Forget all your troubles

[grimgrinningghosts]

[You wake up and instantly realize something is wrong.

There is a vague feeling of dread hanging in the air and, as comfortable as this bed is, there’s just something off about everything, even before you open your eyes. The dread only grows when you open your eyes and realize that you are in a completely unfamiliar room. One that has clearly seen better days at that.

As you explore your room, you will soon find a bedroom key resting on the dresser along with a note]

Welcome, esteemed guest, to our humble abode. We hope that you enjoy your stay in this Phantom Manor, as we expect you to stay with us for a very long time.

Feel free to make yourself at home as you enjoy what this manor has to offer, whether it’s the library, our projection room, or our famous wax museum. We’re sure you will find great joy

However, before you can get too comfortable, we ask you to please come to the portrait gallery at noon so we can discuss your stay here.

We eagerly await to meet you.

-Your Host

[The uncomfortable feeling doesn’t let up as you leave the safety of your bedroom. The manor seems old and decrepit, almost like it would fall over at the slightest breeze. Despite that, anyone who tries to escape will soon realize that the walls are unusually sturdy, and there are no doors that would seemingly lead to the outside world.

Still, at least you’re not alone in this scenario, if the other bedroom doors are any indications. Maybe there are a few more people coming out of their bedrooms too, so you have someone to talk toif you want to try to figure out what's going on. But if the 30 bios in the foyer hall are any indication, whoever has you here did not do this on accident. Whatever you’re here for, it seems like you’re here for a reason.

But hey, what’s the use of being pessimistic about this? Maybe it’s all an innocent situation… right?]

Comments

[sharpasanarrow]

[Arrow wakes, and he's surprised he does. Last he remembered, he was across the sea in what he thought was a very safe little lifeboat but this...

this wasn't right. Had he died? Had he washed ashore by some miracle? Looking to the table, he reads the note. He gives a satisfied little Hmph, happy that there was those still believing in hospitality out there. And that this was some kind of proof he wasn't dead...probably.

He tidies himself up, straightening his jacket and feathers to look presentable for the inevitable meeting with his mysterious benefactor. Pocketing the key, he waddles out into the hallway and towards the foyer. He looks over the profiles, and mutters to himself, repeating the names back to memorize them.]

A bunch of weirdos, indeed.

[Still, not the strangest crew he's had.]

hallway

[madeofpine]

[Oh boy, another puppet! And this one looks like they're a lot more responsive than the wax figures. Clearly they'll know what's going on-- after all, if this is some kind of theater act, a puppet would be the best person to ask about it.]

Oh, hi! Uh, d'you know if this is some kind of acting thing? Like a puppet show? Because I didn't think it was, but since you're here, too--

[Even if this place doesn't look like it has a stage, getting kidnapped into being an actor is something that seems pretty likely to happen to him again. And a performer probably needs more than just one puppet to put on a show.]

Re: hallway

[sharpasanarrow]

[What is this...lost child?]

Acting? Puppets?

[He sounds bewildered.]

I have no idea what you're talking about.

[madeofpine]

[Oh. Uh. Hm.

How does he approach this subject gently...]

...But you're a puppet.

[Answer: he doesn't.]

[sharpasanarrow]

[What.]

I'm a seaman.

[madeofpine]

Uh, okay, but you can be a seaman and a puppet.

I used to be an actor. An actor and a puppet. It's a thing you are, not a job.

Foyer

[kickbuttseatnuts]

Wow dude, judgy much?

[Squirrel Girl frowns slightly, rubbing her chin thoughtfully.]

Unless I'm being judgy about you being judgy. Does that make sense?

[sharpasanarrow]

Judgy? I'm not...judgy.

[He gives her what would be considered a very judgy look.]

[kickbuttseatnuts]

....Okay bud, I don't wanna be That Guy but dude. Dude. That was the judgiest tone of voice I've ever heard in my entire almost twenty-five year old life.

[sharpasanarrow]

I think it is you who is being judgy. Hmph.

[kickbuttseatnuts]

....naaaaaaah, it kinda feels like it's you. You've got that tone of disdain and everything.

foyer

[negaverse]

Why are you talking about yourself?

[Insults are the best way to make a first impression, right?]

[sharpasanarrow]

I was talking about you, Mr-Public-Enemy-Number-One.

[A title he's sure is self-appointed, because he's never heard of him.]

[negaverse]

Sorry, but I'm pretty sure I heard that wrong. I thought you said you were talking about me for a second.

[Just pretending he didn't hear that :)]

[sharpasanarrow]

I was.

Was that not clear?

[negaverse]

Nope, I don't think you were. I didn't catch any of what you said at all.

[Really obvious lie.]

foyer

[truecalling]

[Those profiles were something. She'd been meaning to check them out herself when she head someone else with the same idea throwing out an opinion and her immediate reaction is--

Hey! Who are you calling a weirdo?

[You know. Before she even really looked at the person who said it.

...

She had a goat neighbor and now... there was a well-dressed... bird... standing around in the lobby. She was so sure she'd escaped Lalotai but-- maybe she'd fallen back in? Something wasn't right about this place.]

[sharpasanarrow]

[He turns to look at her.]

The haunted doll(s), the goat, the criminal duck, the weird hairy old man, the rat, the big hairy beast man, the rat, the alligator, the witch, the other witch, the raccoon, the mutant, the other rat, and the meat headed protein man.

[Well, you did ask.]

[truecalling]

Oh.

[She sure did.]

That's... yeah... I guess I can't really argue with that.

[sharpasanarrow]

And you are...

[He resists the urge to turn back to the bios and double check her name.]

Miss Moana?

[truecalling]

[Luckily his memory is on point.]

Yep. That's me. And you're...?

[--her's is not. She'll look back at the profiles but you know, if he wanted to throw her a bone and help her out instead that would save them a minute or so.]

Foyer

[bayoublues]

[Louis does a double take when he spots the bird wandering around. Why the heck was he wearing clothes? Wouldn't that prevent him from flying?]

Excuse me? You seem like the weirdo around here.

[Not to mention...he didn't really look like any bird he's seen before. Some sort of blue eagle maybe?]

[sharpasanarrow]

[He looks up and...that's a rather large beast looking down on him.

A wise man would exercise caution here. Sam is not one.]

Excuse me? I am a dignified naval officer. Not a weirdo.

[bayoublues]

[Since when were birds able to become naval officers?

...Well, Louis became a talented trumpet player, but that was different. He doubts humans would take commands from a bird.]

Right. And my name's Babe Ruth. What kinda bird are you, anyways?

[sharpasanarrow]

[Babe Ruth? He could've sworn his bio had read "Louis".

He gives him an offended look.]

I am not a bird, man. And if I were I would find that an inappropriately personal question.

[Hmph.]