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File 126118307452.jpg - (39.02KB , 956x976 , Z-1934.jpg )
93967 No. 93967 ID: e024d0
This place is vast and dark, shinning spheres hum and glisten in their own reflected light, suspended in the space above the table.

'Black' is waiting, he has been waiting for a while, the last game has been over for some time and it is time to begin once again.


Yellow: *finally arrives* " I apologize"

Black:"Punctuality is king and my time means everything, let us begin."

White: *deals silently*

Black: "I went to some expense to allow you come here and play against me twice, I assure you that I plan to enjoy this game."

Yellow: "You will lose, you always lost."

Black:"But this time the stakes are higher, if you lose here, all your past gains were meaningless, at this table, I have the experience, I..."

Yellow: *places a card on the table* "This is my first card."

Black: "You play first card, I chose the field, lets play something familiar yes?"
Expand all images
>>
No. 93970 ID: e024d0
File 126118354934.jpg - (99.05KB , 1000x742 , Good Luck Mr_ White.jpg )
93970
...you'll need it to make town by town by nightfall, Sorry this is as far as I can take yah! Them roads were never made fer cars", says the Driver before pulling away in a cloud of dust and hot exhaust.

I myself feel exhausted Having come so far to escape the pressing hands of the elders. They offered me the chance as the pastor of this small American nowhere and I took it.

Nowhere, It shall be a veritable utopia indeed compared to the watchful, careful eyes on me back east. Always afraid my past 'difficulties' would take a sudden turn for the worse.
>>
No. 93982 ID: e024d0
File 126118511843.jpg - (403.65KB , 1902x1626 , walking.jpg )
93982
93979

"I suppose at least the hunting will be good out here?" I mumble to the winds, their soft whispers already filling my ears.

My shotgun is loaded for bird and over the wide grasses I can already hear the lonesome calls of various prairie beasts and fowl.

They say that men learn to talk to God in the desert, in the waste places. But I see no more blinding lights that the glowering sun, sinking unpleasantly over the horizon.

The local preacher has apparently been quite earnest to leave the small town, the exact name of which escapes me at this moment. "Somethinghills Mine" or some such nonsense.

I suppose I should be thankful, but I suspect the elders were just as eager to get an embarrassing reminder of past mistakes out of the house.

Leaving England wasn't even enough, my face was apparently known to some in the Northeast as well, along with the reputation and whispers that went with it.

But out here, maybe, maybe, things can be different...
>>
No. 94065 ID: 15f6d6
What did you do to piss everyone off so badly?
>>
No. 94067 ID: 9e9b47
>>93982

Do you have a house promised to you?
>>
No. 94078 ID: 7139d7
Why did the elders force this?
>>
No. 94083 ID: 7139d7
...Can you actually hear us?
>>
No. 94153 ID: e024d0
File 126119263623.jpg - (306.67KB , 1842x1503 , Seven Hills Walking.jpg )
94153
Questions rise to me over the winds, symptoms of my introspective mind and a severe lack of good company no doubt. Ah there's the town's sign, "Seven Hill's Silver" sounds... familiar somehow.

The Driver said that the sign was about ten miles out. I could walk it tonight, but that wouldn't leave a good impression now then would it? Better to camp here perhaps, stride in with the morning sun, much more, fitting?

I cannot fail to make a good impression on the people, rural as they may be.

I am told the preacher is given a house near the town and I suppose that will fall to me with the church and grounds.

This is a step up in independence for me, after my curious meddling in the affairs of one of their own fallen they made quite sure to watch me closely. Afraid perhaps that his infectious, heretical nature would mani... no.. some boxes are best left closed, for now, that much I 'have' learned.

