karnmas-mystery

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Part One - Introductions

The De Faymes were once a prolific dynasty of merchants in Ammerville. At the end of the year, the De Faymes would host an open fete at Karmas. Every citizen of Ammerville was invited, regardless of station, standing, or affluence. Food, drink, even gifts were all freely given. Then the house burnt down under mysterious circumstances, taking the family with it. Since then, any attempt to restore the decrepit shell of a building has failed, the renovations often going up in smoke, and it has stood empty.

Until recently.

The Manor has come alive. Lights fill each window with a warm, orange glow as the sun slips below the horizon every evening. Lively music emanates from within the walls, the smell of roasting meat fills the air, and shadows sweep through the grounds as if a gala were in full swing. The phantasmal revelry carries on until every morning just before three.

A howling scream shakes the timbers and rattles the bricks of the burnt-out husk, roaring through the grounds and reverberating through the streets.

The plot was devised and executed by Zaria, the dicemaiden, who also played the part of Ignatius. She was often assisted by Azahlia. For length purposes, dice rolls have been edited out, as well as other small changes to the original text.

DATE: 12/2023 - 02/2024
PLACE: Ammerville.
PLAYERS INVOLVED: Aolinn, Azahlia, Greta, Hevlarn, Thaeloc, Virginia, Zaria.

Thaeloc is here as a job from the Church of Bytor, not as a Degn of city official. He does remember the family that use to live here as they were once his neighbors before handing the house over to Hevlarn as a wedding gift. He turns to his son in law. "It is good to see you again son. How have things been?" After greeting him he turns to Aolinn. "It is good to see again Aolinn seems like ever since I have seen you."

Hevlarn wandered over to the rundown house, which happens to be right next to the home he is living in. The Magistrate has decided to check things out, seeing as he's heard screaming, seen lights, and just got an eerie feeling about the place. He is stopped near the entrance, eyes turned toward the door. He is dressed in a form fitting black shirt, silken pants that move into his boots, and his usual leather karambit holster at his hips. On his shoulder is an odd looking critter, she has the face of a raccoon and the body of a raven. His eyes turn to Thaeloc when the Degn speaks to him. "Wish I could say the same. Somehow I feel like this is your fault." He rolls his eyes, "Things are fine. Leia is still writing her books, I'm still doling out justice..." One shoulder moves in a shrug. The others are acknowledged, eyes landing on Aolinn before going back to the house.

Aolinn smiles to Thaeloc when he greets her, waving her fingers a little. "I've been busy with the twins and my job. Busy, busy girl nowadays. Glad to see you out and about too, you know. You could drop by periodically to say hi. I haven't moved." Aolinn fidgets a little with the deck fastened at her hip, picking up on some pretty bad vibes just standing there. "I had to investigate. There's a lot of bad energy here, and I'm hoping that I can cleanse some of it. Maybe put some spirits to rest, you know?" She waves to Hevlarn and offers Virginia a hug, having not seen the priestess in so long.

Ignatius shouts [to Aolinn]: Get out!

Greta has returned as she'd promised to Ignatius, eager to explore the home and see if other ghosts were residing within. To help with that, she's got a bag with a notebook and several writing tools, in case she runs out of ink. For clothing, she's got on a pair of black shorts and a plain peach-orange shirt, as well as pink and white boots and socks. Seeing others already here, there's a polite greeting to them all, while listening to the things said. Hearing the mention of Leia, there's a soft gasp, and without delay she approaches Hevlarn only to ask, "Leia D'Kaer?" due to recognising the name. Aside from that, the sudden nervousness has the vampiric teenager keeping to herself until spoken to.

Virginia approaches the house with a weary look. Her red hair flows behind her in loose ringlets in the soft breeze. She shivers slightly, noticing the shift in energy, and pulls her cloak tighter around her shoulders. Attired in a golden-hued shirt, black pants that are tucked into sensible boots, she assesses those around her and considers the situation. Rumors had been flying around the Fyrelite about the recent occurrences at the De Faymes house and she felt called to investigate. "Aolinn?" Her eyes land on the most familiar of the faces around her, "By the Gods... It's been ages!" She walks a little quicker and takes the other's offer for a hug.

Virginia hugs Aolinn.

Hevlarn grins toward Greta, "The one and only Leia d'Kaer. My hot and talented wife." Pause. "You a big fan of hers?" He watches Virginia enter then, but keeps his attention on the vampire.

Thaeloc says: My daughter is a great writer, even I enjoy her books when I get the chance.

