Untitled Document

So, Blue is Player Talk, and normal type is Edge’s actions and words.
His senses reeling at the barbarism inflicted on the sad remains, Edge struggled to remain rational [does he need to make a SAN roll already?]. Whoever had tipped over the edge into insanity – he discounted out of hand the common sailors’ phantasms about creatures; after all, what creatures could live out here? – they had to be found. He ran through the weary days just passed, considering the appearance of his past patients.
[Hopefully, having treated all the survivors, he has been in close contact with everyone recently, and at least an idea of whether any of them appeared to be showing signs of mental distress?]
[I am assuming that Grytviken is not blessed with anything much in the way of a library, and that any attempt to find references to this symbol are not worth making?]
Citing post-mortem requirements, he requested Ingebretsen and Boswell to have the chapel secured and the keys reserved to the three of them [May as well start here; he watches both carefully to see if they show any signs of instability beyond the expected shock and upset of a dozen desecrated ex-comrades]. He examined the interior, looking to see if any footprints or traces remained as clues to the nocturnal visitors. Had the chapel been broken into or damaged in any way?
“Tom, Sverre, we can’t let word of this get out. There would be panic among the men. Did anyone else see this – if so, please separate them from the others and gather them in your office?” His tone acknowledged the two men’s positions, but leaned on the authority of the doctor in a sealed community faced with possible contagion.
[Has anyone other than the two brevet commanders seen this? Requesting the two to gather any others already in the know, and asking for complete secrecy under a cover story of a possible worse diagnosis of the killer bug, which will require everyone to be tested. If they will agree to this, organizing a harmless fake swab test under cover of which I can see each man and attempt to gauge his sanity]
Back in the tiny surgery, his now as the only doctor, he put together the props he’d need for the spurious “test”. He hesitated for a long moment; and then he opened a drawer, removed his oilcloth-wrapped service revolver, broke it and dropped five cartridges in and tucked it away under the layers of clothing they all wore in this frozen hell.

So, Blue is Player Talk, and normal type is Edge’s actions and words. Aimo replies in RED
His senses reeling at the barbarism inflicted on the sad remains, Edge struggled to remain rational [does he need to make a SAN roll already?]. Whoever had tipped over the edge into insanity – he discounted out of hand the common sailors’ phantasms about creatures; after all, what creatures could live out here? – they had to be found. He ran through the weary days just passed, considering the appearance of his past patients. No requirement for SAN check, you’ve seen plenty of dead bodies before as patients but more importantly on the battle field. These are horrendous but the more mutilation although horrendous is somehow sanitised. There’s no smell, no blood. It’s a little bit different for Boswell & Ingebretsen. Neither have seen human death this close in this scale before. They’re both looking a little green around the edges. Boswell has to retreat outside to get fresh air, he throws up. Ingebretsen handles it a little better. Blood & mutilation are nothing new, he works on a whaling station after all, he’s just not seen it with humans before.
[Hopefully, having treated all the survivors, he has been in close contact with everyone recently, and at least an idea of whether any of them appeared to be showing signs of mental distress?] You’re no psychologist & everybody is feeling stressed to some extent but these are hard men, for sailors & whalers death is always a risk. Saying that you were tired yourself, you weren’t exactly carrying out a psych evaluation of each & everyone of them but it is something you have some knowledge of 25% (bloody new-fangled modern techniques) Give me a couple of % roles
[I am assuming that Grytviken is not blessed with anything much in the way of a library, and that any attempt to find references to this symbol are not worth making?] There will be the odd book – how to cut up a whale, how to fix a steam pump, how to make blubber taste nice etc & plenty of bibles, maybe even the odd book for pleasure – but most definitely no library
Citing post-mortem requirements, he requested Ingebretsen and Boswell to have the chapel secured and the keys reserved to the three of them No door lock, best that can be done is chain & padlock, crude but effective. Ingebretsen will arrange [May as well start here; he watches both carefully to see if they show any signs of instability beyond the expected shock and upset of a dozen desecrated ex-comrades]. Percentage roll please He examined the interior, looking to see if any footprints or traces remained as clues to the nocturnal visitors. Had the chapel been broken into or damaged in any way? No sign of a break in, no lock as said, door wide open, that’s how it was noticed by the night watch (impromptu arrangement by Ingebretsen since the everything went tits up. No obvious damage to property, Ingebretsen doesn’t make a note of anything missing. The alter is pretty basic, wooden table with brass candlesticks etc. It has been moved aside but then so have all the pews etc to make room for the dead laid out on the floor. The walls have been daubed with the same symbol but no sign of general vandalism.
“Tom, Sverre, we can’t let word of this get out. There would be panic among the men. Did anyone else see this – if so, please separate them from the others and gather them in your office?” His tone acknowledged the two men’s positions, but leaned on the authority of the doctor in a sealed community faced with possible contagion. Both shrug, by the time the you’d been alerted & got here, there was a crowd at the door peering in, maybe a dozen or so. By now there probably isn’t anybody on the station who doesn’t know something terrible has happened at the chapel. The crowd at the door grew, even after the door was closed with you guys inside so it’s a bit horses & stable doors.