If I am to camp here, I wonder what I shall eat, I have some bread, wine and water, but...
>>
No. 94166 ID: 7139d7
Birds always makea tasty meal. I should be able to make a fire easily. We know how to survive and we can scrounge up what we need. A small camp under a tree, where we can set up a small blessing before we sleep
>>
No. 94218 ID: e024d0
File 126119887570.jpg - (301.75KB , 1705x1672 , Open field open season.jpg )
94218
Mkay, getten pretty dark here, lets see what's what in the wild west. Where's a hunting dog when you need it?
>>
No. 94432 ID: 82167e
>>94218
There's a bunny hiding behind a little ridge on the right, near the cactus.
>>
No. 94551 ID: e024d0
File 126125844431.jpg - (295.12KB , 1705x1672 , Shot 1.jpg )
94551
>>94432
Aha gocha! FFFFfffdamnbunny...
>>
No. 94566 ID: 119b5c
>>94551
>>/questdis/317690
>>
No. 94584 ID: e024d0
File 126126023037.jpg - (299.42KB , 1705x1672 , Shot 2.jpg )
94584
Yesss! Thank the Lord! I eat meat tonight, well, meat and a birdshot garnish, but meat all the same.
>>
No. 94735 ID: 7139d7
So...go get it, clean it, cook it, and eat it. Set up a small camp near a tree and pray for a good day tomorrow.
>>
No. 94789 ID: e024d0
File 126127235589.jpg - (269.13KB , 1820x1456 , Good Hunting.jpg )
94789
S'kinda gamey, not much fat on it. But it isn't awful when I pick out the shot. I'll turn in in a few minutes I suppose. For now I enjoy the sights and sounds of night in a strange land.

The stars are very clear out here, very close. Its almost refreshing without the hot haze of dust hanging over everything. Somewhat chilly too when those moaning October breezes whisper through the tall grasses.

The sign, and thus my camp is set at the edge of the rise leading up into the hills themselves. I suppose some arbitrary seven of them are the eponymous 'Seven Hills" the mine and thus the town takes its name from.
>>
No. 95223 ID: e024d0
File 126132867667.gif - (1.05MB , 800x640 , Stars.gif )
95223
...sleep...
>>
No. 95271 ID: e024d0
File 126133604977.gif - (1.19MB , 800x640 , Brilliant lights.gif )
95271
Whyhuh?... What the hell?...dawn isn't for... is this a lighting storm or something? Where did the thunder go?
>>
No. 95273 ID: 9e9b47
>>95271

Shit, go out and see what's up! this looks serious.
>>
No. 95508 ID: e024d0
File 126135641739.gif - (306.03KB , 596x479 , Whhhuutt.gif )
95508
>>95273
I open the flaps of my tent and peer out into the hills.


"Mother of Mercy"


Pale light flares up sharply from the peak of a tall outcropping, like a ghostly twister the stars themselves seem to whirl about in orbits.

There is no sound. I am not sure if this is more unnerving than the sight itself.

Some kind of weather or astronomical anomaly perhaps? A meteorite or some strange eruption? A spiritual visitation even?
>>
No. 95539 ID: 9e9b47
>>95508

Looks portentous. May be something important going on. You'll always question yourself if you don't go check.
>>
No. 95556 ID: 7139d7
Before we go I really should study this from a distance, watching it may spark a memory in my various studies. Physics and maths could help, and even my religious studies might be of some help. Common sense, after all.
>>
No. 95630 ID: e024d0
File 126136390454.gif - (567.33KB , 596x479 , Descending.gif )
95630
Just as suddenly as it arrived the haunting vortex collapses and dissipates. In all it was coherent for about a minute, maybe less?

Somehow the texture of that light, it reminds my of what I used to do, before I was chosen to be a man of God. One of the instruments I worked with, it's radiance had a similar hue. I still have it, in my toolbag. I haven't found a need for it since the day.

I don't know why I even carry that bag around anymore, but it's good for odd jobs I suppose. People are more likely to accommodate you these days if you look like a working man.

Anyway, that light was a few miles away at least, could be near the town? I'll ask about it in the morning, assuming it doesn't come back, no way they couldn't have seen it.

Besides, no sense in chasing a faery fire across the horizon in the dark of an unfamiliar land.
>>
No. 95674 ID: 7139d7
Maybe I should look at that thing, to jog my memory.
>>
No. 96122 ID: e024d0
File 126144382977.jpg - (254.26KB , 1000x901 , Walking down that lonesome road.jpg )
96122
I break camp slightly after dawn and continue down the path towards town. the sky is bright and clear and holds little intent of a repeat of last night's 'display.'

I wonder if perhaps it could be related to some kind of local magnetic disturbance? Perhaps in the fashion of the Aurora Borealis, except in a more localized form.

