While traversing through the manor, you see a man sitting on a chair. He looks up at you and speaks. “If you have a complaint about any of my fellow survivors, please get in that line.” you turn to where he pointed, only to see no line. Upon turning back to where the man was, he is no longer there.
General description: An Identity V OC blog based off of my OC, The Philosopher.
Rules:
No NSFW
No trying to make people uncomfortable
No racism, sexism, homophobia, or anything of that sort.
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Suddenly, the manor began shaking rapidly as if an earthquake just striked. As if that wasn't bad enough, a disembodied voice suddenly rang through the halls.
"EVERYTHING SHALL ROT"
Peeking through the door, something can be seen floating.
"HUMANITY'S DOOM IS HERE"
His eyes grew wide as the floor shook. As it turned out, he was practicing yoga from memory at this moment in time. The philosopher would eventually lose his balance and hit the shelf behind him. Unfortunately this lead to the destruction of said shelf and Theo’s prized jar of dirt landing on his head.
“Owwwwww! What the bloody Hell is going on out there. The worst I have experienced in my short time here are thunderstorms! Did they update the game to add earthquakes.” Theo would then grab his chin and mutter. “Well that does make my spare time more miserable. That is quite genius.” He then pointed at a wall and shouted. “I won’t take it!”
It was then that Theodore had the breaking realization that…he was shouting at a wall and probably looked like a psychopath. It shook him to the core to think that he might be a tiny bit insane. Perhaps the philosopher needed this indirect intervention.
Theodore then remembered the root of the problem and opened his door to find what is causing the earthquake. “Alright! Which of you blokes are starting a demolition project right now! Don’t you know some people are doing things?”
He stopped in his tracks and stared at the thing coming out of the ground. His expression was a mix of confusion and fear. “Everything shall rot? B-but…doesn’t that happen anyway?! Humanity’s doom?! Why are you here then? Aren’t there more alive places to attack?!”
“A hero?” Tears fell down the “little boy’s” eyes. “No one has ever seen me as such a thing before… Thank you…. What is your name actually? I am Theodore Cromwell. The philosopher of this fine manor!”
He looked at the appearance of what he guessed was a new Hunter with wide eyes.
“That…that is a lot more gruesome than I had expected. Are you okay? I imagine having that form would be painful. I-if not, I don’t mean any disrespect.”
“Plan to stop you? Ummmm…well…that is a very solid question. How about we discuss that over a cup of tea. I might have an idea of what I am doing or saying by the time that is over!”
Theodore started to back up to his room. "That is a circumstantial question." He slowly started closing it. "You see, if they were also after a friend or teammate..." The door was now nearly shut. "...I would take the hit for them. If it was only towards me..." He now completely shut the door. His speech was muffled. "...I would run or escape."
While in his room, one thought came to Theodore's head, returning to the vents.
"WELL HOW THE BLOODY HELL AM I SUPPOSED TO IF YOU CAN APPEAR OUT OF NOWHERE?!" Theodore then bolted out of the room, shut the door behind him and made into the vents, hoping to escape or at least find one of the items he had carried during his long camping trip up there.
suddenly, the sound of shuffling was heard behind the philosopher. Despite his gut telling him not to look, he forced his head behind anyways.
It wasn't pretty.
Right on his tail was a headless body in traditional Javanese clothing, crawling it's way to the philosopher. A red, bloody pile was seen in place of where it's head should be.
Upon seeing that, he decided to crawl faster and jump back into the main halls. As Theo sprinted, he looked around. It almost seemed as if he was looking for a specific room. Suddenly, the philosopher stopped and frantically knocked down the door to no avail. After that failed, he would run off to the kitchen in the hopes of finding a weapon.
Suddenly, the manor began shaking rapidly as if an earthquake just striked. As if that wasn't bad enough, a disembodied voice suddenly rang through the halls.
"EVERYTHING SHALL ROT"
Peeking through the door, something can be seen floating.
"HUMANITY'S DOOM IS HERE"
His eyes grew wide as the floor shook. As it turned out, he was practicing yoga from memory at this moment in time. The philosopher would eventually lose his balance and hit the shelf behind him. Unfortunately this lead to the destruction of said shelf and Theo’s prized jar of dirt landing on his head.
“Owwwwww! What the bloody Hell is going on out there. The worst I have experienced in my short time here are thunderstorms! Did they update the game to add earthquakes.” Theo would then grab his chin and mutter. “Well that does make my spare time more miserable. That is quite genius.” He then pointed at a wall and shouted. “I won’t take it!”
It was then that Theodore had the breaking realization that…he was shouting at a wall and probably looked like a psychopath. It shook him to the core to think that he might be a tiny bit insane. Perhaps the philosopher needed this indirect intervention.
Theodore then remembered the root of the problem and opened his door to find what is causing the earthquake. “Alright! Which of you blokes are starting a demolition project right now! Don’t you know some people are doing things?”
He stopped in his tracks and stared at the thing coming out of the ground. His expression was a mix of confusion and fear. “Everything shall rot? B-but…doesn’t that happen anyway?! Humanity’s doom?! Why are you here then? Aren’t there more alive places to attack?!”
“A hero?” Tears fell down the “little boy’s” eyes. “No one has ever seen me as such a thing before… Thank you…. What is your name actually? I am Theodore Cromwell. The philosopher of this fine manor!”
He looked at the appearance of what he guessed was a new Hunter with wide eyes.
“That…that is a lot more gruesome than I had expected. Are you okay? I imagine having that form would be painful. I-if not, I don’t mean any disrespect.”
“Plan to stop you? Ummmm…well…that is a very solid question. How about we discuss that over a cup of tea. I might have an idea of what I am doing or saying by the time that is over!”
Theodore started to back up to his room. "That is a circumstantial question." He slowly started closing it. "You see, if they were also after a friend or teammate..." The door was now nearly shut. "...I would take the hit for them. If it was only towards me..." He now completely shut the door. His speech was muffled. "...I would run or escape."
While in his room, one thought came to Theodore's head, returning to the vents.
"WELL HOW THE BLOODY HELL AM I SUPPOSED TO IF YOU CAN APPEAR OUT OF NOWHERE?!" Theodore then bolted out of the room, shut the door behind him and made into the vents, hoping to escape or at least find one of the items he had carried during his long camping trip up there.
Suddenly, the manor began shaking rapidly as if an earthquake just striked. As if that wasn't bad enough, a disembodied voice suddenly rang through the halls.
"EVERYTHING SHALL ROT"
Peeking through the door, something can be seen floating.
"HUMANITY'S DOOM IS HERE"
His eyes grew wide as the floor shook. As it turned out, he was practicing yoga from memory at this moment in time. The philosopher would eventually lose his balance and hit the shelf behind him. Unfortunately this lead to the destruction of said shelf and Theo’s prized jar of dirt landing on his head.
“Owwwwww! What the bloody Hell is going on out there. The worst I have experienced in my short time here are thunderstorms! Did they update the game to add earthquakes.” Theo would then grab his chin and mutter. “Well that does make my spare time more miserable. That is quite genius.” He then pointed at a wall and shouted. “I won’t take it!”
It was then that Theodore had the breaking realization that…he was shouting at a wall and probably looked like a psychopath. It shook him to the core to think that he might be a tiny bit insane. Perhaps the philosopher needed this indirect intervention.
Theodore then remembered the root of the problem and opened his door to find what is causing the earthquake. “Alright! Which of you blokes are starting a demolition project right now! Don’t you know some people are doing things?”
