Families of Betrayal - Part One
**Note: this story was created playing "Betrayal: Legacy" the game. While each experience will undoubtedly be different, please note that this may contain spoilers for the uninitiated.
April 25, 1666
It was a brisk April afternoon when four individuals trudged up the long hill to arrive at the old manor. Passing through the entryway, they head up the stairs, expecting to be greeted by the one who was managing the estate, but no one seemed present. They turned to converse with each other, though without a great deal of warmth. In the back of their minds, it was hard for any of them to believe that the other guests' motives weren't somewhat related to the rumors that the house contained treasures such as an oft mentioned chalice of pure gold.
Augusta Rosenthorn was the first to introduce herself. The girl's golden hair fell in perfect locks, and her green eyes practically glowed. It was clear that she was well on her way to being quite the beauty. Apparently, having recently become betrothed to the local cobbler at the prime age of 13, she was determined to test out the quality of his shoes, with a strenuous hike, while also doing her due diligence to pay respects to the dead, of course.
Edward Rowens surveyed the room with dark eyes, partially concealed by this chestnut hair. He was a friend of the family, his 20 years putting him only slightly older than the eldest son of the house... You could tell from the shabby state of his clothes that he had fallen on hard times. It was clear to everyone that there was some hope for profit in his eyes.
Gwendolyn Groovenier spoke with a heavy French accent and looked to have stepped out the children's storybook as Snow White. Most of what she proclaimed to the other guests was basically incoherent rambling. Much to the scandal of all present, there was some mention of a first husband. Somehow within her thirty-six years of life, she'd gone against all traditions and married at least once more. The first husband apparently had a fairly gruesome death in the coal mine, but no one was able to determine what any that had to do with the family that had just died.
Lastly was the oldest of the group, Salazar Saheem. No one was able to pinpoint exactly where he had come from, though his features were decidedly foreign. The pointed beard, jet black hair, and small hazel eyes spoke of distant shores. It was apparent to all that he must have led a lonely and boring life, as his entire diatribe was clearly imaginary. He attempted to be a man of mystery, speaking of wizard lineage and other such poppycock. He was the only one to claim he was there for other purposes than mourning the dearly departed family, saying he was sure that there were "interesting forces at play around the house.
After their brief socializing together in the house's expansive upper stairway, the guests filtered off to "mourn" on their own. Gwen meandered into the next room and was actually surprised to find a small crossbow that she realized belonged to her Aunt Edna. She remembered hearing stories about her aunt and her favorite "man-killer." Unsure how it could end up here, she nonetheless couldn't help wondering what else she could find, she began scouring the house in earnest.
Edward was deeply uncomfortable in what he heard from the others. It was clear that his friend's family was not truly being mourned. More likely, they were here in search of the treasure so frequently spoke of in the local tavern. After all the posturing, he definitely needed air. He was incredibly surprised when he heard the faint tinkling of bells. Following the sound he found some very old bells lying on the ground. He felt a strange familiarity with them. Had one of his grandfather's stories contained bells like these? He wasn't sure, but that didn't stop him from taking them. As he shook the dirt off, he felt strangely stronger. Finding the bells had increased his curiosity about the place, and he found himself scouring the grounds more carefully.
Augusta was also searching the house intently. She moved books, ran her fingers along the edge of any shelves or casings, but instead of finding an old family heirloom, she is constantly plagued by strange whispers. Going from room to room she can never quite find the source. Eventually, she stumbles upon Salazar, bleeding upon the floor...
While the others had been exploring the house, Salazar found himself investigating the grounds. Though the others didn't believe his statements about his family's history, the older man hadn't been exaggerating. He was certain that something was in this house long before he'd arrived. His time with the others had allowed him to determine without a doubt that somewhere on the grounds themselves was a source of energy that he was determined to find for himself.
