Romero

In This Fine Town Of Arkham - A Lovecraftian Mystery

Just poking my head in quickly to give a few quick announcements!

Firstly, I'm really enjoying everyone's posts so far, so keep it up! I can see that a lot of you are really buying into the time period/mood, and hopefully I'll be giving you all plenty to work with and bounce off.

Following on from that point, I will now introduce you all to the '7 Day Swing'! With the way that I'm planning on running this RP (and with so many investigators running around the place) I'm not going to be using whole group updates, save from a few special occasions. Instead, the updates will look like the posts that I brought you in with, with each update covering a few of you at a time. Now the update 'group' that you're in is not set in stone, as everyone has different paces, and may well be going off in totally different directions, so I'm going to be using the 7 Day Swing. What this means is that from when I post an update for your character, you have around 7 days to get a post of your own up before I start chasing you up about it. And in return, once you have posted, I will do my utmost to make sure that I have a new update for you with 7 days.

Character Sheets! Whether you want an active hand on the stats and rolls or not, you all have one. If you want to know more about them, then ask away, but it means that you can start rolling. From something as simple as 'I want to try and gauge whether this person is lying or not' or 'I want to see if there are any footprints I could follow' to 'I want to try and persuade this servant to let me pass', I am simply waiting for you to shoot me a PM and ask!

In This Fine Town Of Arkham - A Lovecraftian Mystery

In This Fine Town Of Arkham

A Night At Wilde Hall

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"The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown" - H. P. Lovecraft

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@Dark Cloud

Arkham has a dark reputation, and Wilde Hall is no different. Perhaps it is that dark reputation that draws Morgan Eisenhorn to the house, like a moth is drawn to a flame. The invitation in his pocket is more than just a slip of paper, it is a promise. A promise of something, something that Morgan is not yet entirely sure of, but that he cannot resist. And so, the private investigator finds himself walking the streets of Arkham alone, as the evening stretches into the night. Or at least, he thought he was alone.

He had written it off as a coincidence at first, just another pair of footsteps among those few that sill braved the streets of Arkham after dark, another figure moving through the shadows, but with each turn that Morgan makes, the hairs on the back of his neck stand up a little bit more. The streets are quieter now, as he moves away from the heart of the city, and out towards the edge of the Wilde Woods, but still, he can hear the footsteps behind him. Whenever he glances over his shoulder, the footsteps pause, and a few times Morgan has caught sight of a figure stepping into the shadows. And when he starts walking again, the footsteps resume. Morgan is still some distance from the meeting point designated on his invitation, and with each passing moment, the streets grow a little darker, and a little quieter. Perhaps it is just a coincidence, his paranoia creating a phantom, or perhaps Arkham is keen to prove that it's dark reputation is a fitting one...

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@Penny

While many of the guests to Wilde Hall this evening may be awed by the opulence of the grand old house, Opportunity Knox is likely to feel almost at home. After all, the Knox family has a history that is as impressive and storied as the Wildes, and Opportunity is no stranger to impressive estates. Despite this, Arkham doesn't exactly excite the young dilettante. Too quiet, and altogether too slow. And yet, she has her reasons for making the journey to this corner of Massachusetts, and the words of her family still ringing in her ears.

Just because Opportunity needs to reach Wilde Hall at some point, does not mean she is in any great rush. After all, the old house has stood for generations, it's not going anywhere. The Excelsior Hotel is an impressively grand lodging, and it is naturally the place that has drawn the adventuress. Not only does the bar offer a welcome distraction for the bleakness of the city, but it also allows Opportunity to rub shoulders with the Americans that she has such a fondness for. The British are too stuffy, but the Americans understand the rush of speed, the freedom of the air. Her evening is a whirl of conversation and drink, until that conversation suddenly subsides, and Opportunity turns to find a dark-clothed figure standing in the doorway. The man stands at around six feet, broad shouldered and stern-faced. She notices the crest of the Wildes on his chest at the same moment that he speaks, his voice booming.

"Lady Dalrymple. Your carriage is waiting."

In This Fine Town Of Arkham - A Lovecraftian Mystery

So I got blindsided by the weekend, but consider this my emerging from it! Update to bring the rest of you in will be up in the next few hours, and then I'll get to work getting ready for the next round of updates. Apologies to those of you who have been stuck in the wings.