Greta turns her focus back to Hevlarn briefly, the satchel adjusted out of habit while she answers him. "Yes, I was recommended one of her books and it was a very enjoyable read." A pause of her own, and there's the shyness again as she asks, "When the exploration is done, could... could I ask you to get my copy of her story signed?" Over to Aolinn and Virginia she then glances, before then looking at Thaeloc as well.

Thaeloc says [to Hevlarn] : How could it be my fault I am just here cause the church sent me to investigate. i just got back from being kidnapped to coldridge again.

Virginia says [to Thaeloc] : I wondered who else they were sending, it's good to see you Thaeloc.

Virginia nods to Thaeloc.

The air in the room shifts. A sudden chill sweeps through, and a heavy exhale echoes through the space. Slowly, a form takes shape. A portly man in fine clothing coalesces from a powdery mist that seems to permeate the room. He is traced in a bright blue glow, like frost sitting on windows during winter. Ignatius steps forward into the midst of those assembled. "What are you doing here," the spectre roars, "Get OU-!" He doesn't finish the word as his eyes fall upon Greta. His entire carriage shifts, and he drops a curt bow to the vampire. "Oh, hello again," the ghost greets the girl.

Thaeloc says [to Virginia] : A priestess and a paladin make a good pair to send. Eammane sends her regards.

Aolinn wraps Virginia in a warm hug and presses a friendly kiss to her cheek. "Nia, you look wonderful. You've been a bit of a recluse too. How's the kids?" She squeezes Nia's hands then before traveling over the group with her aqua colored eyes. She senses that Greta is psychic, though still learning the ropes, but everyone else, she is pretty much familiar with. She leans in eventually and whispers something to Greta conspiratorially.

Aolinn whispers [to you] : Darling, try not to let Thaeloc know you're a vampire. He doesn't trust vampires even if he's known them for years. It will save you a bit of grief having to deal with him. Just a touch of friendly advice.
Aolinn winks to Greta.

Hevlarn says [to Thaeloc] : Because you're you, that's why. Coldridge? Is that where you disappear to?

Ignatius shouts [to Hevlarn]: Get out!

Thaeloc notices the ghost appearing and forming out of the mist. He is about to make a witty remark when he acknowledges knowing one of the people here turning to look at Greta.

Aolinn steps back a bit when Ignatius begins to yell, but she notices how abruptly he cuts himself off, especially in Greta's presence. "Hello," she says cheerfully. "I'm Aolinn Gatewood. I don't believe we've met," she says to Ignatius with a clumsy curtsey.

Hevlarn turns to Greta with a smile, "I'm sure she would be thrilled to meet a fan. We can totally ask her to sign your copy." He gets cut off, appearing quite surprised when the ghostly man appears, though seems to keep his cool for the most part. His arms remain crossed and he blinks a few times, "Well that explains some things..." Tommie squawks on his shoulder, flying over to land on Thaeloc's head. She runs her beaky snoot around in his armor, looking for anything she might be able to steal - his armor is so shiny after all!

Greta reacts to Aolinn's whispered words by nodding in a surprised and visibly nervous manner, pretending it was due to Ignatius bellowing. The shock of it all is replaced with cheerfulness a moment later as she replies to him with, "Hello again to you too. Sorry I only just returned. I was working on trying out my first painting," while touching the necklace around her neck. To Aolinn again she now responds, this time saying, "Greta Valksson, pleased to meet you," in a very pleasant manner, all while keeping away from the mountain of a person that is Thaeloc.

Hevlarn says [to you] : I'm Hevlarn, by the way.

Greta also speaks to Hevlarn, just offering, "Thank you," while containing the excitement over having a personalized book.

Thaeloc tosses a piece of bread up in the air to get Tommie off his head. Turning his gaze back to Greta. "You know this spector?"

Hevlarn says [to Thaeloc] : Isn't she cute? I won her from some Reindeer chick at a winter festival. I'm gonna surprise Leia later.

Ignatius draws himself up to his full height, and bows to Aiolinn. "Forgive me," he says brusquely but genially," My memory is not what it used to be, so I will probably forget your name; it is not because I do not care. I am..." he pauses. The ghost's brows knit, and he glances to the side, then down at the floor. "I am..." he says, still grasping for his own name, which he can't seem to find. Instead, he clears his throat again, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Aolinn. What brings you um...here....today?"

Greta nods to Thaeloc after introducing herself to Hevlarn as well, to remember her manners. What's said to the Degn is, "Yes, sort of. I was out shopping for knitting supplies, heard about this house, and met him. He was quite nice after the initial yelling at me," softly recounting the previous encounter.

