Anton Gulley's Home Investigation - Wed, Nov 21, 2018

Session opening and immediate situation (recap from the Handler)

• The Handler recaps the prior session’s events: the team debated what to do with Deputy Freddie Sutton after he texted his boss, effectively “signing his own death warrant.”

• Matthew McCarter went topside, recognized a familiar, compelling scent on Sutton’s skin (described as “rich gravy”), and armed himself with a gutting knife as a contingency.

• Sutton begged for his life and offered information:

  • He claimed Lieutenant John Marlin had been building dossiers on the agents and “knew names.”
  • Sutton specifically said Marlin was afraid of Franklin “Frank” Booth.

• Frank chose a “cleaner” method than a knife:

  • Frank handed McCarter a rope.
  • Sutton was killed and disposed of at sea; his phone, gun, and badge were also dumped.

• The recap continues into Monday morning consequences:

  • The sheriff’s department delivered a sealed envelope and a burner phone (with a single programmed number) to the agents’ hotel, signaling: “We can find you.”

  • Frank called the programmed number; Lieutenant John Marlin answered.

  • Marlin wanted to meet and negotiate; Frank refused any compromise and issued terms:

    • Bring the items from Franklin Dyer’s basement, or face consequences.

  • Frank ended the call.

• The recap ends with the team currently in their SUV around 9:00 a.m., with the “game on” between Slug Squad and Masticate, and the Handler asks: What is the next move?

• The agents react to the recap and acknowledge that Sutton was killed while begging, with at least one agent noting that Sutton “was a piece of shit.”

Decision: pursue Anton Gulley and the “stuff” from Dyer’s basement

• The team states their next investigative target: drive north toward Thousand Oaks to look at Anton Gulley’s home.

  • They recall Sutton’s claims:

    • Gulley was the one who performed the injections.
    • Gulley was also supposed to “dispose of” the basement materials.

• The Handler provides location details:

  • Gulley lives in the Rancho Dos Vientos neighborhood (described as a suburban neighborhood within/near Thousand Oaks).
  • The house is mission-style.
  • A minivan is parked in the front driveway.
  • The home looks nice, but landscaping is overgrown.

• Family and background details are established:

  • Gulley has a wife: Rebecca Gulley.
  • Gulley has two children: Daniel Gulley and Madison Gulley.
  • The neighborhood appears “too nice” for a typical sheriff’s deputy’s income; the group speculates possible explanations.

• The team does a drive-by and begins assessing whether anyone is home:

  • They do not idle directly in front of the house for long; the observation is conducted via pass-by surveillance.

Initial surveillance observations and rolls

• The Handler calls for Alertness checks during the drive-by.

  • Frank Booth: success.
  • Matthew McCarter: critical success.

• Key observations from the drive-by:

  • All curtains/blinds are drawn on every visible front window.

  • The minivan has a thick layer of pollen suggesting it has not been driven for weeks or months.

    • The Handler clarifies it’s November, and the volume of pollen looks more like spring/early summer accumulation than typical winter pollen.

  • The driveway has space for a second vehicle, and there is a stain/mark indicating another car is normally parked there regularly (but is not present now).

  • The street is typical suburban: no alleys, houses on sizable lots, some distance between houses, but still close suburban spacing.

• Records/vehicle details:

  • From tax/record information, Gulley claimed two vehicles:

    • A minivan
    • A Honda Civic (approximately 4–5 years old)

• Security/camera check:

  • The team looks for obvious cameras.
  • The Handler notes a doorbell camera on the front door.
  • No obvious full-camera suite or clear security system signage is seen.

Tactical decision: avoid the front door and camera; plan for a break-in

• The team discusses options:

  • They consider checking at night for lights, but also recognize the doorbell camera would capture faces if they approach directly.
  • They reject ringing the doorbell due to the camera.
  • They discuss using a decoy or having someone else knock, but conclude it’s a school day and there are no children around.
  • The Handler establishes that there is some activity on the street (landscapers working in a couple yards), meaning people could notice suspicious activity.