He stopped in his tracks and stared at the thing coming out of the ground. His expression was a mix of confusion and fear. “Everything shall rot? B-but…doesn’t that happen anyway?! Humanity’s doom?! Why are you here then? Aren’t there more alive places to attack?!”
“A hero?” Tears fell down the “little boy’s” eyes. “No one has ever seen me as such a thing before… Thank you…. What is your name actually? I am Theodore Cromwell. The philosopher of this fine manor!”
He looked at the appearance of what he guessed was a new Hunter with wide eyes.
“That…that is a lot more gruesome than I had expected. Are you okay? I imagine having that form would be painful. I-if not, I don’t mean any disrespect.”
“Plan to stop you? Ummmm…well…that is a very solid question. How about we discuss that over a cup of tea. I might have an idea of what I am doing or saying by the time that is over!”
Theodore started to back up to his room. "That is a circumstantial question." He slowly started closing it. "You see, if they were also after a friend or teammate..." The door was now nearly shut. "...I would take the hit for them. If it was only towards me..." He now completely shut the door. His speech was muffled. "...I would run or escape."
While in his room, one thought came to Theodore's head, returning to the vents.
Suddenly, the manor began shaking rapidly as if an earthquake just striked. As if that wasn't bad enough, a disembodied voice suddenly rang through the halls.
"EVERYTHING SHALL ROT"
Peeking through the door, something can be seen floating.
"HUMANITY'S DOOM IS HERE"
His eyes grew wide as the floor shook. As it turned out, he was practicing yoga from memory at this moment in time. The philosopher would eventually lose his balance and hit the shelf behind him. Unfortunately this lead to the destruction of said shelf and Theo’s prized jar of dirt landing on his head.
“Owwwwww! What the bloody Hell is going on out there. The worst I have experienced in my short time here are thunderstorms! Did they update the game to add earthquakes.” Theo would then grab his chin and mutter. “Well that does make my spare time more miserable. That is quite genius.” He then pointed at a wall and shouted. “I won’t take it!”
It was then that Theodore had the breaking realization that…he was shouting at a wall and probably looked like a psychopath. It shook him to the core to think that he might be a tiny bit insane. Perhaps the philosopher needed this indirect intervention.
Theodore then remembered the root of the problem and opened his door to find what is causing the earthquake. “Alright! Which of you blokes are starting a demolition project right now! Don’t you know some people are doing things?”
He stopped in his tracks and stared at the thing coming out of the ground. His expression was a mix of confusion and fear. “Everything shall rot? B-but…doesn’t that happen anyway?! Humanity’s doom?! Why are you here then? Aren’t there more alive places to attack?!”
“A hero?” Tears fell down the “little boy’s” eyes. “No one has ever seen me as such a thing before… Thank you…. What is your name actually? I am Theodore Cromwell. The philosopher of this fine manor!”
He looked at the appearance of what he guessed was a new Hunter with wide eyes.
“That…that is a lot more gruesome than I had expected. Are you okay? I imagine having that form would be painful. I-if not, I don’t mean any disrespect.”
“Plan to stop you? Ummmm…well…that is a very solid question. How about we discuss that over a cup of tea. I might have an idea of what I am doing or saying by the time that is over!”
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Suddenly, the manor began shaking rapidly as if an earthquake just striked. As if that wasn't bad enough, a disembodied voice suddenly rang through the halls.
"EVERYTHING SHALL ROT"
Peeking through the door, something can be seen floating.
"HUMANITY'S DOOM IS HERE"
His eyes grew wide as the floor shook. As it turned out, he was practicing yoga from memory at this moment in time. The philosopher would eventually lose his balance and hit the shelf behind him. Unfortunately this lead to the destruction of said shelf and Theo’s prized jar of dirt landing on his head.
“Owwwwww! What the bloody Hell is going on out there. The worst I have experienced in my short time here are thunderstorms! Did they update the game to add earthquakes.” Theo would then grab his chin and mutter. “Well that does make my spare time more miserable. That is quite genius.” He then pointed at a wall and shouted. “I won’t take it!”
It was then that Theodore had the breaking realization that…he was shouting at a wall and probably looked like a psychopath. It shook him to the core to think that he might be a tiny bit insane. Perhaps the philosopher needed this indirect intervention.
Theodore then remembered the root of the problem and opened his door to find what is causing the earthquake. “Alright! Which of you blokes are starting a demolition project right now! Don’t you know some people are doing things?”
He stopped in his tracks and stared at the thing coming out of the ground. His expression was a mix of confusion and fear. “Everything shall rot? B-but…doesn’t that happen anyway?! Humanity’s doom?! Why are you here then? Aren’t there more alive places to attack?!”
A strange package arrives in front of Theo's door! Carefully wrapped in a small bit of leather and twine, lays a small piece of bread, an Orange Lily with another strange vine wrapped around it, a Walnut, and a long withered leaf with the following scrawled upon it:
Bloom. Wither. Always One Step Ahead.
Upon the arrival of the package at Theo’s front door, ice shards came out of the vents. Afterwards, he would finally emerge. “Someone has given me a gift? A plant and what is-are those some nuts! How wonderful! I wonder what shady figure is trying to get my blessing today!”
He would then grab the box and attempt to bring it back to his room. Alas, he left his keys in the vents and had to momentarily go back.
When he arrived in his room, he took note of how dusty his room had become during his absence. Yet, that made him feel more at home. “Ah, I know where to put you, my little nut!” Theo would then place it next to a jar of dirt on a shelf.
For the "Key-Smith's" birthday, let us celebrate with a hike! Along the wildflowers, trees, and shrubbery it's hard to not let nature capture our hearts and spirits. As you explore the wilderness around you, we ask; what is your favorite plant detectives?
ONCE Skin appearance - Scout's Honor
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
Birthday Letter TWs/CWs: Referenced Death/Injury of a character, disappearances, implied/possible stalking, ect.
-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-
A discarded audio transcription was found in a cabin in Rosewood National Park. Multiple tears, creases, and weathering littler the paper from its exposure to the vast foliage and animal life that had found its way into the cabin. Only a simple note labels it. "Rosewood Investigation Interview - L. Smith"
Q: Is there anyone you believe would wish to harm Mrs. Marigold?
A: Heavens no! I don't think she had a mean bone in her body. Unless she was truly caught up in something she shouldn't have been, then I can't see who would sincerely wish her ill intent.
Q: Leading up to the first disappearance, did you notice anything strange?
A: Yes. People kept receiving strange notes and plants. It was keeping a lot of people on edge! No one was entirely sure if they were meant to be threats or strange gifts. I'm fairly certain it caused a few arguments between coworkers.
Q: Can you tell me what the notes consisted of?
A: Most of them were only a few words. Like "Wither", "Rot", or in Mrs. Marigold's case, "Bloom". It was typed out so it made it difficult to narrow down who it might be.
Q: What of the plants?
A: Ah yes! They were some sort of root I think. They had strange thorns on them like a rose. We haven't been able to identify them yet, but Mrs. Marigold seemed to recognize them.
Q: Did Mrs. Marigold say anything about how she recognized these notes or plants before her disappearance?
A: Yes. She said they matched something she'd seen Mr. Eldrich watering in his office.
Q: What was Mr. Eldrich's reaction to this?
A: Surprisingly, calm. He told us that whoever must have done it must have taken the root from his office. Although, I do have to admit that sounds... too convenient.
