ᴛʜᴇ MYSTERY SQUAD (ic)

[U.N. 0W3N]

IN CHARACTER ● MAIN CAST ROSTER ● NPC ROSTER ● CASES​

 

[U.N. 0W3N]

Summary Setting Rules PC Profile Skeleton NPC Profile Skeleton Cases

• 
  
  "Are you bored to death at your job? Tired of being rejected? Do you believe in the PARANORMAL?! Now hiring for new assistant investigators at the Mystery Emporium! Offering part-time with chance at full time position! Pay starts at $1,725 a month with bonuses for each case solved. We don't discriminate (alive or dead)! For more details, visit the Mystery Emporium at…"
  
  

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  Whether it was by chance or Fate, you happened to stumble upon one of the many "Help Wanted" ads posted by the owner of an eccentric antique store in the heart of Haight-Ashbury. To the average (and sane) readers, this seems like a bogus job ad or some potential scam while others can't help but believe in the absurdity. For some reason, you're one of the few that are pulled in by this ad. Maybe, you're a believer that wants to confirm the things you see are actually real? Or, you're a living example and want to confirm if this is another hoax? In the end, you and the few others that felt the same tug have found their way just outside of the Mystery Emporium. Today will start the crazy rollercoaster of working for the flamboyant magician and the cantankerous medium.
• 
  Starting Date. 1 October 2018
  Starting Location. San Francisco, CA
  As one of the most densely populated cities in the US, it has become home to one of the largest populations of "nonhuman" citizens anywhere (about 10%). Many are able to easily blend in with the humans, passing off as random weirdo the city is known for while others seek out some of the "natural surroundings" like some parts of Golden State Park, Stern Grove, and Farallon Refuge. The majority of nonhuman races want nothing to do with the human population, preferrring to keep to themselves and creating "rules" in order to keep the pace while others can't help but be a part of the human's world. Some have taken it upon themselves to attempt to keep the balance between humans and nonhumans, but others see the act as a nuisence.
  
  

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  Points of Interest.
  
  

  • Mystery Emporium. Located in the heart of Haight-Ashbury, the Mystery Emporium is advertised as a "paranormal antique" store. It's mainly a tourist trap that sells hoaxes and creepy gimmicks. However, this is nothing more than a front. The Mystery Emporium is a unique establishment in which it takes on requests from people in regards to supernatural incidents and paranormal activities. Whether it's a paranoid resident believing her home's haunted or a police officer believing that the murderer isn't human, the eccentric owner takes on any request… for a price.
  • Sanguine. Hidden within Jackson Square, the Sanguine is one of the most exclusive nightclubs in San Francisco. Anyone in the night scene raves about the mystery club that only accepts the "right members," trying to figure out what exactly you need to get in. To the hidden population, it's nothing more than a deathtrap for anyone that's not a vampire. Ran by a master vampire, the club is regulated to take "blood donors" in exchange for housing and a paycheck. But, if there's something particular about your blood, you may wind up a permanent "faucet" in the club.
  • Voodoo Donuts. Located in Union Square, they are a thing in San Francisco. The end.
• 
  
  The following thread follows Iwaku Rules and Guidelines and U.N. 0W3N and Dao Ma are respected GMs of the thread.
  
  The thread isn't open to the general public! It is an invite only, and I believe I have the users I need. If at any point a user does drop, I may extend an invitation to fill that spot or open the thread for a short period of time to fill said spot.
  
  Two paragraph minimum with dialogue bolded and thoughts italicized. At least include the name of the character you're posting as. Feel free to make a decorative posting format. Keep in mind that not all users uses the same themes.
  
  Real Image only!
  
  Users can only make one playable character (if you can sell me the idea, then I can make some exceptions)! This will be the main character that will make up the cast. You are all free to create NPCs that help with the cases as they come in. Regulars will also be accepted as long as the PC gets the "screen time" aka that's the main focus.
  
  The following are media examples of what I'm looking for in terms of supernatural/paranormal race norms in the thread: Supernatural (haven't seen it, but it seems like it works), Midnight, Texas, True Blood (saw some things), and Being Human. I also have threads/been in threads that are similar in the mindset of "realistic supernatural/paranormal races" that will be further examples. For some races, I will have info on what I'm looking for in terms of lore/style/whatever and will be provided for the thread. Races can be added to the thread in order to keep track of the "canon information" and all that jazz.
  
  There is no set time limit for the profiles, but sooner they're in the better. You are free to make your own coding or copy/paste the required fields below. You are free to add as you like to the profile. Once completed, post them in the "Main Cast Roster" thread. There is a secondary profile for NPCs that can be filled out and posted in the "NPC Roster" thread.
  
  Everyone will have a voice in regards to what type of cases, situations, and NPCs will appear in the thread. There will be designated areas in which this will take place offsite. Potential cases will be posted on Iwaku in a designated thread.
• 
  
  The following is the general items I need for a completed profile. As stated in the Rules, you are free to code it and add other info to it.
  