Regardless, unless my eyes fail me nothing seems out of place in the full light of the day (unless of course my faded eyesight deceives me?) Perhaps is was merely a dream brought on by game meat and my somber thoughts of the past days.
>>
No. 96170 ID: 632862
>>96122
Nothing there? What about the smoking crater on top of the hill?
>>
No. 96172 ID: 119b5c
>>96122
The Shadow. Why is in the shape of a cross? Look up, that cactus might have something up top. Also Hole. Also bush with thing in it.
>>
No. 96190 ID: 9e9b47
>>96122

Anything interesting in that hole to your left?
>>
No. 96193 ID: 632862
>>96122
...what about the sudden lack of ground about 10 feet ahead?
>>
No. 96212 ID: e024d0
File 126144887945.jpg - (41.63KB , 1000x901 , it is a hole.jpg )
96212
Looks to be the burrow of one of the many endemic ground game of North America. A prairie dog I think they are called.

The depression must be hard on these fellows, they are fat and quite edible I hear, as well as being a major pest with their gnawing teeth.
>>
No. 96220 ID: 632862
>>96122
Inspect that telephone pole more closely. There are strange marks on the side.
>>
No. 96231 ID: e024d0
File 126145002191.jpg - (25.64KB , 279x399 , Crux Potentia.jpg )
96231
hmmm I suppose I never really noticed how similar the Cross and a utility pole were before, quite the modern Crux Potentia.

Light, voices and so many more modern conveniences and in this scientific ages we rely on unnoticed, unseen, and distant energies and effort for it all.

Perhaps I can develop that into a sermon of some kind?

Those 'burn?' marks do look odd though... perhaps some kind of... I don't really know... it 'is' making an odd buzzing noise now that I stop and listen.

But if I don't hurry, I'll not make it to town before lunch.

Should I...?
>>
No. 96274 ID: 9e9b47
>>96231

Stay and listen.
>>
No. 96313 ID: e024d0
File 126145432055.jpg - (104.54KB , 858x556 , Humming.jpg )
96313
Yes... It is humming, or more, likely buzzing.

I am sure of it, and those 'marks' lead up to the opened box up there? I suppose someone should do something about that.
>>
No. 96572 ID: 2cbe3e
>>96313

Can you do anything about it? Don't wanna get shocked and die out here.
>>
No. 96586 ID: e024d0
File 126151543334.jpg - (52.11KB , 800x800 , My Old Green Toolbag.jpg )
96586
I always prefer to wear my gloves, and I do have some things in my toolbag that could help.
>>
No. 96608 ID: 632862
>>96586
Well, if you think you can do it safely, go check it out.
>>
No. 96644 ID: e024d0
File 126152378223.jpg - (226.30KB , 1000x901 , A tall job.jpg )
96644
>>96608
I suppose I can take a look at least, let me just climb on up here and see...
>>
No. 96656 ID: e024d0
File 12615242878.jpg - (275.03KB , 1000x676 , A series of tubes.jpg )
96656
>>96644
hmmm lets see, Ahh, I think there may be a problem in here.

Okaaaay, its been a while since I've actually worked with any physical equipment, I see some wires, some thermionic valves, some knobs and ends...
>>
No. 96670 ID: 31fa25
>>96656

I believe those wires to the right are not connected.
>>
No. 96713 ID: e024d0
File 126153025793.gif - (0.96MB , 537x348 , Crazzap.gif )
96713
Ahh yes, lets just... and there and... whoaoaoah! *crrzzzzzzaapthissss*
>>
No. 96716 ID: e024d0
File 126153056142.jpg - (244.85KB , 1000x901 , Quite energetic for his age.jpg )
96716
*cough* *cough* eheheehhaaaw...

Whell then, that was certainly fun, I suppose.

I guess, I can take credit for whatever that was down at the town, maybe they will be more inclined to keep me if I can do more than blow wind through their ears ehh?

Let there be light! an all that...

Now, to find my hat.
>>
No. 96718 ID: 632862
>>96716
It's on the cactus over there.
>>
No. 96999 ID: e024d0
File 126158528164.jpg - (102.13KB , 1000x740 , Bigtree Butte.jpg )
96999
Why yes, yes it is, hehe, probably looks better on him than me anyhow, but I paid good money for that hat and the sun is ridiculous out here in the midday so I had best recover it.

