You find yourself in a desolate land, drowned in the stench of the deceased and the sight of only the dead. The trees weep, barren of fruits and leaves. A misty, blood-red fog lingers in the air, blinding your vision severely. You have walked for a great deal of time and, amidst your ponderings as to where you may be, you could see the dark silhouette of some sort of construction in the distance. As you approach, curious as to what the vision entails, the edges and shapes began to be defined and, as sharp as day, you could finally see the haunting picture of an abandoned manor of sorts. You dimly wonder what it may imply as you see a light at the top window, illuminating the area partly. You know for a fact that, after the hemomancers had cursed this land, there were few, if any, survivors. And, even so, you are certain that none can survive in the horrid conditions in this desolate territory.

The sound of footsteps and cracking twigs fills your ears. You look around to see the shadows of humanoid figures and, upon closer investigation, you realize that it was others. Living humans, like yourself. They all seem drawn to the house, as are you. It's time to explore this unmarked location that may be filled to the brim with the treasure of adventure. It's now time to sate your curiosity.

One other sound may reach your ears, were you to stand still for long enough to hear it. Indeed, even your breathing might drown out the noise were the air to leave your lungs too loudly. The sound of whispers, coming from all around you. From the trees: twisted, dead, and rotting. From the fog, which seems to cling to you and give your fellow travels an unholy complexion. Indeed, the very ground you walk on seems to whisper to you. But most of all, the whispers come from the house, beckoning you to come inside, to join them. The exact words of the whispers you can't quiet make out, but perhaps if you strained, you might be able to make something out?

The doors of the mansion beckon to you. Will you enter?
​

OOC:

• @Aaron Steele, @Rein, @Mahlthor Oakenheart, @Seth Evergreen
• There is no posting order.
• Please post within 24 hours of your previous post.
• At the end of each post, please roll a D10. Add 1 to this roll for each rank of Illumancy you have. Subtract 1 for each rank of malefimancy you have. Include which of these is influencing your roll. Use only one if you have both. Beginner counts as a rank.
• Minimum 100 words.
• While there is no set word count maximum at this time, please be respectful of all involved, and remain concise.
• Credit to @Lyre for the assistance and inspiration in the design of this challenge.

 

As the brave Paladin Trainee had ventured forth unto the land of Norforva; he'd once more be returning to the enigma exploring it once more. Eyes peering about as he walked; a thick fog coating the area; being a new user of Illumancy he could sense the unholy vibe this area gave off. Yet there was something about it that drew him in; not a weak willed individual but perhaps one of curiosity. Normally such a thing would kill the cat, but in this instance, it seemed to be more so the egg moving some occasionally as if to tell him to follow this path. As such he'd listen to the creepy egg arriving just before the creepy home. The shifting of noises and a general feeling of despair made him feel the hair upon his neck stand up.

As he continued forth he'd not the shadows and figures about, turning back he'd see some others. His lips closed he'd look at the others as they came within range, "Hello, anyone there...I wonder what is going on. Maybe this key will open the door." he'd say pulling out Aedrik's master key as he walked forth in an attempt to open the door. His steps cautious and not even sure if it was wise; approaching the door he'd place the key towards the lock. Hesitant he'd back up and look to the others, "So are we all going in or is it just me. How about we form a party and explore?" he'd say hoping to not walk into this alone. A fear settled into him as the thunder struck loud behind out of almost nowhere.

Invite

Aaron Steele has invited you to their party. Accept?

All that was missing out of this crew was a mystery machine and the old hammy dog Scooby. None the less the male would raise his hand and sent out an invite to the local player; unable to see their names or really speak much due to the fog; hopefully this might change once they get inside. His attention focused on the mansion itself, how he hoped it wasn't haunted. None the less he'd wait for the crew to accept the invite and possibly introduce themselves before making any moves. "My...my name is Aaron, I'm a Paladin in training; I mainly tank. What about you all, it might be best to share some before going in. Like we should have a game plan before raiding a place no?" he'd say to the shadowy figures as those who were ready could join the party and those who were not up to working together were free to go about their way.

@Aaronnith @Lyre @Rein @Mahlthor Oakenheart @Seth Evergreen

Thrown die:

1

+1 for Illum
*Note* Forgot to roll dice sorry v.v

 

"This just isn't my day."

Seth didn't think he'd end up getting lost in the forest by lo and behold here he was. Lost. All around him fog clouded his vision as it held him in a cold embrace. He was more than a little bit creeped out by this situation. Everything around him was just...dead. The trees were thin, leafless and the ground had barely any patches of grass to speak of. Seth had only been to a cemetery once in his life and this landscape alone might as well have counted as his second.

