembers [[Francesca]]. His love is a greater thing than his art. His head moves slowly to the left, then to the right, in slow but unmistakable denial. He passes the test. He will not serve. He will not be the [[White Acolyte]].<br />
<br />
===Andrew Saunders===<br />
<br />
===George Withers===<br />
<br />
Such is the power of the King in Yellow's presence that for a brief moment even [[Withers]] remains transfixed by his majesty and beauty. Of all his friends and companions Withers has always remained the most unaffected and unimpressed by the power of the dream they have been pursuing. Far, far removed from the positive revelry in sensation that Nathaniel Browne has abandoned himself to and distant even from the professional curiosity, about those people affected, felt by his close friend Doctor Frederick Bartlett. Frederick; the thought of his friend snaps Withers out of his brief reverie - his dear friend was butchered by one of the servants or heralds or some damn thing serving the creature that stands before him now. How could he have allowed himself, even for a second, to waver in his purpose!. That THING is a threat to every thing he holds dear and there is no damn way that George Withers is going to be the White Acolyte. He'd burn in hell first!<br />
<br />
===Umberto===</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Session_16&diff=3433Session 162006-10-03T04:00:10Z<p>202.14.141.254: /* George Withers */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Session Report - Played Monday 2nd October, 2006==<br />
<br />
=== The Upper House - February 1930 ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:king.jpg|right]]<br />
The [[King in Yellow]] appears standing beside the gate. He was not seen to pass through it.<br />
<br />
The King does not speak, but all hear his words in their minds:<br />
<br />
GREETINGS PILGRIMS I AM THE KING IN YELLOW WHICH OF YOU HAS COME TO GUIDE ME?<br />
<br />
THE WHITE ACOLYTE WILL BE MY HONOURED SERVANT MY HIGH PRIEST TO CARRY MY GOSPEL TO THE WORLD<br />
<br />
===Nathaniel Browne===<br />
<br />
Ahead of the others, [[Nathaniel]] stands, awestruck by the power and majesty of the being before him. This is his muse, the very personification of the driving force behind the last year and a half of his life. There seems nothing more important in life than to be the servant of this being, this god, this king. But he remembers. He remembers the deaths of [[Bacon]], [[Edwards]], and [[Quarrie]]. He remembers the grave of [[Frederick Bartlett]], his friend. He remember the horrors which have followed him and his friends across London, across England, across oceans and high mountains. He remembers his dream, the graveyard of the world. At last, finally and overwhelmingly, he remembers [[Francesca]]. His love is a greater thing than his art. His head moves slowly to the left, then to the right, in slow but unmistakable denial. He passes the test. He will not serve. He will not be the [[White Acolyte]].<br />
<br />
===Andrew Saunders===<br />
<br />
===George Withers===<br />
<br />
Such is the power of the King in Yellow's presence that for a brief moment even [[Withers]] remains transfixed by his majesty and beauty. Of all his friends and companions Withers has always remained the most unaffected and unimpressed by the power of the dream they have been pursuing. Far removed from the positive revelry in sensation that Nathaniel Browne has abandoned himself to and distant even from the professional curiosity that his close friend Doctor Frederick Bartlett felt for those people affected by the presence of the king. Frederick. The thought of his friend snaps Withers out of his brief reverie - his dear friend was butchered by one of the servants or heralds or some damn thing serving the creature that stands before him now. How could he have allowed himself, even for a second, to waver in his purpose!. That THING is a threat to every thing he holds dear and there is no damn way that George Withers is going to be the White Acolyte. He'd burn in hell first!<br />
<br />
===Umberto===</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Session_16&diff=3431Session 162006-10-03T02:27:11Z<p>202.14.141.254: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Session Report - Played Monday 2nd October, 2006==<br />
<br />
=== The Upper House - February 1930 ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:king.jpg|right]]<br />
The [[King in Yellow]] appears standing beside the gate. He was not seen to pass through it.<br />
<br />
The King does not speak, but all hear his words in their minds:<br />
<br />
GREETINGS PILGRIMS I AM THE KING IN YELLOW WHICH OF YOU HAS COME TO GUIDE ME?<br />
<br />
THE WHITE ACOLYTE WILL BE MY HONOURED SERVANT MY HIGH PRIEST TO CARRY MY GOSPEL TO THE WORLD<br />
<br />
===Nathaniel Browne===<br />
<br />
Ahead of the others, [[Nathaniel]] stands, awestruck by the power and majesty of the being before him. This is his muse, the very personification of the driving force behind the last year and a half of his life. There seems nothing more important in life than to be the servant of this being, this god, this king. But he remembers. He remembers the deaths of [[Bacon]], [[Edwards]], and [[Quarrie]]. He remembers the grave of [[Frederick Bartlett]], his friend. He remember the horrors which have followed him and his friends across London, across England, across oceans and high mountains. He remembers his dream, the graveyard of the world. At last, finally and overwhelmingly, he remembers [[Francesca]]. His love is a greater thing than his art. His head moves slowly to the left, then to the right, in slow but unmistakable denial. He passes the test. He will not serve. He will not be the [[White Acolyte]].<br />
<br />
===Andrew Saunders===<br />
<br />
===George Withers===<br />
<br />
===Umberto===</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Andrew_Saunders&diff=3430Andrew Saunders2006-10-03T02:25:57Z<p>202.14.141.254: /* Friends */</p>
<hr />
<div>[[image:saunders.jpg|right]]<br />
<br />
Andrew Saunders is 45 years old. He was born in Inverness, Scotland. Andrew is assistant curator of the [http://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk/pe/g41.html early medieval gallery of the British Museum], specialising in Anglo-Saxon and Viking Britain. He is also a keen amateur cryptozoologist. <br />
<br />
==Family==<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Parents <br />
'''<br />
<br />
Elaine Saunders and James Saunders. They used to live in Inverness, where Andrew was raised. They moved to Edinburgh when Andrew was about 12 years old. Both are alive and still living in Edinburgh. James, who is now retired, was a Professor of History at Edinburgh University. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Siblings ''' <br />
<br />
[[Hannah Keith]], married to [[George Keith]] - clerk. George is English. They have a 10 year old son, Robert. <br />
Andrew is devoted to his sister and her family. Brother and sister are very close. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Wife''' <br />
<br />
Andrew has a wife called Jennifer. They don't have any children. Andrew and Jennifer have been married for about 15 years. They live in Kensington.<br />
<br />
<br />
==Passions==<br />
<br />
Andrew has a passion for the study of the Loch Ness monster, a creature in whose existence he devoutly believes.<br />
<br />
<br />
==Friends==<br />
<br />
[[Nathaniel Browne]]- an author. A good friend of Andrew's. They see each other on a regular basis. <br />
<br />
<br />
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tolkien John Tolkien] - a young professor of Anglo-Saxon at Pembroke College, Cambridge. <br />
Andrew corresponds with and sees John when he can. John, (who reads and speaks fluent Anglo-Saxon), introduced Andrew to Beowulf -<br />
his favourite Anglo-Saxon source.<br />
<br />
<br />
Richard Grant - a young archeological student who was introduced to Andrew by John. He is also at Pembroke College in Cambridge.<br />
<br />
==Death==<br />
<br />
Andrew was killed horribly after he denied the [[King in Yellow]] after touching his cloak. The king began to spin at high speed, the tatters of his cloak cutting like kinives. Saunders was ton to pieces before his horrified friends.<br />
<br />
==Secrets==<br />
<br />
[[Andrew Saunders’ Secrets]]<br />
<br />
<br />
==Spiritual Home==<br />
<br />
[[image:britmus.jpg]]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
== Personal Log ==<br />
<br />
Information and Clues</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Session_16&diff=3429Session 162006-10-03T02:23:36Z<p>202.14.141.254: </p>
<hr />
<div>==Session Report - Played Monday 2nd October, 2006==<br />
<br />
=== The Upper House - February 1930 ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:king.jpg|right]]<br />
The [[King in Yellow]] appears standing beside the gate. He was not seen to pass through it.<br />
<br />
The King does not speak, but all hear his words in their minds:<br />
<br />
GREETINGS PILGRIMS I AM THE KING IN YELLOW WHICH OF YOU HAS COME TO GUIDE ME?<br />
<br />
THE WHITE ACOLYTE WILL BE MY HONOURED SERVANT MY HIGH PRIEST TO CARRY MY GOSPEL TO THE WORLD<br />
<br />
==Nathaniel Browne==<br />
<br />
Ahead of the others, [[Nathaniel]] stands, awestruck by the power and majesty of the being before him. This is his muse, the very personification of the driving force behind the last year and a half of his life. There seems nothing more important in life than to be the servant of this being, this god, this king. But he remembers. He remembers the deaths of [[Bacon]], [[Edwards]], and [[Quarrie]]. He remembers the grave of [[Frederick Bartlett]], his friend. He remember the horrors which have followed him and his friends across London, across England, across oceans and high mountains. He remembers his dream, the graveyard of the world. At last, finally and overwhelmingly, he remembers [[Francesca]]. His love is a greater thing than his art. His head moves slowly to the left, then to the right, in slow but unmistakable denial. He passes the test. He will not serve. He will not be the [[White Acolyte]].<br />
<br />
==Andrew Saunders==<br />
<br />
==George Withers==<br />
<br />
==Umberto==</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Session_16&diff=3428Session 162006-10-03T02:20:28Z<p>202.14.141.254: /* Nathaniel Browne */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Session Report - Played Monday 2nd October, 2006==<br />
<br />
=== The Upper House - February 1930 ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:king.jpg|right]]<br />
The [[King in Yellow]] appears standing beside the gate. He was not seen to pass through it.<br />
<br />
The King does not speak, but all hear his words in their minds:<br />
<br />
GREETINGS PILGRIMS I AM THE KING IN YELLOW WHICH OF YOU HAS COME TO GUIDE ME?<br />
<br />
THE WHITE ACOLYTE WILL BE MY HONOURED SERVANT MY HIGH PRIEST TO CARRY MY GOSPEL TO THE WORLD<br />
<br />
=== Nathaniel Browne ===<br />
<br />
Ahead of the others, [[Nathaniel]] stands, awestruck by the power and majesty of the being before him. This is his muse, the very personification of the driving force behind the last year and a half of his life. There seems nothing more important in life than to be the servant of this being, this god, this king. But he remembers. He remembers the deaths of [[Bacon]], [[Edwards]], and [[Quarrie]]. He remembers the grave of [[Frederick Bartlett]], his friend. He remember the horrors which have followed him and his friends across London, across England, across oceans and high mountains. He remembers his dream, the graveyard of the world. At last, finally and overwhelmingly, he remembers [[Francesca]]. His love is a greater thing than his art. His head moves slowly to the left, then to the right, in slow but unmistakable denial. He passes the test. He will not serve. He will not be the [[White Acolyte]].<br />
<br />
=== Andrew Saunders ===<br />
<br />
=== George Withers ===<br />
<br />
=== Umberto ===</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Nathaniel&diff=3427Nathaniel2006-10-03T01:20:57Z<p>202.14.141.254: </p>
<hr />
<div>#redirect [[Nathaniel Browne]]</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Session_16&diff=3426Session 162006-10-03T01:20:35Z<p>202.14.141.254: /* Nathaniel Browne */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Session Report - Played Monday 2nd October, 2006==<br />
<br />
=== The Upper House - February 1930 ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:king.jpg|right]]<br />
The [[King in Yellow]] appears standing beside the gate. He was not seen to pass through it.<br />
<br />
The King does not speak, but all hear his words in their minds:<br />
<br />
GREETINGS PILGRIMS I AM THE KING IN YELLOW WHICH OF YOU HAS COME TO GUIDE ME?<br />
<br />
THE WHITE ACOLYTE WILL BE MY HONOURED SERVANT MY HIGH PRIEST TO CARRY MY GOSPEL TO THE WORLD<br />
<br />
=== Nathaniel Browne ===<br />
<br />
Ahead of the others, [[Nathaniel]] stands, awestruck by the power and majesty of the being before him. This is his muse, the very personification of the driving force behind the last year and a half of his life. There seems nothing more important in life than to be the servant of this being, this god, this king. But he remembers. He remembers the deaths of [[Bacon]], [[Edwards]], and [[Quarrie]]. He remembers the grave of [[Frederick Bartlett]], his friend. He remember the horrors which have followed him and his friends. He remembers his dream, the graveyard of the world. At last, finally and overwhelmingly, he remembers [[Francesca]]. His love is a greater thing than his art. His head moves slowly to the left, then to the right, in slow but unmistakable denial. He passes the test. He will not serve. He will not be the [[White Acolyte]].<br />
<br />
=== Andrew Saunders ===<br />
<br />
=== George Withers ===<br />
<br />
=== Umberto ===</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Frederick_Bartlett&diff=3425Frederick Bartlett2006-10-03T01:17:39Z<p>202.14.141.254: </p>
<hr />
<div>#redirect [[Doctor Frederick Bartlett]]</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Session_16&diff=3424Session 162006-10-03T01:16:29Z<p>202.14.141.254: /* Nathaniel Browne */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Session Report - Played Monday 2nd October, 2006==<br />
<br />
=== The Upper House - February 1930 ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:king.jpg|right]]<br />
The [[King in Yellow]] appears standing beside the gate. He was not seen to pass through it.<br />
<br />
The King does not speak, but all hear his words in their minds:<br />
<br />
GREETINGS PILGRIMS I AM THE KING IN YELLOW WHICH OF YOU HAS COME TO GUIDE ME?<br />
<br />
THE WHITE ACOLYTE WILL BE MY HONOURED SERVANT MY HIGH PRIEST TO CARRY MY GOSPEL TO THE WORLD<br />
<br />
=== Nathaniel Browne ===<br />
<br />
Ahead of the others, Nathaniel stands, awestruck by the power and majesty of the being before him. This is his muse, the very personification of the driving force behind the last year and a half of his life. There seems nothing more important in life than to be the servant of this being, this god, this king. But he remembers. He remembers the deaths of [[Bacon]], [[Edwards]], and [[Quarrie]]. He remembers the grave of [[Frederick Bartlett]], his friend. He remember the horrors which have followed him and his friends. He remembers his dream, the graveyard of the world. At last, finally and overwhelmingly, he remembers [[Francesca]]. His love is a greater thing than his art. His head moves slowly to the left, then to the right, in slow but unmistakable denial. He passes the test. He will not serve. He will not be the [[White Acolyte]].<br />
<br />
=== Andrew Saunders ===<br />
<br />
=== George Withers ===<br />
<br />
=== Umberto ===</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Francesca&diff=3423Francesca2006-10-03T01:15:02Z<p>202.14.141.254: </p>
<hr />
<div>#redirect [[Francesca_Nicholson]]</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Session_16&diff=3422Session 162006-10-03T01:14:05Z<p>202.14.141.254: /* The Upper House - February 1930 */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Session Report - Played Monday 2nd October, 2006==<br />
<br />
=== The Upper House - February 1930 ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:king.jpg|right]]<br />
The [[King in Yellow]] appears standing beside the gate. He was not seen to pass through it.<br />
<br />
The King does not speak, but all hear his words in their minds:<br />
<br />
GREETINGS PILGRIMS I AM THE KING IN YELLOW WHICH OF YOU HAS COME TO GUIDE ME?<br />
<br />
THE WHITE ACOLYTE WILL BE MY HONOURED SERVANT MY HIGH PRIEST TO CARRY MY GOSPEL TO THE WORLD<br />
<br />
=== Nathaniel Browne ===<br />
<br />
Ahead of the others, Nathaniel stands, awestruck by the power and majesty of the being before him. This is his muse, the very personification of the driving force behind the last year and a half of his life. There seems nothing more important in life than to be the servant of this being, this god, this king. But he remembers. He remembers the deaths of Bacon, Edwards, and Quarrie. He remembers the grave of Frederick Bartlett, his friend. He remember the horrors which have followed him and his friends. He remembers his dream, the graveyard of the world. At last, finally and overwhelmingly, he remembers [[Francesca]]. His love is a greater thing than his art. His head moves slowly to the left, then to the right, in slow but unmistakable denial. He passes the test. He will not serve. He will not be the [[White Acolyte]].<br />
<br />
=== Andrew Saunders ===<br />
<br />
=== George Withers ===<br />
<br />
=== Umberto ===</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Tatters_of_the_King&diff=3421Tatters of the King2006-10-02T03:50:01Z<p>202.14.141.254: /* Notable Non-Player Characters */</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:Tatters_Cover.gif|right]]<br />
'''Tatters of the King'''[http://catalog.chaosium.com/product_info.php?products_id=773&osCsid=07f84f248e3a49f3cf6199ee7fbb6629] is a Call of Cthulhu campaign written by Tim Wiseman and published by [http://chaosium.com Chaosium] and through which our role-playing [http://tentaclesandunderpants.info group] is currently being run. Play started on May 8th 2006. See [[current events]] for next session date. <br />
<br />
The game is being played in the suburb of Ellerslie, in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auckland Auckland, New Zealand].<br />
<br />
==Setting==<br />
<br />
The game is initially set in [http://www.yog-sothoth.com/docs/article-london-guide-1928.pdf London], [http://greywolfnz.homeip.net/wiki/attachments/1928.doc 1928]. It is the start of a bitterly cold winter, the worst in decades.<br />
<br />
London is the capital of an empire covering a quarter of the globe and governing one quarter of the human race. The people busy themselves with concerns of politics and government, finance and production, work and recreation. How fragile things are. What ignorance there is.<br />
<br />
There are those whose engage in different pursuits - who would see an inhuman power come to Earth such that it would make mundane activity seem like a last twitch before dying.........<br />
<br />
==Keeper of Arcane Lore==<br />
<br />
The Game Master is [[Mark Chiddicks]]<br />
<br />
==Players==<br />
<br />
The players are:<br />
<br />
[[Nicola Bishop]]<br />
<br />
[[Julia Blackmore]]<br />
<br />
[[Marcus Gustafsson]]<br />
<br />
[[Darryn Mercer]]<br />
<br />
==[[Player Characters]]==<br />
<br />
[[image:crew2.jpg|right|200px]]<br />
<br />
[[Nathaniel Browne]] - A failed writer, looking for his big story, played by Darryn Mercer<br />
<br />
[[Andrew Saunders]] - British Museum curator and proud Scot, Played by Julia Blackmore.<br />
<br />
[[Captain George Withers]] - Coldstream Guards. Career soldier. Played by Nicola Bishop.<br />
<br />
'[[Umberto]]' - Mysterious former Vatican investigator. Played by Marcus Gustafsson.<br />
<br />
[[Doctor Frederick Bartlett]] (deceased) - Eminent research psychologist, played by Marcus Gustafsson.<br />
<br />
==Notable Non-Player Characters==<br />
<br />
'''Prologue - Opening Night'''<br />
<br />
[[Talbot Estus]] (deceased) - American novelist, now debuting as a playwright<br />
<br />
''The Group'' - an amateur theatrical troupe:<br />
<br />
[[Michael Gillen]] - Retired publisher, amateur actor and acquaintance of [[Doctor Frederick Bartlett]]. Estus's friend and companion.<br />
<br />
[[Hannah Keith]] - Amateur Actress and sister of [[Andrew Saunders]]<br />
<br />
[[George Keith]] - Amateur Actor and husband of [[Hannah Keith]]<br />
<br />
[[Walter Paige]] - Amateur Actor<br />
<br />
[[Jean Hewart]] - Amateur Actress<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter One - The Madman'''<br />
<br />
[[Dr. Charles Highsmith]] - Asylum Superintendent<br />
<br />
[[Alexander Roby]] - Incarcerated Madman<br />
