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]

[It's Ariel's turn to look sheepish. He glances downward, rubbing at the back of his neck.]

I am afraid not. But if you have spent so much time working on the craft, then surely it is quite an important aspect of your life. I can admire the devotion, if nothing else.

[isawallflower]

[ It's a damn shame, but it means she gets to explain it to someone! Her eyes light up and she stands a bit taller. ]

That's okay! It's- it's all about providing encouragement to the school and the town, through performances and overall being a role model. It's about inspiring others! It's-

[ Well, there's only one way to explain this. It's her turn to start a song, going through a slow, subtle set of motions, like...well, like a little cheer. ]

We are the soul of the school
The pride in the name
The heart in the flame
Our words are pure inspiration
Years of creation
Changing the nation

We'll give you something to hold on to
When you think your time is up
We'll give you just the song you want to
Hear when you're out of luck

[ As for what she's saying, well—it's clear that at least she believes it, wholeheartedly. ]

[revelfree]

[Ariel has the courtesy to bite back his surprise, even his discomfort. There's a glimmer in her eyes that he knows intimately, the light of passion for a subject that ran deep into the soul. He doesn't understand what purpose this song serves, why anyone would need such inspiration, but at least he knows what it feels like to find something so important.

And if nothing else, it's catchy, and it makes something swell deep within his soul. He feels energized, hearing it. And when she goes quiet, Ariel begins to clap.]

I can see why you care so deeply for the role. It's rekindled my energy, I can say that much.

[isawallflower]

[ A bright, wide smile spreads across Riley's face as she bounces on her heels a bit. It seems she's re-energized herself, too. ]

Exactly~!! You get it, that's what it's all about. Giving back, keeping spirits up, in the most difficult of times! I'm the, uh, the new captain of my team, so... I take the whole thing very seriously.

[revelfree]

The new captain? [Those are... relatively similar terms.] So you lead this troupe of yours, then? That's quite the responsibility on the shoulders of someone so young. You must be very good at what you do.

[isawallflower]

[ She...almost looks like a bird puffing her feathers out, all proud, but something holds her back. A sheepish expression crawls onto her face, but she wipes it away. ]

Oh, I... You know, just...doing what I can~! Everyone's around my age, so it's not that young, relatively.

[revelfree]

You shouldn't be so modest, my friend. [He flashes a broad, encouraging smile.] Regardless if there are others your age, you are the one of many in that group that was able to take the leadership position. You should take pride in it -- not many others can make such a claim.

[isawallflower]

[ Riley tries to return that smile but she doesn't seem to be able to. ]

I am, of course, very glad to be captain. It's all I've dreamed about, for...well, for a long time. I'm just... Oh, you know, adjustment periods. It...was actually our first team meeting, last I remember, so...

[ Whatever she's leading into, she shakes her head and she appears more at ease. ]

What am I doing, turning down a compliment? Thank you. I've worked very hard, to get there.

[revelfree]

That's it! [Ariel looks quite pleased. If it had been anyone else -- perhaps closer to his age, or anyone less skittish than Riley had been at their first meeting -- he might have clapped them on the shoulder. As it is, he resists the urge.]

You have accomplished something. Wear those accomplishments with pride, Riley. There's nothing wrong with that.

[isawallflower]

[ You know, she's actually remarkably less skittish than she was the other day! Despite some of those hesitations, she's pretty perky and positive. This, it...well, it quiets her in a different way? Like, her smile goes a bit wonky again, and she brushes a stray strand of hair behind her ear, turning her attention to the instruments. ]

Thank you. [ She already said that. But it's softer. ] I really do appreciate it.

[ And, before he can say anything else, she turns back to him with that same perky, positive energy, as if that moment never happened. ]

You were looking through all of these. Do you play anything?

[revelfree]

[Ariel catches the shift in mood, but he attributes it to once again being too overzealous in his efforts to... bond, he supposed. Thankfully, Riley doesn't seem phased at all.

Really, he should be more concerned about that.]

Not in a great many years. I used to be familiar with the piano, but it has been years since I have been in one place long enough to practice.

And you?

[isawallflower]

[ Riley isn't at all phased! Nothing phases her. She's fine. ]

Oh, I don't play anything. I tried, but I never really...liked it, you know? It didn't take. I like doing more...physical things.

[revelfree]

You've had plenty more on your mind. It's understandable. But [He moves toward a guitar, fingers stroking along the strings]

I find that a musical accompaniment is quite motivational.

[Read: have you ever considered being a bard, Riley?]

[isawallflower]

[ Her lips twitch a bit, amused. ]

I know what you're saying. But, that's why we have choreographed routines! Melodic chants! I could...maybe give it a try, but...I wouldn't want to split my focus too much.

[revelfree]

No, no, you're right. [He waves her off, quick as he can.] You have something you are passionate about here. I would hate to distract you.