Hevlarn - Tommie squawks and flies up to retrieve the bread, landing on Thaeloc's head again to eat it. From her perch, she surveys the women in the room and looks for jewelry. Hevlarn turns to the ghost and quirks a brow, but listens to what is said.

Virginia returns Aolinn's squeeze, unwilling to really discuss the recluse portion of her comment. "The boys are good. Old enough to help Auntie Coeur run the Inn now. I think she just likes the fact she gets to see them every day." She smiles, "Not that it was any different than before, but now they're old enough to help instead of trip her."

Thaeloc rolls his eyes as Tommie lands on his head once more. "I am sure she will love her when you tell her how she seems to enjoy pestering me." Turning his attention back once more to the ghost. "you need to stop your shouting or you will get a face full of salt. Now why do you wish to keep people out and make such a raucous that it?s disturbing the fine people of Ammerville. "

Greta frowns more to Thaeloc, before she quietly speaks to him again. "You shouldn't be mean to people, ghosts or not, or threaten them. If you do, then the consequences will be on you. My grandmother told me that, Sir," unable to hold her tongue around perceived bullying.

Aolinn listens to the chatter all around, still holding onto one of Nia's hands in a friendly, familiar way. Her hand is very warm. The general bad vibes are still all around, but she can't pinpoint their exact source. Instead, she tries to focus on everyone greeting each other and getting familiar with one another. Perfect time of the year to reconnect.

Ignatius raises an eyebrow to Greta and her gesture of a first painting. He leans in to inspect the necklace that the little vampire has gestured to with the comment. His hand comes up, as if to adjust a pair of glasses that aren't there. "Oh that's lovely," he says with a nod to Greta, "You should keep painting - " His thought is cut off by Thaeloc's reprimand, and he stiffens before turning toward the paladin. The ghost inhales and frowns, "I have every right to yell when people are in my house stealing things. If you want to condemn someone, find the person who stole from me!"

Hevlarn rolls his eyes at Thaeloc, "Great job...let's aggravate the spirit guy." He shakes his head, watching Tommie flit from Thaeloc to Aolinn, where she nibbles at an earring. "Tommie, come here." An arm is held out, to which the hybrid listens and returns to him easily enough - but thievery is in the back of her mind. The Magistrate glances to Ignatius again, "There's been a lot of noise lately. I live just next door, so I've heard a lot of it."Aolinn is happy to let Tommie land on her, offering her arm for the crow-raccoon hybrid. She scritches the creature's scruff before returning her to Hevlarn.

Virginia looks around the gathered party and shifts uncomfortably. Other than the patrons in the Inn this is the largest group she's been around in some time and she finds herself wanting to fade into the background, but knowing better she tries to put on a brave face and listens to Ignatius's words. "Is there something particular that went missing, sir?"

Aolinn hmms thoughtfully when Ignatius mentions the stealing. She could see why that would make him angry. After chewing on her bottom lip a bit, she says, "That has to be rage inducing...and it's okay if you can't remember my name. Age will do that. Would you like to tell us a bit more about your predicament?"

Greta allows for a proper exam of the jewelry, while making sure the ring resting upon it remained unseen. This stops with Ignatius' declaration, leading her to start speaking to the ghost. As Virginia gets there first, what's intended is swapped out for, "May I help you try to find what got taken?" Awaiting an answer, the teen now busies herself with writing down the basic information learned so far, then waiting to learn where to go next.

Ignatius looks toward the priestess first, then at Aolinn and Greta in turn. He wrings his hands and sways minimally from side to side. Were he standing on the ground, it would be a nervous shuffle of his feet instead. "Well, you see..." he begins, moving to shift his non-existant glasses once more before returning to the hand-wringing, "I can't remember exactly. Oh dear," he tisks to himself before turning to look at the trio of ladies offering help, "Do you think you can figure it out? Find it? It must be important, otherwise I wouldn't be here." There's a thoughtful pause, "Of course, first you need to find your way into the house proper. I'm sure this isn't all of it."

Hevlarn steps further into the room, listening to the women and Ignatius speak. "Do we have permission to enter and look around your home then? I assume this is your home...or at least the place you're...is haunting a good word for it?" The Magistrate shows a small smile, seeming to have toned down a lot of the cursing and bad behavior - though there is still a rebel in there somewhere. "Any clues on what this person may have looked like?" Some hair swept free of his face, brown eyes really taking Ignatius in.

Thaeloc grumbles to himself a bit. he would rather just sanctify this whole place and be done with it but has a feeling that isn't going to be totally agreed upon by the others. Then to Hev he answers his earlier remarks. "I just said salt, not like I said I will find and salt his bones before burning them." Looking around the house he turns to the ghost. "What do you know about what seems like a party here nightly that has been reported."

