NIGHT 010

[allthekeys]

|| THREAT DOWN

|| NIGHT 010: GENERAL The rain begins to subside a few hours before nightfall; by the time the sun sets it has completely stopped, although the clouds are slower to disperse. The air is still humid, while the ground outside is wet and muddy through the first part of the night. The mild flooding in the basement will have drained and dried by midnight. The phantoms of children can be found throughout the halls of the castle. A plucky boy with bright red hair leans into the hall near the doors to the kitchen, peering around the corner as though watching for something, and motioning someone behind him to come. This scene repeats itself over and over. A dark haired girl sits on the ledge of a window, her head pressed to the glass as she stares at the yard beneath. A smaller, but equally dark headed boy sits on the bed in the Jungle Bedroom, he covers his eyes with his hands and seems to be hiding from something. A small, cat eared child sits on the bottom of the Grand Stairs, attempting to tempt something from a crack in the stones with crumbs. A frogheaded child sits gazing into the corner of the kitchen, arms wrapped around their knees. None of these children can be touched, and they do not seem to realize that anyone is trying to interact with them. Many others can be spotted running through the Gardens. || THE TOWN The Night Market returns as night falls over the town, with a great deal of shouting and laughter. Some of those who have come in with the Caravan set immediately to putting up their temporary storefronts; others make inquiry at the new Inn, and seem quite taken with the new building. During the early hours of the evening, many can be found burning incense near the statue of the woman in that building. As always, the Bullmen are in charge of the bonfire, though they are quick to step away the moment someone needs something heavy lifted, or even to lift a smaller creature to a level where they might preform some detail work on their tent. Soon the single tent in the town center is surrounded by many others, and the chaos the travelers have brought with them spills out with music and laughter. The Goblins have returned to their makeshift stage, and those who are setting up occasionally shout song requests at the small band. They laughingly comply, at times rather badly if they are not familiar with the song requested of them, or making up some silly ditty on the spot if they really have no idea what the person requesting is asking for. They seem to be in good spirits, and townsfolk and traveler alike seem to welcome their merriment. The Tea Woman has again set her shop up near the center of the mess and is brewing her fragrant tea over a smaller fire. She watches all with a silent air of knowing drawn around her, a smile curling her lips. She smokes a rather noxious pipe. The Cobbler works in his tent, humming to himself. Some premade wears have been set out for purchase, but he is ever willing to be commissioned. Other stalls sell bright drapes of fabric, clothes that have already been made, and heavy waxed cloaks that seem to be in high demand. These stalls are by far the most colorful and bright. The Women who spent their day with Rose wander freely among the stalls, pausing to chatter a little with the men and women who have entered the castle walls. A Frogman sits near the well, a cart full of baskets of fish and water plants set up around him. He is kept company by a green hound that seems more seal than dog, with a long pointed face and wide webbed feet. A strange sight for those who have been here long might be the small group of children playing among the stalls. They seem to be led by a boy playing a set of pipes, his face covered in a bright red bird mask. The children range in age from barely a toddler to a lass of nearly ten, but they all follow the boy, laughing and playing a rather odd game as he plays his tune. The adults of the Caravan are always on watch for them, and the moment it seems like the guards might enter, all but the red-masked boy vanish. The Crows seem fascinated with the group of children, often alighting on them and joining the game. Luce will find himself welcome to join. In the beginning hours of sunset, anyone attempting to visit the Cheese House will find that the doors are locked and the shop is closed. As the Night Market sets up, the young owner of the business leaves with a bundle of red fabric in her arms. She seeks out the Bullmen as they help in the pitching of tents and the building of bonfires, places a kiss to whatever she has hidden in the bundle, and hands it over before returning to her shop. The bundle remains with