Well give her a hug and say it was nice to see her too, honestly we should probably not tell her about what happened today, instead let's just ease her into it when she isn't so busy.

Now for a very un-fun, and possibly even a little heartbreaking, I think we should go to the the stoppe shop and see Ellen. I want to know if there is anything we can do to help her or even figure out what happened when she worked for Davey.

Charlemagne 2016/05/31(Tue)20:06 No. 727062 ID: 163674
File 146475041684.png - (6.45KB , 500x500 , 3-203.png )

You give Marcie a hug and tell her that you’ll see her bright and early for work.


Hm hm.

Marcie.



Well, it’s around 4PM, so you have the sad, waning hours of the weekend left to do whatever you’d like.

a) go to the Shoppe Stoppe
b) to to see the mayor
c) go to Naz’s place
d) go to the Plath House
e) Other >_

A, to talk with Ellen and make sure she is okay (and maybe see if we can figure out what happened when she worked for Davey) then C, for "rehearsal."

The Shoppe, then over to Naz's. I for one want to catch her right at showertime.

Shopping list (modify as needed)
Flashlight
new shirt
hunting knife
Painful Memories

>>727062
I know we talked about fucking Naz's brains out but this is something to savor.

B then C. At the risk of tipping our hand, it might not be a terrible idea to see if the mayor knows anything specific about Wrinkly Needle Man. Leaving out what we discussed with Ramona of course.

>>727063
this

>>727062
Before we leave Marcie, ask her if she'd like us to teach her the art of innuendo and double entendre. If she agrees, we could use them around her, and challenge her to identify them whenever we say them. Which would then give us the perfect excuse to use them around her, because she asked us to.

Charlemagne 2016/05/31(Tue)20:39 No. 727071 ID: 163674
File 146475239959.png - (7.79KB , 500x500 , 3-204.png )

You’ll let Marcie pick that up on her own. For the time being, you go to the Shoppe Stoppe. Ellen is there as always, looking bored. She sighs disdainfully when you make it clear that you are going to talk to her.

You: “No smile?”

She flashes a smile for half a second. You are impressed. You look around the store to see who else is there, and not surprisingly there is no one.

You: “So eh… I wanted to talk to you about when you worked for Davey”

Ellen: “Do we have to talk about that?”

>>727071
"I saw some things, in the forest, this morning. On Davey's land. I was wondering if you've seen them too."

Tell her you want to know more about the man that asked you to send a girl up to his farm in exchange for some of his produce.

"Just a second."

Then get what was on your grocery list mentioned on >>727065, although I don't know if they have hunting knives, but also maybe a snack food, we
haven't eaten much besides some really bad soup. Then we'll talk.

"Look Ellen, it's just... I've known people like Davey before, and when I heard that you used to work for him... I just got concerned that he may have taken something from you that wasn't his to take. I'm only asking because I sincerely care about you and I want to see you happy and smiling."

>>727073
>>727072
These work.

>>727076
>you don't have to tell me but you do have to eat all the eggs

>>727076
Good line.

What we want is something that'd fit in a boot, or below a shirt, and is broad enough to sever one of those godawful proboscises.

Charlemagne 2016/05/31(Tue)21:05 No. 727082 ID: 163674
File 146475392211.png - (7.82KB , 500x500 , 3-205.png )

You: “I just saw something strange on Davey’s land.”

Ellen: “ok”

You: “I wanted to know if you saw anything weird while you were there.”

Ellen: “Nope”

You don’t believe her, but you still give her a break and look around the store for a little while.

You find a flashlight (8bux), and a few well-made shirts (7bux each). There are no hunting knives, but you do find a steak knife set (20bux) and a baseball bat (12bux).

You return to the counter, taking out your wallet.

You: “Listen Ellen, I know his kind. I’m just worried he hurt you.”

You: “If you don’t tell someone what happened there, well, you might never smile again. Just think about it, alright?”

Ellen: “I have told someone.”

You: “Huh? Who?”

Ellen: “D-Donna”

You: “His daughter?”

Ellen: “He used to make me stay overnight in his barn when it was raining”

Ellen: “Donna always came out and brought me food and played boardgames with me.”

>>727082
Tell her you'll try to talk to Donna about it if she doesn't want to, but Davey did threaten to shoot you if he caught you talking to Donna. So it might be difficult.

Does she think he'll really do that? Shoot you for talking to his daughter?

"And what she say/do when you told her?"

For god's sakes give this poor a hug or at least give her some sign of trust and reassurement.

Ask her if she still likes to play boardgames. You bet she's pretty good at 'em.


Get a shirt or two, and the flashlight+ batteries. Maybe we can ask where bigger knives live, but don't interrupt an emotional moment to do so.

