Player Plot - Haunted House 2 - The Moogle Test of Courage

[not_most_days]

Characters: Moogles and Heroes who signed up. Latecomers welcome for a brief time
Where: An old run down shrine north of Aqures Ixen
When: October 20th
Summary: Mysterious letters have gone out, inviting moogles to come take part in a test of courage, and inviting Heroes to come and be the monsters for it.
Warning: 2SPOOKY It’s too late a skeleton is inside you

Throughout the month letters were arriving in mailboxes, though it was never clear who actually did the deliveries. This was further complicated by the fact that the letters addressed to the Heroes who received them were all requesting a level of secrecy from them for the sake of making this event go off without a hitch. The letters that came to the moogles on the other hand only spoke of a challenge, and a promise of prizes and glory to the bravest of moogles, if they could prove themselves. The letters were simply signed Kutan. No letters sent back to them would be replied to.

The Heroes were encouraged to show up early on the 20th, while the moogles were told to come at sundown.

Comments

Hero Mingle

[not_most_days]

Kutan was nowhere in sight, but all supplies within reason that were requested could be found in the shrine, as well as a few seemingly picked out at Kutan’s own judgement. They were certainly prepared for a fun night of haunting. A note is left on a table, in the same hand paw as the letters they all received.

Thank you all for coming, kupo. I’m sure this will be a night you all remember, but if your fellow moogles are indeed brave they may find the courage to better support you in your coming battles. I wish them well and I look forward to seeing them later, kupo. Don’t worry, I will watch over them and I promise they won’t get hurt.

If any moogles decide that they wish to put their courage to a second and harsher test, please direct them to the cave behind the shrine, but first let’s have them brave their way here, kupo.

Kupo,
Kutan

Duster | OTA

[mindofathief]

Duster unwrapped the cloth protecting the paper-mâché zombie mask and set it on the break room table. He has spend the past week painting blood on his torn outfit, creating the mask, and finding the right markers to color his exposed skin. Tamekichi was no help. The Moogle decided that haunted houses weren't work the time of cool, suave postal workers like him and left his Hero to his own devices. Duster, who had no clue how to do arts and crafts. Duster, who had wanted to come as a bedsheet ghost before convinced otherwise.

But they were right. Ghosts weren't that scary. Some where nice and partied all night with wine and rotten food. This was supposed to be a test of courage, not a test of hospitality.

At the very least, his limp helped sell the image of a zombie. He tests it out, wearing the mask and exaggerating his hobbling as he wanders from one edge of the room to the other. All was good, things were going to be good.

...Until he pulled off the mask five minutes later breathing heavily, his face flushed.

[has_been_faking]

Ed decided to go with makeup over a mask, wearing a suit and hat he's properly worn down to look like he came fresh from the grave. Now that he sees Duster huffing and puffing, he'd glad he went this route, no matter how much of a pain it was to get the makeup looking right.

Making sure no moogles were coming, he walked up to Duster, grinning while trying to look sympathetic.

"You doing alright there?"

[mindofathief]

"Y-yeah..." He panted a few more times before he pushed himself off his knees. "I think I should've made bigger breathing holes."

He ran his thumb over the nose of the mask. Dried paper and glue stuck out everywhere on that part of the mask, and Duster let it me. Zombies were supposed to look ugly. Unfortunately, some of the material was blocking the small holes he pierced.

[rialynn]

"Whoa, you okay there?" Rialynn's costume still made her easily recognizable to those who knew her. White ragged clothes dappled with gray paint in the creases adorned her, like a tattered ballroom gown. Her hair and face were both powdered white, so that the ivory color even clung to her lashes.

It wouldn't be obvious until she started singing eerily at the Moogles, but she'd opted to go for banshee. Jumping out and scaring the Moogles up close just seemed way too mean, and she'd already advised Kunia not to participate in this. She was such a kind and sweet little thing, it would have broken Rialynn's heart to frighten her even for the sake of a holiday.

But for Duster to get winded that quickly didn't seem to bode well. She put a hand on his shoulder to steady him, her pale brow wrinkled with concern. "Is it the mask? I can do your makeup for you if you'd prefer that."

[mindofathief]

"Y..." Duster wheezed before opting to nod. He held his mask up, laying it horizontally so better take a look at the nose holes.

Just as he thought, they were too small. He was essentially covering his mouth and nose.

