House of Secrets

Chatterbox: Pudding's Place

House of Secrets

House of Secrets - A Ski Lodge
At the edge of the forest, there is a house.  Well, more of a mansion than a house, really, a Jacobean hall of red brick, wide windows, and fanciful decoration with a tall wall of hedges sheltering it from the dark woods around it.  A gravel path leads down from the column-flanked front door to a wrought-iron gate, which creaks open of its own accord as you approach it.  You clutch your luggage a little tighter and look up at the building before you.  You pay little mind to the large barn owl perched on the rooftop, barely noticing it.
I notice you, though.
You reach into your pocket and pull out a letter, perhaps crumpled or perhaps neatly folded, wondering whether or not you are in the right place.  I can assure you that you are, but still you reread the message again.
My friends,

I am sorry to have to reach out to you like this, and for not addressing these letters individually.  There are ten of you, and I simply do not have the time to do all that.  It seems I do not have the time for much these days.  Regardless, I need your help.  I am at my wits’ end, and I cannot do this alone any longer.

I imagine you are wondering who I am.  Unfortunately, to give my name, even in writing, would put me in even more trouble than I already am in.  Be consoled, though, I do know you - whether by name or because we both frequent this space where you are reading this right now.  I promise that you can trust me.  And I trust you.  That is why I dare to ask for your aid.  There is a map on the other side of this letter.  Follow it, and you will find me.  Please, hurry.

Sincerely, --------

P.S. As customary in these sorts of situations, this form is to be completed at your leisure, but before you arrive.
Make it interesting, please, I can’t stand dull guests.
Name:
Pronouns:
Appearance:
Personality:
CBer, AE or OC:
Luggage:
Opinion on ghosts:
Opinion on the woods:
Animal that is most like you:
-- --- ------- --:
Having satisfied yourself with rereading the letter, you stride, or perhaps tiptoe, through the gate and up to the door, where you swing the metal knocker shaped like a snarling wolf.  You can hear the knock echo through the inside of the house.  It is loud enough to drown out the flapping of wings.
Author's Notes - There will be death and somewhat dark themes in this ski lodge, as is typical with traditional ski lodges.  Depictions will be kept CB-appropriate, but do not join if you're not comfortable with that.  There are ten spots, with CBers, AEs and OCs all being welcome (no supernatural abilities or extremely fantastical characters though, please).  The story will begin once those spots are filled.  Feel free to guess my identity, and without further ado, let the show begin.
submitted by The Striga, welcome to the woods
(December 8, 2024 - 9:23 pm)

back to the Pudding's Place

Reserving!!

submitted by Hawkstar
(December 9, 2024 - 1:00 pm)
submitted by tippity top!
(December 9, 2024 - 1:56 pm)
submitted by tippity top (again?)
(December 9, 2024 - 9:38 pm)
Name: Darkvine
Pronouns: they/them
Appearance: shoulder-length black hair, green eyes that look sparkly gold or iridescent blue depending on many different factors, which include and are not limited to the time of day, my mood, whether the popcorn is allowed, whether there is a ghost in the room or not, etc. I'm rather short and almost always have a mischevious grin. I am nearly always seen wearing black, green, and gray clothes in a strange combination of fantasy cloaks/boots and modern t-shirt/jeans.
Personality: I love animals. I own many animals including snails, cats, and a snake. I also have a strange obsession with moss of all kinds. If there is moss, I am looking at it. I'm rather brave and (in the words of my mom) 'have no survival instincts', which is completely unfair! Of course I have survival instincts! I only ate cake off a dirty parking lot once! I can identify many, many kinds of venomous snake and know to leave them alone!
uhh also I've been described as 'Chaotic Good'. pretty sure that's a dungeons and dragons reference? 
CBer, AE or OC: CBer
Luggage: multiple hidden weapons, including a sword, bow/arrows, and several knives, my sketchbook (in which I will probably draw any unfamilliar animals I encounter), and a bag of popcorn.
Opinion on ghosts: If they're not angry at me, great! if they are, I will try to apologize. If I can talk to them I will eagerly strike up a conversation.
Opinion on the woods: *puts on exploring hat* it's exploring time
Animal that is most like you: cat probably. they're small, agile, intelligent, respected, and seem to have not a single braincell to their name sometimes.
submitted by Darkvine
(December 10, 2024 - 11:53 am)
Name: Amity
Pronouns: She/her
Appearance: Dark brown wavy hair with lighter streaks, yellow beanie, dark green glasses, light brown eyes. Wearing pale orange shirt, jacket with brown and peach-colored stripes with lots of buttons pinned to it, gray pants. 
Personality: Eccentric, funny, witty, sarcastic, lots of interesting ideas, kind heart. 
CBer, AE or OC: CBer. Well, everything except my name and pronouns is made up, so I guess part CBer, part OC?
Luggage: An alarming amount of books, computer, too many blankets and pillows, stuffed animal collection.
Opinion on ghosts: She's fascinated by them.
Opinion on the woods: She loves them, and nature in general. She would really enjoy being lost in the woods, or even spending time there. 
Animal that is most like you: Uh...axolotl? 
(Like I said, most of these aren't actually true of me, I just wanted to make a more interesting character) 
submitted by Amity
(December 10, 2024 - 2:59 pm)

