http://insylum.secretstories.org/feed/? Latest topics Wed, 22 Oct 2008 09:31:53 GMT 10 http://illiweb.com/fa/prosilver_grey/site_logo.gif http://insylum.secretstories.org/feed/? http://insylum.secretstories.org/-f-a-c-i-l-i-t-a-t-o-r-s--f7/doctor-brooke-t63.htm Doctor Brooke
This is Doctor Stefan Brooke. He is one of the head Facilitators at Carlsbad County Asylum. He will try to ensure your stay here is a pleasant one. If you have any questions feel free to knock on his door and see if he's available.]]> . . . f a c i l i t a t o r s . . . Wed, 22 Oct 2008 09:31:53 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-f-a-c-i-l-i-t-a-t-o-r-s--f7/doctor-brooke-t63.htm#68 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-f-a-c-i-l-i-t-a-t-o-r-s--f7/doctor-brooke-t63.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-love-test-t61.htm Admin "If it is true that you love," says Love, "then wait no longer. Give her these jewels which would dishonor her and so dishonor you in loving one dishonored. If it is true that you love," says Love, "then wait no longer." . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:11:57 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-love-test-t61.htm#65 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-love-test-t61.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-green-room-t60.htm Admin
"If to be fair is to be beautiful," he says, "who can compare with me in my white mask?"

"Who can compare with him in his white mask?" you ask of Death beside you.

"Who can compare with me?" says Death, "for I am paler still."

"You are very beautiful," sighs the Clown, turning his powdered face from the mirror.]]> . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:09:54 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-green-room-t60.htm#64 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-green-room-t60.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-jester-t59.htm Admin
"Stabbed," he titters; "think of the long journey, the days of peril, the dreadful nights! Think how he wandered, for her sake, year after year, through hostile lands, yearning for kith and kin, yearning for her!"

"Stabbed," he titters, listening to the bells jingling on his cap.]]> . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:08:00 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-jester-t59.htm#63 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-jester-t59.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-throng-t58.htm Admin There, where the throng was thickest in the street, you stand with Pierrot. All eyes are turned on you. "What are they laughing at?" you ask, but he grins, dusting the chalk from your black cloak. "I cannot see; it must be something droll, perhaps an honest thief!" All eyes are turned on you. "He has robbed you of your purse!" they laugh. "My purse!" you cry; "Pierrot -- help! it is a thief!" . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:07:01 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-throng-t58.htm#62 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-throng-t58.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-destiny-t57.htm Admin
"Pass!" cries the keeper, but you laugh, saying, "There is time;" and he smiles and shuts the gates.

To the bridge which few may pass came young and old. All were refused. Idly you stand and count them.]]> . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:04:58 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-destiny-t57.htm#61 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-destiny-t57.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-sacrifice-t56.htm Admin
Far afield a woman cries, "I have killed him I loved!" and from a jar she pours blood upon the flowers whose petals are whiter than snow and whose hearts are pure gold.]]> . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:03:18 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-sacrifice-t56.htm#60 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-sacrifice-t56.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-phantom-t55.htm Admin
"If it is true," she sighs, "that you find in me a friend, let us turn back together. You will forget, here, under the summer sky."

You hold her close, pleading, caressing: you seize her, white with anger, but she resists.

"If it is true," she sighs, "that you find in me a friend, let us turn back together."]]> . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:02:22 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-phantom-t55.htm#59 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-phantom-t55.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-studio-t54.htm Admin He smiles, saying: "Seek her throughout the world." Your voice asks "Why tell me of the world? My world is here, between these walls and the sheet of glass above; here among gilded flagons and dull jewelled arms, tarnished frames and canvasses, black chests and high backed chairs, quaintly carved and stained with blue and gold." "For whom do you wait?" he says, and you answer "When she comes I shall know her." On my hearth a tongue of flame ... . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:00:31 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-studio-t54.htm#58 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-studio-t54.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-organ-player-t53.htm Admin Your eyes turn toward the lower end of the church. The organist is coming from behind his pipes, and passes along the gallery on his way out. He disappears through a small door that leads to some stairs which descent directly to the street, a slender man, his face is as white as his coat is black. With a deep calm feeling of relief, you turn back to the mild face in the pulpit, and settle yourself to listen. "My children," says the preacher, "one truth the human soul ... . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:56:47 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-organ-player-t53.htm#57 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-organ-player-t53.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-cat-s-mistress-t52.htm Admin
When you have stood knocking for a long time, something moves behind the door; it opens and you step into darkness.]]> . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:52:16 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-cat-s-mistress-t52.htm#56 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-cat-s-mistress-t52.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-lonely-cell-t51.htm Admin
It is dark... a faint glow filters in through a window...

A bowl of half-finished food sits in a sliver of pale light...