the Bullman that she gave it to for the rest of the night, and he seems a little less jovial than is their wont. The Pet Seller is not in attendance, though a young woman with a crooked staff does herd a small mixed group of sheep, goats, and pigs into a makeshift pen. She is accompanied by several apparently tame Glass Dogs who seem to serve as herders, flopping themselves down around the pen when their task is done. Boldly, the young Shepard spends some time checking their paws and caressing their spiky coats, with no more damage than one would expect from any normal dog. The Gamblers one more set up their games around the market, a few even have tables. They will play for any number of things, and quickly take just as many. Though no one will ever be able to tell how they cheat or what they are, for their faces are covered despite the heat. A few of Gamesmen whistle and chirp as though trying to summon the masses. Games of skill, aim, and luck are all at play, and the gamesmen seem to like a challenge. Though they have no love for losing. Those who met her during the night will recognize K'ylara among the gamers, head wrapped in a bright fall of fabric and whistling a cheery tune as she cheats outrageously at some of the aiming games. Throughout the rest of the night, the Cheese Woman can be found in the basement of her shop, boiling jars of pickles and jams and singing a soft song to herself. A babe with downy, pale hair lays in a cradle festooned with small prisms, wrapped in a red blanket, her hand curled near her face. She occasionally makes a small hiccupping sound, which gains her immediate attention from the young woman who croons over her, feeds her, or changes her as needed. Those careful enough to get a closer look will realize that from beneath the fine curls, two small, pale horns can be seen. She works though most of the night, though she seems to spend as much as she can at tasks she can do while sitting. || GARDENS AND YARD The Gardens are restless; the plants continue their attempted invasion of the road to the main gate, spilling over the garden wall aggressively. The heavy thorned vines are engaged in a pitched battle along the road with the Gargoyles; both sides have become so intent upon their conflict that they will attack anything that moves, making the central road nearly impassible. Within the Garden itself, the plants seem less aggressive this night, so long as visitors are careful and nondisruptive. They remain protective of any children entering. New vines seem to have grown over the course of the day throughout, now covered in glowing, night-blooming flowers. Glowing wisps of light dart between trees and along paths. The plants seem to be making an effort to break up and replace any stone within the garden, with thick-barked roots replacing paving stones, vines and branches slowly working their way through fountains and benches, and statues being devoured by vines. They will take offense to any interference with this effort, suddenly growing thorns and thin venomous spines that leave rashes of excruciating pain to fend off anyone disturbing their work. The Green Man patrols the garden slowly as if supervising the changes; the ghost is similarly preoccupied and can be slipped past by the careful and quiet, but an adult not otherwise flagged as familiar who catches the ghost's attention will find him unwelcoming, to the say the least. A large pot in a back clearing holds a sapling with golden bark and leaves; Kaito's sprout has grown significantly, now almost three feet tall. Rose bushes have grown around the clearing in full bloom, with three-inch thorns hidden among their leaves and flowers; heavier growth weaves in among them, and those entering the clearing will find themselves struck with the sense of being watched. A ring of small sprouts of some sort have sprung up around it, tiny shoots of a velvety, almost too-vivid shade of green. Attempting to damage or disrupt the clearing or the golden sapling will draw attention--and swift response. The cages in the Outdoor Aviary are open. A young woman in a tattered dress sits in the middle of one of the paths, methodically plucking feathers from the carcass of a quail. Her gaze seems unfocused and lifeless, and she stares straight ahead without appearing to notice anyone who approaches. As it is, however, it's difficult to get close enough to try to engage her; all of the birds in the aviary are unusually aggressive and will relentlessly attack anyone in their range. Tanny can be found in the Stables tending to her horse. The silver creature nibbles contentedly at his hay while she brushes him, and she chats with him happily as she