  

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  Name. first middle (optional) last (if applicable) & nicknames/aliases (if applicable)
  Age. actual age (if applicable) & birth date (month and day; if applicable)
  Race. not ethnicity; if Non-Human, what is there race?
  Gender.
  Sexuality.
  Current Occupation. if applicable.
  Height.
  Weight.
  Hair Color.
  Eye Color.
  Glamoured?. do they use some type of magical artifact/spell that makes them appear human/more human?
  Description. minimum of 1 paragraph, write your character's physical characteristics. tattoos, scars, piercings, etc. use this section to describe any unique physical changes your character undergoes if they are inhuman/tapping into their inhuman side. this section can also be used to describe any health aliments your character has. feel free to link images of your character here.
  Skills. a general list of your character's combat and passive skills. make sure that they go hand in hand with powers and/or any race traits your character has.
  Powers. briefly describe your character's power(s). make sure to mention a fallback/some sort of flaw with their power (such as longer casting times, temporary shifts, etc.).
  Balance & Checks. the following section is a general list of a character's strength and weakness. this section is to list out situations that are best suitable for your character or their worst, weaknesses and shortcomings as a certain race, what skills they fall flat on, etc. use the listing format below.
  
  

  • yo! i am a strength don't delete me.
  • look! i'm a weakness. you can have as many as needed.
  • keep things brief and to the point here.

  Personality. a general list of your character's personality. use personality terms to describe your character
  History. minimum of 2 paragraphs, write out your character's history. feel free to include how they came across the ad and why are they interested in working at the Mystery Emporium.
  Random Facts. the following section is a general list of random facts about a character. feel free to add and remove as needed for this section.
  
  

  • yo! i r a fact.
  • check yo facts, son!
  • i could be a fact
• 
  
  The following is the general items I need for a completed NPC profile. Information can be added as more info is learned about them.
  

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  Name. first middle (optional) last (if applicable) & nicknames/aliases (if applicable)
  Age. actual age (if applicable) & birth date (month and day; if applicable)
  Race. not ethnicity; if Non-Human, what is there race?
  Gender.
  Sexuality.
  Current Occupation. if applicable.
  Personality. a general list of your character's personality. use personality terms to describe your character
  History. minimum of 1 paragraph, write out a vague blurb about this character's backstory.
  Random Facts. the following section is a general list of random facts about a character. feel free to add and remove as needed for this section.
  
  

  • yo! i r a fact.
  • check yo facts, son!
  • i could be a fact
• 
  
  Everyone has creative input on cases/situations that the cast will wind up doing/falling into. This tab will list out collected ideas for various cases. Cases will be expanded and listed in a serpate post.

 

[U.N. 0W3N]

Race Info Skin-Walkers Beasts Vampires Magic Users Psychics Spirits

• 
  
  Races will be regularly added to the thread as it becomes "canon" info. The thread will start with some canon information right off the bat to help with PC and NPC building. If there's ideas for a new race, feel free to PM me or tag me on Discord.
• 
  
  A skin-walker was once considered evil beings that walked among other tribesmen. They were originally medicine men that performs the most heinous of deeds to achieve one of the greatest levels of magic: transforming their shape into an animal in order to inflict harm and suffering on those around them. These days, the term skin-walker is commonly used as an umbrella term for humans that have the ability to shift into animal form. Whether they are wicked men and women is subjective at best.
  
  Generally, skin-walkers have the tendency to emulate the animal they can shift into. For instance, someone that can shift into the snake generally have problems with cold weather and become energized/renewed in the summer. Skin-walkers shift into a single animal form that runs in their family lineage. Skin-walkers that have children with those that have a different shift tend to have a random chance of taking the traits of the mother or father. It is possible for a child to be born as a different animal shift from the rest of the family due to genetics (i.e. there was a family member that could turn into said shift and it was recessive). The appearance of their animal shift can be exaggerated through fur color/pattern and size.
  
  The process of a skin-walker shifting between their human and animal form is one of the most gruesome and painful experience for them. They literally tear their "facade" apart to shift. The bloody remains winds up turning into dust. The same process occurs when shifting back as well with the humanoid figure literally tears away their animal form. This process is referred as "molting." If a skin-walker doesn't regularly molt, they can experience painful and deadly side effects that includes: cramping, internal bleeding, seizures, psychotic breaks, and turning feral.
  
  One of the biggest fears that a skin-walker has is becoming "feral." To become feral means that a skin-walker lost the inability to separate being a human and an animal. The two become one, causing them to lose their minds and become a monstrous shift mixture of the two. There are two main ways for a skin-walker to become feral: not molting enough and remaining in their animal shift far too long. Once a skin-walker goes feral, there is little that could be done to break it. The only best option in this situation is to end their life… before they end your's.
  
  
  Skin-Walker communities rely on a basic pack structure. The strongest of the skin-walkers are on top and tend to make the rules. Those that grow weak are overpowered by the young and strong. Domination and leadership is the core basis of their society. It is common for young skin-walkers to butt heads with the "Alphas" of the communities.
  
  Skin-Walkers of the natural ability to communicate with Beasts.
• 
  
  Beasts are unique animals that have grown beyond the standard thought processes and decisions of a regular animals. These beings stems from the original animals of Native American Lore where they regularly interacted with humans. These days, most humans are unaware of their presence, ignoring some of the more obvious signs of higher intelligence and understanding beasts have. For one, beasts are able to communicate verbally but humans lost the ability to hear them normally. Skin-Walkers and certain psychics can actually hear them and communicate back.
  