• The team attempts online/social research:

  • Justin (their hacker) searches for Gulley or family social media presence.
  • Result: no online presence found for Gulley or family.

• The team decides to gather education-related intel:

  • Frank suggests hacking into the local school district directory to check enrollment for the children.

  • The Handler calls for a Computer Science check.

    • Justin rolls 08 (success).

  • Results from school district records:

    • No record of a “Daniel Gulley.”

    • Madison Gulley appears in records:

      • Enrolled about eight years ago in kindergarten.
      • Withdrawn before first grade began.
      • Withdrawal reason: homeschooling.

• The team discusses Gulley work schedules but confirms they never dug into it; they have no schedule intelligence.

• Surveillance plan:

  • Rather than sit all day, they decide to periodically drive by every 1–2 hours.

  • From roughly before lunch through the evening (sunset around 5:30 p.m.; checking through ~7:00 p.m.):

    • No lights inside or outside.
    • No movement or signs of occupancy.
    • The house remains the darkest on the street compared to neighbors.
    • No visible motion-sensor lights activate on approach.

• Decision point:

  • The team commits to breaking in late at night.

Night operation: return at ~1:00 a.m. and approach the rear

• Time: approximately 1:00 a.m.

• The agents return dressed for a covert entry (dark clothes).

• Frank asks Justin to check whether the house has power/internet signals before entry:

  • The Handler confirms:

    • A Wi-Fi signal exists inside the house (basic home router, nothing fancy).
    • Lines/cables from poles indicate the home is still hooked up.

• Justin attempts to see devices on the network:

  • The Handler makes (or calls for) a Computer Science check and succeeds.

  • Detected device:

    • A TiVo is connected and powered on.
    • No obvious computers or phones are detected as active on the network at that moment.

• The Handler calls for Stealth checks for the approach.

  • Multiple failures occur:

    • Frank Booth rolls a critical failure (double-zero/“00” is described by the players; the Handler treats it as the critical failure event).
    • The Handler states that effectively everyone failed stealth for this approach sequence.

• Fence/gate incident (rear entry setup):

  • There is a fenced backyard with a side gate; the gate has a lock.
  • Frank attempts to climb over to pick the lock from the inside.
  • Frank’s pants catch on the top of the fence; he flips/spins awkwardly and falls, taking 1 HP damage after landing hard on the sidewalk.
  • The fence rattles loudly.
  • Shortly after, a neighbor’s exterior light turns on, suggesting someone or something detected the noise/motion.

• Recovery and securing access:

  • Frank performs a Locksmith check to pick the gate padlock:

    • Frank rolls 03 (success).

  • He opens the gate quietly, lets the team through, and closes it again.

  • After a couple minutes, the neighbor’s light turns off.

Garage entry and interior access

• The team circles to the back and identifies a door into the garage with a sturdier lock.

• Justin performs a Locksmith check:

  • The lock is a standard older residential-style lock he’s practiced on.
  • He opens it successfully and enters.

• Garage contents and observations:

  • One half of the garage is clear enough for a car.

  • A Honda Civic is parked inside, very dusty, suggesting long inactivity.

  • The garage is cluttered with typical stored household items:

    • Old kids’ toys
    • Boxes
    • General “storage overflow” items

• The team sets Jay as an external lookout:

  • Jay remains in the vehicle near a slightly more trafficked street where he can see incoming cars and call if police appear.
  • The team discusses keeping phones loud vs. Faraday-bagging phones; they acknowledge the tension between receiving Jay’s warning calls and avoiding tracking.

• Justin picks the sturdier lock from the garage into the house:

  • After a few minutes, he opens it and the team enters the house through the kitchen.

Interior conditions: darkness, filth, and the “basement smell”

• Lighting:

  • The house is very dark inside.

• Smell:

  • The garage smelled musty, but entering the kitchen reveals a stronger, distinct odor:

    • Death/decay
    • Feces
    • Cinnamon
    • Peroxide/chemical cleaner

  • The Handler states this smell is very similar to Franklin Dyer’s basement, but more overwhelming.