Heading away from the house, he traversed through some interesting gardens before finding himself before a massive tree. He could tell it spoke of darker times, as the air itself felt chilled, and there were the remains of an ancient rope swaying from one of the branches. Undeterred, he began to search in earnest, certain his search was at an end. Without thought, he began to dig into the soil surrounding the tree, feeling the ancient roots of the mighty oak. Before long his hands fell upon metal. Pulling it free, he beheld the cup. It was crafted from solid gold but the scenes carved into it were truly monstrous. He could swear that there were screams echoing from within. His thoughts were overwhelmed as he- and all of the others nearby- were overwhelmed with knowledge. There was a mighty witch amongst them. One who would destroy them all. Terrified, he began to run, though he didn't set down the cup itself.
He passed the front door of the house heading to the fields beyond as Gwen burst through the front door. Her eyes are wild, and she screams "Witch!!" before raising a crossbow towards him and firing, the shot grazing his shoulder. He continues to run, and she follows, but her hunt is short-lived as she is enveloped in a sudden fog that completely disorients her. She continues on but nearly runs headlong into Edward. He starts to greet her, but the wild look remains in her eyes as she shoots him in the chest. Satisfied, she runs on to find more prey.
The pain in Edward's chest is nearly unbearable, but he also finds that the loss of blood has made him irrationally thirsty. Going to a nearby well, he drinks from the simple bucket nearby and collapses from weakness. Looking at the blood streaming out from his body into the fields, he is sure he is experiencing his last moments. He lays back to view the sky one last time, but after a few moments realize that the pain has diminished and he actually feels remarkably strengthened. He suspiciously looks over to the well but the bucket is no longer visible. Unsure of what has transpired, but thankful for his miracle, Edward realizes that he must find the others and warn them about Gwen.
He nearly stumbles over Salazar, and for a moment he is overcome with the idea that he is a witch that must be attacked. He realizes that these thoughts are not his own, and rushes away from the other man. A savage beast lunges for him, sinking his teeth into his arm, but Edward's momentum can't be stopped as he lunges past the beast and into the relative safety of the house.
Salazar watches the struggle in the other man's eyes and is thankful when he sees him break free. His relief is short-lived, as a crossbow bolt buries itself in his leg as he flees to the safety of the house. The wounds seem to make the screaming from the chalice grow louder as he is overwhelmed by pain, and his sanity begins to fray. It is there that Augusta stumbled across him. Though startled, she starts to tend to his wounds as she realizes the whispers that have plagued her have gotten louder. Picking up a nearby stone bust she is overcome with the urge to end the older man's life. Shaking herself she works to rid herself of the voices.
Salazar can see the struggle in her eyes as he has the others. His wounds have put him on the verge of death and he realizes the horrible truth. There is no witch. Only the insane voiced he released. Knowing the terror he has unleashed, and coupled with the great pain throughout his body decides him. "Please," he whispers to her. "End it." Augusta looks down upon him, part in pity, another in inexplicable hatred as she gives in and smashes the bust into his head, collapsing his skull instantly. Immediately afterward, she was terrified. Part, in what she had done, but the other in how much she had enjoyed the feeling.
Salazar sees this struggle as well because though his body no longer contains his life, he realizes his spirit will forever be bound to this house. Perhaps it is a fitting punishment for the pain he knew would result from his careless actions. He also sees that Gwen- lost fully in the insanity- claims the chalice as her own from his soulless body. He watches as Edward does his best to leave the house, never giving in to the whispers, but the strain of the fight finally becoming too much for his body as he collapses. He sees another, unknown visitor who sat in observation fall dead as well. He saw too as Augusta finally lost her own fight, her heart giving out from the strain of all she'd done.
Salazar's hold on consciousness began to fade as he saw Gwen make a final survey of the house. She smiles as she realizes it is now her house. She smiled and stroked the cup lovingly. She realizes the truth of the witch. The cup was only paving the way for her. No matter. It was worth it. She buried the bodies of the dead, though her small body wasn't strong enough to bury them deep, they were still hidden enough... for now.
