Completed Let's Play: The Blackwell PENTALOGY!

[PlanHex]

bump

 

[LusciousPear]

Bump or the Geth win.

 

[Darth Roxor]

The Park Gallery calls for a visit:

Spoiler

No one here but Josie.

Hi Josie.

Rosangela! Gosh, what a horrible night!

Are you okay?

I'm fine. Poor Claude, I had no idea what the show was doing to him.

What do you mean?

Well, he killed himself, didn't he? Oh, he grumbled a lot, but I thought deep down he liked the attention. Still, at least his work shall live on.

You're keeping the gallery open?

Of course. Everything here is completely sold out.

Really?

That painting behind you? Yesterday I couldn't give it away. Today, I'm offered five thousand for it.

That's... horrible.

That's business, I'm afraid. I feel bad for Claude, but... Well, I have debts. I have investors to pay back.

And who are the investors? Yup, the Meltzers.

Lucky for you he died.

That's not fair. I've known Claude for years. I liked him a lot. He never felt his work would be seen by anybody, and now people believe his work has value. That's something, isn't it?

If you think so. What will you do with the money?

Well, a percentage of it will go to my investors. As for the rest? I don't know. I could sponsor another artist, like Claude, or I can give it to charity. I need to think about it.

Can I ask you some more questions?

I don't think so, Rosangela. I'm meeting with the buyers today, and I have to get everything ready.

Goodbye, Josie. Good luck with, well, everything *sound of giant metal door lowering on hydraulics*

Sure, bye.

The Meltzers have some questions to answer.

Hi, me again.

Go right in.

I heard you were at the gallery last night.

Yes.

And you... saw what happened?

Yes.

Wow. Just wow. What would possess a guy to do a thing like that, huh?

I... don't know.

Well, enough doom and gloom. What can I help you with?

It looks like the Park Gallery is going to be successful now.

Yes. Josie certainly has had her work cut out for her.

So do you. Her profits are your profits.

Yes, there is that.

And all it cost was one man's death.

Now that's unfair. What do you expect us to do? Give back the money? We're a private foundation, money has to come in in order for money to go out.

Someone died. Doesn't that bother you?

Sure it bothers me. Death is a horrible thing. But I don't see what it has to do with us.

Why weren't you at the opening last night?

Oh, we would just be in the way, you know? Art's not really our thing, but Josie knows what she's doing.

Monique told me that you invested in Cubestar Films.

Monique? Oh, yes, she's the executive producer, isn't she? She's doing a great job, that place is earning money hand-over-fist.

Have you ever heard of a reporter named Joseph Mitchell?

Hm, that name sounds familiar.

He was a reporter for The New Yorker magazine.

Hey, that's it! Charlie used to work there! Hey Charlie, did you know Joseph Mitchell?

Everyone knew him, Paul. He was a living legend.

A living legend, how about that.

Interesting.

Cubestar Films became successful after Frank Lyons died.

Did they? Yes, I suppose they did.

That benefits you too, doesn't it?

Oh, I see where this is going.

Two men dead? That doesn't sound fishy to you?

Should it? What kind of men do you take us for? I have sympathy for that artist, but he was obviously unstable. And as for Frank Lyons, he died of natural causes. You'll need more evidence than that if you want to convince me of anything.

Two people have died.

Yes, so you said.

Doesn't that bother you?

Neither of those men have anything to do with us. If you're looking for a conspiracy, you're looking in the wrong place.

Well, thanks for talking to me, I might be back later.

Sure thing, drop on by anytime.

Maybe something new happened at the lighthouse?

Well, what do you know. Some old guy.

He's drinking from a coffee mug. It's got something written on it, but I can't see it from here.

The old timer doesn't like us looking at his mug, so we have to use ghost recon.

That mug has a company logo on it. It says... 'Gold Tech'? No idea what that is.

Sounds jewish.

Updated my journal.

Let's interrogate the chap.

Hi.

Rotten day to be out, huh?

I've seen worse.

What brings you out here?

None of your business.

Pretty cool lighthouse, huh?

Smoooooooth.

If you say so.

Could I ask you a couple of questions?

And who are you, may I ask?

Rosangela Blackwell, nice to meet you.

Why do you want to talk to me?

