|
Post by Neotelenta on Oct 31, 2022 17:09:25 GMT
"Right, guess I'm a bit too used to this, but you're all new to the whole 'trapped by an evil witch who's trying to kill you' thing, huh," Guille said awkwardly. "I don't know if there was any rhyme or reason behind Nuwmere's choices. I don't think she had any reason to pick me out, I was just some guy before I got kidnapped. The 'objectives' for the game make it sound personalised, though, like she has something in mind for all of us. Not that someone who wants to see 7 of us die has our best interests in mind, of course." Ren's eyes and eyebrows look around curiously. Suspiciously. Perplexingly. Anyone who happened to be paying attention to him, would notice what appeared to be the world's most minimalistic puppet show, starring both of his index fingers as he hunches over a little. He stares at his two index fingers as he makes them bump into each other, or point in various directions. Without breaking eye contact with his fingers, "...If she wanted us truly dead, she would have already done so. Strange, strange, games, gambles, theoretical shackles..." he inhales deeply before ceasing the two-finger show and obvious deep thinking. "You don't suppose she's bored, or perhaps thinking she's doing some kind of service to humanity, is she? Maybe this is televised, even? Something as grand as this, would one person have the ability and finances to orchestrate this without some kind of external h-" he cuts himself off suddenly. "...I'm sure that whatever happens, we'll get the help we need, if we truly need it." he says, rubbing his chin thoughtfully before straightening himself out and looking around for whoever proclaims to be on Team 5.
|
|
|
Post by JaytheBluPirate on Oct 31, 2022 17:30:42 GMT
When it was revealed that Marvin's partner is Nancy Goodfellow, the elderly man smiles at the injured woman.
"I suppose we should do our best as you said, Nancy. Let's pray that we'll get through this... somehow." He said in a reassuring tone.
"So... How'd everyone came to be kidnapped in the first place? If people are willing to talk about it, that is." Marvin asked the others, bringing up the topic of their kidnappings. "I believe I mentioned how I was kidnapped, but I can elaborate more on my kidnapping, if you like."
|
|
|
Post by Panda on Oct 31, 2022 17:39:10 GMT
"I was in my car, keeping an eye out for anything strange happening in Steeple Street. All kinds of weird rumours hung over that place, so I wanted to do my civic duty!" Guille said. "I saw this shady-looking, hooded fella and rolled down my window to question them, but they threw some kinda knockout-gas-canister into my car. Next thing I know, boom, captive."
|
|
|
Post by JesusMonroe on Oct 31, 2022 18:44:09 GMT
"It is just like Bones of Steeple Street." Mel said in complete shock. Almost immediately she was wondering if any of this would give her an advantage. "I get it. The game, the puzzles... but how did you know he was supposed to be Guillermo?" The question was directed at Dahlia, pointing at the person in question. "I see it now, but none of us could see each other from our alcoves."
She returned the hopeful glance to Bobbi. "I'm also on Team 4. I guess it was meant to be."
She then added to the others. "Bobbi and I live together. We were home when we got kidnapped. I saw our kidnapper wearing a black hoodie, and there was also a white gas and a clicking noise. Did you notice anything else?" She asked her.
|
|
|
Post by Kachu on Oct 31, 2022 19:09:42 GMT
"We'll get through this." Nancy said to Marvin, in an attempt to sound uplifting and confident. It just came off as somewhat mocking, however.
"It was after work." Nancy said, answering Marvin's question about the kidnapping. "I don't know anything about a witch or whatever you're all going on about." She gestured to those who mentioned a witch before. "
I was out eating, with some people from work. Then, when I was heading out home, I heard this click in the lot..." Nancy clears her throat. "All this white gas surrounded me. Then, I woke up here."