Charlemagne 2016/05/31(Tue)21:23 No. 727090 ID: 163674
File 146475499341.png - (4.57KB , 500x500 , 3-206.png )

You: “You had to sleep in the barn?”

You: “Was there an apartment in it or something?”

Ellen shakes her head.

You: “And what did Donna do when you talked to her?”

Ellen: “She gave me a hug and she”

Ellen: “well, she slept out there, too.”

Ellen: “She brought me a blanket and a pillow and we stayed up late telling stories.”

Ellen: “We just talked and talked about anything, I guess…”

You: “Was that all Davey did to you? Made you sleep in the barn?”

Ellen shakes her head and looks away.

Ellen: “What are you going to buy?”

a) flashlight (8bux)
b) shirt(s) (7bux each)
c) baseball bat (12bux)
d) steak knife set (20bux)
e) other >_

>>727090
A. B.

A bare knife won't be easily carried around without poking a hole in your pocket or yourself. If you can't find a utility knife or anything retractable don't even bother. I will say that a simple multitool would be worth carrying around.

>>727090
a,b,c, and perhaps some rope. If not for survival, maybe for Naz

A and B. But for pity's sake just give her some for of reassurement, say you'll go to the cops with her if she wants to, but just let her know she has a goddamned friend that she can trust.

>>727090
A and B, and a nice non-chafing rope.

>>727090
A) B) and C)
We will definitely need a weapon, and a baseball bat won't get too many odd glances by people with authority. I feel like if we get a big knife or something, then we're going to look like a murderer.

I suspect Naz will have rope around. Plus I'd rather not walk through the street with it. And a steak knife is only a weapon for fighting steaks.

Maybe we could play a boardgame sometime, if that wouldn't be horrifically painful?

A and B, some rope of your own because it's handy stuff and you don't want to rely on Naz. Trying to comfort her sounds good, but I wouldn't be surprised if she didn't want to think about it. Saying she has a friend is good, asking about police might bring up other stuff. I think it'd still be worth asking.

Charlemagne 2016/05/31(Tue)22:04 No. 727106 ID: 163674
File 146475744525.png - (6.84KB , 500x500 , 3-207.png )

You buy a flashlight, a shirt, a twenty-foot nylon rope, and a baseball bat. Your total is 33bux.

Ellen recites in a very dull tone,

Ellen: “We appreciate your business.”

You: “Thanks. Look, if you want, I can go to the cops about this-”

Ellen: “Please don’t.”

You: “Well if you ever want someone to talk to”

Ellen: “I’m ok.”

You: “It, uh… it gets better, alright?”

Ellen nods, packing your purchase into a paper bag.

a) stay and chat >_
b) go elsewhere >_

Whew, uhh, B.

We are not a very good psychiatrist....

"If you ever just want to talk, or want to paint together, I'm not very good though, let me know. See you, Ellen."

And smile and leave.

We may have overstepped.

But yes, time to go pay a mousecall.

>>727106
Well we can stop by Naz's place for a romp, shower, and then head back to the Plath house to maybe also romp. Or if Sally isn't up to it anymore we can use the flashlight to look around in the attic better, to find that letter or the key to the safe.

>>727106
>>727114
I don't know, I'm not experienced with things like these, but I almost feel like we've gone in so far that we can't just back out now. I just don't know how to say it, but I almost feel like now we HAVE to bring up the attack, just so she knows she's not alone in this. You know, in the event that it was actually eldritch horrors traumatized her and not "just" rape.
Maybe we could make a subtle reference to the beast and see if that elicits a reaction out of her? But that might jut PTSD the fuck out of her and alienate her further. Perhaps complain about your back on the way out of here? But she might not care enough to ask why our back hurts. Perhaps say something like this with the most serious and concerned face you can, "Look, I need to get to the point. I'm not going to lie, this isn't all about helping you, I'm mostly looking for someone with whom I can talk to about Davey. I just need to know one thing: was Davey the monster of the barn, or were there... others?" But I'm not certain if that situation would send the right message either; I'm pretty horrible in situations like these.

Maybe it would just be best to abscond while we can.

>>727194
Instead, on our way out the door we should say, with our serious face, "Listen, guys like that are gonna get whats coming to them." And pat the baseball bat in our hand.

If shes withholding information that Davey isn't that bad, implying we're gonna beat his head in will likely get her to stop us. If it doesn't, we can confirm she wants him dead.

>>727194
>>727195
I'm not altogether inexperienced in situations like these. What Ellen wants, more than any vengeance or parity, is her life back.

Which is impossible,
which is why it's sad.
But I don't think it's good to push her further. We've brought up a lot of bad Juju, which is gonna color her days for awhile. She's not likely to be grateful.