  Another thing that makes beasts stand out from their counterparts is their ability to temporarily shift into a humanoid figure. These shifts are quite difficult with only a select few Beasts being able to maintain a shift for long periods of time (up to 6 hours). As time progresses, their shift weakens with some of their animal characteristics breaking through the illusion. In this transformed state, beasts have the ability to communicate with humans.
  
  Beasts are far more attuned to the "unknown" and the "other side" of life than any other races (on par with the strongest of psychics). They are able to perceive multiple layers of reality through their natural "6th sense." To them, it's normal to see lingering spirits mingle all around them. Beasts are able to understand what kind of person you are upon their first meeting, using their own instincts to decide if you are "weak" or "strong."
  
  There is a legend where if beasts die, they transform into a spirit animal that roams the world. However, information about this is speculative at best.
  
  Some beasts appear larger than their usual counterparts.
• 
  
  Vampire. Throughout history, vampires have underwent a wide variety of interpretations based on culture, region, and time period. Once feared, they have now become a product of lore used to monopolize their popularity. At most, they're nothing more than plastic representatives of different stories fused together to suit the needs of targeted audience. But, no one really believes in them? No one takes the Vampire Lifestyle seriously, believing that it's just another weird subculture for young adults to rebel against current social norms. At most, it's nothing more than a nice joke and way to hide their existence. Why not take advantage of what the humans set up? Some of the lore surrounding vampires are true while others are great lies to embrace to fool all.
  
  How exactly is a vampire created? All sorts of lore tells us different stories, ranging from being buried wrong to having an animal cross over their grave. Modern interpretations, however, are the closest to getting the process right. It takes a chosen pupil to nearly have their blood drained. Then, they must feed off of a vampire until "death" is rendered. During this period of death, the body must be buried before the next night in order for the pupil to complete its transformation and become a fledgling (new vampire).
  
  If the vampire only drains half of human's blood before letting them feed on their blood, the pupil will become a familiar. They act as the vampire's servant and can hear their orders through their thoughts. It is near impossible to break a familiar from a vampire without killing their master. If the pupil reaches the rendered death state but fails to be buried in time, they become ghouls.
  
  Ghouls can be compared to a sentient zombie, able to have rational thoughts and retain their identity from their previous life. Rather than feeding on blood, they need innards to remain "sane." One of the more sought out delicacies is a human brain. For fledglings to grow into proper vampires, they must be trained in the ways of their craft and history by their master. It's not uncommon for new fledglings to be abandoned or trained improperly.
  
  The belief in vampires being immortal is partially true. They can live an ageless life until the end of time as long as they continuously ingest an essence of life aka blood. With blood, there is a strong substance within that allows the vampires to remain youthful in appearance, give an added boost to their strength and senses, and heal rapidly when injured. However, ingesting blood as a vampire is a double-edged sword. Every vampire, in one way or another, is addicted to blood due to the very substance that allows them to survive. If not careful, they can easily lose their mind via "bloodlust." Many end up being discovered due to overindulging and succumbing to the bloodlust.
  
  When blood is ingested, it allows vampires to appear "human-like" in appearance. Color returns to their skin. Their body temperature is warmer. They can even go outside in the daytime (with some added protection) for some period of time before burning. Ingesting blood allows some human functions to return for a period of time such as the fact of breathing, hunger and thirst for food and drink. After a few weeks, their artificial humanity dissipates and reverts back to their undead state.
  
  There are certain types of blood that is more effective in sustaining a vampire. Humans are the most average, easy to obtain, and controlled. Certain inhumans have potent blood that is more than enough to satisfy a vampire and give them a "greater higher." Consuming blood that is toxic or undead (not vampires) must be avoided at all costs. It will not kill the vampire outright, but will seriously damage them and takes a lot of time to recovery. The preference for blood is from a still living being. Blood from a corpse and old blood is not as appealing and effective in curbing hunger.
  
  Generally, people believe that vampires have a certain set of weaknesses (like other creatures of lore). Some are nothing more than superstitious nonsense. Others, however, can give others the edge against these creatures. Take sunlight for example. For young fledglings and underfed vampires, sunlight is a bane. The intensity of the UVs can cause severe burns to the skin and eyes. Prolonged exposure to the sun can result in death via trauma from severe burns. However, blood can help in protecting vampires from exposure. The more blood consumed, the longer they can remain in the daylight.
  
  Other factors include wearing protective clothing and layers such as long sleeved shirts and hats. Umbrellas are a common accessory for vampires, shielding them from exposure. One big factor is the fact that vampires are nocturnal in nature. Being out in the daytime messes with their internal clock and eyesight. The legend about vampires sleeping in coffins is another partial truth. Before modern conveniences, many rested in mausoleums and crypts because exposure to sunlight was impossible. These days, all it takes are thick curtains and blinds to protect against sunlight when sleeping in the daytime.
  