"Y-yea. No way am I going to stick around here to find out what's here"

Just as Seth was about to turn around and leave he heard to voice of someone else nearby. While they weren't necessarily calling for help, Seth knew that it was what was expected at this point now that he was spotted. For just a moment in the back of his mind he considered ignoring them and moving on to find a way out of here. The rest of his being had different plans though and the party invitation that was sent out all but solidified Seth's decision. Reluctantly, Seth turned around and accepted the invite before continuing to the source of the voice.

Knowing that someone else was in this place with him, he relaxed his shoulders and slowed his breathing. Nothing good would come of panicking in this situation. His thoughts roamed to other, less serious things in order to calm himself. "Now that I think about it this setting could make for a good 90s horror flick. Though I haven't seen very many myself. Perhaps for one of those haunted house attractions that sometimes pops up on Halloween? This place would have a 10/10 in my book for atmosphere right off the bat." Simple thoughts like these helped him relax in these types of situations. It was almost funny how much the real world can be both different and parallel to this one.

When he got within viewing distance Seth let out a sigh of relief that it was another human being. With a new pep in his step he all but jogged over to the man who he could only assume is Aaron from the invite. Barely hearing his introduction Seth decided that it would only be proper to introduce himself as well. No point in being a complete stranger at this point right?

"I'm uh...sorry. I'm Seth, Seth Evergreen. I'm a singing bard who also specializes in Beast Taming. Obviously I'd be the supporting member of this group. Pleasure to meet you."

He hoped he didn't sound too wimpy in that introduction.

@Aaron Steele @Aaronnith @Rein @Mahlthor Oakenheart

Thrown die:

3

 

The dense, thick fog clings wetly to the large man's skin, drenching his clothes in a fine, red liquid that matches it's crimson hue. A few beads of the stuff build on his massive, trunk-like arms and run down the grimy metal of his starter level armor, mixing with rust and dried sweat as it gravity slowly pulls it down. While others might balk at the idea of going any deeper into this almost nightmarish place, Mahlthor presses on undaunted. Well, ok, maybe a little daunted. But he wasn't going to let that stop him! Nope! After all, this was just a game... what could possible happen? Beyond superficial character death, that is?

In short order, the mist begins to peel back to reveal the old, decaying, decrepit manor. Fittingly at home in such an eerie place, the back side of the manor appears in disarray. Shutters from the windows above hang limply, an empty light beacons into the darkness, and the whispers. Oh the whispers. A small shiver runs down the spine of the man.

And then, his attention is drawn around to the front of the building where he can hear... yes, that sounds like normal conversation. Not these creepy whispers. I wonder if they are friendlies. He silently thinks to himself as he rounds the side of the old manor. Steeling himself just in case, he equips a dazzling smile and the bravado swagger of someone who radiates courage.

He waves a large hand to the gathered individuals. "Hey there. So, what do you guys think? Ghosts, skellies, or deranged teenager-murdering axe-demon? Should we find out?" He chuckles at his own statement, regardless if anyone else does. Then, he notices the blinking party invite. "Aaron Steele." Looking at each of the gathered's displays, his eyes eventually fall on Aaron. "You at least seem ready, huh?" he says as he accepts the invite to party up.

"Right. So. The name is Mahlthor. I specialize in close combat dee pee es, but I've got some ranged stuff as well as a bit of secondary tanking as needed." He drops into a shadow boxing stance, and as if to show what kind of skill set he is referring to, he proceeds to throw a jab, then a cross, and end with an uppercut. Superficial sparks crawl up and down his arms as he does so, sparking outward from his fists with every punch. The effect is echoed by another loud, timely peal of thunder, the lighting silhouetting the form of Mahlthor.

"So yeah, just fit me in your plan wherever you need a heavy hitter, I guess." The ever present grin doesn't leave his face.

Thrown die:

2

 

Several yards away from the others Rein stood besides a decrepit tree, hidden by the fog, as he eavesdropped on the groups conversation. It seems the small group had an intention to investigate the large mansion before them, despite their obvious lack of physical equipment. Rein cackled softly to himself as he began to think of ways he could turn this set of events into an entertaining evening considering his earlier cancelled plans.

Several hours ago he had come to this island due to rumors of a mysterious evil entity plauging the immediate area. Normally this meant some guy who had a handful of pricey things for Rein to steal. Sadly with the dense fog his search had been fruitless, and Rein had eventually forgotten why he had even come here. That was when he heard voices and hid against his tree.