<br />
[[Lucius Harriwell]] - Incarcerated Madman<br />
<br />
[[Price and Evans]] - Asylum Nurses<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Two - A Walk in the Park'''<br />
<br />
[[Dr. Lionel Trollope]] (deceased) - Roby family physician<br />
<br />
[[Grahame Roby]] - Financier, Alexander Roby's brother<br />
<br />
[[Detective Inspector Andrew Taylor]] - of New Scotland Yard<br />
<br />
[[Delia Hartston]] - Alexander Roby's former fiancee, now [[Delia Morrison]]<br />
<br />
[[Peter Morrison]] (deceased) - Abusive husband of Delia<br />
<br />
[[Vincent Tuck]] - Private Detective, hired by Grahame Roby<br />
<br />
Michael [[Coombes]] (deceased?) - Sinister stalker, Bacon's ex-bodyguard.<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Three - Springer Mound & the Canal'''<br />
<br />
[[Harold Jennings]] (deceased) - Unfriendly Suffolk farmer<br />
<br />
[[Montague Edwards]] (deceased) - Alexander Roby's secret guardian<br />
<br />
[[Lawrence Bacon]] (deceased) - Antiquarian, occultist and sorcerer<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Four - The Flight North '''<br />
<br />
[[Cec Watts]] (deceased) - Tabloid Journalist<br />
<br />
[[Henry Lister]] - Terrified cultist and necrophobe<br />
<br />
[[Aleister Crowley]] - Famed Occultist<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Five - To Walk Upon the Earth in Carcosa'''<br />
<br />
[[Quentin Spence]] - Poet and Failed Cultist<br />
<br />
[[Noss]] of Yhtill - Leather worker from an alien world<br />
<br />
[[Yolanda]] - Noblewoman from [[Cassilda]]'s court<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Six - Talk of Goatswood'''<br />
<br />
[[Wilfred Gresty]] (deceased) - Writer of letters and spy for the Goatswood cult<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Seven - Nug's Farm'''<br />
<br />
[[Hillary Quarrie]] - Estranged wife of Malcolm and priestess of the Goat<br />
<br />
[[Atkinson]] (deceased) - Ailing leader of the Goatswood Shub-Niggurath cult<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Eight - The Brothers of the Yellow Sign'''<br />
<br />
[[Paolo Tuminardo]] - Milanese Guide and young Fascist<br />
<br />
[[Giuseppe Colombo]] - Ancient, curmudgeonly Italian Brother of the Yellow Sign<br />
<br />
[[Thomas Villiers]] (deceased) - Insane artist and Brother of the Yellow Sign<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Nine - The Viceroy of India'''<br />
<br />
[[Julian Knight]] - Minor diplomat and lounge lizard, en route to India<br />
<br />
The Reverend [[Ian Gore]] - Missionary, en route to India<br />
<br />
Mrs [[Henrietta Tullis]] - Matronly figure, en route to India<br />
<br />
[[Stephen Thomas]] - Quiet, bookish man, en route to India<br />
<br />
Miss [[Francesca Nicholson]] - Bright young thing, en route to India<br />
<br />
Miss [[Patricia Berry]] - Quiet, shy young lady, en route to India<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Ten - A Thousand Miles'''<br />
<br />
[[Sivakumar Patel]] - Guide and translator from Bombay<br />
<br />
[[Jigme Rinzing]] - Nepalese merchant/guide<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Eleven - To Drakmar'''<br />
<br />
[[Tsewan Pemba]] - Tibetan Guide <br />
<br />
[[Carlo Schippone]] (deceased) - Graduate student and Himalayan adventurer<br />
<br />
<br />
'''Chapter Twelve - The Upper House'''<br />
<br />
Major [[Ricardo Delnegro]] (deceased) - ''Alpini'' officer and Himalayan adventurer<br />
<br />
[[Roberto Anzalone]] (deceased) - Professor of Asian History and Brother of the Yellow Sign<br />
<br />
[[Malcolm Quarrie]] (deceased) - Elusive scientist and occultist<br />
<br />
[[The King in Yellow]] - Beautiful, yet terrible, alien god<br />
<br />
==Literary Works==<br />
[[Image:mask.jpg|300px|right|thumb|The Masque of Yhtill]]<br />
<br />
[[Carcosa, or The Queen and the Stranger]] - a fantasy in two acts, [http://greywolfnz.homeip.net/wiki/attachments/CARCOSA.pdf script] by [[Talbot Estus]]<br />
<br />
[[The King in Yellow]] - a collection of short [http://www.yankeeclassic.com/miskatonic/library/stacks/literature/chambers/stories/kinginye/contents.htm stories] by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_W._Chambers Robert W Chambers]<br />
<br />
[[Le Roi en Jeune]] - a rare French play, playwright anonymous<br />
<br />
[[An Inhabitant of Carcosa and Haita the Shepherd]] - by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambrose_Bierce Ambrose Bierce]<br />
<br />
[[Der Wanderer durch den See]] - by [[Alexander Roby]]<br />
<br />
[[British Gods]]: Religion and Myth in the Western Kingdoms of Anglo-Saxon Britain - by [[Malcolm Quarrie]]<br />
<br />
[[The Turner Codex]]: A translation of Mesoamerican prayers and libations to Hastur - trans. M. Turner ''et al''<br />
<br />
[[The Tatters of the King]]: A book of short stories by [[Nathaniel Browne]]<br />
<br />
[[The Revelations of Glaaki]]: The Goatswood cult's compilation of occult knowledge<br />
<br />
==Locations==<br />
<br />
[http://www.mdx.ac.uk/www/study/mapengwa.htm Map of England and Wales, 1928]<br />
<br />
[http://www.yog-sothoth.com/docs/article-london-guide-1928.pdf London], England - [http://www.londonancestor.com/maps/roads-central.htm Map of London, 1926]<br />
<br />
The [[Scala Theatre]], Charlotte St, London<br />
<br />
[[St Agnes Asylum]], [[Weobley]], Herefordshire, England<br />
<br />
[[Clare Melford]], Suffolk, England<br />
<br />
[[Loch Mullardoch]], near Inverness, Scotland<br />
<br />
[[Carcosa]], a dream city made flesh<br />
<br />
[[Goatswood]], an area of the Severn Valley in Gloucestershire<br />
<br />
[[Nug's Farm]], Hillary Quarrie's home, in the Goatswood region<br />
<br />
[[Milan]], Lombardy, Italy<br />
<br />
[[The Viceroy of India]] - Modern P&O passenger liner, en route to India<br />
<br />
[[India]], the gateway to Nepal<br />
<br />
[[Bombay]], port of entry to India<br />
<br />
[[Nepal]], mountain kingdom, closed to Westerners<br />
<br />
[[Mustang]], a small kingdom in Northern Nepal<br />
<br />
[[Drakmar]], in Mustang, the legendary site of the death of the ogress Balmo<br />
<br />
[[Leng]], legendary icy plateau - not on this Earth<br />
<br />
[[The Upper House]], labyrinthine alien structure, found in Leng<br />
<br />
==Sessions==<br />
<br />
''As referred to in the session reports below, there have been a number of [[murders]] related to the Roby case.''<br />
<br />
[[Session 1]] - Opening Night<br />
<br />
[[Session 1.5]] - The Madman<br />
<br />
[[Session 2]] - The Plot Thickens<br />
<br />
[[Session 3]] - Alexander's Friends<br />
<br />
[[Session 4]] - Teeth of Winter<br />
<br />
[[Session 5]] - Four Go Mad in London<br />
<br />
[[Session 6]] - Death by Night, Death by Day<br />
<br />
[[Session 7]] - Missing Persons<br />
<br />
[[Session 8]] - To Walk Upon the Earth in Carcosa<br />
<br />
[[Session 9]] - Aftermath - a Year in the Lives...<br />
<br />
[[Session 10]] - Nug's Farm, or "Are You Local?"<br />
<br />
[[Session 11]] - Il Fratelli di Signo Giallo<br />
<br />
[[Session 12]] - The Viceroy of India, or "May I Have This Dance?"<br />
<br />
[[Session 13]] - A Matter of Honour<br />
<br />
[[Session 14]] - The Trail of the Pilgrims<br />
<br />
[[Session 15]] - Drakmar and Beyond<br />
<br />
[[Session 16]] - The King Steps Down</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Nathaniel_Browne&diff=3420Nathaniel Browne2006-09-27T22:12:37Z<p>202.14.141.254: /* Family */</p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:nathaniel.jpg|right]]<br />
<br />
Nathaniel Browne is a man looking for inspiration. Nathaniel describes himself as an author, finding titles such as writer or novellist limiting to his creative focus.<br />
<br />
==Family==<br />
<br />
Nathaniel is an only child, his parents are both deceased. His father, a Navy captain was killed when a German shell struck the bridge of his ship during the battle of Jutland, and his mother died (mainly of grief) soon thereafter. Nathaniel, his creative urge always at odds with his strict upbringing, misses them less than might be imagined.<br />
<br />
Nathaniel has a cousin, Joseph Browne, who is a Catholic priest living in Norwich, and two second cousins – one a spinster living in London, the other having moved to Australia with her husband.<br />
<br />
[[Image:Nathaniel_Browne.png|200px|right]]<br />
<br />
==Goals==<br />
<br />
Nathaniel wants to write stories that inspire great emotion in their readers. He has become very interested in the story of [[Carcosa]] and [[The King in Yellow]] after seeing the play [[Carcosa, or The Queen and the Stranger]].<br />
<br />
Having read [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sir_Gawain_and_the_Green_Knight Sir Gawain and the Green Knight], and interested in the idea of translation and adaptation of older works, Nathaniel keeps pestering [[Andrew Saunders]] to introduce him to his friend, John.<br />
<br />
Nathaniel is now attempting to work on a sequel to his successful '[[The Tatters of the King]]' anthology, but is increasingly finding himself rather bereft of inspiration.<br />
<br />
==Friends==<br />
<br />
Alan Cooper, a Librarian at the British Library, is an old school chum of Nathaniel's<br />
<br />
Jean-Paul Etienne, a gentleman of leisure (originally from Paris), is a friend who Nathaniel met by moving in writing circles.<br />
<br />
[[Andrew Saunders]]<br />
<br />
==Income==<br />
<br />
Nathaniel lives off an inheritance when not earning money from his stories.<br />
<br />
Despite having come into rather a lot more money thanks to his successful 'Tatters of the King' anthology, Nathaniel has kept the same sort of life and habits, not abandoning his humble lodgings.<br />
<br />
==Secrets==<br />
<br />
[[Nathaniel Browne's Secrets]]<br />
<br />
==Spiritual Home==<br />
<br />
[[image:watlib.jpg]]<br />
<br />
Watford Public Library</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Session_15&diff=3419Session 152006-09-27T21:11:29Z<p>202.14.141.254: /* The Plaza of the King */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Session Report - Played Monday 25th September, 2006==<br />
<br />
=== Thursday February 16th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
--''continued''--<br />
<br />
[[Image:drakmarnew.jpg|right|thumb|500px|The red cliffs of Drakmar]]<br />
The investigators stand at the threshold of [[Drakmar]], in kingdom of [[Mustang]], the final destination of [[Malcolm Quarrie]]'s [[Pilgrimage of Grace]].<br />
<br />
A quick count shows there are somewhere between 50 and 100 caves spread across the cliffs at heights between 30 and 150 feet about the valley floor. The investigators cross the valley for a closer look. En route they locate the remnants of the Italian expedition’s campsite and nearby a large flat stone stained with a large amount of blood. Though the blood is not fresh, nor is it more than a few weeks old.<br />
<br />
Following a trail of blood spots [[Withers]] locates a fresh cairn under which it is assumed a body has been buried. The investigators discuss disturbing the dead, but decide against it.<br />
<br />
[[Browne]] and [[Saunders]] climb up to the nearest cave. It is worn smooth as if by centuries of feet and leads to a small chamber whose walls are covered in thousands of tally marks in groups of nine. In the centre of the chamber is a small pile of bones which appear to be mix of birds and human finger bones.<br />
<br />
[[Umberto]] thinks he catches a glimpse of something from the corner of his eye and sees a stone falling down the cliff. He climbs to where he thinks it came from and discovers a cave with a narrow crawlspace heading back into the cliff. He thinks better of crawling inside.<br />
<br />
Several more caves are explored before night falls. Saunders finds a small pit filled with strips of dried human scalps. Other caves are connected by internal tunnels, but there is no sign of life or of fresh activity, and no further sign of [[Quarrie]] or his companions.<br />
<br />
The investigators camp for the night in the first cave they had explored. During the night both [[Browne]] and [[Umberto]] have dreams of bestial savagery which feel like the intrusions of an alien intelligence, but which have none of the terrible beauty of Hastur. Each of them awakens, heart pounding.<br />
<br />
=== Friday February 17th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
As dawn approaches, Umberto is on watch, and it is he who first hears a disturbing human sobbing sound coming from a cave mouth high above the campsite. Taking his gun and a torch, Umberto climbs to investigate, waking nobody else.<br />
<br />
When Saunders wakes up, Umberto is gone. He wakes the others and they hear the sobbing sound. Taking their packs and their weapons they clamber up towards the noise and enter the cave from which it issues. In leads into a tunnel that twists through the rock until a pale glow can be seen in the distance. The sobbing, oddly, is fading, but as it fades the deep slow heartbeat sound heard by [[Browne]] the day before is clearly audible to all.<br />
<br />
Nervously the party edges forward as the passage opens up into a large chamber dominated by an archway on the far side which is lit up with a pearly glow. Beyond the arch can be seen the silhouette of a vast immobile bulk, a great squatting buddha with the head of an elephant, over the surface of which smaller creatures scurry. Despite the lack of any clarity in the image it is very disturbing.<br />
<br />
There are two other entrances into the chamber and it is through one of these that [[Umberto]] now emerges, being held at spearpoint by a hideous black-skinned humanoid. The creature is a mass of naked muscle, but only 4ft tall. Its bald head is mis-shapen, its features inhuman. Before anyone can react a dozen more of the creatures emerge from the other entrance, and from behind the investigators can be heard many more, who have clearly entered the tunnel that they are using. <br />
<br />
[[Image:anza.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Anzalone Transformed]]<br />
The creatures do not speak, but from the archway emerges a man - or rather what remains of a man. Despite his hideous injuries and bizarre deformities, this appears to be [[Anzalone]]. Naked, with his eyes put out, his mouth a drooling, bloody, toothless hole and most horrible of all his nose and ears stretched, ragged and moving on their own in sick parody of the trunk and ears of an elephant.<br />
<br />
Moving as one, [[Withers]] and [[Browne]] raise their guns and fire - their decision an instinctive reaction to put an end to Anzalone's obvious misery. Brownes's goes wide but Wither's bullet is true and the ruin that was once Anzalone falls twitching to the floor. The black creatures, clearly having never encountered firearms, swarm over the investigators. Saunders fails to get a shot off, but both Withers and Browne shoot a couple dead before they are disarmed. The creatures show no anger or distress at the deaths of some of their number, and do no violence to the investigators beyond disarming them.<br />
<br />
The apparent chief of the creatures goes to Anzalone's corpse and examines it in apparent annoyance, then gives an order in a language that sounds vaguely Tibetan. Umberto is dragged over towards the gate and his hand held out. The chief uses a knife to cut his hand open and then paints a crude Yellow Sign on the wall beside the gate using Umberto's bloody palm.<br />
<br />
The light from the gate changes to a pale cold blue, and the shadow of [[Chaugnar Faughn]] (as Umberto will shortly identify it to his companions) disappears.<br />
<br />
The helpless investigators are forced through the gate, where a horrible high pitched whistling overwhelms their senses. The time spent travelling through the gate seems simultaneously mere seconds and endless aeons. As the sound fades the investigators find themselves standing in the middle of an endless icy plain under a starlit sky. They are still surrounded by the black humanoids, and there in front of them, with his own retinue of the creatures, stands [[Malcolm Quarrie]].<br />
<br />
=== Leng ===<br />
<br />
''NB: Whilst in Leng the investigators' watches refuse to keep time in any consistent manner. Within a few hours nobody has any idea how long they have been there, their very sense of time has become unreliable.''<br />
<br />
Astonished at the appearance of Westerners, Quarrie is full of questions. He soon discovers the gist of their purpose and how it was they came to be here. He is unsurprised, and not unhappy, to discover that [[Bacon]] and [[Edwards]] are dead, and pleased to find that [[Roby]] reached Carcosa and that his wife and daughter are well.<br />
<br />
He answers the investigators' questions, explaing how the black humanoids, who he calls the [[Tcho-Tcho]] worship the elephant god [[Chaugnar Faughn]] and have waited centuries for [[the White Acolyte]] believing that he will bring Chaugnar Faughn to Earth. In truth it was [[the King in Yellow]] who tricked them long ago into believing this, for it is the King that awaits the Acolyte.<br />
<br />
He explains how [[Carlo Schippone]], maddened by the dreams of the elephant god, slew Major Delnegro in the night and fled and how [[Anzalone]] was taken by the Tcho-Tcho to be Chaugnar Faughn's companion as had been promised to them long ago. Quarrie regrets the deaths of the rest of his expedition, but believes their sacrifice worthwhile.<br />
<br />
He explains that one of the five people here now must be the [[White Acolyte]], though obviously he hopes that he himself will be the one. The Tcho-Tcho are ready to leave now - they are to go to '[[the Upper House]]', the place where the King will come down from [[Aldebaran]] to [[Leng]]. The task of the Acolyte will be to lead him from there to Earth. Rather disturbing ideas occur to the investigators and Withers and Saunders avoid looking in Nathaniel Browne's direction.<br />
<br />
Quarrie is erudite, charming and has a pleasant nature, but he is absolutely immovable in his resolve to guide the King to Earth. Bereft of any way back to their homes, the investigators agree to travel with Quarrie, as yet undecided on how to deal with him. As the strange party of humans and Tcho-Tcho starts its trek across the cold wastes of Leng, the investigators start to work on trying to convince Quarrie that what he aims to do is misguided and terribly dangerous. He sees this as a test of faith and sets about trying to convince the others, especially [[Browne]] of the rightness of his cause.<br />
<br />
Several hours into the trek across the featureless waste a great flying creature appears in the dstance. As it gets closer its true size and hideous appearance becomes obvious. Even though Saunders still carries a revolver (the Tcho-Tcho didn't recognise this as a weapon and only took longarms) he decides against drawing it now, as the Tcho-Tcho would likely seize it. The monster screeches and dives at the group. Most dive to the ground, but Withers tries to seize a spear from a Tcho-Tcho and as they grapple for the weapon the great alien bird snatches the Tcho-Tcho and flies up with its prey. there is a crunch, a spray of blood and the Tcho-Tcho's severed head falls, striking Withers on the way down.<br />
<br />
"Amazing," says Quarrie, "A ''shantak'' bird. this truly must be Leng!"<br />
<br />
The Tcho-Tcho chief picks up the severed head and as the group moves on, begins to chew lumps off of it. The humans decide not to look.<br />
<br />
The trek continues for hours, and the investigators and Quarrie are exhausted. Saunders is suffering especially badly, having not yet recovered from the trip to Drakmar. Browne realises that they are heading towards a bright star close to the horizon. he points it out to Quarrie and they agree it must be Albebaran. "I feel like I have been travelling toward it for the last year and a half" sighs Browne, "Much longer for me, my friend, much longer..." replies Quarrie. As they continue, it is Browne who first notices that Aldebaran has dipped behind some sort of a structure on the horizon. [[The Upper House]] is, at last, in sight.<br />
<br />
=== The Upper House ===<br />
<br />
The building is unspectacular. A square structure about 250 yards along a side and 20 yards high with sloping walls and a flat roof. Built of white stone and with a single wide doorway in the middle of the wall that the investigators are approaching.<br />
<br />
A ring of plain obelisks surrounds the Upper House at a distance of a few hundred feet and the[[Tcho-Tcho]] do not cross the line of this circle. Quarrie, excited that his destination lies ahead, hurries forward and the investigators follow at once lest Quarrie get far enough ahead to lose them.<br />
<br />
