[September 2017 GM Event] Masque of the Red Death

[Doc]

The lights went out, the sounds of a struggle reverberated about the room, and when lights came on, Zodiac was ‘dead’ in the middle of the floor.

Doc looked at ‘dead’ Zodiac. He sighed heavily. “Well ****.. I thought she was the killer.” he glanced at Amalea, “What? It was a completely logical thought. She was there and then gone, no where to be seen.. It was a legit supposition that she was the killer. Except.. That she disappeared because she was being killed.. “ he justified even though he didn’t need to.

Another heavy sigh, “She is going to be so ******* pissed at me.” He turned back to the Body. “I am sorry Zodiac.. You will be avenged.”

Looking back at Amalea, his voice low “You and I ..we stick together.” He cast his gaze around the room. “Who are we missing?”

[Romeo]

"I would have to say she isn't one that has ever been on my radar."

I look over the effects of what a little darkness and flip of a switch or two bring. Among the remaining guests there is a collective reaction as expected. The 'it wasn't me' and the instant suspicion that went with it was rising fast. I look at the one who has been on my radar from the first moment I set eyes on him.

I know what my spouse of the hour is capable of and that generally is a clear indication of how much more he could be suspected of. Inviting me to this party, only to bust my chops and leaving me holding the candlestick instead of the beady eyed Professor Plum who seems cozy holding company with Miss Scarlett would be something he would do. He made sure I was feeding and clothing a corner of a third world country with my savings so why not **** me over here? I smirk and wrinkle my nose in the way all those innocent little tarts like to do when they don’t want to be called for having dirty hands.

“This has been a shock. Please pardon me while I find something refreshing for both of us.” The first thing that draws attention is increased effort to be seen, to have an alibi. Guilty as sin had a ring to it for a damned good reason.

[Meara]

Meara turned and was about to reply to the woman’s banter, enjoying the effort given to play along and set the mood. She had given her a warm smile before the room was engulfed with darkness. She squeaked with surprise, as the blackness had caught her by surprise. She could hear a lot of commotion around her, which went silent as the lights came on. Sure enough, the first victim was laying sprawled out on the floor. The performer in her was very amused at the appearance of props and fake blood, however her excitement was dampened because the person lying there was also playing the role of the doctor.

“Great, now the killers have the upper hand.” Meara mused as she let her blue eyes come back to meet the blonde’s eyes. “Do you know who that is?” She asked of the blonde next to her, reaching to claim her glass of wine from the bar counter. “Blood withstanding, I don’t think I ever made their acquaintance. Shame that.”

Her coral painted lips gave a somewhat uneasy smile to the blonde that was approaching the pair of them. “I wish I could’ve met you as well under better circumstances, I do love your dress though.” She commented to her companion at the bar before she turned her eyes back to the room to watch the people interact.

[Urchin]

My "wife" says she's shocked and I give her a glance. She's seen dead people before, and I'd stake my life on the fact that she's even taken a few or hundreds of lives before. Either she's playing a part, or she's trying to keep suspicion off her. She then offers to leave and now I know something is up. Didn't she just tell me to stay close by if I wanted to live? ****.

I move back to the small crowd of people I was near before, but keep this revelation to myself for now. I don't want to accuse her without proof.. "Tonight has taken a turn for the worst." I say as I rejoin them, keeping an eye on the detective.

[Romeo]

"Ladies."

I wouldn't know if they were but if they were no more or less than I then I would say I'm heading for great company. I find a drink waiting for me and that is refreshing. Once I have it in hand I raise my glass to both and offer a nod their direction. I am pretty sure from this vantage point I am able to keep my eye on the guilty suspect. Not one to dance around in circles I go in straight.

"When was the last time you happened to see the Prince alive and kicking?" I eye both at once because singling one out left the other thinking a little more than is handy for my taste. Given the circumstances of course.

[Amalea]

“I wasn’t going to say anything against it,” Amalea shrugged imperceptibly, “It was logical to assume that either of those missing was the killer. Was my thought too, honestly.” She gave him a bit of an odd look at the mention of the woman being pissed at him; surely no one was going to be angry later over what occurred here.

