guestservices: (Default)
🛎 ([personal profile] guestservices) wrote2022-07-11 08:16 am
Entry tags:

GRAVEYARD.






GRAVEYARD


Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today...

...to be super dead. No, did you think you were getting a funeral? Sorry.

When you wake up, no matter how you died, you'll find yourself all in one piece, inside of a fairly large box that upon further inspection may in fact be a coffin. However, throwing the lid off isn't too difficult, and as you step out of your own grave, you'll find yourself standing in a cemetery behind a large mansion, where an iron gate stands between you and the entrance. Thankfully, the moment you approach, dirty and tired as you are, the gate swings open, and you're allowed immediate entrance into the mansion.

The mansion itself is a little dusty, and the furnishings are vintage at best, but... hey, it's home. Why don't you explore a little?




FIRST FLOOR.

★ On the first floor is a parlor and sitting area. On one of the tables is a phone, which as of Week 3, Saturday has a dial tone and can be used to contact hotel staff. In addition to that is a kitchen stocked with food - not to mention a large wine cellar full to the bursting with every kind of wine you could imagine. Vintage!

★ Walking down a long hallway, you'll find a laundry room with a washbin and a washboard, a few closets full of dusty old clothes, a large library, and an ornate dining room with a crystal chandelier.

Of note, the dining room in particular has a very tall wall of what look like portraits to one side. If you walk closer, however, you may notice that the portraits are moving - and appear to actually be holding black and white images of your friends (and enemies?) back in the hotel, so you can monitor their activities. That's nice! There are record players set up beneath the portraits, which come with blank records set in there already; if you turn them on while the blank records are set there, you will be able to hear what is being said by the people in the portraits.

★ At the very end of the first floor hallway is another door - it is locked up tight with a padlock, and has a message painted on it.... Don't dead? Inside here is the basement that the dead locked Qi Rong into on Friday of Week 5. In theory you might be able to take the key from someone and go in, since it hasn't been returned to Virgo; inside here is a dark, dank basement illuminated by a lantern giving off a dim green glow. There are barrels of stale water and sour wine, boxes containing stale crackers, extremely questionable jerky, and other rotted foodstuffs, and... uh... there are some unpleasant-looking rats skittering around. Icky. In practice, why would you want to? Just keep it locked.

1, 2, 3


SECOND FLOOR.

★ On the second floor of the mansion is a series of bedrooms. Just like the hotel, you'll find a room already booked with your name on a nameplate on the door - and a portrait of yourself, as well as your hostage, hanging just above the nameplate. The inside of the rooms are simple - a bed with red covers, a desk with a typewriter, and a small bathroom with a toilet and a clawfoot tub. Provided that you didn't give your belongings away, you'll find all of them on your bed, waiting for you upon your arrival. This includes tickets (so long as they weren't looted from your body and used to pay for hints) and other things that may have been evidence in your case but belonged to you beforehand.

★ A dumbwaiter sits at the end of the hallway of bedrooms. Inside of it is a typewriter, and a space where there once sat a golden bell labeled as Virgo's; however, the bell is currently missing. An unlabeled bell sits to the side of it. A small sign above the dumbwaiter says: PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT STAFF BY LEAVING A MESSAGE. VIRGO MAY ALSO BE SENT A TIP AND RUNG. PULL THE LEVER TO PRESS SEND. - STAFF

It seems you can reach out to the hotel staff by leaving a message or ringing the bell, though your options are limited for the latter. Sure enough, a lever in the wall next to the dumbwaiter is currently set to the "down" position. Push it to "up" and watch your message disappear.

★ Beside the dumbwaiter is one last bedroom. This room is marked with a plaque that says "Dream Suite", and has several familiar constellations decorating the door. Occasionally, when you ring the bell by the dumbwaiter while thinking of a member of Hotel Staff on the living side, the corresponding constellation on the door will light up, and you'll feel as though you should walk in. Inside, there is a line of comfortable beds. Lie down in one, and you'll have a dreamlike "in person" audience with the NPC you had attempted to contact.


OUTDOORS.

★ Outside of the mansion is a small garage. The ground here is worn down and thin, and you can almost make out what look like railroad tracks embedded in the dirt. Inside of the garage is a rattly old car that moves along those little railroad tracks, from the garage to the mansion front, and then back all the way around to the cemetery.

★ On the grounds, there is a garden full of flowers. There are also the remnants of gardening supplies and supplies to package and send bouquets, but none of these supplies are in useable condition now.