[Has anyone other than the two brevet commanders seen this? Requesting the two to gather any others already in the know, and asking for complete secrecy under a cover story of a possible worse diagnosis of the killer bug, which will require everyone to be tested. If they will agree to this, organizing a harmless fake swab test under cover of which I can see each man and attempt to gauge his sanity] See above. On fake swab they’re happy to let you do this but in view that when you leave the chapel there are many numerous questions about what’s happened in side with graphic references to the post deceased mutilations bot Tom & Ingebretsen are happy to let you say something to the men. Tom suggests they get everybody into one of the buildings so you can address them. (Ingebretsen offers to translate as most of the foreigners speak little if any English)
Back in the tiny surgery, his now as the only doctor, he put together the props he’d need for the spurious “test”. He hesitated for a long moment; and then he opened a drawer, removed his oilcloth-wrapped service revolver, broke it and dropped five cartridges in and tucked it away under the layers of clothing they all wore in this frozen hell. You now occupy the station MP’s office/surgery/quarters in the infirmary, functional, not pretty, sketch to follow.

So, Blue is Player Talk, and normal type is Edge’s actions and words. Aimo replies in RED
His senses reeling at the barbarism inflicted on the sad remains, Edge struggled to remain rational [does he need to make a SAN roll already?]. Whoever had tipped over the edge into insanity – he discounted out of hand the common sailors’ phantasms about creatures; after all, what creatures could live out here? – they had to be found. He ran through the weary days just passed, considering the appearance of his past patients. No requirement for SAN check, you’ve seen plenty of dead bodies before as patients but more importantly on the battle field. These are horrendous but the more mutilation although horrendous is somehow sanitised. There’s no smell, no blood. It’s a little bit different for Boswell & Ingebretsen. Neither have seen human death this close in this scale before. They’re both looking a little green around the edges. Boswell has to retreat outside to get fresh air, he throws up. Ingebretsen handles it a little better. Blood & mutilation are nothing new, he works on a whaling station after all, he’s just not seen it with humans before.
[Hopefully, having treated all the survivors, he has been in close contact with everyone recently, and at least an idea of whether any of them appeared to be showing signs of mental distress?] You’re no psychologist & everybody is feeling stressed to some extent but these are hard men, for sailors & whalers death is always a risk. Saying that you were tired yourself, you weren’t exactly carrying out a psych evaluation of each & everyone of them but it is something you have some knowledge of 25% (bloody new-fangled modern techniques) Give me a couple of % roles
[I am assuming that Grytviken is not blessed with anything much in the way of a library, and that any attempt to find references to this symbol are not worth making?] There will be the odd book – how to cut up a whale, how to fix a steam pump, how to make blubber taste nice etc & plenty of bibles, maybe even the odd book for pleasure – but most definitely no library
Citing post-mortem requirements, he requested Ingebretsen and Boswell to have the chapel secured and the keys reserved to the three of them No door lock, best that can be done is chain & padlock, crude but effective. Ingebretsen will arrange [May as well start here; he watches both carefully to see if they show any signs of instability beyond the expected shock and upset of a dozen desecrated ex-comrades]. Percentage roll please He examined the interior, looking to see if any footprints or traces remained as clues to the nocturnal visitors. Had the chapel been broken into or damaged in any way? No sign of a break in, no lock as said, door wide open, that’s how it was noticed by the night watch (impromptu arrangement by Ingebretsen since the everything went tits up. No obvious damage to property, Ingebretsen doesn’t make a note of anything missing. The altar is pretty basic, wooden table with brass candlesticks etc. It has been moved aside but then so have all the pews etc to make room for the dead laid out on the floor. The walls have been daubed with the same symbol but no sign of general vandalism.
“Tom, Sverre, we can’t let word of this get out. There would be panic among the men. Did anyone else see this – if so, please separate them from the others and gather them in your office?” His tone acknowledged the two men’s positions, but leaned on the authority of the doctor in a sealed community faced with possible contagion. Both shrug, by the time the you’d been alerted & got here, there was a crowd at the door peering in, maybe a dozen or so. By now there probably isn’t anybody on the station who doesn’t know something terrible has happened at the chapel. The crowd at the door grew, even after the door was closed with you guys inside so it’s a bit horses & stable doors. []
[Has anyone other than the two brevet commanders seen this? Requesting the two to gather any others already in the know, and asking for complete secrecy under a cover story of a possible worse diagnosis of the killer bug, which will require everyone to be tested. If they will agree to this, organizing a harmless fake swab test under cover of which I can see each man and attempt to gauge his sanity] See above. On fake swab they’re happy to let you do this but in view that when you leave the chapel there are many numerous questions about what’s happened in side with graphic references to the post deceased mutilations bot Tom & Ingebretsen are happy to let you say something to the men. Tom suggests they get everybody into one of the buildings so you can address them. (Ingebretsen offers to translate as most of the foreigners speak little if any English)

Back in the tiny surgery, his now as the only doctor, he put together the props he’d need for the spurious “test”. He hesitated for a long moment; and then he opened a drawer, removed his oilcloth-wrapped service revolver, broke it and dropped five cartridges in and tucked it away under the layers of clothing they all wore in this frozen hell. You now occupy the station MP’s office/surgery/quarters in the infirmary, functional, not pretty, sketch to follow.

[OK, secrecy down the scupper then, still going with the follow-up test pretext. Before the chapel is locked up, making a careful sketch of the symbol, any variations in the various occurrences, any patterns of blood smears and so on, and the placement on the bodies. Updating the Journal all Lovecraftian protagonists keep with notes and speculations on everything, just so it’s there to draw someone else into the web of insanity and death if I don’t make it J]
Once everyone was gathered in the echoing, draughty shed, Edge climbed to his feet and cleared his throat. “Thank you for coming, men,” he said briskly. “As you know, we’ve had a very unpleasant incident in the last 24 hours. That is now under control and I advise against futile speculation. However, as your doctor, my main concern is with being absolutely sure we have completely eradicated the recent illness. I will need to see each man for a follow-up test, your officers will advise your appointments. If you have any questions you can ask them when you come to see me.”
