room 2

[dramatispersonae]

[Passing through the doorway separates you from the others, but it also separates you from the light. In the blink of an eye your engulfed in shadows as far as the eye can see-- or not see, as it is. It's difficult to make out your own hands let alone the teammates beside you. You can hear the roaring of water and the growling of passing animals...

...But, slowly, your eyes become accustomed. Your still surrounded in pitch black, but now you can see the soft outlines of those with you, the ridges and ravines of the land, and most hauntingly a young woman stands before you. It's not the woman running the game, but some of you may remember her-- A princess, a queen who fell in battle. Here she stands in the very armor she died in, the dried blood silvery against her transparent skin. Around her neck are two necklaces, one in Emerald Green the other in Citrine Brown]

Comments

ROUND 1

[dramatispersonae]

Hm. A choice.

[The woman's voice is soft and stern but, in spite of this, fills the area in a cold gust.]

Forcing you to participate will do me no good. This isn't a game we play. Only those willing will be able to succeed in the task at hand. You have options. None of them are wrong. You won't lose choosing one over the other-- not so easily.

You may stay here and talk as you wish; I'll leave you questions, if you wish for them. You could even explore, I suppose. Or, if you wish, you could help this warrior find where she needs to go. Be warned, it's not for the faint of heart.

I'll give you some time to think about it.

DISCUSSION

[dramatispersonae]

Re: DISCUSSION

[ninetyninelives]

[IS A RED PANTHER]

[because someone doesn't handle the sound of animals growling at him well]

Really? We pick?

Re: DISCUSSION

[heartrending]

You truly intend to give us a choice?

[suspicious staring.]

Re: DISCUSSION

[morbidlysexy]

Oh, I remember her...

SUBMIT

[dramatispersonae]

[Say what your team will be doing here! Please note if they're actually earnest in the matter. For example if they're just choosing helping the princess because they think it's the point of the game. Or they're staying and talking because they really don't trust Personae.]

Re: SUBMIT

[heartrending]

We will aid the queen.

[Fenris and Clara want to see through their progress from the previous game; Northerly just wants memories; and Thorn goes along with what heroes want.]

QUESTIONS

[dramatispersonae]

ROUND 2

[dramatispersonae]

[There's silence as you enter your answers. No response, good or negative, from the Persona but the princess smiles faintly. Her clothes become less bloodstained and the holes in her armor repaired. The nearby area grows darker and the noises louder. Whatever was protecting you is pulling aways its shield and you're able to see how dark it really is. Greatfully, you're still able to see the faintest outlines of things nearest to you but nothing more.

The wind whistles past and as it does it brings with you the faint images of other transparent souls. Mostly soldiers, some mothers, an old lady. Here and there a child appears. They move in stumbling whisps-- most to the same direction: north. Others stumble and get lost. Your princess stands there cautiously, glancing over her shoulder before returning her gaze to the group.

There's not much to see ahead. The shadows creep ever on and only the faintest outlines of mountains can be seen. The trees speckle the ground and then there's the river not far to your left that seems to criss-cross here and there. It's a maze of places with only outlines to guide you...

...Except, just as before, the shadows swallow you completely and your only comforts is the soft breathing of your teammates. What is that growling animal in the distance? What caused the shiver in your arm as something brushed against you? You cannot yet tell.

A voice echoes through the area, softer than the passing winds:

This is my duty. You may fail. You may meet your end here. Many have even before this realm.

I promise you protection. You will not be injured, but you'll find no comfort.

You must help her to get to where many of these here cannot. Do not worry for them, she is your concern.

No lights or magic will work here, I'm afraid. Find your way through. Along the way I will give you tools to assist you if you take the time to answer a question... This is the most I can do. If you wish to turn back, you need only say my name.
]

DISCUSSION/EXPLORE

[dramatispersonae]

Re: DISCUSSION/EXPLORE

[morbidlysexy]

Seems a fool to me.

Re: DISCUSSION/EXPLORE

[ninetyninelives]

That's not really any detail.

Re: DISCUSSION/EXPLORE

[heartrending]

[considers for a moment, and talks to Sangria and Thorn; then he approaches the princess]

Will you speak with me, my lady?

Re: DISCUSSION/EXPLORE

[hunting]

[ Well, he's going to approach that river to see if he can't find something that might be useful in actually answering this question. ]

A QUESTION

[dramatispersonae]

There was once a man who was stronger than most and assured in his strength. He fought recklessly at times. Once, he went into battle for something he need naught and was destined to die. Tell me, is the bravery or foolhardy?

TURN-IN

[dramatispersonae]

ROUND 3

[dramatispersonae]

[ The scene changes some. The shadows creep away, but not too far. Just enough that a pathway is formed. The wind picks up and insists the group go forward. The pathway is rocky and one has to be careful, but you're able to move.

The princess herself draws back to stand in the midst of the group. She's surefooted as she travels and somehow lighter than she was before. The spirits around move slowly and are pushed away as you travel. As if the group is moving in its own light. Perhaps you are.

You reach a set of gates, towering over all. Spirits mill about unable to go forward, but it's obvious this is where you're supposed to go. On the other side color and light flood more. Still not without complete darkness, but better than where you are.

The voice floats through again:

There is no payment. Why do you believe you deserve to pass? ]

DISCUSSION

[dramatispersonae]

Re: DISCUSSION

[heartrending]

[just rolls his eyes and sighs]

She wishes to play games now?

[and then something occurs to him, and he goes to the princess again]

Might I ask what lies beyond this gate?

Re: DISCUSSION

[morbidlysexy]

Well.... Why don't we?

Re: DISCUSSION

[ninetyninelives]

[about how wide apart are the bars on the gate]

Re: DISCUSSION

[hunting]

What makes someone deserving?

SUBMIT

[dramatispersonae]

ROUND 4

[dramatispersonae]

What is the difference between the dead and the living?

SUBMIT

[dramatispersonae]