[M] The Horror of Habergam House (OOC)
"The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown."
-
Howard Phillips Lovecraft
A palatial estate, tucked in gardens that come summer would be a verdant maze of hedges and topiaries, spiraling outward from the largest and most ornate marble fountain since the fall of Rome. But now the estate and its grounds were caught fast in the chilled grip of winter, the fountain dry and coated in silvery-white frost, the rows of hedges brittle and blanketed in thick, deep drifts of snow. Ahead, the estate proper loomed in the thick, velvety blackness like a sunrise. Golden light streamed from the many windows, illuminating the path leading to the entrance hall, where already guests were gathering. For a moment, if one was looking particularly closely, they would have noticed a curtain on the uppermost level shift and a shadow flicker out of sight.
---
Good evening, sir or madam. I am afraid I come bearing news of two sorts. Given that the first affects the second, I shall start with it, as terrible as it may be. Lord and Lady Habergam of the Manor of Tarryfordshire have fallen gravely ill. The family physician believes they will not make it to see spring's bloom, may God have mercy on their souls. The second bit of news is of a lighter consideration. The Lord and Lady wish to see their daughters married before they pass on, and are hosting a ball in hopes of finding suitable matches. Invitations have been prepared, but I was instructed to let you know personally that the ball will take place three weeks hence. The Lord and Lady apologize for such giving short notice, but taking into consideration their delicate circumstances, they believe it can be overlooked. We look forward to seeing you there.
Spoiler: The HabergamsThere is not a landed gentry nor a business-made aristocrat in all of England that does not know of the Habergams. It does not matter how far one isolates themselves and their family behind a maze of hedges and rolling green hills, when one's family is older than the King of England's and nearly as rich, one cannot entirely escape notice. Or at the very least, gossip. Rumors are all that seems to be said about the Habergams. Few have ever actually interacted with the mysterious Lord or Lady directly, or even seen them. The so-called Hermit Habergams rarely leave their estate, and some say the Lord and Lady died discreetly years ago and their business has since been conducted by servants.
Yet, the Habergams and their representatives seem to be everywhere. Not a business is conducted in England without the Habergams being connected to it, even in the thinnest and most tangential threads. The elusive and semi-mythic Habergam fortune seems to fund all manner of ventures. How the Habergams came by their vast hoard, nobody knows, but everybody seems to have an opinion. Rumors and rumors and more rumors, all piling on top of each other and mixing to form an impenetrable soup of misinformation and fabrications that swaddles the unknowable truth until one cannot know what to believe.
But, this does not leave us entirely without a base of truth to build upon. The facts (though any and everyone disagrees on what else to add) are thus:
- There is a Lord Tiberius and Lady Theophania Habergam
- They have two daughters of marrying age, Elizabeth and Atalanta
- The four Habergams have an estate in Tarryfordshire
- The Habergams are in possession of a great deal of money and land
- Few have ever interacted with them
- No servants have ever been relieved of service from the Habergams
Despite their foreboding repute, their vast fortune and grand estate have inspired many to attempt to ingratiate themselves into the family. Most have been turned away at the door. Those that do walk through those tall oaken double doors come out vastly richer but changed in ways hard to pinpoint. And yet, here is the perfect opportunity to carve off a piece of the Habergam pie. To marry in! It almost sounds too good to be true...