[Assuming that I don’t get lynched at this point, retreating to the surgery and waiting for my first ‘patient’. The ‘test’ involves a cotton swab, dipped in a harmless fluid and brushed across the tongue, then dropped into a test tube containing a different chemical that will change colour , at which point I’ll look reassured, make a note and tell them they’re ‘clear’. My Chemistry is not impressive but hopefully up to something this simple!
I expect each man to ask about the events in the chapel; when this happens, I look sad and tell them it’s a tragedy that the events of recent days have pushed someone over the edge, but once things are tidied up we’ll be sure to get him the help he requires. Watching each man carefully for signs, both the obvious cliché guilty stuff and just plain changed from how they were before.]

So, Blue is Player Talk, and normal type is Edge’s actions and words. Aimo replies in RED
Rolls for psych evaluation of chaps weren’t good, (80 & 84) You were tired, it was a perfunctory interview/chat at best but there’s plenty of time to speak 1 to 1 with the remaining 46 inmates.
Similarly your initial thoughts about Boswell & Ingebretsen are that they’re both good men. You know Boswell very well after you’re time at sea together & you have no doubts about him whatsoever despite you’re crap dice roles. On the downside you don’t know Ingebretsen well at all, before the recent events you’d hardly spoken. You’re assured that Boswell thinks he’s a good egg but you’ll need to get to know him a little more however for the moment he seems less affected by events in the chapel than you were
[OK, secrecy down the scupper then, still going with the follow-up test pretext. Before the chapel is locked up, making a careful sketch of the symbol, any variations in the various occurrences, any patterns of blood smears and so on, and the placement on the bodies. Updating the Journal all Lovecraftian protagonists keep with notes and speculations on everything, just so it’s there to draw someone else into the web of insanity and death if I don’t make it J] Noted, sketches made, notes made, symbol copied in your notebook (you get goose bumps when drawing it, almost like somebody is breathing on your neck as they watch your deft pencil strokes. There is a camera on station, in fact there’s at least one on the Basilisk, you know for certain that Montague Obannon (Basilisk fourth engineer knows his way around its use & how to develop them as he recorded many images from the ships voyage up to its arrival at Grytviken
Once everyone was gathered in the echoing, draughty shed, Edge climbed to his feet and cleared his throat. “Thank you for coming, men,” he said briskly. “As you know, we’ve had a very unpleasant incident in the last 24 hours. That is now under control and I advise against futile speculation. However, as your doctor, my main concern is with being absolutely sure we have completely eradicated the recent illness. I will need to see each man for a follow-up test, your officers will advise your appointments. If you have any questions you can ask them when you come to see me.”
[Assuming that I don’t get lynched at this point, retreating to the surgery and waiting for my first ‘patient’. The ‘test’ involves a cotton swab, dipped in a harmless fluid and brushed across the tongue, then dropped into a test tube containing a different chemical that will change colour , at which point I’ll look reassured, make a note and tell them they’re ‘clear’. My Chemistry is not impressive but hopefully up to something this simple!
I expect each man to ask about the events in the chapel; when this happens, I look sad and tell them it’s a tragedy that the events of recent days have pushed someone over the edge, but once things are tidied up we’ll be sure to get him the help he requires. Watching each man carefully for signs, both the obvious cliché guilty stuff and just plain changed from how they were before.]
You don’t get lynched, the men want to be told all’s good but even so there are few raised voices, even a little push/pull in isolated conversations but Boswell & Ingebretsen quickly bring matters to order. Questions obviously are raised from around the room about the Chapel events & despite Boswell & Ingebretsen interceding saying this is under investigation & idle gossip will not be tolerated you are aware that this isn’t going to go away. Both publicly thank you for your prompt expertise & advise they arrange for the men to attend the infirmary through the day (& tomorrow as required) for ‘testing’
You’re correct, your chemistry skills are poor but no more than what would be expected. Saying that what you’re attempting to do is basic alkalinity test on saliva. Unless there’s any chemists about (there isn’t) anybody with a normal saliva ph will see the colour change you’re after. Roll % dice but unless its 95+ you get away with the sham. 36
By the time you get yourself settled into the infirmary & familiarise yourself with its facilities, get the fires lit, open the window shutters etc its early afternoon. Israel Wicks (Basilisk Assistant Cook/Steward) has been detailed by Boswell to be your assistant ‘nurse’ as you are the sole medical person still alive on the station. You’re familiar with him from the voyage & he does have some basic first aid skills as the Basilisk steward he knows the difference between a knife & fork. He’s actually happy to assist you as idle hands for the ship’s crew is a bit of a problem although the majority have been drafted into service on the station to keep basic amenities functioning. He’s generally a cheerful chap & keen to assist/learn. He even speaks a smattering of Russian & German which is a bonus when talking to the Scandinavian contingent that speak little or no English for when Ingebretsen isn’t available. (Despite everything, Ingebretsen is still trying to keep the winter working schedule moving, there’s maintenance to be carried out etc even if meat processing etc is shut down)
So, with the infirmary surgery open for business the first of the 41 survivors’ trots in (41 + Ingebretsen, Boswell, Wicks & you = 43)
You do well however despite the late start. By mid-evening you’ve seen 36 of the Remainers, carried out your fake test (assuming you didn’t fumble as per 95+ roll above) The rest will report to you in the morning.