"Seems like this gas was used on all of us." She mumbles something else under her breath angrily, too quiet for anyone to hear. Likely something about her leg.
|
|
|
Post by Neotelenta on Oct 31, 2022 19:18:54 GMT
"So... How'd everyone came to be kidnapped in the first place? If people are willing to talk about it, that is." Marvin asked the others, bringing up the topic of their kidnappings. "I believe I mentioned how I was kidnapped, but I can elaborate more on my kidnapping, if you like." "Disdainfully similar. Button warned me before I could even see him. Was heading to my car in a parking garage and suddenly gas started pouring around the area. I saw the exact same visage. Hooded figure, dark colors, enigmatic identity. Did we all have the same kidnapper? Or perhaps they were all different, but wore the same costume?" Ren trails off with his questions and begins his muttering again.
|
|
|
Post by Planetbox on Oct 31, 2022 19:29:43 GMT
Bobbi let out a sigh of relief when Melanie said her team number. She then added to the others. "Bobbi and I live together. We were home when we got kidnapped. I saw our kidnapper wearing a black hoodie, and there was also a white gas and a clicking noise. Did you notice anything else?" She asked her. "Nah, that's the gist of it," Bobbi said. "I guess I didn't lock the door when I got back from my jog. Sorry, Mel..." "Anyway, I'm having trouble keeping up with the conversation about the Bones of Steeple Street. I remember hearing about them from Mel a few times, but I've forgotten most of the details. Can someone fill me?"
|
|
|
Post by JaytheBluPirate on Oct 31, 2022 19:51:59 GMT
Marvin nods as he listens quietly to everyone's stories of how they were kidnapped.
"And while we're sharing stories of how we were kidnapped; I'll share my story of how I was kidnapped." Marvin explains as he clears his throat. "As I said, I visited my neighbor's apartment to go feed her cats. I'm good friends with her so I have an extra key to her apartment. She hasn't been back for two weeks, but that's not the point here."
He shakes his head, getting straight to his point.
"What I'm actually saying is that I visited my neighbor's apartment to feed her cats. That's when I heard a click and saw smoke fills the apartment. I glanced around and I thought I saw a figure leave the room. I tried to leave the apartment since this would be a weird place to fall asleep. Whatever gas they used, it must be pretty powerful as it overpowered my senses and I collapsed to the floor. And here I am." He concluded his story.
"I surely hope that I didn't get hurt when I collapsed to the floor..." Marvin quietly add on as he stretched his back.
|
|
|
Post by dootdoot on Oct 31, 2022 20:17:56 GMT
"It is just like Bones of Steeple Street." Mel said in complete shock. Almost immediately she was wondering if any of this would give her an advantage. "I get it. The game, the puzzles... but how did you know he was supposed to be Guillermo?" The question was directed at Dahlia, pointing at the person in question. "I see it now, but none of us could see each other from our alcoves." Apparently giving up on abusing that poor stone obelisk, Dahlia lowered her cane and took a deep breath. "... The voice, the demeanor, the positively sparkling personality... I could tell right away. I'm not one to brag, but I would say I know the character a little bit better than most people. Just a little." "... The look is wrong though." she pointed at him with the pipe. "I always imagined Guillermo with a little more... Meat on his bones."
|
|
|
Post by JesusMonroe on Oct 31, 2022 20:21:54 GMT
“And Guillermo was always my favorite but I didn’t see it!” Mel pouted, but it was hardly her fault she failed a dice roll. “I feel like such a fake fan. And for it to happen in front of you of all people.” She was looking distressed and humiliated.
"It's like Hunger Games, kind of. Or do you remember those No Escape games I was always telling you to play? The first two at least? It's like those. A core cast of characters, death, betrayal. A lot of characters going into rooms and solving puzzles and getting wrapped up in mysterious circumstances. Nuwmere is the witch, but she never uses any magic. Not yet, at least. I never caught all the way up."
|
|
|
Post by Panda on Oct 31, 2022 20:35:16 GMT
Guillermo glanced between Dahlia and Mel, a baffled smile on his face. "Is that the 'other' Guillermo you meant? I remind you of a character you wrote? I'm flattered, I guess!"
|
|
|
Post by JesusMonroe on Oct 31, 2022 20:38:09 GMT
“Maybe you’re from the future.” Mel mused. “And your mother loved Bones of Steeple Street so much, she named you after one of the characters. That’s what happened in Sea of Tranquility.”
|
|
|
Post by Panda on Oct 31, 2022 21:01:48 GMT
Guille flashed her some finger guns. "Haha, maybe! Though uh... what does this other Guillermo do? What kinda stories is he in?" The smile on his face looked a little fragile at the moment.
|
|
|
Post by notbadplayer on Oct 31, 2022 21:07:47 GMT
After trying to make sense of whatever their bracelet displayed for a minute, Sophilia returns their attention to the group.