Spoiler: Rules
- The game is set in December 1820, in Tarryfordshire, England; one's character must reflect the setting
- Please adhere to the usual literacy rules: correct grammar and spelling, third-person and past tense only, and enough for the next person to build on
- This RP is rated M - Mature. It will include themes of body horror, gore, violence, loss of personal agency, and the shredding of the thin veil that separates mankind from madness
- The inactivity period is two weeks without a heads-up in advance or explanation, after that, I will be moving along; That said, after four weeks of inactivity, explanation or no, I will be moving along
- One cannot shoot Cthulhu and expect him to keel over dead. Humans are frail, insignificant things, powerless against the face of the cold and infinite cosmos; god-modding and power-playing will not work, and I will take great pleasure in killing your character
- Despite the fact that the ball is being held in the hopes of attracting suitors to the Habergam daughters specifically, both sexes are in attendance as invitations were sent far and wide and were for entire families, rather than specific guests
Spoiler: Character SheetName:
Title: (Lord/Lady, Baron/Baroness, Earl/Countess, Marquess/Marchioness, or any number of foreign European titles, if any)
Age:
Occupation:
Birthplace:
Residence:
Appearance:
Personality:
Talents: (One's most compelling skill or skills, where one truly shines; this is what many would know you for)
Skills: (A list of 5-7 hobbies, pastimes, and expertise your character pursues)
Brief History: (1-3 paragraphs of your character's personal history)
Family: (Any family they may have)
Friends: (Any friends they may have, at least 3 [with names at the very least])
Rivals: (Any rivals they may have, optional but encouraged)
Reputation: (Where your character stands in the social sphere; should correlate with one's history and perhaps even talents/skills)
Goals: (Whatever is driving your character, can be simple or as complex as desired)
Spoiler: Guest ListSpoiler: Caroline of Hanover
Name: Caroline of Hanover
Title: Dowager Duchess of Kent (by marriage), Princess of Hanover (by birth)
Stylings: Her Grace
Age: 30
Occupation: Guardian of the Duke of Kent
Birthplace: Hanover, Germany
Residence: Leeds Castle, Kent
Appearance: Described as a woman of rare beauty, Caroline stands at just above five and a half feet tall, with cascading brown hair and piercing blue eyes, her porcelain skin unblemished and scarcely touched by age.
Personality: Caroline can be summarized as warm and engaging with a penchant for gossip. She is, however, incredibly calculating and always looking to further her own cause and that of her family. A most capable hostess and comfortable in larger groups.
Talents: There is a talent for every noble thing. Caroline is an expert at using her charm and wits to extract information from the most reticent individual. She is an involved patron of the arts and higher learning. It has been alleged she has a gift for picking locks.
Skills:
- Cards of course, what lady isn't?
- Lockpicking
- Gossip, of course a talent no doubt
- Accomplished gardener
- Pianist
- Decent shot on the hunt (by no means an expert, perhaps just lucky)
Brief History:
Caroline was born in 1790 at her families ancestral seat of Hanover and into the title of Princess. Thus making her a relative (however distant) of King George IV. At the age of 15th, she was betrothed to Henry, Duke of Kent and married at 19, at which point she moved to England to take up permanent residence. Caroline was highly educated for a woman of her time and speaks several languages, German, English, French and Latin. Her marriage would best be described by those who call themselves close friends and family as unhappy and in ill-fitted match.
Despite her husband's gambling and infidelity, Caroline never wavered in her duty and after several miscarriages, she gave birth to a son, George in 1811. Caroline was known the kingdom over for her beauty, charm and unparalleled capabilities as a hostess. It was not long after this that her beloved husband Henry, Duke of Kent passed away under mysterious circumstances. Her son, George inherited the title and lands of his father becoming the next Duke of Kent. Caroline lords over the land and wealth until George can come of age as the Dowager Duchess.
Even though Caroline has enjoyed her time at the top of the societal ranks, even she has never met the illustrious and elusive Habergams, but tales of their success and notoriety have been the stuff of legend that intrigue her. Though her son is not particularly of marriage age, the Duchess does have a younger brother, Richard whom she hopes to find success for as royal options have dwindled to next to none.
Family:
- Henry, the late Duke of Kent (Husband)
- George, Duke of Kent (minority age son)
- Richard (younger brother, aged 25)
Friends: Lady Ashford, another Duchess. Martine, a maid servant and confidant who is never far from the Duchess' side.
Rivals: Baron Sebastian von Wintershield, once her lover after the death of Henry, the Duke of Kent. It is speculated that Sebastian may have found information regarding the death of the Duke that sent him fleeing. Now what could it have been?