April 25, 1666
It was a brisk April afternoon when four individuals trudged up the long hill to arrive at the old manor. Passing through the entryway, they head up the stairs, expecting to be greeted by the one who was managing the estate, but no one seemed present. They turned to converse with each other, though without a great deal of warmth. In the back of their minds, it was hard for any of them to believe that the other guests' motives weren't somewhat related to the rumors that the house contained treasures such as an oft mentioned chalice of pure gold.
Augusta Rosenthorn was the first to introduce herself. The girl's golden hair fell in perfect locks, and her green eyes practically glowed. It was clear that she was well on her way to being quite the beauty. Apparently, having recently become betrothed to the local cobbler at the prime age of 13, she was determined to test out the quality of his shoes, with a strenuous hike, while also doing her due diligence to pay respects to the dead, of course.
Edward Rowens surveyed the room with dark eyes, partially concealed by this chestnut hair. He was a friend of the family, his 20 years putting him only slightly older than the eldest son of the house... You could tell from the shabby state of his clothes that he had fallen on hard times. It was clear to everyone that there was some hope for profit in his eyes.
Gwendolyn Groovenier spoke with a heavy French accent and looked to have stepped out the children's storybook as Snow White. Most of what she proclaimed to the other guests was basically incoherent rambling. Much to the scandal of all present, there was some mention of a first husband. Somehow within her thirty-six years of life, she'd gone against all traditions and married at least once more. The first husband apparently had a fairly gruesome death in the coal mine, but no one was able to determine what any that had to do with the family that had just died.
Lastly was the oldest of the group, Salazar Saheem. No one was able to pinpoint exactly where he had come from, though his features were decidedly foreign. The pointed beard, jet black hair, and small hazel eyes spoke of distant shores. It was apparent to all that he must have led a lonely and boring life, as his entire diatribe was clearly imaginary. He attempted to be a man of mystery, speaking of wizard lineage and other such poppycock. He was the only one to claim he was there for other purposes than mourning the dearly departed family, saying he was sure that there were "interesting forces at play around the house.
After their brief socializing together in the house's expansive upper stairway, the guests filtered off to "mourn" on their own. Gwen meandered into the next room and was actually surprised to find a small crossbow that she realized belonged to her Aunt Edna. She remembered hearing stories about her aunt and her favorite "man-killer." Unsure how it could end up here, she nonetheless couldn't help wondering what else she could find, she began scouring the house in earnest.
Edward was deeply uncomfortable in what he heard from the others. It was clear that his friend's family was not truly being mourned. More likely, they were here in search of the treasure so frequently spoke of in the local tavern. After all the posturing, he definitely needed air. He was incredibly surprised when he heard the faint tinkling of bells. Following the sound he found some very old bells lying on the ground. He felt a strange familiarity with them. Had one of his grandfather's stories contained bells like these? He wasn't sure, but that didn't stop him from taking them. As he shook the dirt off, he felt strangely stronger. Finding the bells had increased his curiosity about the place, and he found himself scouring the grounds more carefully.
Augusta was also searching the house intently. She moved books, ran her fingers along the edge of any shelves or casings, but instead of finding an old family heirloom, she is constantly plagued by strange whispers. Going from room to room she can never quite find the source. Eventually, she stumbles upon Salazar, bleeding upon the floor...
While the others had been exploring the house, Salazar found himself investigating the grounds. Though the others didn't believe his statements about his family's history, the older man hadn't been exaggerating. He was certain that something was in this house long before he'd arrived. His time with the others had allowed him to determine without a doubt that somewhere on the grounds themselves was a source of energy that he was determined to find for himself.