entering Cleo

by now it might be evident that shes my favorite AE

Name: :Cleo:
Pronouns: :She/her:
Appearance: A sharp, pointed face with long straight black hair that she likes to wear in a long bubble braid. She has some freckles all over her face and grey eyes. Cleo is short- 5"2 :You have no right to say that: with an agile build. If angered, her glare will bore holes into your soul. 
Personality: She is spunky and sassy, sometimes harsh. Cleo is very ambitious and has a good amount of confidence. She is also pretty outspoken and always makes sure she is heard. However her soft inside can be shown if she finds the right person. 
CBer, AE or OC: :AE:
Luggage: :A waterproof black backpack with lots of throwing knives- self defense, anyone?- dried fruit, bottles of water, hair ties, a comb, a couple spare clothes, a waterproof windbreaker, toothbrush and toothpaste, and that's about it.  
Opinion on ghosts: :Buzz off:
Opinion on the woods: :I don't really care:
Animal that is most like you: :Jaguars:
submitted by celestial_mango
(December 10, 2024 - 6:58 pm)

oh, and cleo is almost always wearing brownish-green utility cargo pants with a simple breathable shirt, a cropped black vest, and black sneakers.

submitted by celestial_mango
(December 10, 2024 - 7:03 pm)
Name:InkTea
Pronouns:They/them, occasionally void/voidself.
Appearance:Tall, pale, long, messy/fluffy, for like black hair, tired, black eyes, sharp teeth, wears dark colored renaissance clothing, claws painted black, tips of fingers are pale blue.
Personality:Cold, tired, angry, sarcastic, usually stares off into space.
CBer, AE or OC:CBer
Luggage:Ink pens, paper, jewelry, clothing, books, more paper, bones, crystals.
Opinion on ghosts: It will all be our fate at some point, why not except those who are father ahead in (after) life than us.
Opinion on the woods:Perfect place to think and explore.
Animal that is most like you:Striped Hyena.
submitted by InkTea
(December 10, 2024 - 9:02 pm)

Reserving!

submitted by Moon Wolf, age lunars, A Celestial Sky
(December 11, 2024 - 10:55 am)

oh boy i'm definitely joining this >:D

Name: Pangolin

Pronouns: she/they

Appearance: i'm a bit tall, with light freckled skin, blue-gray eyes, and curly shoulder-length ginger hair. i like to wear jeans, preferably rolled up at the ankle and with a belt, my pair of beat-up black converse or doc martens, and graphic t-shirt (either a band shirt or one with some witty pun) with or tank top with maybe a flannel shirt or sweatshirt over it. i also like to wear many rings and an owl pendant that pops open to reveal a little clock precisely five minutes ahead.

Personality: i'm observant and pretty quiet until i have something to say, and while i'm pretty smart and logical, i can get flustered and am not the best at articulating myself verbally. i'm not a huge rule breaker, but i'm quite likely to take matters into my own hands if i don't think the authority figures are doing a good job of handling things. i can be a bit thrill-seeking, and like to think myself brave. i'm adventurous, creative, and quick-witted, with a slightly dark/dry sense of humor. 

CBer, AE, or OC: cber

Luggage: necessities, headphones, seven notebooks and three sketchbooks in various sizes, exclusively blue pens, a ball of yellow yarn, a green bomber jacket, sour candy, a string of fairy lights, a lighter, duct tape, rope, a wisteria tiffany lamp replica, and a can of tomato soup - just in case.

Opinion on ghosts: i would quite like to befriend one, assuming it is not actively trying to kill and/or possess me. 

Opinion on the woods: i've always found comfort in them - dense trees all around, muffling the sounds of the outside world, leaving you alone with your thoughts. of course, that also means no one can hear you scream. 

Animal that is most like you: i would say a pangolin, but i think that's a bit on the nose. perhaps a fox? 

submitted by pangolin, age she/they, Outskirts of the Galaxy
(December 11, 2024 - 8:16 pm)
submitted by three spots left!
(December 12, 2024 - 3:36 pm)

Name: Sempreverde 

Pronouns: she/her

Appearance: golden brown skin, indigo eyes, sleek black hair that reaches to my waist, with a green streak through it on the left side. Wearing a pair of long blue pants that flare out at the bottom and a light blue t-shirt with cherry blossom designs. I have mossy antlers.

Personality: clever, observant, creative, stubborn, avid reader, quiet

CBer, AE or OC: CBer

Luggage: a notebook, pencils of various lengths, a knife, books, snacks, and an assortment of soft things such as blankets, pillows, and oversized fluffy coats.

Opinion on ghosts: meh

Opinion on the woods: a fantastical and intriguing place where I feel at home

Animal that is most like you: probably a squirrel, though I am sometimes a frog.

submitted by Sempreverde, mossy ruins
(December 13, 2024 - 12:11 am)

hey all, i just realized that i am going to be VERY busy for the rest of the month. unfortunately, i will have to opt out of this, so ig another spot is open.

submitted by festive_mango
(December 13, 2024 - 12:09 pm)
submitted by three spots left!
(December 16, 2024 - 8:13 pm)

Entering Taurus, my newest AE.

Name: Taurus

Pronouns: they/them
Appearance: short slightly wavy midnight black hair that covers right eye, dark gray eyes with hints of green, usually wearing a green hoodie and black jeans or cargo pants
Personality: sometimes calm, talkative, and humorous, other times shy, quiet, or moody, depends on the day
CBer, AE or OC: AE
Luggage: bringing necessities and art supplies as well as a bow and arrow and small throwing knife
Opinion on ghosts: [I think they are quite interesting]
Opinion on the woods: [A wonderful quiet place to draw, or could be filled with all sorts of creatures and strange sights. A really nice place in general]
Animal that is most like you: [A woodland wolf or coyote, or, I know, a gray fox]
submitted by Moon Wolf, age lunars, A Celestial Sky
(December 16, 2024 - 10:28 pm)
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