western mission

[promittere]

A PHANTASMAL DIVERTIMENTO

It's an early morning for the manor when Tatara and G'raha gather the western wizards, an envelop in Tatara's hand. Even at a glance it's clear the letter is from someone quite official, the Western country's emblem emblazoned on it. G'raha looks pensive, but Tatara seems.. unsurprised.

He holds up the envelope, gesturing with it. "We've got a request from the Western military. Seems there's an issue going on at some noble's estate that could be quite dangerous."

(But why isn't the military handling it themselves?)

Tatara takes the letter out from its envelope, reading it out for the wizards. The contents are as follows:

To the "Western" wizards of the Sage,

I've come to know a few of you wizards who claim to hail from worlds far from this one, and while I am loath to trust anyone with a task concerning national safety, I believe it could be a mutually beneficial thing for us. There are reports of missing people, all of whom were last seen at the the Schropfer Estate just outside the City of Foam, as well as reports of inhuman screams and beasts lurking around the area.

The Schropfers have recently hired on someone who claims to be able to raise the dead, and people are quite adamant that he is able to. That sounds like magic to me, which means it may be just the job for a wizard to handle. If you can take care of this, there will be compensation.

Regards, Gen. Gilles Barnett.

"There's something strange about this request," G'raha says, arms crossed over his chest. "I feel like there's something the General isn't telling us, but I can't say for sure as I've not met the man."

Tatara nods, handing the letter over for the wizards to take. "Do your best to come back in one piece."

The two will walk with them to the elevator, Tatara placing a mana stone into the panel and sending them off to the West. There are directions to the estate included with the letter Tatara handed over, so they should know where they're going.

OOC NOTES

Welcome, Western wizards, to your mission!

Missions are mod-guided events that are partial CYOA, partial play-by-post instances. In general, you are free to interact with a scene as you please, and the mod will tell you how the scene reacts as a consequence of your actions. Some scenes will allow for more flexible threading, such as exploration or conversation, while some scenes will require strict turn order to preserve rounds, such as combat or other time-sensitive conflict. The mod will inform you if strict turn order is required at the start of a scene. Regardless, always be sure to bold any important actions you take.

This mission has been specifically tailored to Western disposition, attitudes, and magic. If you find yourself struggling to tackle a situation, refresh yourself on the description of the West on the locations page, and make sure to confer with your teammates too!

As a bonus, here's your theme music!

You will have until 11:59 AM EDT on Saturday, June 15 to reach a conclusion for this mission. Good luck!

» NAVIGATION

Comments

EN ROUTE

[promittere]

[The directions are clear and concise, and the Western countryside passes by with little incident. From the sky, on your brooms, nothing really seems to be amiss. Everything looks calm and quiet and there's no tracks for any sort of beast as far as you can see, but as you approach the Schropfer Estate the world seems to get... darker.

Heavy, grey clouds loom over the horizon, and there's the low rumble of thunder. The manor looms imposingly, the windows dark. The air is oppressive, and there's the prickling sensation of being watched.

Now is probably a good time to work out a plan for what, precisely, you're going to do once you're in the manor. You have to find and neutralize whatever is truly going on here, but you probably don't want to rush in without a plan, right? (Right?)]

[foresightis2020]

[ It's kind of difficult to run in and plan matters efficiently without knowing more details, from Jing Yuan's point of view. But, he thinks that there could be ways to approach this which will ultimately assist in carrying out their dubious, successful mission. ]

To be blunt, I suspect that this is a trap of some sort.

Whatever kind of thinly positive relationship any single one of you may have with the General...I believe it wise to consider it null and void.

[ But he thinks that at least two of their wizards will not at least find the prospect surprising. Though all the same he is covering his bases; just because Khun and Cid may have spoke with the General it doesn't mean he was the only one. ]

As for what we should do to prepare ourselves for what is inside the manor, I believe we should ensure we have protective shields up of some sort, as it wouldn't surprise me if something or someone attempted to ambush us. In addition, be prepared to provide a light source.

We should further take stock of any other items we believe will help one another.

Lastly, we can take the option of scoping out the Estate's general grounds before entering the manor proper.

Thoughts so far, everyone?

[discomposer]

[ Leo is flying somewhat off course to the side. He keeps getting distracted and then meandering back a while later so he's sort of...zig zagging while humming to himself. He could possibly use a leash. ]

Uh~? Well, claiming to raise the dead sounds like the set up to a scam! Or a showdown with a mad scientist! Either way, the sort of thing with a huge crescendo!

[ /useless ]

I don't mind scouting things out though~! If we don't trust him, why don't we just have some of us meet and the rest sneak?

