Detailed below are the various optional locales and people the investigators might encounter during the scenario. Keepers should review this section in detail as it provides key background information and clues for the investigators, in particular The Pennywell Village and The Gypsies.
Hospital & Aslyum[^Bellevue Hospital: Refer to page 68 of Secrets of New York^], 1st Ave & 27th Street
Although manned 24 hours, after 7pm public cannot enter. If PCs know Siobhan's full name they may be able to Fast Talk an orderly to get confirmation she has been admitted and potentially details on her status. Police may be given access to her possessions (only the nightdress) but she is under sedation and not seeing any visitors. The only exception is if an investigator is a doctor may (or masquerades as one) and is able to Persuade the resident Psychiatric examiner to see her but she will sedated and fairly unresponsive.
Siobhan only stays overnight following the incident, in the morning when the sedation wears off, she convinces an orderly to help her home. He gets her a taxi and she discharges herself, leaving an obviously false name and address. In the orderly's overcoat she slips from the hospital just before the Alpha Squad arrive.
Speak easy, 5th Ave & West 135th St
The Sugarcane[^The Sugarcane Club: Refer to page 45 of Secrets of New York^] is one of New York's newer Speak Easy's. It has a reputation for pulling in some of the city's big players but in reality its lack of subtly keeps away all but the least cautious. The frontage is a simple basement door at the bottom of a half dozen steps, in a typical back street. However regular foot traffic and obvious bouncers mean it is noticeable to most. It is simply a matter of time before the protection of police bribes fail and the club is shut down.
Anyone looking the part and showing one of Theo's cards will be able to gain access. Ladies will need to be showing some leg, gents tidy and trendy but not stiff `- anyone looking like a G-Man or saying the wrong thing, is likely to find himself in an ally with teeth missing.
Bands play most night but will be of little help to investigators, as will the bouncers. The barmen (Johnny, Mickey and Dougy) are all potentially good sources of general information `- as long as the investigators have cash enough to back up there persuade or fast talk rolls. They'll be able to confirm Siobhan's comings and goings, as with Theo's too. They will recognise some of Theo's regulars and can confirm Williamson 'visited' Siobhan more than once.
The Sugarcanes resident Carouser, Theo TAB(pimp) is a streetwise hustler who struggles to maintain a low profile. He keeps four girls, two white - Siobhan & Gloria (Lenox Ave) and two black - Deborah & Kathleen (East 140th Street). Originally from Chicago, his real name is Theodore Lewis, under which he has a string of convictions.
| Str 13 | Con 10 | Siz 10 | Int 12 | Pow 11 |
| Dex 9 | App 15 | Edu 12 | San 57 | HP 10 |
| Age 29 | Dam 0 | Idea 60 | Luck 55 | Know 60 |
| Combat= | Blackjack 60% | Pistol 40% | ||
| Skills= | Intimidate 70% | Spot Hidden / Cop 65% | Bargain 65% | Fast Talk 60% |
| Hot Foot it 60% | City Lore `- NY 40% | Dodge 40% |
He is suspicious of any new faces in the club. A successful Fast Talk roll is required to stop him disappearing, although presenting one of his cards gives a bonus +30% or name dropping one of his clients will give a +20% bonus.
Pretending to be a prospective client may garner a significant amount of info; if simply investigating a further successful Persuade roll will be required.
After the incident on Wednesday Theo will pay a visit to the Drury Tenement looking for Siobhan and then rough up Gloria. He returns on Thursday but sees the police coming out of the apartment and legs it. Detective Hyatt will give chase but ends up in a scuffle with Theo who gives him a black eye. Theo will then disappear into a side street and not return to Manhattan for a few weeks.