★ A "bumper cars" rink has been made by clearing out all of the rocks, weeds and grass in a sizeable area. There are some small slopes and dips, and a bumper barrier along the outside of the rink which was made by piling up compacted dead leaves from the graveyard. There are two "cars": laundry baskets that have rudimentary jar lid wheels with ladle axles and nails stolen from a dining room chair. They have been padded with some old clothing, like that will save anyone. Since we don't have electricity in hell, each "car" has one paddle made from tree branches broken down into the appropriate size, presumably used to push the cars around.

★ The cemetery where you first awaken is a direct copy of the cemetery outside of the hotel - right down to the placement of statues, mausoleums, and the creepy atmosphere. Your grave remains after you wake up in it, in case you want to take a dirt nap.

1, 2



agleam: vyco (pic#15706128)

[personal profile] agleam 2022-07-26 10:59 pm (UTC)(link)
I'd like to go, if we do.
sageguidance: (pic#15665114)

[personal profile] sageguidance 2022-07-26 11:05 pm (UTC)(link)
Aye, that we could, but 'tis all in the name of a little adventure.
sageguidance: (pic#15664987)

[personal profile] sageguidance 2022-07-26 11:06 pm (UTC)(link)
Of course. Then I shall plan for it.
callalilies: webtoon. (❄️ suggestion.)

[personal profile] callalilies 2022-07-26 11:09 pm (UTC)(link)
Absolutely. A nice long walk sounds refreshing.

I'll add to our ticket pile if the worst case scenario happens. For now, let's plan a pleasant stroll.
sageguidance: (pic#15739186)

[personal profile] sageguidance 2022-07-26 11:20 pm (UTC)(link)
[ a nod ]

I don't anticipate any danger—'tis not as though we ever have been on these grounds, certain.... ghosts aside. But I shall account for the worst in any case, and hope for the best.
overruns: (za07)

[personal profile] overruns 2022-07-26 11:30 pm (UTC)(link)
[ while souji is on 'making a mess duty' runs in here real quick ]

Ah—I think that is fine? What we ought to be doing to help the dead return to the hotel proper? Something along those lines.

I intend to write to Claude anyway, so we can organize someone reaching out.

[ runs away ]
decaptych: ([038])

[personal profile] decaptych 2022-07-26 11:55 pm (UTC)(link)
You literally could've just said meeting! Besides, I'm not asking what you did, I'm asking who and what you talked about.
ercnerd: (03)

[personal profile] ercnerd 2022-07-27 12:05 am (UTC)(link)
You kids are so restless . . .

If you need someone to wait for your return, I can watch the rear.
frostythehitman: (also glare u to death)

[personal profile] frostythehitman 2022-07-27 12:06 am (UTC)(link)
I'll go.

[ oocly, he isn't actually volunteering. i just want ppl to clown on him for trying right now ]
sageguidance: (pic#15739164)

[personal profile] sageguidance 2022-07-27 12:09 am (UTC)(link)
[ he sighs, dramatically ]

What can I say? I've been cooped up in this old manor for weeks! I can scarce remember last I've been idle for so long.
sageguidance: (pic#15739273)

[personal profile] sageguidance 2022-07-27 12:10 am (UTC)(link)
[ he gives a gentle scowl ]

Not like that you are.
ercnerd: (02)

[personal profile] ercnerd 2022-07-27 12:12 am (UTC)(link)
I suppose that's one way to spend that energy . . . Well, you'd better enjoy the walk through nature for me.
ercnerd: (11)

[personal profile] ercnerd 2022-07-27 12:13 am (UTC)(link)
Who do you think? Were you paying attention? We talked about the questions.
sageguidance: (pic#15711729)

[personal profile] sageguidance 2022-07-27 12:22 am (UTC)(link)
Aye, aye, worry not. You need only hold down the fort, as is your wont.
ercnerd: (47)

Week 7: Tuesday

[personal profile] ercnerd 2022-07-27 12:30 am (UTC)(link)
[Sieghart knocks. His visit is brief, issuing an invitation before he takes off:]

Hey. Souji and Alphinaud prepared dinner for everyone. Join us if you're hungry, won't you?
decaptych: ([102])

[personal profile] decaptych 2022-07-27 01:15 am (UTC)(link)
[ I DON'T KNOW I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO READ ANYTHING AND AIKAWA'S PROBABLY AT HIS ASTRAL ASCENSION LIMIT ]
decaptych: ([136])