Q: Do you believe that Mr. Eldrich may have been lying?
A: I'm not sure.
The rest of the transcript appears to be lost to time as the rest of the page is either torn away or has gotten too faded to be legible.
"Excuse me, sir!" A some-what well-dressed man approached you walking calmly.
"You're the philosopher right? Sorry we haven't meet sooner under better circumstances." He said laughing to himself.
"Y'see, I'm investigating these letters sent by a killer. My latest update from those notes told me to go ask you. Not sure exaxtly what...but anything you have of information would be useful!"
[Boo! @idv-askchaoticduo]
“Wha?!” He did not expect to be talkedso out of nowhere. “Yes, I am the one that is called The Philosopher! Of course, I fall under many many many other different positions than that. I suppose that they didn’t want to call someone The Genius, scholar, philosopher though.” Theodore shrugged as he spoke.
“Now, what was it that you required from me exactly? I am not sure if it will be useful to you but I have this...” Theodore casually takes out the brain fragment. “I have my own theories but perhaps you can help me with more!”
(Sorry for the late response! I have been on and off of a lot of things for the past month.)
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Welcome to your final test, I’m Mr. Beast
We can scrap the ‘S’, cuz I’ve never missed a beat
You had to cut from honey under threat of a gun blast
When I had a cut from Honey, that’s another check that I’m gonna cash
You’re coming last, Number 1 is Jimmy!
Only dub you have is horribly written
You’re accomplished ‘cuz you fought the opposition and became the best
But the consequences that you’ve got to live with is you paved their deaths all to pay your debt
I applaud you, Gi Hun
In the diss game you won’t get rich
I’m like your momma: I’m dead sick
Then check the gaming channel, millions of children watch it
How’d you win all that Won, kid, but not custody of one kid?
Did ya think you’d get her back with that lighter you bought her?
You’re playing tug-o-war with your ex, but the rope is your daughter
So stupid, Sang Woo showed you the light
You didn’t go to SNU, that’s right
If the task was last to get backstabbed by a pal
You wouldn’t make it through the night
When I feast, I don’t need a suit and tie
Wrapping with gold like the food I try
Utter a word, then you will die
Save those subs for PewDiePie
"They always say Smash the like button but what if they prefer Multiversus?"
"Good afternoon! Since this game started, I've been sending clues to others to help with their investigation. Unfortunately, most of them can't even answer any of the riddles correctly. Really, these low-lives are just as useless and incompetent as the police. Gaining something from these pathetic people is practically impossible! Everyone here is just so mind-numbingly stupid to the point that they even get the simplest of questions wrong! Of course, what did I expect? Nevertheless their reactions to these riddles are very entertaining! So, there's that.
Love. You Know"
"going off everything I know, there is only one logical conclusion. This killer seems to be able to watch. They seem to have a birds-eye view of everything.....So you must be a swallow! It all makes sense! With a birds talons, they can also write! European or African..?...That is the question." Theodore was obviously joking.
"I..really need to figure this out soon. I will get there in no time. I just need to learn more about the others..perhaps."
(TW! Description of death, insanity, and human body parts)
A letter is sitting on the philosopher's desk, next to it is a small wooden box. The letter reads :
"Dear Theodore, I hope this letter finds you in good health. Now, I bet you're wondering, "How did you even enter my room?". Well, I have my ways. Anyways, you acknowledged the fact that there has been a little rat giving my personal information out lately. As much as I hate others getting into my personal business....... Well, the fear and paranoia has been nothing short of entertaining for me. Because of that, I've decided to add a little spice to this manor!
It's just going to be a little game of Whodunit, where you have to figure out who I am! Don't worry, there won't be any consequences if you get it wrong! Now, I know what you are thinking, "Why?". Well, to put it simple, it's pure, uncut, and absolute boredom!
I truly hope you accept this small proposal of mine, after all, you would find it just as entertaining as I do! I can already feel your excitement from here, it's rather great knowing that there's someone who's just like me! I hope we would be able to bond over a small game of cat and mouse. Anyways, I've left a little present that reminds me of you, so take good care of it!
Love, You Know. (PS : Please don't compare me to Jack the Ripper. I don't associate with misogynists)"
In the box is a piece of well preserved meat, from a human brain.
Theodore smiled. It was as if he had already accepted the offer of the game before receiving the letter. He covered his nose and went to look at the piece of the brain. Theodore then starts his internal monologue.
"Is this a hint towards his identity as well or just a present as stated in the letter? Going off of the situation, I need to see everything as evidence. So what does this mean exactly? Perhaps the piece of the brain is taken from the killer? I would imagine a killer playing a game of this sort would be a hunter, even if there are many maniacal survivors."
"Oh a newcomer! Hello there!" A man in an old forest ranger uniform waves over to the philosopher. "How has your time here been so far? Is there anything you need help with to get settled here?"
-🗝️>(⊗▼⊗´)•ζ
((Key Lad is running towards you at mach speeds!!! @manor-tea-time
He seemed to be looking down at his book. Theodore appeared to be collecting his notes on the manor. The voice and fast-paced footsteps caused him to look up, expecting to see a hunter.
Theodore closed his book and made eye contact with the person. “Greetings. You are one of the first inhabitants UI have seen during my stay. My time has been alright. I have even met with a familiar face. I don’t really need any help. I have already settled rather well.”
“I do have a question, if you have an answer. How much progress has been made in investigating this nineteenth century mansion? I wish to add more to my notes.”
"What an honor it is then! I'm glad you've gotten settled in alright! It can be quite a bit of an adjustment for some of the newer tenants here. Even more so depending on why exactly the manor chose to bring them here!" LeRoy perked up a bit at the mention of being the first resident to talk to the philosopher. "Who was the familiar face you've met? It's always nice to run into people you know. Although, I would feel a tad bad if I ran into anyone I knew here."
"Woah! I’m surprised you were able to date the manor’s architecture! Every room I’ve been in so far seems so different from one another. Perhaps it is a entity in of itself? I’m not sure much progress I’ve made, but I can confidently say there’s forces here keeping us from leaving once we enter.” LeRoy explained. “The woods for example, they seem to have certain points in which things get - strange. Too quiet for a forest. I’ve tried to study it, but anytime I do I end up back here in my bed! It’s truly frustrating.”
“It wasn’t too hard to adjust. I understand how it could be very challenging, of course. Most of us have just been brought down to a more..primitive state for someone…or something’s enjoyment. Said primitive state lies deeply within all of us. To be blunt, I am not too surprised.”
“The person I met was someone I had previously seen while traveling to Egypt. I believe that they decided to call her The “Archeologist.” I just realized, I forgot to introduce myself! My name is Theodore Cromwell, The Philosopher! Apologies if I came off rude before! How about you? What is your name?”
“As for the date of the manor, it was easy to find out. The general ascetic and dates of most of the missing person reports indicate that era. So we have to my mentally challenge an unknown entity.” Oddly enough, Theodore smiled at the prospect. “Oh? There is a forest? Well, that gives me an idea.” He then writes down more notes in his book.
"Ah, I see-" LeRoy hummed as he nodded along. "You must be fairly used to adapting to situations like this. That is very admirable indeed! I'm curious about what kind of stories you may have to have led to that."
"The Archeologist..." LeRoy said, trying to remember if he'd stumbled across that survivor at some point. "I'm afraid I haven't had a chance to meet her yet. She sounds quite intelligent though! I'll have to swing by and say hello to them at some point."