The trail itself winds up into the hills and upon passing the final bend I am treated to this sight.

Ahh, finally I can see the town, perhaps there will be some answers here... or at least a good bed to sleep on.
>>
No. 97005 ID: 048b92
Ok, who's your contact in the town, and where's more likely to find him?

Lacking one, I'd say checking your new parish is priority. If you feel like resting a bit first, I'm sure the saloon will have some water, and will give you a glimpse of the local scum.
>>
No. 97006 ID: a752e3
>>97005
I think the saloon is a good idea. Introduce yourself to the locals, they might want to get to know their new shepherd.
>>
No. 97231 ID: e024d0
File 126162606988.jpg - (168.26KB , 991x694 , Entering town.jpg )
97231
Finally, civilization, or at least the semblance of it. It's primarily just a main road surrounded by peeling buildings of almost every type. This main road is strewn is gravel to likely prevent mud but not, a paving-stone or walkway in sight.

I suppose I might go have look in the local Saloon and survey the rougher faces and hearts of the locale.

Besides, I could do with a drink myself after the long trip and it would be




ERROR ZODIAC SHARD IMAGE ARCHIVAL ANOMALY...
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...
PLEASE WAIT FOR SYSTEM UPDATE ON: 01/05/10
-QUEST ON PAUSE-

Thanks for the replies and suggestions gentlemen, I hope to return after the holidays with more posts, as well as more important and interesting decisions to make (now that we have actually arrived in town.)
>>
No. 105891 ID: 059c31
File 126274738312.jpg - (240.28KB , 1000x662 , SALOON CLOSED.jpg )
105891
>>97231

ZODIAC SHARD IMAGE ARCHIVE REACTIVATED
Archive Administrative accesses approved for:/ <Mad Dog>
Buffing...
...
...
Initialized


"...a welcome pleasure to knock back a cold drink after that long and dusty trip up here. Well, then this seems to the local drinking and dining establishment, a little crudely build and colorfully named but...

...'what' exactly is this suppose to mean?"
>>
No. 105935 ID: 059c31
File 126275173924.jpg - (245.81KB , 1000x662 , Cautious Disaproval.jpg )
105935
>>105891
"Means the Saloon's closed yah boozehound so's yah might as well keep on walken back the way yah came, been closed since Congress killed it in 1919... not that the minen troubles didn't kill the town anyway."

"erhm?" I snap out of my contemplation as some nosy townswoman continues her yammering in my ear.

"I can't imagine why yah came here, whoever yah er, but we've got 'nough troubles here without a new face... been a death in town and so's we got our own dead to bury n' all that."

"I erh I'm...
>>
No. 106151 ID: 7289aa
What are you waiting for? Offer to help with the funeral. They probably do not have a man of God in town.
>>
No. 106182 ID: 632862
>>105935
Well, you are the new pastor. Introduce yourself.
>>
No. 106205 ID: 059c31
File 126279078018.jpg - (155.95KB , 800x513 , Best hand forward.jpg )
106205
>>106182
>>106151
I put on my most ingratiating smile and turn..."aw well how convenient, then I suppose you will be needing someone to direct the funeral and administer rites. You see I'm actually here because I was appointed to be the new minister in this town, heard the old one wanted to retire or something along those lines..."

She interrupts me before I can finish my spiel "Yah well that does seem very... convenient. 'cause that's exactly who you're gunna be putten tah rest.

Poor Mr. McKenzie couldn't take take to liven in a desolate nowhere like here I recon and sometime last night there were some shots, last one musta been him getten himself outa here... course he was under alot o stress after his house burned down an he'd taken tah liven in the loft o the Church itself fer the past few months."

... "erm uhhh" A flood of questions rise to my mind, not the least of which is why I am not immediately trying to find the first train, car, coach, or wagon out of here.
>>
No. 106500 ID: 059c31
> -psst- this is the part where you guys are supposed to suggest a response or question or something... I don't like doing cut-scenes but I can't do much else if I don't get responses...
>>
No. 106503 ID: 9e9b47
>>106205

Brush it off with an offhanded comment, and ask about that storm last night. Sure was somethin', huh?
>>
No. 106572 ID: c0f3bf
Wait, his house burned down so he shot himself? And missed at least once? It sounds like someone was trying to kill him.

