Character Castle

Hello, hello again! And welcome to the latest installment of the Character Setting writing exercises. Here, you may bring in a character or two to interact with other people's creations. We tend to be rather lax, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

They are rules, yes, but they're just arbitrary things to keep in mind, as I said before. And now for the setting.

This time, it's a stately old castle nestled on its own island in a warm sea. A category-2 hurricane has kicked up outside, and rain and wind pound against the castle walls. Within the walls, strange things lurk...

"HEY! VINCE! OPEN UP!" An older man pounded his fist on the door, in hopes that whoever Vince was would please let him inside.

Vince, actually, was nowhere to be found inside. Instead, his colleague Viktor was deep in thought in his study, only to be started out by the sound of the other man trying to get in. He came downstairs and through the foyer, then opened the door.

"Kiyoi? What are you doing out here?" Viktor helped him inside.

Kiyoi wasn't exactly known for being very robust, and he could only stagger inside. His simple dark-colored clothes were soaked to the bone, as was his neck-length, jet-black hair that always covered the cataract over his eye.

He looked up at Viktor. "Oh... Oh, thanks..." He panted, relieved to be out of there.

edited 1st Apr '11 11:04:00 AM by CrystalGlacia

(OOC: My updating schedule might be a bit erratic. Also, do you mean "tropical storm" as "in the tropics" or "not quite a hurricane"?)

David staggered through the forest. His little Cessna had crashed on the island, and he was being pounded by the wind and the rain. I've got to find shelter, he thought.

At least his leather coat was keeping him dry, and the waterproofing in his boots was holding up. His pants, though, left a little to be desired; cargo pants could hold a lot of junk, but they weren't known for staying dry.

He clambered up a small cliff and saw, to his surprise, a castle sitting on top of a large hill. Huh. At first he thought it might be abandoned, but then he noticed the lights in the windows. I wonder if it's still at medieval level or if it's been modernized.

At any rate, it was likely to be David's only shelter against the storm. He started jogging up the hill toward it.

OOC: It's a not-quite-a-hurricane tropical storm.

Viktor looked out through the still-open door and saw the figure coming towards the castle.

"We may be having more company," he said to himself. "YOU, THERE!" he called out. "COME INSIDE!"

A black man with a sharp face, thin-rimmed silver glasses, and cornrows, wearing a denim jacket, white t-shirt, and jeans, trudged along the island, dripping wet from the rainstorm, and bracing himself against the wind. "Fuck my life," he muttered to himself. "Fuck this worthless piece of shit island, fuck this goddamn storm, fuck Sigmund for sending me here, fuck Alice for deciding to take a vacation to pull some Lupin bullshit at the museum..." he paused, considering if there were any other entities he would like to swear at. Not presently. He then spotted a castle. Which was presumably dry, and seemed inhabited. Hopefully its owners wouldn't mind him dipping in to get out of the rain. He trudged up to the castle, arriving not far behind a man in a leather jacket, and said, "name's Dr. Isaac Rose. Mind if I dry off here?"

edited 31st Mar '11 11:37:52 AM by KillerClowns

(OOC: I'm going to suggest we try establishing a Story Arc from the get-go, and each of our posts contain something of substance; add more depth to this story, or make meaningful relationships with the other characters. I wish I still had the original Character Nightclub/Bar threads to show; write your posts as you would your own story.

Write the atmosphere too. Make the wind blow, the rain fall, a place you want to be in.)

edited 31st Mar '11 12:04:32 PM by QQQQQ

David saw a figure in a doorway and heard it yelling at him, telling him to hurry up. "Hurrying!" he yelled, and broke into a sprint. Mud splattered everywhere on the ground, and thunder boomed. Glad he's willing to let me in.

edited 31st Mar '11 11:44:17 AM by TeraChimera

Alister trudged through the jungle. The lush canopy provided some protection from the rain, but he'd been walking so long it no longer mattered. He was soaked, bitten, and knowing his luck, infected with god knows what.

"Not exactly what I signed up for." Alister grunted, dragging his pack. Stuffed chock-full of the Organizer's little goodies. He lugged it along through the mud, noting the weight and the sound of clattering metal. Didn't seem like anything light. Thank god for that.