I'm curious about that lighthouse.

What makes you think I know anything?

I'm wondering if anything unusual happened here.

Unusual like what?

Just anything... unusual.

Smoooooooooth.

I've nothing to say to you.

Well, see you around.

Uh-huh.

This Gold Tech thingy calls for a search.

Updated my journal.

Another dead man. I bet he wasn't choked to death.

Mh hmm

Are you Marty Goldwater?

Yeah. Who are you?

Rosangela Blackwell.

What do you want?

Your son. I heard what happened.

You knew my boy?

No, but I'm looking into it.

You with the police?

No, but I'm sort of... freelance.

Well, you can't do any worse than those worthless cops have. So sure, ask me whatever you want.

How exactly was he killed? The newspaper didn't say.

His neck was crushed. They say he was choked, but there were no bruises on his neck. I've never heard of anything like it.

Surprise, surprise.

Crushed *looks at Joey*

Yeah.

Do you have any theories of your own?

Course I do. It was his rival company that did it, Lazarus Technology. They did it but I can't prove it.

Updated my journal. Why do you think this other company is involved?

Look, my boy was a genius. He ran a medical technology firm not far from here, as one of their chief researchers. He was making a device that could increase the efficiency of pacemakers. A real breakthrough, he said. But this another firm, Lazarus, was working on the same thing. It was a real race to see who'd finish it first. He didn't eat, he hardly slept, he poured his life into his work. Then one night, he called me to say that he had finished. He wanted to celebrate. That was the last time I talked to him.

He was killed that night?

Yes. And a few days later, the device was registered. By Lazarus. No justice, none at all.

So you think someone from Lazarus killed your son?

It's a pretty big coincidence, wouldn't you say? I've tried calling Lazarus, but they refuse to talk to me. They eventually put a restraining order on me. *sigh* At least John went to his grave believing he was a success, for all the good it does.

Have you ever heard of the Meltzer Foundation?

No, I haven't.

Have you ever heard of a man named Joe Gould?

You mean Professor Seagull?

You've heard of him?

Sure I did. Back in the days, you'd always see him wandering the west village. Must have been... oh, fifty years ago? I was a young man then, he called himself Professor Seagull. If you gave him a dollar, he'd recite poetry in seagull language.

For real?

Who knows? It was a laugh. New York was full of people like that in those days. Times sure have changed.

Do you have any more Joe Gould stories?

Why are you so interested in him?

I just am. Do you mind talking about him?

Oh, not at all. It's nice to remember those days. I can't think of anything else, though.

Well, see you around.

Uh-huh.

Lazarus Technology is our only lead right now.

For general information about Lazarus Technologies, press one. To inquire about our products, press two. To speak to an operator, press three.

Lazarus Technologies is the world's leader in biomedical and biomechanical engineering. We supply research and development to hospitals and clinics throughout the world. Lazarus Technologies is supported by a generous grant from the Meltzer Foundation

Well, what do you know. I bet nobody expected that foundation to pop up.

The rest is useless drivel, so we'll skip that.

I heard that your foundation gave money to Lazarus Technologies.

Oh, yes, that was one of our first success stories.

I learned something interesting about Lazarus Technologies. It rose to success on the shoulders of a murdered man.

That's a strong thing to say.

It's true. His company was an inch away from beating Lazarus, but then he was killed.

Even if this is true...

It IS true. You can look it up.

Even still, I don't see how this is our fault.

Let me break it down for you, Paul. Frank Lyons died, and Cubestar Films becomes successful overnight. Claude Urdin commits suicide, and now the Park Gallery is selling priceless works of art. John Goldwater dies, and Lazarus Technologies becomes rich and powerful. All of these companies are represented by you. Can't you see how this looks?

This is... a total coincidence, I'm sure of it.

Is it?

It is. And I'll tell you another thing. I don't like these accusations. I think you should leave.

I'm going to get to the bottom of this.

Maybe you will. But it has nothing to do with us. Now go, before I call the police.

Come on, let's blow and let him stew for a while.

Crazy with teeth. You gotta watch out for woman like that, Scooter.

Scooter? You haven't called me that since we were kids.

Really? Maybe I should start calling you that again.

Whatever.

Yeah, why not.

