This is a short and sweet freeform mini-rp. You still need to register a character to play by providing an OOC introduction to your first post. I'll be your GM. There will be a 1000 word limit per post. Format is the following: {{ <<<Char Sheet>>> Name: Race: some type of humanoid Appearance: Place a picture here (obligatory) Age: Humans live up to 80, any other race caps at 240 Expertise: Up to two professional skills per every 40 years of age. Backstory: Why you are at the inn. Make it short. <<<Char Sheet END>> }} So, welcome to the World Boss Inn. This is an adventurer's only establishment, which serves freelancers braving the world's dangers for commission. The establishment allows no weapons on premise, therefore all your weapons have been confiscated. If you are the type of person that never leaves their weapon behind, you are not at this inn at the time of the story, sorry. Tonight is the seventh day of the Grand Festival of Thoth, causing the inn to have a curfew. The gates are closed, and you are in your beds. Suddenly you hear a loud female shriek coming from a nearby room.
{{ Here's an example character sheet: <<<Char Sheet>>> Name: Isha Race: Human-Daemon hybrid Appearance: Age: 24 Expertise: Alchemy, Botany Backstory: Isha is a witch, who supports adventurers with potions. She spends most of her time either at the guild building's laboratory, or at the inn sleeping. Her off days are usually spent at the library, but tonight she spends the night at the inn, due to the festival. It remains to be seen how her death affects those around her, but she's well known regardless. <<<Char Sheet END>> }}
OOC: <<<Char Sheet>>> Name: Ansell Race: Beastkin (Age: 29) Appearance: Spoiler Expertise: Trading, Diplomacy Background: Descending from the Alev family which has been around trading and business for generations. This pair of siblings, Ansell and Solon, quickly turned to trading. As a matter of result, they became merchants and began to roam around the world for the sake of business. Obviously, since there is a festival, there is money to make, thus, they reside in the World Boss Inn. Ansell is the older sibling, more impulsive and sturdy. @Blackwater <<<Char Sheet END>> IC: One room yet two beds with only an arm's reach between these. That was how their room was usually disposed. Usually, Ansell would tend to spread their limbs and bother their brother while sleeping. And obviously, waking up was a pain in the arse, half an hour would be needed for the sibling to shake off the drowsiness. Yet, on that faithful morning, the moment that sharp and loud female shriek echoed through the Inn, not even a second passed and the not-so-young merchant awoke with a start. His feet landed on the carpet and his spine straigthened as pupils focused on the door handle. "Solon! Solon! Did you hear that? Someone screamed, we ought to check it out!" Certainly, the moment these words escaped from their lungs, he began to dress up.
The shriek tears me from my uneasy slumber, the numbers flowing through my head coming to an abrupt halt as I toss myself up, my eyes darting around in a panic as I protectively raise my arms. Before I understand what's going on, my dear brother Ansell already is on his feet, hurrying to inspect whatever that was. How typical of him, to be so curious and rash. "But we don't know who screamed, or why. It might be dangerous!" I try to persuade him to stay, but already know that he won't listen to me anyway - so while talking, I already leave my bed, leaving the blanket behind on the bed as I step next to him, slowly putting on my robes. OOC: Name: Solon Alev Race: Beastkin Spoiler: Appearance: Age: 27 Expertise: Mathematics, Documentation Backstory: Descending from the Alev family which has been around trading and business for generations. This pair of siblings, Ansell and Solon, quickly turned to trading. As a matter of result, they became merchants and began to roam around the world for the sake of business. Obviously, since there is a festival, there is money to make, thus, they reside in the World Boss Inn. Solon is the younger sibling, more frail and scholarly.