"Are you okay?" The voice came from a white-haired girl standing behind him, looking equally miserable. The lenses of her glasses were spattered with rain and she was constantly stopping to try and wipe them off. Little things like that became a bitch to deal with in weather like this.

Now that they'd finally stopped, his head felt a little heavy too, come to think of it. He touched the back of his head and found to his disgust that his ponytail had become a long, wet rope.

"Yeah Violet, I'm fine for now. Exhausted, but fine. Someone should really tell the Organizers their scales are off. Regulation is fifty pounds per pack. This thing's gotta weight at least 61.2." Alister complained as he wrung out his hairdo. They had to look ridiculous right about now.

"The map says there's a settlement farther up, about another mile."

"Really? Best news I've heard all day. Let's quick it into gear before you start having to carry me."

They both chuckled. He looked on, strength soaking back into his feet. It was a tiny trickle, but it may just get him there.

Now, Viktor had a crowd on his hands.

Speaking with a slight German accent, "Yes, by all means, come in." He opened the door wider.

As people stepped in, they saw a very large foyer dominated by a staircase in the center. At the top, the staircase split off to the left and right at a large window that stretched almost the entire way to the ceiling. The floors bore granite tiles, and blue carpeting spanned the stairs. Clean gold and white gilding and paneling gave the room a stunning, majestic look.

Kiyoi, the old Asian man, was still panting. He thought about what to do next, then noticed a maid coming out.

"Oh, Mister Kunstler! What's going on?"

"Oh, you know, the storm." He gestured to the large paneled window in the back of the foyer. "Could you help Kiyoi here to one of the guest rooms?"

"Sure." She turned to Kiyoi. "Here, follow me."

Kiyoi looked up weakly. "Huh? Hi." The two left through the door she came through.

"Anyways..." Viktor turned to the men who came in. He looked vastly different from the frail Asian man now that the two could get a good look at him. Well-built, probably 6' 3", with dark hair, a long face, rectangular-framed glasses. He wore a very nice-looking dress shirt and waistcoat with a gold pocketwatch. "I'm sorry, he just needs to rest."

The castle's owner seemed to be letting anyone in. An idiot, clearly, with more wealth and heart than sense. But Isaac wasn't about to say that to his face, nor turn down a roof over his head. He strode in and said, "ain't sure you heard me over the wind and the rain." He offered Viktor his hand and said, "Dr. Isaac Rose. Nice place you got here." Even Sigmund's penthouse paled in comparison to the castle, a product of the sort of wealth that had endured for centuries without growing moldy, as so many aristocrats had. Whatever his taste in guests, the castle's owner clearly knew what he was doing with his wealth. "If you don't mind me asking," he added, "where's all the cash come from?"

His steps sink through the muddy grass. Rain splatters his coat like an outpour of tears and he has to sit sometimes to recover his tired legs. If God exists, he is likely an apathetic being who shares little love for his lovely darlings, who instead shames with harsh, numbing wind blowing on his raw chin.

He daren't look up at the smouldering sky of its dark, charcoal shade as the water hits like solid and hail. But lo, what is this lying ahead? The twisted spires aching for heaven? The elaborate stained-glass windows aglow within? A far-reaching courtyard ahead. Illusion may it be?

He holds his hopes and disappointments low to his chest as he struts out across the dewy field to the courtyard; the angelic fountain blares no music from its trumpets and the oak benches drip out to its sides.

Oh, is there a sign of orange warmth? The creak of light shining a bit before its rays hide from his eyes? Another visitor admitted inside?

He is half crawling by the time he lays his fingers around the doors' iron knockers, and with a grunt he pounds his presence — once, twice, and thrice — before his weak hand lets go.

edited 31st Mar '11 12:41:08 PM by QQQQQ

David walked into the castle, panting. He glanced at a bespectacled black man as the man asked where the money came from. David was about to tell him to not be so rude, but as he looked around the entrance hall, he saw that the man had a point. The room was decorated with lots of expensive-looking stuff, but it didn't go so far as to be ostentatious.

"Thanks for letting me stay here," he said to the man who looked like he was letting everyone in.

Viktor shook hands with Isaac. "Ah, a pleasure. Viktor Kunstler. And... thank you for the compliments."

"This is actually my colleague's home, he found this place and had it remodeled. I just contributed funds." He said as he helped the last person he heard knocking on the door inside.

He hoped that was everyone.