Stay put, kid. I'm gonna snoop around.

Hey, Scooter. How about a game of tennis after work today?

I don't think so, Paul. You think we should call the police on her?

Why'd you want to do that, Scooter?

In case she starts nosing around again.

If she noses around again, then we'll call the police. Not before.

I've done some research on that rabbi who came in last week.

How's he look, Scooter?

I think we'll have to politely decline.

Ah, too bad.

Gee, I wonder what rabbi are they talking about...

Anyway, we've heard enough.

As you may, or may not, remember, Charlie's email password was supposed to be his 'childhood nickname'. I guess we just learned what that is. I guess it's also safe to assume that his email account is just 'charlesm'

Ding! Achievement unlocked.

Charles sure is popular. I mean, his email is just flooded...

There's just a bunch of names in his inbox. Frank Lyons, Claude Urdin, John Goldwater... Joey, look at this, this is like a hit list of everyone who was killed by the Countess!

So Charlie was writing about each of the victims... I knew there was something fishy about that place. Come on, let's get back there and talk to him.

What on earth do we say?

Think of something, kid. Story is repeating itself and I don't...

A *ding!* came over from the computer.

What was that?

It looks like his inbox is being updated.

Uh... shit.

My name. That's my name

That son of a... Mess with us, will he?

He just marked me. I'm next.

Look, don't worry. She might not come right away. We have time to plan.

Or do we?

Cock.

And then comes the question: what happens next?

Answer: Cliffhanger feel free to hate me.

 

[Satori (original)]

Looking forward to it, mate!

 

[SerratedBiz]

Time to converge the shit out of that lady.

 

[Erebus]

And then comes the question: what happens next?

AAAAAAAH !!! RUN AWAY !!! PANIC !!! EVERY MEDIUM FOR HERSELF !!! AAAAAAAAH !!!

 

[Brother None]

OH GOD OH GOD PANIC BUTTON PANIC BUTTON

 

[taplonaplo]

Meh, this game is not EXTREME enough to kill you off, no cliffs here

 

[Schattenjäger]

Cool games. I wish there were more modern adventure games like these. Most modern developers are sticking to the new shit. New shit sucks.

Continue with LP kind sir. I am properly amused.

 

[Murk]

This is shaping up to me infinitely more entertaining than the first part of the trilogy. Carry on sir!

 

[Gondolin]

My crystal ball tells me there'll be some collar grabbing.

 

[ghostdog]

Ah... the ancient art of ... duchebaggery

I predict a ghost fight.

 

[Darth Roxor]

Truckload of plot exposition incoming.

Spoiler

You killed Claude. And the others.

I did not kill! I healed them!

Can it, we've heard this song before. Just back away. Real slow like.

I only want to help!

I think we've had about enough of your 'help', lady. Back off, kid, I'm ready this time.

I have to help her! Just let me help her!

Oh yeah? Help yourself to THIS

Joey attempted to throw a punch, but the countess had too high AC.

After which she made a successful grappling check.

High time to gtfo.

Let's ask Wyrmlord for help?

She's not in. Not that it matters, she wouldn't be able to protect me from a ghost anyway.

Elevator?

Come on, come on, come on. Stupid elevator, must be stuck a few floors down.

When in doubt - use the trash room.

Where is she? She isn't far, I can sense her.

Apparently the trash broke her GPS.

You think I'm telling you? Well, I know for sure that she's not through that door behind you.

Elevator still refuses to cooperate. Let's return to our flat and pray for a miracle?

Come on, Rosa. Auntie did it thirty years ago, so can you.

Suddenly, Auntie's photo starts twitching.

Auntie's picture is loose. *sigh* I wish you were here, Auntie. I really do.

INCOMING.

That's far enough, sister.

Joey, leave it.

Leave it? Like hell.

Joey tries another punch, but gets collargrabbed again.

Hey. Look at this!

:smugrosa: ?

Who...? That's... I wanted to help her...

And look where it got you. You think anyone appreciates your help?

No.

NO!!!

HOLYSHIT

NUCLEAR LAUNCH DETECTED

How did we end up here?

I have brought you here. You are safe now. I have saved you.

uuuhhh...?

Saved me? What do you mean 'saved me'? What did you do? Joey, did she kill me? Am I dead?

