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Haunted Halloween with Belly and Howdy - Final day's results are up in the CD. - See First Post.
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http://www.menewsha.com/img/43187/f4...cda9b258e9.jpg (Click here for mood music.) Tucked away in the furthest corner of Menewsha sits a piece of land that today few of its citizens dare to explore. It is an ominous and dark place. But once upon a time this land and the now overgrown mansion that idles upon it were jewels of the island. |
We decided not to do extra rules for this thread. Menewsha already has a lot of rules (which you should follow, of course, ahem) and we want people to feel that it's okay to bumble right in and play with us. Two things though: |
http://www.menewsha.com/img/43187/80...9736358bef.png http://www.menewsha.com/img/43187/0e...8f790fd514.png You follow the mysterious note from the artist's studio back down to the manor grounds. The sun has risen, so you're able to survey the cemetery properly. You hold the heart-shaped key in your hand and wonder where it could fit... until. Is that...? Yes, there seems to be a keyhole-shaped indentation in the gravestone of Eloise Marcheford. You insert the key in and turn. Suddenly, the ground opens to reveal a set of stairs leading into the earth. You descend. http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/37...79bcd8ac2d.png You’ve found me. I had wondered if anyone ever would. That means you have successfully navigated my home. Who am I? I am Alexander Marcheford, the lord of Marcheford Manor. At least I was a century ago. I am now nothing more than a pitiful, lost soul. If you’re curious as to what this place is, it is the tomb of my most beloved, Eloise. In life I traveled this world, seeking out its treasures. But there is nothing I have ever treasured more than her. When we met, I was resigned to my solitary life. But Eloise was a beacon within a sea of darkness. And when she consented to marry me, she filled my existence with light. But it was a light that would burn out far too quickly. The day my precious Eloise died, it felt as if I had died with her. But mine was a waking death, where every second was an eternity of sorrow. And I knew I could not rest until I had her back. In my explorations I learned many things. I delved into the histories of lost civilizations and studied their archaic practices. I was taught the rituals of hidden lands by wizened, old men, whose knowledge was rooted in time. This, I thought, coupled with my understanding of science, would be enough to return my love to me. In my campaign to resurrect Eloise, I took the life of everyone around me. Servants, guests, family members. And most regrettably, that of my children. I hoped to harness their life energies, so that I may rekindle the spark in hers. But it was for not. I was a fool, to think I could defy god and nature. I was a fool, because by trying to bring her back, by trying to soothe the loneliness in my heart, I had solidified that loneliness. The mansion was empty and I was alone. There was nothing left. My last act was to seal myself with Eloise in her tomb and wait for the inevitable. The repercussions of my actions are myriad. Those I have killed have become angry ghosts, and they in turn have stolen the lives of others. For this I hold not but the deepest remorse. But you, you have braved the mansion. You have stood up to the terrors that reside within its walls and you have found the heart of my home. And by finding me, you cut my tether to this place. Myself and all the lost souls of Marcheford Manor. We are free to go now. What waits for me, for us, I cannot say. But we are free and for that I thank you. |
http://www.menewsha.com/img/43187/39...bc3a4f7063.png http://www.menewsha.com/img/43187/f1...1fff76065d.jpg It has been quite the evening. Moving past the children's dining room and up the narrow staircase, you and your friends reach Marcheford's last floor. The manor has revealed a wealth of treasure, but also a wealth of terror. A haunting hedge maze. A ghoulish garage. A killer kennel. A bone-chilling ballroom. A devious dungeon. A frightening fainting room. A nightmarish nursery. Each part of the estate has had its horrors, but also its safe havens. The attic is another story. It is brimming with ghostly malevolence and there is but one room that offers sanctuary, that offers your last chance for riches. Choose wisely. ... After more than a century, the tales of Marcheford's tragedies seem to be the only ones that survive. Very few remember the happiness that lived in these walls. Unbeknownst to you and your fellow explorers, Eloise Marcheford was once renowned for her love of art and her artistic skill. After they married, she asked Alexander for her own studio in the attic, to which he happily complied. Eloise would spend hours in the Artist's Studio, painting and sculpting. When the children came along, she gave to them her appreciation for art, as well as poetry, literature and drama. Amelia and Sedrick would put on plays in the studio and everyone would attend. Their mother, the staff, even their father, Alexander. And all would have a joyous time. To Eloise, this room was the heart of the house. And that is why no angry spirit dare cross its threshold... for in it remains strongest the energy of her love. Tucked away behind a row of old, broken easels, the children's costume trunk is found. And opening it reveals Marcheford's greatest treasure. A set of glistening, magical wings. http://www.menewsha.com/images/items...dfed87d367.gifhttp://www.menewsha.com/images/items...5ddaacd727.gif Choose one. ;) A regal collection of peacock adornments. http://www.menewsha.com/images/items...7252bd4236.gif And 1000g :gold:! As well, everyone inside receives 2 Survivor Points! :) ... You've done what others said couldn't be done. You've the searched the whole of Marcheford Manor and survived. The night is over and the sun is rising. A ray of light catches something you hadn't noticed at the bottom of the trunk. It's a key. http://www.menewsha.com/img/43187/f9...8966185ef5.png With it is a note. It reads: "You've found the heart of my home and the key to my heart. Search for me in the cemetery." What could this mean? You have to find out. You've come this far. Time to return to the cemetery. (See Post #4) The Terrace gives a breathtaking view of the woods and the sea. You might say it's a view to die for. http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/c0...329a4c0285.png ~The Story of Thom Wallace~ Thom Wallace was a kindly old man with a talent for gardening. Due to an accident in his boyhood, he'd lost his hearing long ago. He hadn't been able to speak well since then, so for the most part he just didn't speak at all. Much of his life, people mistook his silence for dimwittedness, and he was treated rather poorly as a result. Thom found an unlikely friend in young Amelia Marcheford. Little Amelia adored roses, as did Thom. He'd made a habit of picking a small bouquet for her each day, which he'd give to her when she inevitably "hid" from her brother in the rose garden during one of their games of hide and seek. The bouquets were always received with giggles of delight, and their brief meetings were something Thom quite looked forward to. When Amelia and Sedrick disappeared, Thom sank into a deep depression. Rather than tend his roses down on the manor grounds, he spent his time on the terrace, pacing back and forth uttering incoherencies and staring off towards the Woods. Thom was found out on the terrace, having suffered a heart attack. He lay on his side with his face turned toward the Woods, cheeks moist with tears and a small bouquet of white roses clutched in his hand. I foresee the future for those who enter the Attic Storage. And it is very grim, indeed. http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/a5...fed6b70d5e.png ~The Story of Sorcha Leven~ Sorcha Leven billed herself a "World Class Psychic." With people dropping like flies in the Manor, a desperate housekeeping staff pooled their apron change and hired her to divine the source of the trouble in hopes that they'd finally be able to put whatever-it-was to rest. Upon arrival at the Manor, Sorcha pulled a long polished bone from a velvet pouch and began waving it around theatrically, chanting aloud in a strange tongue. She was "pulled" this way and that in her colorful skirts as her divination dragged her around the house. Zig-zagging upward with a handful of curious housekeepers in tow, she arrived finally at the door to the Attic Storage room. Shoving open the door with one chubby hand, she boldly proclaimed, "THIS is where we shall hold the seance!" She whipped out a swatch of purple fabric and lay it atop a pile of boxes, kicking up an awful cloud of dust. The coughing fit that ensued was even more dramatic than her earlier performance, and though she passed rather quickly