Also, somewhere over the weirdness of the past days, Farmer Horsefucker just became a lesser threat than whatever's haunting town. Maybe someday we'll have the tools to reach him, but right now I just don't think that's viable. Certainly not to the point of boasting about it.

>>727207

I wish i could say i had no experience with this kind of situation. You're probably correct.

Unfortunately, our Next best bet is to talk to the daughter privately and definitely get ourselves shot. We're basically screwed.

>>727213
We could distract him. It'd still be risky, of course. He seems to care about people on his land and whatever those demons were.

>>727113
Offering to paint with her sounds like a fun time. I second this idea.

Charlemagne 2016/06/01(Wed)19:49 No. 727297 ID: 163674
File 146483574362.png - (8.64KB , 500x500 , 3-208.png )

You head for the door, looking at Ellen on your way out. Your childhood wasn’t stellar, but it was probably better than hers.

You: “Maybe we’ll get together and paint soon.”

You: “I’m no good, but maybe it’d be fun.”

Ellen’s ear twitches.

Ellen: “You’d do that?”

You: “Absolutely. If you’ve got paint, that is.”

Ellen: “I… I do. Yes.”

You had no idea an accent so cute could sound so sad. You give her a smile anyway.

You: “Let’s do it, then. I bet you could teach me a thing or two.”

As much as you want to promise her you’ll smash that farmer’s face in, you can’t. As much as you desperately want to ask her what she has seen, what you saw, and what has happened to her, you just can’t do it to that literally doe-eyed face.

You: “Tuesday? After work?”

Ellen: “Sure… I guess.”

You: “I’ll see you then.”

You’ll go to Naz’s place next, but you are quick to realize that you don’t know where that is.

Town Hall is where the public records are kept. Go ask the secretary.

Ask for directions.

>>727299
ye

see if you can find a letterman jacket. a bat over the shoulder just doesn't look right without one. it'll also protect your cardigan.

I don't know about town hall, I feel like that would be the equivalent of walking into a snake pit (pun intended), so why don't we just go ask Selma real quick?

>>727302
Indeed. You must get a Letterman Chuck. It will protect your cardigan from harm and stains when you get down to dirty deeds.

Selma probably knows where Naz lives. Assume the worst of City hall for now and avoid it. They banned the internet and alcohol, So I bet your bat will get confiscated if you're seen walking in to government buildings.

Yeah, is the library even open? They wouldn't leave it without someone on duty, right?

>>727297
You could ask Sally but there's an obvious problem with doing that. Selma is a better choice.

Charlemagne 2016/06/01(Wed)21:00 No. 727311 ID: 163674
File 146484004133.png - (5.49KB , 500x500 , 3-209.png )

You recall that Selma and Naz live together. If Naz is off work, they are probably both off.

The library has finally closed and locked up - not even Sally is there at the moment.

...I think the only option is to call Naz. If there's a phone book you can use that. If not, you could ask Sally and try not to make it obvious why you're calling Naz.

She's doing some research for us, we don't have to lie about that.

She specifically described an apartment, which has got to narrow the site down specifically.

I guess If we can visually confirm a complex, let's head there and do a manual search. If not, drop by Marcies or something and use her phone.

This is a small town... surely there is only one apartment complex. Wait! When was that guys ball game or whatever? did we miss that?

Charlemagne 2016/06/01(Wed)22:32 No. 727324 ID: 163674
File 146484555971.png - (8.47KB , 500x500 , 3-210.png )

You go back to the area where you hung the fliers up last week. There is a small apartment complex there with some lights on. It is pretty active for a Sunday night, and you hear sounds coming from various units. You decide to knock on the one with…


a) thumping
b) music
c) laughter

>>727324
I uh, think it might be wise to set the bat down at some point before doing any of that

thumping for sure though

Bat goes in bag.
Chuck goes to thumppenhaüs.

Let's not go the room with the thumping, we don't want to cock block someone. Instead let's head to the one with music, I think Selma and Naz might be the one with music.

>>727336
logic seems sound.

>>727336
Yeah.

Was today the day of the party?

Music seems best one to ask at if it ends up not being their place.

>>727324
I'd say check for a reception and ask but where's the fun in that?
Nah go for music

>>727325
For sure, this isn't Hotline: Coxwette.

>>727342
Today is the party at Selma and Naz's, home of the ball-thumping action.

Go to the thumping, Chuck.

music

Pump up the tunes!

Thumping. UNTS UNTS UNTS UNTS

Laughter?