  Vampires have severe allergies and aversions to certain objects and environments that may seem asinine and strange. Some have ties rooted in the magical parts of paranormals and the dangers of strong-willed sensitives. Others seems to be superstitions with little need to test out whether these hypotheses are true or not. One of the more popularized ritual is a vampire's need to be invited into someone's home before stepping in. If they try to, they are met with dangerous repercussions including: bleeding from orifices, excruciating and crippling pain, and (sometimes) death. There are many speculations as to why this occurs but there's no solid evidence to back up claims.
  
  Another ridiculous ritual (or aversion) is the inability to cross over open running water. Unlike the invitation having no singular answer, the inability to cross a river, stream, or creek is due to superstitions about running water. In some legends, running water is the symbolism of death, leading the newly departed to the next world. For something undead, the idea of being "carried away" is horrifying (if true). The following is a general list of what can potentially kill a vampire:
  
  ● Hawthorne Wood (for wooden stakes)
  ● Decapitation & Head Separation (make sure that the head is far away from the body)
  ● Sunlight Exposure (for too long)
  ● Fire (forced to remain in a burning flame while the body slows down in regeneration)
  ● "Holy Objects" (it's not the objects or what they symbolize but whether a powerful sensitive or magic user embeds the power of "belief" into them)
  ● Devil's Helm (is poison to them and renders them paralyzed)
  ● Starvation (via no blood consumption)
  
  These days, vampires are depicted as overly beautiful and handsome creatures of seduction. Able to charm and use their appearance to lure their prey to a discreet location before feeding. A vampire that has a regular schedule of feeding and moderating blood intake can retain this visage, using it as a way to lure victims or pass as human. However, when a vampire feeds, they undergo a transformation of horrific proportions. Vampires have two stages of transformation.
  
  The first stage leaves them relatively normal in appearance. Their pupil dilates to the point that it overtakes the iris and the sclera. The jaw structure and teeth change slightly to allow for discreet feeding. Rather than the standard "two sharp canine" popularized in fiction, all four canine teeth in the human mouth becomes sharp (thick at the base and becoming needle point at the ends), elongated (top canines grow up to an inch; the bottoms grow up to half an inch), and curved. This allows for penetration to a major artery with ease and quick consumption of blood.
  
  The second stage of transformation is for combat purposes. Unlike the first, the entire skill undergoes a change in order to supplement and help with the extreme change in jaw structure and teeth. The mouth nearly doubles in size to hold all the razor sharp and (somewhat) jagged teeth. The skeletal and muscular structure of the jaw changes to increase the bite strength. There is no clear calculation of how strong a bite of a vampire is (of course), but the damage output is enough to give an answer. The structure isn't meant for discreet feeding but rendering an opponent into pieces. Along with the extremely dilated pupils, the nails grow out in exponentially. They grow upwards of two inches long, become slightly curved, and super sharp.
  
  The powers that come from vampirism can vary in strength and ability based on age, the amount of blood consumed, and having a proper master teaching the new fledglings. The following is a general list of what vampires are capable of:
  
  ● Enhanced/Supernatural Condition (aka enhance stats)
  ● Enhanced Senses
  ● Disease Immunity
  ● Regenerative Healing Factor
  ● Daytime Walking (limited to long exposure due to amount of blood consumed)
  ● Defunct Physiology (if it's been awhile since feeding)
  ● Semi-Invulnerability
  ● Wall Crawling
  ● Mind Control
  ● Hypnosis
  ● Illusion
  ● Wing Manifestation
  ● "Scatter" (to break apart and reform)
  ● Bats (easy)
  ● Natural Weaponry
  ● Teeth/Enhanced Jaw
  ● Claws
  ● Unnatural Presence
• 
  
  Like skin-walkers, magic-user is an umbrella term for humans that have the ability to create cause and effect through magical means. Terms for magic-users vary from region to region with many summing up a magic-user's specialty. Magic itself is an unknown and abundant "element" (fire, earth, water… you get the picture) that can cause an array of impossible effects. A magic-user has the ability to harness, use, and direct the erratic energy to create the effects they desire. It takes a skilled magic-user to be able to shape the energy to their will. Magic relies on a catalyst to help the energy to flow, change, and affect what the magic-user wants.
  
  Magic-Users are born from ancient bloodlines stemming from ancient times. Families of magic-users tend to look for others like them in order to continue the bloodline. It is rare for a child born into a family of magic to be born with little to no ability.
  
  A magic-user is different from a psychic. They don't have the natural gifts of being "awakened." Rather, they must twist and use the surrounding magical energy to attempt to mimic their ability. However, usually it's a weaker version and is temporary. Sometimes, there are adverse effects that occurs with attempting to mimic said awakened state. Some magic-users have been driven mad from making a minor error in their casting or potion creation.
  
  Out of all the other races in the world, they are considered the most distrustful. Magic-Users carry a stigma for using other races for their own means such as ingredients and incantations. Most are known to lie and treat the rest as they are "superior" of them. It carries over in the past attempts to wipe out magic-users in witch hunts.
• 
  
  Humans, in general, have evolved to the point of being labeled as "mundane." They are unable to properly see and understand what is around them (without it being point blank and revealed to them). Humans that have been born without this "evolved ignorance" are dubbed psychics. Psychics display abilities that have been considered nullified in the human race in the decades of modernization. They have particular abilities that allows them to interact with the unexplained and inhuman… aka unable to ignore the strange and weird going ons of the world.
  