from an asthma attack, it took the butler poking her good and hard with his cane for the staff to believe she was really dead. After all these years, the Sauna no longer heats up. But there is still reason to sweat. http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/77...3dee8cad60.png ~The Story of Milicent Lollyworth~ Millicent Lollyworth, a distant relative of Eloise Marcheford, only wanted to enjoy her tea in quiet solitude. With the recent passing of her cousin twice-removed, however, the house was a flurry of activity and her usual perch in the Fainting Room was occupied by a mourning aunt. Growing impatient, she shuffled from hallway to hallway until she came upon the Sauna, where she was relieved to discover that not a soul was present. Perhaps it was the heat of the room, the stress of the day's events, or simply a corset fastened a bit too tightly.. But Millicent began to feel the tingle in her spine, and then the tiny twinkling lights in her peripheral vision appeared -- those familiar, telltale signs that she was about to faint. As her unconscious body collapsed, her tea splashed to the ground and her head hit the sauna bench at just the right angle to snap her neck, killing her instantly. Don't fret if you can't see in the Dark Room, pretty soon you'll be able to follow the light. http://www.menewsha.com/img/43187/c5...8148a6eb67.png ~The Story of Hunter Puget~ Hunter Puget holds the unfortunate distinction of being Marcheford's most recent victim. Time tends to temper the weight of fear. The 21st century had dawned, and to the neighboring town's younger generation the stories of the manor had become less cautionary tale and more urban legend. Kids still feared the mansion, but there was an edge of fun to that fear. Hunter was was your average teen. He loved music and enjoyed hanging out with his friends. One day, he and his pals got to talking about Marcheford. "I wouldn't go up there for a million gold," said his friend Todd. "You're sad. It's all just talk" Hunter replied. "If you're so brave, why don't you spend the night there?" Friend Richie added. Now no young man wants to be seen as a coward in the eyes of his friend, so he agreed. The last Todd and Richie saw of him, he pulled on his headphones, climbed the rusted gate and disappeared from view. When Hunter didn't reappear the next day, authorities were sent to search the property. The house was checked from the bottom up, and at the very top, in the Dark Room, Hunter was found... dead. The coroner attributed the teen's demise to sudden cardiac arrest. But others say he died of fright. http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/24...c6296772ac.png As one can imagine, being a ghost doomed to wander the earth for all time can get a little boring. That's why the studious, Sally Dupree leaves her place in the Library every so often to survey the boundless sky in the Observatory. Lamentably, it's a cloudy, moonless night tonight and Sally needs something else for distraction. Maybe you can help her out. http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/fa...4845ad408d.png Being dead is no excuse for letting yourself go. That's why when he feels the need for a little toning, our spectral friend, Rufus, floats up to the Gym. He's got a hell of a workout routine planned. Are you ready to exercise 'til you drop? http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/ca...64b5554297.png In life, Amelia Marcheford's favorite hobby was doll collecting. An entire wall in the Hobby Room was dedicated to these finely crafted figures, made of porcelain and china. Perhaps you would like to see her collection. Perhaps you would like to become part of it. http://www.menewsha.com/img/43187/40...58c5697231.png During his short time at the manor, one of Jarvis' duties was to make sure the house was properly dusted. Now, in death, he sees to it that each room is thoroughly covered. And he doesn't appreciate it when some 'flesh head' comes along to disturb the dust. And I'm afraid that's what you seem to be doing in the Map Room. |
Aemilia - Ghost Points: 1 Aerinn - Ghost Points: 3 - Survivor Points: 4 Amice - Ghost Points: 4 - Survivor Points: 3 Anglie - Ghost Points: 5 - Survivor Points: 3 Arechi - Ghost Points: 7 Artsydaze - Ghost Points: 6 - Survivor Points: 2 Ascadellia - Ghost Points: 4 - Survivor Points: 5 blueblackrose - Ghost Points: 7 - Survivor Points: 2 blueblob2 - Ghost Points: 4 - Survivor Points: 1 Car'a'Carn - Survivor Points: 1 Cardinal Biggles - Ghost Points: 3 - Survivor Points: 4 Chikuma - Ghost Points: 2 - Survivor Points: 5 Codette - Ghost Points: 4 - Survivor Points: 3 Computosaurus - Ghost Points: 5 - Survivor Points: 4 Cora Lorington - Ghost Points: 2 - Survivor Points: 6 crazymuch - Ghost Points: 6 CrimsonShadow - Ghost Points: 6 - Survivor Points: 2 d2hiriyuu - Ghost Points: 5 - Survivor Points: 3 DariaMorgendorfer - Ghost Points: 7 - Survivor Points: 5 Death_to_the_reaper - Ghost Points: 3 - Survivor Points: 4 Dystopia - Survivor Points: 1 EirianHikari - Ghost Points: 4 - Survivor Points: 5 Elirona - Ghost Points: 2 - Survivor Points: 1 fairywaif - Ghost Points: 1 - Survivor Points: 7 fireprincess - Ghost Points: 4 - Survivor Points: 1 Fauxreal - Ghost Points: 5 - Survivor Points: 3 Ferra - Ghost Points: 2 - Survivor Points: 5 GangsterGlam - Ghost Points: 4 - Survivor Points: 2 Gummi - Ghost Points: 1 GwenaHikari - Ghost Points: 3 - Survivor Points: 1 Hadsvich - Ghost Points: 4 - Survivor Points: 5 HIM_ROCK - Ghost Points: 5 - Survivor Points: 3 *Hime* - Ghost Points: 2 - Survivor Points: 5 HoneyButterbaby - Ghost Points: 1 - Survivor Points: 3 hummy - Ghost Points: 4 - Survivor Points: 5 Iroase Delschatten - Ghost Points: 3 - Survivor Points: 6 Itachi's Bride - Survivor Points: 1 Izumi - Ghost Points: 6 - Survivor Points: 2 jecynecy - Ghost Points: 3 - Survivor Points: 6 Jesmond - Ghost Points: 4 - Survivor Points: 5 Jezriel - Ghost Points: 3 - Survivor Points: 3 Kay - Ghost Points: 2 - Survivor Points: 5 Kent - Ghost Points: 6 - Survivor Points: 4 KH4Life - Ghost Points: 2 - Survivor Points: 8 KidK Mirai - Ghost Points: 6 - Survivor Points: 2 `Kitami - Ghost Points: 4 - Survivor Points: 6 KittyLuhv - Ghost Points: 3 - Survivor Points: 3 Knerd - Ghost Points: 3 - Survivor Points: 7 Kya Katsumi - Ghost Points: 4 - Survivor Points: 4 laniparis - Survivor Points: 1 LaVida - Ghost Points: 5 - Survivor Points: 2 Ling - Ghost Points: 3 - Survivor Points: 4 Liztress - Ghost Points: 7 - Survivor Points: 2 LizzyCollinsDeArc - Ghost Points: 3 - Survivor Points: 6 LogicallyDoomed - Ghost Points: 4 - Survivor Points: 3 ~LONGCAT~ - Ghost Points: 6 - Survivor Points: 2 lunanuova - Ghost Points: 5 - Survivor Points: 5 Mageling - Ghost Points: 5 - Survivor Points: 2 maidenroseheart - Ghost Points: 3 - Survivor Points: 3 Maria-Minamino - Ghost Points: 4 - Survivor Points: 4 Naisou - Ghost Points: 4 - Survivor Points: 5 Nami - Ghost Points: 1 - Survivor Points: 1 neller - Ghost Points: 4 - Survivor Points: 5 Neora - Ghost Points: 5 - Survivor Points: 4 NeuzaKC - Ghost Points: 5 - Survivor Points: 1 N I G H T - Ghost Points: 3 - Survivor Points: 1 nike13 - Ghost Points: 5 - Survivor Points: 3 Nonsensical - Ghost Points: 6 - Survivor Points: 3 PapillonCameo - Ghost Points: 3 - Survivor Points: 5 Paprika - Ghost Points: 3 - Survivor Points: 5 Popcorn Gun - Ghost Points: 5 Projectwolfie - Survivor Points: 1 Rabid Rainbow - Ghost Points: 5 - Survivor Points: 4 Razak - Ghost Points: 6 - Survivor Points: 2 Rinetteable - Ghost Points: 4 - Survivor Points: 5 Rochiel Silverfire - Ghost Points: 5 Roxxxy - Ghost Points: 6 - Survivor Points: 2 Rozalyne - Ghost Points: 4 - Survivor Points: 1 Ryubahamut - Ghost Points: 4 - Survivor Points: 4 sadrain - Ghost Points: 1 - Survivor Points: 1 Sakubo - Survivor Points: 1 Sally Sinema - Ghost Points: 3 - Survivor Points: 6 salvete - Ghost Points: 4 - Survivor Points: 2 Saravi Boo - Ghost Points: 6 - Survivor Points: 3 Seito - Ghost Points: 6 - Survivor Points: 2 Seridano - Survivor Points: 7 SesshysMiko - Ghost Points: 8 Shadami - Ghost Points: 4 - Survivor Points: 5 ShadowDemon101 - Ghost Points: 5 - Survivor Points: 5 Shishunki - Ghost Points: 4 - Survivor Points: 4 Sidhe - Survivor Points: 1 stephstar101 - Ghost Points: 3 - Survivor Points: 6 Suzhi Mix - Ghost Points: 1 - Survivor Points: 2 ToriKat - Ghost Points: 1 - Survivor Points: 2 vgracebutterfly - Ghost Points: 3 - Survivor Points: 5 Vickyll3 - Ghost Points: 6 - Survivor Points: 3 whisper.dust - Ghost Points: 1 woofie267 - Survivor Points: 1 Wulfwynn - Ghost Points: 7 - Survivor Points: 1 XxA_Wistful_InsanityxX - Ghost Points: 6 - Survivor Points: 3 Yumeh - Survivor Points: 5 Ze_Mole - Survivor Points: 1 zigbigadorlube - Ghost Points: 5 - Survivor Points: 5 Zweres - Ghost Points: 3 - Survivor Points: 5 |