By 8.45 Wicks advises he’s knackard & hungry (cheerfully of course) You too need hot food. With the fewer personnel on station there’s less reliance on shift pattern eating so you’re free to join others for communal chow down but Wicks says he can bring food to your quarters/the infirmary if you wish.
You’ve also had word from Ingebretsen that the chapel has been made as secure as it can be (padlock/chain plus nailed on planks over windows etc) & a crew of 4 of his best men will perform regular patrols through the night of the station in particular around the chapel, accommodation & infirmary on top of the regular night watch arrangements.
Regarding the 36 interviews it’s difficult. Language is a problem with many, some are clearly untrusting of non-Scandinavians & have to be prodded by Ingebretsen to open their mouths (kids in front of the headmaster) Many, ship’s crew & station chaps are from an age when telling a doctor/employer you’re scared, anxious etc was admitting you weren’t a real man & couldn’t do your job so its hard work. You get better at it as you progress, make half a dozen roles against your psychoanalysis. 1No success earns you an attempt to improve, each other success gives you a +2 increase to your D6 improvement (hope that makes sense)
By the time you’ve seen all 36 on day one of the interviews (now the 16th October, a Sunday) you’re convinced:

You can also give your self a language improvement roll on ‘pigeon Scandinavian’ it isn’t exactly Norwegian, Swedish, Icelandic etc but it’s a few common words/phrases that are very similar in all Scandinavian language.
There’s still the remaining 5 chaps to speak to but you’re tired/hungry & they were busy doing ‘stuff’ so arrangements are made to see them early doors tomorrow, the 17th October.
Whether you have Wicks bring you food or you communally eat Boswell has a word to talk about communication with the outside world. He suggests you, he & Ingebretsen have a chat tomorrow after you’ve seen the remaining chaps.
If you roll in R20 put a note against it so I know what you’re rolling against

So, Blue is Player Talk, and normal type is Edge’s actions and words. Aimo replies in RED
Rolls for psych evaluation of chaps weren’t good, (80 & 84) You were tired, it was a perfunctory interview/chat at best but there’s plenty of time to speak 1 to 1 with the remaining 46 inmates.
Similarly your initial thoughts about Boswell & Ingebretsen are that they’re both good men. You know Boswell very well after you’re time at sea together & you have no doubts about him whatsoever despite you’re crap dice roles. On the downside you don’t know Ingebretsen well at all, before the recent events you’d hardly spoken. You’re assured that Boswell thinks he’s a good egg but you’ll need to get to know him a little more however for the moment he seems less affected by events in the chapel than you were.
[Two possible causes for that; he may be all Nordic and robust or he may be less surprised than the others. Not omitting to notice anything odd he does.]
[OK, secrecy down the scupper then, still going with the follow-up test pretext. Before the chapel is locked up, making a careful sketch of the symbol, any variations in the various occurrences, any patterns of blood smears and so on, and the placement on the bodies. Updating the Journal all Lovecraftian protagonists keep with notes and speculations on everything, just so it’s there to draw someone else into the web of insanity and death if I don’t make it J] Noted, sketches made, notes made, symbol copied in your notebook (you get goose bumps when drawing it, almost like somebody is breathing on your neck as they watch your deft pencil strokes. There is a camera on station, in fact there’s at least one on the Basilisk, you know for certain that Montague Obannon (Basilisk fourth engineer knows his way around its use & how to develop them as he recorded many images from the ships voyage up to its arrival at Grytviken
[I’ll hold off on that for the moment, as I don’t want any more detail getting out than entirely necessary]
Once everyone was gathered in the echoing, draughty shed, Edge climbed to his feet and cleared his throat. “Thank you for coming, men,” he said briskly. “As you know, we’ve had a very unpleasant incident in the last 24 hours. That is now under control and I advise against futile speculation. However, as your doctor, my main concern is with being absolutely sure we have completely eradicated the recent illness. I will need to see each man for a follow-up test, your officers will advise your appointments. If you have any questions you can ask them when you come to see me.”
[Assuming that I don’t get lynched at this point, retreating to the surgery and waiting for my first ‘patient’. The ‘test’ involves a cotton swab, dipped in a harmless fluid and brushed across the tongue, then dropped into a test tube containing a different chemical that will change colour , at which point I’ll look reassured, make a note and tell them they’re ‘clear’. My Chemistry is not impressive but hopefully up to something this simple!
I expect each man to ask about the events in the chapel; when this happens, I look sad and tell them it’s a tragedy that the events of recent days have pushed someone over the edge, but once things are tidied up we’ll be sure to get him the help he requires. Watching each man carefully for signs, both the obvious cliché guilty stuff and just plain changed from how they were before.]