• Philomena Drummond’s altered perception:

  • The Handler clarifies that Philomena’s senses are affected:

    • She can detect the underlying rotting aspect.
    • She does not perceive the feces/cinnamon/chemical blend the same way.
    • Instead, parts of it read to her as something like a tasty, meaty stew (while still recognizing something is wrong due to the rot beneath).

• McCarter’s compulsion:

  • Matthew McCarter feels a strong impulse to rush into the house and find the smell’s source.
  • The Handler offers that resisting would cost Willpower.
  • McCarter chooses not to resist and moves deeper into the house.

Searching the house: immediate evidence of abandonment and disturbed living

• The kitchen contains visible sources of rot and filth:

  • Multiple open cans of food (condensed soup, canned vegetables), partially eaten, left out on the counters.
  • Some cans are tipped over; contents spilled and dried.
  • A single spoon lies on the kitchen floor.
  • Can lids are scattered.
  • The floor is filthy with dried food spatters (examples mentioned: green beans scattered around, creamed corn).

• Footprint/track evidence:

  • The team looks for prints.
  • The Handler notes shoe/boot prints tracked through the dirt/filth, though not sharply defined.

• The Handler calls for Search checks from everyone.

  • Philomena: success.
  • Frank Booth: failure (Brian reports rolling 70).
  • Other results are referenced as “succeeding” overall by the table, but the transcript only explicitly confirms Philomena’s success and Frank’s failure.

• Front foyer evidence:

  • The foyer is littered with shredded Amazon boxes, all addressed to this house.
  • Packaging appears torn open near the door and discarded.
  • The team finds printouts/inserts indicating shipped contents.

Recovered purchase evidence: laboratory setup and containment

• From shipping materials and packaging evidence, the team identifies supplies ordered over the last year:

  • Chemistry equipment
  • Medical supplies
  • Extra-large dog kennels
  • Hazardous laboratory substances from supply companies

• The team asks about delivery recency:

  • The Handler states there were no very recent “yesterday/last week” style deliveries, but:

    • There were deliveries of laboratory materials including mercury approximately a couple of weeks ago.
    • There was an order from a veterinary supply source including large syringes for veterinary work (a couple of bags of syringes are mentioned).

Household details: family isolation and religious fixation

• Photographs:

  • A smattering of family photos appear around the house, but only of the immediate family.
  • The team recognizes Anton Gulley from prior systems; some photos show him younger.
  • Photos include Gulley’s wife (assumed Rebecca) and their children at younger ages.
  • No photos of friends, extended family, or social groups are noted.

• Religious indicators:

  • The house contains many crucifixes.
  • Several cross-stitched Bible verses hang throughout.

• Homeschool materials:

  • In a corner of the dining room table: faded homeschool worksheets.
  • Dates on the worksheets are handwritten in a child’s hand.
  • These worksheets appear to be from over a year ago.

Discovery of a secured interior door leading to a basement

• The team finds a door in the back of the house secured with a very heavy padlock.

  • The padlock is described as heavy-duty and meant for high security.

• Justin attempts the lock:

  • The Handler emphasizes it’s more difficult than earlier locks.
  • Justin takes time and succeeds in opening it, removing the large padlock and opening the latch.

• The door appears to lead to a basement.

• The team prepares for descent:

  • Flashlights are out.
  • Frank takes point; Justin is positioned at the door.

Basement booby trap: flashbang and ignited fuel on stairs

• The Handler calls for Alertness checks for Frank and Justin as they begin opening the basement door:

  • Frank Booth: critical failure (Brian rolls 99).
  • Justin: failure (Luke states both failed).

• As the door opens about halfway:

  • There is a tug/ping, then a bright flash and shockwave as a flashbang detonates.
  • The flashbang is described as mounted near the door (not thrown by a person in the moment).

• Flashbang effect resolution:

  • The Handler states there is no avoidance roll for proximity, but calls for a CON×5 check to determine how long the agents are stunned.
  • Frank Booth: failure on CON×5 (Brian rolls 68).
  • Justin: critical success on CON×5.