{{ @Blackwater @Naraku <<<Char Sheet>>> Name: Arkhel Race: Human Appearance: Age: 29 Expertise: Administration, Cooking Backstory: The owner of World Boss Inn is an adventurer's widow. She's also the third daughter of a noble family. The inn is the result of her spending her last savings at the time of her wedding. She has managed it greatly. Not much is known about her, since people seem to naturally avoid asking her about herself, somehow. Instead she knows a lot about everybody else. <<<Char Sheet END>> }} In the corridor, holding a gas lantern, appeared the mistress of this fine establishment, a slight scowl on her face. She seemed not too surprised by the sudden appearance of the brothers, presumably due to their loud exit and the creaking door. Not to be caught flat footed she shot out a question: "I presume you heard that?" She asked, then sighed, adding "it came from Isha's room. Since you two are big boys, you might as well escort me in this darkness. Quick, come." {{ The room contains Isha's bloodied corpse, and an assortment of herbs in jars, some of which are broken, providing a bouquet of aroma. You still need to head there, following the mistress. }}
"That makes it better! Risks should mean more rewards!" In all honesty, even themself did not believe into these words. Knowing that their brother would not try to seriously stop him, hesitation became a word he did not know. Immediately after Ansell got all of his clothes set up, the young merchant hurriedly headed out of the room and entered into the corridor. Oh boy. What should he say? The landlady appeared out of nowhere and immediately asked them to be her escort. While Ansell did know about self-defense, by no means was them a great warrior. Of course, it was a great opportunity. Getting to know the landlady is always useful. Albeit, the merchant wished to introduce themself but it seemed that she did not let them speak as time was on fire. No need for courtesy, eh? Got to follow her! What came after was atrocious. A young (and perhaps beautiful) lady seemed to have died just a dozen of seconds ago. Shock came first, his face became as white as snow. But, a second following this moment, he got back his composure, knowing that he needed to react reasonably. What an inconvenience... and a shame too. It meant that the area was not safe! Although, when his nose began to smell the room, doubt grew-- could it be an accident? "That is a shame... mistress, do you know who is she?" First move, question the lady. It seemed that she was not surprised by her scream. Her calm demeanour showed that she expected it, was used it or it was just her usual attitude.
The landlady paused for a moment, inspecting the corpse with an expression of doubt. She then turned to Ansell: "Ah yes, you two are new arrivals. This is the Brewer Witch, Isha. She's famous around these parts as the top potioneer, well liked despite those leathery wings. Well, they are mostly gone now... Can one of you call the guards?" The mistress dangled a key on her finger, as she asked.
The parts of my outfit that I am already wearing still messy, I rush after Ansell, leaving most of my belongings behind in our room. No one is going to steal them... right? Before I manage to think through how rash and foolish this is, we suddenly run into the landlady. Already rather frightened from the whole situation, I do what I usually do - hide behind Ansell. I do manage a polite nod before hiding, though. It almost makes me feel proud, if I weren't this close to shaking. So I just quietly follow them to the source of the scream. Stupid of me, stupid! While Ansell observes the corpse, I avert my eyes - these herbs are fascinating, really. I think I actually recognize a few of the common ones. And the smell luckily covers the stench of blood. Still far too strong to be pleasant for me, but much better than blood. While absent-minded, I almost fail to hear my brother and the landlady talk. Key? Call guards? The one that caused this probably is still in the inn! I meekly peek at the landlady from behind Ansell, offering my open hand. "I... think I could." I pause, before adding: "As long as it's safe. ...ma'am?"
"Safe? You are a man, for Lady's sake! This is troubling..." The landlady scowled again, resting her chin on a closed fist. Her eyes lowered toward a small desk, as she pondered hard.
An idea sprout in their mind. If you were the older sibling and your younger brother was awkward within a situation, what would you do? Obviously, the answer is-- Worsen it! Immediately, the young merchant began to speak. "Eh, Solon, no need to! I can go call the guards, you can stay here and keep an eye on our room as well!" Certainly, him staying alone with the landlady can only sound like a good idea. For Ansell that is, not for Solon. As expected, the merchant did not wait for him to reply and immediately left to see if he could find the guards.
{{ @Blackwater }} "A coward and a fool... Just my luck," she mumbled to nobody in particular. Meanwhile Ansell had to figure out a way through the dark without a light. Perhaps beaskin have good night vision? It was still a moonless night. The windows glowed pale in the distance, providing little in illumination. Outside seemed to be covered in fog.
I look away, embarrassed. What's wrong about wanting to stay safe? As I glance back at the landlady, I notice her gaze, focused on a small desk. It seems normal to me... does she know something? If she does, I'm even more certain that I don't want to stay here. "Ansell!? W-wait-!" As I voice my protest, Ansell is gone already. And I'm alone with the creepy lady. Nervous, I look around, trying to find something to talk about to distract myself. Barely hearing her mumbles, I shrink together a bit more, before straightening myself somewhat, and starting to talk. Rapidly and unstructured. "S-so... what do you think happened here? I mean, I don't think it was an accident - not that I'm saying that it was a murder, but it does look like a murder, so, uhm..." Whilst talking, I look around the room, now willing to take in some of the more gruesome details in hopes of understanding what happened here. Because if there is one thing I am more afraid of than murderers, it's unknown murderers. And there might be a clue here. Perhaps in the desk?