Now he merely giggled to himself as he tried to think of ways to slowly torture the group, after all the majority seemed to ready to already piss themselves. Time to get them inside. Rein summoned his mana around him, converting it to air and pushing it forward with a howl aimed at group. The effect wouldn't be harmful, but the sudden gust might frighten a more jumpy adventurer

Thrown die:

8

(OOC: sorry for the poor post I'm busy, no Rein will not be harassing the party from behind the entire time, probably)

 

@Aaronnith

 

Aaron would discover, upon examining the door, that the key he held in his hands would not fit in any keyhole on the door, for there was no keyhole for the key to fit into. Though the doors were quite clearly locked, how one might go about unlocking them from the outside seemed to be simply one more mystery of this strange place.

As the three players formed their party, childish giggling would echo in their ears. "Come play with me!" the voice of a young boy would call, seemingly from all around the three players. However, the NPC hiding behind the tree would not hear this voice. Rather, he would feel an icy hand upon his shoulder as soon as his spell was cast.

The moon peaked from behind it's cloud covering, and the red fog seemed to glow as if it still held residual energy within it. The light of the full moon shined down upon the door of the mansion, and a great moaning noise would be heard by all four adventurers gathered. The doors unlocked and slowly began to push their way inward, creaking and moaning the entire time. "E...n...t...e...r..." an old and tired voice would command the four from within the mansion. Yet the inside of the mansion was cloaked with a magical darkness so thick, nothing from the inside could be gleamed from where the adventurers stood, yet Aaron, Seth, and Mahlthor would feel a tightness in their chest and a physical pull toward the door. The mansion calls.

From far away, an owl began to hoot loudly into the night. Yet it's second call cut off suddenly, as if it had been silenced, or worse.

OOC
@Aaron Steele, @Seth Evergreen, @Mahlthor Oakenheart, @Rein
Dice rolls thus far:
Group total: 15
Aaron: 2
Seth: 3
Mahlthor: 2
Rein: 8

Round two has begun. Please post within 24 hours. There is no posting order. Remember to include your die rolls at the end of your post.

 

As the peal of thunder ended, an unholy wind kicks up, engulfing the three. "Ohh, man. There's no way that's not a bad omen." He motions toward the door. "Is it locked?" Almost as if on cue, the creepy child speaks, the doors open, and a different, yet equally disturbing, disembodied voice beckons them enter. "Yeah... not a bad omen at all..." he says as the mansion beckons him forth.

In answer to the call, Mahlthor begins to make his way towards the door. Turning slowly to face the others, he throws a thumbs in the direction of the open doorway. "Well, I guess since it's open, we might as well go take a look, eh?" he says with a cheerful grin. A grin that was as much for himself as it was for his companions. Turning back toward, he takes a moment to swallow any trepidation he might have, and with a step crosses the threshold into the mansion. The darkness envelops him whole, and just like that he is gone from the other's sight. "Hello? Old man? Kid?" he calls out into the nothingness, straining his ears for a response. Or, really, for any sound beyond the old, creepy creaking of the mansion.

Thrown die:

8

OOC: edit for grammar, typo, and I left out the die roll >.>'

 

Seth wasn't one for the horror genre. He didn't scare easy but he wasn't up for being dragged into a haunted house against his will. When he heard the sound of a child asking to play along with the tired voice beckoning them forward he was ready to bail. "Nope, nope, nope. So much effing nope." he thought.

However, as he felt the almost painful coil on his chest pull him towards the now opened door he realized he didn't have a choice in the matter. Seth took a few labored breaths as he walked forward into the darkness after the blond man while trying to converse with them in order to calm his nerves. Silence was not a virtue that Seth had. Even if it was one he desperately wanted at times.

"Omen? Omens are s-subtle. Everything that just happened was a slap in the face saying enter or die. Don't worry though they'll probably take me first. Heh heh..."

Seth knew he had bad luck ever since he was a child and he wouldn't be surprised if something bad happened to him first. Just before Seth was completely engulfed in the darkness of the mansion Seth physically cringed. As if something terrible had just happened to a friend.

@Aaron Steele @Aaronnith @Mahlthor Oakenheart @Rein

Thrown die:

1

 

As his investigations yield no way of entry he'd turned to be greeted by all members. After a bit of banter, he'd arch a brow and extend his hand out properly greeting them. As the team of three seemed to form he'd listen to their words and thoughts, yet the sudden voice of a child accompanied by the sudden laughter let alone the sudden gust of wind? Looking over in the direction he'd be on guard; was that an attack or was this child trying to play a game scaring them. Eyes shifting he'd look to them, "What the hell was that? Think it's that kid...also is no one else disturbed by this red fog, let alone the malicious intent in the air; am I the only one feeling how dark it is. Mmmm maybe this is because of what happened here. Well to these lands..." he'd say hinting at the blood mages who seemed to destroy the majority of it or so the rumors that brought about this legend. Yet as his words finished eerily the old voice seemed to speak as he slowly shifted his head back seeing the door open slowly as he felt his chest tighten. Watching his companion enter he'd part his lips

