week 0

[productions]

murder manor week zero



friday

[You wake in an unfamiliar bedroom, with no memory of how you came to be there and a sensation that something you once had is gone. The room you're in is luxurious and comfortable, but there is a musty feeling of disuse and decay in the air. Still, you've provided with new wardrobe perfectly tailored for you, a key ring that will unlock your bedroom door, so surely you're welcome to explore the manor?

Have a look around and make yourselves at home. You'll soon find you're not alone, but if any among you knows the secrets of this place, they aren't speaking.]

This is an open mingle log for arrival at the manor. Please put your character's name, location, and the time in the header of their comments. Characters are welcome to explore the manor and get to know one another; nothing else will be revealed to them today.

Setting
Cast

Comments

[aozaki]

That's still too much hassle. If they wanted us dead, it would be quieter and less messier if it was all taken care of somewhere... less fancy, while we were still asleep. Assassins shouldn't be squeamish anyway.

[Back to that mysterious door! Jeez, just what could be on the other side.]

There could be hidden doors elsewhere, old manors like these are notorious for their tricks. That this one's plain out in the open makes things stranger to me, personally.

[inthebones]

No.

[Whatever that's supposed to mean is up for interpretation. Susan merely shakes her head as she taps once more.]

If you want to hide something, hide it in plain sight. There's something very unusual about this door for any number of reasons...

I expect when it opens, we'll understand why it is we're here.

[aozaki]

[No need to think too hard about it, either way!]

That'll entirely depend on the personality and temperament of our host, but we can agree on that much. How long would you personally estimate it'll take, miss?

[inthebones]

Whenever it's dramatically appropriate, of course.

Somebody asked me earlier if I knew anything about this set. It is rather like that, isn't it?

[aozaki]

Given the ostentatious setting, any less would be surprising.

Haven't you done the same to others? Different people handle drastic changes in their personal situations differently, but it's still natural to be curious.

[inthebones]

...You don't appear to have taken my meaning.

'Set'. Meaning artificial, prepared in advance. A stage into which two dozen odd characters are introduced.

[aozaki]

Or perhaps we see things differently. Everyone I've spoken to so far seemed like props themselves, dragged in with ignorance to complete this set. They still have their own memories and experiences, though, and I wouldn't mind getting to know others I've been cast with better.

[inthebones]

The question is, I think, what manner of performance we're expected to put on. I have a feeling it won't be terribly enjoyable - for us, at least.

[aozaki]

Haha, that sounds like an educated guess. They seem to have already taken a lot of precaution.

[inthebones]

[Susan casts one last glance towards the door before turning away.]

I don't know if an electrocuted fence is really much precaution, but it certainly suffices. I suppose we ought to prepare for the worst.

[aozaki]

Haha, probably, but no sense wasting away the calm before the storm, which likely describes our current situation as we wait.

[A faint shrug, though she looks undeterred]

I'm Touko. May I get your name too, miss...?

[inthebones]

The calm before the storm is the best time to board up the windows, I think.

My name is Susan. Susan Sto Helit.

[aozaki]

What are the prospects of finding an underground shelter, or start building one now?

[said loosely, because obviously...]

Nice to meet you barring the circumstances, Susan. Or would you prefer miss Sto Helit?

[inthebones]

I prefer my students addressing me as 'miss', but I don't think you fall into that category. My given name will do fine.

[aozaki]

A teacher, too? [A quiet laugh.] My college days are indeed far behind me, although you do seem like the strict but remarkably well-versed type. Have you ever thought to invest in glasses, Susan? Stereotypical as they may be, they do complement the wise look quite well.

[inthebones]

I don't see how pretending to have impaired vision is of any practical or aesthetic use.

[Susan is indeed the strict type.]

In any case, I teach grade school.

[aozaki]

Your students are blessed to have you. [she means it, though!] I'm more of a private tutor person myself. Was that what you were doing, before this place unceremoniously kidnapped us all while pretending to be ceremonious about the reception?

[inthebones]

I was a governess before I changed positions. Too much time spent with the same child doesn't bode well for his development.

In any case, I believe I was in bed, though I don't think it matters much. We're here nonetheless.

[aozaki]

What happened to that child? You seem to dish out the make or break type of education, if I had to guess. They either crack under pressure or grow up to be geniuses, something on that line?

Haha, fair enough. Have you seen the library? It's a dated collection, but not too surprising, considering the manor's decor.

[inthebones]

There were two of them, actually. And no, they were perfectly well adjusted individuals when I left and inclined to stay that way, which is more than I can say for their parents. I have no intention of pressuring anyone beyond their capabilities; it's pointless and self-serving.

[Susan frowns as if the idea is offensive to her.]

I have, actually. And I find it quite the opposite.

[aozaki]

A teacher's purpose is to help students tap into potential sometimes even unknown to them, hm? That itself is a struggle sometimes, you can't help those who can't help themselves.

[She takes it easy with a mild shrug.]

Did you? What time are you from, and what caught your eye?

[inthebones]

I am fully aware of my students' potentials and trust I can assist them to reach it.

[This is spoken as if the topic is closed.]

I'm from a time that would likely hold no meaning for you. But our lamps are lit with wick and flame.

[aozaki]

Sounds like you've very passionate about your work, Susan.

[which is good! everyone should do what they love, reason why she looks pretty cheerful as she comments.]

I can't say if you were already clued in or just talk like that normally, but no electricity, huh? I see. So what books caught your eye?

[inthebones]

Self-edification through exposure to extradimensional technology isn't quite on my to-do list at the moment. I'd rather not sit about reading unless it's somehow relevant to leaving this house.

[aozaki]

How about a few fictional mystery novels, then? It'd certainly fit the mood and our current predicament. I thought I caught sight of sir Arthur Conan Doyle's name.