OOC: Man, I wish I was here at the get-go, but I'm at school and it's study hall so...I'll post once or twice until I take the bus home.

We really need a story arc. I should've triggered a conflict early one, but all that happened was that one of my characters had a conversation with another, and the other character moped around. I'll was going to do a Red Oni, Blue Oni pair, but I don't want them debuting here, so I'll do a solo character-for now.

Oh, and a presume it's Present Day, in an uncertain place, correct?

Ian Down ran across the muddy grass, covering himself against the storm. His leather coat was being stained by the rain, and his black hair was soaked to his head. He was able to withstand the wind with his strength, but he couldn't sleep in all the chaos.

Ian looked like a handsome young man, ranging sixteen to twenty years old, probably. He was pale and tall, with a lanky frame. He wore a leather jacket, black thick pants, and a heavy backpack.

He could barely see a castle through the foggy rain, "A castle," he thought, "Hopefully, it is inhabited." He picked up speed, running faster than the average human. No one would be able to see him anyways, and anyone who did would only see a dark blur. Within seconds, he was at the door.

He opened it and slipped through it, "I hope the owner doesn't mind."

edited 31st Mar '11 2:51:58 PM by chihuahua0

An evasive answer. Isaac was about to press further when he heard someone banging on the knockers of the outside door. "What the..." he went out, braving the torrent and roaring wind, to investigate. Outside, he found a man, soaking wet, collapsed by the door. Was he even conscious? "Uh, hey man," he said to him, "the door was open."

edited 31st Mar '11 1:14:08 PM by KillerClowns

His teeth chatter, almost biting his tongue. His arms hug himself like a child would for want of a mother, and his rain-drenched person drips water over the blue carpet. Soon, he notices other people apart from this chamber; a Negro in a jacket (whom he glances with cold distaste) and another man to the side. These castleowners must be generous enough to have such guests.

He remains silent, as he surveys the hung tapestries beside tall bookshelves. Candles in the chandeliers light the place with orange glow. He can hear servants' chatter echo from the hallways.

edited 31st Mar '11 1:09:07 PM by QQQQQ

Isaac let the man walk into the castle under his own power. He was giving Isaac a funny look, one he didn't like at all. "Alright," he said, "looks like we're stuck here until that bullshit," he motioned to the raging maelstrom outside, "passes." To Viktor he added, "thanks for letting us crash here, by the way. Anyone want to introduce themselves? I'm sure as hell not calling everyone 'hey, you' for as long as that storm's raging."

edited 31st Mar '11 1:42:30 PM by KillerClowns

When Ian slipped through the door, he was surprised to see a small crowd of wet people gathered in the hallway. The hallway had little lights, and the wind could still be heard outside.

"Strange," he thought, "It seems like a lot of people got caught in this storm. It's understandable that they came here, since this is the only building in miles, but all these people happen to be around here? Strange indeed."

He walked up to the small crowd. He gave a small bow, with his arm to his stomach, "Hello, I'm Ian Down." he stood up straight, "Are any of you the owner of this castle?" His talking belied his apparent age.

A boom of thunder came from outside, muffled by the stone walls.

OOC: Correct, a location far south enough for there to be category-3 hurricanes in what looks like the present day. In addition, the place has electricity and all of our modern creature comforts. And air conditioning, most importantly.

Also, I am currently having electricity problems and have no idea if I am going to lose internet again.

"Well, the actual master of the castle is currently out, but I'm keeping watch for him at the moment. My name is Viktor Kunstler, it's a pleasure to meet everyone.

Now, since we're all here, I might as well find someplace for all of you, since it looks like we may be here for a while. Follow me."

He headed through a door on the right side of the foyer and down a small hallway. At the end, they emerged in a rather large parlor with more windows on the wall opposite the side where they came in. There were some nice-looking chairs, couches, and some small antique tables, creating a nice sitting area. A full-size grand piano sat near the windows and to the left of the chairs, and crystal light fixtures filled the room with electric light. He led them up a small stairway to a deck that had a hallway connected to it.

"This is the east wing, and down here are the guest rooms. You can take any room whose door is open, and they each have their own bathroom where you can dry off.