Corner Lenox Ave and West 125th Street
Finding and gaining access to the Tenement is simple enough, it is on the border between Black & Italian Harlem. On the street there is constant tension between small groups of youths (13 - 19 year olds)
A Persuade roll is required to get Gloria TAB(bowman) to unchain her door and talk to them. She wont have seen Siobhan (or Theo if asked) since the Wednesday morning. All seemed fine but she didn't really get a chance to talk to her as she has been in bed sick `- she has a bruise on her neck from Theo.
| Str 9 | Con 13 | Siz 8 | Int 8 | Pow 10 |
| Dex 15 | App 14 | Edu 10 | San 50 | HP 9 |
| Age 26 | Dam 0 | Idea 40 | Luck 50 | Know 50 |
| Skills= | Art `- Dance 60% | Dupe 'John' 55% | Socialise 50% | Faint 50% |
| Disguise 45% | Hysterics 45% | City Lore `- NY 20% |
If investigators visit later Gloria will confirm Siobhan came home on Thursday morning upset and locked herself in her room. "Perhaps Theo had been causing trouble for her, I don't know". In the afternoon two detectives came knocking on the door looking for her but Gloria wouldn't let them in. After that Siobhan disappeared `- "What sort of trouble is she in? She's a good girl you know." Gloria will get teary eyed but a simple psychology roll will confirm she is trying to play the investigators, no doubt looking for money.
If pressed about Theo she'll confirm she hasn't heard anything from him at all since Wednesday. "Seems he's gone underground, must've caught a wiff of the flatfoots. He'll be back sooner or later, cant leave a good thing alone that boy" She'll jut out her breasts to make the point.
On Wednesday, there is nothing in Siobhan's room of interest other than some average sketches. Gloria will also mention Siobhan's photographic memory, "She can just remember anything she's seen, then just draw it from memory - its spooky."
By Thursday afternoon however there will be a number of disturbed paintings and sketches, all various compositions of the Byakhee. In particular there is a very detailed image of the creature, FIG(sketch) - probably the most accurate depiction of one of the creatures ever captured.
Outlined below are further details on the Army base, in addition to those in Scene Two and the maps available in Appendix Two.
Should the investigators return to the base they will find the Sentries on the gate refuse access to anyone as the base is closed due to the on going investigation. Although they have been given orders they will not breach, with a successful persuade roll one sentry may agree to pass on a message. Beyond this the only assistance they will offer, is referring them to the switchboard.
The switchboard operates 24 hours. During the day it is answered by Mabel an aging battleaxe and during the evenings by a random soldier, who can do little more than take messages. Mabel is a veritable brick wall and immune to persuasion or intimidation, she will advise that "Unless your an officer or have official military business no one is available to speak to you Sir". If the investigators are particularly persistent she may agree to pass on a message - "but I'm not promising anything, the Major is a very busy man". She may let slip the Colonel is not on the base.
The base is commanded by Colonel Dobbins, with Major Sarek second in line. The Colonel is relic coasting towards retirement and although aware of the original Pennywell incident (the gypsy and soldiers deaths), knows nothing its true nature. He is on Christmas leave out of town and following Sergeant Dryden's death has been in contact with the Major each evening. He'll not be contactable, unless the investigators can get his number from the base somehow, or have a contact at the phone company (as the number is not listed). Should he be contacted he'll not tolerate any talk of flying creatures and zombies, but if there's any risk of the Army being cast in a bad light, he'll intervene.
Should the investigators decide to break into the base for any reason they will quickly establish what a poor idea this is. Not only would it risk being shot or charged with treason potentially, the perimeter is well guarded and there is no obvious weak spot in there defence. With almost no traffic leaving or entering it would be practically impossible to sneak in on a vehicle. The only possible way they might get in is with the help of one or more soldiers.
Should they somehow manage to gain access and avoid the sentries, there are a few points of interest;
The busiest building in Pennywell is the Crown & Cross public house, although it also hosts a service station (on the outskirts), a Chapel, a Grocers (& mechanic) and a handful of houses `- total population 24.
Like many rural public houses in small communities, prohibition has had only a limited impact on the Crown & Crown. Serving as the centre of the town for more than fifty years, the locals still congregate here despite the big city laws. Many are Christians, a handful devote, and as a result drinking wasn't a large money-spinner.