The five men enter the structure. The doorway gapes open into a wide corridor whose floor slopes slightly downward and whose walls are painted with images of alien beings in vast cyclopean cities. When they look back, a few tens of feet into the building, the investigators see that instead of the exit, all that lies behind them is an endless stretch of corridor. It is clear that the normal laws and space and time do not apply in this place. [[Browne]] hurries to keep up with [[Quarrie]] while [[Saunders]] and [[Umberto]] whisper to each other conspiratorialy. A faint piping sound can be heard far ahead, and Quarrie heads toward it without hesitation. The others follow.<br />
<br />
The Upper House proves to be vast and complex. For hours the investigators and Quarrie wander great halls and vaults with only the light of their flashlights to piece the black. They encounter a great stairway into the earth but give up on its descent after 10 minutes. They decide to always try to move upwards where possible. <br />
<br />
They reach a great chasm crossed by a narrow bridge, but, as Browne insists on not crossing, they instead choose to climb the wall behind them by way of a winding stair, only to find that the chamber at the top leads back to the very same bridge and very same stair. Saunders makes a mental note to tell his friend Professor Tolkien about this place.<br />
<br />
They camp twice to get rest and to eat and quiet discussions on what to do take place. Both Brown and Withers, although agreeing that Quarrie seems currently unreachable, think that he is still a pleasant, unarmed and unthreatening man and do not wish to take precipitative action. Withers is however prepared to take drastic measures should there truly be no other option. He still shrinks from the thought of cold blooded murder and hopes that Quarrie, like Roby before him, might finally see something which takes the rose coloured spectacles from his eyes and thus make him willing to lend his skills into preventing what he has until then been working towards. Umberto on the other hand grows more convinced that God has clear instructions for him to prevent what is occurring and works on the undecided Saunders, who he has realised is carrying the party's only remaining revolver. <br />
<br />
It is on the second of these stops that Umberto takes drastic action. He wakes to see Quarrie deep in conversation with Browne, who is finding Malcolm's arguments more and more convincing. Remembering [[Carlo Schippone]]'s account of the use of sorcery to turn the mind of major Delnegro, Umberto realises that Quarrie is more dangerous than he looks. He makes the decision to take an action long delayed.<br />
<br />
Umberto requests, and is given, the gun that Saunders is carrying, he stands up, casually walks over to Quarrie and without warning puts a bullet through his brain. Blood and brain matter sprays over Browne, who leaps to his feet, the yellow-signed knife in his hand, and advances on Umberto, before suddenly coming to his senses and dropping the knife. He realises that Quarrie had been successful in doing that which Crowley had failed to do at Marx's tomb, though the influence has retreated with Quarrie's death.<br />
<br />
There is a tense standoff as Browne argues that his mind is clear and urges Umberto to surrender his weapon. Withers takes Umberto's revolver, greatly regretting that he hadn't realised what the Italian was doing, but determined to keep it out of the hands of a man he is increasingly coming to see as mentally unstable at the very least, and perhaps a direct threat to the safety of them all.<br />
<br />
Despite the shock of Umberto's act the other three do not yet challenge him on it - certainly the possibility that force would have to be used to stop Quarrie had occurred to them all, but none had thought of resorting to such cold-blooded murder . The investigators move on, leaving Quarrie's body behind, as they have no way to bury him. Soon they hear the pipes again, and start to feel they are making progress. <br />
<br />
Eventually they pass through a chamber they have already seen, but this time there is a stairway up that was not there before. They have been wandering through the Upper House for an indeterminate time, but it could well be 2 or even 3 days. They are exhausted, but this discovery brings new hope.<br />
<br />
=== The Plaza of the King ===<br />
<br />
The stairs lead up to a broad open plaza under a starlit sky. Aldebaran, low in the sky, reflects from the polished stones. The piping has stopped, but upon the ground is found a set of pipes carved with the likeness of several [[Byakhee]].<br />
<br />
On the far side of the plaza stand a pair of ornate pillars, with a great stone lectern next to them. As the investigators look around for a clue about what to do next a figure appears between the pillars. There is no arrival, he is just there, and somehow he always was.<br />
<br />
It is a figure like a very tall, very thin man in flowing, tattered yellow robes that move in a non-existant breeze. There is no face visible within his hood. he does not speak but everyone knows who, or what, he is.<br />
<br />
[[The King in Yellow]] has stepped down from Aldebaran.</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Session_15&diff=3381Session 152006-09-26T03:30:58Z<p>202.14.141.254: /* Leng */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Session Report - Played Monday 25th September, 2006==<br />
<br />
=== Thursday February 16th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
--''continued''--<br />
<br />
[[Image:drakmarnew.jpg|right|thumb|500px|The red cliffs of Drakmar]]<br />
The investigators stand at the threshold of [[Drakmar]], in kingdom of [[Mustang]], the final destination of [[Malcolm Quarrie]]'s [[Pilgrimage of Grace]].<br />
<br />
A quick count shows there are somewhere between 50 and 100 caves spread across the cliffs at heights between 30 and 150 feet about the valley floor. The investigators cross the valley for a closer look. En route they locate the remnants of the Italian expedition’s campsite and nearby a large flat stone stained with a large amount of blood. Though the blood is not fresh, nor is it more than a few weeks old.<br />
<br />
Following a trail of blood spots [[Withers]] locates a fresh cairn under which it is assumed a body has been buried. The investigators discuss disturbing the dead, but decide against it.<br />
<br />
[[Browne]] and [[Saunders]] climb up to the nearest cave. It is worn smooth as if by centuries of feet and leads to a small chamber whose walls are covered in thousands of tally marks in groups of nine. In the centre of the chamber is a small pile of bones which appear to be mix of birds and human finger bones.<br />
<br />
[[Umberto]] thinks he catches a glimpse of something from the corner of his eye and sees a stone falling down the cliff. He climbs to where he thinks it came from and discovers a cave with a narrow crawlspace heading back into the cliff. He thinks better of crawling inside.<br />
<br />
Several more caves are explored before night falls. Saunders finds a small pit filled with strips of dried human scalps. Other caves are connected by internal tunnels, but there is no sign of life or of fresh activity, and no further sign of [[Quarrie]] or his companions.<br />
<br />
The investigators camp for the night in the first cave they had explored. During the night both [[Browne]] and [[Umberto]] have dreams of bestial savagery which feel like the intrusions of an alien intelligence, but which have none of the terrible beauty of Hastur. Each of them awakens, heart pounding.<br />
<br />
=== Friday February 17th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
As dawn approaches, Umberto is on watch, and it is he who first hears a disturbing human sobbing sound coming from a cave mouth high above the campsite. Taking his gun and a torch, Umberto climbs to investigate, waking nobody else.<br />
<br />
When Saunders wakes up, Umberto is gone. He wakes the others and they hear the sobbing sound. Taking their packs and their weapons they clamber up towards the noise and enter the cave from which it issues. In leads into a tunnel that twists through the rock until a pale glow can be seen in the distance. The sobbing, oddly, is fading, but as it fades the deep slow heartbeat sound heard by [[Browne]] the day before is clearly audible to all.<br />
<br />
Nervously the party edges forward as the passage opens up into a large chamber dominated by an archway on the far side which is lit up with a pearly glow. Beyond the arch can be seen the silhouette of a vast immobile bulk, a great squatting buddha with the head of an elephant, over the surface of which smaller creatures scurry. Despite the lack of any clarity in the image it is very disturbing.<br />
<br />
There are two other entrances into the chamber and it is through one of these that [[Umberto]] now emerges, being held at spearpoint by a hideous black-skinned humanoid. The creature is a mass of naked muscle, but only 4ft tall. Its bald head is mis-shapen, its features inhuman. Before anyone can react a dozen more of the creatures emerge from the other entrance, and from behind the investigators can be heard many more, who have clearly entered the tunnel that they are using. <br />
<br />
The creatures do not speak, but from the archway emerges a man - or rather what remains of a man. Despite his hideous injuries and bizarre deformities, this appears to be [[Anzalone]]. Naked, with his eyes put out, his mouth a droolong, bloody, toothless hole and most horrible of all his nose and ears stretched, ragged and moving on their own in sick parody of the trunk and ears of an elephant.<br />
<br />
Both [[Withers]] and [[Browne]] raise their guns and fire, putting an end to Anzalone's obvious misery. The black creatures, clearly having never encountered firearms, swarm over the investigators. Saunders fails to get a shot off, but both Withers and Browne shoot a couple dead before they are disarmed. The creatures show no anger or distress at the deaths of some of their number, and do no violence to the investigators beyond disarming them.<br />
<br />
The apparent chief of the creatrures goes to Anzalone's corpse and examines it in apparent annoyance, then gives an order in a language that sounds vaguely Tibetan. Umberto is dragged over towards the gate and his hand held out. The chief uses a knife to cut his hand open and then paints a crude Yellow Sign on the wall beside the gate using Umberto's bloody palm.<br />
<br />
The light from the gate changes to a pale cold blue, and the shadow of [[Chaugnar Faughn]] (as Umberto will shortly identify it to his companions) disappears.<br />
<br />
The helpless investigators are forced through the gate, where a horrible high pitched sound overwhelms their senses. The time spend travelling through the gate seems simultaneously to be mere seconds and endless aeons. As the sound fades the investigators find themselves standing in the middle of an endless icy plain under a starlit sky. They are still surrounded by the black humanoids, and there in front of them, with his own retinue of the creatures, stands [[Malcolm Quarrie]].<br />
<br />
=== Leng ===<br />
<br />
''NB: Whilst in Leng the investigators' watches refuse to keep time in any consistent manner. Within a few hours nobody has any idea how long they have been there, their very sense of time has become unreliable.''<br />
<br />
Astonished at the appearance of Westerners, Quarrie is full of questions. He soon discovers the gist of their purpose and how it was they came to be here. He is unsurprised, and not unhappy, to discover that [[Bacon]] and [[Edwards]] are dead, and pleased to find that [[Roby]] reached Carcosa and that his wife and daughter are well.<br />
<br />
He answers the investigators' questions, explaing how the black humanoids, who he calls the [[Tcho-Tcho]] worship the elephant god [[Chaugnar Faughn]] and have waited centuries for [[the White Acolyte]] believing that he will bring Chaugnar Faughn to Earth. In truth it was [[the King in Yellow]] who tricked them long ago into believing this, for it is the King that awaits the Acolyte.<br />
<br />
He explains how [[Carlo Schippone]], maddened by the dreams of the elephant god, slew Major Delnegro in the night and fled and how [[Anzalone]] was taken by the Tcho-Tcho to be Chaugnar Faughn's companion as had been promised to them long ago. Quarrie regrets the deaths of the rest of his expedition, but believes their sacrifice worthwhile.<br />
<br />
He explains that one of the five people here now must be the [[White Acolyte]], though obviously he hopes that he himself will be the one. The Tcho-Tcho are ready to leave now - they are to go to '[[the Upper House]]', the place where the King will come down from [[Aldebaran]] to [[Leng]]. The task of the Acolyte will be to lead him from there to Earth.<br />
<br />
Quarrie is erudite, charming and has a pleasant nature, but he is absolutely immovable in his resolve to guide the King to Earth. Bereft of any way back to their homes, the investigators agree to travel with Quarrie, as yet undecided on how to deal with him. As the strange party of humans and Tcho-Tcho starts its trek across the cold wastes of Leng, the investigators start to work on trying to convince Quarrie that what he aims to do is misguided and terribly dangerous. He sees this as a test of faith and sets about trying to convince the others, especially [[Browne]] of the rightness of his cause.<br />
<br />
Several hours into the trek across the featureless waste a great flying creature appears in the dstance. As it gets closer its true size and hideous appearance becomes obvious. Even though a couple of the investigators still carry revolvers (the Tcho-Tcho didn't recognise those as weapons and only took longarms) they decide against drawing them now, as the Tcho-Tcho would likely seize them. The monster screeches and dives at the group. Most dive to the ground, but Withers tries to seize a spear from a Tcho-Tcho and as they grapple for the weapon the great alien bird snatches the Tcho-Tcho and flies up with its prey. there is a crunch, a spray of blood and the Tcho-Tcho's severed head falls, striking Withers on the way down.<br />
<br />
"Amazing," says Quarrie, "A ''shantak'' bird. this truly must be Leng!"<br />
<br />
The Tcho-Tcho chief picks up the severed head and as the group moves on, begins to chew lumps off of it. The humans decide not to look.<br />
<br />
The trek continues for hours, and the investigators and Quarrie are exhausted. Saunders is suffering especially badly, having not yet recovered from the trip to Drakmar. Browne realises that they are heading towards a bright star close to the horizon. he points it out to Quarrie and they agree it must be Albebaran. "I feel like I have been travelling toward it for the last year and a half" sighs Browne, "Much longer for me, my friend, much longer..." replies Quarrie. As they continue, it is Browne who first notices that Aldebaran has dipped behind some sort of a structure on the horizon. [[The Upper House]] is, at last, in sight.<br />
<br />
=== The Upper House ===<br />
<br />
The building is unspectacular. A square structure about 250 yards along a side and 20 yards high with sloping walls and a flat roof. Built of white stone and with a single wide doorway in the middle of the wall that the investigators are approaching.<br />
<br />
A ring of plain obelisks surrounds the Upper House at a distance of a few hundred feet and the[[Tcho-Tcho]] do not cross the line of this circle. Quarrie, excited that his destination lies ahead, hurries forward and the investigators follow at once lest Quarrie get far enough ahead to lose them.<br />
<br />
The five men enter the structure. The doorway gapes open into a wide corridor whose floor slopes slightly downward and whose walls are painted with images of alien beings in vast cyclopean cities. When they look back, a few tens of feet into the building, the investigators see that instead of the exit, all that lies behind them is an endless stretch of corridor. It is clear that the normal laws and space and time do not apply in this place. [[Browne]] hurries to keep up with [[Quarrie]] while [[Saunders]] and [[Umberto]] whisper to each other conspiratorialy. A faint piping sound can be heard far ahead, and Quarrie heads toward it without hesitation.<br />
<br />
The others follow.</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Session_15&diff=3380Session 152006-09-26T03:30:20Z<p>202.14.141.254: /* The Upper House */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Session Report - Played Monday 25th September, 2006==<br />
<br />
=== Thursday February 16th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
--''continued''--<br />
<br />
[[Image:drakmarnew.jpg|right|thumb|500px|The red cliffs of Drakmar]]<br />
The investigators stand at the threshold of [[Drakmar]], in kingdom of [[Mustang]], the final destination of [[Malcolm Quarrie]]'s [[Pilgrimage of Grace]].<br />
<br />
A quick count shows there are somewhere between 50 and 100 caves spread across the cliffs at heights between 30 and 150 feet about the valley floor. The investigators cross the valley for a closer look. En route they locate the remnants of the Italian expedition’s campsite and nearby a large flat stone stained with a large amount of blood. Though the blood is not fresh, nor is it more than a few weeks old.<br />
<br />
Following a trail of blood spots [[Withers]] locates a fresh cairn under which it is assumed a body has been buried. The investigators discuss disturbing the dead, but decide against it.<br />
<br />
[[Browne]] and [[Saunders]] climb up to the nearest cave. It is worn smooth as if by centuries of feet and leads to a small chamber whose walls are covered in thousands of tally marks in groups of nine. In the centre of the chamber is a small pile of bones which appear to be mix of birds and human finger bones.<br />
<br />
[[Umberto]] thinks he catches a glimpse of something from the corner of his eye and sees a stone falling down the cliff. He climbs to where he thinks it came from and discovers a cave with a narrow crawlspace heading back into the cliff. He thinks better of crawling inside.<br />
<br />
Several more caves are explored before night falls. Saunders finds a small pit filled with strips of dried human scalps. Other caves are connected by internal tunnels, but there is no sign of life or of fresh activity, and no further sign of [[Quarrie]] or his companions.<br />
<br />
The investigators camp for the night in the first cave they had explored. During the night both [[Browne]] and [[Umberto]] have dreams of bestial savagery which feel like the intrusions of an alien intelligence, but which have none of the terrible beauty of Hastur. Each of them awakens, heart pounding.<br />
<br />
=== Friday February 17th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
As dawn approaches, Umberto is on watch, and it is he who first hears a disturbing human sobbing sound coming from a cave mouth high above the campsite. Taking his gun and a torch, Umberto climbs to investigate, waking nobody else.<br />
<br />
When Saunders wakes up, Umberto is gone. He wakes the others and they hear the sobbing sound. Taking their packs and their weapons they clamber up towards the noise and enter the cave from which it issues. In leads into a tunnel that twists through the rock until a pale glow can be seen in the distance. The sobbing, oddly, is fading, but as it fades the deep slow heartbeat sound heard by [[Browne]] the day before is clearly audible to all.<br />
<br />
Nervously the party edges forward as the passage opens up into a large chamber dominated by an archway on the far side which is lit up with a pearly glow. Beyond the arch can be seen the silhouette of a vast immobile bulk, a great squatting buddha with the head of an elephant, over the surface of which smaller creatures scurry. Despite the lack of any clarity in the image it is very disturbing.<br />
<br />
There are two other entrances into the chamber and it is through one of these that [[Umberto]] now emerges, being held at spearpoint by a hideous black-skinned humanoid. The creature is a mass of naked muscle, but only 4ft tall. Its bald head is mis-shapen, its features inhuman. Before anyone can react a dozen more of the creatures emerge from the other entrance, and from behind the investigators can be heard many more, who have clearly entered the tunnel that they are using. <br />
<br />
The creatures do not speak, but from the archway emerges a man - or rather what remains of a man. Despite his hideous injuries and bizarre deformities, this appears to be [[Anzalone]]. Naked, with his eyes put out, his mouth a droolong, bloody, toothless hole and most horrible of all his nose and ears stretched, ragged and moving on their own in sick parody of the trunk and ears of an elephant.<br />
<br />
Both [[Withers]] and [[Browne]] raise their guns and fire, putting an end to Anzalone's obvious misery. The black creatures, clearly having never encountered firearms, swarm over the investigators. Saunders fails to get a shot off, but both Withers and Browne shoot a couple dead before they are disarmed. The creatures show no anger or distress at the deaths of some of their number, and do no violence to the investigators beyond disarming them.<br />