I... I don't know. Lady, I suggest you start talking.

There is nothing to say. You're safe now. Both of you.

My dear, you carry on so.

Und hallo thar, ghostly Shakespeare.

You...? It's you! I've been looking for you for so long! Why did you leave me?

My poor host. You cast me out, you broke our bond. It's too late to repair it.

What? No! Why would I do that?

Your mind is so broken that you do not remember? My, my. You're a mess. You don't even know your own name. 'Countess' indeed. Regardless, it is time for this to end.

End? Is there an end?

For you there can be. If you let me.

I trust you Madeline. I always will trust you.

Rosangela Blackwell, Joseph Mallone. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I'm sorry it had to be under such... unpleasant circumstances.

Unpleasant is right. Who are you?

My name is Madeline. And a long time ago, I was this poor soul's spirit guide. She corrupted our bond, and I'm afraid the damage to both of us was quite severe. Can you help us? Can you help us end this cycle of death?

Who are you?

As I said, my name is Madeline. And a long time ago, I was a spirit guide to the woman you know as the Countess. We were bonded, much like you and your guide are. But much has changed and time is short. Will you help us?

I know you.

I have been trying to reach you in your dreams. At long last I'm able to manifest myself here. But time is short, will you help us?

We've got some questions first.

Yes, I'm sure you do, but time is short. Will you help us?

Help me Rosangela Blackwell. You're my only hope.

Yes, I'll help you. I don't have much choice. She's killed me.

Kill you? No, she's left you quite unharmed. But regardless, there's no time to waste. Come with me. Now, just relax.

Halp, pedoghost.

All right, you. Talk, where are they?

The pattern! They're going to fix the pattern!

Talk sense, will ya?

The source! Cut off the source and the pattern will revert!

Why do I bother? Great. Trapped on another plane of existence with the Countess of Crazyville. They better know what they're doing.

What. The. Fuck.

Hey, what happened? How did you do that?

This is where the link originates.

Link?

The bond between your Countess and her hosts. Part of her is trapped here. You must remove it.

Where are we?

You have been to this place before. You have brought many lost spirits through here.

Well, yes, but there never was a diner before.

I can understand your confusion, but it's not a real diner. It is... metaphorical. As you know, there's a bond between the Countess and her current host. And the bond is represented by this diner. You will find out more inside.

Why is it represented by a diner?

The Countess used to spend lots of time in places like this. You will find out more inside.

This bond. How do I break it?

Part of the Countess is trapped inside. You must find it and remove it.

How did the Countess break the bond between you?

She did not break the bond, but moved it. To be rid of me, she had to form a bond with someone living. Someone who could, in essence, become her guide. How she acquired the knowledge, I do not know. I only know it was accomplished.

Who did she pass it to?

Joe Gould. It was an easy task since his mind was already broken. Upon Gould's death it was passed to Joseph Mitchell.

And now Charlie Meltzer.

Yes. It must be broken if this is to end.

How did the Countess get so...

Insane?

Yes.

Like you, her mind is a door to another plane of existence. By corrupting our bond, she opened that door so wide that it flooded her mind with unfathomable knowledge. She essentialy has the universe inside her head, and no human can contain that. It broke her. She sees everything but understands nothing. If she didn't banish me to this place between worlds, I might feel more pity than I do.

Did you know her when she was alive?

What kind of a stupid question is this?

Of course, we spent almost thirty years together.

What was she like?

Different. Happier. She loved helping those in need. But it no longer matters. She is the one who needs help now.

Thanks Madeline, I'm going to see what I can do.

I will be waiting right here.

Let's enter this Diner of Doom then.

What.

The hell.

Ahem. I believe we've got company.

Ahh! Miss, could you perhaps spare a few dollars for the Joe Gould Fund?

Well, hello there, nutjob hobo version of Karl Marx.

*sigh*

That's Joe Gould. I recognize him from the portrait in the Minetta.

He's on the elderly side, but his eyes look sharp and alert.

Hello.

Hello! The name is Joseph Ferdinand Gould! I am graduate of Harvard, magna cum difficultate, and chairman of the board of Weal and Woe, Incorporated. In exchange for a drink, I'll recite a poem, deliver a lecture, argue a point or take off my shoes and imitate a sea gull. I prefer gin, but beer will do.