Reputation: Caroline's reputation is sterling at the pinnacle of the aristocracy, though rumours tend to crop about her late husband. Could she have killed him?
Goals: Power, money, influence
Spoiler: Sebastian von WintershieldName: Sebastian 'Seb' von Wintershield
Title: Baron
Age: 28
Occupation: Aristocrat and Socialite
Birthplace: Edinburgh, Scotland
Residence: Wintershield Manor, a lavish estate nestled in the Scottish countryside
Appearance: Baron Sebastian is a dashing figure with tousled chestnut hair, piercing green eyes, and a charming smile. He possesses a tall and athletic build, which he accentuates with tailored suits and fashionable accessories. His impeccable grooming and stylish appearance make him the center of attention in any social gathering.
Personality: Baron Sebastian is known for his extravagant lifestyle and unapologetic pursuit of luxury. He relishes in the materialistic side of life, indulging in the finest fashion, gourmet cuisine, and opulent experiences. He is charismatic, exuding confidence and charm, effortlessly captivating those around him. However, beneath his flamboyant persona, there lies a shrewd businessman who knows how to leverage his wealth and connections to his advantage.
Talents: Seb's most compelling skill is his ability to network and build relationships. He has a natural gift for socializing and can effortlessly navigate the complexities of high society. His charm and charisma make him the life of the party, drawing people to him like moths to a flame.
Skills:
- Fashion Connoisseur: Sebastian possesses an innate sense of style and is well-versed in the latest fashion trends. He is often sought after for fashion advice and frequently attends haute couture events.
- Fine Dining and Wine Tasting: Seb has developed a refined palate and is well-versed in gourmet cuisine and wine appreciation. He enjoys exploring the culinary world and experiencing the finest dining establishments.
- Equestrian Sports: Baron Sebastian is an accomplished equestrian, excelling in show jumping and dressage. He finds solace and exhilaration in the equestrian arts.
- Hosting Extravagant Events: Seb has a talent for organizing extravagant parties and events, ensuring every detail is meticulously planned to create an unforgettable experience for his guests.
- Business Acumen: Behind his extravagant lifestyle, Seb possesses a keen business sense. He understands investments, real estate, and the art of negotiation, enabling him to maintain and expand his wealth.
Brief History: Baron Sebastian von Wintershield was born into a wealthy aristocratic family with a long lineage of successful businessmen. From an early age, he was exposed to a life of luxury and excess, developing a penchant for the finer things in life. Seb inherited the title of Baron and a considerable fortune upon his father's passing. He has since embraced his role as a prominent socialite, skillfully leveraging his family's wealth and influence to expand his network and pursue his materialistic desires.
Family: Sebastian has an older brother, Maximillian von Wintershield, who is next in line to inherit the family estate and title. Max, though more reserved and conservative in his approach, shares a deep bond with Sebastian. Their father, Baron Rudolf von Wintershield, was a renowned industrialist and successful entrepreneur. Their mother, Lady Isabella von Wintershield, is a prominent socialite who supports her sons' lavish lifestyles.
Friends:
- Lady Arabella Kensington: A fellow socialite with a taste for luxury, Lady Arabella shares Sebastian's love for extravagant experiences and often accompanies him to exclusive events. Her sharp wit and infectious laughter make her a delightful companion, and Sebastian values her friendship for the sense of adventure and shared indulgence they enjoy together.
- Count Augustus von Stirling: A charismatic and influential noble, Count Augustus is Sebastian's closest friend. They have known each other since childhood and share a bond forged through their shared upbringing in the aristocratic circles. They engage in friendly competition when it comes to their materialistic pursuits and often collaborate on various social projects. Count Augustus is known for his elegance and charm, complementing Sebastian's flamboyant nature.
- Duchess Amelia Sinclair: Known for her elegance and sophistication, Duchess Amelia is Sebastian's confidante. As a member of the high aristocracy, she moves in the same circles as Sebastian and offers him guidance in matters of social etiquette and diplomatic maneuvering. Her refined taste and calm demeanor provide a balancing influence in Sebastian's life.