http://www.menewsha.com/img/43187/3a...998b2385bd.png http://www.menewsha.com/img/43187/70...f28f266d05.jpg You and your friends have decided to eschew the warnings given by the elder Menewshans, and explore Marcheford Manor in search of its treasure. You are all either very bold or very stupid. Well you have chosen quite the night. For it is All Hallow's Eve, the anniversary of Alexander Marcheford's disappearance. Take care, for the spirits do not welcome intrusion. Where is everyone? Results: You've explored the darkened foregrounds of Marcheford Manor. Some of you walk away empty-handed. Others walk away with your pockets a little fuller. While some of you will never walk again. The overgrown Rose Garden offered nothing but thorns. Those in the Archery Range swore they may have heard the 'THWACK' of an arrow, but not much else. The smell of fermented cider hung thick in the Cider House, that's it. The only reward found in the Koi Pond were the skeletons of long dead koi. It seemed as if the dilapidated Gazebo would offer up no prize. But a clever explorer suggested pulling up the floorboards. And there beneath the rotting wood lay a cache of gold. Enough to divvy up 500g :gold: to each person! Those exploring the Apple Orchard were surprised to find it flourishing, and accepted its sweet bounty as their reward. http://www.menewsha.com/images/items...ea6bebb7e2.gifhttp://www.menewsha.com/images/items...a0adbc9fae.gif One would have expected the Fountain to be dried up and rusted, but clear water still spills forth from its spouts. Curiously, you find a set of rainboots in the fountain. Have others been here recently? Regardless, they are nice boots, so you take one pair. http://www.menewsha.com/images/items...5db31ca7b2.gifhttp://www.menewsha.com/images/items...0e7e61df74.gifhttp://www.menewsha.com/images/items...fa883bd65e.gifhttp://www.menewsha.com/images/items...45c034419e.gif You wouldn't think there would be much in the Guard House, but laying on a shelf is an antique shotgun. It isn't loaded, but it is in pristine condition and may be worth a pretty penny. http://www.menewsha.com/images/items...efb80bc39b.gif And woe to those who wandered into the Hedge Maze, for they were given a chilly reception by Marcheford's long departed scullery maid. http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/c6...8758fe3689.png ~The Story of Julia O'Dowd~ Sweet Julia O'Dowd was the scullery maid of Marcheford Manor. A wide-eyed girl with a fondness for tales of romance. Mr. Marcheford forbade the servants from bringing strangers to the mansion, but Julia was in love with a young man from town. On Christmas Eve, she received a mysterious letter asking her to secretly meet him in the hedge maze. Slipping away from her kitchen duties, Julia waited and waited for her suitor. But alas, he never came. And when poor Julia was found on Christmas Day, she had frozen to death. Raw Entries in Chronological Order |
http://www.menewsha.com/img/43187/cc...8cf228efcc.png The front of the manor grounds have been fully explored, yet you and your friends are no closer to finding entrance to the mansion itself. Following the cobblestone drive away from the main property, you find yourselves at the carriage house - and it is unlocked. What waits inside? Treasure? Clues to opening Marcheford's doors? Or something more sinister?http://www.menewsha.com/img/43187/7a...2ad8d6a545.jpg Your Choices Are:
Where is everyone? RESULTS: You've ventured into the old, creaking carriage house. Some of you leave a little richer. Some of you never leave again. In the Stable Master's Bedroom a crusty pair of long johns are discovered, but I wouldn't call that much of a prize. Everything of potential value in the Smithy has long since corroded and is of no use. The Grain Storage lays vacant, its content eaten by rats decades ago. Those searching the Tool Shed find a a large tool chest. The lock on it disintegrates to the touch. Surprisingly, inside is a wealth of gold. Enough to offer each person 600g! :gold: In the Workshop you find an exquisitely crafted model ship, a little dusty but in otherwise perfect condition. Inspecting it closer, you see that it is actually a hat. Now why would something like that be here? http://www.menewsha.com/images/items...9dde05ec77.gif There's nothing you wouldn't expect in the Stable Master's Living Quarters. A table, some chairs, a small desk, etc. But in a drawer, you find something seemingly out of place. A delicately made sash. It's embroidered with the letter 'M' and smells vaguely of perfume. http://www.menewsha.com/images/items...ad90642e73.gif The contents of the Tack Room are really of no use to you, as you have no horse. :P But when you're about to leave, you see something peeking out of one of the saddles. It is an old, faded letter in crude script. It begins, 'I know you will never read this...' but then crumbles in your hand. All that is left is a bitter heart. http://www.menewsha.com/images/items...faed500f02.gif Pity those unfortunate few who dared to search the Garage, for you never know who or what is hanging about. http://www.menewsha.com/img/43187/40...58c5697231.png ~The Story of Jarvis Fitzpatrick~ Jarvis Fitzpatrick, the butler, holds the record for the least amount of time alive at Marcheford Manor, no more than a week. The previous butler fled, without notice, under the cover of dark. He was unsettled by all the unusual deaths at the house, and harbored a growing distrust for his ex-employer. Alexander Marcheford was furious at the departure. He advertised for a new butler, but by then the house's reputation was well known in town and no one would apply. So the pay was increased to three times the normal amount, but still no man stepped forward... save for one. It was an uncharacteristic move on Jarvis Fitzpatrick's part, and as time would tell, also an unwise one. Jarvis was a fidgety man, who jumped at shadows. He knew of the strange occurrences at the manor and honestly feared the place. But he also had dreams of opening his own millinery, and starting a business requires money. So pushing aside his better judgement, he accepted the position. Jarvis, from the very start, didn't fit in well. He moved through the house tentatively. On his second day of the job he wrote a letter to his father, stating that, in his words, 'The mansion is pregnant with dread. I am constantly looking over my shoulder and my heart beats like a frightened rabbit.' ... Jarvis would be found, only days later, hanging in the garage. Some would speculate that it was his nerves that finally did him in. While others wonder if perhaps there wasn't a more sinister hand involved. Horseshoes may be lucky, but the Stables have proven itself to be unlucky. http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/76...d6570ea1e7.png ~The Story of Horace Bickwell~ Horace Bickwell was humorless man, set with a permanent scowl on his face. But a hard worker nonetheless. He was the manor's stable master and had been for many, many years. Before him, Horace's father was also the stable master. To this fact, he and Alexander Marcheford were the same age and had, as children, been friends. But time and the divide between social classes eventually ended the friendship. Marcheford regarded his old chum with a certain coldness, and Horace resented him. But if there was anyone capable of melting the stable master's icy demeanor, it was the beautiful Eloise. Some speculate he may have had an unspoken love for her. When she died, he spoke few words and showed little emotion, but his heart was broken. He mourned, but did not know that soon he would follow his mistress. One fateful afternoon, Horace accidentally stumbled from the stable hay loft and impaled himself on a pitchfork, dying a terrible death. Raw Entries in Chronological Order |