She gave him a ghost of a smile, as she quietly agreed, “As you wish, Doctor Watson.” It was certainly a request she had no issues with, even if he was playing to the adage of ‘keeping ones enemies closer’ than ones friends.

“Ripper,” the red-head supplied instantly, “I saw him enter and leave earlier, though logic dictates he’s not the killer.” She glanced at the others before continuing, “It’s too obvious a choice now; I think the killers are in this room.”

Eye narrowed slightly at the sight of Mr. Faber coming back their ways sans his wife, “Looks like there’s trouble in paradise,” she murmured. Nodding at the man, she returned to a normal voice, “Indeed it has and I fear it will only get worse until these monsters are stopped.”

[Doc]

Doc heard and listened to Amalea, and as she agreed that she thought Zodiac was the killer, he did feel somewhat absolved, yet all the same. Even as Zodiac had lain there in her fake blood, he could see her peering at him through her mostly closed eyes, in a smug, ‘you were wrong again Doctor’ way.

Amalea was also counting and questioning, As soon as he had asked who was missing, she supplied the answer. Ripper.

Then he noticed as Amalea pointed out the male in the smart coat. Doc nodded at him, while sliding a look at Amalea, that silently said, ‘Hey yall.. Hold my beer’ “Welcome back Son,..” Given Doc’s age, and the the male, it seemed fitting, since he couldn't remember his name. “I noticed your wife, wearing that lovely gown.”

Doc turned to look at Romeo. “But I have to wonder.. “ He looked back at Faber. “Why is she wearing .. white,, to a funeral? Is she special? Touched in the head, is she?” Doc tapped the side of his head as he spoke.

Doc looked at Amalea, with raised eyebrows and grinned.

#vote: Ripper

[Meara]

Meara could feel the hair on the back of her neck stand up as the woman started to question her and the other blonde. When had she seen the Prince last? Hmm what would the character she had dreamed up into say when asked. She may have taken too long to answer, but the other woman wasn't answering either, so she hesitantly answered, being sure to meet the lavishly dressed woman's gaze.

"Probably a couple weeks ago when I was last here for a gala. My chamber ensemble plays frequently at the Prince's events, and has afforded me a chance to develop a friendship with him. He was such a kind hearted man, what a terrible thing to have befallen him." Meara took a sip of her wine after she finished speaking.

"And what of yourself? How do you know our dear prince?"She rapidly pivoted to turn the question back on the interrogator before them.

[Urchin]

My eyes narrow at the guy talking **** about my "wife." She's definitely something, what, I'm not sure of. I'm about to say something, when I back track to what the female at his side had said. "Murderers? What makes you think that?" Could the detective have an accomplice? I look at the ladies she's with and notice the other woman in a light dress.

"As for my wife, I wouldn't say touched, so much as attention seeking. Something she's unwittingly succeeded at, as here we are." I glare in her direction. "She definitely wants us to keep an eye on her." That much I know.

[Romeo]

"I was called to check on a few business issues that were concerning him. Discretion with him is of the utmost importance." I watch for a reaction. "Certainly wouldn't have been invited based on my husbands charm alone."

I had it in the bag but something told me there were a few others feeling the same vibe. Which was exactly how things should be going. The gut feeling didn't make appearances only on the clock. It was hard at work and I could tell this would not be an unsolved mystery for too much longer. I look to the one sitting quiet. It's not a crime. It can be a sign of politeness, wisdom or being guilty but not yet charged.

"My husband is pretty sure he knows who did it. I told him you two looked pretty innocent to me." I allow that to sit a moment while I pretend to sip my drink with the experience the years has provided to me. "I am over here for a reason." I wink to the supposed better half and blow him a kiss while wiggling my fingers that are holding my drink. My thoughts are encouraging him to wonder what the hell I am up to. "Smile ladies. He will think I just sold some of the Tupperware over stock we got in the trunk outside."