Ask where the church is.
>>
No. 106637 ID: 059c31
File 126283753089.jpg - (146.49KB , 800x513 , So___ about that weather.jpg )
106637
>>106503
>>106572
I run my fingers through my hair trying to keep cool and rational despite the late October heat.

"Ah ehh, yes.. I believe that's what those of us in the cloth would call and Act of Providence... I mean, me showing up so fortuitously of course not the er I supose...

So about that weather hehe... the uh storm last night was 'impressive' to say the least?" My nervous chuckle doesn't seem to amuse her much.

"Heard no storm last night... must be talken bout them ghost lights, burnen in the sky some rare nights from the big rock... Injun tales told 'bout how the spirits fought battles here once and still... decent people don't wander bout much when them lights are shinen"

"I see... can you point me towards the church, I really must be seeing to it, I am sure there is much to be done."

She points out the steeple rising over the tops of the lower shacks and clapboard architecture of the desolate town's houses.

Dare I go, or is there more I should learn first?
>>
No. 106668 ID: c0f3bf
Ask where his house used to be, you'll be wanting to know that later on. After that just go to the church.
>>
No. 106782 ID: 7092cb
More questions later. Nod, thank her for her time, and go check your new church.

Hmn. Actually, I'm really curious if the old reverend ended himself or not. If we know enough about these forensic things, I suggest going to the undertaker or the sheriff check the body first, then we go to the church. I'm sure we can make up a good excuse to check the body.
>>
No. 107132 ID: e828f5
Sounds to me that if there were several shots fired, the ex-pastor was unlikely to have been alone. Still, that's something that can be discovered as we play Detective in the Church
>>
No. 107142 ID: 2cbe3e
>>106637

Ask what sort of man the last pastor was.
>>
No. 107208 ID: 059c31
File 126290333289.jpg - (97.60KB , 800x600 , Good day to you.jpg )
107208
"...And the body would be?" I ask.

"Still at the church ah reckon, Sheriff said he didn't want nobody disturben nothen while's he looked it over."

"and the late erh... Mr. McKenzie's house?"

"Behind the church... or t'was anyhow..."

"About him, was he a -erh- particularly sensitive man?"

"Naw he were mostly quiet n'...solid-like, least after the minen problems started and the town started witheren away... used to take a great deal of interest in their safety... when the accidents started happenen, and the miners started leaven he just kinda... drew into himself... the fire made it worse on him I reckon, started to take long walks alone... I suppose some people can't take all the lonelyness awt here..."

I draw the conversation to a close and hastily bid her a good afternoon as I head on my way to the Church... my mind abuzz with a sort of dangerous curiosity I have not had since... since, before all this.
>>
No. 107225 ID: 2cbe3e
>>107208

Let's put your stuff in the house before tending to the church.
>>
No. 107254 ID: e828f5
Make a mental note to attempt to teach these local rubes some proper English. Then proceed to the church.
>>
No. 107605 ID: 059c31
File 126293338437.jpg - (69.42KB , 577x776 , Aproaching the church.jpg )
107605
I consider that the educational and dialectic standards of the town are not quite up to the Queen's exemplar.

However my considerations, as well as the weight of my bags are set aside for a moment as I prepare to enter what should be my new post of office, but is now becoming a rather grimmer prospect.

I hear muted voices from the loft window...
>>
No. 107683 ID: 9fab98
I know its cliché to approach the window to listen in, but nah. Just walk in. Sneakiness at this point wont make you look good. Try to be naturally quiet, and you hould catch a glimpse of what they're talking about.
>>
No. 107784 ID: 059c31
File 126298753392.jpg - (79.70KB , 994x769 , Looking up the stairs.jpg )
107784
>>107683
I quietly enter, careful to avoid letting the door slam or creak (as large old doors are wont to to.)

From the entryway find a set of stairs to the right leading to the loft in the rear of the chapel... the voices are clearer now and I catch some snatches of conversation before a stair creaks and silences it.

"...but th... merks on 'is legs..."

"Wen't just a gunshot... I'll recon.."

"but ... entry angle, then... the spray is all..."

"I know, I know... in over his head... didn't know how far..."

"Those damn shafts.. have to close them... befor"

" ruins... open up aga.. sides his markens keep em... ay"

"... won't last..."