http://www.menewsha.com/img/43187/9f...5a152e90ee.png The Carriage House was dusty and musty and filled with hay and sawdust, but little else. With no other option, you and your friends decide to return to the cold night and search the manor's back yard.http://www.menewsha.com/img/43187/50...e7eb590b2a.jpg Where is everyone? RESULTS: None of you are too excited about wading through the thick, viscous sludge that rests at the bottom of the Swimming Pool, so you leave it be. Those of you brave enough to explore the Cemetery prepared for the worst, but, except for the hooting of a distant owl, all was quiet. The Aviary is eerie at night, with its metal frame and large domed ceiling. Stumbling about in the dark, one of you trips over an old sack of bird seed, only to find that it's actually gold! Enough gold for 700g :gold: each! The Greenhouse has seen better days. Rusted and many of its panes broken, you wonder if anything could ever grow here again. But sure enough, nature has found a way. You find a wall of beautiful roses and decide to take one for yourself. http://www.menewsha.com/images/items...f3bee94dd1.gif http://www.menewsha.com/images/items...775d2b25fc.gif http://www.menewsha.com/images/items...a6253fff0c.gif http://www.menewsha.com/images/items...c0b5d82099.gif http://www.menewsha.com/images/items...08a76e7f23.gif Those of you venturing into the Chapel expect it to be a safe haven from the dark forces that permeate the estate. So imagine the shock when there, on the altar, you find a pair of demonic looking masks. What went on here? Best take one, perhaps the dark forces will see you as kin and pass you by. http://www.menewsha.com/images/items...e3d9444299.gifhttp://www.menewsha.com/images/items...de3b42cff4.gif Checking the old Tennis Court, you're not sure what you think you'll discover. It's much too dark to play if you find a ball and racket. But beneath the spectator stands, a glint of gold catches your flashlight beam. It's an ornate fan. One a cultured lady may have fanned herself with during a match. http://www.menewsha.com/images/items...e7e540168f.gif Whispers can be heard coming from The Woods. Listen closely. 'Come play with us. Come play... forever.' http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/ca...64b5554297.pnghttp://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/23...f8685c8fd3.png ~The Story of Amelia and Sedrick Marcheford~ For a brother and sister, Amelia and Sedrick Marcheford got along well. In fact, the two delighted in each other's company and were seldom seen apart. To pass the hours, the children loved to play hide and seek. While their mother Eloise was alive, she saw to it that their games were confined to the 3rd floor of the manor so that they would be safe and wouldn't disturb their father Alexander's studies. Their father had seemed distant to the children before, but he became completely out of reach after their mother died. The manor staff tried to compensate for Eloise's absence, but many were consumed with grief themselves and some found Amelia especially a painful reminder of what had been lost. In this climate it was very easy for the children to slip away and they were free to roam the full length and breadth of the estate. Amelia and Sedrick vanished one sunny afternoon during a game of hide and seek. Although the estate was searched from top to bottom and the grounds thoroughly combed, no remains were ever found. It is now believed that some ill fate befell the children in the woods, as Amelia's hairbow was discovered many years later, weathered but neatly tied around the branch of a tree. The sea may be calm, but in the Boat House the waters are as restless as the soul that haunts it. http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/fa...4845ad408d.png ~The Story of Rufus Tibideaux~ Marcheford Manor had already long established itself as the place "not to be" when Rufus Tibideaux moved to the island. Rufus was a handsome playboy whose two focuses in life were women and motorcars. But he was also an arrogant young man and a terrible showoff. Hearing the stories of Marcheford, he regarded the tales as uneducated nonsense and ridiculed those who believed. "I'll show you all." He was noted to say. "I'll spend the night there." It would be a decision he wouldn't live to regret. When Tibideaux failed to return from the mansion, a reluctant group was put together to find him. In the grounds behind the manor, his clothing was found near the shore, as if he had removed them to go for a swim. But as for the man himself, there was no trace. It was decided to reopen the nearby boat house, which had been chained and locked for years. And to their horror, there on the dock lay the lifeless body of Rufus Tibideaux, still wet with sea water. Mercy be with those who enter the Kennel, for the Hound Master is no doggy treat. http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/df...06ed4a7786.png ~The Story of Travis Eberhardt~ Eloise, being a gentle soul, loved all animals. But none meant more to her than her dogs. Four Irish wolfhounds she brought to the manor after marrying Alexander. He built the kennel for her, so that her pets would be properly housed. And Travis Eberhardt was hired to be their caretaker. Travis was a big man. A rough and rugged individual, whose frame was in equal proportion to the size of his heart. A kinder fellow you would be hard pressed to find. After Eloise died, the children would continue to play with the dogs. But when Amelia and Sedrick disappeared, only Travis was left to love them. He approached Mr. Marcheford and asked for their ownership. He would be taking them off the property and leaving as well. Marcheford agreed, but only after being allowed to examine them one last time. For their health, he said. Eberhardt was unsure, but had little alternative. The wolfhounds were returned and Travis prepared to leave. That night, just before sundown, a great commotion was heard from the kennel. Locked inside the small building, the canines had broken free of their cages and, with uncharacteristic viciousness, fatally mauled their only friend, Travis. Raw Entries in Chronological Order |
http://www.menewsha.com/img/43187/ac...802d2addc2.png http://www.menewsha.com/img/43187/58...77edf5a2fc.jpg Colds winds howled in the back yard, chilling you and your friends to the bone. And just as you were uncertain if you could further face the dark night, where you imagine hidden eyes all around you, a member in your party finds a mysterious key in the Chapel. Fitting the key into the mansion's back entrance, you're delighted to see that it fits. Marcheford Manor awaits. What will you find inside? Where is everyone? RESULTS: Though festooned with cobwebs and blanketed in a layer of dust, Marcheford's opulence is proudly on display. As impressed as you and your companions may be, there is still an overwhelming sense of ominousness to the mansion's first floor. Each of you chooses a room. Do riches reside behind the door? Or something more perilous? The Conservatory offers nothing but broken pots and rotted, wicker furniture. You feel along the walls looking for a possible secret passage, but no luck. Some old painting hang high up, far out of reach on the walls in the Lounge. Beside this, there doesn't seem to be much of value. One of you wearily plops down on the sofa and find that it's rather firm. Splitting the cushion's seams, gold is discovered inside! Enough for 800g :gold: each! The cupboards and drawers in the Kitchen are thoroughly searched. While you do find some rather nice copper pots, the bottoms have all corroded through. By the icebox you see a large sack labeled 'walnuts'. Curious as to what they may look like after a century, you peek inside... and find a sword? Was it used to crack the nuts open? The chef must have been mad. http://www.menewsha.com/images/items...24199144e6.gif Wanting to play it safe, you stayed out in the Hall. The others taunted you for your decision, but the choice turned out to be quite favorable. In the hall closet you discovered a finely, tailored coat. So take that non-Hall searchers! http://www.menewsha.com/images/items...9f85b1c7df.gif Entering the Study, it is quite apparent that someone of great intelligence resided here. Charts and books and models, all much too confusing to a layman. An impressive looking weapon is displayed on the wall, just behind the desk. The plaque reads, 'Pudao of Good Fortune'. Well it's certainly fortunate for you. http://www.menewsha.com/images/items...71fd4bf6a6.gif Shhhh, don't make too much noise in the Library. It's resident ghost is likely to hear you. ... Whoops, too late. http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/24...c6296772ac.png ~The Story of Sally Dupree~ Sally Dupree was Amelia and Sedrick's tutor. While perusing the shelves of the Library in search of material to supplement her lessons one afternoon, she came across a curious-looking tome high upon one of the shelves. Leather-bound and aged, it bore the initials "A.M." and had strange symbols on its binding. She had a sudden pang of conscience that she shouldn't be snooping, but her curiosity got the best of her and she stretched, tippy-toed, to reach the mysterious book. She managed to wriggle the top edge free from the tightly-packed shelf, and as she tipped it to pull it down she heard a sharp "Clink!" Something small and silver had fallen from the book and hit the floor. Then another sound -- footsteps! Shoving the book back up into its spot, she panicked and fumbled for the item that she'd caused to drop. Groping madly, her fingers finally connected with the object. "What is it?" she wondered, turning it in her hand. "An idol of some sort? A key?" A third sound. The ominous creaking of the large standing shelf behind her, as it tipped towards her slight figure. With no time to get out of the way, Sally met her end as the weight of old wood and a hundred books crushed her frame. Welcome! The Ballroom's ghostly occupant is throwing a party. And you are cordially invited. http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/b7...5af7607313.png ~The Story of Lawrence Paulson~ As others breathe air, Lawrence Paulson breathed sophistication. He was a