The Darkness Beneath the Hill

Oct 19, 2022 8:54 am

March 3rd 1925. Providence, Rhode Island



Josh Winscott is from proud and once-wealthy New England stock. He makes a living writing magazine articles on a variety of subjects, supplemented by occasional short stories. One or more of the investigators might know him from school, through social or professional circles.

Winscott excitedly invites you all to his recently inherited house, telling you that he’s found something incredible that he wishes for you to see. You all meet up at a local coffee house, before heading to the Winscott house together. The house is on College Hill, nestled among other residences surviving from the 18th and 19th centuries. Its two stories can be found at 79 Power Street, overgrown bushes and trees obscuring its dilapidation.

When you knock, the door creaks open.
Oct 19, 2022 9:58 am
Harmon stops outside the house. He seems to be lost in thought, and given his work he is most likely trying to figure out the price of the place. His focus is broken when the door is opened. He mutters to the others
"Given the age of the place, I had high hopes, but seeing it like this is disheartening. I hope his taste in furnishings is better."
Stepping inside, he accidentally catches his foot on the door frame and stumbles. Slightly embarrassed, he continues into the house.
Last edited October 19, 2022 10:54 am
Oct 19, 2022 10:38 am
Max smiles and is excited in the prospect of hearing something exciting. Entering the house he answers to Harmon.

Taking care of such a house is no easy task and I am sure he s doing his best. But much more than a house, the man is fascinating.
Oct 19, 2022 11:34 am
Pablo's photographer's eye almost admires the home in it's dilapidation, the way the shadows hug it and a morose vibe exudes. He snaps a picture with his camera of the outside of the house, before stepping inside with his colleagues.

"It has ... character, Harmon."
Oct 19, 2022 12:40 pm
With a loud harrumph at Harmon's complaining, the larger-than-life Bancroft peers down at the others, coming to Winscott's defense.

"I'll have you know that Joshua is one of my dearest friends. His house does require a significant bit of upkeep, true, but he is a fairly busy man."

He does, however, peer around himself again. "However," he mutters to himself, "I do see why he and I usually meet at the ale house down the road rather than coming here..."
Oct 19, 2022 2:02 pm
A man of slight stature, Dr. Cross chuckles lightly as they file into the aging domicile. "Time or money, I'm afraid," he says. "And life oft seems fit to provide us with only one or the other."

He traces a finger along the wall inside the doorway, eyes sweeping across the entry. "Still," he adds, "it would be worth the investment in whatever form it takes."
Oct 19, 2022 3:26 pm
As you enter, you notice much of the furniture is covered in sheets and there are tools, debris, and boxes strewn about the floor. You hear a call that seems to be coming from below, "Oh! I'm sorry, come on in, I'll be up in the moment."

There is a kitchen at the end of the hall and appearing from a hatch in the ground is the familiar figure of Josh Winscott. dust in his hair. He points to a door off to your left, "Go on in, I'll bring coffee."

The door leads to a large sitting room. The furniture again is covered by sheets but there is a large oak dining table with several chairs set up with cream and sugar and a large plate of cookies.
Oct 19, 2022 9:53 pm
Max enter the room and take a sit.

I will propose my help to renovate this wonderful house.
Oct 19, 2022 10:36 pm
"That’s very kind, sir, but to be honest my concerns are not for the walls and decor." Josh enters with a tray of cups and a large pot of coffee.
Oct 19, 2022 10:51 pm
"Winscott, you bastard, you know my weakness for these delectable treats!" as Pablo swipes three cookies in his hand and sits down at the table.
Oct 19, 2022 11:59 pm
Dr. Cross sits at the table, clasping his hands. "Well then, good sir, don't leave us in suspense... what, pray tell, are your concerns? I appreciate a good social call as much as the next chap, but I somehow doubt coffee and cookies are truly the order of the day."
Oct 20, 2022 7:11 am
Also sitting down, harmon accepts a cup of coffee.
"Indeed. And seeing how you called on all of us, you must have found something very interesting. I can only hope that it is worth the effort you have already put into it.
Oct 20, 2022 10:59 am
Winscott pours himself a coffee and sits, lighting up a Turkish cigarette.

"Interesting indeed! During restoration, I discovered that a bricked-up wall in the cellar storage area covered up an extensive tunnel. At first I thought it was an old drainage system, but I found it connected to a larger corridor. It is rumoured that there are slave tunnels of old, so my assumption was that was what I'd found. I dismissed the Italian workers I'd hired to clear the way and I've been working alone since then and I was hoping you fellows might be up for a little expedition to explore these tunnels."
Oct 20, 2022 11:27 am
Harmon sips his coffee as he listens. Upon hearing the description, his eyes briefly widen and he excitedly says,

"That was a good call. Who knows what objects could have been destroyed had he continued working. Just by your description i can tell that I will be of use. There are many objects that can be found that will tell the trained eye when they were made. Though i do have to wonder what I will get out of this. As much as I enjoy finding antiques, there is not much money to be found in things only a few decades old. I want insurance that if I help you out, and I do want to, that it will be worth my time.

He looks around to see how the others respond.
Oct 20, 2022 1:10 pm
Looking at Harmon, "Payment is nice, but don't forget the adventure of it all!", lifting up his camera, "And your name in the paper could certainly help drum up business."

Looking at the others now, "I must confess though I don't know much of this area's history, could any one of you chaps confirm that there were indeed old slave tunnels here?"
Oct 20, 2022 2:43 pm
Gregory harrumphs at Harmon, raising a brow.

"Now now, good sir, profit is not all. In fact, I would be quite intrigued to be a member of this expedition."

The big man crosses his arms and nudges Pablo. "I say, our friend Lucky here has the right of it. Be bold, as my old colonel used to tell us."
Oct 20, 2022 3:43 pm
"And, should being bold prove... detrimental," Percival chuckles as he pours a cup of coffee, stirring in a bit of cream and sugar, "I assume that's what I'm here for."
Oct 20, 2022 5:14 pm
Max smiles politely in sipping on his coffee.

It is a kind offer, and certainly some exploratory game could be interesting but if I understand you well you are talking about tunnels that helped slaves evade during the secession war, what interested can you find in walking a tunnl ? Even an historically important one.

I'd bet you didn't told us the entire story you wouldn't have invited such a fine lot of gentlemen jus t for a tunnel, would you ?
Oct 20, 2022 5:19 pm
"I certainly can't afford to pay you, Harmon, but if we find something of value down there, I wouldn't be averse to sharing the proceeds. Getting this house in the inheritance alone has turned my fortunes around, but think of the thrill of adventure! We could be making history here."

He looks to Pablo, "Well that's why I invited the bookworms, old chap, I was thinking you might be up for a bit of research before venturing underground. I'll take your lead when we should start the expedition, but I'm happy to give you time to visit one of the libraries and find out a little more of the history of the place, or maybe you have some better ideas?"
Oct 20, 2022 5:21 pm
"History, Maxi! If these are slave tunnels, this will be a find indeed, as they were but rumour in these parts and they're never been proved to exist to my knowledge."
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