[personal profile] decaptych 2022-07-27 01:16 am (UTC)(link)
[ STOP ]

I'm glad you're feeling okay?!
ercnerd: (11)

[personal profile] ercnerd 2022-07-27 01:26 am (UTC)(link)
[HE'S TALKING ABOUT HIS VERY FIRST COMMENT. RIP, Aikawa. Take a nap.]
frostythehitman: (Default)

w7, tuesday

[personal profile] frostythehitman 2022-07-27 01:39 am (UTC)(link)
Estelle-

I know. Thanks for thinking of me. I wouldn't have wanted to be a ghost anyway.

No changes here. Honestly starting to go a little stir crazy. But we're getting to know the grounds better. And throwing a lot of parties--I want to say big enough for both sides, but better not to assume.

See you.

-Bucky
frostythehitman: (judging)

[personal profile] frostythehitman 2022-07-27 04:01 am (UTC)(link)
Maybe know less cannibals and people would stop asking.

[ anyway he's still not totally satisfied with this answer but at this point, it's better than nothing. and he's not sure hc can say much more right now anyway. ]
illomened: (gardenia)

w7 tues night

[personal profile] illomened 2022-07-27 04:49 am (UTC)(link)
i am so sorry britt

To Jason-san,

There was no offense taken! After all, I wished it to be known that I would have very little additional information to share that the others do not currently possess. To my preference, I would rather be last; it was only out of a desire to preserve my hostage that I did not argue when my name was put forward. It is with a happy heart that I remain with those here, so that I may help them as I can.

That said, I am not the Okita Souji who knew you on the island, or at least I do not remember any such place. I am sorry if Hijikata-san caused you any trouble, though. It would seem that no matter where he is, he seems to be causing problems... In any case, please excuse my delayed introduction, but it is good to make your acquaintance regardless. With luck, I will be able to send this to you without it becoming illegible, so if you would like to ask any questions, then I will do my best to answer, with the caveat that I do not remember much before waking up on this side.

In the meantime, please stay well and take care over there.

With sincerity,
Okita Souji

-

To Yoo Joonghyuk-san,

I hope that this letter finds you well. It is good to be able to speak with you, and I hope that my writing will make it to you as whole as possible. My name is Okita Souji; you could call me a guest who was a little too punctual. I am afraid that I do not recall much about my time before arriving on this side, but if you have any other questions, I would be happy to answer them to the best of my abilities, as well as I can with the noted restrictions in place.

Please take care and stay well.

With sincerity,
Okita Souji

-

To Mikazuki Munechika,

My apologies; I am not yet skilled at speaking around topics in such a way that could escape edits, it seems. Still, knowing that even some of what I wrote was read and received in such a way is enough to bring wellness to my heart. Hearing you speak so kindly with the others was very touching, too. I appreciate you, and all that you have done - not only for me, but for the others here. It would seem that I am not the only one who found solace by turning your way.

I hope that you are finding support in this time, even so. You seem like the sort who would not take that chance if given the choice, but I can't imagine that things here have been terribly easy even for someone so long-lived as you.

Please take care in the meantime. We have decided this week to take some strolls and stretch our legs a bit, but rest assured we are still doing our best.

If possible, I would be charmed to hear this story of a cat. It's very funny that you would mention it, actually, as one has taken up residence in my garden as of late.

With sincerity,
Okita Souji

-

To Estelle-san,

Thank you very much for writing to me! And my apologies for the concern earlier with the mix-up in identity with the man from your previous experience. I hope I did not give you too much reason to worry.

Please excuse my delayed introduction: my name is Okita Souji, and you are correct regarding the hotel. I am afraid I can't remember much of use about that time, though. As for myself, I am the first unit captain of the Shinsengumi and I enjoy cooking! I would be delighted if I were able to make something for those of you that I haven't met yet, too.

Oh - and thank you very much for waving, as well. It not only brightens my own spirits, but I believe that it brightens the moods of those who see it, as it helps them to feel remembered.

Please stay well and safe, and know that we are waving back! With fortune, I will be able to greet you properly someday.

With sincerity,
Okita Souji

-

To Tsurumaru Kuninaga,

It is very exciting! I received quite a few letters and I am writing back to you all as quickly as I can. The one from Yoo Joonghyuk was particularly entertaining. I think you would enjoy it! It only said: Who are you? Explain yourself. Isn't that funny? He seems like a very straightforward man.

