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

[souredsweet]

[very sketchy tbh!!]

I've never read anything with a plot like this... and I'm afraid I'm unfamiliar with what a "TV show" might be. [it's easy enough to infer its vague meaning, but little more than that...

still, the notion to try relaxing here is something that Kaoru has difficulties grasping fully. even the biscuit picked up earlier remains untouched; another sign of nerves, despite the fact that there isn't a huge outward display of discomfort. but in an attempt to bring some normalcy back to the conversation, a polite bow follows.]

—Please forgive my rudeness for not introducing myself sooner, though. My name is Kaoru Nagumo. May I have yours?

[aozaki]

[shh it's just your stress talking]

Oh? What sort of entertainment were there, where you're from?

[she looks genuinely curious at that! what with the 1920/30 wear, no one can tell which time period they're really from, oops.]

It's fine, don't worry about it. Nagumo-san, then? I'm Touko Aozaki, it's nice to meet you.

[souredsweet]

[maybe it's stress that should be listened to in this case huh huh]

That depends on where one's preferences lie. There are plays to attend and festivals, when they happen. Some prefer to just spend the night in town... [and then TRAILING OFF because "what do you do for fun" is always one of those questions where nothing comes to mind as soon as you need something to come to mind.

either way, the introduction seems to have done at least a little good for Kaoru's nerves. a reserved but friendly smile is offered.] That's fine. It's nice to meet you as well, Aozaki-san, though the circumstances could certainly be better.

[aozaki]

[never stress is bad for you

baaaaaaad]

That's true, although plays are a little sophisticated and undervalued these days. Haven't you attended any centered around mysteries? That's the feeling I'm getting.

[or she just enjoys being meta is simply genre savvy, she runs a detective agency!! (sort.... of............)]

I don't mind the place, but knowing the 'why' and 'how' would have certainly been appreciated. Have you been exploring much since your awakening, Nagumo-san?

[souredsweet]

["sophisticated and undervalued" what time period are you from— oh wait.]

I haven't, actually. I'm afraid that I don't often have time to watch plays, though I do enjoy them. [it's a true tragedy!! being busy all the time can dent a social schedule beyond repair.]

I've done a little looking around, yes, but I don't think it's done much good. It seems like everyone else is just as confused... [there's a vaguely distressed look, but it doesn't last long.] Well, some more than others. I believe that some people here are acquainted with the style of architecture and manner of clothing, at least.

[aozaki]

[yes, exactly]

What about reading, then?

[geez what's your daytime job lady]

Yes, the style is roughly around 1920 to 1930 A.D. Are you not familiar with any of this?

[souredsweet]

I may have read a mystery novel or two in my free time, but it isn't my favorite genre and the material for it is a little lacking, unfortunately.

[all said very amiably!! READING aw yeah. but then the tide of conversation turns toward something significantly less like pleasant banter and Kaoru's expression drops into one that can only be described as quiet shock. kidnapping is one thing and even running into non-humans isn't entirely abnormal, but ending up in an entirely different century what]

Ah... No, I'm afraid it isn't familiar to me. [but now the "why" is obvious, at least.] That would be over half of a century past the year I believed it to be. I've already met one woman who claims that she isn't from Earth at all, so I suppose it's something that I shouldn't doubt as truth, but... this is a little much.

[aozaki]

...

Given your time period and cultural background, it certainly explains a great deal now.

[ah no... it's ok, while touko's posture is still relaxed, something definitely Sobered Up in those eyes behind her oval frames.]

My. Either our host is extremely skilled at memory manipulation, or they have even more power at their disposal than we originally assumed.

[...]

Maybe you should sit down, Nagumo-san.

[souredsweet]

[that's a thing people say when they're about to deliver even worse news!!

there's some noticeable tension in both posture and expression, but the advice to take a seat isn't ignored. one chair is pulled away from the table they're near and Kaoru delicately perches on the edge, still maintaining refined posture even though that news alone was tough to swallow. the untouched biscuit is placed on a napkin, since that gnawing hunger has subsided for the time being.]

...My apologies. I foolishly thought that perhaps the worst and most confusing of my discoveries had already passed, but it looks like that isn't going to be the case. Both of those potential options are truly frightening, frankly.

[aozaki]

Take your time, it's fine. I can't sugarcoat it, Nagumo-san, but learning about these time period discrepancies don't even begin to scratch the surface of all the things that may be wrong with this manor. We've yet to learn why we're here, and it can't be for a simple tea party with a stage so meticulously prepared.

[She'll answer quietly, but the serious glint in her eyes stays, at least. Just because she took things in strides don't mean she hasn't mulled over any of this, after all.]

