Society of Antiquaries
Location Overview
The Society of Antiquaries at Somerset House maintains extensive archives of scholarly work, architectural records, and correspondence. Investigators with proper standing can access records of Dr. Hume’s lectures, architectural plans of the Grosvenor Street building, and correspondence between Hume and continental academics.
Somerset House dominates the north bank of the Thames, facing the river with grand neoclassical symmetry. The east wing, where the Society of Antiquaries resides, is stately yet understated, with tall, arched windows and ashlar stonework polished smooth by rain and soot. A discrete bronze plaque by the entrance reads: “Society of Antiquaries of London – Est. 1707.”
A narrow flight of stone steps leads up to a modest portico, beneath which hangs a wrought iron lantern. The door is heavy oak, burnished with age, and attended only intermittently by a clerk or doorman depending on the time of day.
Interior Description
Once inside, the entrance opens into a cool, quiet vestibule paneled in dark walnut, its air tinged with dust, beeswax, and old paper. Oil lamps hang in wall sconces, offering a steady, golden glow even during daylight hours. Faint echoes drift from the adjacent corridors—footsteps on marble, the turning of pages, murmured Latin.
A brass sign directs visitors:
READING ROOM → MEMBER’S GALLERY → ARCHIVE REQUEST DESK →
The main reading room is spacious, wood-paneled, and quiet, with leaded-glass windows overlooking the courtyard. It contains long polished tables, straight-backed chairs, and a central librarian’s station. Busts of classical philosophers watch from alcoves above.
The records room is not open access: clerks retrieve documents on request from the archive stacks, located behind a locked ironwork gate along the south hall.
Access & Procedures
Is the Society Public or Private?
The Society is semi-private in 1814. It is primarily for Fellows (F.S.A.) but non-members may be admitted for scholarly purposes, with proper credentials or good manners.
Can Investigators Gain Access?
Yes—with a Social Skill roll appropriate to the method used:
- Charm or Persuade (if well-dressed, polite, and claim scholarly intent)
- Fast Talk or Credit Rating (if they bluff credentials or name-drop)
- Intimidate or Bribe (if force or impropriety is used—may cause trouble)
- Stealth (if breaking in at night—archives are guarded, risk of detection)
Once inside and permitted:
- They must fill out a request form describing the research topic (e.g., building plans, architectural permits, unusual renovations)
- The head clerk or assistant (Mr. Elbert Fenwick) will assign a junior archivist to retrieve the materials, which may take 1d4+1 hours (or faster with a successful Charm or Library Use roll)
Investigation Opportunities
Access Requirements:
- Credit Rating (Hard): Permits research access
- Library Use (Regular): Navigate the archives
- Introductions/Referrals: Museum or academic contacts facilitate access
Information Available:
- Records of Dr. Hume’s lectures showing increasingly occult language from 1811 onward
- Architectural plans of 43 Grosvenor Street (prepared 1806)
- Critical discovery: No record of sub-basement in original plans, but building now contains one
- Notation (1810): “Alteration request declined – no permission for subterranean extension granted by City Council”
- Records updated 1812 to show change of ownership to “Orphean Society Trust” with no floor alterations registered
- Letters between Hume and a Viennese acoustician referencing “Chamber of Catacosm”
Key Evidence:
- The architectural discrepancy proves the sub-basement was constructed illegally/secretly
- This validates Rooke’s infiltration plan and suggests cult engineering capability
NPCs
- Elbert Fenwick (head clerk): 40s, maintains visitor logs and archival records; may be mentioned in Rooke’s hidden notes
Keeper Notes
- Exclusive Access: The Society is restricted. Investigators must have social standing or strong introductions.
- Architectural Evidence: The building plans are crucial—they prove illegal construction and provide layout details for planning infiltration.
- Rooke’s Trail: If investigators interview Fenwick or check visitor logs, they can confirm Rooke visited the archives two days before his capture (under an assumed name: Elias Harker).