Running the pub are the Bakers, who make a living as the kitchen still turns out a hearty meal and two rooms are available for board. And of course bootleg beer and whiskey is served here after hours when only certain clientele are present.
| Str 11 | Con 16 | Siz 14 | Int 11 | Pow 9 |
| Dex 8 | App 9 | Edu 12 | San 45 | HP 15 |
| Age 57 | Dam +1d4 | Idea 55 | Luck 45 | Know 60 |
| Combat= | Fist 60% | Pistol 50% | ||
| Skills= | Serve Pint 60% | Gossip 50% | Local History 40% | Pray 30% |
Harold TAB(baker) and his wife Juliet are generous and friendly, especially during this time of year when the celebrations bring in a few out of towners. Although the gypsies wont be found in the pub Harold does supply them with bootleg liquor and has found them to genuine and friendly.
If the investigators ask about goings on at the base Harold will mention the shots he heard fired on the Monday night and how it gave the wife a right scare. Only if pressed will he mention the shrieking heard during the attack. If anyone mentions that they have been on the base, he is keen to find out any gossip about what has been going on over there.
Keepers need not crowbar details of the 1914 incident into play as investigators will uncover it inevitably - that said if investigators talk to the Bakers or any of the locals about trouble at the base, they will quickly over hear (or be told directly) discussions about the 1914 Christmas incident. All of the locals are familiar with the incident and if asked will give a brief outline saying;
If investigators chat they'll pick up some or all of the following;
Three gypsy caravans with stock horses, and another converted truck make up the small travelling group. In 1914 the group was much larger but is now made up of only four families; Petulengo, Hearne, Boswell and Lovell. Each family includes a couple with a handful of kids.
The Petulengos are in charge, more specifically - Ma Petulengo TAB(ma). Pa is little more than a drunk. Noticeable amongst the family is the hair braids or deadlocks. Ma leads the solstice celebrations and is very knowledgeable of all things occult.
They will remember the December 1914 incident very well but will be initially suspicious of investigators asking questions. Anyone making a persuade or fast talk roll can be taken to see Ma, who spends the majority of her time in the Petulengo caravan.
| Str 7 | Con 16 | Siz 8 | Int 14 | Pow 17 |
| Dex 6 | App 7 | Edu 16 | San 60 | HP 9 |
| Age 66 | Dam 0 | Idea 70 | Luck 85 | Know 80 |
| Skills= | Occult 65% | Bargain 50% | Gypsy History 50% | Cthulhu Mythos 12% |
| Spells= | Augur | Detect Enchantment | Identify Spirit |
A weathered traveller Ma is as tough as old boot leather but getting slower and slower in her old age. Is has poor vision (cataracts) and arthritis (in her hands & hip) but unlikely to seek medical help for either. She has a difficult accent to place (Albania) but speaks fairly good English. Eccentric, she is fond of a dramatic pause and prone to cackling mysteriously.
If asked of the 1914 incident she will say it was such a shame that the soldiers were killed. It caused them great difficulties with the Pennywell locals afterwards but she doesn't hold that against them.
Why? She'll explain it was a terrible loss, the soldiers, but in a way it was a blessing in disguise too. Because the whole incident scared off two families of gypsies that were unpopular with the others. The Chacko's and the Clutters `- "trouble the lot of them. Never heard nor saw of them that night or ever since, good riddance. Seems they were somehow involved in deaths of the soldiers but only the Army knows what happened that night for sure."
Anyone making a psychology roll will be able to confirm Ma knows a lot more than she is letting on. If pressed about the others she'll just say "Had unhealthy obsession with the stars that Roman Chacko." Other than this she'll not expand unless the investigators indicate the events of 1914 are repeating, and they intend to do something about it - in which instant she'll explain.
Like most Romani people the gypsy group have adopted the dominant religion of their host country - Roman Catholic in this case. However due to their close relationship with nature and the seasons they still maintain some older practises from their European origins. In particular they celebrate both the Summer and Winter Solstices.
The gypsies will happily discuss the celebrations and ritual with anyone who takes it seriously, any sideway glances or snide comments and they will take offence. It is essentially a ritual of rebirth, celebrating the arrival of the new season.
During the day the gypsies fast and prepare by hand a simple gift, which is symbolic of a trouble or concern from the year. This is often a simple carving, wicker design or piece of embroidery. At dusk is a feast, singing and general merriment. The celebrations culminate in a bonfire in the evening where the gifts are cast into the fire, and a simple pray is offered.