In This Fine Town Of Arkham - A Lovecraftian Mystery

Another quick point to make! As the RP progresses, you may well find yourself in small groups with other players, and wanting to be able to have a conversation that moves quicker than a back and forth between posts. Collaboration is not only allowed, it is encouraged, with the caveat that I be included in any group PM's that you start up, just so I can keep track of what people are up to. You never know when there might need to be a roll after all!

On that note, the next IC post is up, and three more of you have joined the fray. As always, please get in touch with any and all questions and queries you may have, no matter how insignificant or mundane you may think they are! And to those yet to be thrown into the frying pan, rest assured that the order is entirely random, and you will be up next (most likely tomorrow)

In This Fine Town Of Arkham - A Lovecraftian Mystery

In This Fine Town Of Arkham

A Night At Wilde Hall

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"The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown" - H. P. Lovecraft

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@Lady Selune

Not all those that are travelling to Wilde Hall decide to take the streets. Perhaps it is caution, or perhaps it is an appreciation of the relative peace, but as the night draws in Renee Bellerose is to be found walking along the edge of the Wilde Woods. The city barely reaches out this far, only the occasional building serving as a reminder of civilisation, and in the peace, Renee can almost believe that she is back in France, back before the war, before all the horribleness that consumed her peaceful corner of paradise. Almost, but not quite. The past is behind her, for the better or for the worse, and Renee has not made it this far by wringing her hands together and fretting. No, she has made it this far by putting her best black-clad foot forward. The invitation clutched in her hand gives her purpose, and besides, she is not the sort to turn her back on good drink and pleasant conversation. And considering the wealth that the Wildes have no doubt accumulated, the drink should be good enough to make up for any lacking conversation.

Renee has almost reached the point marked on her invitation when something catches her eye. The few gas lanterns that reach this close to the woods cast only dim light, but Renee has always had a sharp eye, and in the half-light, she makes out a gap in the trees. Curiosity getting the better of her, Renee walks closer to this gap, instinctively treading softly as she approaches. A narrow path, little more than a deer trail, dissapears into the darkness of the woods, but as Renee leans to get a closer look, she can see that there are fresh footprints in the mud, leading deeper into the depths of the forest. A local going for a late evening walk? The idea seems hardly likely, especially considering the dark reputation that the Wilde Woods has gained, but whatever reason, someone has come this way, and moved through the twisted trees. The footsteps are clear, even in the half light, and it would be no great task to follow them, but then again, the Wilde Woods does not have its reputation for nothing, and the party is waiting...

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@psych0pomp

The path that follows the edge of the Wilde Woods is proving to be a popular route, although the reason that Moses Reaves is taking the more scenic route is perhaps more obvious than the one that sees Renee taking the same route. Anyone in the line of business that Moses inhabits develops an aversion for streetlights, and for the curious glances that the streets of Arkham had in abundance. Heavy jacket pulled tight around him, he takes long strides through the shadows. Wilde Hall is an opportunity, and Moses is not the type to miss an opportunity, especially one that presents itself in the form of a fancy invitation. And then one of the shadows moves.

Moses stops in his tracks, eyes straining against the half light. A figure, close to the edge of the forest. Moses has no shortage of enemies who could be lingering in the dark, but the figure doesn't seem to be looking at him. Instead, it seems to be focused towards the woods themselves. With the soft steps of a man that is no stranger to the rougher side of the law, Moses moves forward. As he gets nearer, he realises that the figure is smaller than he first though, standing a good few inches shorter than he does. Not only that, but the figure is a woman, dressed all in black. Moses is wise enough to know that that fact doesn't make the figure any less dangerous, but they seem to be fixated on the trees, or rather a gap between the trees. By the looks of it, Renee hasn't heard Moses approaching yet, but every step risks alerting her. Is it a trap, or a curiosity?

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@DruSM157

Walking through the dark streets is far from the typical evening for Alvin Fennel, but then what is university, if not a chance to get out of your comfort zone? Even so, the shifting shadows put the student on edge, and he quickens his pace. And yet his intended destination is no more familiar to Alvin. The inevitable opulence that Wilde Hall promises is a far cry from what Alvin is accustomed to, and the idea of crowds of strangers does little to settle his nerves. But then, that is not the only thing about the invitation clutched in his hand that puts him on edge. Trying to push the thoughts from his head, Alvin pushes onwards.