Heading away from the house, he traversed through some interesting gardens before finding himself before a massive tree. He could tell it spoke of darker times, as the air itself felt chilled, and there were the remains of an ancient rope swaying from one of the branches. Undeterred, he began to search in earnest, certain his search was at an end. Without thought, he began to dig into the soil surrounding the tree, feeling the ancient roots of the mighty oak. Before long his hands fell upon metal. Pulling it free, he beheld the cup. It was crafted from solid gold but the scenes carved into it were truly monstrous. He could swear that there were screams echoing from within. His thoughts were overwhelmed as he- and all of the others nearby- were overwhelmed with knowledge. There was a mighty witch amongst them. One who would destroy them all. Terrified, he began to run, though he didn't set down the cup itself.
He passed the front door of the house heading to the fields beyond as Gwen burst through the front door. Her eyes are wild, and she screams "Witch!!" before raising a crossbow towards him and firing, the shot grazing his shoulder. He continues to run, and she follows, but her hunt is short-lived as she is enveloped in a sudden fog that completely disorients her. She continues on but nearly runs headlong into Edward. He starts to greet her, but the wild look remains in her eyes as she shoots him in the chest. Satisfied, she runs on to find more prey.
The pain in Edward's chest is nearly unbearable, but he also finds that the loss of blood has made him irrationally thirsty. Going to a nearby well, he drinks from the simple bucket nearby and collapses from weakness. Looking at the blood streaming out from his body into the fields, he is sure he is experiencing his last moments. He lays back to view the sky one last time, but after a few moments realize that the pain has diminished and he actually feels remarkably strengthened. He suspiciously looks over to the well but the bucket is no longer visible. Unsure of what has transpired, but thankful for his miracle, Edward realizes that he must find the others and warn them about Gwen.
He nearly stumbles over Salazar, and for a moment he is overcome with the idea that he is a witch that must be attacked. He realizes that these thoughts are not his own, and rushes away from the other man. A savage beast lunges for him, sinking his teeth into his arm, but Edward's momentum can't be stopped as he lunges past the beast and into the relative safety of the house.
Salazar watches the struggle in the other man's eyes and is thankful when he sees him break free. His relief is short-lived, as a crossbow bolt buries itself in his leg as he flees to the safety of the house. The wounds seem to make the screaming from the chalice grow louder as he is overwhelmed by pain, and his sanity begins to fray. It is there that Augusta stumbled across him. Though startled, she starts to tend to his wounds as she realizes the whispers that have plagued her have gotten louder. Picking up a nearby stone bust she is overcome with the urge to end the older man's life. Shaking herself she works to rid herself of the voices.
Salazar can see the struggle in her eyes as he has the others. His wounds have put him on the verge of death and he realizes the horrible truth. There is no witch. Only the insane voiced he released. Knowing the terror he has unleashed, and coupled with the great pain throughout his body decides him. "Please," he whispers to her. "End it." Augusta looks down upon him, part in pity, another in inexplicable hatred as she gives in and smashes the bust into his head, collapsing his skull instantly. Immediately afterward, she was terrified. Part, in what she had done, but the other in how much she had enjoyed the feeling.
Salazar sees this struggle as well because though his body no longer contains his life, he realizes his spirit will forever be bound to this house. Perhaps it is a fitting punishment for the pain he knew would result from his careless actions. He also sees that Gwen- lost fully in the insanity- claims the chalice as her own from his soulless body. He watches as Edward does his best to leave the house, never giving in to the whispers, but the strain of the fight finally becoming too much for his body as he collapses. He sees another, unknown visitor who sat in observation fall dead as well. He saw too as Augusta finally lost her own fight, her heart giving out from the strain of all she'd done.
Salazar's hold on consciousness began to fade as he saw Gwen make a final survey of the house. She smiles as she realizes it is now her house. She smiled and stroked the cup lovingly. She realizes the truth of the witch. The cup was only paving the way for her. No matter. It was worth it. She buried the bodies of the dead, though her small body wasn't strong enough to bury them deep, they were still hidden enough... for now.
Comments
Post a Comment