Charlemagne 2016/06/02(Thu)18:17 No. 727486 ID: 163674
File 146491664399.png - (8.99KB , 500x500 , 3-211.png )

You follow the music, and it grows louder and clearer as you approach the lower floor beneath the balcony. It’s a single voice accompanied by a crunchy electric guitar playing improvised blues licks.



”Freedom’s just another word for nothin’ left to lose…”



“and nothin’ don’t mean NOTHIN’ if it ain’t free!!”

Charlemagne 2016/06/02(Thu)18:17 No. 727487 ID: 163674
File 146491667389.png - (12.76KB , 500x500 , 3-212.png )

“Feelin’ good was EASY LAW-AWD WHEN HE SANG THE BLUES!”

“And feelin’ good is good enough for me…”

Bye bye birdie

Keep looking.

Start clapping.

>>727488
This.

>>727489
No time.

What do you wanna bet she's naked behind that curtain?

Yell "FREE BIRD!!!" and hide.

Charlemagne 2016/06/02(Thu)18:56 No. 727499 ID: 163674
File 146491896749.png - (4.85KB , 500x500 , 3-213.png )

On second thought, you decide not to waste any time on this bird’s nonsense. Unless you want to just start knocking on random doors, that just leaves you with the two other sounds to follow:

a) thumping
b) laughter

Thumpety thump.

Laughter.

Thumping.
It's Sunday evening. On Sunday evening there's a ball-thumping bocce tournament at Selma's apartment, which is also Naz's apartment since they live together.

>>727504
Ohhh you're right.

Thumping

Charlemagne 2016/06/02(Thu)19:34 No. 727507 ID: 163674
File 146492129754.png - (5.53KB , 500x500 , 3-214.png )

You follow the thumping next, knocking on the door. When it opens, the sound is sharper.

Selma: “Oh”

Selma: “Hi Chuck”

>>727507
"Hey Selma, Naz there?"

Tell her Naz said you should come over, are they setting up the Bocce tournament?

"I heard this is where a guy should go to play with his balls?"

>>727507
Sorry Selma I'm looking for tell Naz room

Charlemagne 2016/06/02(Thu)20:14 No. 727512 ID: 163674
File 146492366698.png - (12.39KB , 500x500 , 3-215.png )

Selma does not seem disappointed at all that you are looking for Naz. She leads you inside, where Naz and Geoff are standing in the living room. Both are wearing pajamas, and Naz is carrying a bowl with a grilled cheese sandwich in it.

Naz:

Naz: “Oh right”

Naz: “Yeah, I invited Chuck over. No wonder someone is actually showing up to this thing.”

Geoff: “HI Chuck!”


a) “So when does the bocce start?”
b) “Should I be in my underwear, too?”
c) “Ready to rehearse, Naz?”
d) “Wait, I’m the only one who showed up?”
e) Other >_

>>727512
What, it's that close to 7 PM already? That can't be right, how'd it take 3 hours to go to the shoppe and back?

B.

B and start to undress before she has time to respond.

A bowl for grilled cheese? Is it also full of hot soup too, or did they just run out of plates?

B & D.

>>727504
It's about 5, I'd guess. Not sure how long it takes to walk across Coxwette.

Anyway, B. Ask if you can make yourself a sandwich, too.
We should get Naz Alone before we come on too strong.

B and sammich

B and sammich

>>727517
Second.

A and B

Charlemagne 2016/06/02(Thu)21:24 No. 727530 ID: 163674
File 146492787636.png - (8.86KB , 500x500 , 3-216.png )

You: “Should I be in my underwear, too?”

Naz: “Sure, I mean if you want”

Geoff: “Definitely, I’d say”

You set down your shopping bag and strip down to your boxers without hesitation.

You: “Am I the only only one who showed up?”

Selma: “Yeah…”

Selma: “I haven’t lost hope, though. It’s only five.”

Naz: “Oh come on, no one ever comes to these. This is probably the best we’re going to get. Selma, can you help me with the snacks?”

Naz and Selma leave the room.

Geoff gives you a pleasant smile, walking over.

Geoff: “Selma talks about you sometimes…”

Charlemagne 2016/06/02(Thu)21:25 No. 727531 ID: 163674
File 146492790495.png - (8.30KB , 500x500 , 3-217.png )

You: “Bad things, I hope-”

Geoff: “What happened to your back, man?”

Geoff: “Wait…”

Geoff: “No, no…”

Charlemagne 2016/06/02(Thu)21:25 No. 727532 ID: 163674
File 146492794827.png - (8.33KB , 500x500 , 3-218.png )

With trembling hands, Geoff lifts up his shirt.




END CHAPTER III

>>727532
"Nice abs, bruh."

I think we might have solved the gender imbalance mystery.

ALIENS.

That soup Ramona made for you must have had souper-natural healing powers.