"Not to worry! You didn't come off as rude at all - if anything you reminded me that I needed to introduce myself as well. My name is LeRoy, I'm known as The "Key - Master" here. I believe I'm a part of the decoding bracket." He grinned as he held out his hand to shake in a greeting.
"There are reports already filled out on everyone? That's a bit of a relief to hear. Although, I can't say it's comforting to hear that it's bringing more people here to investigate...and inevitably get trapped within this place." His smile dropped for a moment before perking back up at the mention of the forest. "Yes, there is! It's fairly strange in there, but it's nice if you'd like a small hike or to simply get away from the hustle and bustle inside of the manor. Are you one for taking travel notes Theodore?" He asked trying to figure out what Theodore was writing down so rapidly, along with how it played into their idea. "What was the idea you had? Would you like me to help?"
"The world tends to be more unpredictable than predictable. Adapting to new situations creates more knowledge. Thus, if I escape and end up in a similar situation, I have an edge." He had finished writing in his notebook and closed it once more.
"You should. They are a very kind person. I am sure that she wouldn't be bothered at all."
He reached out his hand and shook LeRoy's. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. The Keymaster? Why do they call you that? The decoding bracket, huh? I believe I am part of the assist one."
Theodore's eyes widened as he heard LeRoy speak. The word already seemed to be constantly echoing in his mind. "Ahem, right. You do have search warrants. They are...on the back burner at the moment, to put it lightly." Theodore then sighed "I don't know how to tell you this but...most of you have been gone for over ten years. Pretty much everyone here is assumed dead at this point. I came here of my own volition due to rumors that were circulating. The situation is terrible...yet I haven't felt regret towards my decision. So don't feel guilty."
Theodore then stood up and put his notebook in his right jacket pocket. "The plan is a shot in the dark. So you needn't participate if you find an unwillingness to go through with it. I imagine you are still processing my previous information. I can't say that I blame you. If you feel like helping me with my plan, may you get mushrooms and wood from the forest. Lastly, is there an enclosed space anywhere in the manor?"
"That's lovely to hear! I'm excited to meet them now."
"Ah- that's a bit of a long story. You see, I often filled in for our locksmith at the national park I worked at. I wasn't necessarily qualified, but I learned how to tell the keys apart fairly quickly! Along with how to pick a lock or two." He gave a playful wink as he continued with his story. "From then on, I've been more or less dubbed Key-Man unfortunately. It seems the nickname even followed me here."
"Many? Oh- I didn't think it had been that long since I had gotten trapped in here. I did figure most of the residents here would have been assumed dead by now. Especially with some of the time periods they've told me they've originated from." LeRoy gave an awkward laugh, still processing the idea for a moment. "I don't understand why you'd come to a place like this, even if you were curious about the urban legends behind it. With that much death, you'd think people would consider this place to be plagued or cursed."
"Mushrooms? I'm not sure I fully understand how that would help with anything, but I'm sure you have an idea of what you're doing. I believe I could find some for you next time I head into the woods." LeRoy gave the man a confused look. "Enclosed Space? Well, you have the rooms the manor provides you when you first arrive here. I'd be more than willing to escort you there if you'd like. I believe I have some form of an idea as to where it would be."
"You filled in for them? Why were they out so often? It barely sounds like they were doing their job. Well...It isn't my place to say. Fairly quickly, huh? It seems as if you had a talent for locksmithing long before you were ever qualified. You would have been a quality thief if your life had taken a different turn." Theodore chuckled. "Key-Man, did they consider you a superhero?" He had a smug look on his face. "It is I, Key-Man! I am here!" It seemed as if Theodore was doing an Adam West impression.
"That brings up the question, when exactly did you disappear? Most of the people seem to be from the era I mentioned but it is a common decency to ask." Theodore only continued to smugly smile. "A world full of only death, murder, and misery. That sounds quite similar to the real world. Why wither away in a world that you fully understand when you can have a similar but new experience?
"Well, then situation we are in is clearly beyond logic. So I thought that we could try setting a fire with the manor's food in an enclosed area, burning the mushrooms, and then breathing in the air that it releases. I am unsure about the likeliness of talking to ancient deities working. Nonetheless, I am sure that no one has tried it. So it is worth giving a chance to."
"While I agree, it was more of a thing where the park owner refused to find a replacement once they quit. The old 'Leave it to LeRoy' mentality I suppose." LeRoy gave an awkward laugh. "I assure you I didn't have as much experience with it when I first filled in. It was lots of trial and error. Mostly error. I'd be a lousy thief if the moment called for it."
"I wish that was the reason." LeRoy rolled his eyes at the comment, jingling his key ring in emphasis. "They called me Key-Man cause of this obnoxious key ring. While it's a vast collection, stealth is never my friend with it."
"Despite my outdated uniform, I got stuck here in the 1930s. Late October I believe. I remember seeing decorations for Halloween in a few shops." LeRoy said. "I'd imagine that is a fair amount of time in the past compared to when you arrived here."
"I- suppose you have some semblance of a point. However, that also just makes you sound suicidal in a way." LeRoy deadpanned, noting the other man's strange eccentricities. "Even more so considering you don't even know if there's a way to contain the said fire within your room. I'm not sure the fumes would necessarily be good for you either..." LeRoy seemed notably concerned at the idea of trying to talk to deities though that method. "Maybe you could try a different summoning tactic if you really need to."
"You would know yourself far better than I. That is an unfortunate circumstance. My apologies for any assumptions. It is nice that they trusted you enough...yet overrelying on someone who is unqualified will only lead to unnecessary stress. Though, I suppose the people of your time held little acknowledgement for such things. On a brighter side, it seems as if you did get a knack for it. In that regard, I must admit that I am impressed by you. Most people would have gotten sicker of the situation than you seemed to have. Once more, I apologize if this assumption is incorrect."
Oh, I can see how that would be quite useless in stealth situations. Luckily, due to our scratch marks, stealth isn't the most valid option. You are still at a disadvantage though. That begs the question, why don't you just remove the keys?"
"The late 1930's. So you could have been around when World War 2 broke out. Halloween, now that is some ironic timing. You ended up stuck in what most would call, a horror show." He took his book out and wrote something down.
"I suppose that is a way to see it. I won't argue if that is how you choose to see me. Despite that, I disagree. Do you believe I am that inexperienced with fires?" He blank faced after that, it seemed as if a thought crossed his head. "Oh wait! This probably isn't the best showing of that. Heh, I nearly forgot!" Theodore seemed to be covering the burn mark around his left eye as he spoke. "I could. We really need to try anything to win. Since we essentially have unlimited lives in this game, we have a high amount of room to experiment. The way I see it, our only chance of winning is in taking advantage of the little amount we have been given. Once we get far enough with that, more holes will open for us to go through."
"That's similar to what I told them ironically enough. I believe it was a thing of little to no care for the well-being of employees at the time. The park had a lot of things happening to it while I stepped in as the holder of the keys." LeRoy sighed, before perking up a bit at the complement. "Ah! Why, thank you. I like to think I did my best given the situation. It's definitely helpful here to have a lock pick or two." He gave his toolbag a pat before he continued talking.
"They're my item for matches," LeRoy stated as though it was as common knowledge as the sky being blue. "Anytime I'd lose them - let alone try to get rid of them, they always appear in my room or pocket like nothing happened. Everyone is kind of stuck with whatever items they're assigned to because of it."
"It is a bit ironic, isn't it? I suppose if it wasn't for the time of year, I would have freaked out more upon my initial arrival." He muttered, more to himself it seemed as he snapped back to the conversation as though nothing had happened.