<br />
The apparent chief of the creatrures goes to Anzalone's corpse and examines it in apparent annoyance, then gives an order in a language that sounds vaguely Tibetan. Umberto is dragged over towards the gate and his hand held out. The chief uses a knife to cut his hand open and then paints a crude Yellow Sign on the wall beside the gate using Umberto's bloody palm.<br />
<br />
The light from the gate changes to a pale cold blue, and the shadow of [[Chaugnar Faughn]] (as Umberto will shortly identify it to his companions) disappears.<br />
<br />
The helpless investigators are forced through the gate, where a horrible high pitched sound overwhelms their senses. The time spend travelling through the gate seems simultaneously to be mere seconds and endless aeons. As the sound fades the investigators find themselves standing in the middle of an endless icy plain under a starlit sky. They are still surrounded by the black humanoids, and there in front of them, with his own retinue of the creatures, stands [[Malcolm Quarrie]].<br />
<br />
=== Leng ===<br />
<br />
''NB: Whilst in Leng the investigators' watches refuse to keep time in any consistent manner. Within a few hours nobody has any idea how long they have been there, their very sense of time has become unreliable.''<br />
<br />
Astonished at the appearance of Westerners, Quarrie is full of questions. He soon discovers the gist of their purpose and how it was they came to be here. He is unsurprised, and not unhappy, to discover that [[Bacon]] and [[Edwards]] are dead, and pleased to find that [[Roby]] reached Carcosa and that his wife and daughter are well.<br />
<br />
He answers the investigators' questions, explaing how the black humanoids, who he calls the [[Tcho-Tcho]] worship the elephant god [[Chaugnar Faughn]] and have waited centuries for [[the White Acolyte]] believing that he will bring Chaugnar Faughn to Earth. In truth it was [[the King in Yellow]] who tricked them long ago into believing this, for it is the King that awaits the Acolyte.<br />
<br />
He explains how [[Carlo Schippone]], maddened by the dreams of the elephant god, slew Major Delnegro in the night and fled and how [[Anzalone]] was taken by the Tcho-Tcho to be Chaugnar Faughn's companion as had been promised to them long ago. Quarrie regrets the deaths of the rest of his expedition, but believes their sacrifice worthwhile.<br />
<br />
He explains that one of the five people here now must be the [[White Acolyte]], though obviously he hopes that he himself will be the one. The Tcho-Tcho are ready to leave now - they are to go to '[[the Upper House]]', the place where the King will come down from [[Aldebaran]] to [[Leng]]. The task of the Acolyte will be to lead him from there to Earth.<br />
<br />
Quarrie is erudite, charming and has a pleasant nature, but he is absolutely immovable in his resolve to guide the King to Earth. Bereft of any way back to their homes, the investigators agree to travel with Quarrie, as yet undecided on how to deal with him. As the strange party of humans and Tcho-Tcho starts its trek across the cold wastes of Leng, the investigators start to work on trying to convince Quarrie that what he aims to do is misguided and terribly dangerous. He sees this as a test of faith and sets about trying to convince the others, especially [[Browne]] of the rightness of his cause.<br />
<br />
Several hours into the trek across the featureless waste a great flying creature appears in the dstance. As it gets closer its true size and hideous appearance becomes obvious. Even though a couple of the investigators still carry revolvers (the Tcho-Tcho didn't recognise those as weapons and only took longarms) they decide against drawing them now, as the Tcho-Tcho would likely seize them. The monster screeches and dives at the group. Most dive to the ground, but Withers tries to seize a spear from a Tcho-Tcho and as they grapple for the weapon the great alien bird snatches the Tcho-Tcho and flies up with its prey. there is a crunch, a spray of blood and the Tcho-Tcho's severed head falls, striking Withers on the way down.<br />
<br />
"Amazing," says Quarrie, "A ''shantak'' bird. this truly must be Leng!"<br />
<br />
The Tcho-Tcho chief picks up the severed head and as the group moves on, begins to chew lumps off of it. The humans decide not to look.<br />
<br />
The trek continues for hours, and the investigators and Quarrie are exhausted. Saunders is suffering especially badly, having not yet recovered from the trip to Drakmar. Browne realises that they are heading towards a bright star close to the horizon. he points it out to Quarrie and they agree it must be Albebaran. "I feel like I have been travelling toward it for the last year and a half" sighs Browne, "Much longer for me, my friend, much longer..." replies Quarrie. As they continue, it is Browne who first notices that Aldebaran has dipped behind some sort of a structure on the horizon. [[The Upper House]] is at last in sight.<br />
<br />
=== The Upper House ===<br />
<br />
The building is unspectacular. A square structure about 250 yards along a side and 20 yards high with sloping walls and a flat roof. Built of white stone and with a single wide doorway in the middle of the wall that the investigators are approaching.<br />
<br />
A ring of plain obelisks surrounds the Upper House at a distance of a few hundred feet and the[[Tcho-Tcho]] do not cross the line of this circle. Quarrie, excited that his destination lies ahead, hurries forward and the investigators follow at once lest Quarrie get far enough ahead to lose them.<br />
<br />
The five men enter the structure. The doorway gapes open into a wide corridor whose floor slopes slightly downward and whose walls are painted with images of alien beings in vast cyclopean cities. When they look back, a few tens of feet into the building, the investigators see that instead of the exit, all that lies behind them is an endless stretch of corridor. It is clear that the normal laws and space and time do not apply in this place. [[Browne]] hurries to keep up with [[Quarrie]] while [[Saunders]] and [[Umberto]] whisper to each other conspiratorialy. A faint piping sound can be heard far ahead, and Quarrie heads toward it without hesitation.<br />
<br />
The others follow.</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Session_15&diff=3379Session 152006-09-26T03:30:04Z<p>202.14.141.254: /* The Upper House */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Session Report - Played Monday 25th September, 2006==<br />
<br />
=== Thursday February 16th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
--''continued''--<br />
<br />
[[Image:drakmarnew.jpg|right|thumb|500px|The red cliffs of Drakmar]]<br />
The investigators stand at the threshold of [[Drakmar]], in kingdom of [[Mustang]], the final destination of [[Malcolm Quarrie]]'s [[Pilgrimage of Grace]].<br />
<br />
A quick count shows there are somewhere between 50 and 100 caves spread across the cliffs at heights between 30 and 150 feet about the valley floor. The investigators cross the valley for a closer look. En route they locate the remnants of the Italian expedition’s campsite and nearby a large flat stone stained with a large amount of blood. Though the blood is not fresh, nor is it more than a few weeks old.<br />
<br />
Following a trail of blood spots [[Withers]] locates a fresh cairn under which it is assumed a body has been buried. The investigators discuss disturbing the dead, but decide against it.<br />
<br />
[[Browne]] and [[Saunders]] climb up to the nearest cave. It is worn smooth as if by centuries of feet and leads to a small chamber whose walls are covered in thousands of tally marks in groups of nine. In the centre of the chamber is a small pile of bones which appear to be mix of birds and human finger bones.<br />
<br />
[[Umberto]] thinks he catches a glimpse of something from the corner of his eye and sees a stone falling down the cliff. He climbs to where he thinks it came from and discovers a cave with a narrow crawlspace heading back into the cliff. He thinks better of crawling inside.<br />
<br />
Several more caves are explored before night falls. Saunders finds a small pit filled with strips of dried human scalps. Other caves are connected by internal tunnels, but there is no sign of life or of fresh activity, and no further sign of [[Quarrie]] or his companions.<br />
<br />
The investigators camp for the night in the first cave they had explored. During the night both [[Browne]] and [[Umberto]] have dreams of bestial savagery which feel like the intrusions of an alien intelligence, but which have none of the terrible beauty of Hastur. Each of them awakens, heart pounding.<br />
<br />
=== Friday February 17th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
As dawn approaches, Umberto is on watch, and it is he who first hears a disturbing human sobbing sound coming from a cave mouth high above the campsite. Taking his gun and a torch, Umberto climbs to investigate, waking nobody else.<br />
<br />
When Saunders wakes up, Umberto is gone. He wakes the others and they hear the sobbing sound. Taking their packs and their weapons they clamber up towards the noise and enter the cave from which it issues. In leads into a tunnel that twists through the rock until a pale glow can be seen in the distance. The sobbing, oddly, is fading, but as it fades the deep slow heartbeat sound heard by [[Browne]] the day before is clearly audible to all.<br />
<br />
Nervously the party edges forward as the passage opens up into a large chamber dominated by an archway on the far side which is lit up with a pearly glow. Beyond the arch can be seen the silhouette of a vast immobile bulk, a great squatting buddha with the head of an elephant, over the surface of which smaller creatures scurry. Despite the lack of any clarity in the image it is very disturbing.<br />
<br />
There are two other entrances into the chamber and it is through one of these that [[Umberto]] now emerges, being held at spearpoint by a hideous black-skinned humanoid. The creature is a mass of naked muscle, but only 4ft tall. Its bald head is mis-shapen, its features inhuman. Before anyone can react a dozen more of the creatures emerge from the other entrance, and from behind the investigators can be heard many more, who have clearly entered the tunnel that they are using. <br />
<br />
The creatures do not speak, but from the archway emerges a man - or rather what remains of a man. Despite his hideous injuries and bizarre deformities, this appears to be [[Anzalone]]. Naked, with his eyes put out, his mouth a droolong, bloody, toothless hole and most horrible of all his nose and ears stretched, ragged and moving on their own in sick parody of the trunk and ears of an elephant.<br />
<br />
Both [[Withers]] and [[Browne]] raise their guns and fire, putting an end to Anzalone's obvious misery. The black creatures, clearly having never encountered firearms, swarm over the investigators. Saunders fails to get a shot off, but both Withers and Browne shoot a couple dead before they are disarmed. The creatures show no anger or distress at the deaths of some of their number, and do no violence to the investigators beyond disarming them.<br />
<br />
The apparent chief of the creatrures goes to Anzalone's corpse and examines it in apparent annoyance, then gives an order in a language that sounds vaguely Tibetan. Umberto is dragged over towards the gate and his hand held out. The chief uses a knife to cut his hand open and then paints a crude Yellow Sign on the wall beside the gate using Umberto's bloody palm.<br />
<br />
The light from the gate changes to a pale cold blue, and the shadow of [[Chaugnar Faughn]] (as Umberto will shortly identify it to his companions) disappears.<br />
<br />
The helpless investigators are forced through the gate, where a horrible high pitched sound overwhelms their senses. The time spend travelling through the gate seems simultaneously to be mere seconds and endless aeons. As the sound fades the investigators find themselves standing in the middle of an endless icy plain under a starlit sky. They are still surrounded by the black humanoids, and there in front of them, with his own retinue of the creatures, stands [[Malcolm Quarrie]].<br />
<br />
=== Leng ===<br />
<br />
''NB: Whilst in Leng the investigators' watches refuse to keep time in any consistent manner. Within a few hours nobody has any idea how long they have been there, their very sense of time has become unreliable.''<br />
<br />
Astonished at the appearance of Westerners, Quarrie is full of questions. He soon discovers the gist of their purpose and how it was they came to be here. He is unsurprised, and not unhappy, to discover that [[Bacon]] and [[Edwards]] are dead, and pleased to find that [[Roby]] reached Carcosa and that his wife and daughter are well.<br />
<br />
He answers the investigators' questions, explaing how the black humanoids, who he calls the [[Tcho-Tcho]] worship the elephant god [[Chaugnar Faughn]] and have waited centuries for [[the White Acolyte]] believing that he will bring Chaugnar Faughn to Earth. In truth it was [[the King in Yellow]] who tricked them long ago into believing this, for it is the King that awaits the Acolyte.<br />
<br />
He explains how [[Carlo Schippone]], maddened by the dreams of the elephant god, slew Major Delnegro in the night and fled and how [[Anzalone]] was taken by the Tcho-Tcho to be Chaugnar Faughn's companion as had been promised to them long ago. Quarrie regrets the deaths of the rest of his expedition, but believes their sacrifice worthwhile.<br />
<br />
He explains that one of the five people here now must be the [[White Acolyte]], though obviously he hopes that he himself will be the one. The Tcho-Tcho are ready to leave now - they are to go to '[[the Upper House]]', the place where the King will come down from [[Aldebaran]] to [[Leng]]. The task of the Acolyte will be to lead him from there to Earth.<br />
<br />
Quarrie is erudite, charming and has a pleasant nature, but he is absolutely immovable in his resolve to guide the King to Earth. Bereft of any way back to their homes, the investigators agree to travel with Quarrie, as yet undecided on how to deal with him. As the strange party of humans and Tcho-Tcho starts its trek across the cold wastes of Leng, the investigators start to work on trying to convince Quarrie that what he aims to do is misguided and terribly dangerous. He sees this as a test of faith and sets about trying to convince the others, especially [[Browne]] of the rightness of his cause.<br />
<br />
Several hours into the trek across the featureless waste a great flying creature appears in the dstance. As it gets closer its true size and hideous appearance becomes obvious. Even though a couple of the investigators still carry revolvers (the Tcho-Tcho didn't recognise those as weapons and only took longarms) they decide against drawing them now, as the Tcho-Tcho would likely seize them. The monster screeches and dives at the group. Most dive to the ground, but Withers tries to seize a spear from a Tcho-Tcho and as they grapple for the weapon the great alien bird snatches the Tcho-Tcho and flies up with its prey. there is a crunch, a spray of blood and the Tcho-Tcho's severed head falls, striking Withers on the way down.<br />
<br />
"Amazing," says Quarrie, "A ''shantak'' bird. this truly must be Leng!"<br />
<br />
The Tcho-Tcho chief picks up the severed head and as the group moves on, begins to chew lumps off of it. The humans decide not to look.<br />
<br />
The trek continues for hours, and the investigators and Quarrie are exhausted. Saunders is suffering especially badly, having not yet recovered from the trip to Drakmar. Browne realises that they are heading towards a bright star close to the horizon. he points it out to Quarrie and they agree it must be Albebaran. "I feel like I have been travelling toward it for the last year and a half" sighs Browne, "Much longer for me, my friend, much longer..." replies Quarrie. As they continue, it is Browne who first notices that Aldebaran has dipped behind some sort of a structure on the horizon. [[The Upper House]] is at last in sight.<br />
<br />
=== The Upper House ===<br />
<br />
The building is unspectacular. A square structure about 250 yards along a side and 20 yards high with sloping walls and a flat roof. Built of white stone and with a single wide doorway in the middle of the wall that the investigators are approaching.<br />
<br />
A ring of plain obelisks surrounds the Upper House at a distance of a few hundred feet and the[[Tcho-Tcho]] do not cross the line of this circle. Quarrie, excited that his destination lies ahead, hurries forward and the investigators follow at once lest Quarrie get far enough ahead to lose them.<br />
<br />
The five men enter the structure. The doorway gapes open into a wide corridor whose floor slopes slightly downward and whose walls are painted with images of alien beings in vast cyclopean cities. When they look back, a few tens of feet into the building, the investigators see that instead of the exit, all that lies behind them is an endless stretch of corridor. It is clear that the normal laws and space and time do not apply in this place. [[Browne]] hurries to keep up with [[Quarrie]] while [[Saunders]] and [[Umbrto]] whisper to each other conspiratorialy. A faint piping sound can be heard far ahead, and Quarrie heads toward it without hesitation.<br />
<br />
The others follow.</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=White_Acolyte&diff=3376White Acolyte2006-09-26T02:46:36Z<p>202.14.141.254: </p>
<hr />
<div>#redirect [[The White Acolyte]]</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Session_15&diff=3375Session 152006-09-26T02:46:19Z<p>202.14.141.254: /* Leng */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Session Report - Played Monday 25th September, 2006==<br />
<br />
=== Thursday February 16th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
--''continued''--<br />
<br />
[[Image:drakmarnew.jpg|right|thumb|500px|The red cliffs of Drakmar]]<br />
The investigators stand at the threshold of [[Drakmar]], in kingdom of [[Mustang]], the final destination of [[Malcolm Quarrie]]'s [[Pilgrimage of Grace]].<br />
<br />
A quick count shows there are somewhere between 50 and 100 caves spread across the cliffs at heights between 30 and 150 feet about the valley floor. The investigators cross the valley for a closer look. En route they locate the remnants of the Italian expedition’s campsite and nearby a large flat stone stained with a large amount of blood. Though the blood is not fresh, nor is it more than a few weeks old.<br />
<br />
Following a trail of blood spots [[Withers]] locates a fresh cairn under which it is assumed a body has been buried. The investigators discuss disturbing the dead, but decide against it.<br />
<br />
[[Browne]] and [[Saunders]] climb up to the nearest cave. It is worn smooth as if by centuries of feet and leads to a small chamber whose walls are covered in thousands of tally marks in groups of nine. In the centre of the chamber is a small pile of bones which appear to be mix of birds and human finger bones.<br />
<br />
[[Umberto]] thinks he catches a glimpse of something from the corner of his eye and sees a stone falling down the cliff. He climbs to where he thinks it came from and discovers a cave with a narrow crawlspace heading back into the cliff. He thinks better of crawling inside.<br />
<br />
Several more caves are explored before night falls. Saunders finds a small pit filled with strips of dried human scalps. Other caves are connected by internal tunnels, but there is no sign of life or of fresh activity, and no further sign of [[Quarrie]] or his companions.<br />
<br />
The investigators camp for the night in the first cave they had explored. During the night both [[Browne]] and [[Umberto]] have dreams of bestial savagery which feel like the intrusions of an alien intelligence, but which have none of the terrible beauty of Hastur. Each of them awakens, heart pounding.<br />
<br />
=== Friday February 17th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
As dawn approaches, Umberto is on watch, and it is he who first hears a disturbing human sobbing sound coming from a cave mouth high above the campsite. Taking his gun and a torch, Umberto climbs to investigate, waking nobody else.<br />
<br />
When Saunders wakes up, Umberto is gone. He wakes the others and they hear the sobbing sound. Taking their packs and their weapons they clamber up towards the noise and enter the cave from which it issues. In leads into a tunnel that twists through the rock until a pale glow can be seen in the distance. The sobbing, oddly, is fading, but as it fades the deep slow heartbeat sound heard by [[Browne]] the day before is clearly audible to all.<br />