You don’t get lynched, the men want to be told all’s good but even so there are few raised voices, even a little push/pull in isolated conversations but Boswell & Ingebretsen quickly bring matters to order. Questions obviously are raised from around the room about the Chapel events & despite Boswell & Ingebretsen interceding saying this is under investigation & idle gossip will not be tolerated you are aware that this isn’t going to go away. Both publicly thank you for your prompt expertise & advise they arrange for the men to attend the infirmary through the day (& tomorrow as required) for ‘testing’
You’re correct, your chemistry skills are poor but no more than what would be expected. Saying that what you’re attempting to do is basic alkalinity test on saliva. Unless there’s any chemists about (there isn’t) anybody with a normal saliva ph will see the colour change you’re after. Roll % dice but unless its 95+ you get away with the sham. [Chemistry score 36 as rolled in R20]
By the time you get yourself settled into the infirmary & familiarise yourself with its facilities, get the fires lit, open the window shutters etc its early afternoon. Israel Wicks (Basilisk Assistant Cook/Steward) has been detailed by Boswell to be your assistant ‘nurse’ as you are the sole medical person still alive on the station. You’re familiar with him from the voyage & he does have some basic first aid skills as the Basilisk steward he knows the difference between a knife & fork. He’s actually happy to assist you as idle hands for the ship’s crew is a bit of a problem although the majority have been drafted into service on the station to keep basic amenities functioning. He’s generally a cheerful chap & keen to assist/learn. He even speaks a smattering of Russian & German which is a bonus when talking to the Scandinavian contingent that speak little or no English for when Ingebretsen isn’t available. (Despite everything, Ingebretsen is still trying to keep the winter working schedule moving, there’s maintenance to be carried out etc even if meat processing etc is shut down)
So, with the infirmary surgery open for business the first of the 41 survivors’ trots in (41 + Ingebretsen, Boswell, Wicks & you = 43)
You do well however despite the late start. By mid-evening you’ve seen 36 of the Remainers, carried out your fake test (assuming you didn’t fumble as per 95+ roll above) The rest will report to you in the morning.
By 8.45 Wicks advises he’s knackard & hungry (cheerfully of course) You too need hot food. With the fewer personnel on station there’s less reliance on shift pattern eating so you’re free to join others for communal chow down but Wicks says he can bring food to your quarters/the infirmary if you wish.
You’ve also had word from Ingebretsen that the chapel has been made as secure as it can be (padlock/chain plus nailed on planks over windows etc) & a crew of 4 of his best men will perform regular patrols through the night of the station in particular around the chapel, accommodation & infirmary on top of the regular night watch arrangements.
Regarding the 36 interviews it’s difficult. Language is a problem with many, some are clearly untrusting of non-Scandinavians & have to be prodded by Ingebretsen to open their mouths (kids in front of the headmaster) Many, ship’s crew & station chaps are from an age when telling a doctor/employer you’re scared, anxious etc was admitting you weren’t a real man & couldn’t do your job so its hard work. You get better at it as you progress, make half a dozen roles against your psychoanalysis. 1No success earns you an attempt to improve, each other success gives you a +2 increase to your D6 improvement (hope that makes sense)
[This started well!

01, 49, 25, 09, 02, 76 so 4 successes and 2 Specials
By the time you’ve seen all 36 on day one of the interviews (now the 16th October, a Sunday) you’re convinced:

You can also give your self a language improvement roll on ‘pigeon Scandinavian’ it isn’t exactly Norwegian, Swedish, Icelandic etc but it’s a few common words/phrases that are very similar in all Scandinavian language. [Like “Takk” for example! OK, skill of 4% recorded]
There’s still the remaining 5 chaps to speak to but you’re tired/hungry & they were busy doing ‘stuff’ so arrangements are made to see them early doors tomorrow, the 17th October.
Whether you have Wicks bring you food or you communally eat Boswell has a word to talk about communication with the outside world. He suggests you, he & Ingebretsen have a chat tomorrow after you’ve seen the remaining chaps.
If you roll in R20 put a note against it so I know what you’re rolling against
I set up the following player macro button
/roll 1d100<?{Enter Skill Value|0} for ?{reason|skill}
which asks for the skill value and name and rolls d% for under it, simples
After so many hours on the project Edge felt the need to get out of the surgery, and the impression of the doctor as some kind of company interrogator was not one to let linger. He showed up at the mess hall for dinner – as he usually did – and made a point of speaking to everyone who he came into contact with. He also made sure to cheerfully comment on how healthy everyone seemed to be and how it looked as if they’d escaped a mutant virus after all.
Internally, however, he was fighting despondency. He’d not really expected to find someone with his pants on his head and pencils up his nose; but short of catching someone in the act, he wasn’t sure where to look next. He kept his dark thoughts to himself.
[I’m assuming the radio in the hut can’t reach much further than the arse end of South America if that, and that available help is a long way off, also presumably the last 5 guys aren’t any different.]
The next morning, with the last “tests” concluded and after thanking Wicks for his assistance, Edge headed off to the Manager’s House [presumably where the two top chaps are operating from?]

So, Blue is Player Talk, and normal type is Edge’s actions and words. Aimo comments in RED
Noted you’re continuing to monitor Boswell & Ingebretsen for any odd behaviour.
Noted that you’re currently not using Monty’s camera expertise. The crude carvings on the corpses & chapel aren’t going anywhere so there for future reference along with your sketches.
Chemistry roll of 36%, it isn’t a success but as said it was pretty basic so was a success but no improvement as I wasn’t that impressed.
Psychoanalysis rolls noted, excellent use of skill. Update Xactor sheet to reflect his improving technique – if you get out of this a) alive b) sane, who knows, it might be a whole new career path !
‘Pigeon Scandinavian’ skill of 4% noted, add to sheet etc
Dinner talk noted. It’s hard to be seen to be positive/jolly after the chapel findings & the long day of being the interrogator but as you finish of the Spotted Dick you feel confident that you pulled it off, especially as you say as its stretching your own abilaties & nobody has a flag on their head saying I’m a looney. Notwithstanding make a roll on persuade to see just how well your mutant virus acting skills were.