works. Nothing seems bold enough to bother them. || CASTLE: BASEMENT Something large and shadowy roams the halls of the Basement, seeming to favor the hallways around the Servant's Quarters; the creature somehow comes and goes via the endless halls, able to vanish down them where the guests make no progress. Its form is difficult to discern besides two gleaming eyes as it seems to trail an almost viscous black cloud, but it is hunched on all fours, unable to stand fully in the narrow halls, and moves with a leisurely lope. It seems to be daring guests to follow it into the warped space beyond the dorms. For a small mercy, it does not enter the dorms themselves. Their work done the workmen trudge back into the castle, heads down as the stones enclose them. They seem largely defeated, silent and expressionless as they are led into the basement by one of the guards. Each man is given a heel of bread and a small cup of water before the grate is opened and they are led beneath. It locks solidly behind them, preventing them from leaving. Though not all have left, as one of the soot covered figures can be found wandering the basement, seemingly lost. He is dressed only in rags, and still bears the chains from his imprisonment around his wrists and ankles, but no one seems inclined to attempt to herd him back to where he belongs. The small man who was overseeing them gathers up his plans, takes one last walk through the completed building, and disappears for parts unknown. The Heart Eater is sitting on the bottom step of the basement, peering into the darkness with a look of grief on her face, at times so intense that tears begin to drip into her hair, making silent tracks in the dust that covers her. She is dressed in a red robe, though it gapes open over her chest and stomach as though it is either too big or she simply forgot to tie it. She has covered herself in a pale, grey dust. Occasionally, she whispers to the darkness, her tone imploring and at times sad, but she does not move or even seem to realize that someone is walking by her. She does not even seem to notice the gang of men being led past her, and does not react at all to their presence. || CASTLE: FIRST FLOOR In the Great Hall, the Tyger paces restlessly, occasionally pausing to roar and rake its claws over the stone. It will swiftly move to confront anyone entering the area, harrying menacingly; signs of fear or attempts at turning to run only seem to hasten it escalating to violence, and it will pursue as far as nearby hallways. It ignores the Guards, who seem to be keeping watch on it with trepidation. In the Parlours of the First Floor, the Merry Gentlemen have taken to lurking under tables, behind furniture, and beside doors, as if trying to hide their distorted frames and doing a poor job of it. They will stay stationary until they are looked at-- which seems to be their invitation to assault whoever "found" them. The Collector's Library is violent tonight. Its many books and trinkets are continually hurled from their shelves with intense force, and anyone passing through the room will find themselves targeted with whatever miscellaneous objects happen to be nearby. Anyone who tries to find shelter here will quickly notice that no corner of the room is safe. The man in the library is obviously alarmed by the events around him and dashes frantically around the room to see what can be done. He tries to right things as soon as they are thrown into disorder, all while cradling his bundle to his chest to protect it. He lets out a low keening noise all the while. || CASTLE: SECOND FLOOR The strange taxidermy creations that inhabit the Hunter's Closet have escaped and are running loose throughout the Main Hallway. They travel in a pack and tirelessly pace the length of the corridor, all alert and collectively focused as if they are on patrol. Although they do not seem interested in seeking out victims to attack, they will not show any mercy to those who get in their way. Blood seeps through their stitching as they move, leaving a definable trail wherever they go. The Jester is sitting in the Sandstone Bath, making an attempt at washing his hair and face. He still appears a bit shaky, but more aware of what is happening around him. Gilly is still in attendance, and is even fetching him clean cloths from the table. The Spider is missing from its enclosure in the Zoo. This seems to be causing some alarm to the guards, who are looking for it frantically. The Centaur woman is still badly injured, though the male is tending to her and at least making some attempt at courtesy to those who have brought him supplies. Though he will not ask for it, he will mention