Turning the last corner, Alvin can make out the black carriage that sits at the edge of the Wilde Woods. Two figures are already standing by it, but by the looks of the coachman, they won't be waiting there for much longer. If he picks up his pace, he could probably reach them before they set off, or perhaps it would be better to wait. After all, Alvin has never been one to turn his nose up at the prospect of having time to think. Besides, other guests should be arriving soon, and they may look less intimidating than the hulking silhouette of Drachen, the other man's frame making Rosanna look like a doll beside him. Pick up the pace to join the unusual pair, or take his time, and wait for the next ride?

In This Fine Town Of Arkham - A Lovecraftian Mystery

@Eviledd1984 No problem at all! I'd rather have players chomping at the bit than not. Over the next couple of days, everyone should have something to work with, so keep your eyes open.

In This Fine Town Of Arkham - A Lovecraftian Mystery

@Eviledd1984 Unfortunately you're still on the back burner, as I haven't even had time to sort out your stats or secret agenda, but rest assured that I will bring you in as soon as I can.

In This Fine Town Of Arkham - A Lovecraftian Mystery

In This Fine Town Of Arkham

A Night At Wilde Hall

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"The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown" - H. P. Lovecraft

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@Kazemitsu

As the shadow of night falls over the city of Arkham, anyone with any sense flees for whatever respite their homes can provide. And yet, on this night, there are those who strike out into the darkness, whether by choice, or compelled by some greater purpose. Avery Wilde has issued her summons, and there are few that would ignore an invitation to a night at Wilde Hall. Whether through a meticulous sense of timing, or through sheer fluke, the first to set off for the ball is a figure that would not look out of place in the whispered rumours of the Wilde Woods. Drachen Steinboden is a hulking figure, heavily scarred not only from his work, but from those that are foolish enough to cross him. The invitation, dwarfed in his hand, instructs him to travel to the edge of Wilde Woods, the point where the city loses its fight against the twisting trees and the path to Wilde Hall itself winds into the shadows, and so it is to there that he walks.

The mere sight of him attracts glances from those still braving the streets of Arkham, but the glances are brief, not wanting to risk angering this giant. As he nears the edge of the woods, he sees a black carriage waiting, a lone lantern casting a flickering halo against the darkness closing in. The coachman says nothing, and Drachen's experience as a fighter means that he can't help but notice the stocky frame beneath the formal black attire, or the shotgun slung from the carriage itself. The stony faced servant holds out a hand, and Drachen takes the prompt, holding out his invitation. The coachman casts a cursory glance over the writing, before looking up, and handing it back to Drachen, no hint of expression on his face.

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@sassy1085

The parties of Avery Wilde have long courted the rich and powerful of Arkham, and although the invitations have found their way into more and more eclectic hands with each passing month, the masquerade balls still hold an impressive reputation. Perhaps that is what has prevented Rosanna Liang from concentrating on her studies, or perhaps there is something more at work. Whatever the reason, Rosanna also makes her way through the dark streets of Arkham, leaving her lodgings at the Miskatonic University dressed for the occasion. Just as Drachen did, Rosanna attracts glances from those that she passes, although these glances are more wont to linger. After all, Arkham is a dangerous city even in the light of day, and a slim, young woman setting out into the night is more than likely to raise a few eyebrows.

Rosanna arrives at the edge of the woods just a moment after Drachen does, and she finds herself faced with a similar scene. She see's the carriage, the two dark horses waiting to be driven onwards, the coachman, and a silhouette that she almost took for a statue before she saw it move. The sheer size of the figure almost makes her falter, as he stands more than a foot taller than her, but Rosanna has never let her size stop her before, and she is not about to start now. Not when there is a party to go to. Striding up to the carriage, she holds out her own invitation, opening her mouth to greet the two men. One sullen glance from the coachman stops the words in their tracks, and as he stoops down to inspect her invitation, she decides that it may be better to bite her tongue for now. The coachman seems to be satisfied with the invitation, and straightens up, turning away from the pair as he takes up the reins, making it clear that he wants to be on his way.

"You're early. But that's not my problem."