The master of the castle would probably want all of you to remain around the parlor outside, this hallway, and the hallway directly below us. Please do not go to the west wing. The servants will be happy to help you if you need anything. Any questions?"

edited 31st Mar '11 3:08:48 PM by CrystalGlacia

Ian was fasinated as Viktor gave a tour of the castle. It wasn't shabby at all, like most people would think a castle in modern times would look like. It completely looked like a normal mansion. He been in lots of mansions.

"The owner has an eccentric taste," Ian thought.

After the tour was down, Ian stopped. He touched his straight and fine hair with his hand, letting droplets of water dissolve onto his pale and tender fingers. Even though his clothes had dried a little since he entered the castle, he was still soaked, with water dropping from his pants to the floor. He was cold to the bone, trying not to shiver. Once he had the chance, he would change into a set of dry clothes in his duffel bag, "This is an impressive mansion." Ian said with a wiry smile, "Is this castle a medival one remodeled, or a new one build from the ground up?" If it was the latter, he would be even more impressed.

By the way, Ian is an existing character, who may be created earlier than Justin from the last thread. His story is yet to be shown, but a character with the same name appeared in an old RP started by mean.

edited 31st Mar '11 3:42:07 PM by chihuahua0

"Well, my colleague found this place and had it remodeled. I just donated money and antiques to furnish the guest rooms."

edited 31st Mar '11 3:48:58 PM by CrystalGlacia

Isaac was tired of Viktor's evasiveness. Watching Viktor warily, he said, "so, who is this colleague of yours, and where did you get all the money to refurbish this castle? And... why'd you do it?" He wasn't going to ask about the west wing; he could investigate that later, if Viktor continued his pattern of dodging simple questions.

edited 31st Mar '11 3:51:22 PM by KillerClowns

"Good point," Ian said, "Who's your colleague? Is he currently here, or is he away?" He was prepared for anything. He had been through a lot.

He dropped his duffel bag to the floor and began to unbutton his leather jacket. Underneth was a red shirt, which managed to get soaked too even though it was covered. He really needed to change.

edited 31st Mar '11 3:59:08 PM by chihuahua0

OOC: That would be awesome.

A maid noticed how uncomfortable Ian was getting and opted to take him to a room to dry off and change.

"That would be a man by the name of Vinicio Acquati. He paid for most of this, but the way he obtained the funds seems to change regularly. Why he did it is beyond me. As for how I was able to help him, my donations came from my inheritance and some personal revenue from my family's crystal and glass company. I helped him because he's my friend, and I saw no reason not to."

That wasn't the real story. Vince was actually a 3,000 year-old immortal who had accumulated copious sums of money over the course of his long life, but Viktor did not feel that he would be very happy if she shared that.

Isaac seemed to be... asking quite a few questions. He should have no reason to care, why was he prodding so much about money?

OOC: Some of you have seen my character ideas before. They're all from a fantasy story, so almost nobody is a completely normal human. Viktor is no exception.

edited 31st Mar '11 4:37:52 PM by CrystalGlacia

Vinicio Acquati The name sounded familar. Maybe it was something he heard through the grapevine in passing. He couldn't put his finger on it.

He started to walk away to the guest rooms, with his duffel bag in one hand, and his jacket ove his shoulder, "I'll be putting on some dry clothes know. If you follow me, I won't mind."

OOC: I won't be able to update for most of the day tomorrow - lots of traveling - and I'm reusing an idea from the previous character thread that I liked but wasn't able to go far.

David had been quietly, passively listening, and frowned. The name "Acquati" sounded very vaguely familiar. Something he had heard from SFOD-O? And Viktor seemed to be awfully keen to avoid specifics - Vinicio had paid for this, but if the way he "obtained funds" changed regularly, then he probably wouldn't be able to get much money, investing in unstable stocks or whatever. Unless the "regular" was longer than he thought...

The west wing was another matter. Normally, people told you why you shouldn't go into places - "You'll trigger a false alarm." "You'll be mistaken for a psycho." "The walls and floor are coated with acid." - that sort of thing; here, though, there was nothing not even a "It is my colleague's personal trophy room, and he's incredibly OCD." Nothing to deter people from entering, so naturally, they'd want to enter. It was almost like Viktor wanted people to go there.

But that was unimportant for now. David switched subjects. "What kind of remodeling was done? I can see light bulbs, but what else was added? Solar panels, for instance? Air conditioning?"

edited 31st Mar '11 5:03:04 PM by TeraChimera