shrewd businessman who had made millions and enjoyed spending it on the finer things in life. Rare wines. Expensive pieces of art. Vacation houses on exotic islands. See where this is goin'? ... Lawrence and his young wife Ruby came to Menewsha hoping to find their perfect getaway. And they found that perfect home in the Marcheford Manor. Oh the locals warned Lawrence and his flashy, little bride about Marcheford's history, but Paulson wouldn't be persuaded. "Progress can't be built on a foundation of superstition," he was famous for saying. And with that he demanded to be shown the manor. No one in the nearby town would set foot on the property, so Lawrence and his wife were left to their own devices. Superstition may hinder progress, but sometimes it can save you life. When the Paulsons didn't return to their hotel, townsfolks feared the worst. Fears that weren't unfounded. In the ballroom they discovered Lawrence dead, his face contorted into a grinning mask of madness. Marcheford's serving girl waits for you in the Dining Room. And what she's serving... is death. http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/ab...6b9a204631.png ~The Story of Cara Ellison~ The months following the death of Eloise Marcheford were difficult for everyone, and the kitchen staff was no exception. They say each person processes grief differently; for Cara Ellison, it was pouring herself into her work that enabled her some semblance of relief from the deep sorrow she felt. Creating new recipes for the remaining household became something of a personal crusade for her, and she began to seek rarer and stranger ingredients with which to ply her craft. With each successful creation she felt a little more whole, and so she couldn't help but continue. It was with a slight hint of madness that Cara envisioned her final masterpiece: a complex stew, made with the finest meats, imported spices, and vegetables from near and far. For her final ingredient, Cara disobeyed a longstanding house rule and trespassed into Mr. Marcheford's private garden to collect from unfamiliar herbs to add to the stew. As it brewed and bubbled, a curiously bitter aroma wafted into the air and Cara felt that she was at the threshhold of closure. A quick taste confirmed that she had created something truly unique. All that remained was to serve this glorious dish to the household, and then she would finally be at peace. Unfortunately, that unfamiliar herb proved to be the deadly poison that would end Cara's life, forever binding her spirit in unrest as she attempts in vain to serve her final meal to souls long departed. http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/23...f8685c8fd3.png The Billiard Room is normally all fun and good times. Unfortunately, you've found Sedrick Marcheford while playing a game of hide and seek with his sister. And he decides to make a game of you. Raw Entries in Chronological Order |
http://www.menewsha.com/img/43187/4f...48c7ca937b.png http://www.menewsha.com/img/43187/7d...6d383ff59f.jpg Behind the kitchen sits a small room with two sets of stairs. One leading up. The other leading down. You and your friends decide to explore the latter, and descend into the dank depths of the basement. Where is everyone? RESULTS: The windowless basement felt more like a cavern to you and your friends. The air stale. The atmosphere uninviting. You all decide to get the searching done quickly and choose a room. Lady Fortune is fickle. Who will she favor? And who will she abandon? The large, vault-like doors leading to the basement's secret rooms once kept intruders out. But a century of disuse has caused them to fall off their hinges and lay to the side. The Laboratory looks like something straight out of an old, b-movie. Vials and jars filled with putrid liquids and odd machinery. On a nearby gurney, a disturbing looking shape rests beneath a yellowed sheet. One of you bravely steps forward and pulls off the sheet, only to find gold! Enough for 900g :gold: each! The Basement Storage offers a variety of items. Unfortunately, most of it is of little value to you. Old heavy furniture. Moth eaten clothing. A suit of armor you swear is staring at you. You come upon a tightly sealed box reading 'Amelia and Sedrick'. Inside you discover a perfectly preserved pair of plush rabbits. They're obviously antiques and may be worth something... though you do feel like a bit of heel taking the stuffed animals of dead children. :ninja: http://www.menewsha.com/images/items...647d8c485c.gifhttp://www.menewsha.com/images/items...f2cd4f9562.gif I hope you didn't come to the Pantry hungry, cause there is certainly nothing edible left. Though everything perishable has long since... perished, the pong of decaying food still hangs thick. There isn't too much to search, but in a tarnished canister of flour you make a curious find. A finely made pair of chokers. Was someone trying to hide them? http://www.menewsha.com/images/items...a8674bdc6c.gif http://www.menewsha.com/images/items...4d5791455e.gif Many wouldn't expect to find anything salvageable in a Maintenance Room, but you have decided to roll the dice. And your gambles pays off, though not in the way you imagined. The maintenance room is a small space with tools, a work bench and not much else. But in the middle of the floor you find an expensive pair of headphones, and they're not too old. Was someone here recently? And if that someone left them behind, where are they now? http://www.menewsha.com/images/items...a319f304ec.gif You entered the Wine Cellar seeking libation and found instead a gruesome pair of drinking buddies. http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/34...7f68c6b928.png http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/02...f12d27f705.png ~The Story Cordelia Hunt and BFF Becky~ Tired of being dismissed by her peers as a "spoiled rich girl," Cordelia Hunt called on her best friend Becky (who was always up for anything) and set out to prove them wrong by spending the night in the haunted Manor. After an uneventful exploration of the first floor, the two made their way down to the Wine Cellar and sat on a bench to rest their feet. Cordelia sighed, bored. Stretching her arms and yawning, Becky leaned back against a cask and heard the liquid splosh inside. "Ooh!!" she squealed, "Do you think it's still good?" Noticing two wooden cups conveniently placed on a table beside the cask, Cordelia shrugged to her friend. "Let's find out!" Somewhere around the fourth or seventh cup, Cordelia turned to her BFF and said, "Omigosh Becky, this wine is nasty! It tastes like salt, and -- and copper pennies!" The coroner's report would list "alcohol poisoning" as the cause of death, but Cordelia and Becky's antics have become something of an urban legend. The word among the youth is that the official report is a cover-up, and that the girls had actually died from drinking gallons of human blood. (Note: Everyone in the Wine Cellar receives 2 ghost points. ;D) You really should have known better. For history tells us, those who enter a Dungeon often never come out. http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/38...4b2b956939.png ~The Story of Spencer Whitehill~ There were few, if any, who could claim to the know the inner-workings of Alexander Marcheford's mind. One wonders if even his most beloved, Eloise, knew. He kept most people at arm's length and allowed near no one into his world. One exception was Spencer Whitehill, Marcheford's footman. He was the servant with whom Alexander interacted the most and even assisted inside the basement laboratory, which was off limits to everyone else. Various dealings with his employer aside, Spencer was a loner. He was regarded as a snob by the rest of the staff, considering himself above them. In the months following Eloise's death, Whitehill found himself spending more and more time with Marcheford in the hidden basement rooms. But soon his demeanor began to change. He was troubled and seemed to be losing his usual confidence. ... Whitehill's last day came abruptly. Marcheford claimed he found the man dead, having accidentally ingested some chemicals being used on the experimental rats. This occurred in the 'Subject Room', as Alexander referred to it. Others would call it.. the dungeon. Marcheford's maintenance man waits in the Boiler Room, and he has a burning desire to meet you. http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/5f...2d05dd7926.png ~The Story of Jacob Balliwick~ Calling Jacob Balliwick the maintenance man slow-witted would be a kindness. Truth was he didn't have the mental faculties that god gave a rabid woodchuck. But what he lacked in smarts he made up with an almost savant-like ability to repair anything that needed fixing. In the weeks following Eloise's death, the weather on the island was chillier than usual. On one particularly nippy night, the boiler, for some odd reason, suddenly gave out. Mr. Marcheford summoned