  A psychic is rare these days with humans becoming dependent on technology and advancements instead of the spiritual and mythical. They are considered the "unicorn" of the human race with psychics being treated as a commodity in some circles. The ability of a psychic rely on the "closed off" parts of their mind, varying from telepathy, empathy reading, spirit awareness, speaking with beasts, and then some! Not every psychic has the same powers! Each power seems to be unique to their own!
  
  Many races tend to find psychics as priceless objects to use, making it common for psychics to be kidnapped for their awakened state. Others times, psychics are sacrificed or used as "sources of power" for those that feed on living beings because of how rare and potent their mind, body, and soul are. Humans regard psychics as the mentally ill, doing what they can to "put them back to sleep" through various and damaging options. Mind-altering drugs and alcohol can severely limit their power and could possibly destroy the one "gift" they have.
• 
  
  Just like magic, spirits are just as chaotic balls of energy that retains sentience. Once living, these creatures have become ambiguous beings of spiritual energy. They cannot be converted and use for the desired effect like magic, but they can cause great and strange effects with their presence. Spirits can interact with the physical world through many means such as forcing objects to move, haunt the living, possess the living and inanimate objects. They can blanket areas in strong emotions that can be felt by the living. There are all sorts of different spirit types, but there is one thing that defines them: their alignment. Good and evil plays a part in how spirits interact with the living. Good spirits tend to help and do what they can to preserve the living while evil spirits are malicious and despise the living.
  
  Humans cannot properly see, hear, feel, or understand spirits. Skin-Walkers sense their presence, but cannot perceive them. Magic-Users can use magic to temporarily give themselves a weak ability to use one sense to detect them. Only psychics born with the ability to interact with spirits are able to understand and perceive them.
  
  Beasts and spirits either get along or oppose one another. Some spirits fear beasts due to their ability to perceive and understand them while some beasts fear spirits for what they know and are capable of in their state. It is a back and forth between the two with little to resolve this.

 

[U.N. 0W3N]

Case #1 Case #2 Case #3

• 
  
  "I Think the Ghost of My Late Husband is Haunting Me!"
  Rosa Marie Santiago recently came to the Mystery Emporium requesting an exorcism of her late husband's spirit. She believes that he had been haunting her constantly for the past few months due to the fact he may have found out about her secret: the affair she had over 40 years ago. As of now, there is no scheduled "initial investigation" to confirm whether Mrs. Santiago is actually being haunted or not.
• 
  
  "I Have an Egg You May be Interested in."
  An anonymous client wishes to have a possible magical artifact that Mister Crowley may be interested in. According to the client, he may be in possession of a Thunderegg or something similar to the Mystery Stone of Lake Winnipesaukee. If the item is proven to be a magical artifact, he wishes to sell the item to Mister Crowley.
• 
  
  "Do You Know Any Mugger that's Around 2 Feet Tall?"
  An officer from the San Francisco Police Department (Officer Elijah Stone) has requested for a consultant for an ongoing investigation at Stern Grove. A series of muggings have occured in the early evening with the witnesses claiming different information about the suspect(s). One claimed that it reminded her of kids standing on their shoulders pretending to be an adult in a trench coat. Others have claimed that they were mugged by gruff-sounding men who is the size of a toddler. Officer Stone has requested for a third-party to investigate these claims.

 

[U.N. 0W3N]

ROLAND LEE CROWLEY

Fingers tapping against the scrubby kitchen table, the magician was caught up in his thoughts. The past few months have been quite rough for him. Along with "hiring" his first ever employee (which he still can't believe that it turned out this way), work has been piling up in other areas. How many old women think their homes are haunted? How many stoners believed they found Bigfoot as the infamous Bush Man of San Francisco? It's a headache and a half to run around the Bay Area chasing leads and coming up with another false supernatural situation. Mumbling to himself, he glanced over his half-eaten breakfast and the newspaper. Eyes scanned over recent events, wondering if anything had leaked into the mainstream spotlight. Nothing so far.

Soon, he came across the Classified Ads and paused. … help wanted ads… the hectic nature of this job. Help wanted… having only one other person staffed here… help… wanted… Sipping his tea, it hit him like his employee's left hook. Silver eyes narrowed on the only other worker at the shop, sweeping the floors in the back "break room" of the antique shop. Mister Crowley's eyes flicked slowly from side to side, hypnotized by his movement. Then, finally, he spoke up.

"'ey, Venn! … should Oi put out a 'elp Wanted ad in the newspaper?" When he heard a resounding no, he grinned from ear to ear. … that was clearly a yes.

A FEW WEEKS LATER, THE THREAD BEGINS!

 

[GuanYue]

From commercialized psychic medium to errand runner to... now this? Venn focused the best he could on sweeping. It was therapeutic, hearing the bristles brush against the wooden floor. The sound of silence filled between every sweep, and that was the thing he enjoyed. Nothing to disrupt him, or bother him. He got to finally clean in peace. The show owner had been particularly preoccupied lately, and that gave Venn chance to actually go through the ratty, dusty place and make it look much much cleaner and updated. Shelves were dusted, windows clean in repaired, counters wiped down and things picked up off the floor. But nothing, in Venn's silent opinion, beat the repetitive motion of sweeping.

