Reserving :)

...

Cresent may also come along for the ride... not sure yet. 

...

*powering down* 

SPOTS CLOSED!

@Hex and Eclipse, your spots have been reserved. (Eclipse, unfortunately we don't have enough room for Crescent, sorry) 

@everyone who reserved spots, please fill out your forms as soon as you can. I'll post the first segment once everyone's submitted their forms! :) 

Name: Hex

Gender/Pronouns: she/her

Appearance: tall, short & scruffy brown hair, light skin, navy shorts, silver t-shirt, black sweatshirt

Personality: snarky sense of humor, introverted, enjoyes arguing, thrill-seeker, nerdy, morbid

Aura (Basically, what color embodies your personality?): the color of apricot jam or apple cider (and now I'm hungry...)

Biggest Strength: quick thinking/asessing, makes smart decisions quickly

Biggest Weakness: pushes other people away to some extent, & humor that could be taken the wrong way pretty often

Favorite Flower: plumeria

Luggage: dog treats, a pink highlighter, more clothes, necessities, a calendar, smart watch, calculator, onion, spray bottle filled with water, water bottle filled with water, watch charger, paper napkins, raincoat, three books, pencil, five packs of sour skittles for eating and bribing, and a gray backpack to put it all in

Other: hi

Name: Eclipse

Gender/Pronouns: she/her

Appearance: Shoulder length black hair. Eyes that seem to glow in the dark. Average height. Single-color tshirt, sweatpants, and a green puffy winter jacket. Comfortable, lightweight jacket.

Personality: Thoughtful and intelligent, but can be intense. 

Aura (Basically, what color embodies your personality?): Purple

Biggest Strength: A natural talent with computers.

Biggest Weakness: A penchant for holding grudges.

Favorite Flower: Bleeding Heart

Luggage: A box of snack bars, a hand-held tablet, extra change of clothes, water bottle, and a pocket knife. Also, some spare cash for popcorn. Oh, and a blue teddy bear.

Name: Eclipse

Gender/Pronouns: she/her

Appearance: Shoulder length black hair. Eyes that seem to glow in the dark. Average height. Single-color tshirt, sweatpants, and a green puffy winter jacket. Comfortable, lightweight jacket.

Personality: Thoughtful and intelligent, but can be intense. 

Aura (Basically, what color embodies your personality?): Purple

Biggest Strength: A natural talent with computers.

Biggest Weakness: A penchant for holding grudges.

Favorite Flower: Bleeding Heart

Luggage: A box of snack bars, a hand-held tablet, extra change of clothes, water bottle, and a pocket knife. Also, some spare cash for popcorn. Oh, and a blue teddy bear.

Hey Writing_in_the_Dark! Can you try to submit your forms soon (or at least give me the names of the AEs you'll be bringing)? I'd like to start as soon as possible :) 

Here's the first segment! Because this is a ski lodge reboot, the first couple of segments will be roughly the same as last time and then once we're through with those obviously there'll be new writing. 

@Writing_in_the_Dark: thank you for your AEs names, but do try to submit your forms as soon as you can so I can include you & your AEs in the story :) 

~~~ 

Day 0, Part 1

Mist settled over Osorthe Forest, blanketing the autumnal woods in a thick layer of fog. In the center of the forest, overlooking a wide glade with grass beginning to brown, stood a regal-looking post and beam cabin. The cabin, presumably Lockaria House, appeared to watch over the forest like a castle, and if it was a castle, that meant that the black, snaggletoothed cat sitting in the red Adirondack chair on the porch was the disapproving king. The cat did not move, save for the occasional yawn or stretch.

The forest was quiet today. There were no strong gusts of wind, just a soft, crisp breeze that ruffled the golden and carmine leaves. Even the birds’ cheerful songs were absent, leaving the metallic clanging of wind chimes as the only soundtrack of the slow morning. The climate felt different today. This was evident even to the cat, sleepy and passive as he may be. The air tingled with electricity, and it might appear as if the forest was expectantly…waiting? For what, well, that was anyone’s guess.

The cat turned over, exposing his underside, and closed his eyes. Yes, something was coming to Lockaria House. Even the cat knew that something bigger than himself was written in the stars. Better sleep now before anything chaotic disturbed his peace. And, knowing Socie, that’d be any minute now.

~~~

At about half past noon, Daisy was still waiting to go to Lockaria House. She wasn’t sure how she’d be brought there, exactly; the letter didn’t give any information transportation-wise. “Maybe this is all a scam after all,” Daisy considered, rather disappointedly, because she’d been looking forward to that vacation. No sooner had the words left her mouth than a swirl of buttery-yellow light engulfed her. “What the—!”