An dull ache in your shoulder reminds you of a bullet wound...

How long has it been...?

Hours... days... weeks... months...?

The door is open a crack... you clamber to your feet...]]> . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:47:48 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-lonely-cell-t51.htm#55 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-lonely-cell-t51.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-final-destination-t50.htm Admin
The carriage is empty...

The doors slide open to let you out onto an empty platform...

Winding dimly lit passageway lead you to an empty foyer...

Large archways open up onto an empty street...

In an empty city, under an empty sky...]]> . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:46:55 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-final-destination-t50.htm#54 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-final-destination-t50.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-devil-s-deal-t49.htm Admin
The storm approaching, thunder rumbling...

The dark alley off the main street, dripping with rain...

The figure waiting in the shadows, phantom like...

An exchange of words, an invitation...

A walk through winding streets...

A darkened doorway...

A decent into hell...]]> . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:46:19 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-devil-s-deal-t49.htm#53 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-devil-s-deal-t49.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-unfortunate-accident-t48.htm Admin
Crowds scurrying along the pavement, dodging each other, weaving...

Music, discordiant, loud, laughter...

The lady in the passenger seat rests her hand on your arm...

It pulls back, cradling, a package in her lap...

Laughing, sunlight, innocence, happiness...

Wrenching the wheel sharply...]]> . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:45:19 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-unfortunate-accident-t48.htm#52 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-unfortunate-accident-t48.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-vantage-point-t47.htm Admin The voice stops... Hands clapsed snugly behind your back, you turn to face him... Beyond him the City spreads out like a cloak... From up here, in this tower, you can see for miles... Far away the river winds like a snake through the twinkling cityscape... He’s angry... what are you looking at...? "What are you looking at?" You wonder what it would be like to fly out from up here... . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:43:48 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-vantage-point-t47.htm#51 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-vantage-point-t47.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-ticking-clock-t46.htm Admin
Counting the ticks, you realise they are endless...

They are endless, tick tock tick...

Your heart beats in your chest...

Tick tock tick...

You grip the book in your hands, not wanting to see what time it is...

Tick tock tick...]]> . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:42:41 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-ticking-clock-t46.htm#50 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-ticking-clock-t46.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-street-carnival-t45.htm Admin
The theme this year seems a familiar one: evelers are dressed as mad hatters, dormice, crocodiles, March hares, jabberwocks, jub-jubs, Cheshire cats, white rabbits, crazed kings, queens, jacks and numbered soldiers, and so forth.

There is a fair bit of bare flesh exposed amongst the throng.]]> . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:40:43 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-street-carnival-t45.htm#49 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-street-carnival-t45.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-winter-s-tale-t44.htm Admin
A door leads out into the street, and a couple more presumably to other rooms. A staircase leads up to the first floor.

There is a hearth here, but no fire has been lit.

It's cold.]]> . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:31:31 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-winter-s-tale-t44.htm#48 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-winter-s-tale-t44.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-dark-planet-t43.htm Admin
One wall of the corridor is taken up by a large window, looking out onto the airless environment of a barren planet, chemical mists pooling in its craters giving the impression of something moving in the darkness.

On the far horizon, one of the moons can be seen rising.]]> . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:18:50 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-dark-planet-t43.htm#47 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-dark-planet-t43.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-forest-trail-t42.htm Admin
Old oaks make a city here, quiet by watchful. Every detail is in place.

You imagine who you might meet here, in this fairy tale forest...]]> . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Thu, 16 Oct 2008 07:27:12 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-forest-trail-t42.htm#46 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-forest-trail-t42.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-alluring-girl-t41.htm Admin
Your eyes are upon a particularly lovely girl here in white lace and muslin.

One by one men approach her, but after a brief moment each quickly slips away, looking panicked and lost.]]> . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Thu, 16 Oct 2008 07:24:47 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-alluring-girl-t41.htm#45 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-alluring-girl-t41.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-little-boat-t40.htm Admin
You look down into the water past where your trailing hand disturbs the surface; it's spirit-thick and grey.

Is that movement?]]> . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Thu, 16 Oct 2008 07:22:01 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-little-boat-t40.htm#44 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-little-boat-t40.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-doppelganger-t39.htm Admin
You watch yourself sleeping, wrapping the sheets more tightly around your shoulders and you see that they're ripped, shredded into long streamers.]]> . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Thu, 16 Oct 2008 07:19:50 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-doppelganger-t39.htm#43 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-doppelganger-t39.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-concert-violinist-t38.htm Admin
Faces look up from the audience, pooled and expectant.