his maintenance man and demanded that it be fixed immediately. Usually not easy for someone without two thoughts to rub together, but for Jacob a simple task. No one can be too sure what happened next. The other servants heard a blood-curdling shout and rushed down to the basement. Throwing open the boiler room door, they found Jacob, flailing about, engulfed in flames. He was promptly put out, but did not live long after. In the aftermath, Alexander Marcheford lamented he would need to buy a new boiler. In some ways it's lucky you find the maid in the Laundry Room. She can wash the blood out when she's through with you. http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/f8...45608065de.png ~The Story of Henriette Garvin~ When Eloise became the lady of Marcheford Manor, she brought along her most trusted maid, Henriette Garvin. The relationship between the two women surpassed that of servant and employer. Eloise considered Henriette to be her best friend and most trusted confidante. When Eloise died, it was a devastating blow to Henriette. But as a strong and self-assured woman, she resolved to stay on at Marcheford and serve the family her departed friend loved so much. The only downside, it seemed, was having to deal with Boris, the Chef. Boris was madly infatuated with the pretty, blonde maid. But his boorish nature and wild temper repelled her. On the day of her unfortunate demise, Cara Ellison, the serving girl, overheard Boris rambling to himself about Henriette finally confessing her love. Cara confronted her about this, which Henriette strongly denied. "I'll have to set him straight, once and for all." She was remarked to say. It would be the last thing she'd ever do. That nights, the household was awoken by screams coming from the basement. Searching the laundry room, they found poor Henriette dead, a stab wound through her heart. http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/c6...8758fe3689.png Even when trying to warm herself, poor Julia O'Dowd ends up in the Freezer, the coldest room of the house. She invites you to find a meat hook and hang around. Raw Entries in Chronological Order |
http://www.menewsha.com/img/43187/da...f7d4714be3.png http://www.menewsha.com/img/43187/2f...f0d2be0b3a.jpg With the basement thoroughly scoured, you and your fellow explorers return to the main hall and ascend the creaky staircase to the second floor. Where is everyone? RESULTS: It's fascinating to the see the sort of luxury that is afforded to the upper class, even if it's in the spooky confines of Marcheford Manor. After having to explore the dank basement, the second floor seems to be a relief. But things aren't always as they seem. Treasure hunting is a game of chance. Will you win your fortune? Or lose your life? You and the fellow art lovers among your group search the Gallery with hopes of finding the work of a master. Perhaps Cezanne? Van Gogh? Manet? But alas, what is found is but a few anonymous paintings, ripped beyond repair. Your hopes dashed, one of you steps forward to inspect a broken sculpture and discover within its confines gold! Enough to divvy up 1000g :gold: each! The Master Bedroom is a massive space with a bed the size of most people's bedroom. You pull open drawers, rifle through dressers, but only come up with moth-eaten trousers and mouse-chewed socks. But in the back of the wardrobe sits a mysterious, black crown. Did this belong to Alexander Marcheford? He was the king of his castle after all. http://www.menewsha.com/images/items...e8b3c15de6.gif Positioned on the eastern side of the house, one can imagine how the Sun Room illuminates in the morning. But save for a few lounge chairs, there doesn't seem to be much to the room. You are about to abandon the search when the beam of your flashlight catches something. There on the wall is a scroll, illustrated with an exquisitely, drawn phoenix. Why it almost seems alive. http://images.menewsha.com/items/thu...d8a6d7f0a8.gif * Being a refuge of sorts, the Sun Room is worth 2 survivor points! What is that sweet sound coming from the Music Room? Is it a lullaby? No, it is a requiem. http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/f2...0741b492b6.png ~The Story of Charlotte Avery~ After Eloise Marcheford had fallen ill and all manner of traditional medicines had failed to help her, her husband turned to other means of healing. He commissioned a talented young harpist named Charlotte Avery to come to the Manor and play for Eloise, hoping that a turn in her spirits might enable her to get well. Charlotte played for Eloise for countless hours in the days leading up to her death. She remained by her bedside long into the night, playing her harp until her blistered fingers could pull the strings no more. On the morning of Eloise's death, servants gone to rouse Charlotte would find that she too had passed away mysteriously in her sleep. They say the haunting melodies that were played on that final night can still be heard in the hallways of the Manor to this day. The Fainting Room is the perfect place for you, for you're sure to pass out when you see who's inside. http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/39...abfd46cb53.png ~The Story of Ruby Paulson~ On her thirteenth birthday, Ruby Paulson's mother offered up a piece of advice that would stick with the girl for the rest of her life. "Marry for money, baby. Love can move mountains, but it can't make diamonds." And that's what she did. Ruby was as sharp as a pillowcase, but an impossibly, beautiful young woman, who was just cunning enough to know how to bend men to her will. And she found the perfect payout in Lawrence Paulson, a man who demanded the best. And there was no better trophy wife than Ruby. Now no one can say for sure what happened at Marcheford that day. Authorities found Mr. Paulson deceased in the ballroom, his visage twisted with insanity. As for Ruby, she was discovered upstairs in the fainting room. She lay on her stomach, a bottle of smelling salts not too far away. Turning her over, police were horrified to find the same expression of madness on her face. http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/76...d6570ea1e7.png Every so often, Horace the Stable Master likes to float up to the Ladies Boudoir and sit amongst the residual energy that Eloise Marcheford left behind. Unfortunate for you, he doesn't enjoy being disturbed. http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/fa...4845ad408d.png You were perplexed as to why areas of the 2nd Floor Hall were wet. Well it seems that Rufus Tibideaux has come inside searching for a towel. But instead he's found you. http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/ad...e688203b46.png Henriette the maid welcomes you to the Guest Bedroom. She hopes you enjoy your stay. You'll be here for a very long time. http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/38...4b2b956939.png During his life, one of the footman's jobs was to fill the tub for his employer in the Master Bath. But Mr. Marcheford is long gone, so Spencer will gladly run a bath for you. Let's see how long you can hold your breath. Raw Entries in Chronological Order |
http://www.menewsha.com/img/43187/4d...61ecbaa868.png http://www.menewsha.com/img/43187/28...d71c848ceb.jpg With the previous floor checked, you and your compatriots venture upward to the third floor. Where is everyone? RESULTS: Marcheford's third floor was dedicated to the children and the servants. Exploring it highlights the sharp contrast between the haves and have-nots. You and your friends know the night's end draws near. The higher you ascend, the greater the stakes. Will the spoils be yours? Or horrors untold? Those of you who step into the Children's Dining Room comment on the oddness of such a room. Why shouldn't the younger occupants of the house be allowed to eat with the adults? But, it was a different time. Five child-size chairs sit situated around a small dining table. On the back of the chairs you find five pairs of delicate fairy wings. You each choose a pair. It's nice to see something so sweet in a place so grim. http://www.menewsha.com/images/items...968ab09dfd.gifhttp://www.menewsha.com/images/items...1f1055ecbe.gifhttp://www.menewsha.com/images/items...6ecd649c8f.gifhttp://www.menewsha.com/images/items...4f53c63b79.gifhttp://www.menewsha.com/images/items...0b8a6a47c5.gif In the center of the table is a silver, serving platter. With fairy wings jauntily strapped to your backs, one of your casually lifts the dome as you're leaving the Children's Dining Room and out spills gold! Enough for 1100g :gold: each! Spiderwebs may now decorate the dilapidated Nanny's Living Quarters, but there is still something comforting about the room. You imagine that it belonged to someone who in life had a lot of love to give. A dusty hope chest rests at the end of the bed. Opening it, you find a gilded storybook and a harp, still in perfect tune. As