[ /mildly useful ]

[lighthaus]

[ anyone who's observant can see that khun tsks at the thunder, but he seems to be in good spirits besides. his fit today is somewhat formal, white buttoned shirt with a tie, slacks and a light jacket. they're going to an estate after all, and his hair down but kept away from his face with a braid. he's also on his broom which no one here has ever seen him on, so truly he's making concessions all around today.

he chuckles at jing yuan's very dramatic statement. ]

Frankly I'm wounded he's not going to at least provide us with drinks before stabbing us in the back. If I had to take a guess without any data, he wants to test out a new technology or experiment with the very likely probably he'll be able to get our mana stones out of it.

It's a benefit for him either way, which was all our relationship was to this point, Jing Yuan. He wanted to feel us out and I wanted to feel him out. There's nothing simpler in noble politics.

[ just to put that to rest. ]

I'm assuming you don't want to run five scouts, so the rest of us would be approaching from the front to buy the scouts time? Or did you have something else in mind?

[divineth]

It could indeed be a trap. If not that, then mayhap an attempt to use us as scapegoats to gather intel on the Schropfers. Whatever the case may be, I agree that we must approach with caution, especially if attempts at Necromancy are indeed at play.

[Half-baked Necromancy is just as bad if not worse than the actual thing, after all.]

As for beneficial items... [Urianger pulls out a small case, revealing a set of tiny jewels inside.] I was gifted these jewels which, when thrown, encase an enemy in ice.

In terms of ability, I am able to heal and provide barriers. Combat spells are also at my disposal. Lastly, I shall be able to light pathways for our use.

THE MANOR

[promittere]

[Well, it's decided. Cid and Leo will go and scout around the manor to see what they can find, while the rest approach the front and prepare for an altercation. After any secret handshakes are or are not created, the two teens can circle around the manor, picking over every rock and leaf and floor tile...

And find absolutely nothing of interest. The manor seems to have recently had some renovations done, some of the paint being new and the gardens having freshly planted bushes and flowers and recently trimmed trees, but nothing on the grounds seem all that unusual. There's not even a trace of magic to be found outside, or even any evidence that the General (or any military forces at all...) have been to the Schropfer's. There does seem to be something magical going on, but if they focus it seems limited to within the estate itself. Might be best to meet up with the other three, as there's nothing to be found outside.

(Is he just giving you busy work he doesn't want to deal with??? Is this a test???)

The vanguard's findings will be much the same. No one and nothing appear to stop their approach, no one tries to launch an assault, no springing traps... They can simply walk up to the front door and open it, as it's not even locked.

So, will they just walk right in? Nothing's stopping them.]

[foresightis2020]

...One moment. We are not entering like this. There is something I wish to check.

[ What is visible from the door being opened first, though?? Since it's implied opening it will make nothing happen anyway. Is it pitch dark or what? What kind of surroundings will they be walking into?

Also any odd pings going on magic wise after door is opened?

Lastly, he will take out a rock and use a basic transformation spell to have it turn into a small bird which will fly around inside. Does anything happen?

He's not a man who runs into situations blind..... ]

[promittere]

[The door opens into a small vestibule, the decor elegant and ostentatious in equal measures as you would expect from Western nobility. There's a place for guests to hang their coats and set down umbrellas and the like, and it's illuminated by a single candle burning on a side table.

Once the door is open, there's a ripple and pulse of magical energy. It feels like the world has gone wrong, an unnatural presence warping the very fabric of reality... but the feeling eases quite quickly. Whatever is causing that feeling must be further in.

The bird flies through the vestibule into the hall beyond, and it does not return. If Jing Yuan listens closely, he can hear the faint sound of clicking and soft weeping in the shadows beyond the light of the candle.]

THE BILLIARDS ROOM

[promittere]

[They conjure barriers and manifest illusions, the shadows twisting around them, and they head through the dim house to the large sliding doors on the right. The doors move with the gentle application of wind, and besides from the continued weeping interrupted by the occasional sniffle there is no other noise in the room.

This room is more well lit than the front hall and vestibule, with a chandelier hanging above a billiards table and sconces along the wall. The windows in the room are large, even though there's not much light that comes through with how dreary and grey the sky outside is. (Though they can see through this side of the windows, which might come in handy later.)

On top of all of that is a fireplace with a roaring fireplace, and in front of that they can see the source of the weeping. The beast has too long, too thin limbs that end in large, clawed hands and feet, and it has a long neck and canine snout. It has long, golden fur that looks quite a bit like hair, and it is wearing the remains of an elegant dress, seams popped and hemline tattered to make room for its inhuman proportions.

The beast is curled over its hands in front of the fireplace, cradling something as it weeps. It has not noticed them.

Yet.]