The conductor begins.]]> . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Thu, 16 Oct 2008 07:17:26 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-concert-violinist-t38.htm#42 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-concert-violinist-t38.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-desolate-moor-t37.htm Admin
There was not a tree, house, or even a landmark of any significance in sight.]]> . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Wed, 15 Oct 2008 07:16:20 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-desolate-moor-t37.htm#41 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-desolate-moor-t37.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-night-hearse-t36.htm Admin
The sound of wheels in the distance approaches, very slowly, and finally, you make out a vehicle moving along the street. It comes nearer and nearer, and when it passes beneath the window you see it is a black-plumed hearse.

Then the driver turns and looks straight up at you.]]> . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Wed, 15 Oct 2008 07:12:37 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-night-hearse-t36.htm#40 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-night-hearse-t36.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-absent-artist-t35.htm Admin The studio is a large room, uncluttered but untidy. Canvasses, some draped with sheets, lean against the wall. One canvass is set up on an easel, some paints sitting on a table top nearby, affording the artist a view of both the model and the church outside, in the afternoon light. There is also a chair. The centre of the room is laid out for the comfort of the artist's model, draped with soft materials. From here it is not possible to see what the artist has painted, if anything. . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Wed, 15 Oct 2008 07:08:13 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-absent-artist-t35.htm#39 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-absent-artist-t35.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-marble-room-t34.htm Admin
A delicious marble Cupid appears to have just alighted on his pedestal at the upper end of the room.]]> . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Wed, 15 Oct 2008 07:03:15 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-marble-room-t34.htm#38 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-marble-room-t34.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-small-shop-t33.htm Admin
A set of stairs leads up to another floor from this entrance hall.]]> . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Wed, 15 Oct 2008 06:59:09 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-small-shop-t33.htm#37 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-small-shop-t33.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-drawing-room-t32.htm Admin
A clock looks down on you from the mantlepiece. Behind it a mirror reflects the rest of the room back at you.

Outside the window it is snowing.]]> . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Wed, 15 Oct 2008 06:53:23 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-drawing-room-t32.htm#36 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-drawing-room-t32.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-river-bank-t31.htm Admin
It's tranquil and relaxing. You could also fall asleep here, listening to the birds and the river.]]> . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Wed, 15 Oct 2008 06:48:28 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-river-bank-t31.htm#35 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-river-bank-t31.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-diary-room-t30.htm Admin
There is a door off to one side.]]> . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Wed, 15 Oct 2008 06:46:21 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-diary-room-t30.htm#34 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-diary-room-t30.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-m-e-m-o-r-y--f5/august-10th-1999-abigail-s-apartment-manhattan-new-york-t29.htm Admin
The floor is bare. The rug has been ripped up, exposing a battered and stained linoleum surface. There is no furniture.]]> . . . m e m o r y . . . Tue, 14 Oct 2008 23:04:31 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-m-e-m-o-r-y--f5/august-10th-1999-abigail-s-apartment-manhattan-new-york-t29.htm#33 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-m-e-m-o-r-y--f5/august-10th-1999-abigail-s-apartment-manhattan-new-york-t29.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-eerie-lake-t28.htm Admin
The grey sky shows is studded with an alien set of black stars, and two moons hover near the edge of where the sky turns to fog.]]> . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Tue, 14 Oct 2008 22:40:22 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-eerie-lake-t28.htm#32 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-eerie-lake-t28.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-lonely-amphitheatre-t27.htm Admin
Trap-doors and scene-shifting equipment suggest that the theatre is still in use.]]> . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Tue, 14 Oct 2008 22:34:13 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-lonely-amphitheatre-t27.htm#31 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-lonely-amphitheatre-t27.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-canal-bridge-t26.htm Admin
The waters are quite far down, with only the occassional dull flicker of light in the dark depths, reflected from the cold grey sky.]]> . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Tue, 14 Oct 2008 22:30:22 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-canal-bridge-t26.htm#30 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-canal-bridge-t26.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-small-village-t25.htm Admin
Atop a hill, maybe half a mile away, sits a three-story grey building. A winding unpaved track leads up to it between broad dry-stone walls.