"No, you don't have to do that. I spent a week on this mask, but..." He held it out for Rialynn to check. "It looks like the breathing holes got covered up."

Lydia | OTA

[deadlyvu]

Lydia never had really decided on what costume she'd have or role she'd play in the moogle test of courage. She supposed, really, she could just 'float and be scary' so to speak. Certainly between her Vampire Job, and her own history of pranking, she could add to the excitement.

As it is, she's gone rather monochromatic and classic in her look. Ready, between her lack of shadow and her utter silence, to help playfully frighten their companions.

[mindofathief]

There was still time until the Moogles arrived, and Duster was thirsty. Fortunately, the owner of this haunted area provided snacks and drinks for the Heroes. Duster was pour blood-colored punch into his cup when he spotted Lydia floating near the table.

"Thirsty?" He held the filled container up.

[deadlyvu]

Lydia eyed the punch, then there was a spark of mischief in her eyes. "I know I'm a Vampire, but I hope we're not taking it too far, and that's just punch, right?" She was sure it was, and was trying to help ease nerves and break the ice for others. "Are you excited, Mr. Duster?"

Lita Kino - OTA

[got_talent]

Whew! It's getting hot in here.

[The big scary demon pops off its horned head, tucking it loosely under one padded muscular arm. The fluffy white mane hangs down to the ground as Lita brushes the sweat from her brow and punches a fist against her hip, smiling. She's in a pretty good mood so far. All she has to do is pop out and wave her hands in the air with some growling noises, and that should be enough.]

[Still...]

Hey, the Moogles do know what this is all about, don't they? If they think we're just trying to scare them because we think it's funny, this seems kinda mean.

Moogle Mingle

[not_most_days]

From the base of the forest below the shrine one could just see its old roof rising up. It was a fair distance away, but it seemed that the lights were lit. Someone had definitely prepared all of this for the brave little adventurers. But who? That mysterious Kutan? Clearly they had help.

The torii gate that signified the entrance to the shrine area wasn’t that far away, but the moogles had been directed to this small caretaker’s shed, far enough away that the gate wasn’t quite in view and certainly not in earshot. The shed was empty save for some gardening supplies, lanterns, a note, and a bowl of candy.

My fellow Moogles,
Thank you all for coming tonight. I know not many perform the Test of Courage anymore, but it’s an older way of celebrating the Night of Thirteen Moogles, kupo. Thank you for coming to take part in an old tradition and I hope you have a frightfully fun evening.

Please split yourselves up into groups of no more than 3 or 4, and please give each other time before each group leaves. While there is strength in numbers, it’s important to show your own courage tonight and not simply hide behind that of others, kupo! I have faith you all will find your way. Keep your ears open and your poms vigilant. There is a secret to be uncovered here tonight, and if you do perhaps you can make your own mark in the trials to come for your Heroes, kupo.

See you soon,

Kutan

Pen-Pen and Shinji

[iknowtheconsequences]

After his declaration to the Heroes at the Sage's meeting, Shinji is more determined than ever to face down his fears. Or, at least, he felt pretty determined when he left the house. By the time he gets to the shed, he is his usual shaky self again. The hat he usually steals from Kaji was left at home, but he is hanging on with both paws to a good luck charm that he was presented with. It is a small keychain with a bell on it (taken from the school bag of Shinji's namesake).

Pen-Pen, on the other hand, is acting cool and relaxed, already helping himself to some of the candy. He thinks he's just here for moral support, which Shinji reiterates. "You- you'd better not go far, kupo." "Qwak!"

Re: Pen-Pen and Shinji

[not_most_days]

Bonnie was excited. This was going to be a fun outing. She wasn't sure who this Kutan was, but she was ready and willing to show just how brave she was. Spotting Shinji and his companion she flutters right over to the pair.

"Oh man! This is so exciting, kupo! Are you ready? I wonder what kind of spooky things we'll see, kupo."

Ophelia

[bloodypast]

Ophelia, given the books she read and stories from her relatives, didn't think she'd be too scared. She was looking forward to the test of courage anyways, for the fun it offered. Still, her paws were wringing in her scarf in excitement as she looked for familiar faces, or any younger moogles she could help provide a stable presence for.

Re: Ophelia

[neverfirstclass]

While the other moogles mingled and chattered and tried to put on a brave face, it seemed there was one ruder moogle who brought a book along with him. Sitting on a stool near the candy table Mako was making a show of ignoring everyone else as he kept is nose buried in his reading, his pom showing over it.

