week 0 - day 1

[productions]

murder manor week zero



saturday

[Saturday begins much like Friday, with no further answers provided, and no means of escape. However, at 3 PM on Saturday, the old grandfather clock in the foyer begins to chime. From the foyer, the ballroom doors stand open, and the room is bright with sunshine. Soft, dreamy music plays from a radio inside.

Inside the ballroom, what seems to be a magnificent party is laid out. There is a buffet table laden with finger foods - vegetables and dips, finger sandwiches, pastries, fruit, and cheeses. Next to the table are glasses filled with wine, champagne, or juice. Most of the room is empty, with room to stand and talk, although towards the windows looking out on the courtyard are six tables with five place settings each, set for a larger meal.

And then there's a seventh table, at the back of the room, on which are thirty small notebooks. Inside, the notebooks appear to be some sort of album, with each page containing a picture of and information about your fellow guests.

After everyone has filed in, the doors shut and lock behind the final guest; the doors to the courtyard close as well. You'll have some time to talk amongst yourself, for it will be another hour of dining before anyone else appears]

This is an open mingle log for the welcome feast. Please tag one another. There will be NPC interaction in the post later in the day.

Setting
Information Cards

Comments

[inthebones]

[Susan does not toast. She merely stares with the expression of one examining a headless cockerel or a square egg.]

...

This is a game, yes? You mean you wish us to stage a perfect murder?

[productions]

[The woman smiles. Susan must already know the answer.]

Of course it's a game, or rather a competition...but the murders themselves must be real. Or else where would the suspense be?

[inthebones]

I don't know what sort of topsy-turvy world you come from, but life and death are not things to be toyed with in a game.

Not a single person would be willing to play along.

[OK well except the 'delights in sadism' woman maybe.]

[productions]

Oh, I'm very certain some of our contestants will be playing, Susan. Not all of them, perhaps, but I'm certain it will not be 'not a one.'

[inthebones]

[...........Drat.

That was actually a terrifically idiotic thing to say; she wasn't quite sure what had even possessed her to say it except a sudden sense of unwarranted spirit perhaps.]

...Fine.

Then those of us with some amount of sense will be quite happy to stop those of us unfortunate enough to be born with severe glandular imbalances. What will you do, then?

[productions]

Why, I will be thrilled! It would be wonderful to watch such a triumph. We'll merely be waiting to see how everything turns out.

[inthebones]

...I see.

[That, she supposes, is slightly different. This was less a sadistic game, then, than an investigation into the human psyche. Still cruel, but... ultimately, the choice was theirs, was it not? They could work together as the situation necessitated or they could fragment and splinter under the pressure of this 'game'.

Still, that there is some aspect of fair play mollifies Susan slightly, though the whole thing remained surreal beyond belief. And she had very little faith in the ability of humans to not be complete idiots.]

Then I shall voice my concern again for the child. As unacceptable as this situation already is, her involvement is simply egregious. Send her home and bring another for your silly game.

[productions]

I'm afraid the casting decisions have already been finalized.

[inthebones]

[An almost palpable iciness emanates from Susan as her face suddenly shifts for the briefest of moments. A flicker and it was gone.]

There's no point exchanging words with you, is there?

When this is through, I shall claim the honor of meeting your casting director as my reward. I hope that's acceptable.

[productions]

It's a little unconventional, and, well, the rewards for merely surviving may not merit such an outcome. But I will see what I can do, dear. Perhaps you will make his or her acquaintance sooner than you think.

[inthebones]

I shall look forward to it.

[Susan settles back in her chair, suddenly calm.]

The 'rules' are to be stated tomorrow at 9 - we are allowed to prepare for this competition of yours beforehand, of course?

[productions]

Oh, do feel free. There will be no prizes for killing prior to the official beginning, but you may do as you wish.

[inthebones]

[Asking for further clarification would only restrict her movements. Susan nods curtly in response.]

I suppose I shall try for an early night's rest. I expect it will be the last time anyone will sleep soundly for a while.

[Complete bollocks of course and she expects the Hostess will know as much.]

[productions]

That sounds like a wonderful plan. Best of luck to you, Susan.