The comm’s set up is pretty basic. We’ve only just had the first transatlantic telephone call & ship to shore wireless radio is only 40 years old. The comm’s at Grytviken is painful, it allows conversation ship to shore up to maybe half a mile on a good day (assuming the ship has a comm’s set up of its own) HF is still a thing of the future. On the upside there is a gramophone !
Monday 17th October
The next morning you catch up with four of the outstanding tests/interviews but by mid-morning there’s been no sign of the Finish Storeman Tapio Makela. With you heading off to see Boswell & Ingebretsen (Boswell has taken up residence with Ingebretsen in the Foremen's House - Drukken Villa, No 37 on the map/legend) leaving Wicks to clean & go in search of Tapio. Wicks promises to come find you when he’s located the Storeman.
Making your way to Drukken Villa you find Boswell conversing with a couple of the remaining ships crew (The Basilisk is ice bound at the jetty but Boswell as organising the crew to keep cutting ice back from around the ship itself even if it can’t sail out so as not to cause damage to its hull. There’s also maintenance work on the boilers etc so once the harbour is clear you can sail away. He tells you that Ingebretsen is doing his morning station rounds but he did call back earlier to say there had been no other events at the chapel.
After coffee etc with Boswell, Wicks appears & announces he can’t find Tapio Makela & nobody recalls seeing him since you addressed the men the previous day. As if by magic Ingebretsen also returns. He’s aware that Wicks couldn’t find Tapio so he’s instigated a thorougher search of the station.

So, Blue is Player Talk, and normal type is Edge’s actions and words. Aimo comments in RED
Noted you’re continuing to monitor Boswell & Ingebretsen for any odd behaviour.
Noted that you’re currently not using Monty’s camera expertise. The crude carvings on the corpses & chapel aren’t going anywhere so there for future reference along with your sketches.
Chemistry roll of 36%, it isn’t a success but as said it was pretty basic so was a success but no improvement as I wasn’t that impressed.
Psychoanalysis rolls noted, excellent use of skill. Update Xactor sheet to reflect his improving technique – if you get out of this a) alive b) sane, who knows, it might be a whole new career path ! [PsychoA skill improve roll plus bonuses in R20, +10%]
‘Pigeon Scandinavian’ skill of 4% noted, add to sheet etc
Dinner talk noted. It’s hard to be seen to be positive/jolly after the chapel findings & the long day of being the interrogator but as you finish of the Spotted Dick you feel confident that you pulled it off, especially as you say as its stretching your own abilaties & nobody has a flag on their head saying I’m a looney. Notwithstanding make a roll on persuade to see just how well your mutant virus acting skills were. [Persuade failed, 31 over 25% skill, so it’s probably clear he’s trying to keep the men’s spirits up rather than confident all is gonna be OK, Annie]
The comm’s set up is pretty basic. We’ve only just had the first transatlantic telephone call & ship to shore wireless radio is only 40 years old. The comm’s at Grytviken is painful, it allows conversation ship to shore up to maybe half a mile on a good day (assuming the ship has a comm’s set up of its own) HF is still a thing of the future. On the upside there is a gramophone ! [78 rpm, it’s the future!]
Monday 17th October
The next morning you catch up with four of the outstanding tests/interviews but by mid-morning there’s been no sign of the Finish Storeman Tapio Makela. With you heading off to see Boswell & Ingebretsen (Boswell has taken up residence with Ingebretsen in the Foremen's House - Drukken Villa, No 37 on the map/legend) leaving Wicks to clean & go in search of Tapio. Wicks promises to come find you when he’s located the Storeman.
Making your way to Drukken Villa you find Boswell conversing with a couple of the remaining ships crew (The Basilisk is ice bound at the jetty but Boswell as organising the crew to keep cutting ice back from around the ship itself even if it can’t sail out so as not to cause damage to its hull. There’s also maintenance work on the boilers etc so once the harbour is clear you can sail away. He tells you that Ingebretsen is doing his morning station rounds but he did call back earlier to say there had been no other events at the chapel.
After coffee etc with Boswell, Wicks appears & announces he can’t find Tapio Makela & nobody recalls seeing him since you addressed the men the previous day. As if by magic Ingebretsen also returns. He’s aware that Wicks couldn’t find Tapio so he’s instigated a thorougher search of the station.
The discovery of a missing man brought Edge to sharp focus; while accidents and simple suicide were not unknown in these conditions, something told him that one of two things had happened; Makela was the latest victim of whatever was going on, or he was the culprit and had gone to ground rather than be questioned.
“Please will you ask around and see if anyone knows where he was the night before last; check with his bunkmates, was he set a watch, that kind of thing?”
Tension grew as he awaited the results of the search

SNOWBLIND 1
It was the 15th of October, a Saturday according to Ambrose Kinney. Dr Edge as the only man of medicine left alive reviewed the facts so far.
Of the combined 187 members of the Basilisk crew and the Grytviken whalers only 47 were no longer frozen corpses. Until around 3 weeks ago, the end of September life on the station had settled into a pattern as the ship’s crew and station workforce pulled together to combat the extraordinary early and severe winter ice. Then, the first peculiar deaths had occurred. Fatalities, he was assured by the station manager were not as frequent as Edge would imagine, much so like life on board the Basilisk where regular but minor injuries and illnesses kept him relatively busy, indeed were it not for such regular visitors to his surgery he would have had little to occupy his mind.
When experienced station crew and seamen of note, seven in total, were apparently discovered found in a state of death having suffered horrific but unexplainable injuries ill rumours began to circulate amongst the baser contingent that ‘bad luck and an ill wind’ had come ashore he’d scoffed as much as any good Christian would . . . now he wasn’t so sure.