I've been hearing lot about you lately.

My reputation procedes me!

I saw your portrait in the Minetta.

The Minetta! Yes, I'm quite famous there, you know.

THE MINETTA. I'M FAMOUS THERE.

But how Joe Gould got into the ghost of Frank Lyons remains a mystery.

I gathered.

It's all thanks to Mitchell of course. The Joe Gould fund filled its coffers nicely when he wrote his article.

What are you doing here?

I don't quite know myself! We've all got to be someplace. As I understand it, I was mentally linked to my old friend, The Countess. I wish I'd known! It explains everything that my work was trying to prove!

Your work?

I have had many callings! I studied the seagulls of the world and learned their language. I spend months measuring the heads of one thousand Chippewaw Indians. But before I died, I was putting to paper the most important literary work known to man - The Oral History of our Time! It was a compilation of all conversations of the city - overheard in bars, subways, street corners and diners. Put together and studied properly, it would revolutionize everything.

How would it have revolutionized everything?

We are all connected. Every single one of us. But HOW? Think of the ramifications if we found out!

It sounds quite like an undertaking.

It was my life's work.

How did you know the Countess?

We met in a diner like this one. We'd often spend a week or two walking along the docks to discuss seagulls. She had many interesting theories on seagull linguistics. Then one day she disappeared, but a link had already formed between us. It's everything my Oral History was trying to prove - that we're all linked.

Joe Gould reminds me of Andhaira.

The Countess is killing people.

Murder? No, no, I refuse to believe THAT! She couldn't hurt a fly.

Why is she called the Countess?

That's what she chooses to call herself. Far be it from me to tell her otherwise.

The name doesn't seem strange to you?

When you lived a life like mine, you take people at face value. Who cares about names? I once knew another fellow without a name. Called himself the Deacon.

Familiar name, isn't it?

And as for why is she called 'Countess' - I don't remember it being explained in-game, but my guess would be that since she was looking for Madeline all the time and she was the only thing she remembered that was somehow connected to her past life, she took the name for hers (after all, Madeline does look like some sort of a noble, perhaps a countess).

The Deacon? You know the Deacon?

Oh yes, he was this gloomy career drunk. One summer night, while sitting at the doorway on the Bowery, he caught the scent of sulphur. He looked up and saw the devil himself standing over him. Since that night he believed he lost his soul. Not the most charitable drinking companion, if I may say so.

No, no. He wouldn't be.

You knew him?

Sort of.

Fancy that!

What's your connection to Joseph Mitchell?

Ah, Mitchell! My benefactor. He made me quite famous, you know? But my goodwill only extends so far.

Why's that?

A cigarette. He has them. He won't give me one. It's demeaning to have to beg for one measly cigarette.

I'd like to read the Oral History.

And I'd like you to! But I'm afraid it belongs to the ages now.

There's also the problem of it never existing in the first place.

Of course it existed! Only not on paper. It was over three million words. Three times the size of the Holy Bible. The work transcended mere parchment and ink!

What about those essays you published in The Dial?

A passing fancy, nothing more.

You wrote essays?

For the now defunct Dial magazine. I still have the originals - do you want to see?

I'd like to see that essay.

Here you go!

Just as well. I don't have the time to read all of this stuff.

Here you go.

Always glad to share.

About time to stop this silly conversation. Moving on to Mitchell.

Hello, you're Joseph Mitchell, aren't you?

I believe you have the better of me, miss...?

Blackwell. Rosangela Blackwell.

Blackwell? Hm, I might have known.

You met my auntie.

Your auntie. Yes, I do see a slight resemblance. I did warn her to leave well enough alone, but she was determined. Let's hope that you can do some good here.

What are you doing here?

We are echoes. Leftovers if you will.

Echoes in the force?

We were linked to the Countess when we were alive. When we died, part of ourselves got trapped here.

So you're not a ghost?

Not fully. I'm not sure what I am. I remember living, I remember dying. But I don't feel like Joseph Mitchell. All I know is that when I thought of death, an eternity with Joe Gould was the last thing on my mind.

What is your connection to the Countess?