Suddenly, she was whipped of her senses as she descended into nothingness. It was like dreaming, when one is vaguely aware that they are in a dream, and they have some amount of control, but everything is nonetheless nonsensical. Daisy thought she heard someone screaming. It might have been her, but she wasn’t positive.

Daisy wasn’t quite sure how long this whirlwind of golden light lasted (common sense told her it couldn’t have been more than a few minutes - and yet it felt like hours), but soon it started to thin out, and her senses were gradually returned to her. Finally, she was released from its grasp, and promptly tripped forward and sprawled face-first onto the bronzed grass. “Ow.” She pushed herself back to her feet and looked around.

She was standing in the middle of what appeared to be a clearing in a forest full of browning grass with several other people. She took the three-story cabin to be Lockaria House, and the tall trees with red and yellow leaves surrounding the clearing to be part of the Osorthe Forest. From her viewpoint, Daisy could see a large garden in many mauve and russet hues, with lacey white clusters of hemlock, rosy begonias, even puffy dandelions, the wind dispersing their seeds and sending them dancing through the air. There were brightly colored targets for archery, and shrouds of mist that still hung stubbornly by the tree’s bases.

The other people seemed just as dazed as Daisy felt. Some were rubbing their eyes, still adjusting to their new surroundings. “Anyone know where Socie Grishelm is?” asked Tsuki.

“I’m right here.” A voice replied as a figure emerged from the garden’s lattice arch. Everybody took a moment to study their hostess. She had a dark olive complexion, and braided auburn hair reaching the small of her back. Her face was round, her cheekbones defined, and her hazel eyes shone bright even in the cloudy afternoon light. She was dressed in a long amber skirt and a turtleneck sweater in a soft golden tone, not unlike, Eclipse realized, the color of the windstorm that had brought them all here.

“There aren’t better methods of transportation than an extremely violent tornado-thing?” Artemis asked, voicing the question that had been troubling them all. 

“Well, it was certainly effective. You’re all here on time, no?” Socie did a quick headcount of the group. She cleared her throat. “Now, it’s time for the proper introduction. Welcome, all, to Lockaria House!” She gestured elegantly to the cabin. “I’m your hostess, Socie Grishelm, but please, call me Socie. During your stay here, you’ll participate in numerous exciting activities, from archery to hiking to volleyball to many more I won’t give away just yet. Lockaria House also contains a library, game room, and arts and crafts room, so let’s get you all acquainted with the property and begin the tour!” 

~~~

Socie’s tour spanned two hours, in which they all became familiar with Lockaria House and its many rooms. The cabin’s first level contained a lavish entrance hall with several wooden benches, a large dining room with two long tables, and a game room with numerous board games, decks of cards, and (the guests all gasped loudly at this) a popcorn machine that Socie instructed very seriously was to be operated by her and only by her. The second floor housed all the rustic bedrooms (Socie’s was at the end of the hall), with a carpeted corridor stretching the length of the story. The third floor consisted of the aforementioned library furnished with squishy bean bag chairs and comfy sofas, and an arts and crafts room hosting a fine selection of art supplies.

Finally, Socie and the guests wound back up in the entrance hall. Earlier, they had been told that every morning, they must meet in the entrance hall before breakfast for the day’s schedule and to check in. “Oh, and I almost forgot about the most important part of the tour.” She bent down and picked up the black cat curling around her ankles, probably getting a multitude of black fur all over her light-colored clothing. 

“This is Wraith, our cat in residence. He comes and goes as he pleases, but you’ll often find him snoozing somewhere on the porch...Say hi, Wraith.” 

The cat fixed the guests with a look of disinterest. The tooth that stuck out beneath his mouth was chipped and bright white against his dark fur. He stopped holding up his own weight so that he was heavier, and Socie set him down. 

At that moment, Wiccan, Reuby Moonnight’s large black wolf, padded forward, his nails clicking, and a big grin on his face. “No—” Reuby started, but it was too late.

Wraith’s eyes widened at the sight of Wiccan, and the cat released a loud hiss and dashed away, his tail bushy. 

Reuby managed to restrain her wolf, while Socie shook her head, clearly amused. “He’s always like that around other animals. Likes to think of himself as the alpha of Lockaria House and is very territorial, but he’s kind of a baby, honestly. Don’t tell him I said that.” She smiled, then clapped her hands together. “Now, who’s ready for dinner?” As the guests all made their way into the dining room, Socie turned back to Reuby Moonnight. “Keep an eye on that wolf, will you? We don’t want anybody getting hurt.” 