[shadowkin]

[Well, since they're not being attacked or noticed immediately, Cid is pulling back his shadowy something-or-other and putting a finger over his lips for a split second before he scuttles up the side wall and tucks himself near the ceiling; trying to keep out of the beast's view, but he's curious what it is she's crying over and holding exactly.

To help with Stealth Mode™, the shadows(?) that were previously hanging out on the floor slither around him like a veil, blending him into the darkness.

He does not stab the ceiling just yet. We're just looking. ☆]

[discomposer]

[ Weeping - as an idol and a genuinely nice guy despite the insanity that actually tugs at Leo's heart a lot here. He doesn't mind the scary appearance in the least. Maybe she's cursed or something? So he's frowning as he keeps up the auditory illusion so they can speak without being heard.

He still speaks quietly though. ]

She seems really upset...is that a curse? The dress seems to be made for a human, so...can I try comforting her? Girls shouldn't be allowed to cry alone...

[promittere]

[With all of the illusions as they are, the beast doesn't notice Cid's scuttling.

It takes some squinting, but he'll be able to see what it (she?) is holding—a broken necklace. It has a round pendant, and the chain seems to have been snapped, likely in the same way her clothes were torn.]

THE OTHER ROOM, FINALLY

[promittere]

[Leo leads Lizzy out, and she seems quite concerned for all of you... but she trusts that wizards know what they're doing. She'll be waiting in the gardens, watching the sky. It hasn't started raining yet, at least, but the thunder is getting louder.

For atmosphere!

Nothing has changed in the front room or vestibule, and the blood trail remains. Stopping to investigate it, the blood is certainly real, but it's entirely dried by now. The Schropfer's had to have been attacked a significant amount of time ago.

The door to the room is closed, but it's quiet on the other side. Will you just open it up and step inside?]

[foresightis2020]

[ Hm, good thing everyone's illusions and barriers/reinforced barriers are still up now because of how foreboding this is, huh.

Anyway, Jing Yuan still isn't exactly going to rush into the room, because he doesn't feel like he should necessarily change things up, so...

Instead of grabbing a hold of the door, he will step to the side out of the general path of the door. Then, he will use a simple wind spell to turn the doorknob slowly and carefully, before using said wind spell to also open the door carefully.

What happens? ]

[promittere]

[The door slides open, and the silence continues. Nothing jumps out at them, and as soon as the door is open he can see blood everywhere. It's pooled on the floor, but also splashed over the walls and the furniture. Beyond the blood and destruction, the room looks like a place that was at one point a comfortable place for the family to spend time, with plush couches and lavish decor and bright lighting...

But several of the couches are turned on their side, cushions slashed, and a body lies close to the door. It looks human and untransformed, but it's so mangled the only thing recognizable about it is blonde hair.

Another body lays in a crumpled heap further into the room, and besides it something skeletal and inhuman stands, staring vacantly at the walls. If he focuses, Jing Yuan can tell that it is entirely magical, and it hasn't noticed them. Yet.]

West Side of Doors

[foresightis2020]

Anyone who wishes to go westward, come follow me.

[ Jing Yuan will begin to head out into the halls onwards to West directions where doors lie.

Presumably Khun and Cid will also be coming along, but you know, however they do so is up to them! ]

[shadowkin]

West? West seems like a good way to go.

[Auspicious direction for country auspices and all. Cid could use more luck that isn't reflected luck, probably!! Overall, though, his attitude is pretty mild for that mess. They all came out of it in one piece (or one peanut) and that's what matters.

Just going to pull his shadows around him again like a mantle; seems safer to have everything up during exploration nowadays. It looks suspiciously like this, really, just with more belts/tentacles stretching out. Might as well be fashionable if you're going further into the doom void house.

You can also hear the heels. Why does he have heels on now. Going to keep his ears magically peeled for any more ominous crying or machine noises.]

East Side of Doors

[divineth]

[With Jing Yuan, Khun and Cid taking the western side of the first floor, it's up to Urianger and Leo to cover the east.

Urianger has his star globe floating along beside him in case of any hallway jumpscares.]

Pray keep thy wits about thee, Leo.

[He probably doesn't have to tell Leo as much, but he's just covering bases.]

Let us see if we can locate the actors, as well as the doors that correspond to the keys I found.

[discomposer]

Don't worry so much, Rian!

[ That's his Leo-assigned name. He doesn't do long names, bye. But he's at least following alongside, or a step behind since he's got a much shorter stride here... ]

I'd like to help them out, so hopefully they're not too hurt or anything.

REGROUPING

[lighthaus]

[ regardless of how the people in the closet have been dealt with, they still need to regroup and figure out how they're approaching the second floor. ]

I'll keep this succinct and cover the main points, feel free to cover any ancillary ones after.