I don't know. I never met the woman. Joe Gould was the one who knew her. He had a special bond with her, apparently. But somehow, he passed it onto me when he died. Next thing I knew, I was murdering people by writing about them. There was no choice. I had to stop writing.

I studied some of your work in journalism school.

Now that's just foolish. I was a relic, even before I died. The city that I wrote about has long since evolved and changed into something completely different. But that's New York City, isn't it? It wouldn't be New York if it stayed the same year-to-year.

I'm sorry you had to stop writing.

So am I. But what else could I do? Let innocent people die? No, I don't regret the choice I made. Not for one moment.

Did you know Charles Meltzer?

Yes, I did. He worked at the New Yorker, back in the 70s. He would come into my office and ask about the old days, and I was happy to tell him. I knew he would never cut it as a reporter, but he had a very keen analytical mind. I almost forgot all about him, but it appears a link formed between us nonetheless. When I died, my connection to the Countess passed onto him.

Charles Meltzer is using the Countess to kill people.

By accident?

No, on purpose. He sent her after me.

Now that's a shame. I'm aware that, through my actions, I've killed a few people. I could forgive myself for it, since I was unaware what I was doing. But many times I thought to myself, I have a weapon. It's untraceable. Nobody knows about it. I can use it. But I did not. I was tempted but I did not. Not even once. You have to stop Charles, break the link, destroy this place. No more innocents should have to die.

How do I break this link?

I wish I knew. I'm afraid all this is a bit beyond me.

Why did you write about Joe Gould?

He's a fascinating man. Intolerable company, but fascinating. He exemplified everything about New York at the time. Its artistic expressions, it's (sic) frustrations, it's (sic) joy and heartbreak.

It's frustrations and it's joys, eh? Shame on you, Dave Gilbert.

His Oral History - or the idea of it - energized the work of dozens of writers and intellectuals. But the more I got to know him, the less I wanted to be around him.

Did you ever read The Oral History?

That? It never existed. Or if it did, Mr Gould never shared it with anyone, which amounts to the same thing.

You know why I never wrote it down! People would have died!

You didn't stop telling people you were writing it, didn't you?

What could I tell them? The truth?

They would have chucked me in a loony bin!

Well... orly now?

Why don't you give him a cigarette?

When you give that man a cigarette or drink, he likes to talk. And the only subject Joe Gould likes to talk about - at length - is Joe Gould. And the only person for him to talk to is me. So, I do not give him a cigarette.

Would you give him a cigarette if I spoke to him for you?

I might, I might. If you can get him away from me, I might. But we can't leave this diner, and the door to the kitchen is locked.

Can't you just float through the wall?

Believe me, I've tried that. It doesn't work, not here.

Thanks for talking, mr Mitchell. I'll see what I can do.

Thank you, Miss Blackwell.

Looks like the door to the kitchen.

Locked.

RIGHT, enough of all this friggin typing for now. Next time we'll invade the kitchen, make the diner asplode and free the trapped spirits inside, so stay tuned.

 

[tarkin]

This guy looks like a medusa and he wants to turn you into stone.*

More!


*Why yes i did see Percy Jackson and the Olympians recently. Thank you for asking.

 

[Brother None]

Wait what? I get that Joey can't move away from her, but she can't actually move away from Joey?

Upteenth ain't a word, game, I think you mean umpteenth

PS: awesome, moar

 

[ghostdog]

Ah, and so we've reached the The Restaurant at the End of the Universe... Good, the story is becoming more interesting, I wasn't very fond of those episodic tales.

 

[Darth Roxor]

Ah, and so we've reached the The Restaurant at the End of the Universe...

Or the Cafe of Broken Dreams

 

[Erebus]

Very cool update ! The previous two games were nice, but I'm liking this one better.

I do wish that we received a bit more answers, however. What would happen if Rosa were to move away too far from Joey ? Would that break their link ? Would she be simply unable to ? Something else ?

 

[KickAss]

excellent LP!

 

[taplonaplo]

this is gettin srsly fuck up... me likes, MOAR

 

[JarlFrank]

Bumping this shit for great justice

 

[JarlFrank]

Are you there yet, page 11?

 

[JarlFrank]

MOAR

 

[JarlFrank]

O hai, are you page 11?

 

[JarlFrank]

Are you page 11 NOW?