"Well, now I most definitely do! I'm not sure I'd even let you near a pack of bang snaps now." He said as Theodore made a point of hiding his scar. "Although, I think...I somewhat understand what you're getting at. I must admit after finding out the strange effects the manor holds, I began doing small tests here and there. Nothing like your idea to set fire to your room of course, but more so trying to track its teleportation habits. I'm curious if there's a space of time before the manor can react to certain things."
"Can't say things have changed much in that regard! It had a lot of things happening to it? What kind of things were happening there? Cult, spree of disappearances, or general issues? Have you broken into anyone's room yet? With your abilities, you definitely could take someone's stuff in here. Actually... that doesn't seem like your type of thing." Theodore adds something to his notes.
"I see. I had guessed so. Definitively knowing is quite the help. You have my thanks. So if I were to remove my other book, it would just appear. I wonder if it would come back exactly the same if I ate it. Actually, scratch that thought. That knowledge is most likely useless in the long run."
"You were actually under the impression that this was some Halloween themed party? Well, I can't blame you. It must have seemed pretty lucky to find a party in your time. Most of the world's economies were in shambles, if I remember correctly. I will stop...there."
"No really! I was just a kid at that point in my life! Times have very much changed. I don't intend on setting the room ablaze. Can you tell me about your tests?"
"It would make sense if it did! I've heard many different renditions of where people were before they entered the manor. It's all very strange really!"
"Oh good lord no! I would never abuse my abilities like that." LeRoy said, scandalized by the suggestion of breaking into someone's room. "Any of the times I've used my lockpicks here is to help someone get back into their room after losing their keys. Or to try to help open whatever strange items are scattered around the common area."
"Ah, it was extremely wishful thinking on my end...I can't say I was in the right state of mind at the moment of my arrival." He gave a small laugh as he looked at Theodore's notebook. Noting the random intervals the other would take notes on his statements - LeRoy almost felt like he was being interviewed. "I'm afraid I couldn't think of any other logical explanation other than some strange party in the woods."
"Hm? Well, I suppose I wouldn't mind! Especially if it helps you to gain better ideas than arson." He nodded. "I've mainly been measuring how far I can make it into the woods before looping back to the manor. I used chalk markings, rope, and anything that could safely mark my progress really. In the end, I figured out that there's about a 5-10 minute delay before you're looped back. What that means for the future? I'm unsure. However, I'm sure it can be useful if the rest of the manor has those cooldown times."
He shrugged. “Maybe we will find out eventually. That’s good to know! Wait, people have lost their room keys before? So that confirms that they don’t come back and like our items do.” He wrote that down in his notebook.
“I imagine most of us were not in the right state of mind when entering the manor. So you thought you were going to a rave. Wait, those didn’t exist during Your time. I see that you are eyeing my book.”
“Must you keep calling my idea arson. I already explained that the plan involved a controlled fire.” Theodore dramatically huffed. “Now, how far did you make it? We will just have to see how useful it is. Maybe it will even be soon.”
"Mhm." LeRoy nodded, confirming the fact of the other's room keys. "I remember someone lost theirs somewhere for a solid week or so! Luckily they found them, but I had to help them open their door between matches a couple times."
"A rave? You're correct I can't say I'm certain what that is exactly." The ranger blinked, tilting his head in confusion before turning his attention back to the book. "Oh! Right. I was curious about what you've been writing down, you seem to be jotting down things at very random points in our conversation."
"I'd say maybe a little over two or three miles? It was definitely short enough for me to run towards a few times without tiring myself out." LeRoy said, pausing as he rummaged for something in one of his jacket pockets. Taking out and flipping through a small notebook simply labeled Field Studies. "Ah! According to what I wrote down here, it was barely 3 miles out. As for if that's only in that one patch of woodland yet remains to be tested."
"Especially considering," LeRoy did a small circular motion with his hand. "How much of it surrounds us at the moment. There's a lot of different angles- many angles that could possibly have a key out of here."
“A whole entire week is an impressive feat. Where did they stay, the vents? I wonder if someone could live in those? Hmm, so you have impressive stamina. I am usually quite tired after matches due to the rocket chairs.”
“You will find out what it is. Someone here probably knows something about it. They could tell you more than me.” he sighed and very quietly spoke. “I never really got invited to anything.” he then started to mumble even more. “I probably wouldn’t enjoy it anyway.”
He seemed happy with the conversation switching to his notes. “I am just writing down my notes on you and the manor! It helps me remember details for my plans!”
“I have to keep your energy in mind. You clearly don’t get tired. Oh-so three miles it is.” Theodore smirked. “I am glad that you didn’t test everything. Now I have something more to do! I will find the key out of here. No one can stop me.”
"I'm not sure that anyone could fit into the vents." LeRoy laughed as he looked up at one of the vents on the ceiling as if to double-check. "Mhm! Like I thought, definitely too small. I'm afraid the person I'm referring to had to sleep in the common room for a bit. Luckily for them, the couches here are comfortable."
"I have to have good stamina to get from point A to point B in the park I worked at. Most of the time it was a good walk to get to the different buildings." He explained. "On top of that, running from hunters has definitely helped me keep up on any exercise I might have missed! A strange upside in a way I suppose."
"Oh? Have you found anything interesting so far?" LeRoy asked. "I know you've said I'm the first resident you've met other than the archeologist, but I'm curious if you've run into any of the manor's stranger properties yet. Perhaps you found something I haven't yet!"
"I appreciate your enthusiasm, it's refreshing! Although, do try not to be too reckless in testing things. You need to make sure you don't accidentally harm yourself or others. Especially with matches looming over us like they are!"
"Well, I will simply have to try! If no one else has before, I will have to be the first!" He started mumbling to himself as he wrote. "Couches are comfortable. Hiding in the common room is doable."
"You seem like you would be quite the container as well. To get to...how many buildings were there? I see. So you have found positives in this grisly situation? You must be quite the optimist. How admirable."
"Nope! I haven't found anything in the slightest. Of course, that is possibly because I am setting up multiple plans at once!" A smug expression spread across Theodore's face. It almost gave the feeling of him saying "you can't stop me."
"I appreciate your concern but I somewhat disagree. Recklessness mixed with trial and error is the only way we will get out. It is a pity for me to say but thinking like that could be holding us back. Don't worry, I won't harm others. That is a vow that I promise to take!"
"I wouldn't recommend trying to live in the vents. I've heard stories of people getting stuck in those and perishing." He sighed as he watched the other man scribble down his notes. "Couches, beds, and whatever else is in your room is bound to be more comfortable! They seem to be tailored to our tastes pretty well after all."
"Hm- I'd say there were about 3 buildings plus the campsites scattered around. Of course that was only the side I worked at. I heard the northern side of the park had 4 more buildings than we did." He answered, giving a small laugh at the optimistic remark. "Ah- I'm afraid I have to be Mr. Cromwell. I'm not sure what I'd do if there wasn't anything I could put my hope into."
"Oh, I see." LeRoy sounded somewhat disappointed in the fact that Theodore hadn't actually found anything yet. "Perhaps I got a bit too excited there, you did just arrive here after all."
"Recklessness got most of us here in the first place! I'd say it's more than warranted to wish to be cautious here. We might not be in a space that we understand anymore." LeRoy pointed out, crossing his arms. "I'm glad you don't plan to bring anyone into harm's way, but you also need to be safe about what you test and what you don't test."