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@Prosaic

Doing his best to smooth down the creases in his shirt, a third figure is travelling across Arkham. Simon Adam Hart stands out less than the two that have come before him, but then, that's the way he's always liked it. It is curiosity that always seems to drag Simon out from the peace and quiet, and into the world, and what is more curious than an invitation to Wilde Hall? For much of the day, his eyes have been drawn to the clock, counting down the painfully long minutes until he could feasibly make his way to the edge of the woods. Finally deeming it to be socially acceptable, he still can't stop the quick pace of his strides. It is perhaps surprising then, when he catches sight of two figures, presumably other guests, that have already reached the carriage.

Something, some instinct at the back of his mind, causes Simon to hesitate, and as the coachman turns his gaze back towards Arkham, Simon ducks back into the shadow of an alley. He watches the carriage for a moment, trying to calm down and suppress whatever sense is stopping him from closing the final few dozen paces, and then he hears it. A footstep, muffled slightly and faint, but close behind him. Whirling round, Simon found himself face-to-face with a shadowy figure. Taking a hurried step backwards, back towards whatever safety the street might offer, the figure followed after him, and the light of the streetlamp fell onto a face, thin lips pulled into a snarl by a scar running across one cheek, and piercing blue eyes staring back at Simon. The voice was reedy and harsh, but the words were clear, even above the rush of blood in Simon's ears.

"You shouldn't go into the woods. Not the Wilde Woods."

In This Fine Town Of Arkham - A Lovecraftian Mystery

Gather round adventurers! This is going to be a quick run through of how to play the game, or rather, how to roleplay the roleplay. You are all using various levels of stats/dice, with some of you wanting to make the rolls yourself, and others preferring a more 'behind the scenes' stats experience, but this goes the same for all of you.

I am always available to answer queries and questions, so if in doubt, please feel free to ask. In fact, for most of your posts, I'd expect to hear from you to some degree, as there will likely need to be some rolls involved. Let's look at an example post, to give you an idea of what I mean.

So Nevada Jones finds himself running from a group of dastardly cultists, intent on sacrificing him to some eldritch monstrosity! He decides to make a break for it, hoping that he can get away, and as he turns a corner, he finds himself face to face with a wooden door. It doesn't look to sturdy, and he doesn't have a choice, so he's going to try and knock it down! At this point, Nevada's player would get in touch, and explain that they are trying to knock the door down. Either they roll for it, or I roll for them, and then I tell them the result. The door flies off it's hinges, and Nevada bursts through into the room beyond. But this isn't freedom, there are two more cultists in here, and they don't look happy to see him. In fact, one of them swings at him. Again, Nevada's player gets in touch, and we work out the combat rolls here, whether Nevada wants to try and dodge the blow, or make an attack of his own. Either way, I feed back the result. This is probably enough for the post, so we end here, and wait for the next post/update to find out whether Nevada can get away!

Why am I announcing this now? Because the first IC post is up! I'm bringing you all in in batches, and that introduces an important feature of this RP. You all have the freedom to go and do what you want, and that may well mean that you split up and look for clues. When you split off like this, updates won't always come at once, but rather in regular intervals. So three of you have been brought in, but you're already split up into two groups! While you resolve your situations, I might bring in others, and they may well run into you, and the groups will merge and shift. So long as you are posting roughly every week, or every update, then I'm happy. You get out of this as much as you put in after all! Hopefully that is all clear, but if not, you know where to find me!

In This Fine Town Of Arkham - A Lovecraftian Mystery

So I'm dropping in to give everyone an update of where we stand at the minute as an RP! I'm tying up the last loose ends of housekeeping, so if you've received a recent PM from me, please reply as soon as possible, so that we can get this show on the road! If you haven't heard from me, then you're good to go, so give yourself a pat on the back. Whether or not I have everyone's response, this ship sets sail tomorrow. Not all of you will arrive at Wilde Hall at the same time (and indeed, some of you might run into a distraction on the road, so your RP won't begin at Wilde Hall), so not everyone will start at the same point, but rest assured that I will bring you all in as soon as.

As a quick point, if you're reading this, and you've had a character accepted, but the spark is gone, or your interest in the RP isn't there anymore, or you're suddenly swamped by real life, please let me know as soon as you can. These things can happen, and I'm not going to hold it against anyone if they have to withdraw, but it is far easier to start without you, than it is to start and then have to adapt to losing you. Consider this your window of oppurtunity! But for those of you that are still onboard, keep your eyes peeled!