The desk was old, but in good condition, save for fresh claw marks. There was a bloodstained note folded on it. Tracing the landlady's gaze toward it and back revealed she was hesitant in picking it up. If one looked closely, they might have noticed her shoulders shivering slightly. Her face revealed no such emotion, however. Her lantern moved slightly away from the desk. She walked around the room, idly inspecting it, carefully avoiding the pool of blood.
As I notice the landlady turn and move away, I eye the claw marks, wondering who or what they might have been made by. The poor victim, or maybe the assailant? I quickly slide my hand over the desk, scooping up the note as quick and sneakily as I can. Then, ignoring the bloodstains as good as I can, I open it and peek inside, temporarily forgetting about the landlady.
"Whoever reads this, I have made a terrible mistake. Even at death's doorstep I cannot name my client, but know this - the smell is the key. Use my collection as you may plea~.,;m"
The smell is the key? I close the note and stash it in one of my pockets, not noticing the bit of blood I stain my clothes with while doing so. The smell... I find my eyes drawn to the broken bottles which cause the smell. Perhaps they were broken on purpose? Probably, right? Wandering around the room, I pay some more attention to the broken bottles, trying to see if I can find labels naming them. While doing so, I also take another sniff of the aroma lingering in the room, to see if I can recognize anything.
@BB_Tensei @Blackwater Hoping that Solon has fun up there while trying to keep up with that landlady. Ansell, actually, felt a bit sorry. Even him would not be able to properly react. Her demeanour and aura would undoubtedly disturb anyone with some common sense. Certainly, the only way is to act swiftly and accordingly to the situation. Minutes following, the not-so-young merchant sighed, realizing that it was moonless night-- searching the guards would be difficult. Finding his way? That should not be too hard, being prudent should be enough, right? He just had to go to the entrance. On a more serious note, the guards should be around the Inn's entrance, isn't it? On top of that, it is soon the festival! They should be everywhere, even in normal situations! Or at least, instinctively, in any town, they roam around in the streets, stay nearby important locations and so on. Considering the scream, they might have heard it. Back to the serious stuff, Ansell had to take it slowly so they will not fall anywhere or step on anything sharp-- the latter is difficult. At some point, the merchant finally arrived at the entrance and looked around. Quickly, light blinded him, his voice calmy rang out as he approached the guard. "Sir, sir, could you follow me please? Someone died in the inn! Or at least, there is a corpse you should check out, we need someone to assess the situation--" Whatever they may say, he would anticipate it. Veiled threats are easy to fabricate with such creatures. "It is important, what if they strike again during the festival? That would bring more work onto your plate!" Or something along those lines. What could they say against that? Of course, if the older sibling had to say that. Fortunately, the guards here seemed t be reasonable enough to know that solving any trouble that may affect the festival, no matter how minor it is, can only be beneficial. At least, that is what he thought at this moment. How long has it been? Not long for sure, however, Ansell did bring with him two guards with a smile. "Hey hey! I am back and brought guards!"
The landlady was however nowhere to be seen. If one peeked back through the door, they'd see a lantern retreating in the darkness. The room itself was lit by a phantom glow. The two guards looked at each other with puzzled expressions. "Hey, why do you glow?" "It's ectoplasm you fool." "Well blimey, you're right! Hahaha!" Then they both melted away, leaving rusted armour and two broken swords. Meanwhile something crashed through the window. The corpse was no longer anywhere to be seen.
"W-what just happened!?" Frightened at this sudden turn off events, I retreat back towards the door, my panicked eyes looking around in an attempt at trying to understand what happened.
"..." Silence was how someone could describe Ansell's attitude. The merchant could not utter a word. Honestly? This one was scared out of their wits and wished to throw out of the windows everything that was left of those guards. Nevertheless! Who was Ansell? The older sibling! With the responsibility to act tough and reassure him. Certainly, at this instant, a trembling yet grave voice rang out. "Solon.... D-Don't worry! They.... Err... Just faded out! Along with the landlady... But that's fine, fine I say. We just gotta stay calm and see what we can do..." Searching guards? What if they disappear again? Waking up the tenants perhaps? Checking the wea- later! That is way too frightening! "Check if anybody else is here..?"