"Yes...dark magic indeed, so sort of demon perhaps." he'd say taking a deep breath then chanting to himself, his hand a glow over his chest as he began to illuminate some a small spell of light; crafting an orb he'd send it up beside him as the whisp like orb of light began to circle him. "If it is a fight the demon wants, let us take it to him. I'll keep you safe; as a Paladin in training I can not let such an evil Exist...." swallowing hard he'd raise his blade and move forth; putting fear in the back of his mind, "Lord Tyl will use me as his vessel, this foul demon will pay, these tortured souls will be saved. I will see to it. Justice will be served and their souls free from its grasp. Yes...stay near me; my light will keep you safe and light up this darkness. No evil can snuff out my light" he said in confidence as if something took him over; the inner light from his God flowing through him as he made his way boldly into the mansion behind the others. His weapons drawn and ready to protect.

Thrown die:

9

+1 for Illumanacy

@Aaronnith @Rein @Mahlthor Oakenheart @Seth Evergreen

 

As Rein waved his arms in an intricate circle to summon forth his howling wind he felt a something

suddenly nudge him in the shoulder. "WHaaat?" he gasped in surprise as he spun around on his heels seeing only the dense red fog that surrounded him. "What the hell was that!" he exclaimed as his head swiveled around on his shoulders. He could have sworn someone had grabbed him, or something. Whatever it was was ice cold leaving even his unexposed skin chilled to the touch. He shot a quick glance forward; the silhouettes ahead had moved forward towards the structure. "COME OUT HERE WHERE I CAN SEE YOU!" Rein frustratedly screamed into the night, receiving only a hoot in reply. Still searching Rein continued to spin around in place unable to locate anything in the depths of the fog. The bird made an attempt at a second hoot, clearly intending to mock the man, but was cut off with such sudden abruptness that its fate remained clear.

That was all the incentive that Rein needed, as he bolted towards the structure. As he moved forward the small group of people became clearer, they were much larger than their silhouettes before had indicated, not that it bothered the short statured man. Much. His thoughts on the matter were immediately eradicated when an old man's voice beckoned them inwards. Past thrills were suddenly out of his mind as a cruel smile curled onto Rein's lips while he vastly began to misinterpret the situation. "Well, since I'm invited and all!" quipped Rein as he began strutting forward into the house with a sinister chuckle. Even though he was traveling with the group now, he failed to properly introduce himself, they were all probably going to die anyway. The thought made him laugh even harder.

Thrown die:

1

 

The moment you step past the gaping, ancient doors of the mansion, you smell a faint odor that peculiarly smells like decay and rot. A viscous red liquid seeps through the cracks along the wall, slipping slowly and leaving a crimson trail as it forms a puddle on the floor. A glance around fills your vision with spectacular paintings and marvelous works of art that must have been quite expensive. The paintings themselves, however, are ripped and the portraits' glass shattered. The marble flooring underneath you is dusted; the velvet carpet which softens your steps is tattered and dull in color.

While someone may have lived here once, the belongings seem to be greatly aged and it looks like no one has lived here in the better part of a decade. If you look to your left and right, you will see a set of spiral staircases on either side. The stairs are decorated with pottery and glorious architectural adornments. A dilapidated statue of Elwora is ironically bathed in faux light. A kukri, dripping of the same red liquid as the walls, is held in his raised hands.

It is strange that, compared to the dark and foggy outdoors, the windows seem to shine and glow a bright light which fills the interior of the mansion. If you attempt to investigate the light, however, a chill will shudder through your spine and fear will crawl up your body. Shivers and tremors would wrack your body and you would feel a sense of uneasiness and unnaturalness of this light. The windows are glued shut and are unable to be opened.

Never when you are directly looking at them, so you might only see it out of the corner of your eye or if you were to look back at a place you examined before, things in the room seem to move on their own. The paintings upon the wall shift to the right or to the left. Chairs float from one place to another, but if you turn to directly face them, they freeze, hanging in mid air. The laughter of various small children echoes throughout the hall.

A strange status effect appears on Seth Evergreen's display. The symbol is a single question mark, and no information is given about it. It doesn't make him feel any different, and he will notice that he still has complete control over himself. The effect, indeed, seems completely harmless, and is likely nothing to worry over at all.