Virginia smiles softly at the series of questions and their implied offer to help. "Please," she looks at the spirit closely, "We'd all love the chance to help investigate, first impressions aside, and get to the bottom of what's happening in your home. If you can remember anything, whether you feel it's important or not, don't hesitate to ask. It could all be beneficial." She shifts her gaze to look further into the house. "Is there a particular room we should start in?"

Aolinn is content to listen for now, soaking up all of the information while awaiting a reply. Greta tilts her head forward in assent to the question asked, nothing further spoken by her yet. What she opts to do is just write things down still, as they're learned, just to have a reference and map later.

Ignatius frowns at Thaeloc before quipping, "Pretty sure you're a little late on the burning bit." The ghost's eyes wander around the room they're currently in before he smiles and nods to Virginia. "Yes," the ghost replies, "The parlor. It's where the family would always gather. Oh!" The exclamation seems to be one of surprise, "I remembered!" Ignatius flashes a self-pleased smile before continuing, "This room was always left open for those looking to warm up, rest, or in need of help. Somewhere here there should be a key that will let you into the private wing of the house."

Hevlarn listens to Ignatius speaking with everyone else, hearing the bit about the key and setting to work looking. Tommie is looking about the room for anything shiny in the first place, she hops off of Hevlarn and pokes around. He shakes his head to Thaeloc, "You are such a dolt." Cue a smirk.

Thaeloc gives a smirk back to his son in law and makes his way over to one of the larger gaps in the floorboards. Putting his enchanted leg down into the hole he let it glow with the light of Bytor to help him see in the darkness under the floorboards.

Tommie begins to peck at a nearby window, blurting out a sudden "SQUAWK."

Virginia nods at Ignatius's words, letting go of Aolinn's hand, she makes her way towards the fireplace and begins to search the mantle, fingers tracing along the surface seeking anything that looks or feels out of place.

Aolinn hmms, following her instincts and looking at the floorboards. "Definitely sludge down there, and I'm getting a lot of fire vibes." She travels over to the fireplace and begins carefully inspecting it with her hands, not caring too much about the soot and ash.

Greta positions herself as far from Thaeloc as possible once the limb starts glowing, feeling the energy of it. The discomfort is disguised by the act of searching the broken furniture, since the others haven't yet touched it. Still quiet, it's now all sifted through, in the hopes of finding the key mentioned.

Ignatius smiles once everyone immediately sets to work, looking for the key. "Ah, I'm terribly sorry my memory isn't any better," he says to the group at large," It feels like parts of me are missing."

Hevlarn looks over to Tommie and her squawking, heading over that way to search the windows. "What is it?" he asks, taking in the dust and despair of the place. "Anyone else come across this key? Don't think I am in any sort of warm spot as far as finding it." He turns in time to see Thaeloc's glowing leg and rolls his eyes again, moving back to his search.

Thaeloc takes a bit of effort to pull his leg free from the suction of the gunk and grime he had stepped in. The smell almost makes him gag and the color and texture reminds him of something out of one of his kids diapers. First giving it a few kicks to kick and excess off he starts the clean his lag and boot with a cloth from his belt. Not knowing that the key has been found he moves over to the wall knocking to see if there is any hollow spots that could be hiding something.

Virginia steps back from the fireplace, allowing Aolinn to take over the search while she turns her attention back to Ignatius. "It's okay, sometimes we all feel like we're missing parts of ourself." An almost sad smile crosses her face for a moment before she look around at how the others' searches are going.

Aolinn's fingers finally find a key, and she lifts it up and inspects it for a bit before calling out to the group. "Found something. A key. "Hey! I found a key in the fireplace. Maybe it opens up a door or something." She rises from her crouching pose by the fireplace rubbing her dirty hands on her clean gown afterward. "Let's see if this works on any doors.?

Greta continues on with setting aside chunks of wood and fabric up untl the point Aolinn announces her success in finding the key. The scrap heap is now abandoned thusly, so she can move back to the group and get ready to venture into another part of the home.

Ignatius claps his hands together as Aolinn reveals the key. "Yes, that's it," he declares triumphantly. The joy is short-lived, however, as the ashes begin to rise from the hearth. They swirl and soar, billowing up as a cloud before finally forming into a humanoid shape. The ash mote screeches and reaches forward, toward the key Aolinn holds in her hand. "Treasure!" it hisses ominously.

Karnmas Mystery - Part Two - The Mote

Last modified on March 27, 2024, 18:59:40