"Hey! Shut up, did you hear that? Who's down there?"
>>
No. 107788 ID: 464af2
Cool. Casual. Let them come to you.
Seems like they're just discussing the deader, and you are supposed to be here, so, no point in getting desperate. Just play it as if you always had a light step.
>>
No. 107924 ID: 84889c
>>107784
I disagree with letting them come to you. If they've been having a private conversation and have just been alerted to your presence, letting them come to YOU makes it seems like they've caught an eavesdropper. Instead, it's better to walk up as if you just arrived and heard nothing. Let's discover who we've met before we decide what to talk about.
>>
No. 108110 ID: cf41a7
File 126307078926.jpg - (53.93KB , 595x600 , Untitled.jpg )
108110
I take the middle ground between caution and boldness and continue to step forward being careful to remain as quiet as I was before. While putting out an air of careless ease.

"Hello gentlemen, it seems I came just in a time of need, my name is Mr. White... I am your new minister, though I was somewhat expecting to..."

"You can just stop right there partner... now that I've got your face in the light... I have a few questions and I am sure you have a few of your own.

First things first, my name is Samuel Parker, Sheriff round these parts... my associate back there, trying to clean the blood off the floor is Aron Gibbs, my deputy.

Seems your predecessor snapped last night, got a little too gun loving. We'll be inspecting the scene for evidence and cleaning up, till then I'm 'fraid you'll have to stay down.

So... what do you want to know?"
>>
No. 108139 ID: e828f5
What's he got in his hand? Some Belmont-style whip? Anyway go ahead and greet him politely, no reason to make an enemy of someone who you'll probably need to get to trust you. I also wouldn't want to seem too inquisitive, lest he become suspicious or something, but I suppose I'd generally inquire about the state of the church, town, assembly, and if necessary any sort of explanation of what kind of things they'd all expect of you.
>>
No. 108165 ID: c0f3bf
Tell them you were curious as to how many shots were fired, as you've heard various accounts as to make you confused. Then wait so he can ask you a question.
>>
No. 108185 ID: cf41a7
File 126308433557.jpg - (53.70KB , 595x600 , an easy draw.jpg )
108185
>>108165
>>108139
I attempt to insert my more "investigative" questions subtly among the more clerical and social inquires I can think up.

"I simply have want to be informed about the kind of community I will be serving"

>"Aheh, "community"... this place was always nothing more that a boomtown" can't raise much cattle, the rocks and hills make is too hard a plow 'cept by hand I figure..."

"Them my main ministry would be to the miner's I imagine.. the proverbial lifeblood of the town?"

>"Would be, if this town had any life left in it. Mine started haven... troubles... the scerred ones left like they alwus like tah do, then the Big Dam Project a ways out took the rest. Nothen but women n' few children left anymore. Most places just closed down... even Ned is moven out, sellen his store after... after last night."

I suppose such a sorrowful state could drive some sensitive men to extremes... I suppose he was even struggling to the end with it, I heard the first shot wasn't the killer."

>"He had a pistol, a little snub .32 he kept, three shots it was, three shells.... Anything else?"
>>
No. 108188 ID: e828f5
Gads what the town could do with a good English teacher.

Anyway if you're asked any questions, be completely honest but refrain from revealing anything that'd be too odd. Generally answer with just whatever's necessary, and then tangent into a joyous talk about Da Lord or England or The Weather or My Aunt Emma's Arthritis. The big question of course is WHAT WENT WRONG WITH DEM MINES? but now's probably not the time to delve in deeper. Perhaps you should suggest with all the women and children, they reform the town into a huge brothel?
>>
No. 108193 ID: 632862
>>108185
You know, it's odd that the pastor would kill himself just before his replacement showed up. It's almost as if someone wanted to silence him before he was able to inform his replacement about certain important things.
>>
No. 108754 ID: cf41a7
File 126314602259.jpg - (49.72KB , 595x600 , pondering reflectivly.jpg )
108754
The air is filled with a dry, cottony silence as I reflect on the facts. Mad considerations and ideas flit through my frame of reference like bats through a cave. Those mines... someone is hiding something about this town.

There is something here worth killing over...

I finally find the most simple and logical question I can imagine, "So.... where am I going to sleep tonight?"