Did he really show up just to make a display of not being interested?

Betel-Po

[deadlyvu]

Betel-Po is off to the side, arms crossed and pom hanging at a slight angle over his shaggy fur. He's freshly dyed stripes in the rest of his fur, and is muttering to himself. Determined to not be scared, because he knows better. It's just gonna be a bunch of pranks, kupo. Not gonna get the better of him!

[OOC:SOMEONE is susceptible to jump scares, and trying to be brave and psyche himself up.]

[ninjainviolet]

Like his Hero, Corrine had developed a habit of sneaking up on others--whether they were Moogle or not. He didn't do it all the time, however. Doing so would have ruined the specialness of the surprise if people began to expect it from him. No, he only saved it for special occasions.

And this was a special occasion.

Moving quietly above Betel-Po, he suddenly dropped down in front of him, wearing a mask and shouting one word.

"BOO!"

The Entryway

[21stcenturyguy]

Moogles: Denis, Ophelia, Mogrissa
Heroes Lina Kino, Saori Nakagawa

The shrine’s entrance is well marked, even if those signs have been overgrown at this point. Nature has begun to reclaim the path but there are signs that a few well meaning people have tried to clean it from time to time. Stones, both statues and pathway slate lead the way to the treeline where a torii gate seems to hold the forest apart. Stone stairs climb the hill behind it, gates standing vigil over different landings. It is said that if one looks through the gates one can see the spirits that occupy these grounds.

Re: The Entryway

[bloodypast]

Ophelia was excited; this was already turning out like out of the stories she read. So picturesque, and the whole air and feel of the place felt like there was an 'edge'. Peaceful, but step warily!

"Do we have any preference for how we approach this kupo?" In a line, trying to stay in a group close together? Ophelia wasn't worried yet.

The Forest Path

[21stcenturyguy]

Moogles: Mako, Brigid, Mogdelina, Shinji with Penpen
Heroes: Ed Grayson, Dylas, Donnel

At the top of the stairs the path winds its way into the woods. It should be a simple path but the overgrowth and fallen trees may cause some creative detours. Wandering through these off paths, one might hear the sound of running water and a small stream, no doubt fed by some mountain spring.

Re: The Forest Path

[wickedone]

Mogdelina took a deep breath. She wasn't scared -- she wasn't! She was a warrior, just like her hero! She just hoped the others with her were just as brave...

Also, the penguin. Why was there a penguin?

"I thought we'd be able to fly over some of these stumps and weeds, but he's not going to be able to make it," she said, shaking her head and gesturing toward Penpen. "So if we have to go around things, we need to stay together!"

Re: The Forest Path

[neverfirstclass]

Mako sighed as he fluttered up the stairs. At the urging of Ophelia he left his book behind at the welcome shed, but then he proceeded to be stubborn and attempt to no-sell the haunts and surprises they went through at the entryway. He would have much rather had gotten this all done as fast as possible but he wasn't so cruel a moogle that he'd leave Shinji and Penpen behind.

But he'd grumble about it.

He looked the penguin up and down before looking ahead down the path, "Mmmm, probably." It looked like the marked path went on ahead for a bit but there seemed like there was a downed tree mostly blocking the way about halfway down the entirety of this forest path. They might have to turn off into the woods themselves when they got to it.

"But if the penguin wants to turn back now there's no shame in it, kupo."

The Shrine

[21stcenturyguy]

Moogles: Corinne, Betel-Po, Bonnie
Heroes: Rialynn, Duster, Lydia

The shrine appears to be of a fairly standard shinto design, with an elevated step to enter and worn wooden pathways around the building. While the building is old, the wood doesn’t seem to have rotted, though some of the other decorations and cloth and paper about the building have. The structure is mostly comprise of small rooms for living and sleeping, and a larger main shrine area.

Re: The Shrine

[not_most_days]

Riding high on the adrenaline from the Entryway and Forest Path, Bonnie fluttered on ahead of the others, grinning wide and hood pulled down in anticipation of the next fright, "Come on! Let's do this, kupo!" Zipping up the steps to the porch she settled down next to the front door, trying to peer through the gaps and holes in the old building but unable to see anything.

That didn't stop her from making little infiltration hand signals that didn't actually mean anything.

The Cave

[21stcenturyguy]

Locked for now
Heroes: Kaji
Moogles Any who dare enter...