He continued writing. “Oh, don’t worry! My tastes are nonexistent. So people can stick here? Well, every survivor seems to be about the same build, for some reason. So my chances are not high. Maybe I will have to test what is more comfortable.”
“Woah, that place seems big. Does this seem about right?” Theo showed LeRoy a page in his notebook. On it was a very poorly drawn “map” from how LeRoy described his workplace. “There will always be something to put your hope into. So keep doing that!”
“Exactly! Since it got us in here, it can possibly get us out! I mean, do you leave your house from the door you entered or another one? Nonetheless, I intend to take any chance I have. If you really want me to be cautious though…I might consider it.”
"Nonexistent room tastes? Are you some sort of nomadic character?" LeRoy asked at the mention of the Philosopher "roughing it" around the manor. "I'm not so sure about that- You seem to be a bit taller than I am for one example." He gave a small measurement example to Theodore to demonstrate.
"I'd say that's fairly accurate! If I have any old maps of the park layout, I'll be sure to make a copy for you." He said as he studied the doodled map. "I'm pretty sure those two buildings were a tad closer together, however." He said lightly tapping 2 buildings on the sketch. "The Elk Scout Cabins were a bit closer to the Information Booth. It was so it would be easier for the kiddos to meet somewhere if they got lost!"
"I suppose that way of looking at things makes sense!" LeRoy nodded. "I am curious about what you'd plan to do to recreate the "door" you entered. I'll have to ask you more questions about that later, won't I?"
“I am! I have travelled the world for my understanding of it. The last room that I remember having was a college dorm! Alas, that is no more. Unless if they rebuilt that place.” Theodore covered his burn mark almost without thought.
Upon hearing LeRoy’s words, he looked down. “Oh hey, you are right.” Theo then put his hand on LeRoy’s head. “I am taller than you. How tall are you? Well, I will save that for when push comes to shove. You need to be good at sneaking around sometimes.”
“Wait! That is actually nearly right?!” Theodore was very shocked. “My drawing skills have always been terrible. I didn’t expect you to be able to read it. I am sure that yours will be better.”
“Hmmm, I don’t know yet! I will get there when I get there! Remember that I have only recently arrived!”
"How adventurous! I'm sure you have many interesting stories to tell. I am curious about what you studied though! Did you always wish to go into philosophy?" LeRoy asked at the mention of the other's college dorm. "Oh dear-" He lightly moved Theodore's hand away from his scar. "Did something happen to you there?"
"I'm 5'9"! That must mean you're fairly tall yourself. Perhaps even taller than a few hunters." LeRoy laughed a bit at the idea. "Now, that could be useful for intimidation in a match!"
"Not really! Drawing is actually one of my weaknesses." He said, trying not to remember the multiple drawings of birds and wolfs that looked like 'blobs with stick legs' as Willow put it. "You seem to have a great skill in note-taking, it shouldn't be a surprise that you've built an ability in drawing as well!"
"Ah, that is true!" Leroy hummed. "I suppose I am getting ahead of myself."
"I may have some interesting stories, I may not. I have studied a bit of everything. I can't say that I always intended to go into philosophy due to certain circumstances. A lot happened to me there. Your question my have to be more specific."
"There are hunters who are below five twelve?! I can't imagine anyone being intimidated by me." Theodore seemed as if he was imagining said circumstance."
"Wait, really?! Can you show me what you can draw?! Theodore seemed like a hyperactive elementary schooler. "I am...mildly curious. Well, with so much information to remember, you have to be good at taking notes to survive."
"I was mainly referring to your burn scar. You keep covering it up at certain mentions of certain subjects. May I ask what occurred for you to get such an injury?" LeRoy asked, his face seeming to hold something of a mixture of concern and empathy. "If not, I do understand. I'm afraid scars aren't the most comfortable topic." He paused, awkwardly itching his own scar for a moment before he continued talking. "If you want, you can tell me some of the things you were studying instead! Or one of those stories you mentioned. I'm sure you have a fair amount of interesting ones!"
"Ah- I don't have many of my old sketches on me. I've been keeping them inside of my room for decorations." LeRoy said, seeming a bit embarrassed at the fact. "I might have some small doodles inside of my field journal here though!" He flipped through a few pages before turning it to Theodore. "Here's a time my coworker and I were doing small self-portraits! I had shorter hair then." He gave a small laugh. "Good times indeed!"
"Oh, it was just a burn scar that I got while studying in my room. Covering has just become something that my muscles automatically do at this point. Thank you for being concerned but it really isn't too much. What happened to you, if you don't mind me inquiring? You seem to have some kind of scarring as well. Similar to what you said, if you don't wish to speak about it, it is not necessary." Theo stretched, knowing that he is probably going to say a lot. "I studied, Philosophy, History, Literature, and a bit of science. I should have my notes on the far latter somewhere..." He searched his pockets for said notebook. "Huh, I must have left it in my room." As for stories, I am really not an interesting person at all. So I can't say that I have an stories to tell."
"Those are five times better than what I can do! I am going to need to see the extras in your room. Well, if you would allow that. That brings up a question. Why did you decide to grow out your hair?"
"A burn scar while studying sounds like your school was a bit dangerous. I hope you were at least compensated enough for your medical needs." LeRoy said, giving the other a concerned look at the mention of him constantly covering his face. "You shouldn't have to suffer for a mistake that could have been avoided like that."
"Oh, this old thing? It was more of an act of my clumsiness than anything else." He shrugged, giving a quick tap to the scar. "I was actually doing some of my training hikes! I was out with one of my higher-ups, Oleander. According to what he told me, I slipped by one of the trail edges and scraped myself up a bit. I must have hit my head as well considering how little I ended up remembering when I woke up. I was lucky I walked out of there with only a couple small scars honestly..."
"How interesting! Did you ever write any short stories for your literature classes? Historical Fiction perhaps?" LeRoy asked, excited to hear more about the man's scholarly pursuits. "You seem like you'd be a fan of fiction to some degree- Oh! You should meet some of the authors here!"
"Oh nonsense. Everyone has some sort of story to tell. Look at me, I'm excited to just hear about your life at school." He gave a small chuckle. "I'm sure with time, you'll find some story from yourself that you'll be proud to tell."
"Why thank you! You're more than welcome to see the others I have in my room. I can make us some tea as well while we chat in there." LeRoy nodded, blinking at the question of his hair. Taking a moment to think about the question before answering. "Hm! I'm not quite sure actually. I kind of just started growing it out one winter and it stuck! I think it's very fashionable." He said, giving a small hair flip.
"It wasn't that dangerous. Things just happen. It was probably my fault anyway. You misunderstand, I am not suffering! Who is really to say who's mistake it was as well!"
"An act of clumsiness, interesting." He brought out his notebook. "Tell me, how much do you remember about this event? Oh, very little? So where did you learn all of this from exactly? Do you remember tripping on anything or did it feel as if the air pushed you?"
"I don't recall writing anything during my time in the university. Well, nothing of note. I do rather enjoy fiction. There are authors here aside from...that one? How interesting. If you can lead the way, I would be delighted to make their acquaintance."
Theodore sighed. "I suppose that we will have to see about that. For now, my work here will build up to being my greatest accomplishment." Theodore chuckled. "Perhaps when I get everyone out, I will be able to use the future knowledge of those who come after me to advance civilization. Well, under the circumstance that we get sent back to our own timelines."