Although generally the gypsies feast is held amongst just themselves, some of the locals do join the bonfire celebration. Any investigators in Pennywell on the evening of the 20th will hear of the bonfire and be able to attend if they choose. All are welcome to participate in the ritual and cast a gift into the flames.
Keepers may wish to consider expanding the relevance of the bonfire, although not specifically required in the storyline it can be a way to extend / expand the scenario. Options include;
Chemical analysis of the water identifies it contains an unusual fungal life forms. Investigators with Chemistry, Botany or any related skill who make a successful roll will be able to establish the following;
The small amount of fungi in the water is too small to cultivate but with a larger sample a hypothesis relating to its origins could be established. Investigators with related skills may well get excited as they would consider three potential scenarios - A: A brand new class of fungal life form, B: the fungi has been mutated by the highly toxic substance they came in contact with, or even C: some sort of extraterrestrial life. Either way it is a very significant discovery - if a larger sample could be sourced.
Investigators who have previously encountered MiGo and completed some analysis on them may draw conclusions that this fungus is related - as may players familiar with Mythos - Keepers should not discourage this as it will assist in hiding the true source of the fungi. The actual source are the undead gypsy Zombies, raised using a ritual unique to Hastur.
The toxic water can be confirmed to contain dangerous levels of Sulphur Mustard and Iron Sulphide, which are known components of Mustard Gas. Investigators will related skills will be able to identify that the substances have been diluted in sea water with high levels of silt.
The investigators may look to obtain another quantity of the black water / fungus, this can be done from Room 11 at Hotel Algonquin (Scene One), following the Zombie attack at Hedges cottage (Scene Three) or from the Pennywell Salt marsh (Scene Four). They will need a properly equipped laboratory to fully analyse it. The Morgens Institute would be an obvious choice, alternatively the Colombia University has an excellent lab. At the conclusion of the scenario (when the Byakhee is destroyed or flees) the fungus will suddenly die, leaving any evidence they have collected unable to be verified.
Investigators have a range of information sources they may directly seek out - detailed below are the most likely sources of relevant information.
Military records will not be accessible to anyone but ranking military personal, or the most extremely well connected. Sarek has the original top secret copy of the Pennywell Incident report, and there is a copy at the Army Special Branch in Washington. The only details of actual full events are held in a Sareks personal records - this includes his description of the gypsy ritual and the flying creature. These loose leaf pages are kept in a diary hidden in his office.
Detailed below in TAB(news) are the newspaper stories relevant to the scenario over the week it takes place. Keepers should feel free to disclose headlines and stories as required to prompt the investigators.
| Tue | Dec 18 | Missing soldier triggers manhunt (disappearance causes searches of farm land) |
| Wed | Dec 19 | Suicide at the Algonquin (Drunken businessman assaults women and leaps to death) |
| Thu | Dec 20 | MPs invade Manhattan (Army arrest suspects in chemical weapon theft plot) |
| Fri | Dec 21 | Second soldier AWOL in Army fiasco (sources say theft was an inside job) |
| Sat | Dec 22 | Pennywell shutdown (Army top brass heads to roll) |
Historic newspaper archives may prove to be useful if the correct period to search is known i.e. November / December 1914. With luck a photo of the Pennywell base can be sourced as can a short article (and official photo) of the Alpha Squad, sighting them as the regions first "Gas warfare squad".
Further archive searches may turn up a copy of front page news in the region on December 24th 1914 `- the Pennywell training accident. Four deaths on the Artillery field when training with new gas warfare equipment. Vague, with details of some of the squad members and a short statement by a Major Dobbins at the time.
The NYC Hall of Records contains Births, Deaths, Marriages etc but also enlistment records. Details of enlisted soldiers in the county can be sourced here, including the Alpha Squad. From here deaths can be cross referenced and a view of the current surviving members of the squad can be established.
The museum has a temporary exhibit on the Great War (running until mid-1924) and if the curator is found he is an excellent source of info. He'll be familiar with the base, even the unit and a number of 'training' related deaths in 1914. He will suggest the deaths were a cover up, stating he visited the region at the time and there was talk of a group of gypsies disappearing on the same night.