~~~

Alive: 15

Dead: 0

Suspects: n/a 

I"M DONE WITH THE FORMS YES >:D

Name: Writing_in_the_Dark (Writing)

Gender/Pronouns: He/him/his, they/them/theirs, xe/xem/xyrs

Appearance: Light tan skin, heterochromatic eyes (one blue and one dark brown), short cornflower blue hair with dark brown roots, large angel-like white wings, small black demon horns protruding out of my hair, a black devil's tail, black nail polish on my fingers. Usually wearing a blue hoodie or band tee and jeans with platform shoes.

Personality: Creative, strange, introverted until you get to know me, but always socially awkward. Probably kind of annoying. Very musical and artistic. A bookworm. Mischievous at times, but usually follows rules. I can be insane if I need to be >:]

Aura (Basically, what color embodies your personality?): Either dusty purple or neon green. I have a lot of facets.

Biggest Strength: I’m really creative and know a lot of random facts.

Biggest Weakness: Social anxiety :,D

Favorite Flower: Lavender, actually, lol

Luggage: A few changes of clothes, sketchbook, drawing utensils, toiletries, ~magic noise canceling headphones that somehow still play music without being connected to anything~, granola bars, a polaroid camera, a large box filled with stickers that I can and will put on everything, and a empty pickle jar. All of this is carried in a backpack covered in pins and patches.

Other: I’m vegetarian, and so are my AEs

Name: Oliver

Gender/Pronouns: He/him/his

Appearance: Tan skin, dark brown curly hair with a red streak in the front, hazel eyes, light freckles, a red star on his cheek, slightly shorter than average. Usually wearing a tee-shirt, which often has something in relation to one of his fandoms, but really wears nothing that really stands out.

Personality:

Aura (Basically, what color embodies your personality?): Pink

Biggest Strength: Outgoing and good at making people feel appreciated

Biggest Weakness: Very sensitive to rejection and being seen as “unwanted”

Favorite Flower: Snapdragons!

Luggage: Changes of clothes, notebook, a few pencils, the books “The Land Of Stories: The Wishing Spell” and “Heartstopper”, a bottle of “emergency” glitter, a bag of candies, and his own popcorn so he doesn’t have to buy any. All of this is brought in a pink backpack with various keychains hanging from the zippers.

Other: This is my first Ski Lodge!! I’m so excited!!

Name: Ronin

Gender/Pronouns: He/him/his

Appearance: Pale skin, gray eyes, shaggy black hair that goes down to his chin, definitely shorter than average. Likes to wear lots of alternative clothing; striped long sleeves under band tees, ripped jeans, etc. His wardrobe is mostly black and white (but like 90% black tho)

Personality: Quiet, sarcastic, tries to uphold a “bad boy” image, but usually fails. Grumpy and easily annoyed, cares a lot more than what he lets on.

Aura (Basically, what color embodies your personality?): Bluish gray

Biggest Strength: Very serious and to-the-point.

Biggest Weakness: Hides his feelings until they burst out at the seams. Probably won’t act upset at the murders at all for a good while, but will eventually admit with much probing that he’s extremely scared.

Favorite Flower: Bleeding Hearts Flower

Luggage: Changes of clothes, another pair of ~magic noise canceling headphones that somehow still play music without being connected to anything~, a skelanimals toy that he CANNOT SLEEP WITHOUT EVER, bug spray and sunscreen, and a box of playing cards. All is contained in an over-the-shoulder bag with a singular DIY patch on it reading “My Chemical Romance” and a small plush ghost keychain.

Other: This is also my first ski lodge.