Aaron Steel would feel a slight surge of confidence at his prayer. A calming empowerment. He too would see a strange status effect appear, this time with the icon of an exclamation mark. Bringing up info on the effect would result in "braved", but nothing else. Whether this status effect had anything to do with how he was feeling was indeterminable, but was a good assumption.

The large doors of the mansion slam shut, and several clicks and quieter slams can be heard, and with dread realization the party would realize that the doors have locked behind them. The only way to leave this place now, it would seem, is to go further in...

OOC:
@Rein, @Aaron Steele, @Mahlthor Oakenheart, @Seth Evergreen
Total group roll: 35 (20)
Aaron: 12
Seth: 4
Mahlthor:10
Rein: 9

 

Once everyone reassembled within the hall of the mansion, Mahlthor would turn to them. Opening his mouth to say something, he is cut off by the clicking sound of the locks sliding into place. "Uhhh... did one of you do that?" he would ask before sliding back to the door and trying the handle. Sure enough, it would be locked in place.

"Well, crap. It's locked." he informs the rest. As the others would process this in their own ways, Mahlthor would turn his attention to the walls and floor, the shiver returning at the ghastly visage the walls bled before the quartet. He approaches the nearest flow of seepage, and inspects it closely. "Yeah. Said it before, will say it again... getting a bad omen vibe from all of this." Turning his attention back to the group, he adds "What do you all want to do? We could see if there's another exit somewhere else in the house... maybe through that window with the light on we could see from outside?" he offers as a suggestion.

 

As the male entered his light shining brightly around him and the party he'd soon hear the entrance of the final member; joining the party despite not acknowledging them much he'd sigh. It wasn't until they arrived inside he could feel the true feelings of the place; trapped. Looking to the statue of Elwora the males lips would part, "This home belonged to a monster, only those of great evil worship The Malevolent Tora. Yet, they seem to be long gone, most of this place is abandoned and this shrine has been un-praised. Despite the blood or what appears to be blood all over, perhaps tricks to run fear into the non-believers. Fear not I and the Elysid will protect you from any unrested spirit. My light will bathe your souls in purity..."

He'd say as he scanned the room watching all that unfolded. Yet the laughter of children brought a chill to his spine, "These poor lost souls, pawns in some evil demons games." he'd shift his gaze back as the doors slammed, shaking his head, "Your games are no match for the powers of a Paladin, no harm will come to us so long as I breath foul creatures of the night. Enough games, face us you cowards so that I might smite you back to the depths of hell." he'd say raising his blade and taunting the malevolent presence. "Or are thou a cowardice pansy who can not handle the powers of our group. Yes, I seem to believe you're only straight is cheap tricks. Now, confess what sins you've committed and allow me to help you return to your maker so these souls might become free of your grasp and pass on properly."

Lips parting should he be ignored he'd try once more, "What betrayal happened here within these walls, come spirits he shall no longer harm you speak to me; For I am the Vessel of Tyl and Justice will come forth onto them; freeing your spirit from such sins." he'd say calling aid from a hopeful spirit if the evil had refused to speak to him. "I can not in good faith leave this house nor spirits to remain captive to this malevolent spirit. How would you feel if you were trapped here, an innocent child or worse, you die here in the game and can't leave til someone complete it. There is no limit how this game will react, are you a hero or are you a coward?"

His words sharp as knives "If the latter is true, good luck exiting and not being haunted by a spirit that uses you to escape. If the former, then join me and make sure this is resolved so we may leave in good faith and demon less. These lands have a tragic tale all their own, have compassion my friend and good faith, I promise you with my life we will get out if you join me. But first these souls." he'd say his hand to his chest and the other extending out as if to make a handshake to seal the deal. Then looking to the rest, "You all as well, we leave together demon less and we save these souls. Agreed? Otherwise, we won't make it out alive" He said once more saying a prayer to boost up the glowing orb.

"Now, what shall we do about this place, shall we search upward to the attic or down ward to the basement. It's more than likely we'll find clues one way over the other. The latter most likely having a viable exit, I suggest the attic first then the basement but you all decide. I'll just protect and slay demons as we go." he'd say with a chuckle looking over to the male known as Seth, "You alright my boy, you seem uneased, do you need a prayer? Demons can play many tricks if ever you are afraid, call upon my light. They can not harm you if you give yourself over to the Elysid; their court shall protect you and me as a vessel of Tyl." he'd say with a warm smile attempting to ruffle his hair.

Thrown die:

5

+1 Illumancy

@Rein @Mahlthor Oakenheart @Seth Evergreen @Aaronnith

 

<Crap, forgot to roll my die. Rolling here, will send GP/MP back to system for the double post>

Thrown die:

2