>"I reckon we can let the hotel put you up for the night, Ernest Giles, he lives there and can get you a room. Haven't had many other guests I'm afraid."

"I see."

I consider that this may be a good place to end the conversation, clear my head for a moment outside in the streets and the daylight... this is growing rather awkward, and the smell is beginning to get to me.
>>
No. 108756 ID: 9e9b47
>>108754

Perhaps later tonight you could go and sneak into this place. I find it suspicious that they don't want you to see the body so much.

Anyhow, for now let's thank them for their time and head over to the hotel. Maybe visiting the mine would be a good idea as well.
>>
No. 108757 ID: e828f5
Filthy lying sheriff had no questions for you! Hmm, so the whole town's roughly going out of business but they've still got a hotel (with plenty of spare rooms)? Sounds like another argument for the brothel solution...

Anyway, you'll probably want to head over and check the hotel out... maybe shave and run a comb through your hair. And of course let's meet the innkeeper before we decide what we do later in the night.
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No. 108867 ID: cf41a7
File 126316549553.jpg - (65.82KB , 645x593 , What the hell.jpg )
108867
As I leave the Sheriff asks to see my papers... I can find no good reason to deny him and he of course can find nothing in error. My letter of commendation is quite genuine, as are my passport and licenses. He then directs me to the hotel up the hill and I take my hasty leave.

Outside I realize just how much I want a bath. The sweat and grim of the road, is thick on me. The metallic stench of blood still lingers in my nostrils.

The deputy was mumbling something about "taking ehm down to Clara's teh get fitted..." It's about three in the afternoon now, after getting a room, and maybe freshening up. I can go find out where this "Clara" is... maybe get a chance to inspect the corpse...

What am I even doing here? What can I do here? a few thoughts flash though my mind: wait for my own death to come in the night? say nothing? start sleeping with a gun in my hand? run back to England? hide out and start a bro..(wait, what? that's utterly ridiculous!)


No, I am resolved not to die, nor am I some mere coward in the cloth! I will uncover the truth here... bloody or not.

But first... about that bath.
>>
No. 108900 ID: e828f5
All right so it's time to meet our local innkeep, likely have just a little harmless chat with him because innkeepers are rarely significant characters. And yes, take a bath and a shave (preferably a bath with clear undisturbed water and an overhead camera), as we will want to be looking our best for new introductions, especially with this CLARA... who is likely the mortician or simply a tailor who loves to clothe cadavers. Either way it gets us a possibly method to examine the body without going through the semi-hostile sheriff.
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No. 108913 ID: cf41a7
File 126317145213.jpg - (314.88KB , 1000x889 , The Mad Goat Hotel.jpg )
108913
>>108900
Yes, Clara is probably their mortician or something, they said the town was short on men so...

I enter the hotel, I hear the humming of a refrigerator somewhere in another room, and the dusty chandelier above me seems wired for electric. Finally.. some speck of civilization!

>"Well hey there fella, welcome to 'The Mad Goat Hotel.' I heard there was a stranger in town today. You're in luck, the electric finally came back on earlier today, so all facilities are working. Anything specific I can do you for or just will it just be a room sir?"
>>
No. 108918 ID: c16184
Ask what the story behind the hotels name is
>>
No. 108921 ID: e828f5
Tell him with all seriousness that you're here to see The Goat. Though I suppose you should just introduce yourself, exchange pleasantries, ask about the electrical problems, then get to see your room.
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No. 108959 ID: cf41a7
File 12631824543.jpg - (313.54KB , 1000x889 , ehh.jpg )
108959
>>108957
"Mad Goat huh? Colorful name for a hotel isn't it? There a story behind that?"

>"Hell if I really know... I'm like the third or fourth owner of this blasted joint, if I had known business was going to slow to a crawl I would have never have bought the damn thing.

>But the rumor is its probably about those mineral streams that bubble up around here, colorful they are, but I wouldn't want to drink too much of them. Make even a goat tipsy, an everyone knows if they can't stomach it, you don't want to either."

"So those electrical problems? They normal?"

>"Not quite, I think, the whole town's power cut out about 2 days ago, it only just came back on this morning. Oh and by the way.. the rooms are 3.50 a night."