<br />
Nervously the party edges forward as the passage opens up into a large chamber dominated by an archway on the far side which is lit up with a pearly glow. Beyond the arch can be seen the silhouette of a vast immobile bulk, a great squatting buddha with the head of an elephant, over the surface of which smaller creatures scurry. Despite the lack of any clarity in the image it is very disturbing.<br />
<br />
There are two other entrances into the chamber and it is through one of these that [[Umberto]] now emerges, being held at spearpoint by a hideous black-skinned humanoid. The creature is a mass of naked muscle, but only 4ft tall. Its bald head is mis-shapen, its features inhuman. Before anyone can react a dozen more of the creatures emerge from the other entrance, and from behind the investigators can be heard many more, who have clearly entered the tunnel that they are using. <br />
<br />
The creatures do not speak, but from the archway emerges a man - or rather what remains of a man. Despite his hideous injuries and bizarre deformities, this appears to be [[Anzalone]]. Naked, with his eyes put out, his mouth a droolong, bloody, toothless hole and most horrible of all his nose and ears stretched, ragged and moving on their own in sick parody of the trunk and ears of an elephant.<br />
<br />
Both [[Withers]] and [[Browne]] raise their guns and fire, putting an end to Anzalone's obvious misery. The black creatures, clearly having never encountered firearms, swarm over the investigators. Saunders fails to get a shot off, but both Withers and Browne shoot a couple dead before they are disarmed. The creatures show no anger or distress at the deaths of some of their number, and do no violence to the investigators beyond disarming them.<br />
<br />
The apparent chief of the creatrures goes to Anzalone's corpse and examines it in apparent annoyance, then gives an order in a language that sounds vaguely Tibetan. Umberto is dragged over towards the gate and his hand held out. The chief uses a knife to cut his hand open and then paints a crude Yellow Sign on the wall beside the gate using Umberto's bloody palm.<br />
<br />
The light from the gate changes to a pale cold blue, and the shadow of [[Chaugnar Faughn]] (as Umberto will shortly identify it to his companions) disappears.<br />
<br />
The helpless investigators are forced through the gate, where a horrible high pitched sound overwhelms their senses. The time spend travelling through the gate seems simultaneously to be mere seconds and endless aeons. As the sound fades the investigators find themselves standing in the middle of an endless icy plain under a starlit sky. They are still surrounded by the black humanoids, and there in front of them, with his own retinue of the creatures, stands [[Malcolm Quarrie]].<br />
<br />
=== Leng ===<br />
<br />
''NB: Whilst in Leng the investigators' watches refuse to keep time in any consistent manner. Within a few hours nobody has any idea how long they have been there, their very sense of time has become unreliable.''<br />
<br />
Astonished at the appearance of Westerners, Quarrie is full of questions. He soon discovers the gist of their purpose and how it was they came to be here. He is unsurprised, and not unhappy, to discover that [[Bacon]] and [[Edwards]] are dead, and pleased to find that [[Roby]] reached Carcosa and that his wife and daughter are well.<br />
<br />
He answers the investigators' questions, explaing how the black humanoids, who he calls the [[Tcho-Tcho]] worship the elephant god [[Chaugnar Faughn]] and have waited centuries for [[the White Acolyte]] believing that he will bring Chaugnar Faughn to Earth. In truth it was [[the King in Yellow]] who tricked them long ago into believing this, for it is the King that awaits the Acolyte.<br />
<br />
He explains how [[Carlo Schippone]], maddened by the dreams of the elephant god, slew Major Delnegro in the night and fled and how [[Anzalone]] was taken by the Tcho-Tcho to be Chaugnar Faughn's companion as had been promised to them long ago. Quarrie regrets the deaths of the rest of his expedition, but believes their sacrifice worthwhile.<br />
<br />
He explains that one of the five people here now must be the [[White Acolyte]], though obviously he hopes that he himself will be the one. The Tcho-Tcho are ready to leave now - they are to go to '[[the Upper House]]', the place where the King will come down from [[Aldebaran]] to [[Leng]]. The task of the Acolyte will be to lead him from there to Earth.<br />
<br />
Quarrie is erudite, charming and has a pleasant nature, but he is absolutely immovable in his resolve to guide the King to Earth. Bereft of any way back to their homes, the investigators agree to travel with Quarrie, as yet undecided on how to deal with him. As the strange party of humans and Tcho-Tcho starts its trek across the cold wastes of Leng, the investigators start to work on trying to convince Quarrie that what he aims to do is misguided and terribly dangerous. He sees this as a test of faith and sets about trying to convince the others, especially [[Browne]] of the rightness of his cause.<br />
<br />
Several hours into the trek across the featureless waste a great flying creature appears in the dstance. As it gets closer its true size and hideous appearance becomes obvious. Even though a couple of the investigators still carry revolvers (the Tcho-Tcho didn't recognise those as weapons and only took longarms) they decide against drawing them now, as the Tcho-Tcho would likely seize them. The monster screeches and dives at the group. Most dive to the ground, but Withers tries to seize a spear from a Tcho-Tcho and as they grapple for the weapon the great alien bird snatches the Tcho-Tcho and flies up with its prey. there is a crunch, a spray of blood and the Tcho-Tcho's severed head falls, striking Withers on the way down.<br />
<br />
"Amazing," says Quarrie, "A ''shantak'' bird. this truly must be Leng!"<br />
<br />
The Tcho-Tcho chief picks up the severed head and as the group moves on, begins to chew lumps off of it. The humans decide not to look.<br />
<br />
The trek continues for hours, and the investigators and Quarrie are exhausted. Saunders is suffering especially badly, having not yet recovered from the trip to Drakmar. Browne realises that they are heading towards a bright star close to the horizon. he points it out to Quarrie and they agree it must be Albebaran. "I feel like I have been travelling toward it for the last year and a half" sighs Browne, "Much longer for me, my friend, much longer..." replies Quarrie. As they continue, it is Browne who first notices that Aldebaran has dipped behind some sort of a structure on the horizon. [[The Upper House]] is at last in sight.<br />
<br />
=== The Upper House ===</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Upper_House&diff=3374Upper House2006-09-26T02:43:48Z<p>202.14.141.254: </p>
<hr />
<div>#redirect [[The Upper House]]</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=The_White_Acolyte&diff=3373The White Acolyte2006-09-26T02:43:21Z<p>202.14.141.254: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[Alexander Roby]] states that [[Malcolm Quarrie]] believes that [[the King in Yellow]] "has called himself the White Acolyte".<br />
<br />
The significance of this statement, if any, is unknown, but [[Umberto]] knows of the legend of [[Chaugnar Faughn]], the elephant-headed god of [[Tsang]] who is said to await the coming of 'The White Acolyte'. What possible relationship there may be between Chaugnar Faughn and the King in Yellow is unknown.<br />
<br />
<br />
[[Malcolm Quarrie]] has revealed that the followers of Chaugnar Faughn have been duped. It is the King in Yellow who awaits the White Acolyte, who will free him from the [[Upper House]] and take him back to earth. Quarrie hopes that he, himself, is the White Acolyte, but is unsure. It is possible that it is yet to be determined who the Acolyte is.</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Session_15&diff=3372Session 152006-09-26T02:37:59Z<p>202.14.141.254: /* Leng */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Session Report - Played Monday 25th September, 2006==<br />
<br />
=== Thursday February 16th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
--''continued''--<br />
<br />
[[Image:drakmarnew.jpg|right|thumb|500px|The red cliffs of Drakmar]]<br />
The investigators stand at the threshold of [[Drakmar]], in kingdom of [[Mustang]], the final destination of [[Malcolm Quarrie]]'s [[Pilgrimage of Grace]].<br />
<br />
A quick count shows there are somewhere between 50 and 100 caves spread across the cliffs at heights between 30 and 150 feet about the valley floor. The investigators cross the valley for a closer look. En route they locate the remnants of the Italian expedition’s campsite and nearby a large flat stone stained with a large amount of blood. Though the blood is not fresh, nor is it more than a few weeks old.<br />
<br />
Following a trail of blood spots [[Withers]] locates a fresh cairn under which it is assumed a body has been buried. The investigators discuss disturbing the dead, but decide against it.<br />
<br />
[[Browne]] and [[Saunders]] climb up to the nearest cave. It is worn smooth as if by centuries of feet and leads to a small chamber whose walls are covered in thousands of tally marks in groups of nine. In the centre of the chamber is a small pile of bones which appear to be mix of birds and human finger bones.<br />
<br />
[[Umberto]] thinks he catches a glimpse of something from the corner of his eye and sees a stone falling down the cliff. He climbs to where he thinks it came from and discovers a cave with a narrow crawlspace heading back into the cliff. He thinks better of crawling inside.<br />
<br />
Several more caves are explored before night falls. Saunders finds a small pit filled with strips of dried human scalps. Other caves are connected by internal tunnels, but there is no sign of life or of fresh activity, and no further sign of [[Quarrie]] or his companions.<br />
<br />
The investigators camp for the night in the first cave they had explored. During the night both [[Browne]] and [[Umberto]] have dreams of bestial savagery which feel like the intrusions of an alien intelligence, but which have none of the terrible beauty of Hastur. Each of them awakens, heart pounding.<br />
<br />
=== Friday February 17th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
As dawn approaches, Umberto is on watch, and it is he who first hears a disturbing human sobbing sound coming from a cave mouth high above the campsite. Taking his gun and a torch, Umberto climbs to investigate, waking nobody else.<br />
<br />
When Saunders wakes up, Umberto is gone. He wakes the others and they hear the sobbing sound. Taking their packs and their weapons they clamber up towards the noise and enter the cave from which it issues. In leads into a tunnel that twists through the rock until a pale glow can be seen in the distance. The sobbing, oddly, is fading, but as it fades the deep slow heartbeat sound heard by [[Browne]] the day before is clearly audible to all.<br />
<br />
Nervously the party edges forward as the passage opens up into a large chamber dominated by an archway on the far side which is lit up with a pearly glow. Beyond the arch can be seen the silhouette of a vast immobile bulk, a great squatting buddha with the head of an elephant, over the surface of which smaller creatures scurry. Despite the lack of any clarity in the image it is very disturbing.<br />
<br />
There are two other entrances into the chamber and it is through one of these that [[Umberto]] now emerges, being held at spearpoint by a hideous black-skinned humanoid. The creature is a mass of naked muscle, but only 4ft tall. Its bald head is mis-shapen, its features inhuman. Before anyone can react a dozen more of the creatures emerge from the other entrance, and from behind the investigators can be heard many more, who have clearly entered the tunnel that they are using. <br />
<br />
The creatures do not speak, but from the archway emerges a man - or rather what remains of a man. Despite his hideous injuries and bizarre deformities, this appears to be [[Anzalone]]. Naked, with his eyes put out, his mouth a droolong, bloody, toothless hole and most horrible of all his nose and ears stretched, ragged and moving on their own in sick parody of the trunk and ears of an elephant.<br />
<br />
Both [[Withers]] and [[Browne]] raise their guns and fire, putting an end to Anzalone's obvious misery. The black creatures, clearly having never encountered firearms, swarm over the investigators. Saunders fails to get a shot off, but both Withers and Browne shoot a couple dead before they are disarmed. The creatures show no anger or distress at the deaths of some of their number, and do no violence to the investigators beyond disarming them.<br />
<br />
The apparent chief of the creatrures goes to Anzalone's corpse and examines it in apparent annoyance, then gives an order in a language that sounds vaguely Tibetan. Umberto is dragged over towards the gate and his hand held out. The chief uses a knife to cut his hand open and then paints a crude Yellow Sign on the wall beside the gate using Umberto's bloody palm.<br />
<br />
The light from the gate changes to a pale cold blue, and the shadow of [[Chaugnar Faughn]] (as Umberto will shortly identify it to his companions) disappears.<br />
<br />
The helpless investigators are forced through the gate, where a horrible high pitched sound overwhelms their senses. The time spend travelling through the gate seems simultaneously to be mere seconds and endless aeons. As the sound fades the investigators find themselves standing in the middle of an endless icy plain under a starlit sky. They are still surrounded by the black humanoids, and there in front of them, with his own retinue of the creatures, stands [[Malcolm Quarrie]].<br />
<br />
=== Leng ===<br />
<br />
''NB: Whilst in Leng the investigators' watches refuse to keep time in any consistent manner. Within a few hours nobody has any idea how long they have been there, their very sense of time has become unreliable.''<br />
<br />
Astonished at the appearance of Westerners, Quarrie is full of questions. He soon discovers the gist of their purpose and how it was they came to be here. He is unsurprised, and not unhappy, to discover that [[Bacon]] and [[Edwards]] are dead, and pleased to find that [[Roby]] reached Carcosa and that his wife and daughter are well.<br />
<br />
He answers the investigators' questions, explaing how the black humanoids, who he calls the [[Tcho-Tcho]] worship the elephant god [[Chaugnar Faughn]] and have waited centuries for [[the White Acolyte]] believing that he will bring Chaugnar Faughn to Earth. In truth it was [[the King in Yellow]] who tricked them long ago into believing this, for it is the King that awaits the Acolyte.<br />
<br />
He explains how [[Carlo Schippone]], maddened by the dreams of the elephant god, slew Major Delnegro in the night and fled and how [[Anzalone]] was taken by the Tcho-Tcho to be Chaugnar Faughn's companion as had been promised to them long ago. Quarrie regrets the deaths of the rest of his expedition, but believes their sacrifice worthwhile.<br />
<br />
He explains that one of the five people here now must be the White Acolyte, though obviously he hopes that he himself will be the one. The Tcho-Tcho are ready to leave now - they are to go to '[[the Upper House]]', the place where the King will come down from Aldebaran to Leng. The task of the Acolyte will be to lead him from there to Earth.<br />
<br />
Quarrie is erudite, charming and has a pleasant nature, but he is absolutely immovable in his resolve to guide the King to Earth. Bereft of any way back to their homes, the investigators agree to travel with Quarrie, as yet undecided on how to deal with him. As the strange party of humans and Tcho-Tcho starts its trek across the cold wastes of Leng, the investigators start to work on trying to convince Quarrie that what he aims to do is misguided and terribly dangerous. He sees this as a test of faith and sets about trying to convince the others, especially [[Browne]] of the rightness of his cause.<br />
<br />
Several hours into the trek across the featureless waste a great flying creature appears in the dstance. As it gets closer its true size and hideous appearance becomes obvious. Even though a couple of the investigators still carry revolvers (the Tcho-Tcho didn't recognise those as weapons and only took longarms) they decide against drawing them now, as the Tcho-Tcho would likely seize them. The monster screeches and dives at the group. Most dive to the ground, but Withers tries to seize a spear from a Tcho-Tcho and as they grapple for the weapon the great alien bird snatches the Tcho-Tcho and flies up with its prey. there is a crunch, a spray of blood and the Tcho-Tcho's severed head falls, striking Withers on the way down.<br />
<br />
"Amazing," says Quarrie, "A ''shantak'' bird. this truly must be Leng!"<br />
<br />
The Tcho-Tcho chief picks up the severed head and as the group moves on, begins to chew lumps off of it. The humans decide not to look.<br />
<br />
The trek continues for hours, and the investigators and Quarrie are exhausted. Saunders is suffering especially badly, having not yet recovered from the trip to Drakmar. Browne realises that they are heading towards a bright star close to the horizon. he points it out to Quarrie and they agree it must be Albebaran. "I feel like I have been travelling toward it for the last year and a half" sighs Browne, "Much longer for me, my friend, much longer..." replies Quarrie. As they continue, it is Browne who first notices that Aldebaran has dipped behind some sort of a structure on the horizon. [[The Upper House]] is at last in sight.<br />
<br />
=== The Upper House ===</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Session_14&diff=3319Session 142006-09-21T22:03:45Z<p>202.14.141.254: /* Tuesday February 14th 1930 */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Session Report - Played Monday 18th September, 2006==<br />
<br />
=== Thursday January 19th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
The investigators have just 2 days left in Bombay to prepare fully for the long journey North to Mustang. [[Browne]] spends as much time as possible with Francesca, in between equipping for the trek across Nepal.<br />
<br />
=== Friday January 20th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
A farewell dinner is held at the [[Tullis]] home. Francesca and Patricia do not attend, as Patricia doesn't wish to be around [[Withers]] at the moment. Mr Tullis proves a somewhat curmudgeonly, blustering man. The typical ''sahib'', but the meal is fine.<br />
<br />
=== Saturday January 21st 1930 ===<br />
<br />
The train to the Northern city of Benares leaves first thing in the morning. All 4 investigators board with the Reverend [[Gore]], who offers to show them around Jabalpur if they wish to break their journey at that city.<br />
<br />
The investigators' carriage proves to be occupied by a large Indian family, and only after the conductor has been payed some ''baksheesh'' is the problem solved. The train pulls out of Bombay and begins to head North. the investigators are sharing a 6-bed carriage with The Reverend Gore. [[Siva]] insists on more modest accomodation for himself.<br />
<br />
Gore continues to show his great knowledge of India in conversation.<br />
<br />
=== Sunday January 22nd 1930 ===<br />
<br />
The train continues across India. The land is flat, arid and featureless, punctuated by small poverty-stricken villages characterised by communal reservoirs called ''tanks'', straving dogs and wild monkeys.<br />
<br />
In the larger towns the platforms throng with passengers and well-wishers.<br />
<br />
=== Monday January 23rd 1930 ===<br />
<br />
The Reverend [[Gore]] disembarks in Jabalpur. the investigators turn down his offer of a short stay with him due to the difficulties inherent in getting all of their supplies off the train.<br />
<br />
The investigaors are now alone and able to discuss their plans.<br />
<br />
=== Tuesday January 24th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
The train continues across India. As the train travels North the climate gets steadily warmer<br />
<br />
=== Wednesday January 25th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
As the train slowly edges its way through the suburbs of the city of Benares it passes a crowd standing near to the tracks. The crowd are chanting angrily and some are gesturing to the train. [[Siva]] says they are chanting 'The King Steps Down'. <br />
<br />
Suddenly violence breaks out. Rocks are thrown at the train and one smashes a window and hits [[Withers]] on the head as he rumnmages for his gun. The rioters attack the train en masse just as the train grinds to a complete halt.<br />
<br />