you picture little ones being read a bedtime story and then sung a lullaby, you get all warm and squishy inside. http://www.menewsha.com/images/items...533c2fdf6b.gifhttp://www.menewsha.com/images/items...1f8d1d4640.gif (Note: Those searching the Nanny's Living Quarters receive 2 survivor points. :3) It's rather drafty in the 3rd Floor Hall. You wouldn't want to get sick. But don't worry, the good doctor's here. And he says it's time to take your medicine. http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/cd...3b298d2ef3.png ~The Story of Dr. Morris Fossen~ To call Dr. Morris Fossen "clumsy" would be an understatement; the man was responsible for no less than 42 broken bones over the course of his medical career -- 7 of them his own. Not the greatest of credentials, but in times of crisis one could hardly afford to be selective. Dr. Fossen came to the Manor to assist during an outbreak of a highly infectious unknown illness that plagued the house staff two years after Eloise Marcheford passed away. When the cough and fever had progressed such that it seemed a patient was beyond all hope of recovery, Dr. Fossen and his nurse would carry them by stretcher from the 3rd floor Sick Room all the way down to the Basement Laboratory. The more optimistic staff would believe that this was done to spare the recovering from witnessing death, but others were sure they heard the sound of large objects tumbling down the stairs and screams of torture from the floors below them late at night. Dr. Morris' cause of death is unknown, but his ghost is said to wander along that same path, carrying "parts" of his unfortunate patients from the 3rd floor to the basement. Those in the Nursery must do as Nanny says. And Nanny says time to put your toys away and sleep. Sleep forever. http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/6d...76d3040fbe.png ~The Story of Eulaila Greene~ Eulaila Greene was nanny to the two Marcheford children. Though in some respects still only a girl herself, Eulaila was a kind-hearted and intelligent young woman. She loved Amelia and Sedrick, and helped them through their mother's illness and eventual death. After Mrs. Marcheford died, she recognized that the children needed their father more than anything and told him so. But Mr. Marcheford was preoccupied with his own grief, stowed away in his laboratory. When her two young charges disappeared, it was a devastating blow to Eulaila. With them gone, there was nothing left for her at the manor and she prepared to leave. She was known to have trouble sleeping and would, from time to time, take a little laudanum before bed. On the morning of her departure, after attempts to rouse her were met with no response, she was found missing from her room. The adjacent door stood open, and in the Nursery, on Sedrick's bed, Eulaila lay dead, the empty bottle of laudanum at her side. They say 'a stitch in time saves nine'. But in the Sewing Room, nothing can save you. http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/be...e779cc4b2d.png ~The Story of Georgetta Amos~ Georgetta Amos was an ambitious, if unscrupulous, fashion designer who sought above all else to make a name for herself. When Alexander Marcheford put out the call for a one-of-a-kind tailored burial gown for his beloved and recently-departed wife Eloise, Georgetta jumped at the chance to make herself known. Those who sought the contract were to meet at the Sewing Room of the Manor, to show their designs to Mr. Marcheford's assistant for approval. Georgetta had been working all night at getting her dress just right - even studying a portrait of Eloise to be sure she captured the feel and colors of her wedding gown - but she still felt it needed "oomph." She held the dress up to her chest and looked in the mirror, and it hit her in a flash: Georgetta looked a lot like Eloise. Same hair, same complexion.. In fact, if it weren't for the eyes, she'd almost be a spitting image. So it was that Georgetta showed up to the Manor wearing the dress she had fashioned for a dead woman. Despite sharp looks from the staff, she was feeling pretty pleased with herself, and as she stood at the foot of the 3rd floor staircase, she remembered to don the silk blindfold she had fashioned for maximum impact. Though she could hardly see a thing, she confidently marched up the stairway to show off her design. At the top step, she heard a sharp whistle beside her and startled a moment, turning her head towards the noise. Something jerked hard on the back of her blindfold then, and she toppled backward down the stairwell, breaking her spine in a mad tangle of skirts and hair and limbs. Every risk taker knows you have to be prepared to take the good with the bad. You took the risk by entering the Maid's Quarters and now there's a lot of badness coming your way. http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/7e...2a5062a268.png ~The Story of Boris Marinova~ Of all the staff of Marcheford Manor, the one that was not to be crossed was Boris Marinova, the chef. Originally from Bulgaria, Boris honed his skills at the finest culinary institutions throughout Europe. He was a genius at what he did, but also, everyone agreed, a bit unhinged. Prone to temper tantrums, the kitchen help knew to do as they were told and stay out of his way. When Alexander Marcheford married Eloise, she brought along her maid, Henriette. Boris was immediately smitten with the woman and attempted to woo her. But Henriette, put off by his temper and brash manner, spurned his advances. Each 'no', though, only served to fuel the flames of his desire. All this came to a head one day when in town Boris boasted that he had finally received a declaration of Henriette's love. That night, the household was awakened by screams. They rushed to the laundry room, where they discovered poor Henriette dead, stabbed to death. Knowing that Boris had been pursuing the pretty blonde maid, they searched the house for him. He was found in Henriette's bedroom, clutching her picture, his kitchen knife plunged in his heart. http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/ca...64b5554297.pnghttp://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/23...f8685c8fd3.png Every so often, Amelia and Sedrick leave their resting place in the woods to return to their old Playroom. Sadly though, most of their toys have succumbed to the passing of time. They'll need a new plaything. Ah, you'll do nicely. (Note: Everyone in the Playroom will be receiving 2 Ghost Points. ;D) http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/34...7f68c6b928.png Every time Cordelia Hunt sees Jarvis the Butler haunting the grounds, she thinks he's 'bitchin' rad' and 'totally hawt'. So every so often she leaves the confines of the basement to wait in the Butler's Quarters, hoping to meet him. Unfortunate for you, you're not who she wanted to meet and she's not happy. Bogus! http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/02...f12d27f705.png Poor BFF Becky. Even in death she can't wash away the sickening taste of blood and is forever cursed with a case a nausea. She occasionally floats up to the Sick Room hoping for a cure for what ails her, forgetting she no longer has a physical body to cure. She sees that you're healthy and thinks that's 'totally unfair'. Raw Entries in Chronological Order |
http://www.menewsha.com/img/43187/85...5abd88ea46.png http://www.menewsha.com/img/43187/f1...1fff76065d.jpg It's been a long night, but you've finally reached the top of Marcheford Manor. The hairs on your arms stand straight, as you can feel ghostly energy swarming around. You fear this may be the most dangerous floor yet. Where is everyone? It has been quite the evening. Moving past the children's dining room and up the narrow staircase, you and your friends reach Marcheford's last floor. The manor has revealed a wealth of treasure, but also a wealth of terror. A haunting hedge maze. A ghoulish garage. A killer kennel. A bone-chilling ballroom. A devious dungeon. A frightening fainting room. A nightmarish nursery. Each part of the estate has had its horrors, but also its safe havens. The attic is another story. It is brimming with ghostly malevolence and there is but one room that offers sanctuary, that offers your last chance for riches. Choose wisely. ... After more than a century, the tales of Marcheford's tragedies seem to be the only ones that survive. Very few remember the happiness that lived in these walls. Unbeknownst to you and your fellow explorers, Eloise Marcheford was once renowned for her love of art and her artistic skill. After they married, she asked Alexander for her own studio in the attic, to which he happily complied. Eloise would spend hours in the Artist's Studio, painting and sculpting. When the children came along, she gave to them her appreciation for art, as well as poetry, literature and drama. Amelia and Sedrick would put on plays in the studio and everyone would