that soft or mushed fruit is a palatable thing that she might be able to eat. The small Dragon Geese are playing a game under the watchful eyes of their mother. One will hide and then the other four will seek them out, to much squeaking when the hider is found. They would clearly like to take their game beyond the cage. The Unicorns are also missing. The Gryphon has been moved to the new stable in one of the lower stalls, and seems quite happy to be able to spread her wings. Above the stairs to the Third Floor, a web has appeared. The long, sticky strands have an unusual strength to them, and can easily entangle a person who walks into them. The Spider will only appear once the person has completely entangled them to dispatch whoever has been caught in the strands. Anyone who makes it to the Enclosed Orchard will see a slender face peering from one of the windows on the upper floor. It is framed by a curtain of silky hair with eyes that seem both too wide and too large on the slender face, the hand that pulls the curtain back so spindly it seems almost spider-like. The figure vanishes before much better of an impression can be gleaned. || THREAT DOWN GENERAL: • The rain has subsided. The air is still humid, and the ground is muddy throughout the first part of the night • The phantoms of children can be found throughout the castle and in the gardens • The new buildings in the Town and Stables are complete. THE TOWN: • The Night Market has returned • The Bullmen are again in charge of the bonfire • The band of performing Goblins are playing music on their makeshift stage • The Tea Woman has set up shop in the center of town • A Frogman sits near the well • A group of children is playing among the stalls. The Crows join them • The skill games are going on again, and K'ylara is among those playing • At sunset, Cheese Woman locks her shop and leaves to give a bundle to the Bullmen. Through the rest of the night she is in the basement of her shop, accompanied a horned baby FIRST FLOOR: • The Tyger is pacing the Grand Hallway • The Merry Gentlemen lurk behind furniture in the Small Parlors • The Collector's Library is violent. The man with the baby is distressed 1. Receiving Room 2. East Hallway 3-8. Small Parlors 9. Collector's Library 10. Grand Hallway 11. Grand Dining Room 12. North Passage 13. Castle Kitchen 14. Pantry 15. Common Room 16. The Steward's Room 17. Steward's Bath 18. Southwest Passage 19. The Musicians' Parlor 20. Throne Room 21. Guard Passage 22. Captain's Quarters 23. Soldiers' Barracks 24. Soldiers' Bathing Area SECOND FLOOR: • The taxidermy from the Hunter's Closet is on the loose in the Main Hallway • The Jester and Gilly the crow are in the Sandstone Bath • The Spider, Unicorns, and Gryphon are not in their cages in the Zoo • The female Centaur is still badly injured • The Dragon Geese are playing hide-and-seek • A strange face peers out from a window above the Enclosed Orchard • The Spider has made a web that blocks the stairs to the third floor 1. Main Hallway 2. Silver Bedroom 3. Silver Bathroom, 4. The Storage Room 5. Upper North Passage 6. The Barren Room 7. The Sandstone Bath 8. The Motley Room 9. Collector's Library (Upper Level) 10. Head Bedroom 11. Museum 12. Colonial Study 13. Plush Bathroom 14. Locked Room 15. Glass Gallery 16. Mural Bedroom 17. Round Bedroom 18. Gem Room 19. Jungle Bedroom 20. Locked Door 21. Marble Bathroom 22. South Passage 23. Exotic Zoo 24. Servants' Room 25. Magpie Bedroom 26. Slanted Bathroom 27. Fortune Hunter's Bedroom, 28. Locked Room 29. Crystal Bedroom 30. Crystal Bathroom 31. Gold Bedroom 32. Gold Bathroom 33-34. Open Parlors 35. Music Box Bedroom 36. Enclosed Orchard BASEMENT: • A shadowy creature is roaming the halls of the Servants' Quarters • The Heart Eater sits on the bottom step of the basement, crying and occasionally whispering • The workmen return to the castle and are led down to the basement 1. The Cells 2. The Carpenter's Room 3. Porcelain Bedroom 4. Glassmaker's Room 5. Tapestry Bedroom 6. The Pottery Room 7. Basement Generator Room 8. Torture Chamber 9. Basement Hallway 10. The Hole 11. Basement 12. Basement Passage 13. Stone Washroom 14. Wine Cellar 15. Women's Quarters 16. Empty Dorm 17. Common Hallway 18-27. Dorms GARDENS AND YARD: • The plants along the wall of the garden are engaged in a violent conflict with the Gargoyles in the center of the road • The Garden itself is less aggressive tonight • The Green Man is on patrol • Kaito's sapling has grown significantly • The Gryphon has been moved to the new stable • A strange woman sits in the Outdoor Aviary. All of the birds are aggressive and violent • Tanny is in the stables with her horse