Withers fires at a man trying to enter the train through the broken window but misses as [[Umberto]] tries to stop him from killing anyone. In the confusion the maddened rioter enters the carriage, falling to the floor where [[Browne]] swings a foot at the man. The kick is ineffectual and the rioter sinks his teeth into Browne's ankle, driving him away and allowing the madman to leap to his feet and grab [[Saunders]] by the throat. A crack on the back of the skull from Withers' revolver finally puts him out.<br />
<br />
Other rioters try to enter the carriage but are driven off just as the train starts to move again. Troops who were travelling at the far end of the train soon arrive to restore order. Apparently those rioters who boarded the train have now calmed down and don't seem to know what happened. Some say a man showed them 'the yellow mark' and they became enraged.<br />
<br />
The train moves into the city centre and the investigators disembark. Their attacker is taken away by the soldiers. Siva arranges the movement of the expedition's gear from the train to the platform for the connecting train to the Nepalese border. Despite the chaos of the station Siva proves most capable and nothing more important than the odd box of spoons and trifling items of that nature are lost.<br />
<br />
Within 2 hours the investiagtors are on a second, older train, heading North.<br />
<br />
=== Thursday January 26th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
The train heads North to the border. This train is less comfortable than the Bombay service and the service is less efficient. Siva proves the difference between a pleasant journey and a tiresome one.<br />
<br />
=== Friday January 27th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
The train arrives at the railhead at Nautanwa. The expedition's gear is removed from the train and placed in storage until a guide and bearers can be found. Yet more ''baksheesh'' is paid to ensure nothing goes missing.<br />
<br />
=== Saturday January 28th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
In the town a boarding house frequented by Nepalese is located, and with the aid of [[Siva]] a merchant called [[Jigme Rinzing]] is found who is willing to guide the party as far North as Gori Padi where he will find then another guide for the Northern part of Nepal. Rinzing is not planning on leaving for a couple of days, however, which will make for a frustrating delay in this out of the way town.<br />
<br />
=== Sunday January 29th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
The day is spent in final preparation for the trek. Fresh food is purchased, water-bottles are filled and Nepalese outer garb procured to ease the crossing on the border. At Rinzing's suggestion facial hair is shaved off - very few Nepalese have any - and tea is rubbed into faces to brown them.<br />
<br />
=== Monday January 30th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
The trek to Drakmar - day 1.<br />
<br />
After [[Browne]] manages to negotiate around some last minute concerns about the amount of baggage the Nepalese bearers are expected to carry, the expedition sets off for the border crossing. [[Siva]] agrees to continue with the party, as a translator is required.<br />
<br />
Deciding on subterfuge rather than a difficult detour through woods in search of a gap in the border fence, the party almost passes by the customs officers without comment, but [[Saunders]]' pale Scottish complexion raises suspicions and it looks as if the British officer drinking tea in the guardpost may be called upon until Saunders produces a thick wad of rupees to persuade the customs man to look the other way.<br />
<br />
Nepal is entered. Crossing the border the party pass through thickly wooded country and stops the night in an inn at the village of Butwal.<br />
<br />
=== Tuesday January 31st 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 2<br />
<br />
Today's trek follows a gorge lined with terraced farms and ends at Tansing, a village notable for its fine metalwork.<br />
<br />
=== Wednesday February 1st 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 3<br />
<br />
Everyone feels fit and healthy as the day begins, but by mid afternoon the tricky terrain and worsening weather makes for heavy going. It is necessary to camp outside tonight, as no village is nearby. Dreams of the King in Yellow continue to disturb the investigators' sleep.<br />
<br />
=== Thursday February 2nd 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 4 <br />
<br />
After a tricky morning's travel the expedition reaches the lakeside town of Pokhara, which supports a street bazaar. while exploring the bazaar the investigators meet a trader who sold cooking utensils to another group of Europeans some months earlier. through him they trace the Italian expedition's former guide, Yangser Chumpo.<br />
<br />
Yangser needs to be paid to talk, but when he does he shares the following information:<br />
<br />
- There were four white men, one spoke Nepalese and Tibetan<br />
<br />
- They were going to Drakmar, above the Monastery at [[Te]], near the village of Kag.<br />
<br />
- That is not a good place, as the ''chortens'' have fallen and the black ghosts inhabit the caves.<br />
<br />
- When he realised that was their destination, Yangser Chumpo told them they must leave, and when they did not, he left them.<br />
<br />
- He is sure the ghosts must have taken them<br />
<br />
=== Friday February 3rd 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 5<br />
<br />
The ground rises steadily as the investigators trek past several small villages until the reach a place called Rigme, where effigies of a goddess called ''Dhaulitya'' adorn the houses. This intrigues [[Saunders]] who takes many photographs and notes, the villagers in these parts recognise the investigators as westerners, but this deep into Nepal, none of them cares much.<br />
<br />
=== Saturday February 4th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 6 <br />
<br />
At 5000ft above sea level the party encounters a narrow rope bridge. [[Nathaniel Browne]], suffering from acute acrophobia, proves quite incapable of crossing it until he requests and is given opium by [[Jigme Rinzing]]. When a second such bridge is reached later, Browne gets a second dose. The others worry that Browne seems used to the evil poppy.<br />
<br />
The day ends at the market town of Hille on the main trade route to Tibet.<br />
<br />
=== Sunday February 5th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 7<br />
<br />
By the end of the day the party are 8000ft above sea level and have reached the village of Gora Pani, - [[Jigme Rinzing]]'s final destination, as his home is nearby.<br />
<br />
It is just as well that the expedition will be delayed for a day while new help is found, as altitude sickness is beginning to effect some of the party.<br />
<br />
=== Monday February 6th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 8 <br />
<br />
The day is spent in Gora Pani. [[Jigme Rinzing]] locates a new guide, a Tibetan called [[Tsewan Pemba]] and hires a new group of 6 bearers, a smaller number than were hitherto being used, which requires some of the heavier items to be traded in the town for food and other necessities.<br />
<br />
The day's rest enables everyone to recover from the altitude sickness of the previous day. From here, the Annapurna range fills the Northern horizon.<br />
<br />
=== Tuesday February 7th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 9<br />
<br />
[[Image:kali.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Approaching the Kali Gandaki]]<br />
Today the Kali Gandaki river gorge is reached, a most impressive sight. the day ends at the village of Gasa, where the women threshing grain on the flat roofs of the houses creates whirlwinds of chaff.<br />
<br />
=== Wednesday February 8th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 10<br />
<br />
A day of slow progress, featuring more rope bridges and more opium for [[Browne]]. in Tukatcha, the first ethnically Tibetan village reached, the bearers have to be replaced, but the new ones are willing to go all the way to Kag. The investigators have decided not to talk of Drakmar<br />
<br />
=== Thursday February 9th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 11<br />
<br />
Now travelling 9000ft above sea level, the expedition passes the treeline today and reaches a land of barren rock and wind-eroded caves. Red, black and white-painted ''chortens'' abound and prayer flags blow in the wind like the tatters of the king in yellow. This truly is the Himalaya.<br />
<br />
Altitude sickness begins the threaten again, and [[Saunders]] is feeling the effects.<br />
<br />
=== Friday February 10th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 12 <br />
<br />
The expedition, growing weary from its long, high trek has a short day's travel. Reaching the village of Jomoson, where the investigators see their first yaks, the espedition rests as [[Tsewan Pemba]] wishes to meet with a man here about the possible marriage of his young daughter.<br />
<br />
While exploring the town [[Saunders]] finds that amongst the five buddhas in the local temple is one that is quite clearly the King in Yellow. Though painted white, the statue disturbingly seems to take on a yellow tinge when looked at for more than a few seconds.<br />
<br />
The monk in the temple say that the God in Yellow is a god of the sky.<br />
<br />
=== Saturday February 11th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:chortens.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Chortens, Mustang]]<br />
Day 13<br />
<br />
At 10,000 feet, with the effects of altitude quite noticable to all, the expedition follows the Kali Gandaki to the town of Kag. Kag looks like a fortress perched on a cliff, its houses built together, surrounding a central square.<br />
<br />
In the monastery at Kag, where Pemba has arranged for the Europeans to sleep for the night, a monk gives [[Umberto]] a book which proves to be [[Carlo Schippone]]'s diary ([http://www.artistmonkey.com/Downloads/29_Carlo_Schippones_Diary_1.pdf Part 1],[http://www.artistmonkey.com/Downloads/29_Carlo_Schippones_Diary_2.pdf Part 2],[http://www.artistmonkey.com/Downloads/29_Carlo_Schippones_Diary_3.pdf Part 3],[http://www.artistmonkey.com/Downloads/30_Carlo_Schippones_Diary_1.pdf Translation Part 1], [http://www.artistmonkey.com/Downloads/30_Carlo_Schippones_Diary_2.pdf Translation Part 2]), which was brought here from the monastery at Te many weeks ago.<br />
<br />
[[Umberto]] reads the diary and tells the tale of the Italian expedition - the use of sorcery to cloud the mind of Major [[Ricardo Delnegro]] - encounters with creatures called 'the Tsotowa' - the religious fervour slowly changing to fear, terror and madness - and in the end Schippone's scribbled ravings about 'Miri Nigri', 'The White Acolyte', murder, blood and monsters. It ends with the phrase 'What have I done?' scrawled over and over again.<br />
<br />
That night, as the investigators try to sleep they hear their guide and bearers in animated discussion<br />
<br />
=== Sunday February 12th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 14 <br />
<br />
The day's trek reaches the deepest river gorge on earth - 18,000 feet deep, an awesome sight. The party has to leave the river and climb to 11,000 feet. It is bitterly cold. As darkness falls the small village of Tayen is reached.<br />
<br />
In Tayen the locals say that there was a European at the monastery up at [[Te]]. The boy who came to the village for food for the lama told of him, and brought his book down to be taken the Kag in search of someone who could read it. According to the boy, the stranger came from Drakmar, where the Guru Rimpoche slew the Ogress Balmo and stained the cliffs with her blood. The ghosts in the caves took his companions.<br />
<br />
The boy has not come down for many weeks. the villagers of Tayen think that ghosts, or even Balmo herself, have taken the monks too.<br />
<br />
=== Monday February 13th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 15<br />
<br />
This morning [[Tsewan Pemba]] comes to Withers and says he and his men will go no further. Ghosts and demons lie ahead, and no sane man would walk into that. The bearers are paid off, and they leave.<br />
<br />
[[Siva]] now approaches the investigators and says that he is too frightened to go any further, and he begs his friends not to go themselves. Siva reveals he has children, and he won't leave them without a father.<br />
<br />
He agrees instead to stay at Tayen and guard the expedition's supplies. he has found a local who wishes to go to the monastery and ask the monks to help his sick son. this man will lead the investigators up there tomorrow if they really must go. Since [[Saunders]] still feels ill from mountain sickness the enforced day of rest is a blessing in disguise.<br />
<br />
=== Tuesday February 14th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 16<br />
<br />
This proves to be the hardest day's travel so far. [[Saunders]] is suffering and the terrain is treacherous. the investigators rope themselves together, which saves [[Umberto]]'s life at one point. Meanwhile their guide, who is at least a decade older than any of them, bounds ahead like a mountain goat.<br />
<br />
Eventually the Monastery at [[Te]] comes into view. A boulder-strewn plain lies between the ridge and the building itself. As the investigators crest the ridge, they spot a figure moving in a doorway. Before they can react a shot rings out and their guide, a hundred yards ahead, falls to the ground.<br />
<br />
The investigators dive behind boulders for cover as the gunman walks out of the monastery, carbine in hand, and moves forward towards the guide lying on the ground. Faint noise and movement reveal that he is still alive but not likely to remain so unless prompt action is taken. Nathaniel Browne has no weapon and Andrew Saunders' shotgun is usless as the figure is a good 200 yards away. To everyone's surprise, Umberto unwraps a rifle of his own, but, wishing to incapacitate rather than kill and doubting his ability to do so at so long a range, he attempts to close with the unknown assailant while remaining under cover. <br />
<br />
Withers is a rather better marksman, and his weapon is military grade, but it's still a tricky shot and his first shot goes awry, startling the shadowed figure who had no inkling of any other armed persons in the vicinity. The gunman moves forward working the gun's action and, having reduced the range, fires another shot in the direction of Withers, but the bullet richochets off the boulder Withers is hiding behind.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile Withers carefully aims his rifle. The Captain fires a second, perfect, shot and the gunman falls, a red mist spraying from his head.<br />
<br />
The investigators hurry to the two fallen figures. The guide is alive, though badly hurt, but Withers is able to stem the bleeding. The gunman proves to be [[Carlo Schippone]], bearded and apparently suffering the after-effects of frostbite - Withers' shot was instantly fatal.<br />
<br />
Withers stays alone outside with the injured guide while the others check out the monastery complex to seek help, or at least to look for something from which to make a stretcher. They find the bodies of the three monks and their servant boy, evidently shot dead at least a month ago by Schippone, and in an unpleasant state. <br />
<br />
Outside, Withers catches a glimpse of something moving amongst the rocks on a high ridge. He is glad when the others return and the injured man can be carried into the more defensible surroundings of the monastery. The monastery complex is large enough for the investigators to camp indoors without the smell of the corpses being a problem.<br />
<br />
Now the problem of what to do with the injured man is raised. He can't be carried back to Tayen, and nor can he be abandoned here. Its just been decided that someone needs to go back for help when [[Siva]] stumbles out of the darkness. Wracked with guilt at abandoning his friends and employers, he has followed them after all.<br />
<br />
The investigators, although worried about the possiblity of danger to Siva being left alone in the monastery, have very few options and ask Siva if he will stay here with the injured man and wait for them for at least 5 days. Siva is glad to be of service - this way he is helping them but does not need to go to [[Drakmar]]. Withers, who is especially concerned after reasoning that the movement he saw high up in the mountains this evening couldn't possibly have been Siva, searches out a defensible room for Siva to remain in.<br />
<br />
An uneasy night is spent at Te.<br />
<br />
=== Wednesday February 15th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 17 <br />
<br />
[[Image:mustang.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Approaching Drakmar]]<br />
In the morning the investigators leave Siva with Schippone's carbine and enough food to last a week, then head up towards Drakmar.<br />
<br />
There is still a lot of climbing to do, and the going is hard in the cold mountain air. The night is spent camped in the open in one of the loneliest, most desolate spots on the planet. That night everyone's recurring dreams reach terrifying, portentous climaxes. [[Nathaniel Browne]] wakes up screaming.<br />
<br />
The investigators all reveal that they have dreamed horrible dreams of the King in Yellow, but none shares the details with his fellows just yet - Browne especially seems emphatic that whatever is happening simply 'must' be stopped. The rest of the night is all but sleepless.<br />
<br />
=== Thursday February 16th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 18 <br />
<br />
In early afternoon the final ridge is crested and before the investigators lies the astonishing sight of the cliffs of [[Drakmar]]. A plain scattered with fallen [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chorten chortens] lies between them and a great expense of red-stained cliffs. The cliffs are riddled with dozens of apparently man-made caves.<br />
<br />
This is [[Quarrie]] and [[Anzalone]]'s final destination, the places where legend says that the Guru Rimpoche slew the ogress Balmo. [[Nathaniel Browne]] believes that he can hear, almost below the threshold of human hearing, a deep slow rhythmic thumping, something like a gigantic heartbeat.<br />
<br />
---''to be continued''---</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Julian_Knight&diff=3318Julian Knight2006-09-21T04:11:11Z<p>202.14.141.254: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:knight.jpg|right]]<br />
<br />
Julian is a minor diplomat, recently posted to India. He was encountered on [[the Viceroy of India]] where he was one of the passengers on table 8 in the dining room.<br />
<br />
Julian is handsome and debonair but somewhat oily and some people find him almost instantly unlikable. Despite this he has a way with the ladies and considers himself God's gift to women.<br />
<br />
On the Viceroy he consistently pursued [[Patricia Berry]], forcing [[Withers]] to step in on several occasions to insulate her from his predatory 'affections'.<br />
<br />
Julian smokes and drinks heavily and is notably bad at every game or sport he turns his hand to, probably becuase he's more concerned about looking good than playing well.<br />
<br />
When Patricia came to him after Withers rejected her advances Knight disgraced himself by forcing himself on her whilst she was drunk. Withers found out about this rape and beat Knight severely before handing him over to the police. [[Henrietta Tullis]] pulled strings behind the scenes to get Julian's Diplomatic Immunity revoked, and Knight was charged with the rape and faces a long time in an Indian prison.</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Session_14&diff=3316Session 142006-09-21T01:40:03Z<p>202.14.141.254: /* Tuesday February 14th 1930 */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Session Report - Played Monday 18th September, 2006==<br />
<br />
=== Thursday January 19th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
The investigators have just 2 days left in Bombay to prepare fully for the long journey North to Mustang. [[Browne]] spends as much time as possible with Francesca, in between equipping for the trek across Nepal.<br />
<br />
=== Friday January 20th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
A farewell dinner is held at the [[Tullis]] home. Francesca and Patricia do not attend, as Patricia doesn't wish to be around [[Withers]] at the moment. Mr Tullis proves a somewhat curmudgeonly, blustering man. The typical ''sahib'', but the meal is fine.<br />
<br />
=== Saturday January 21st 1930 ===<br />
<br />
The train to the Northern city of Benares leaves first thing in the morning. All 4 investigators board with the Reverend [[Gore]], who offers to show them around Jabalpur if they wish to break their journey at that city.<br />