attend. Their mother, the staff, even their father, Alexander. And all would have a joyous time. To Eloise, this room was the heart of the house. And that is why no angry spirit dare cross its threshold... for in it remains strongest the energy of her love. Tucked away behind a row of old, broken easels, the children's costume trunk is found. And opening it reveals Marcheford's greatest treasure. A set of glistening, magical wings. http://www.menewsha.com/images/items...dfed87d367.gifhttp://www.menewsha.com/images/items...5ddaacd727.gif Choose one. ;) A regal collection of peacock adornments. http://www.menewsha.com/images/items...7252bd4236.gif And 1000g :gold:! As well, everyone inside receives 2 Survivor Points! :) ... You've done what others said couldn't be done. You've the searched the whole of Marcheford Manor and survived. The night is over and the sun is rising. A ray of light catches something you hadn't noticed at the bottom of the trunk. It's a key. http://www.menewsha.com/img/43187/f9...8966185ef5.png With it is a note. It reads: "You've found the heart of my home and the key to my heart. Search for me in the cemetery." What could this mean? You have to find out. You've come this far. Time to return to the cemetery. (See Post #4) The Terrace gives a breathtaking view of the woods and the sea. You might say it's a view to die for. http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/c0...329a4c0285.png ~The Story of Thom Wallace~ Thom Wallace was a kindly old man with a talent for gardening. Due to an accident in his boyhood, he'd lost his hearing long ago. He hadn't been able to speak well since then, so for the most part he just didn't speak at all. Much of his life, people mistook his silence for dimwittedness, and he was treated rather poorly as a result. Thom found an unlikely friend in young Amelia Marcheford. Little Amelia adored roses, as did Thom. He'd made a habit of picking a small bouquet for her each day, which he'd give to her when she inevitably "hid" from her brother in the rose garden during one of their games of hide and seek. The bouquets were always received with giggles of delight, and their brief meetings were something Thom quite looked forward to. When Amelia and Sedrick disappeared, Thom sank into a deep depression. Rather than tend his roses down on the manor grounds, he spent his time on the terrace, pacing back and forth uttering incoherencies and staring off towards the Woods. Thom was found out on the terrace, having suffered a heart attack. He lay on his side with his face turned toward the Woods, cheeks moist with tears and a small bouquet of white roses clutched in his hand. I foresee the future for those who enter the Attic Storage. And it is very grim, indeed. http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/a5...fed6b70d5e.png ~The Story of Sorcha Leven~ Sorcha Leven billed herself a "World Class Psychic." With people dropping like flies in the Manor, a desperate housekeeping staff pooled their apron change and hired her to divine the source of the trouble in hopes that they'd finally be able to put whatever-it-was to rest. Upon arrival at the Manor, Sorcha pulled a long polished bone from a velvet pouch and began waving it around theatrically, chanting aloud in a strange tongue. She was "pulled" this way and that in her colorful skirts as her divination dragged her around the house. Zig-zagging upward with a handful of curious housekeepers in tow, she arrived finally at the door to the Attic Storage room. Shoving open the door with one chubby hand, she boldly proclaimed, "THIS is where we shall hold the seance!" She whipped out a swatch of purple fabric and lay it atop a pile of boxes, kicking up an awful cloud of dust. The coughing fit that ensued was even more dramatic than her earlier performance, and though she passed rather quickly from an asthma attack, it took the butler poking her good and hard with his cane for the staff to believe she was really dead. After all these years, the Sauna no longer heats up. But there is still reason to sweat. http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/77...3dee8cad60.png ~The Story of Milicent Lollyworth~ Millicent Lollyworth, a distant relative of Eloise Marcheford, only wanted to enjoy her tea in quiet solitude. With the recent passing of her cousin twice-removed, however, the house was a flurry of activity and her usual perch in the Fainting Room was occupied by a mourning aunt. Growing impatient, she shuffled from hallway to hallway until she came upon the Sauna, where she was relieved to discover that not a soul was present. Perhaps it was the heat of the room, the stress of the day's events, or simply a corset fastened a bit too tightly.. But Millicent began to feel the tingle in her spine, and then the tiny twinkling lights in her peripheral vision appeared -- those familiar, telltale signs that she was about to faint. As her unconscious body collapsed, her tea splashed to the ground and her head hit the sauna bench at just the right angle to snap her neck, killing her instantly. Don't fret if you can't see in the Dark Room, pretty soon you'll be able to follow the light. http://www.menewsha.com/img/43187/c5...8148a6eb67.png ~The Story of Hunter Puget~ Hunter Puget holds the unfortunate distinction of being Marcheford's most recent victim. Time tends to temper the weight of fear. The 21st century had dawned, and to the neighboring town's younger generation the stories of the manor had become less cautionary tale and more urban legend. Kids still feared the mansion, but there was an edge of fun to that fear. Hunter was was your average teen. He loved music and enjoyed hanging out with his friends. One day, he and his pals got to talking about Marcheford. "I wouldn't go up there for a million gold," said his friend Todd. "You're sad. It's all just talk" Hunter replied. "If you're so brave, why don't you spend the night there?" Friend Richie added. Now no young man wants to be seen as a coward in the eyes of his friend, so he agreed. The last Todd and Richie saw of him, he pulled on his headphones, climbed the rusted gate and disappeared from view. When Hunter didn't reappear the next day, authorities were sent to search the property. The house was checked from the bottom up, and at the very top, in the Dark Room, Hunter was found... dead. The coroner attributed the teen's demise to sudden cardiac arrest. But others say he died of fright. http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/24...c6296772ac.png As one can imagine, being a ghost doomed to wander the earth for all time can get a little boring. That's why the studious, Sally Dupree leaves her place in the Library every so often to survey the boundless sky in the Observatory. Lamentably, it's a cloudy, moonless night tonight and Sally needs something else for distraction. Maybe you can help her out. http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/fa...4845ad408d.png Being dead is no excuse for letting yourself go. That's why when he feels the need for a little toning, our spectral friend, Rufus, floats up to the Gym. He's got a hell of a workout routine planned. Are you ready to exercise 'til you drop? http://www.menewsha.com/img/69620/ca...64b5554297.png In life, Amelia Marcheford's favorite hobby was doll collecting. An entire wall in the Hobby Room was dedicated to these finely crafted figures, made of porcelain and china. Perhaps you would like to see her collection. Perhaps you would like to become part of it. http://www.menewsha.com/img/43187/40...58c5697231.png During his short time at the manor, one of Jarvis' duties was to make sure the house was properly dusted. Now, in death, he sees to it that each room is thoroughly covered. And he doesn't appreciate it when some 'flesh head' comes along to disturb the dust. And I'm afraid that's what you seem to be doing in the Map Room. Raw Entries in Chronological Order |
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We're in the Front Grounds today.
I want to search here: The Rose Garden |
Our first
Thank you kindly. ;D |
@Howdy - someone had to be first, I figured I would sacrifice myself and do it...for everyone else of course :P
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We're in the Front Grounds today.
I want to search here: The Koi Pond |
We're in the Front Grounds today.
I want to search here: The Koi Pond Hopefully I can pick something that's been already picked? I'm assuming so otherwise only so many people could play per day. ^_^; |
Hey Zumi. ;D
You're allowed to pick any area/room you'd like. :) edit: You and Sei can be Koi Pond friends. Awww... :3 |
Cool beans! :)
Hey there Howdy! Are you suppose to be Jeeves? |
Jeeves whose had a pretty traumatic night. :lol:
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Yah I'll say....He looks like he's been in a blood bath. O_o I'm surprised he isn't armed.
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