• Immediate environment after detonation:

  • A flaming patch of liquid, described like flaming jelly, is already poured down the top of the stairs and flowing downward.
  • The smell of gasoline becomes clear.
  • The first several stairs (approximately the first 4–5) are coated in burning fuel.
  • The Handler notes the fire is spreading and would make the stairwell behind them increasingly dangerous.

• The team checks for sounds from below:

  • No barking, shouting, or voices are heard.
  • Only the crackling fire is audible.

Attempts to control fire and prevent exposure

• Frank’s condition:

  • Frank is described as collapsed/dazed near the top of the stairs due to the flashbang effects and failed alertness.
  • Someone drags Frank away from the immediate heat.

• Fire extinguisher attempt:

  • McCarter remembers seeing a fire extinguisher mounted in the garage (prompted by his earlier critical success during the flashbang sequence).

  • He runs to retrieve it and returns quickly.

  • The Handler asks for a Luck check to see if the extinguisher is maintained/charged:

    • McCarter rolls 91 (failure).

  • Result:

    • The extinguisher gives an initial burst, then becomes a weak, low-pressure spray; the pressure dial is too low to be effective.

• Water idea is rejected:

  • Justin considers filling a container with water and throwing it, but makes an INT×5 check:

    • Justin rolls 19 (success).

  • He recalls water can spread chemical fuel and worsen a fuel/chemical fire; he does not proceed with water.

• Alarms and time pressure:

  • The team expects alarms might go off due to smoke, but the Handler confirms:

    • No alarms trigger.
    • The house’s lack of fire safety maintenance is implied by the continued silence.

  • The Handler notes the incident has been loud and time is critical; they assume neighbors may notice soon even if the exact source isn’t immediately obvious.

• Rug smothering attempt:

  • The team drags a large rug from the living room to try to smother the flames on the stairs.

  • A Luck check is rolled (by Justin):

    • Justin rolls 69 (success; table confirms it is a success).

  • Outcome despite the success:

    • The fire has already grown too large for the rug-smothering approach.
    • Flames are consuming the stairs and beginning to climb walls.
    • Nearby shelf materials near the stairwell begin burning as well.

  • The team still cannot safely access the basement via the stairs.

Alternative entry: basement window

• McCarter searches outside for another basement access point:

  • He finds a small basement window that could be used.
  • It appears large enough for him to fit through (described as “McCarter-shaped”).

• McCarter breaks the basement window and attempts entry:

  • The Handler calls for a DEX×5 check to avoid injury while climbing in:

    • McCarter rolls 92 (failure).

  • Result:

    • McCarter takes 2 HP damage from a missed shard of glass, slicing his arm.
    • He still gets through and lands inside the basement.

Basement scene: bodies, restraints, and the lab

• Sanity impact:

  • The Handler states McCarter is “adapted to violence,” and therefore loses 1 SAN from what he sees.

• What McCarter sees in the basement (as described):

  • Two children and one woman are in oversized dog kennels.

    • These bodies are extremely decayed and rotten; bone is visible.

  • A much fresher (but still bloated) woman’s body is present:

    • She is bound in a cruciform position on a rack (described as a crucifix-like/cruciform rack).
    • She is naked and dangling there.

  • A chemistry/laboratory setup:

    • A small lab bench with equipment.
    • McCarter identifies an oily residue of a yellowish-brown liquid in a beaker (very little left, mostly residue).

  • McCarter confirms none of the bodies are recognized as Anton Gulley.

• McCarter’s actions in the basement:

  • He throws the beaker (with residue) toward the burning area (effect not further detailed beyond throwing it).
  • He spots and pockets a small, tattered black journal on the lab bench.
  • He takes photos of the scene (prompted by teammates insisting he document it).
  • He decides not to search further due to the spreading fire and exits.
  • He throws his bloody glass shard(s) back into the basement area to be consumed by the fire, noting fire will destroy evidence.

Extraction and departure

• The rest of the team:

  • Positions to help pull McCarter out through the window and prepare to leave.
  • Notes that the fire has been burning for around 7–8 minutes by the time they’re fully extracting.

• Exterior visibility:

  • Smoke is now venting strongly through the broken basement window, forming a clear column.
  • Additional smoke begins leaking from other parts of the house.
  • The team believes it’s likely no one has called the fire department yet, but expects it soon (within minutes).