[souredsweet]

[this is one of those situations where it's difficult to determine if the lack of sugarcoating is a good or bad thing... though visibly upset by the notion of potential time travel only being the tip of the iceberg, Kaoru does at least manage to collect some semblance of calmness after a few quiet seconds.]

I wasn't expecting anything pleasant, but it seems even then I've managed to underestimate what we may be facing. [a beat, and then, carefully:] Is there... anything that you suspect in particular from this situation?

[aozaki]

[it's a tough world out there

deal with it]

Not really, I haven't given it much thought yet. ["Yet". but no rush, right?] I've been leisurely exploring since waking up this morning, I figured I could start a more thorough and serious search later on.

[some people are just mellow to a fault, ok.

but at that, she briefly closes her eyes and gives a half-shrug.]

It's clichéd, but 'expect the unexpected' is the best I can offer right now. Keep an open mind and be ready to suspend your sense of disbelief at any time; this is only the start.

[souredsweet]

["mellow to a fault" THAT'S A GOOD WAY TO DESCRIBE HER. still, judgment will be reserved for later, even if Touko is taking it with like an entire shaker of salt and Kaoru can't help but find it a little alarming... especially after that chat with Susan and learning of her apparent belief that the one responsible might be among them.]

It's good advice regardless of how frequently it finds use. I thank you for it, Aozaki-san, and I'll do my best to be as prepared as possible. [the biscuit is picked up again after that in some vague attempt at re-establishing a calmer air.]

Still, to think we've found ourselves in such an impossible situation... That sort of terrible luck is almost as hard to believe in as this entire mess.

[aozaki]

["If you want to hide something, hide it in plain sight."

...Eh sure, she might risk coming across like that, but she won't be the only one taking risks, it's a heavy accusation with its set of costs for the accused and accuser both.]

Don't mention it, it's just the least that any of us could do for now. [She chuckles at that.] Isn't it? I never put much stock on luck personally, I admit. How would you say yours is, usually?

[souredsweet]

[hence why no accusing will be happening!! Kaoru is far too cautious for something like that, regardless, though not at all relaxed enough to crack jokes or anything of the sort.

as far as the question goes...] ...If I'm to be perfectly frank, I should say that my luck has always been abysmal. Still, not even I would have suspected it to be this poor.

[aozaki]

Goodness, that's depressing. [closing her eyes in brimming sympathy!] There seems to be a good number of us here, however, so if anything, hopefully you won't get lonely. Have you spoken to many others since, Nagumo-san? It wouldn't hurt to socialize a little in the meanwhile.

[souredsweet]

I've met quite a few people who are kind in that respect, actually. It seems like almost everyone here is willing to be accommodating regardless of the situation. [for which Kaoru seems grateful for.]

I... can't say that socialization has been my first priority, though.

[aozaki]

Right, we'll likely have to work together to get out, a cliche like that is practically inevitable.

[she beams at that, as if it's amusing...]

That's fine. Would it be looking for information? Or starting to take stock of things that could be useful to you, just in case?

[souredsweet]

It was suggested to me by Sto Helit-san that a stock of items should be taken, so I've been looking for anything that might aid in an escape. Someone else mentioned that the fence has an electricity running through it? [nice try Kaoru...]

But that's largely what I've been trying to do. I wish I had something more useful to give or to tell you.

[aozaki]

Susan Sto Helit, right? She did seem like an astute and sharp woman. This is a big manor with plenty of miscellaneous things, though. Have you been keeping a notebook, of some kind?

[just nodding at the electric fence part because boring, y/y]

Don't apologize, that's about as productive as anyone here can get. I should probably follow your example, haha. Just don't push yourself too hard, alright?

[souredsweet]

That's correct. She seemed very well-organized and put together for being in a situation like this... [Kaoru's a little envious! relative calmness aside, Susan's ability to cope is something to be jealous of.]

...Thank you for the concern. I won't be if I can help it. ...But I haven't been keeping note, no.

[aozaki]

[lbr touko too if she wasn't so easygoing to downright sketchy levels with hers...]

I'd like to know her better, too. Have you considered writing things down? Information'll be easier to reference back to like that, in the long run.

[souredsweet]

[touko is on another level all her own...]

Keeping a log hadn't come to mind yet in the, ah... initial panic of things. [a grateful nod.] Thank you for the suggestion. I will most certainly implement it.

[aozaki]

[She chuckles.]

Things are quiet today for us to get in the swing of things, if I'm to chance a guess in the dark. Don't worry about it, but you're welcome, Nagumo-san. Now how about you eat something, too? To my experience, it's hard to think straight on an empty stomach.