<br />
The investigators' carriage proves to be occupied by a large Indian family, and only after the conductor has been payed some ''baksheesh'' is the problem solved. The train pulls out of Bombay and begins to head North. the investigators are sharing a 6-bed carriage with The Reverend Gore. [[Siva]] insists on more modest accomodation for himself.<br />
<br />
Gore continues to show his great knowledge of India in conversation.<br />
<br />
=== Sunday January 22nd 1930 ===<br />
<br />
The train continues across India. The land is flat, arid and featureless, punctuated by small poverty-stricken villages characterised by communal reservoirs called ''tanks'', straving dogs and wild monkeys.<br />
<br />
In the larger towns the platforms throng with passengers and well-wishers.<br />
<br />
=== Monday January 23rd 1930 ===<br />
<br />
The Reverend [[Gore]] disembarks in Jabalpur. the investigators turn down his offer of a short stay with him due to the difficulties inherent in getting all of their supplies off the train.<br />
<br />
The investigaors are now alone and able to discuss their plans.<br />
<br />
=== Tuesday January 24th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
The train continues across India. As the train travels North the climate gets steadily warmer<br />
<br />
=== Wednesday January 25th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
As the train slowly edges its way through the suburbs of the city of Benares it passes a crowd standing near to the tracks. The crowd are chanting angrily and some are gesturing to the train. [[Siva]] says they are chanting 'The King Steps Down'. <br />
<br />
Suddenly violence breaks out. Rocks are thrown at the train and one smashes a window and hits [[Withers]] on the head as he rumnmages for his gun. The rioters attack the train en masse just as the train grinds to a complete halt.<br />
<br />
Withers fires at a man trying to enter the train through the broken window but misses as [[Umberto]] tries to stop him from killing anyone. In the confusion the maddened rioter enters the carriage, falling to the floor where [[Browne]] swings a foot at the man. The kick is ineffectual and the rioter sinks his teeth into Browne's ankle, driving him away and allowing the madman to leap to his feet and grab [[Saunders]] by the throat. A crack on the back of the skull from Withers' revolver finally puts him out.<br />
<br />
Other rioters try to enter the carriage but are driven off just as the train starts to move again. Troops who were travelling at the far end of the train soon arrive to restore order. Apparently those rioters who boarded the train have now calmed down and don't seem to know what happened. Some say a man showed them 'the yellow mark' and they became enraged.<br />
<br />
The train moves into the city centre and the investigators disembark. Their attacker is taken away by the soldiers. Siva arranges the movement of the expedition's gear from the train to the platform for the connecting train to the Nepalese border. Despite the chaos of the station Siva proves most capable and nothing more important than the odd box of spoons and trifling items of that nature are lost.<br />
<br />
Within 2 hours the investiagtors are on a second, older train, heading North.<br />
<br />
=== Thursday January 26th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
The train heads North to the border. This train is less comfortable than the Bombay service and the service is less efficient. Siva proves the difference between a pleasant journey and a tiresome one.<br />
<br />
=== Friday January 27th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
The train arrives at the railhead at Nautanwa. The expedition's gear is removed from the train and placed in storage until a guide and bearers can be found. Yet more ''baksheesh'' is paid to ensure nothing goes missing.<br />
<br />
=== Saturday January 28th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
In the town a boarding house frequented by Nepalese is located, and with the aid of [[Siva]] a merchant called [[Jigme Rinzing]] is found who is willing to guide the party as far North as Gori Padi where he will find then another guide for the Northern part of Nepal. Rinzing is not planning on leaving for a couple of days, however, which will make for a frustrating delay in this out of the way town.<br />
<br />
=== Sunday January 29th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
The day is spent in final preparation for the trek. Fresh food is purchased, water-bottles are filled and Nepalese outer garb procured to ease the crossing on the border. At Rinzing's suggestion facial hair is shaved off - very few Nepalese have any - and tea is rubbed into faces to brown them.<br />
<br />
=== Monday January 30th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
The trek to Drakmar - day 1.<br />
<br />
After [[Browne]] manages to negotiate around some last minute concerns about the amount of baggage the Nepalese bearers are expected to carry, the expedition sets off for the border crossing. [[Siva]] agrees to continue with the party, as a translator is required.<br />
<br />
Deciding on subterfuge rather than a difficult detour through woods in search of a gap in the border fence, the party almost passes by the customs officers without comment, but [[Saunders]]' pale Scottish complexion raises suspicions and it looks as if the British officer drinking tea in the guardpost may be called upon until Saunders produces a thick wad of rupees to persuade the customs man to look the other way.<br />
<br />
Nepal is entered. Crossing the border the party pass through thickly wooded country and stops the night in an inn at the village of Butwal.<br />
<br />
=== Tuesday January 31st 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 2<br />
<br />
Today's trek follows a gorge lined with terraced farms and ends at Tansing, a village notable for its fine metalwork.<br />
<br />
=== Wednesday February 1st 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 3<br />
<br />
Everyone feels fit and healthy as the day begins, but by mid afternoon the tricky terrain and worsening weather makes for heavy going. It is necessary to camp outside tonight, as no village is nearby. Dreams of the King in Yellow continue to disturb the investigators' sleep.<br />
<br />
=== Thursday February 2nd 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 4 <br />
<br />
After a tricky morning's travel the expedition reaches the lakeside town of Pokhara, which supports a street bazaar. while exploring the bazaar the investigators meet a trader who sold cooking utensils to another group of Europeans some months earlier. through him they trace the Italian expedition's former guide, Yangser Chumpo.<br />
<br />
Yangser needs to be paid to talk, but when he does he shares the following information:<br />
<br />
- There were four white men, one spoke Nepalese and Tibetan<br />
<br />
- They were going to Drakmar, above the Monastery at [[Te]], near the village of Kag.<br />
<br />
- That is not a good place, as the ''chortens'' have fallen and the black ghosts inhabit the caves.<br />
<br />
- When he realised that was their destination, Yangser Chumpo told them they must leave, and when they did not, he left them.<br />
<br />
- He is sure the ghosts must have taken them<br />
<br />
=== Friday February 3rd 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 5<br />
<br />
The ground rises steadily as the investigators trek past several small villages until the reach a place called Rigme, where effigies of a goddess called ''Dhaulitya'' adorn the houses. This intrigues [[Saunders]] who takes many photographs and notes, the villagers in these parts recognise the investigators as westerners, but this deep into Nepal, none of them cares much.<br />
<br />
=== Saturday February 4th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 6 <br />
<br />
At 5000ft above sea level the party encounters a narrow rope bridge. [[Nathaniel Browne]], suffering from acute acrophobia, proves quite incapable of crossing it until he requests and is given opium by [[Jigme Rinzing]]. When a second such bridge is reached later, Browne gets a second dose. The others worry that Browne seems used to the evil poppy.<br />
<br />
The day ends at the market town of Hille on the main trade route to Tibet.<br />
<br />
=== Sunday February 5th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 7<br />
<br />
By the end of the day the party are 8000ft above sea level and have reached the village of Gora Pani, - [[Jigme Rinzing]]'s final destination, as his home is nearby.<br />
<br />
It is just as well that the expedition will be delayed for a day while new help is found, as altitude sickness is beginning to effect some of the party.<br />
<br />
=== Monday February 6th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 8 <br />
<br />
The day is spent in Gora Pani. [[Jigme Rinzing]] locates a new guide, a Tibetan called [[Tsewan Pemba]] and hires a new group of 6 bearers, a smaller number than were hitherto being used, which requires some of the heavier items to be traded in the town for food and other necessities.<br />
<br />
The day's rest enables everyone to recover from the altitude sickness of the previous day. From here, the Annapurna range fills the Northern horizon.<br />
<br />
=== Tuesday February 7th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 9<br />
<br />
[[Image:kali.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Approaching the Kali Gandaki]]<br />
Today the Kali Gandaki river gorge is reached, a most impressive sight. the day ends at the village of Gasa, where the women threshing grain on the flat roofs of the houses creates whirlwinds of chaff.<br />
<br />
=== Wednesday February 8th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 10<br />
<br />
A day of slow progress, featuring more rope bridges and more opium for [[Browne]]. in Tukatcha, the first ethnically Tibetan village reached, the bearers have to be replaced, but the new ones are willing to go all the way to Kag. The investigators have decided not to talk of Drakmar<br />
<br />
=== Thursday February 9th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 11<br />
<br />
Now travelling 9000ft above sea level, the expedition passes the treeline today and reaches a land of barren rock and wind-eroded caves. Red, black and white-painted ''chortens'' abound and prayer flags blow in the wind like the tatters of the king in yellow. This truly is the Himalaya.<br />
<br />
Altitude sickness begins the threaten again, and [[Saunders]] is feeling the effects.<br />
<br />
=== Friday February 10th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 12 <br />
<br />
The expedition, growing weary from its long, high trek has a short day's travel. Reaching the village of Jomoson, where the investigators see their first yaks, the espedition rests as [[Tsewan Pemba]] wishes to meet with a man here about the possible marriage of his young daughter.<br />
<br />
While exploring the town [[Saunders]] finds that amongst the five buddhas in the local temple is one that is quite clearly the King in Yellow. Though painted white, the statue disturbingly seems to take on a yellow tinge when looked at for more than a few seconds.<br />
<br />
The monk in the temple say that the God in Yellow is a god of the sky.<br />
<br />
=== Saturday February 11th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:chortens.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Chortens, Mustang]]<br />
Day 13<br />
<br />
At 10,000 feet, with the effects of altitude quite noticable to all, the expedition follows the Kali Gandaki to the town of Kag. Kag looks like a fortress perched on a cliff, its houses built together, surrounding a central square.<br />
<br />
In the monastery at Kag, where Pemba has arranged for the Europeans to sleep for the night, a monk gives [[Umberto]] a book which proves to be [[Carlo Schippone]]'s diary ([http://www.artistmonkey.com/Downloads/29_Carlo_Schippones_Diary_1.pdf Part 1],[http://www.artistmonkey.com/Downloads/29_Carlo_Schippones_Diary_2.pdf Part 2],[http://www.artistmonkey.com/Downloads/29_Carlo_Schippones_Diary_3.pdf Part 3],[http://www.artistmonkey.com/Downloads/30_Carlo_Schippones_Diary_1.pdf Translation Part 1], [http://www.artistmonkey.com/Downloads/30_Carlo_Schippones_Diary_2.pdf Translation Part 2]), which was brought here from the monastery at Te many weeks ago.<br />
<br />
[[Umberto]] reads the diary and tells the tale of the Italian expedition - the use of sorcery to cloud the mind of Major [[Ricardo Delnegro]] - encounters with creatures called 'the Tsotowa' - the religious fervour slowly changing to fear, terror and madness - and in the end Schippone's scribbled ravings about 'Miri Nigri', 'The White Acolyte', murder, blood and monsters. It ends with the phrase 'What have I done?' scrawled over and over again.<br />
<br />
That night, as the investigators try to sleep they hear their guide and bearers in animated discussion<br />
<br />
=== Sunday February 12th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 14 <br />
<br />
The day's trek reaches the deepest river gorge on earth - 18,000 feet deep, an awesome sight. The party has to leave the river and climb to 11,000 feet. It is bitterly cold. As darkness falls the small village of Tayen is reached.<br />
<br />
In Tayen the locals say that there was a European at the monastery up at [[Te]]. The boy who came to the village for food for the lama told of him, and brought his book down to be taken the Kag in search of someone who could read it. According to the boy, the stranger came from Drakmar, where the Guru Rimpoche slew the Ogress Balmo and stained the cliffs with her blood. The ghosts in the caves took his companions.<br />
<br />
The boy has not come down for many weeks. the villagers of Tayen think that ghosts, or even Balmo herself, have taken the monks too.<br />
<br />
=== Monday February 13th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 15<br />
<br />
This morning [[Tsewan Pemba]] comes to Withers and says he and his men will go no further. Ghosts and demons lie ahead, and no sane man would walk into that. The bearers are paid off, and they leave.<br />
<br />
[[Siva]] now approaches the investigators and says that he is too frightened to go any further, and he begs his friends not to go themselves. Siva reveals he has children, and he won't leave them without a father.<br />
<br />
He agrees instead to stay at Tayen and guard the expedition's supplies. he has found a local who wishes to go to the monastery and ask the monks to help his sick son. this man will lead the investigators up there tomorrow if they really must go. Since [[Saunders]] still feels ill from mountain sickness the enforced day of rest is a blessing in disguise.<br />
<br />
=== Tuesday February 14th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 16<br />
<br />
This proves to be the hardest day's travel so far. [[Saunders]] is suffering and the terrain is treacherous. the investigators rope themselves together, which saves [[Umberto]]'s life at one point. Meanwhile their guide, who is at least a decade older than any of them, bounds ahead like a mountain goat.<br />
<br />
Eventually the Monastery at [[Te]] comes into view. A boulder-strewn plain lies between the ridge and the building itself. As the investigators crest the ridge, they spot a figure moving in a doorway. Before they can react a shot rings out and their guide, a hundred yards ahead, falls to the ground.<br />
<br />
The investigators dive behind boulders for cover as the gunman walks out of the monastery, carbine in hand, and moves forward towards the guide lying on the ground. Faint noise and movement reveal that he is still alive but not likely to remain so unless prompt action is taken. Nathaniel Browne has no weapon and Andrew Saunders' shotgun is usless as the figure is a good 200 yards away. To everyone's surpirce, Umberto unwraps a rifle of his own, but not fancying his chances of hitting at so long a range, he attempts to close with the unknown assailant while remaining under cover. <br />
<br />
Withers is a rather better marksman, and his weapon is military grade, but it's still a tricky shot and his first shot goes awry, startling the shadowed figure who had no inkling of any other armed persons in the vicinity. The gunman moves forward working the gun's action and, having reduced the range, fires another shot in the direction of Withers, but the bullet richochets off the boulder Withers is hiding behind.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile Withers carefully aims his rifle. The Captain fires a second, perfect, shot and the gunman falls, a red mist spraying from his head.<br />
<br />
The investigators hurry to the two fallen figures. The guide is alive, though badly hurt, but Withers is able to stem the bleeding. The gunman proves to be [[Carlo Schippone]], bearded and apparently suffering the after-effects of frostbite - Withers' shot was instantly fatal.<br />
<br />
Withers stays alone outside with the injured guide while the others check out the monastery complex to seek help, or at least to look for something from which to make a stretcher. They find the bodies of the three monks and their servant boy, evidently shot dead at least a month ago by Schippone, and in an unpleasant state. <br />
<br />
Outside, Withers catches a glimpse of something moving amongst the rocks on a high ridge. He is glad when the others return and the injured man can be carried into the more defensible surroundings of the monastery. The monastery complex is large enough for the investigators to camp indoors without the smell of the corpses being a problem.<br />
<br />
Now the problem of what to do with the injured man is raised. He can't be carried back to Tayen, and nor can he be abandoned here. Its just been decided that someone needs to go back for help when [[Siva]] stumbles out of the darkness. Wracked with guilt at abandoning his friends and employers, he has followed them after all.<br />
<br />
The investigators, although worried about the possiblity of danger to Siva being left alone in the monastery, have very few options and ask Siva if he will stay here with the injured man and wait for them for at least 5 days. Siva is glad to be of service - this way he is helping them but does not need to go to [[Drakmar]]. Withers, who is especially concerned after reasoning that the movement he saw high up in the mountains this evening couldn't possibly have been Siva, searches out a defensible room for Siva to remain in.<br />
<br />
An uneasy night is spent at Te.<br />
<br />
=== Wednesday February 15th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 17 <br />
<br />
[[Image:mustang.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Approaching Drakmar]]<br />
In the morning the investigators leave Siva with Schippone's carbine and enough food to last a week, then head up towards Drakmar.<br />
<br />
There is still a lot of climbing to do, and the going is hard in the cold mountain air. The night is spent camped in the open in one of the loneliest, most desolate spots on the planet. That night everyone's recurring dreams reach terrifying, portentous climaxes. [[Nathaniel Browne]] wakes up screaming.<br />
<br />
The investigators all reveal that they have dreamed horrible dreams of the King in Yellow, but none shares the details with his fellows just yet - Browne especially seems emphatic that whatever is happening simply 'must' be stopped. The rest of the night is all but sleepless.<br />
<br />
=== Thursday February 16th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 18 <br />
<br />
In early afternoon the final ridge is crested and before the investigators lies the astonishing sight of the cliffs of [[Drakmar]]. A plain scattered with fallen [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chorten chortens] lies between them and a great expense of red-stained cliffs. The cliffs are riddled with dozens of apparently man-made caves.<br />
<br />
This is [[Quarrie]] and [[Anzalone]]'s final destination, the places where legend says that the Guru Rimpoche slew the ogress Balmo. [[Nathaniel Browne]] believes that he can hear, almost below the threshold of human hearing, a deep slow rhythmic thumping, something like a gigantic heartbeat.<br />
<br />
---''to be continued''---</div>202.14.141.254http://tatterswiki.ddns.net/index.php?title=Session_14&diff=3315Session 142006-09-20T23:40:11Z<p>202.14.141.254: /* Tuesday February 14th 1930 */</p>
<hr />
<div>==Session Report - Played Monday 18th September, 2006==<br />
<br />
=== Thursday January 19th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
The investigators have just 2 days left in Bombay to prepare fully for the long journey North to Mustang. [[Browne]] spends as much time as possible with Francesca, in between equipping for the trek across Nepal.<br />
<br />