It was all interrupted by a certain magician calling out his name.

"No." He yelled back in a flat tone. Everything about that question sounded like a bad idea. Who the hell would even want to answer an ad about working at a spooked out gaudy shop that might send you out on odd jobs that more than likely wouldn't pay enough and sure as hell didn't provide benefits.... Venn didn't count.

A FEW WEEKS LATER...

Slam!

Newspaper hit the breakfast table, and Venn had a very irritated expression on his face. "The fuck is this bullshit?!" He snapped at the magician across the table. "You really put out a god damn ad? Are you fucking serious?!"

 

[U.N. 0W3N]

ROLAND LEE CROWLEY

After last night, Mister Crowley wasn't prepared to handle Venn at his grouchiest. Dark bags hung below bloodshot steely blue eyes as the inked medium shouted at him at… 9am? Was it 9am already? Pinching in between the bridge of his nose, the magician sighed as his gaze fell to the newspaper that covered his butter and marmalade toast. "Bloody serious, Dear," Mister Crowley's voice cracked as he pushed aside the newspaper to munch on his toast. Clearly Venn forgot he seconded the idea of hiring extra staff at the shop to pick up the slack and ever growing cases. At the very least, he can send someone else to verify a false claim of Skunk Bear prowling Golden Gate Park. All night.

Picking up the newspaper, he eyed the ad in question, squashed together with the rest of the ad listings. … he was disappointed that HIS ad was overshadowed by the giant placement for lawn care services. Next time, he'll make damn sure to dwarf "Lawns Dun Rite." "Besides, shouldn't you be a lil' 'appy 'bout it? You get ter be sumwahn's boss." Another bite of toast helped perk up the magician. Before he reached out for his cup of tea, there was banging on the back door. A grumble escaped the shop owner as he eyed Venn. "Don't git it. That's probably Mister Ghoulie Arsehol-"

"Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeey… if you're not jerkin' off in d'ere, let me in!" A nasially and somewhat drunk tone echoed from the narrow hallway. It strangely sounded like the washed up comedian Norm MacDonald if he was Russian and started to lose his accent. "I reaaaally don't wanna keep havin' new fuckin' perspective on life!"

"Not again…" a rough groan escaped as he stood from the worn out kitchen table, "Venn, Dear? If anywahn is answerin' the ad, send'em back 'ere. Oi'll be wit' them after dealin' wit' Sergio." Picking up his now lukewarm cup of tea, the magician slammed it down before setting the cup back in its place. Soon, he stomped his way towards the back of the shop, telling Sergio that he really doesn't have a good head on his shoulders, hoping that the bastard had nearly lost his head. Again.

 

[Mars Walker]

⭑BLUE MOON⭑

Blue put a freshly lit cigarette to her black lips and took a long, thoughtful drag, peering through her circular sunglasses at the antique shop across the street from where she stood. In her other hand was a crinkly newspaper, she held it up to look at the add she had circled in red marker, making sure she had arrived at the right place. For some reason, Blue had been drawn to the add, and so being nearly homeless and in need of a better job, she followed her instincts.

The feelings coming from the wild-looking antique shop gave her mixed signals, as they ranged from angry to something along the lines of 'I need the help'.

"Well...it can't be worse than Mavis, can it?" She spoke aloud to herself, adjusting her sunglasses and shoving the newspaper to the inside pocket of her large, old, and slightly tattered black coat. Blue looked both ways across the street before crossing it, stopping at the front door of the antique shop.

Blue looked into the windows, a bit nervous to go in. She tried to open her mind to the inhabitant's thoughts, but she was only able to pull names and titles.

Magician...Venn Dear....Sergio...

Blue sighed, and moved back to the front door, opening it slowly and putting her sunglasses atop her head as she walked in.

"Anyone home? I'm here about the help y'all wanted!" She called into the shop, looking around at the antiques that were cluttered about.

 

[GuanYue]

"I don't want to be someone's fucking boss." Venn grumbled, narrowing his eyes on Crow. "You know what hiring more people is going to do? There's gonna be a whole lot of fucking tr--" the banging cut Venn's complaints short. He looked toward the back but remained silent, as if that would somehow make the person knocking go away. Of course though at fate would have it, it was the one and only ghoul that Venn hated the most at the back. Sergio was just as annoying as he sounded. His very existence made Venn seethe with irritation. Live or dead, he was just plain fucking annoying.[/B]

Venn watched as Crow got up to handle Sergio. Though Crow had given him a request, he knew that this time it was more of a work order. With a low growl, he crumbled the newspaper and tossed it at the table, making it bounce off and dribble onto the floor. White Crow went back, Venn went to the front. He could hear someone calling out. A woman, and she was definitely answering the ad.

With too much effort than he wanted to give, Venn appeared through the beaded doorway behind the counter. "Crowley is currently in a meeting. He should be out shortly." He called, trying to sound as less irritated as possible, though he was sure his tone still came out a bit sharp. He didn't see the woman right away, but he could see the hint of someone fluttering between winding aisles. She was most likely taking in what she could from the shop. Everyone did. He did. For someone that was off the beaten path, it was a wonderland.