• The team flees to the vehicle:

  • Jay is in the driver’s seat (ready for a quick exit).
  • Jay notices the smell and asks if he’s smelling smoke.
  • Jay reports he did not hear the explosion from his distance and position.

Immediate post-op debrief at a late-night Denny’s

• The team drives to an out-of-the-way 24-hour Denny’s and sits in a booth.

• The team acknowledges they likely smell terrible (smoke/filth), but they proceed anyway.

• McCarter reports what he saw, in summary:

  • Corpses: tortured/experimented bodies.
  • A “substance” (residue), which he ensured was in the fire.
  • He initially claims “not much else.”
  • He does not mention the journal at first.

• The group reacts with suspicion:

  • They note McCarter hesitated before saying “nothing else.”
  • Jay directly addresses McCarter, stating they’re on the same side and prompting full disclosure.

• McCarter relents and produces the journal:

  • He hands it to Jay to hold.
  • Jay’s reaction turns worried upon hearing McCarter’s statement that he has “read books like that before.”

• Discussion establishes intent:

  • Frank wants the journal read because it may contain:

    • Dyer’s notes on what was happening.
    • The formula/process for the substance.
    • Potential clues about Gulley’s activities or location.

Attempt to read the journal and key revelations

• McCarter begins leafing through the handwritten journal while eating.

• The Handler calls for an Intelligence check to quickly get the gist:

  • McCarter rolls 96 (failure).

• McCarter’s injury becomes apparent:

  • His arm is still bleeding from the basement window cut.
  • Blood smears on the Denny’s table.

• Despite the failed “gist” roll, the Handler provides one clear discovery:

  • Early in the journal, it identifies itself as the journal of Franklin Dyer (the serial killer/subject tied to the earlier basement case).

• The team assesses value and implications:

  • They note this is more valuable than expected.
  • They ask if the journal includes later handwriting from Gulley.

• Journal timeline and authorship check:

  • The Handler states:

    • The latest entries line up with the death of the South Side Tiger.
    • The final entry date is around early January 2017.
    • The TNU executed the no-knock warrant and raided Dyer’s house on January 16, 2017.
    • There are no additional notes in a different handwriting; no Gulley entries are found.
    • Handwriting appears consistent throughout.

Photocopied clippings and language identification

• In the earlier half of the journal:

  • There are photocopied portions pasted in, clipped to certain passages.
  • The language appears to be German.
  • The clippings are printed text (not newsprint), suggesting a published source/book.
  • The clippings are partial page fragments, so the full source title is not visible.

• The team discusses translation options but does not execute a translation in-session.

Philomena’s occult recognition and “worms from beyond”

• Philomena attempts to recognize the German occult content:

  • The Handler allows an Occult check at –20 due to obscurity.
  • Philomena rolls 35 (success).

• Results of Philomena’s success:

  • While she cannot read German, one phrase stands out in the pasted clipping, underlined:

    • “Das jinsektige Gewürm”

  • Next to it is Dyer’s handwritten translation:

    • “The worms from beyond”

  • The Handler states:

    • The phrase is associated with an obscure Latin tome: Divermis Mysteris (described as Divermis Mysteris and the mysteries of the worms).

  • Philomena indicates familiarity with the tome’s reputation:

    • It is described as very rare; she has not physically seen a copy.
    • It is framed as a significant source of knowledge tied to alchemy (as characterized in the session dialogue).

• The session ends with the Handler framing this as a key “nugget of knowledge” and indicating the game will check back with the team later.

End of session state

• The team has:

  • Photographs from the basement scene.
  • Knowledge that Gulley is not among the bodies found.
  • Confirmation that Gulley’s home contained evidence of long-term procurement of lab/veterinary materials and containment equipment.
  • The recovered journal identified as Franklin Dyer’s, with entries ending around early January 2017 and containing German clippings tied to “worms from beyond.”

• The last in-game beat is the team sitting in Denny’s with escalating anxiety, holding the journal and confronting what it implies.