=== Friday January 20th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
A farewell dinner is held at the [[Tullis]] home. Francesca and Patricia do not attend, as Patricia doesn't wish to be around [[Withers]] at the moment. Mr Tullis proves a somewhat curmudgeonly, blustering man. The typical ''sahib'', but the meal is fine.<br />
<br />
=== Saturday January 21st 1930 ===<br />
<br />
The train to the Northern city of Benares leaves first thing in the morning. All 4 investigators board with the Reverend [[Gore]], who offers to show them around Jabalpur if they wish to break their journey at that city.<br />
<br />
The investigators' carriage proves to be occupied by a large Indian family, and only after the conductor has been payed some ''baksheesh'' is the problem solved. The train pulls out of Bombay and begins to head North. the investigators are sharing a 6-bed carriage with The Reverend Gore. [[Siva]] insists on more modest accomodation for himself.<br />
<br />
Gore continues to show his great knowledge of India in conversation.<br />
<br />
=== Sunday January 22nd 1930 ===<br />
<br />
The train continues across India. The land is flat, arid and featureless, punctuated by small poverty-stricken villages characterised by communal reservoirs called ''tanks'', straving dogs and wild monkeys.<br />
<br />
In the larger towns the platforms throng with passengers and well-wishers.<br />
<br />
=== Monday January 23rd 1930 ===<br />
<br />
The Reverend [[Gore]] disembarks in Jabalpur. the investigators turn down his offer of a short stay with him due to the difficulties inherent in getting all of their supplies off the train.<br />
<br />
The investigaors are now alone and able to discuss their plans.<br />
<br />
=== Tuesday January 24th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
The train continues across India. As the train travels North the climate gets steadily warmer<br />
<br />
=== Wednesday January 25th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
As the train slowly edges its way through the suburbs of the city of Benares it passes a crowd standing near to the tracks. The crowd are chanting angrily and some are gesturing to the train. [[Siva]] says they are chanting 'The King Steps Down'. <br />
<br />
Suddenly violence breaks out. Rocks are thrown at the train and one smashes a window and hits [[Withers]] on the head as he rumnmages for his gun. The rioters attack the train en masse just as the train grinds to a complete halt.<br />
<br />
Withers fires at a man trying to enter the train through the broken window but misses as [[Umberto]] tries to stop him from killing anyone. In the confusion the maddened rioter enters the carriage, falling to the floor where [[Browne]] swings a foot at the man. The kick is ineffectual and the rioter sinks his teeth into Browne's ankle, driving him away and allowing the madman to leap to his feet and grab [[Saunders]] by the throat. A crack on the back of the skull from Withers' revolver finally puts him out.<br />
<br />
Other rioters try to enter the carriage but are driven off just as the train starts to move again. Troops who were travelling at the far end of the train soon arrive to restore order. Apparently those rioters who boarded the train have now calmed down and don't seem to know what happened. Some say a man showed them 'the yellow mark' and they became enraged.<br />
<br />
The train moves into the city centre and the investigators disembark. Their attacker is taken away by the soldiers. Siva arranges the movement of the expedition's gear from the train to the platform for the connecting train to the Nepalese border. Despite the chaos of the station Siva proves most capable and nothing more important than the odd box of spoons and trifling items of that nature are lost.<br />
<br />
Within 2 hours the investiagtors are on a second, older train, heading North.<br />
<br />
=== Thursday January 26th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
The train heads North to the border. This train is less comfortable than the Bombay service and the service is less efficient. Siva proves the difference between a pleasant journey and a tiresome one.<br />
<br />
=== Friday January 27th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
The train arrives at the railhead at Nautanwa. The expedition's gear is removed from the train and placed in storage until a guide and bearers can be found. Yet more ''baksheesh'' is paid to ensure nothing goes missing.<br />
<br />
=== Saturday January 28th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
In the town a boarding house frequented by Nepalese is located, and with the aid of [[Siva]] a merchant called [[Jigme Rinzing]] is found who is willing to guide the party as far North as Gori Padi where he will find then another guide for the Northern part of Nepal. Rinzing is not planning on leaving for a couple of days, however, which will make for a frustrating delay in this out of the way town.<br />
<br />
=== Sunday January 29th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
The day is spent in final preparation for the trek. Fresh food is purchased, water-bottles are filled and Nepalese outer garb procured to ease the crossing on the border. At Rinzing's suggestion facial hair is shaved off - very few Nepalese have any - and tea is rubbed into faces to brown them.<br />
<br />
=== Monday January 30th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
The trek to Drakmar - day 1.<br />
<br />
After [[Browne]] manages to negotiate around some last minute concerns about the amount of baggage the Nepalese bearers are expected to carry, the expedition sets off for the border crossing. [[Siva]] agrees to continue with the party, as a translator is required.<br />
<br />
Deciding on subterfuge rather than a difficult detour through woods in search of a gap in the border fence, the party almost passes by the customs officers without comment, but [[Saunders]]' pale Scottish complexion raises suspicions and it looks as if the British officer drinking tea in the guardpost may be called upon until Saunders produces a thick wad of rupees to persuade the customs man to look the other way.<br />
<br />
Nepal is entered. Crossing the border the party pass through thickly wooded country and stops the night in an inn at the village of Butwal.<br />
<br />
=== Tuesday January 31st 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 2<br />
<br />
Today's trek follows a gorge lined with terraced farms and ends at Tansing, a village notable for its fine metalwork.<br />
<br />
=== Wednesday February 1st 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 3<br />
<br />
Everyone feels fit and healthy as the day begins, but by mid afternoon the tricky terrain and worsening weather makes for heavy going. It is necessary to camp outside tonight, as no village is nearby. Dreams of the King in Yellow continue to disturb the investigators' sleep.<br />
<br />
=== Thursday February 2nd 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 4 <br />
<br />
After a tricky morning's travel the expedition reaches the lakeside town of Pokhara, which supports a street bazaar. while exploring the bazaar the investigators meet a trader who sold cooking utensils to another group of Europeans some months earlier. through him they trace the Italian expedition's former guide, Yangser Chumpo.<br />
<br />
Yangser needs to be paid to talk, but when he does he shares the following information:<br />
<br />
- There were four white men, one spoke Nepalese and Tibetan<br />
<br />
- They were going to Drakmar, above the Monastery at [[Te]], near the village of Kag.<br />
<br />
- That is not a good place, as the ''chortens'' have fallen and the black ghosts inhabit the caves.<br />
<br />
- When he realised that was their destination, Yangser Chumpo told them they must leave, and when they did not, he left them.<br />
<br />
- He is sure the ghosts must have taken them<br />
<br />
=== Friday February 3rd 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 5<br />
<br />
The ground rises steadily as the investigators trek past several small villages until the reach a place called Rigme, where effigies of a goddess called ''Dhaulitya'' adorn the houses. This intrigues [[Saunders]] who takes many photographs and notes, the villagers in these parts recognise the investigators as westerners, but this deep into Nepal, none of them cares much.<br />
<br />
=== Saturday February 4th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 6 <br />
<br />
At 5000ft above sea level the party encounters a narrow rope bridge. [[Nathaniel Browne]], suffering from acute acrophobia, proves quite incapable of crossing it until he requests and is given opium by [[Jigme Rinzing]]. When a second such bridge is reached later, Browne gets a second dose. The others worry that Browne seems used to the evil poppy.<br />
<br />
The day ends at the market town of Hille on the main trade route to Tibet.<br />
<br />
=== Sunday February 5th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 7<br />
<br />
By the end of the day the party are 8000ft above sea level and have reached the village of Gora Pani, - [[Jigme Rinzing]]'s final destination, as his home is nearby.<br />
<br />
It is just as well that the expedition will be delayed for a day while new help is found, as altitude sickness is beginning to effect some of the party.<br />
<br />
=== Monday February 6th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 8 <br />
<br />
The day is spent in Gora Pani. [[Jigme Rinzing]] locates a new guide, a Tibetan called [[Tsewan Pemba]] and hires a new group of 6 bearers, a smaller number than were hitherto being used, which requires some of the heavier items to be traded in the town for food and other necessities.<br />
<br />
The day's rest enables everyone to recover from the altitude sickness of the previous day. From here, the Annapurna range fills the Northern horizon.<br />
<br />
=== Tuesday February 7th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 9<br />
<br />
[[Image:kali.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Approaching the Kali Gandaki]]<br />
Today the Kali Gandaki river gorge is reached, a most impressive sight. the day ends at the village of Gasa, where the women threshing grain on the flat roofs of the houses creates whirlwinds of chaff.<br />
<br />
=== Wednesday February 8th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 10<br />
<br />
A day of slow progress, featuring more rope bridges and more opium for [[Browne]]. in Tukatcha, the first ethnically Tibetan village reached, the bearers have to be replaced, but the new ones are willing to go all the way to Kag. The investigators have decided not to talk of Drakmar<br />
<br />
=== Thursday February 9th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 11<br />
<br />
Now travelling 9000ft above sea level, the expedition passes the treeline today and reaches a land of barren rock and wind-eroded caves. Red, black and white-painted ''chortens'' abound and prayer flags blow in the wind like the tatters of the king in yellow. This truly is the Himalaya.<br />
<br />
Altitude sickness begins the threaten again, and [[Saunders]] is feeling the effects.<br />
<br />
=== Friday February 10th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 12 <br />
<br />
The expedition, growing weary from its long, high trek has a short day's travel. Reaching the village of Jomoson, where the investigators see their first yaks, the espedition rests as [[Tsewan Pemba]] wishes to meet with a man here about the possible marriage of his young daughter.<br />
<br />
While exploring the town [[Saunders]] finds that amongst the five buddhas in the local temple is one that is quite clearly the King in Yellow. Though painted white, the statue disturbingly seems to take on a yellow tinge when looked at for more than a few seconds.<br />
<br />
The monk in the temple say that the God in Yellow is a god of the sky.<br />
<br />
=== Saturday February 11th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
[[Image:chortens.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Chortens, Mustang]]<br />
Day 13<br />
<br />
At 10,000 feet, with the effects of altitude quite noticable to all, the expedition follows the Kali Gandaki to the town of Kag. Kag looks like a fortress perched on a cliff, its houses built together, surrounding a central square.<br />
<br />
In the monastery at Kag, where Pemba has arranged for the Europeans to sleep for the night, a monk gives [[Umberto]] a book which proves to be [[Carlo Schippone]]'s diary ([http://www.artistmonkey.com/Downloads/29_Carlo_Schippones_Diary_1.pdf Part 1],[http://www.artistmonkey.com/Downloads/29_Carlo_Schippones_Diary_2.pdf Part 2],[http://www.artistmonkey.com/Downloads/29_Carlo_Schippones_Diary_3.pdf Part 3],[http://www.artistmonkey.com/Downloads/30_Carlo_Schippones_Diary_1.pdf Translation Part 1], [http://www.artistmonkey.com/Downloads/30_Carlo_Schippones_Diary_2.pdf Translation Part 2]), which was brought here from the monastery at Te many weeks ago.<br />
<br />
[[Umberto]] reads the diary and tells the tale of the Italian expedition - the use of sorcery to cloud the mind of Major [[Ricardo Delnegro]] - encounters with creatures called 'the Tsotowa' - the religious fervour slowly changing to fear, terror and madness - and in the end Schippone's scribbled ravings about 'Miri Nigri', 'The White Acolyte', murder, blood and monsters. It ends with the phrase 'What have I done?' scrawled over and over again.<br />
<br />
That night, as the investigators try to sleep they hear their guide and bearers in animated discussion<br />
<br />
=== Sunday February 12th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 14 <br />
<br />
The day's trek reaches the deepest river gorge on earth - 18,000 feet deep, an awesome sight. The party has to leave the river and climb to 11,000 feet. It is bitterly cold. As darkness falls the small village of Tayen is reached.<br />
<br />
In Tayen the locals say that there was a European at the monastery up at [[Te]]. The boy who came to the village for food for the lama told of him, and brought his book down to be taken the Kag in search of someone who could read it. According to the boy, the stranger came from Drakmar, where the Guru Rimpoche slew the Ogress Balmo and stained the cliffs with her blood. The ghosts in the caves took his companions.<br />
<br />
The boy has not come down for many weeks. the villagers of Tayen think that ghosts, or even Balmo herself, have taken the monks too.<br />
<br />
=== Monday February 13th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 15<br />
<br />
This morning [[Tsewan Pemba]] comes to Withers and says he and his men will go no further. Ghosts and demons lie ahead, and no sane man would walk into that. The bearers are paid off, and they leave.<br />
<br />
[[Siva]] now approaches the investigators and says that he is too frightened to go any further, and he begs his friends not to go themselves. Siva reveals he has children, and he won't leave them without a father.<br />
<br />
He agrees instead to stay at Tayen and guard the expedition's supplies. he has found a local who wishes to go to the monastery and ask the monks to help his sick son. this man will lead the investigators up there tomorrow if they really must go. Since [[Saunders]] still feels ill from mountain sickness the enforced day of rest is a blessing in disguise.<br />
<br />
=== Tuesday February 14th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 16<br />
<br />
This proves to be the hardest day's travel so far. [[Saunders]] is suffering and the terrain is treacherous. the investigators rope themselves together, which saves [[Umberto]]'s life at one point. Meanwhile their guide, who is at least a decade older than any of them, bounds ahead like a mountain goat.<br />
<br />
Eventually the Monastery at [[Te]] comes into view. A boulder-strewn plain lies between the ridge and the building itself. As the investigators crest the ridge, they spot a figure moving in a doorway. Before they can react a shot rings out and their guide, a hundred yards ahead, falls to the ground.<br />
<br />
The investigators dive behind boulders for cover as the gunman walks out of the monastery, carbine in hand, and moves forward towards the guide lying on the ground. Faint noise and movement reveal that he is still alive but not likely to remain so unless prompt action is taken. Nathaniel Browne has no weapon and Andrew Saunders' shotgun is usless as the figure is a good 200 yards away. Umberto unwraps a rifle, rather a surprise, but he doesn't fancy his chances of hitting at this distance and so begins to attempt to close the the distance while still remaining under cover. <br />
<br />
Withers is a rather better marksman, and his weapon is military grade, but it's still a tricky shot and his first one goes awry, startling the shadowed figure who would have had no idea that there was anyone out there who was armed. The gunman moves forward working the gun's action and, having reduced the range, fires another shot in the direction of Withers, but Withers is behind cover, and the shot misses.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile Withers is carefully aiming his rifle from behind a boulder. The Captain fires a second, perfect, shot and hits the gunman in the head. A red mist bursts from his skull and he falls.<br />
<br />
The investigators hurry to the two fallen figures. The guide is alive, though badly hurt, but Withers is able to stem the bleeding. The gunman proves to be [[Carlo Schippone]], bearded and apparently suffering the after-effects of frostbite - Withers' shot was instantly fatal.<br />
<br />
Withers stays alone outside with the injured guide while the others check out the monastery complex to seek help, or at least to look for something from which to make a stretcher. They find the bodies of the three monks and their servant boy, evidently shot dead at least a month ago by Schippone, and in an unpleasant state. <br />
<br />
Outside, Withers catches a glimpse of something moving amongst the rocks on a high ridge. He is glad when the others return and the injured man can be carried into the more defensible surroundings of the monastery. The monastery complex is large enough for the investigators to camp indoors without the smell of the corpses being a problem.<br />
<br />
Now the problem of what to do with the injured man is raised. He can't be carried back to Tayen, and nor can he be abandoned here. Its just been decided that someone needs to go back for help when [[Siva]] stumbles out of the darkness. Wracked with guilt at abandoning his friends and employers, he has followed them after all.<br />
<br />
The investigators, although worried about the possiblity of danger to Siva being left alone in the monastery, have very few options and ask Siva if he will stay here with the injured man and wait for them for at least 5 days. Siva is glad to be of service - this way he is helping them but does not need to go to [[Drakmar]]. Withers, who is especially concerned after reasoning that the movement he saw high up in the mountains this evening couldn't possibly have been Siva, searches out a defensible room for Siva to remain in.<br />
<br />
An uneasy night is spent at Te.<br />
<br />
=== Wednesday February 15th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 17 <br />
<br />
[[Image:mustang.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Approaching Drakmar]]<br />
In the morning the investigators leave Siva with Schippone's carbine and enough food to last a week, then head up towards Drakmar.<br />
<br />
There is still a lot of climbing to do, and the going is hard in the cold mountain air. The night is spent camped in the open in one of the loneliest, most desolate spots on the planet. That night everyone's recurring dreams reach terrifying, portentous climaxes. [[Nathaniel Browne]] wakes up screaming.<br />
<br />
The investigators all reveal that they have dreamed horrible dreams of the King in Yellow, but none shares the details with his fellows just yet - Browne especially seems emphatic that whatever is happening simply 'must' be stopped. The rest of the night is all but sleepless.<br />
<br />
=== Thursday February 16th 1930 ===<br />
<br />
Day 18 <br />
<br />
In early afternoon the final ridge is crested and before the investigators lies the astonishing sight of the cliffs of [[Drakmar]]. A plain scattered with fallen [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chorten chortens] lies between them and a great expense of red-stained cliffs. The cliffs are riddled with dozens of apparently man-made caves.<br />
<br />
This is [[Quarrie]] and [[Anzalone]]'s final destination, the places where legend says that the Guru Rimpoche slew the ogress Balmo. [[Nathaniel Browne]] believes that he can hear, almost below the threshold of human hearing, a deep slow rhythmic thumping, something like a gigantic heartbeat.<br />
<br />
---''to be continued''---</div>202.14.141.254