@Silver Crystal: aah tysm!

~~~

Day 0, Part 2

Dinner that night was fettuccine alfredo, and chocolate chip cookies for dessert. Socie explained that every night, there’d be an hour and thirty minutes of freetime, and then thirty minutes to get ready for bed before lights-out. Sometimes there would be organized activities, such as marshmallow roasting. 

“Who wants to go to the library with me?” asked Writing_in_the_Dark. Xe got an excited response from Artemis, Sterling, and pangolin. A grin spread across xyr face. “Alright, wanna race?” Xe took off running, xyr sneakers pounding against the wooden floorboards.

“Not so fast!” laughed pangolin, determined to not let Writing keep the lead for long. The four of them raced up several flights of stairs to the third floor. 

“Ha!” Sterling slammed their hands into the library’s door, claiming their sweet victory. 

Artemis smirked. “Okay, you win this time. But we’ll have to have a rematch one day.” 

“Deal.” They shook on it. 

pangolin wasn’t looking to wait around, so, with a loud creak, she pushed open the heavy library door. The other three CBers walked in after each other, their footsteps muted and voices off, because there was just something about Lockaria House’s library, and all libraries, really, that made you want to be quiet.

Tall dark wood shelves lined with rainbows of books lined the walls, and Persian carpets covered the floorboards. A small spiral staircase led to a second loft-like level at the back of the room. Squishy armchairs, bean bag chairs, faux leather sofas, tables and chairs, and an oak roll top desk made the space feel cramped, cozy, and lived-in.

Writing_in_the_Dark immediately found a hardcover that interested xem, one with spindly gold lettering on the spine, plopped down in an armchair, and cracked open the book. Artemis, on the other hand, browsed the bookshelves, searching for a book she liked. pangolin became very fascinated in the works of art around the library; marble busts of historical figures or famous poets, paintings and sketches framed on the walls. Sterling headed for the staircase, and looked for books up on the second level.

All too soon, though, it was time for lights-out. Socie came in and told the CBers it was time to head to bed. “Can I bring this book with me to read in bed?” Writing asked. Artemis had found a book as well and listened for the answer. 

“Certainly. You’re free to help yourselves to anything you find here. Except the popcorn, of course.” 

~~~

There was something ominous in the wind tonight. It howled, bearing an eerie resemblance to a banshee’s screams foreshadowing somebody’s death. It picked up leaves and sticks and beat them furiously against Lockaria House, and rattled the windows.

The guests slept soundly, oblivious to the raging wind outside, their soft snores echoing around the silent house. This lasted until somewhere around midnight, when one guest awoke, gasping for air.

The wind had since died down, and only the occasional bluster could be heard, gently carrying leaves around the lawn. The guest rubbed their tired eyes, wondering why they had woken up. It had been a nightmare, they knew that much. But they couldn’t quite remember what it had been about. 

They hungered for fresh air, so they tugged on a jacket and a pair of old shoes and trod softly across the hall to the balcony. The guest rested their arms on the railing, letting the wind run its fingers through their hair. A smile flitted across their face. There was certainly something ethereal about being the only one up this late at night, and it filled them with a rush of adrenaline and a desire for adventure. 

They went back inside, crept down the staircase, and out the front door. If Socie knew they were doing this, well, they didn’t really know what she would do. Honestly, they didn’t really know what to make of their host. She seemed nice, sure, but the guest didn’t know what she was hiding behind her smile. 

The guest stepped off the manicured lawn and into the woods beyond. Although it was the middle of the night, the moon was a full ghostly orb hanging above the treetops, casting its bright white light over the trees and lighting a clear path for the guest. 

The forest floor was soft, covered with pine needles and wet leaves, and the guest’s footsteps were muted. The trees shook with a gentle wind, and they thought they heard someone - or something - whispering. It started off quiet, but then the whisper started to swell, invading their thoughts. 

Spinning around, the guest turned to face whatever was making that sound. There was nothing. You’re being silly, they chided themselves. It’s your own fault for being in the woods at night with your overactive imagination. Yes, they were certainly imagining all these things. An owl’s solemn hoot was just that - not a vengeful spirit, and a raven’s cry was definitely not the mischievous poltergeist they first thought it to be. They pinched the bridge of their nose. Perhaps they should head back to Lockaria House and to bed. Yeah, that was a good plan. 

They took one step in the direction they believed to be toward Lockaria House, and abruptly stopped, listening. The forest had gone still - the birds stopped chirping, the wind stopped blowing, the leaves stopped shaking. It was as if somebody had hit the pause button on the world, and everything froze but them.

“Hello?” they called into the silence, ignoring the increasing feeling of unease filling their stomach. Only their own voice came back, an eerie echo. Hello, hello, hello. 

Suddenly, a strong gust of wind knocked into them from behind and sent them falling to their knees. The guest was encircled by dancing green and purple lights like the aurora borealis. They were curled up in the fetal position, their arms shielding their face from the billowing ribbons of color. Their protective arms, however, could not stop the horrible pain in their head. It felt as if somebody was hammering into their head, each thunderous throb reverberating around their skull. 

Throughout all of this, they felt knowledge flooding their mind, and with each new piece of information gained, they hungered for more. Thoughts swirled through their head, thoughts that were not their own, thoughts that possessed them, teased them, tortured them, thoughts that threatened to tear them apart. They felt an anger burning white-hot in the back of their mind, an anger that had not been there before. 

They screamed, and their scream went unheard, and it did nothing to ease the agony being faced both inside and out of their body.

The guest looked up, their features sharp and twisted, eyes burning with a fierce flame, and a wicked grin that did not belong on their face.

~~~

Alive: 15

Dead: 0