[ When the clock strikes exactly four in the afternoon, a sudden chorus of music can be heard from the ballroom, as if a symphony is playing. And the song will play on repeat, even after everyone is inside. They doors will slam loudly and lock after the last person has entered, but there is no one to be seen who could have done so. In fact, there's no one to be seen at all besides the other guests.
The curtains around the ballroom fall, blacking out the sun and casting everyone into darkness amidst the musical frenzy. The guests may panic or remain calm, whatever their prerogative. A spotlight casts down onto the dance floor now, and twopeople dance a waltz beneath it. This time, when the music reaches its end it doesn't begin again, and the couple bows to each other before the man turns to the crowd. ]
Welcome, welcome, all of our dear guests! It is an absolute pleasure to finally meet all of you! I am the master of the house, Van, and this is my lovely wife, Memori. We will be your hosts during your stay in our home.
[ The masked man seems to be quite pleased to see all of them, and if not for how eerie this entire set-up was it would probably seem like an actually pleasant introduction. But he rubs his hands together, continuing on as the lights go up just a bit--enough that everyone can see, although the spotlight remains on the duo. ]
First of all, as I'm sure many of you know, there are rules. We are here to not only introduce ourselves, but to address an incomplete rule. That is, the seventh, which states in its full: "For a certain amount of time only your hosts may know, you are asked to survive. However, there is a catch. We will place temptations before you. To obtain these temptations, one must commit the act of murder and, in a trial of their peers, get away with it.
"To facilitate this, when a murder has been committed there will be an investigation by the guests present. After a short time, they will then proceed to the ballroom to discuss the evidence and try to find the culprit. Whomever is convicted will then be executed--guilty or innocent--and the guests may return to their daily lives afterward. There is no punishment for choosing wrong."
[ The entire time he has been addressing this, Van, has been pacing back and forth matter-of-factly. A spotlight splits from his wife and follows him. But when he is done explaining the rule, he will turn back to the guests with the most calm and pleasant smile on his face. As if they had simply discussed normal, everyday business. ]
Furthermore, Memori and I both have specific duties. You may seek us out in our office if you wish to speak in private, too. I will be handling the votes and the punishments when someone breaks the rules. Memori will be the one handling temptations and gifts. Together, we will handle executions and the general running of the household. Any questions?
Invitation to the Dance
The curtains around the ballroom fall, blacking out the sun and casting everyone into darkness amidst the musical frenzy. The guests may panic or remain calm, whatever their prerogative. A spotlight casts down onto the dance floor now, and two people dance a waltz beneath it. This time, when the music reaches its end it doesn't begin again, and the couple bows to each other before the man turns to the crowd. ]
Welcome, welcome, all of our dear guests! It is an absolute pleasure to finally meet all of you! I am the master of the house, Van, and this is my lovely wife, Memori. We will be your hosts during your stay in our home.
[ The masked man seems to be quite pleased to see all of them, and if not for how eerie this entire set-up was it would probably seem like an actually pleasant introduction. But he rubs his hands together, continuing on as the lights go up just a bit--enough that everyone can see, although the spotlight remains on the duo. ]
First of all, as I'm sure many of you know, there are rules. We are here to not only introduce ourselves, but to address an incomplete rule. That is, the seventh, which states in its full: "For a certain amount of time only your hosts may know, you are asked to survive. However, there is a catch. We will place temptations before you. To obtain these temptations, one must commit the act of murder and, in a trial of their peers, get away with it.
"To facilitate this, when a murder has been committed there will be an investigation by the guests present. After a short time, they will then proceed to the ballroom to discuss the evidence and try to find the culprit. Whomever is convicted will then be executed--guilty or innocent--and the guests may return to their daily lives afterward. There is no punishment for choosing wrong."
[ The entire time he has been addressing this, Van, has been pacing back and forth matter-of-factly. A spotlight splits from his wife and follows him. But when he is done explaining the rule, he will turn back to the guests with the most calm and pleasant smile on his face. As if they had simply discussed normal, everyday business. ]
Furthermore, Memori and I both have specific duties. You may seek us out in our office if you wish to speak in private, too. I will be handling the votes and the punishments when someone breaks the rules. Memori will be the one handling temptations and gifts. Together, we will handle executions and the general running of the household. Any questions?