"I went into my Grandpa's shed to look around, and then someone grabbed me from behind and I passed out. I didn't see anything."
"Oh! And I'm on team 3."
|
|
|
Post by dootdoot on Oct 31, 2022 21:08:12 GMT
“And Guillermo was always my favorite but I didn’t see it!” Mel pouted, but it was hardly her fault she failed a dice roll. “I feel like such a fake fan. And for it to happen in front of you of all people.” She was looking distressed and humiliated. "Oh, I wouldn't feel bad about that. You wouldn't be a very reasonable person if you jumped directly to 'this is a book character come to life'." Dahlia gave a wry smile. It vanished when she faced Guillermo again. She turned her pipe in her hand a few times. "... Would you happen to know a man named Trerro, Mr. Glas? A bit mysterious, but friendly, very knowledgeable, excellent at checkers?"
|
|
|
Post by Panda on Oct 31, 2022 21:12:33 GMT
Guille's smile faltered. "Ah, y-yeah, he taught me all the survival skills I know. It's how I was able to take a look at Nancy's injury. He was killed some time back, one of Nuwmere's traps got him."
|
|
|
Post by Doctor Nanjo M.D. on Nov 1, 2022 2:49:47 GMT
The players turn away from the rule stone, now aware of the rules of this world. It seems like if there is any more information to be found to answer their questions, it won't be found here. Seems like it would be smart to find some of these gates. The group makes a walkaround of the garden. The garden is large and circular. The fountain is in the center, and a stone path makes a loop around the fountain. All along the outside edges are chiseled marble columns. Beyond that is a large stone circular wall. [#spoiler=path]Around the path are four lamp posts which glow with lights. One lamp post has a PICTURE posted upon it. There are also two benches to either side of the fountain. Each one looks like a nice place for two people to sit together. On one bench is a NEWSPAPER. Four stone paths leave the center of the garden and go in four different directions. Two opposite paths end in a wrought iron gate which is anchored in a locked position. There is no ostensible way to get through the gate. Beyond each gate is a public-looking hallway with white marble columns. It seems like doors lead out of the hallway, but they are far away. Near each gate is a note - To those who wish to pass. Find the path in the gazebo[/spoiler] [#spoiler=statue]Lurking near one gate is a large marble statue. The statue is like a whale but with garish gems encrusted in it and feathered wings. The grotesque statue sits against a wall of the garden.[/spoiler] [#spoiler=door]One path from the center ends in a white door with a pupil-less eye upon it. It gazes blankly at the guests. Further examination shows that the reason why the eye does not have a pupil is because the eye is very cloudy.[/spoiler] [#spoiler=pond]A pond with starlit water sits by the stone obelisk. Around the water are PHOTOS.[/spoiler] [#spoiler=gazebo]The last path ends in a gazebo covered in ivy. In the center of the gazebo is a podium. Behind the podium is a trap door. Two messages are written on the podium: "If you wish to roam the world above, you must show your heart and share your..." "If you wish to dive beneath the gate, you must guard your heart and bare your..." Seven buttons sit on the surface of the podium: A, E, H, L, O, T, V [/spoiler] [ MAKE YOUR CHOICE!] [You can investigate things here to find some clues to the mystery! Also even if it isn’t a clue, feel free to investigate things and I can give additional details!] [next phase will be on Wednesday]
|
|
|
Post by JaytheBluPirate on Nov 1, 2022 2:55:35 GMT
"If you wish to roam the world above, you must show your heart and share your..." Marvin repeated the phrase before he figured that he might know the answer. "The answer to that phrase is LOVE, isn't it?"
"As for the other phrase, I think it's HATE. That's the only answer, I believe." The elderly man said, smiling at the fact that he figured out the answers to the phrases.
|
|
|
Post by Planetbox on Nov 1, 2022 4:28:32 GMT
“Strange place to have a bunch of pictures scattered around,” Bobbi mumbled, examining the PHOTOS curiously.
|
|
|
Post by Panda on Nov 1, 2022 9:55:41 GMT
"That white door looks like an 'Angel Gate', but the symbol doesn't match any of our bracelets," Guille noted. "It looks like we can choose between the two big iron gates by typing LOVE or HATE, as Marvin deduced, so I'm not sure what that third door is for."
