week 1 - day 0

[productions]

murder manor week one



sunday

[As promised, on Sunday morning at 9 AM, the grandfather clock in the foyer begins to chime. The doors to the drawing room are left open, although the doors to the smoking room adjacent are locked. Set out in the drawing room is a fine selection of coffee, tea, fruit, and pastries. There are also enough chairs, lounges, and sofas for everyone to have a seat.

Once everyone has filed in, the doors to the drawing room will close and lock]

This is an NPC post as well as an open mingle. Players may reply to the NPC, or may discuss the game amongst themselves. Players will be locked in the room until 10 AM. Please see the plot and in character rule pages below. Anyone wishing to submit a murder for the week must do so by Monday at 9 PM EST.

Plots
Rules

Comments

[souredsweet]

Regardless of whether or not it's nonsense, the problem will arise if someone here does believe it... [which Kaoru sounds significantly troubled by. it seems the weary edge from the previous night hasn't worn off, either.]

[inthebones]

[She has heard the protests of the others by now, but she turns to Kaoru with a nod.]

There are thirty of us here. Exact probabilities aside, I think it quite likely that at least one will find all of this - memories, the chance to leave, the thrill of crime... incentive enough.

[souredsweet]

What should we do...? [that sounded a little more desperate than Kaoru had intended, which is why it's followed by a wince. no point in adding undue panic by being overly-pessimistic.]

We have no idea who may stoop to such levels or who they may target. Without knowing even that, how will we be able to protect anyone?

[inthebones]

[What should we do? A very valid question and one that Susan had never been able to fail in providing an answer to. There is a pause now.]

It does no good to go about casting fingers now. We must simply be vigilant.

And we shall have to ensure that everyone can protect themselves first and foremost.

[Her eyes slide purposefully now to some of the younger members of their group. She had already spoken to a few yesterday... Her words now, in consequence, were slightly facetious.]

[souredsweet]

...I suppose that is the best and only way to confront a situation such as this. [though there is some reluctance, since vigilance alone won't be able to prevent a murder if the culprit is particularly skilled or determined.

Kaoru notices where Susan's gaze drifts, though, and that brings another thing to mind. with a lowered voice:] I worry for Miss May... Have you spoken to her?

[inthebones]

[The expression she levels now at Kaoru is difficult to read - appraising is as close a term as any. Susan will nod after a brief moment of silence.]

May is as prepared for the situation as she can be now. I shall keep one eye upon her whenever possible.

[If Kaoru remembers the bit about 'locating people at will', Susan means exactly that.]

I can't imagine how they thought her involvement appropriate, but what's done is done.

[souredsweet]

[if the something-like-appraisal look ruffles Kaoru's feathers at all, it doesn't show. after the nod, the only thing present is a subdued sort of relief.]

Thank you, miss. [it's clear Kaoru has respect for Susan just... as a particularly severe but sensible person, apparently. while Susan's card has been left unread for the time being, even just a simple promise to keep an eye out is good enough.]

I don't believe that anyone here should be subjected to this, and I know that she believes herself to be quite capable for her age... That is the impression I got when I spoke to her, at least. Still, she's so young and she has already expressed a desire to fight against those responsible for this. I fear her confidence coupled with her age may bring her to harm, either at the hands of a peer or the person responsible for this travesty.

[inthebones]

May is perfectly suited to defend herself in a battle of any sort - that's the type of danger she's accustomed to. I'm sure she could kill me quite easily if she wanted to.

But her natural inclinations will hinder her in a 'competition' of this nature. She meets the enemy head-on, never suspecting that he won't do the same. I don't fear that she'll meet her end at the hands of those who brought us here - I fear she will place her trust in the wrong person.

[This is an assessment of May that Susan feels will be evident to anyone after a mere 10 minutes of conversation with the girl. That it was so demonstrably obvious was the most alarming thing of all.]

[souredsweet]

[now that it's been brought up and worded plainly, it does seem like a difficult thing to miss. to think, Kaoru had only just been complimenting May for her bold open nature.]

I admire her for possessing such openness and trust, but... I suppose that it would not be a good trait to have in a situation like this. [a sigh, soft and already weary.] ...For now, I will stay vigilant and hope greatly that no one here would lower themselves to such levels.

[inthebones]

I have advised her, as I should advise anyone, to trust no one.

[Susan's smile is faintly acerbic as she turns to glance at the girl once more.]

Not even me. I certainly shouldn't mind working with those amenable to find a solution to our conundrum, but we had best rely on ourselves first and foremost.

[souredsweet]

[Kaoru's expression seems to fall a little and there's some embarrassment present as well, like that suggestion should have been obvious from the start but wasn't.]

...I appreciate your ability to be pragmatic in such a situation, miss. I would rather not spend my time here worrying about who is or is not trustworthy, but I suppose that is a good way of handling the matter. [a solemn nod.]

That said, I would like to at least offer my cooperation in the case of finding a way out of this mess.

[inthebones]

[As a point of preference, Susan never trusts anyone anyway, so it was perfectly alright for her saying so. She has a feeling the others won't feel quite the same way.]

I won't refuse help if it's offered, of course.

But I must admit I'm not certain how to proceed at the moment. It shall depend very much on our actions - all of us, as a group.

[souredsweet]

[it's almost like Kaoru had expected Susan to have a magic fix-all answer or something wow. but that gets a nod, and Kaoru doesn't seem too put off at least.]

I will keep listening, then, so that when the time comes to organize a group effort, I won't be a hindrance.

[inthebones]

[Kaoru would be quite right in thinking so in nearly any other situation, but this was not any other situation. Susan is stymied. Hardly a welcome feeling.]

You're as much a hindrance as any of us are. My best plan at the moment is to thrust a butcher's knife into our Hostess and see what happens.

I rather think I'll give it more thought.

[souredsweet]

[though the open talk of violence brings a brief look of surprise and some measure of discomfort to Kaoru's face, it's not like the hostess is someone to be worried for, either. ...or one who will likely be taken down so easily.]

...I fear that may not end well for you, with such power on her side.

[inthebones]

Unfortunately, it seems my calling in life to do things that don't bode well for me. But you're right; I ought to at least waste it on something that isn't completely idiotic.

[Susan, it seems, is perfectly content with meting justice on those she feels are deserving.]

[souredsweet]

[SUSAN... the kind of person that would give friends and family hernias, no doubt!! but after another brief look of concern, Kaoru sighs.]

I trust that you will not waste it at all, Miss Sto Helit. Please take care.

[inthebones]

[A brisk nod to that which is probably how Susan expresses appreciation. Or perhaps she doesn't express appreciation at all.]

Goodbye, then. And good luck. I certainly hope we'll all be here still at the close of the week, but then. As they say - a person is sensible. People, however, are stupid.

[With that chipper thought, Susan sweeps away out of the foyer.]