The cholera, or at least that’s all he could reason it to be from the symptoms and his experience in the Raj, was unfathomable. He’d questioned the water supply for the station, the lakes feeding the station had been inspected. They were amongst the cleanest and most refreshing waters he’d had the fortune to quench his thirst upon. The food on the station was first class albeit of a limited diet but there was nothing to give rise to the mass outbreak of severe vomiting and diarrhoea.
He had, in the early days of the outbreak undertaken a rudimentary autopsy along with the stations doctor of several of the victims but the expected swelling and discolouration of the small intestine was absent and treating the sufferers for severe dehydration had absolutely not beneficial effect. He, like his Grytviken counterpart were baffled to say the least.
Finally, after a strict regime of isolation, controlled food preparation, boiling of all drinking water the outbreak appeared to have passed but not before it had decimated the stations occupants until on 47 survived.
Sunday 16th October
And now some new horror had occurred.
Dr Edge had been woken in the early hours of the morning at the request of Sverre Ingebretsen, the stations remaining foreman, and the Basilisk’s defacto commander, Tom Boswell, to inspect the latest carnage.
It was appalling by anybody’s consideration of all that was evil.
The poor corpses of the recently expired, unable to be buried in the consecrated but frozen ground of the cemetery, had been laid to rest in the chapel, simply wrapped in sailcloth to maintain their dignity. Somebody, or something, as the opinion was, had entered the chapel during the night and casually ripped open many of the shrouded bodies, carving crude grotesque images into their lifeless chests and abdomen. A few, thankfully not many, had had their hearts torn from their chest cavity, the removed visceral adorning the chapels walls with similar crude images.
Edge, white faced and shaking upon the devastation discovered, knew not what evil could have driven men – surely not a single man to have done this in a single night – to do such a thing but clearly it was imperative that they find those responsible before such madness filled the hearts of all those poor souls who remained trapped until the spring thaw.
What to do however to discover such evil was the question.
His senses reeling at the barbarism inflicted on the sad remains, Edge struggled to remain rational however the experience of surgery tents from past battle field carnage was enough to quell his mind. Not so Boswell & Ingebretsen. Neither have seen human death this close on this scale before. Both looking a little green around the edges. Boswell has to retreat outside to get fresh air, but he cannot contain the contents of his stomach. Ingebretsen handles it a little better. Blood & mutilation are nothing new, he works on a whaling station after all, he’s just not seen it with humans before.
Whoever had tipped over the edge into insanity – he discounted out of hand the common sailors’ phantasms about creatures; after all, what creatures could live out here? – they had to be found. He ran through the weary days just passed, considering the appearance of his recent patients considering if any of those he’d seen were capable of such an atrocity. If only, he thought, there were texts here for further study of such phenonium.
Citing post-mortem requirements, he requested Ingebretsen and Boswell to have the chapel secured and the keys reserved to the three of them, unfortunately there is no door lock on the chapel but Ingebretsen promises to have the door made secure.
Edge keenly watches the both of them carefully to see if they show any signs of instability beyond the expected shock and upset of a dozen desecrated ex-comrades. Carefully they examine the chapels interior, looking to see if any footprints or traces remained as clues to the nocturnal visitors however there is nothing to see, the chapel itself is undamaged with nothing obvious missing and with no lock on the door there is no sign of a break in. Edge notes the alter as being simplistic at best, a crude wooden table with brass candlesticks etc. The alter has been pushed aside but then so have all the pews etc to make room for the dead laid out on the floor. The walls have been daubed with the same symbol but no sign of general vandalism.
“Tom, Sverre, we can’t let word of this get out. There would be panic among the men. Did anyone else see this – if so, please separate them from the others and gather them in your office?” His tone acknowledged the two men’s positions but leaned on the authority of the doctor in a sealed community faced with possible contagion.
Both shrug, by the time they’d been alerted and arrived at the chapel, there was a crowd at the door peering in, maybe a dozen or so. By now there probably isn’t anybody on the station who doesn’t know something terrible has happened at the chapel. The crowd at the door grew, even after the door was closed so Edge reluctantly realises it’s a bit horses & stable doors.
Before departing the chapel Edge made notes and sketches concerning the carved symbol and any variations in how it was depicted as well as blood patterns and so on, and the placement on the bodies.
Requesting the two to gather any others already in the know, Edge asked for complete secrecy under a cover story of a possible worse diagnosis of the killer bug, which, he told those gathered, would require everyone to be tested. With this agreed he began organizing a harmless fake swab test under cover of which would allow him to see each man and attempt to gauge their sanity.
When the three leave the chapel there are many numerous questions about what’s happened in side with graphic references to the post deceased mutilations. Both Tom & Ingebretsen are happy to let Edge say something to those gathered. Boswell suggests they get everybody into one of the buildings so Edge can address them. (Ingebretsen offers to translate as most of the foreigners speak little if any English)
Once everyone was gathered in the echoing, draughty shed, Edge climbed to his feet and cleared his throat. “Thank you for coming, men,” he said briskly. “As you know, we’ve had a very unpleasant incident in the last 24 hours. That is now under control and I advise against futile speculation. However, as your doctor, my main concern is with being absolutely sure we have completely eradicated the recent illness. I will need to see each man for a follow-up test, your officers will advise your appointments. If you have any questions you can ask them when you come to see me.”