With nothing else to add, he headed over to one of the benches and plopped himself down to read the NEWSPAPER.
|
|
|
Post by Neotelenta on Nov 1, 2022 12:09:36 GMT
Ren gives a broad look around the area before making his way over to the whale statue, inspecting it closely. "Nice baroque, mister. You must be popular at parties." Ren smiles to himself as he addresses the statue. Button follows along and gives a small whimper at the statue.
"Too bad you...took...secrets...for granted???" Ren continues, as he begins poking and pushing the various gemstones embedded in the statue. He also gives a great push to the statue on both sides to see if it budges anywhere. It's evident he believes there's something more to this statue as he inspects it closely from all humanly possible angles.
|
|
|
Post by Panda on Nov 1, 2022 13:30:20 GMT
"Bah, just some creepy serial killer stuff," Guille said, tossing the newspaper back onto the bench. "Any of you heard of this guy? 'The Rabbit's Foot Killer'. Said they were going to be executed soon, at least at the time this piece was published. Sounds like they were really messed up: they tortured and killed 8 people over twenty years ago, and left animal body parts in or around their corpses. Guy was a freak. Nuwmere must not have wanted us to know their identity though, the article's torn and is missing the part where it goes on to describe the killer."
|
|
|
Post by Neotelenta on Nov 1, 2022 14:51:31 GMT
Ren has a notable delay in processing that information as he returns back from the statue looking skeptical. Without warning, his face wrinkles in revulsion before it lightens up and he laughs. "HAH!" and then immediately goes back to being skeptical, pacing around a little.
"...If we're lucky, the killer isn't one of us." Ren comments rather worriedly. "I wonder how big God's smile is?"
Ren proceeds to zone out for a few very long seconds before he snaps out of something.
"Ah, right. The statue and I had a good conversation. There is something beneath it, but moving it by normal means is not an option. Whatever will make it move is not on or near the statue itself. Most likely."
|
|
|
Post by Kachu on Nov 1, 2022 14:53:58 GMT
Nancy takes a deep breath when nobody is looking and slowly limps over towards the pond. Not to look at the photos, but to check the pond itself.
"Could at least try to make myself useful..." She mutters quietly.
|
|
|
Post by Planetbox on Nov 1, 2022 15:18:11 GMT
Bobbi had been looking over the photos. She held one in her hand, staring at the front and back with a blank expression, when she suddenly tore one to pieces and chucked it into the water.
She stepped back toward the others, but aside from breathing a little heavily she seemed normal.
"Seems like several of the things here pertain to us specifically, which probably includes the newspaper" she said. "But maybe someone here just put that killer in jail? I feel like we would have heard if they actually escaped, right?"
|
|
|
Post by Kachu on Nov 1, 2022 15:47:44 GMT
Nancy, who managed to get down on the ground and next to the pond, quickly lifts her hand out of the water, disturbing the smooth and still surface.
"There's something in there..." She investigated her hand closely. "Something sharp. I swear, if this is another trap..."
|
|
|
Post by Joker on Nov 1, 2022 17:04:56 GMT
Grayson wordlessly goes to examine the PICTURE on the lamp post.
|
|
|
Post by Doctor Nanjo M.D. on Nov 1, 2022 18:52:15 GMT
Lamp post description:
On the lamp post a single photo is posted. In the photo, Guillermo looks like he is imprisoned behind steel bars. He looks gaunt and looks at the camera with dead eyes, almost completely different than he is now. He has blood on him as well.
On the back, a note is taped. It seems to have come out of a notebook or something. On it are the words:
"My love, I have not forgotten you. We will find one another and leave this wretched place. Meet me..." And then whoever cut this out of the notebook conspicuously cut things off here.
|
|
|
Post by JaytheBluPirate on Nov 1, 2022 19:40:44 GMT
"So, there's something sharp inside the pond..." Marvin mumbled as he goes over to the pond and takes a look at the pond. "I wonder why Nancy couldn't see what it was that was in the pond."
|
|
|
Post by Doctor Nanjo M.D. on Nov 1, 2022 19:47:32 GMT
In this lighting, the bottom of the pond is nearly invisible. Due to the lamps and starlight being dim.
The blades are black and so they cannot easily be seen.
If someone was pushed in this pond they would likely be mangled or die.
|
|