
Case Notes: 2 August 1871, Whemple Assault/Robbery
Items Missing:
1) Reconstructed artifact consisting of segments in several metals,
wooden rods mostly in parallel alignment, and crystals of precious
and/or semiprecious stones. (This description derived from the
original artifact--which was left behind--and descriptions by
servants).
1a) Sir Cosmo and Wilhelmina speculate that the artifact may be
some kind of battery or power source, based on the inclusion of
terbinite.
2) A parure of the "Queen of Abydos,"
consisting of 1 crown, 2 bracelets, 1 jeweled glove, all pieces
decorated with large crystals. (Empty cases with descriptive cards
and servants' descriptions)
2b) per Sir Matthew, confirmed by scrying: also a scepter and
an inscribed metal tablet
3) Certain of Sir Matthew's notes and journals, taken from the study, pertaining to the reconstructed artifact.
4) additional notes and designs from Davy Hawkins' work area in the Carriage house.
5) quantities of raw materials used in building the reconstruction, including rare stones and metals and a quantity of terbinite.
Evidence of the Intruders:
1) lingering scent of a cloying smoke--incense or other herbal
material, not recognized by any of our party or by members of
the household.
-strong on Sir Matthew's clothing
-present in varying concentrations below stairs
-possibly the cause of uncharacteristic dozing by most servants
during the approximate time of the incursion--difficult to confirm,
as several servants are avoiding admission of falling asleep at
their posts
-signs of a small brazier outside a small window, where air currents
might have carried smoke into the below-stairs areas.
2) marks on ceiling of one hallway near the
study
-small holes and scrapes in wood paneling
-very small splinters fallen to floor beneath
-Mr Frazer speculates that these markings may have been made by
small climbing hooks secured to an intruder's hands and/or feet--some
of the marks are spaced to suggest five fingers.
3) Canvass of neighbours:
-Servants of neighbouring houses described an unfamiliar milk
truck pausing in the back lane around the time of the incursion--in
addition to the usual milk truck, which appeared for its deliveries
as scheduled.
-a few neighbours described an old man who has been seen this
past week or so on the corner of the street, set up with a table
to sell second-hand books. Some declared him sinister, others
thought him harmless.
Summary of an hypothetical chain of events:
In recent weeks or days:
Ninjitsu faction persons have somehow been aware of this project
and wish to take the reconstructed artifact (possibly only for
the potentially explosive terbinite, but perhaps with some purpose
regarding the reconstructed device). Possible surveillance by
old man on corner.
Early this morning:
Davy Hawkins and Sir Matthew complete their reconstructed artifact
and decide to begin testing this morning.
Between 6 and 8 o'clock in the morning, Sir Matthew and Hawkins
go into the study. Per Sir Matthew, they fit the artifact known
as the sceptre into a socket on the reconstructed device. The
device emits light, and young Hawkins declares that the crown
is "talking to him." Sir Matthew takes the crown and
feels compelled to put it on his head. He falls into a faint (possibly
because of some property of the Crown, possibly because of the
effects of drugged smoke--see below)
per the Mystics scrying: Hawkins is examining the inscribed metal
tablet very closely, possibly in a sort of mesmerised state, Some
sort of emanation comes from the tablet and "grasps his head."
After which, he also falls into a faint.
Meanwhile:
a group of ninjitsus, concealed in a wagon marked as a dairy delivery,
prepare to attack the house. One or more go to a place near a
window and set up a brazier and begin burning a soporific herb,
which puts all the servants who inhale it into a doze. One or
more ninjitsu enter the house, concealed by stealth techniques
and the peculiar mode of climbing across the ceiling.
Per the Mystics scrying:
Once Sir Matthew and Hawkins have fainted, 6-7 ninjitsus appear
(some have been in the house waiting, others might come in through
the french door of the study). They gather up the artifacts, journals
and notes, and Davy Hawkins. They also retrieve additional notes
and materials from the Carriage House, where Hawkins has been
sleeping and working.
The Ninjitsus make their escape, most likely by means of the delivery wagon.
Per the Mystics scrying, the Ninjitsus and Hawkins are now somewhere in the Plumstead Marshes.
Proceed to At least they weren't born in a foreign submersible
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