The source of the magic, most likely a piece of the moon, looks to be located directly above the sunroom in the far western corner of the manor. The man responsible for this mess is probably hiding out there as well.

As far as these "ghosts" go, attacking them has proved to be ineffective by multiple means—they're basically illusions, with the only way to disable them to disrupt the mirror located nearby each one. As much as I'd like to destroy the mirrors, that's likely to trigger some kind of feedback, so we're better off just blocking their line of sight or something to that effect.

We should start with securing a way to reach the second floor, because one of those "ghosts" is guarding it and it didn't take kindly to anyone infringing on it's space.

[foresightis2020]

[ Jing Yuan nods at this description.

At least they can start talking shop before truly moving as a group and attempt to eliminate liability so that proceeding further in general won't be a pain in the ass. ]

...Hm. We could see if there is another one of those mirrors or lens hanging around the staircase or in the general area nearby it.

[ If they're fortunate, it won't be at the top of stairs. Otherwise... ]

As an aside, I obtained a key for usage of what I suspect to be somewhere upstairs. But we can tackle that when it becomes relevant.

THE STAIRCASE(?)

[promittere]

[You all regroup, knowing you have to go upstairs to get to the heart of the matter. You know precisely where you need to go, all of the magic powering the lanterns and traps in the manor pulling back in what can't be a good sign.

But your way forward (upward) is... trapped. Approaching the large staircase in the front lobby, a heavy weight settles on your lungs, squeezing the air out of you. It makes it hard to speak, which makes magic impossible. You'll need to figure out some other way to get upstairs, but how?

The door Urianger and Leo had been talking at creaks open, a lupine head poking around it nervously. The creature has dark fur, and its arms are overly long, dragging across the floor, ending in sharp, deadly claws.]

It got quiet, so...

[The beast (extra fucked up werewolf??) wrings its hands together, eyes darting between all of you nervously.]

Um. You said Miss Elizabeta was out, right? So I can just... go...

[He does not want to stay in here any longer than necessary or deal with any weird wizards, so he just scampers past you to the door. Or he tries to, at least, you can attempt to stop him if you want bait that badly.

But with the door open, you have unlocked the servant's quarters! There has to be a way upstairs there, right? Maids and butlers need to go to all floors of the house, right? Better go check it out!]

[foresightis2020]

[ Well then. Jing Yuan lets the guy go because he ain't about stopping him from leaving if he wants to.

Looks like as Elizabeth said other peeps were cursed, though, most importantly... ]

Hmm...time to see what may be found in here.

[ Always the person to step forward first, Jing Yuan does that. He will look around as well. Any paintings, mirror, or randomly immediately strange things on the walls he can find while he's also doing a general survey of the room as well? ]

CURTAIN CALL (gore cw)

[promittere]

[As you make your way down the hall, the stench of blood gets stronger, to the point that even people without magically enhanced senses can smell it.

The walls of the hallway farther down are also damaged, parts of them ripped open entirely but in a way that's... methodical. Taking a closer look you can see that it looks like someone was removing parts of the lanterns, which might explain why the hall isn't guarded by specters or anything of the sort. The machinery has been removed, but to what purpose?

You won't have long to wonder, as you can make your way into the room that houses all of the machinery with very little issue. There's not even anything guarding the heart of this operation, which—is strange, isn't it? Unless, of course, someone is mad enough to not realize someone will put a stop to this. The heart is a room filled with different sized boxes and cabinets, some seeming like engines with wires and pipes coming out of them, many of which are torn apart, and some that seem to be for storage, glittering mana stones filling them. One box stands in the center of the room, larger than anything else and wires intact. There's a small hatch on the side with a keyhole, and through the seams of the hatch and eerie purple glow seeps out into the room, illuminating the man who crouches beside it.

Or... most of a man.

GORY DESCRIPTION HERE

It has to be Philidor, but it's hard to tell. Parts of the man's skin has been peeled away, flesh shiny with blood and metallic implants that seem to have been recently added. His eyes have been gouged out and his nose torn away for more metallic implants, and his bones seem to be growing outside of the bounds of his muscles and organs, vertebrae becoming more apparent. Flaps of skin hangs from his torso, and the implants are on almost every body part. He seems to be working on another, a creation rested on the glowing box as the man attempts to crack open his ribs.

There's only one monster left, and his head snaps up with a cracking noise. It's time for the battle you've been waiting and bracing for, Wests.]

[divineth]

What in the Twelve's names...

[Urianger murmurs aloud, trying to hold back a gag at both the sight and smell of this unholy room. Is this seriously what the influence of a moon stone can do to a man?

--oh, shit. They've been spotted.]

Everyone, prepare yourselves for combat. This may come to blows.

[Considering the state of Phil, Urianger doesn't have much hope for negotiation.]