Reputation: Sebastian von Wintershield is a prominent figure in the social sphere, known for his extravagant lifestyle and unapologetic pursuit of luxury. His name is synonymous with opulence and indulgence. He is revered by some as a trendsetter in fashion and a connoisseur of the finer things in life. However, there are those who view him with envy and skepticism, seeing his materialistic pursuits as shallow and excessive. His reputation also extends to his business acumen, with many acknowledging his ability to leverage his wealth and connections for personal gain. Overall, Sebastian's reputation is one of a flamboyant and influential figure in high society, embodying the epitome of extravagance.
Goal: Due to Sebastian's grand reputation, one can consider that he intends to marry one of the daughters of the Habergam family and build an even grander legacy for his own family. However, there are hushed rumors in a few social circles - Sebastian's older brother, Maximillian, was one of the few that previously entered the mansion before and came out as a changed person. Thus, an even greater shadow was cast upon the younger brother - and one can assume that Sebastian intends to step out of his brother's shadow due to jealousy. And what better way to than to build a true alliance with the Habergam?
Spoiler: Sorin Iorghu OtvoşName: Sorin Iorghu Otvoş
Title: Professor
Age: 32
Occupation: Archeology Professor at the University of London
Birthplace: Hermanstadt, Transylvania
Residence: London, England
Appearance
Professor Otvoş stands at a rugged five feet and nine inches. He has bags under his eyes and a partially sunken expression. He is often seen wearing a finely put together suit with a cane to be used as support. He has reading spectacles hanging around his neck, and a hairline that is receding.
Personality
Often referred to as "that crazy history man" by his peers, Professor Otvoş is best described as an eccentric intellectual with an appetite for the strange and ancient. He often fantasizes about the various ancient cultures that existed before his own. However, juxtaposing this, he is deep-thinking and philosophical; being open-minded to a degree.
Talents
While he does have spectacles needed to read up close, his eyes when viewing distant objects are still superb at this age. He is highly aware of his surroundings to an almost frightening degree. He is known for spooking people with how reactive he is to a person's response or call.
Skills
- Avid Chess Player
- Poetry
- Violinist
- Dancing
- Memory Recall
- Chronological Thinking
Brief Historical Profile
Professor Sorin Iorghu Otvoş was born in 1788 to a large wealthy household consisting of not only his parents and siblings, but his grandparents too. Sorin's early years were dedicated to homeschooling and tutoring on part of his father's fears of violence in the streets after the revolt from four years prior. However, in those years he developed a deep fascination for antiquity from reading his father's books on ancient Greece.
By his pre-teenage to teenage years, he had fully moved to England. His father picking up a lucrative business deal with some industrious aristocrats. His mother became known for her violinist skills, which is where he came to learn the instrument. As for his education, he was placed third in his class after exams and later came to devote his early adult life into archeological expeditions. He traveled the world, partaking in some of the most significant archeological discoveries in the late 18th century.
His late twenties were found with him being partially isolated from his family and friends, choosing to engage with his studies rather than socialize. The result of this is graduation from the University of London with a Masters in archeology and easy promotion to a teaching position at the university due to his achievements over the course of his university career.
Family, Friends, and Rivals
- Iorghu Otvos Brasoveanu - Father - Relation: Shakey; No Contact
- Angelica Otvos (Maiden: Lucian) Constantin - Mother - Relation: Strong; Frequent Contact
- Nandru Iorghu Otvos - Oldest Brother - Relation: Weak; Infrequent Contact
- Roxana Iorghu Otvos - Younger Sister - Rleation Strong; Frequent Contact
- Sorana Iorghu Otvos - Youngest Sister - Relation: Strong; Frequent Contact
- Tiberiu Iorghu Otvos - Youngest Brother - Relation: Strongl; Frequent Contact
- Professor Herbert Tilford - Relation: Strong; Infrequent Contact
- Professor Alma Debenham - Relation: Weak; Frequent Contact
- Captain Absalom Donnell - Relation: Strong; Frequent Contact
- Doctor Jeremiah Wise - Relation: Hostile; Infrequent Contact
Reputation: His knowledge of ancient history is next to none, and his exploits in archeology will have people singing praises. However, his eccentricity and odd speech turns many off to his conversation.