"Why, thank you. I will gladly take your offer, as long as you continue to allow it." Theodore smiled. "You should keep your hair like that. It looks good on you."
"Ah! My apologies then! I jumped the gun on my own assumptions too quickly.” LeRoy apologized. “Although, I’m not sure you should blame yourself. After all, you were just studying. You weren’t doing anything wrong.”
"Ha! What a silly notion indeed! It wasn't wind, I assure you. A tree branch knocked into me! I wasn't expecting it so I fell off balance. Honestly, I should have brought some sort of walking stick or rope with me considering the path we went on." He explained, chuckling at the idea of possibly getting pushed. "As for how I found the story out, Oleander told me of course! He said he carried me back to the med base when he realized I had fallen. It was very kind of him to help me fill in the blanks like that, till then I wasn’t sure what I had dreamt or what was real!"
"…That one? Oh! Are you referring to Mr. Orpheus per chance? I can’t say I’ve talked to him much, but I’ve been told he’s a fairly accomplished author.” The Forest Ranger nodded. “There’s also Mr. Frank, Miss Adams, and a handful of other people! I’m sure you’ll be able to find and meet them one way or another.”
"Perhaps… Perhaps not.” LeRoy hummed, giving a small shrug. “You never know how things will turn out in a place like this. For all we know we might get sent to the future all together! Or sent back to when our problems first occurred! There’s many possibilities and very little to explanations.”
“Of course! I don’t see why a tea time from time to time could hurt anything. Besides! You could show me what findings you stumble upon.” He grinned, seeming to take the compliment on his fair fairly well. “And thank you! I assure you, this beauty isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.”
"I suppose that you are right about that. The blame game for the situation is a complicated matter. I didn't start the fire. Yet, I still could have probably escaped."
"So a tree branch knocked you down? So you just so happened to walk into a tree branch? So you put your blind faith into someone, despite having no knowledge whatsoever? You believed that you dreamt the situation? Was there anything else that you dreamed about?"
"That is very possible. Which is why I am trying to prepare for both possibilities. I worry for some of you if we all got sent to the future though. There is really a lot of stuff. Depending on where in the future, there may even be a lot for me. That is why we have to work towards getting said explanations!" Theodore's tone seemed to change back to normal.
"Thank you! Believe me, anything that I find out about this place will be shared with you guys! I want everyone else to escape more than myself." Theo chuckled. "I don't think that anyone's beauty can fade here. There seems to be a lot of better looking people here actually. It is very...unnatural. To be expected in a situation like this. That is severely off topic off course."
"Exactly. I don’t think you should beat yourself up over it all too much.” LeRoy nodded. “What fate deals towards us is a strange thing, I’m afraid.”
"….Yes? I don't think that's so weird to believe! It was a forest after all. And of course, I'd trust Oleander! I don’t see a reason why he’d lie to me. Not only was he one of the higher-ups, but he often told me we were akin to siblings." He said, his eyes looking as though the man didn’t fully believe the words he was saying. That somewhere deep down he agreed. “He helped me out on multiple occasions when I got hurt! I don’t think he’d do something like that to anyone…”
"Well- That's a bit more complicated. I’d consider half of them to be more of nightmares than dreams." LeRoy gave a nervous laugh. “They’re always fuzzy moments from after I did something clumsy, I always think I see someone looking at me with this sinister grin on their face. Or some sort of terrifying creature I can’t explain, but I suppose that’s why they’re nightmares! They’re my subconscious fears.”
“Mhm that’s a good point. I can’t imagine someone like Mr. Strickland would know how to use a phone - let alone a modern one like Miss. Tatya has. I don’t think I’d know how to use anything modern either! From what I’ve been able to piece together, it seems as though I’ve been gone for a very long time.” He sighed, looking out of one of the manor’s windows for a moment. “What do you think you’ll do when you get out of here Theodore?”
“There are a lot of beauties here, aren't they? Some of them could make me swoon by their mere presence alone. It almost makes me forget about the endless cycle of matches!" LeRoy said dramatically, giving a hearty laugh as he slung an arm around Theodore’s shoulder. “Our beauty? How flattering. Did you only come here to try to sweep one of us off of our feet Mr. Philosopher?"
"That is very true. Fate is truly an odd thing. Out of every possibility that I thought of before coming here. Believe me, I really had a lot of theories."
"I can't disagree with you there. I do find it odd that you have only made a mistake on time though. Going off of what you said, I imagined that your tendency of being clumsy was more common than a one time thing. It is entirely possible that I am misreading what you have said. Please correct me, if incorrect. Akin to siblings? You must have had some kind of bond. In that case, how did you know so little?" He said that sentence to himself, almost as if LeRoy wasn't listening. "So there were multiple occasions. In that case, it was rather nice of him. My apologies for my suspicions."
"What do I think I will do when I get back?" Theodore, for once, seemed genuinely lost. " Th-that is a good question. You see.." Theo recollected himself. "Great things, I will do great things."
"There are. Though, I wouldn't say that I would soon over someone's mere presence." Theodore seemed more confused than anything. "Come to sweep someone off their feet? Wouldn't doing a sweep kick to someone's legs cause them to get hurt? I can't say that I came here for a particular person either."
"Oh really? What theories did you have about this place? I'm assuming you found some information on the people here. Is there a pattern of some sort?
"I mean...It was! I injured myself a few times while working there. It was really embarrassing every time as someone else always seemed to witness me do it!" He covered his face, embarrassed just by thinking about some of the events. Sure, tripping or falling was bad by themselves, but they were made so much worse when someone would see you do it. "I'm not sure why he didn't tell me more. Maybe he didn't want me to strain my mind too much." LeRoy answered anyways, pointing to his head. "Oleander made a lot of strange choices I'm afraid. He was a strange man."
"Great things...I think I'd like to do that too." He nodded. "This might sound silly considering how long time has passed since I arrived here, but I think I'd like to visit the park I worked at. One last time. I think it would be nice to visit before I move on to something else. Maybe I'll try to go to college as well! Botany could be interesting."
"A sweep kick? When did I mention kicking you goof? I meant flirting!" LeRoy laughed a bit, giving Theodore a pat on the back as he stepped back. "There goes my theory on you possibly having a crush on someone though. What a shame too! I was excited to try to set you up with someone."
"Well, to be honest, I believed that I would find a burial ground. Several of you had disappeared near this area. People pretty much saw it as a haunted house. As for patterns, there wasn't much of of. The closest I have gotten is that most seem to be lost souls of some sort."
"So you are clumsy yet have never been when no one was watching? I am sorry to hear that. It must have been rather...embarrassing. I am not surprised that he was strange in person."
Theodore coughed. His eyes grew wide as he heard LeRoy's statement. "Yeah...yeah, that makes sense. You will love it when you get there, if you are sent to my time. Believe me, it looks better than it did. You should do that. Though......you might have a lot of issues with that. It is hard to make money for anything, let alone college. If you can, give it a try."
"You said to sweep someone off their feet. The only way I can think of to sweep someone off their feet would be to do a kick. What exactly did you mean?" Theodore grabbed his chin, confusion covering his face. "Having a crush on someone? Why would I go to some abandoned place due to that? Setting me up with someone?! Doesn't that seem a bit manipulative?!" Theodore was internally panicking, good job.
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A man jumps out from under a dining room table. "Hello there, I heard that you have experience as a hunter and survivor. What is that like?" - @ask-idv-philosopher
The sudden appearance of the other, Archer acted on instinct as they grabbed the person's collar and slammed them against the table with their arrow head at neck level. It was a moment before Archer came back to their senses before letting the philosopher go, grabbing their seat and paper.