The sky above is a stark white.]]> . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Tue, 14 Oct 2008 22:23:19 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-small-village-t25.htm#29 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-small-village-t25.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-old-theatre-t24.htm Admin
The theatre is small but less than half full - there are about a hundred people present, facing the curtains.]]> . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Tue, 14 Oct 2008 22:17:41 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-old-theatre-t24.htm#28 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-old-theatre-t24.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-twisted-museum-t23.htm Admin This elaborate museum houses the works of dozens of artists. The artworks displayed are of all types: paintings, sketches, statuary, kinetic sculptures, folk art, hand-made books, magic lantern slideshows... The quality varies widely, but all share a common heritage of unbalanced creativity. Rooms and balconies contract and expand or disappear completely when you're not looking; carpeting becoming oak becoming tile becoming marble. The works do not change in and of themselves, but are present ... . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Tue, 14 Oct 2008 22:14:17 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-twisted-museum-t23.htm#27 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-twisted-museum-t23.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-ancient-city-t22.htm Admin It looks like a cross between classical Rome and Mesopotamia, rich with former glory and opulence. Lions adorn every available surface – the same yawning maw of a stylized beast staring from a surface. But someone has meticulously scraped the eyes off each and every lion, so they are blind. The city seems abandoned. It seems centuries have passed since anyone has set foot in the city. Flagstones are uneven and overgrown with grass, buildings have slumped and spilled over with time, roads ... . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Tue, 14 Oct 2008 22:08:33 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-ancient-city-t22.htm#26 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-ancient-city-t22.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-clockwork-factory-t21.htm Admin
No workmen are ever present. Though occasionally, a mournful violin tune can be heard.]]> . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Tue, 14 Oct 2008 22:06:34 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-clockwork-factory-t21.htm#25 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-clockwork-factory-t21.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-deserted-library-t20.htm Admin The Library is an endless sprawling complex of mahogany bookshelves, hallways and raised walkways. There are no windows; only door upon door – reading rooms which open on impossible vistas of galleries, stairs and walkways that seem to continue on and on forever. The shelves are more often than not filled with exotic books in bizarre languages – but some areas of the Library are in disrepair; wrecked by water damage, collapsed plaster ceilings and books bloated like leeches filled with ... . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Tue, 14 Oct 2008 22:05:39 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-deserted-library-t20.htm#24 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-deserted-library-t20.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-underground-labyrinth-t19.htm Admin
Discarded items can be found nearly everywhere. Most often, they’re tools – like pick axes, rock hammers and such. Sometimes there are old ropes, burned out lamps and even clothing scattered about.]]> . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Tue, 14 Oct 2008 22:04:05 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-underground-labyrinth-t19.htm#23 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-underground-labyrinth-t19.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-macallistair-building-t18.htm Admin
The front door leads out into dark night.]]> . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Tue, 14 Oct 2008 22:02:23 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-macallistair-building-t18.htm#22 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-macallistair-building-t18.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-broadalbin-hotel-t17.htm Admin
The front doors leading out of the foyer look out onto darkness.]]> . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Tue, 14 Oct 2008 21:58:45 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-broadalbin-hotel-t17.htm#21 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-broadalbin-hotel-t17.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-mysterious-town-t16.htm Admin Caught somewhere between Victorian England and Gaudi Spanish architecture, it’s a sprawling town of many levels, plazas and vistas; shrouded in mist and always consumed by night. Doors are shut, windows shuttered and plazas empty. The sky above is a stark grey. . . . l u c i d i t y . . . Tue, 14 Oct 2008 21:57:25 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-mysterious-town-t16.htm#20 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-l-u-c-i-d-i-t-y--f4/the-mysterious-town-t16.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-m-e-m-o-r-y--f5/october-29th-1928-the-great-western-hotel-paddington-london-t15.htm Admin
Sitting in the opulent hotel lounge, the investigators wait. One of them has a letter from a Dr. Highsmith upon their person. It is this man they await to see.]]> . . . m e m o r y . . . Tue, 14 Oct 2008 21:30:23 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-m-e-m-o-r-y--f5/october-29th-1928-the-great-western-hotel-paddington-london-t15.htm#19 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-m-e-m-o-r-y--f5/october-29th-1928-the-great-western-hotel-paddington-london-t15.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-m-e-m-o-r-y--f5/october-17th-1928-the-scala-theatre-london-t14.htm Admin The London theatr district clusters around Leicester Square and Covent Garden, but it is a brisk ten to fifteen minute walk north to where the Scala Theatre stands, on Charlotte Street, between Goodge Street and Tottenham Street. The queue outside draws people from all social classes, all dressed in their best. As patrons enter they are handed a playbill, along with a cast list: CARCOSA, or THE QUEEN AND THE STRANGER - adapted from the French and staged by Talbot Estus. CAST LIST The ... . . . m e m o r y . . . Tue, 14 Oct 2008 21:21:46 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-m-e-m-o-r-y--f5/october-17th-1928-the-scala-theatre-london-t14.htm#18 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-m-e-m-o-r-y--f5/october-17th-1928-the-scala-theatre-london-t14.htm http://insylum.secretstories.org/-w-e-l-c-o-m-e--f1/mood-music-t2.htm Admin
POP UP HERE!

Alternatively, I've tried to include my signature on all posts, which has a similar link.]]> . . . w e l c o m e . . . Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:25:05 GMT http://insylum.secretstories.org/-w-e-l-c-o-m-e--f1/mood-music-t2.htm#2 http://insylum.secretstories.org/-w-e-l-c-o-m-e--f1/mood-music-t2.htm