Goals: He desires to know more about the ancient world and its secrets. Whatever they may contain.
Spoiler: Travis Dean ScottName: Travis Dean Scott
Title: Lord or Constable
Age: 26
Occupation: Constable
Birthplace: Douglas, Scotland. (South of Glasgow).
Residence: Lancaster, England. (North of Blackpool).
Appearance: A decently built man of 6 feet in height with short red hair
Personality: He rather kind hearted soul with a will to help others with a smile when possible. He's rather stern at times. Can hardly talk one moment, and then talk your ear off the next. Doesn't usually like formal gatherings, but will make exceptions on occasion.
Talents: Brawling with a mix of boxing and wrestling styles, policing, helpful odd jobs for cheap (Such as felling pesky trees, unlocking accidentally locked doors or replacing them, and the like).
Skills:
Brawling. A mix of boxing and wrestling, depending on the situation.
marksmanship. If it uses powder to shoot lead, he likely knows how to use it more effective3ly than the average man, but he's no expert.
Mechanical tinkering, which has given him some skill in locksmithing, lock picking, and invention by extent.
athletics. Generally staying fit and strong, and likely getting stronger. But nothing too extreme.
Cards.
Brief History: As a middle child on a small farm just outside of Douglas, Travis developed a work ethic and a sense of humor of sorts. And due to the nature of the work, and how his mind decided to perceive things, began tinkering in order to make certain jobs easier. He moved out when he was older, and later ended up in Lancaster.
In Lancaster, he made some new friends. And with some unfortunate events of which he was an active participant, he decided to become a constable to help keep the peace in the area. During which time, when he wasn't on duty, or providing another service to a member of the community, he was either relaxing, brawling in some fashion, or tinkering.
More recently, Travis' beloved uncle Thom had passed away, leaving portions of his own sizable estates in Breich Scotland to several of his nephews, Travis being one of many recipients. He was making plans to go and see his new lands when the invitation came. Hesitant to attend at first, but then saw it as an opportunity and decided to go.
Family:
Father; Martin Scott
Mother; Abigail Scott
1st son; Kent Scott
2nd son; McAlister Scott
3rd son; Oliver Scott
1st daughter; Olivia Scott
4th son; Jackson Scott
2nd daughter; Martha Scott
5th son; Travis Scott
6th son; David Scott
7th son; Silaice Scott
3rd daughter; Kayla Scott
8th son; Fredrick Scott
9th son; Connor Scott
4th daughter; Gretta Scott
Friends:
Ben Havick (Chemist) [Sometimes work together on some mechanically based ideas]
Johnathan Fredrick (fellow Constable)
Ethan Hole, shipwright
Rivals: John Avery, covertly hostile at times. Mr. Avery is a criminal, and one whom Travis Scott has helped lock up more than once.
John Avery has attempted, or at least threatened murder. He tends to go after rather high stakes heists.
Reputation: Though perhaps a bit odd at times, and hardly being a model citizen, he has a reputation befitting a man desiring to do good with a helpful spirit. On duty, or off, he's done his best to keep Lancaster safe, and has earned the hearts of a few others through his cheap and ready helping hands. Far from perfect, he has earned respect from the community at large, though maybe not everyone.
Goals: creativity, wonder, freedom, and love. Travis wishes to be known for something good. Besides his interesting ideas that he hopes would make life easier, he also wishes to help others and keep them safe. Though he finds what he's looking for by patrolling the streets of Lancaster, at heart, his true desire is to be of use.
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Originally Posted by Yggdrasil_Hugger
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