Do not do that. Please.
Archer wrote before passing it to the other. The question was muffled in their startled state but Archer did hear the words - roughly. They took the paper quickly to write once more.
Explain your words of 'hunter'. The term seems different here.
Theo dusted off his coat. "Oooooh, I think I misunderstood something." Theodore then started to whisper to himself. "He must not share memories with his hunter-self. Now, this is just awkward.." He scratched the back of his head. "Sorry about that, I think I got the wrong person. I was referring to how some people are hunters and survivors in the survival games we play. I was told that someone who played both roles would be coming around this area."
Archer was quietly listening to the man speak - memory of the Shepherd yelling about how they smelt like the "Wendigo" still fresh in their head. Their stomach toiled slightly at the anxiety of the man making the same assumptions.
They wrote - shakily - before tapping the table to get his attention for him to read the message.
Why do you think me and a hunter are one in the same?
The letters were messier than the previous ones, expressing their anxiety though they tried to hide it on their face.
Theodore takes note of The Archer’s shaking. “I was merely following a rumor. You look like you have some experience in hunting outside of the manor. Perhaps the owner decided to use that skill.” He then stopped. “My apologies for going into hypotheticals. I doubt that you are a hunter. It would have likely come out after the little scare if so, right?” He made eye-contact with The Archer.
“Of course, it is also highly probable that causing mild stress does not bring the hunter out. The world would be full of them if so. Wait a minute! All of this and I haven’t even properly introduced myself. My name is Theodore Cromwell. I hope this experience didn’t give you too much of a negative opinion on me.”
A rumor, huh? Archer guessed they could see why given the points - they did seem very suspect to be such an entity...but they weren't...at least they hoped they weren't. Would it be that easy to even summon a hunter from a survivor? Archer didn't know themselves.
Being stared at so blantantly had Archer recoil for a minute as they nodded in agreement that the hunters wouldn't be summoned so easily.
Archer or Ace. Negative or not, still rude to jump out from a table.
Archer wrote for a moment before thinking and tapping the table - standing up a little before pointing at their eyes before pointing to somewhere across the room where the hunter he was looking for was. It had been trying to swallow something for the last couple of minutes but Archer didn't know what it is.
That was one of the hunters I entered the manor with. It can't speak from what I know.
“I see and agree with your point. I won’t jump out from there again. Nonetheless, I am pleased to make your acquaintance.” Theo turned to where the archer was pointing and pulled out his notebook. He then started to write notes on the hunter.
“So you had entered with this? They seem to be rather beastly, pretty much perfect for the role. You must have not had an enjoyable time.”
The other gave a noise of affirmation - it was nice to meet him as well despite how he suddenly appeared. Keeping their eyes on the hunter, Archer nodded and made a noise of confirmation.
Yes. This and two other hunters. This one and a long haired one started to fight because of how this one thought it was food.
The archer wrote the experience out quickly. It was quite the impression that they dealt with. It was an understatement to say the least - three hunters and a hunter enter the manor at the same time? Sounded like a bad joke.
We had to put a muzzle onto its upper jaws because it was attacking people who got too close.
It was a warning for Theo. It didn't have use of its jaws but Archer wouldn't put it past to try just shoveling the poor guy down its gullet.
He grabbed his chin. "So it is as animalistic as it looks." Theo shrugged. "I am impressed that it didn't try to eat you and your group. That would probably be the easier prey. Though, maybe the smaller quantities of meat makes it not worth i-" Theodore stops talking and gets to writing a description of The Archer's game.
"So there was a hunter versus a hunter, versus a hunter, versus a hunter! That sounds like a Caiju movie! Wait a minute, you guys probably don't know what that is. Forget what I said! Unless...if you are interested."
"You guys actually managed to get close to it without dying?! Bravo, bravo!" Theodore writes down "possible to not die when in close range" in his notes. "So did it break the muzzle?"
Thinking about when they first entered the manor, Archer had stayed a little back from the hunters to keep an eye on them. It was more introducing that turned into a beastly match off of they were to be honest.
As for games... It would be a lie to say that the hunter didn't try eating one or two survivors beforehand. The poor survivors probably have a little mental scarring from those moments or when the hunter would pick them up or throw them into the chairs.
No. When I entered the manor, it was me - a survivor - and 3 hunters for the game. This hunter has tried eating one or two survivors in game before - the muzzle gets taken off during matches apparently.
Writing it out....it felt like Archer was watching more over a misbehaved pet. They felt embarrassed about that for some reason.
Caiju?
It seemed that Archer was interested about that at least.
When it entered, it didn't have a muzzle. When it attacked the Shepherd, the owner requested for the muzzle to be used outside matches. Using water spray to distract it made it easy to slip it on.
"You had more hunters than survivors. That is very unlucky. Did you ever try contacting those people after? Actually, there are some thing that someone can't really comfort another about, I think." Theo seemed very unsure about his last statement.
Archer asking about Kaiju seemed to cheer Theodore up. "They are movi-" Theodore remembered what era The Archer was likely from. "moving pictures from Japan. They usually have two giant monsters fighting each other. Sometimes a monster destroys a city and the military makes every imaginable mistake possible. There are also some of those where giant robots fight said monsters. Pretty much, they are giant monster films!"
Unlucky? Archer never really realized that as they had a pondering look for one moment before shaking their head a little. If they were to try to talk with the people in a consoling way, Archer was sure it wouldn't be taken well. They did not have such skills in talking with people anyways.
Giant monsters fighting each other huh. It sounded a little phantasmal but at the point Archer woule take it as they nodded slowly once more.
"It is quite the thing to witness. They are a pretty good showing of how cinema in general has evolved. They used to be played be men in suits but are now mostly made with Computer Generated Imagery, or CGI for short. You know, the situation we are in could make an oddly good horror movie, if done right. It would probably end up getting banned in multiple countries though."
"Apologies if I am forgetting but who provided the muzzle? Did it just appear out of no where or did someone put it on him?"
Archer listened as the man rambled on about the cinema. Did they understand most of it? No, not really but it did at least catch their interest in wanting to experience the phenomena. Maybe, one day, they could find what Theodore was talking about and get to see those moving pictures. However, that was a pipe dream placed on hold.
Ah no. Someone handed it to me. With a help of someone using a waterhose to distract the hunter, I managed to put it on while it was stunned at the water. I don't think it enjoys being strayed at.
“You managed to put the muzzle on it?!” Theodore practically jumped back. He knew the the archer was strong from his first experience but this was a whole new level. How much was the archer truly capable of? He thought of the possibilities. “You have truly impressed me with that.”
“So it is almost like a cat in that regard. Does it hiss and purr as well?” Theodore was truly asking “the most important questions.”
Seeing the man flipping through his books, the child readied his blade arm, in hopes of killing the one before him. He hated his uncle, an he'd o anything to stop them. Lifting his bladed arm, the child swung at the survivor, only to hit the table right next to Theodore.
"Hrrk...! Mmmh!!! Dannazione! Pezzo di merda!!"
@ask-idv-pinocchio
“Ah! What was that for?! Can’t you see that I am reading!?” He huffed. Theo then took notice to the child’s appearance and started quietly speaking to himself. “Wait a minute. This a new familiar face, a hunter as well. They seem to not speak English. I need to go through my knowledge of languages to speak to him.” Theo then spoke. “Howdy, gluten tag.”
