week 1

[stagemanagers]

[Well, all escape attempts have failed thus far. None of you have seen the Phantom since his brief appearance on Sunday, or heard from him at all. It looks like, for the time being, you’re all going to be stuck here.

You're free to continue exploring your surroundings to your hearts' content. The only real restriction on your movements is that the kitchen is closed between the hours of 10 pm and 7 am. Better make sure to grab any midnight snacks you may want ahead of time. Also, remember to label any investigation toplevels!

The Merchandise Booth is now open for business as well! The Phantom hasn't deigned to explain how it works, but...well, some of you will start to find mysterious coins in your rooms, and the Booth's got a place to put coins. You'll figure it out.

Should you wish to engage more with your host, you're welcome to drop letters in the box office slot. There's no set way to converse verbally with him, and he's certainly not guaranteed to respond if you just yell at the walls - but that doesn't necessarily mean he isn't listening. Just something to keep in mind.

Enjoy your first week, everyone.]

Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday

(( OOC: This will be the last mod post for this week! Feel free to start submitting regains for any threads that aren't with the Phantom. Remember, song threads mean an extra coin! This is a peace week, so get all that CR while you can! ))

Comments

[revelfree]

[The laughter is infectious, and it isn't long until Ariel has joined in. He hasn't felt this at ease in years, especially not because of another person. Not since Helena, at least


He returns the shove, before settling back down to his work. He thumps Stephen's envelope against his own hand.]

Would you like for me to read this now? Or later?

[37773972]

Depends on if you think you'll want to ask me any questions about it. [He has the feeling Ariel will- and while he isn't interested in answering anything about his previously-mentioned down period, the recent past?

He'll sit down.]

[revelfree]

[Ariel reads the list over. Twice. There's a lot he doesn't understand but...]

Do you think he may have deliberately picked you for your lack of ability to escape? [A beat] No, because then he would not have picked Angus, would he?

[37773972]

[Thank you for not immediately launching in to the whole future-message thing. But Stephen considers, rubbing his mouth briefly]

There's a mix here. He could have picked all fighters, all civilians- instead, there's a mix. It could be that some of us are meant to be...targets of the others.

[He speaks slowly, uncertain.]

[revelfree]

If that is true, then both you and I would fall onto that list.

[He draws a slow breath. He seems uncomfortable with the very thought.]

I will not let that happen. Not to you, nor to anyone this place has deemed a "Victim."

[37773972]

I'm not planning on letting it happen, either. [But he does appreciate the comment. Nice to know someone'll have his back and all that.] The problem is you or I could easily be overwhelmed by Angus or Sigyn - and if we all start carrying weapons, that's just asking for trouble.

I think...we need to work on finding reasons to trust on one another. [He hesitates, than continues;] Some of the classes where I taught did icebreakers before putting the students in to groups. Maybe we can do that, build some more reasons for us to work together.

[Including that Weird Immortal Pirate Guy.]

[revelfree]

It's not a bad idea at all. We need reasons to believe in one another. Perhaps a dinner on the morrow, or a few days into the week. We can propose everyone bring their own dish, even a story to tell...

[He ponders the idea, tapping his chin as he does.]

Is that what you had in mind?

[37773972]

Something like that. I'm not sure they have 'two truths and a lie' where you come from, but it's a kind of game- taking turns trying to figure out the lie. I'm an only child, I went to Stanford, I can juggle - harmless stuff like that.

[He absolutely cannot juggle, for the record.]

Get us comfortable talking with one another, sharing thing things- so we can rely on each other when the going gets rough. We can play that over dinner.

[revelfree]

I've never heard of the game, no. What's a Stanford? [His brow is furrowed. He's definitely trying to figure out Stephen's lie.]

It seems a perfect idea. Riley is wonderful at motivating others, perhaps I can confer with her for further ideas?

[37773972]

College. [They had that back where Ariel is, right. Hopefully.] A pretty famous one- but I'll probably change that one. And yeah - she'll have an idea for some other games.

[revelfree]

Ah, of course. [A beat] So. Juggling then?

[Yes, he's still on this.]

[37773972]

Right. I'm pretty sure if I tried, I'd hurt myself.

[heh]

Your turn. Make up a few things on the spot - they don't have to be complicated.

[revelfree]

And yet, I would love to see it.

[He thinks for a moment.]

I am an only child. I have never been in love. I have visited 4 continents.

[37773972]

I can believe the 4 continents, easy- I'm guessing the only child part?

[revelfree]

[Ariel shakes his head. There's a small, sad smile on his lips.]

Her name was Helena. The most beautiful girl in my village. We were great friends. Perhaps if I were less inclined to my pursuits, I might have stayed there with her.

But I left my home. And I shall never return again, for her or for anyone else.

[37773972]

[Oh. Well then. Stephen sobers up a bit from his humor, nodding slightly as Ariel speaks.]

...maybe you'll find someone else. [Or won't.] It's that important to you, though? Finding answers?

[revelfree]

Perhaps. [He shrugs. The sadness doesn't leave his eyes.]

It is. I... cannot imagine being content with my life if I did not know what it all meant, or what it all was for.

[37773972]

[He's silent for a moment...then nods, slowly]

I hope you find meaning sooner or later, then. I've...never really thought about it, myself.

[At least, not seriously - and not with a clear head.]

[revelfree]

Not many have. Not many see it as a worthwhile pursuit. The world is large, and the concept of truth is such a nuanced thing. Likely, I will end up dead before I come to know it.

[He grimaces, glancing around at their surroundings.]

I can only hope that it isn't here that my end comes

[37773972]

[He nods at that. At least, about hoping it isn't here. His mind is racing, though, and after a moment, he speaks slowly;]

If you don't mind me asking...what makes you think there is an answer?

[revelfree]

[Ah, there it was. The single question that made Ariel's stomach bottom out.]

There has to be. Otherwise I will have wasted everything to find it.

[37773972]

[Yeah. Not gonna press on that line of questioning anymore. He just nods again, and folds his hands together.]

If anyone can find it, it's someone like you. And if it's here- share with the class, will you?

[revelfree]

[Ariel laughs, if a bit timid.]

Of course, my friend. You will be the first to know.