 

[Mars Walker]

☆BLUE MOON☆

Blue smiled a bit mischievously, peeking at Venn through a backless shelf as he poked his head through a beaded doorway. She pulled an old magnifying glass from the shelf and held it up so that she could see his face better. He was handsome enough, but his attitude was terrible.

I wonder who put a stick up his ass?

With a small laugh, she tried to open up her mind to Venn's thoughts, but only got negativity, and something from someone else – she assumed Crowley – about Sergio, and being tired of dealing with him. It was a general feeling of annoyance and unease.

"It sounds like Crowley doesn't want to deal with Sergio. Y'all ought to have him dealt with, if he's really such a burden." Blue spoke, setting the magnifying glass back down on the shelf to move on down the line of cluttered shelves. She stopped at a mannequin wearing a nice-looking leather jacket. Blue leaned towards the coat, giving it a sniff and scrunching her nose up a bit at the stale old man smell. Blue stood up, silently amazed at how much stuff two people could shove into one shop.

Blue lifted her hands and focused on two bookshelves that blocked her pathway to the counter and she swiped them outwards, causing the shelves to effortlessly move out ofher way, wituout breaking anything. She walked her short self between them and gestured lightly with her hands once more to set them back the way they were, looking directly at Venn.

"Or, if you'd like, I can deal with him for you. I can take a man out with my hands tied behind my back, quicker than a fly takes to shit!" Blue grinned dangerously, placing her hands on her hips.

 

[GuanYue]

What the woman said in response made Venn stop and stare at her.. Now there were only a few reasons why she would have said what she did. One, it was possible that she might have already known Crow or Sergio. The chances of that were unlikely if she answered the ad this late. Two, she heard it all. That also didn't seem entirely viable. How much of the conversation could she hear through several walls (since in the back was more than just a break room. There was a whole apartment back there!). Three, an off the wall idea, but maybe she had an ability that allowed her to hear that far. Considering this wad the Mystery Emporium that she was at and Crow never seemed to attract normal people, the odds of the latter option was relatively high.

Then, upon seeing the books move on their own, a brow rose. The odds of it being the latter option just dramatically increased. Great. Just what he needed. Someone to have the magical ability to annoy the fuck out of him. He already didn't like this idea.

Brown hues pierced Blue as he studied her, trying to figure out just exactly what she was. More than just a telekinetic, obviously. "Psychic?" he finally asked. He didn't want to indulge her in the previous conversation anymore. It was a fluttering topic that Crow could handle himself.

 

[Tarieles]

With newspaper clutched in hand, the giantess looked at various doors down the street. She was looking for a specific antique shop, where the ad told her to go. She involuntarily drew attention to herself walking down the street, as not many people were seven feet tall. She was used to the stares for the most part, but today they felt even more piercing. This job felt like it should be a secret. The fact it was in the paper was a bold move of itself. What if it was a scam? She knew things like herself existed, but were these people actually aware of that? What if she was walking into some weird black market trap?

Despite her worries, Victoria continued on.

Finally, she came upon a shop that had the correct street number. It didn't look like a place where she could find work. It looked... strange. With a final huff, she walked to the door, and reached for the handle. Opening it, she was met with a musty smell, but also the smell of something... different. Various knick-knacks and antiques lined the shelves, which only made sense. She had to duck to step inside, the frame just too short for her to fit properly. Thankfully the ceiling was tall enough to accommodate her.

Looking around more, Vic could see there was already another person here, as well as a man behind the counter. He seemed tense, unhappy even, which wasn't hard to see. Walking in a bit further, making sure to not bump anything, she held up the newspaper.

"I'm here about the ad."

 

[FR4M3R]

CHAS BENEDICT

"Jesus, Chas! How long have you been in town?! Why didn't you call sooner?!"

"I've been pretty busy for the most part. It almost slipped my mind." Hearing a drawn-out groan from the other end of the line was enough for Chas Benedict to feel a twinge of guilt. He knew this wasn't the kind of answer the man would like to hear, but he was simply being honest—for the most part. Ninety-eight percent. The remaining two percent was reserved for matters on which he found himself walking along the familiar streets of Haight-Ashbury, among the array of eclectic establishments and their individual quirks, in search of a particular place he never imagined visiting.

Again.

"Well you better get your butt in here whenever you can. Where else would you find a place to eat?"

"I can think of a few places."

"Name them." Chas held his breath. "Y'know what? Scratch that. I ain't hearing it."

In between the walking, talking, (that mostly consisted of hyperbolic lectures from his caller in regards to the dangers of eating Chinese take-outs on a regular basis) and searching, it didn't take long before Chas hung up his phone as he arrived at an antique shop. He took a moment to briefly observe the front of the store, attempting to recall his last visit while he finally made his way inside.

By the time Chas entered the Mystery Emporium he was immediately welcomed by the distinct, all-too familiar, lingering scent that only an assortment of questionably authentic antiques and relics could create; there was no doubt in his mind that he came to the right place. As he stepped further into the store a few individuals came into view: a man behind the counter (possibly a new storekeeper as Chas has no recognition of this person who currently bore the look of inner frustration) who was busy tending to a couple of women, one of whom was undeniably taller than average who seemed to dwarf everything—and everyone else in the room. Chas held his hand up from a distance as a means to catch the man's attention before slipping into one of the aisles to wander off for the time being.