There are few raised voices, even a little push/pull in isolated conversations but Boswell & Ingebretsen quickly bring matters to order. Questions obviously are raised from around the room about the Chapel events. Boswell and Ingebretsen intercede saying it is under investigation, but idle gossip will not be tolerated.
Edge glumly realises this isn’t going to be easy. Both publicly thank you for your prompt expertise and advise they will arrange for the men to attend the infirmary through the day, and tomorrow if not completed today, for ‘testing’
Back in the infirmary’s surgery, his now as the only doctor, he put together the props he’d need for the spurious “test”. He hesitated for a long moment; and then he opened a drawer, removed his oilcloth-wrapped service revolver, broke it and dropped five cartridges in and tucked it away under the layers of clothing they all wore in this frozen hell.
Sat in the surgery Edge waited for his first patient mulling on the ‘test’ He’d decided on basic alkalinity test on saliva.He’d simply use a cotton swab, dipped in some harmless fluid and which he’d then brush across the patients tongue which he’d then dropped into a test tube containing a different chemical that would result in a colour change. At that point he’d look reassured, make a note and tell them they’re ‘clear’. Anybody with a normal saliva ph would see the colour change. Edge hoped his schoolboy chemistry would be enough to pull the wool over the chaps’ eyes.
The main reason, thought Edge, for the subterfuge was to allow him a few quite moments with each man to discuss the events in the chapel; to tell them it was a terribly sad tragedy but after the events of recent days it had clearly pushed someone over the edge, but once things are tidied up we’ll be sure to get him the help he requires. Edge would then watch each man carefully for signs, both the obvious cliché guilty stuff and just plain changed from how they were before.
Before anybody arrived Edge took the time to familiarise himself with the infirmaries facilities The fire was lit and the windows shutters were opened allowing the chill outside air to freshen the place up a bit. By early afternoon Israel Wicks, the Basilisk’s assistant cook and steward, had arrived, detailed by Boswell to be Edge’s assistant ‘nurse’ as Edge was now the sole medical person still alive on the station. Edge knows him obviously from time aboard the Basilisk and he does have some basic first aid skills (as the Basilisk steward he knows the difference between a knife & fork!)
Wicks is actually quite happy to assist Edge as idle hands for the ship’s crew is a bit of a problem although the majority have been drafted into service on the station to keep basic amenities functioning. He’s generally a cheerful chap & keen to assist/learn. He even speaks a smattering of Russian & German which is a bonus when talking to the Scandinavian contingent that speak little or no English for when Ingebretsen isn’t available. Despite everything, Ingebretsen is still trying to keep the winter working schedule moving, there’s maintenance to be carried out etc even if meat processing etc is shut down.
During the afternoon Edge had received word Ingebretsen that the chapel had been made as secure as it could be (padlock/chain plus nailed on planks over windows etc) and a crew of four of his best men would perform regular patrols through the night of the station in particular around the chapel, accommodation and infirmary on top of the regular night watch arrangements.
Before going for food Edge pondered on the interviews so far. Language is clearly a problem with many (although his one to one discussions with the station team was his improving ‘pigeon Scandinavian’) In addition, some are clearly untrusting of non-Scandinavians and have to be prodded by Ingebretsen to open their mouths (kids in front of the headmaster) Many of the ship’s crew and station chaps, Edge knows, are wary of telling a doctor/employer that they are scared, anxious etc. It would be tantamount to admitting you weren’t a real man and couldn’t do your job so the interviews are hard work. Edge’s technique improves as the day goes on but he knows he’s a long way from being a proficient psychologist
By the time Edge turned the lights off in the surgery he’s convinced that none of them are any madder than you’d expect from somebody working at Grytviken or on the Basilisk, i.e. long-term remote isolation etc and none of them know anything about the Chapel mutilations other than the gossip you’d expect under the circumstances. Despite the late start things had gone reasonably well. Over the afternoon Edge had seen 36 of those on station. He’s carried out his fake test. The few remaining will report to the infirmary in the morning to wrap things up.
By 8.45 Wicks advises he’s knackard & hungry (cheerfully of course) Edge too feels like he needs hot food. Edge notes that with so few personnel now on station there’s less reliance on shift pattern eating so he decides to join the communal meal rather than have Wicks bring food to the infirmary. After so many hours on the project Edge felt the need to get out of the surgery, and the impression of the doctor as some kind of company interrogator was not one to let linger. In the mess hall Edge made a point of speaking to everyone who he came into contact with. He also made sure to cheerfully comment on how healthy everyone seemed to be and how it looked as if they’d escaped a mutant virus after all.
Internally, however, he was fighting despondency. He’d not really expected to find someone with his pants on his head and pencils up his nose; but short of catching someone in the act, he wasn’t sure where to look next. He kept his dark thoughts to himself but one positive thing that crossed his mind was that both Boswell & Ingebretsen, despite the formers weak stomach, both seemed well balanced chaps.
During the evening Edge quizzed a number of people about the station’s communication arrangements. He wasn’t surprised that what they had barely accommodated ship to shore speech over only a mile or so. On the plus sign there was a gramophone in the dining room but mostly the shellac discs were to scratched to be entertaining.
Whilst he was thinking about technology, Edge considered asking Montague Obannon, the Basilisk’s fourth officer, to take some photographs of the chapel’s contents (Monty was a keen amateur and the ships unofficial photographer, he even had one of the new-fangled Leica 1’s) however on balance he decided his notes and sketches were sufficient for the moment.
Feeling somewhat exhausted Edge finished of a generous helping of spotted dick and retried to his quarters.