In any case, I wish that I could answer that for you, but I still do not know, myself. In good(?) news, every person who should be here is accounted for and not a head more, though I will tell you if this changes. We are going to start taking some strolls and stretching our legs a bit more. We have also tried taking naps in unusual places to see where that leads us, though it appears the answer is "nowhere useful, currently". I am not very good at solving mysteries either, so I prefer to do things in a more hands-on way, you know?

I will update you if anything interesting happens. Please take care and stay safe on the other side.

We all appreciate your waving, by the way! I have roped everyone else into joining me any time you or the people that you are with wave to us. Thank you! I suppose you could also consider me a fan of the swords, even if I do not understand your kyaas.

With sincerity,
Okita Souji

-

To Claude-san,

And here you had fussed about my cooking only to leave before I could even make something more proper than tea.

(I will try not to tease you too much as I have heard it doesn't convey through letter as well. Just in case, I am only teasing you! I miss you already and the only thing I am relieved about is your safe arrival there, though I wish that you didn't look quite so intangible.)

For now, we have taken to exploring our home a bit more in your absence. We are stretching our legs and enjoying some strolls, and taking a few naps where we can. Unfortunately they are not leading us to anything of note just yet, but I will let you know should this change.

Be well and take care, and give my greetings to Hope-san, too!

With sincerity,
Okita Souji

-

To Shinobu Kocho-san,

Thank you for reaching out to me - your letter has brought me a smile, and I appreciate it. I am Okita Souji of the Shinsengumi, and I was at the castle with Yamatonokami Yasusada. I was at the camp as well, actually! Though I was asleep for most of it, of course, and as such was not able to speak with many of you.

Please do not apologize, and do not worry about doing anything in return. Though I have been here for some time, it has not been a terrible experience. The people that I have met are all very kind and wonderful in their own ways and it has been my joy to get to know them, though I wish that they had not ended up here in the first place.

If that room is my own, which I assume is the case, I did not get the chance to see it. Whatever is inside, I am glad to hear that it might have brought you some comfort, so please do not hesitate to visit again if you so wish.

To have the chance to meet and befriend you would bring me much happiness, but only if it is under better circumstances. Please stay well and safe, and we will do our best here.

With sincerity,
Okita Souji

-

To Harrowhark-san,

I apologize for the belated introduction! However, I wished to try and thank you directly for your willingness to so much as consider my name, even though I have not been known to many on your side. I am glad for that alone, and for the opportunities that Claude-san and Hope-san have been afforded because of you and those tickets.

As I am certain you know, they have both been hard at work since their arrival here. Hope-san in particular has done much for us, and I am certain that he will feel at greater ease being in a position where he can do even more. Thank you for your continued work as well, and if there is anything that you think I may be able to help with, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Take care and stay well.

With sincerity,
Okita Souji
Edited (WAIT I FORGOT ONE. IM SORRY MODS HELP MEPESLEFLS) 2022-07-27 06:16 (UTC)
ercnerd: (Default)

Week 7: Wednesday (witching hour)

[personal profile] ercnerd 2022-07-27 11:18 am (UTC)(link)
Estelle

Thanks for the ticket.

It looks like you're doing as well as you can be. Have you been eating well? You need to eat no matter how busy you are, especially now. If you forget to take care of yourself in all the excitement, your body will give out before you realize it.

I heard you saw my likeness the other week. I didn't press for details, but I was asked to talk to you about it. Would it ease your mind if we did? You can tell me your honest answer in person.

Until then, I'll be honest here. Back at the school, I told the living to be kind to each other, because kindness and not strength of power is what saves at the end of the day. All people have the capacity to be kind, but few carry that kindness in their cores, and even fewer extend it with sincerity. Although I chose to stay on this side, you were right when you said that there were no wrong choices—and that showed your core's ability to touch others in ways most have forgotten.

In other words, the power to help people in a meaningful way has always been yours. Keeping being yourself, Estelle, and you'll go far.

But you don't have to go by yourself. Now isn't a good time, either. You have good people looking out for you on both sides, so find someone right away once you start feeling numb. That emptiness isn't suited for you. If you find yourself caught up in uncertainty, just remember my words and believe that you aren't alone until you're able to move again; if it's you, I know you can do it.

We'll meet again. Take care until then.

Sieghart