​

 

[GuanYue]

What the hell was this? How many people were actually responding to this ad?! Two more people walked in after the possible psychic. One, a very very large woman, and the other a male that seemed to see Venn's annoyance very clearly. No more... no more people. He needed to cut this short right now. More people meant more things to take care of and more messes to clean up. Knowing what kind of people Crow attracted... Venn was against this idea from the beginning. Though none of them seemed to crash in and break anything--yet--Venn could feel that it was only a matter of time.

"Crow!" He eventually yelled out, turning to face the back and moved the strings of beads that hung in the doorway to the back. "That dumbass better..." He muttered quietly under his breath, continuing to growl and grumble as he ducked further in to see if he could see the magician. Still nowhere in sight, he pulled back and looked back to the two individuals at the counter. "He should be coming. Don't break anything." With that, he stepped to the side and snatched up the broom that was leaning against in a niche in one of the walls so that he could busy himself with doing something that didn't involve talking or answering questions.

 

[Mars Walker]

☆BLUE MOON☆

As Blue opened her mouth to respond to the very annoyed man behind the counter, the front door opened, and in walked a tall woman, holding the same newspaper that Blue had in her own hand. She was pretty, with a fit phisyique, even features, and a pair of warm brown eyes– and Blue was a bit jealous of how tall the woman was, since it had to be a nice advantage to not have to struggle to peek over other people's heads. Blue was a little below average height, so this was a problem she faced frequently.

Blue averted her eyes when she realized she was staring at the other woman a bit intensely. Just a few moments after, another person walked into the store, and Blue assumed by the bits and pieces of thoughts that she could hear from him,that he was here in regards to the ad as well. She hoped that there would be enough positions available, because if there weren't, Blue was not above playing a little dirty to get a job.

Venn tried to call out for help, seeming overwhelmed and somehow even more upset by the amount of responses to the ad, and it was disgustingly obvious that he didn't want any of them there. She smiled a bit when hentold them not to break anything, "I dunno, now that you've told me not to break anything, I kinda sorta want to. But on account of my not having any money or energy to haul ass after I break anything, I think I might just consider not doing it." She spoke, sarcasm dripping from every word.

 

[U.N. 0W3N]

ROLAND LEE CROWLEY


Mister Crowley had low expectations of how his day would go: some trouble here and there, but he'd manage. Instead, his day had to start with dealing with a bumbling imbecile of a ghoul that had an unnatural ability to nearly lose parts of himself once a week. Sitting by the back exit, his focus was divided in two: ignoring how annoying the ghoul was being and working as quickly as possible. From what he gathered, Sergio had a run in with a couple of fledglings that didn't take kindly with the way he was hitting on one of them. Needless to say, he woke up with his head barely hanging on, making a great impersonation of a PEZ dispenser. Mister Crowley had long since become desensitized to graphic images like that. At least there wasn't blood.

Finally, clapping his hands together, the store owner placed down a needle and spool of thick thread. Eying his handiwork, Mister Crowley placed his hand against Sergio's throat and closed his eyes. Strange muttering sounded out as the markings etched into his skin began to glow. Soon, the very same light illuminated against the sewn flesh of Sergio's neck, slowly knitting together. The ghoul knew what was about to come: a fuckton of-

"Jesus Christ, Crowley! Can'tcha be lil' more gentler? No wonder people fuck off afta' one night wit- OWOWOWOWOW!!!! 'EY!!!!!!!!"

"An' look at that. Pain means it worked," Mister Crowley soon removed his hand as he began to gather the supplies "Naw… please kindly piss aaav."

"Well, thanks fer helpin' me. Since I'm 'ere, d'ya 'ave any work for me?"

A groan escape from the magician as he shook his head. There was only two things Sergio was good for: being a great distraction and knowing how to get his hands on dirty information. Right now, neither serves any purpose for the cases he has. "Not yet, but Oi'll keep you posted. … same fer you. 'ear anythan' interestin' an' send it my way." Finally, rising up, the magician gave the ghoul one last look over before repeating the same directions as before. "Kindly piss aaav naw."

If Sergio was trying to say something, Mister Crowley didn't care. The door was closed right behind him and locked tightly. Waving his hands, the items disappeared as he made his way back to the common space. He needed to wash his hands five minutes ago. Washing his hands in the sink, Mister Crowley hummed out loud as he scrubbed the living life out of his hands. At this point, he caught a few things: voices? Were there customers? Turning off the faucet, he shook his hands of excess water before drying them off on a kitchen towel. Then, finally, the magician crossed the room, parting the beaded curtain.

Oh my… a luvely Amazon woman in my store...

"My, my, my… whut we got 'ere, naw? Can Oi 'elp-? … 'ey, Venn. Did you rearrange the store?" One of the shelves seemed to be out of place in the crowded antique shop, looking over the customers. One, of course, was the rather tall woman. The other, another woman, was lingering around the store as well.

OOC I thought it'd make sense that Crow didn't see Chas due to how cramped/crazy the store is... so jumpscare time.