"3.50 a night? Isn't that a bit, high for the middle of nowhere?"
>>
No. 108962 ID: e828f5
The sheriff said that the hotel would "put you up," correct? Now I'm not sure, but that sounds to ME like "free of charge." Anyway, mentally slap yourself for claiming the place is the middle of nowhere. YOU'RE here, so it might as well be the center of the universe, no? 'sides, guy's got to make a living.
And the electrical problems... two days ago... well let's keep that in mind, see if anything else COINCIDENTALLY happened two days ago.
>>
No. 108977 ID: c0f3bf
It's true, the sheriff said they'd put you up, he could be trying to rip you off. If it's just for one night I understand, but it seemed like he meant for you to stay indefinitely. Query about this.
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No. 109213 ID: cf41a7
File 126325449728.jpg - (62.36KB , 792x588 , A hot bath.jpg )
109213
It seems that part of the price includes the individual bathrooms, hot water and all... quite the conveniences for something build some time ago.

Not terrible, but I 'am' able to bring him down to three dollars when I mention that I am the new Minister and the unfortunate reason for my current stay...
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No. 109218 ID: e828f5
Make a mental note to have God invent Nair already. Then buy a carton. ...Yeesh.

Alternatively, stand up and turn ninety degrees to your right.... for no apparent reason.

In all seriousness.... Yay clean. Time to swindle a seamstress out of some delicious information
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No. 109231 ID: cf41a7
File 126325702577.gif - (739.78KB , 792x588 , kinda___ sleepy.gif )
109231
Yes I suppose I should get going, but this water feels so good... I wonder... if that.. legend... is true...... about...... but then....then..... where do they... get this...
so.. sleepy... no... the stairs... not... again....not... the dream again... if only... I had..... must.. climb.... the stairs..... the room.... room of the dead... priest...
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No. 109232 ID: 632862
>>109231
Climb the stairs.
>>
No. 109233 ID: 5d5878
>>109231
Don't drown.
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No. 109234 ID: e828f5
Clearly the next thing to do is to slip into unconsciousness, fall beneath the surface of the water and suffocate. But failing that, go through a voyage of self discovery and reaffirm your reasons for your existence.
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No. 109235 ID: c0f3bf
Get out of the water, it's bad!
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No. 109268 ID: cf41a7
File 126326132716.jpg - (40.29KB , 800x600 , I see.jpg )
109268
>"In here.. this is where he stayed... just don't.. table... like to look at it."

The man with the lantern takes his leave downstairs... I am alone in the room now... again.. returned to this dim attic apartment.
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No. 109290 ID: e828f5
Hmm, an attic apartment. Fireplace, chair, shelves... and I think that blue blur is perhaps an easychair. Now what's interesting is the black blob on the table, it's the only not-blurry image, though it's still unrecognizable. If possible, attempt to focus and determine what it is.
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No. 109323 ID: cf41a7
File 126326470478.jpg - (26.01KB , 800x600 , Yes the box.jpg )
109323
>>109290
yes... yes... it is always here... like it was then... the box... I came because this room... it belonged to someone... someone.. unusual... I can see... the sunset over the rooftops of an old... English... town.

I stare... the box... the small box... the black box... the small black box... that queer black artifact...

After he died so strangely... why did he leave it? What was it for... none the less... I have the tools... my sciences to tell me... to tell me.. the truth.
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No. 109329 ID: e828f5
All right almost-blondie... there's clearly only one thing to do at a moment like this (which, technically, has already happened). In order to discover the truth and set your conscience to rest... you must swallow the box.

DO IT.

DON'T ASK QUESTIONS.

EAT IT.
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No. 109342 ID: 632862
>>109323
Use your science on the box!
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No. 109348 ID: c89b56
>>109323
set BOX on FIRE!
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No. 109349 ID: c0f3bf
BLOW THE BOX UP.
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No. 109427 ID: cf41a7
File 126327015939.jpg - (22.80KB , 800x600 , I shall eat it for SCIENCE.jpg )
109427
Yes... the box.. it is...it is a part of me... but I must see into it... it's as though light... cannot escape the box... ahah but I know a trick... I will shine "my light"... the light I made...the light that shows me things... the light I keep in my green toolbag.... and I will eat it's secrets... I shall grow full... of the knowledge in this box... with that knowledge I will burn bright... brighter than any man before me...
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