Event The Fall Ball (The Hunt) Finished

The Viper Magnate

Interacting with and Mentioning @Opeila Winters, @Astrea Soleil Neptune, @Starlee Kennedy, @Percival Rainwood, and @Henry Knight

Twelwe - Ikigai

Roleplaying as Dmitri Kazimir Jones
Perfectionist | Perfectionist II | Spell Spread | Terrible Presence
Sta 7, Str 2, Eva 6, Wis 14, Arc 11, Acc 10

The Viridian Vipers' Captain was nothing if not observant. Even with his attention divided between inspecting the gruesome painting and listening to his duellists' discussions, Dmitri was still able to pick out a plethora of vital information about the work of art on the stone wall.

"Wait," Dmitri would mutter in his housemates' general direction, sparing the newcomer, Percival Rainwood, a cursory glance and Starlee Kennedy a dismissive one, "there's something... wrong with this painting..." The statement was born from his observation that the scene captured in the canvas seemed... unbalanced. Disproportionate. Like there was something... or someone missing from the image.

Upon further inspection, his gaze would fall upon the painting's nameplate:

Paran Taja saves Laiks Denbora

Was that it? Whoever Paran Taja was, was he supposed to be here helping this man? Laiks Denbora?

"What did you say again?" The older would lean towards Opeila, backtracking on the conversation. "St. Mungo's? That was the emblem? Do you think that was St. Mungo's apparition itself?"

"You." This time, his gaze would fall upon Henry, "I agree with you. I think Paran Taja has something to do with all of this." With this statement, Dmitri's posture would straighten, a solid plan starting to form in his mind. "Whatever the case, all of this involves calling the attention of the right people: the ghost rider, the missing person from the painting, anybody that could help." With a flourish of his wandarm, Astrea and Percival would find themselves at the end of his chestnut wand—something that would look threatening on anyone, much more the Slytherin Duelling Captain.

But it was for a different purpose other than an offensive hex or a jinx.

"You two, make yourselves useful and call out for Mungo Bonham and Paran Taja." At the end of the sentence, a smirk would form on his usually-emotionless lips. "I will back you up with a little... magic."

Before casting, though, he would address Opeila and Henry one more time. "Do me a favor and investigate further. You've shown me your sleuthing skills well enough."

With a sharp inhale, Dmitri would face his targets, let out a small quip of don't worry, this won't hurt. I do implore you to yell, though, and enunciate clearly:

"Sonorus!"

———

Action: Casting Sonorus [Spell Spread] at Astrea and Percival Rainwood.
Free Action: Commanding Opeila and Henry to investigate, and Astrea and Percival to yell.

outfit | brooch

『Sort of mood board

Closed for Interactions(Owl me if you'd like to interact)
Mentioning:@Wyatt Starkey
Interacting With:Charles Alluring @Henry Knight @Leonard Oaksworth @Marshal Mozor
Speech Color: #A0A9B8
Action: Observing the painting

』

To say a lot of talking had gone on. And in the few minutes Alec had been trying to severely concentrate. Would be an understatement. Alec watched as Charles left and things went on. Alec couldn't catch it all. And there were just from the people in the group with him. Everybody seemed to be excited and nervous all at once. Alec's mind was just trying to unravel what to figure of the ghost had looked like. The sleeves of his cloak strangely coloured.. And a few other "minor" details. Maybe there had been a patch somewhere on the ghost's clothing with its name on it? While it wasn't the most sensible thing to do, it could have been very helpful. Of course, it was unlikely.

Alec's eyes glazed over to the highly energetic figure who'd been doing most of the talking(With a comment or two from Leo along the way.). The first year reminded him of Clifton. Not in a bad way either. Alec couldn't help but let his face break into a small smile. As Leo introduced the two. Adding "Alec J-I mean um.. Yeah.. Alec. Nice to meet you." to the end of Leo's words. Cutting the J. short due to the objections of his now very impactful, "enemy". He was about to offer his hand to shake. But stopped realizing they had more pressing matters to worry about. And offered Marshal the slightest bit of a bigger smile in its place.

Alec listened as the two went on conversing. Alec also noticing Leo getting slightly annoyed at the whole Phil for the ghost name suggestion thing. Alec didn't blame him. It was stressful right now. Moving on from such, Alec spoke. "We're lost on this. The painting obviously has something to do with it, though. Right? Maybe the name of the painting has something to do with it? Artist even? There was also something odd about that ghost.." He suggested and commented aimlessly messing with his wand as he spoke. "Also adding to such. Don't you think it rather odd that we've found sweets-" Alec paused, pulling the candies he'd picked up out of his pockets. "-on the floor. Who in their right mind leaves sweets littered all over the floor?(How dare they disrespect the sweets!) There's really something off about these." Alec said as he observed the wrappers atop them. "I would suggest maybe the ghost's name has something to do with these random sweets. But it doesn't really make much connection." Alec said as he looked at them once more before shoving them into his pocket.

Running a hand through his curly hair to push it out of the way. He backed up from the small group to get a better look of the painting. Focusing on his first idea and suggestion. Maybe there was something to it that he had not yet noticed.

For moderation
Stats: Stamina: 6 |\/| Evasion: 7 |\/| Strength: 7 |\/| Wisdom: 6 |\/| Arcane Power: 7 |\/| Accuracy: 7 |\/| Total: 40
Abilities: Evasive Maneuvers |\/| Advanced Casting

Graphic by Leonard Oaksworth

[font=Times New Roman]Interacting With: @Leonard Oaksworth, @Alec Mason & @Anastasia Beckett
Action: Keeping the mood as light as possible, and attempting to assess the wounds of the man in the painting (What they look like, what might have caused them, where they are on his person, etc.).
Status: Open to Interaction

Stamina | 6 | Evasion | 5 | Strength | 8 | Wisdom | 5 | Arcane Power | 5 | Accuracy | 6

Abilities: Fearless

♢♦ Costume ♦♢

Clearly, Leo wasn’t in a joking mood, considering the ever so slightly implied threat within his words. Then again, this was normal for Marshal’s panicking pal, thus spurring the Gryffindor to a greater determination to make use of any and all jokes that entered his head. This may be an emergency, but who said fun wasn’t allowed during emergencies? It was entirely conceivable that any of his ideas would be questioned from here on out, but at least he was keeping the group’s morale up; therefore, he was useful.
”Now, Leo,” he replied to his friend good-naturedly, almost as though reprimanding a small child for not saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you.’ ”Your threat is less than effective when I likely won’t make it to bed tonight anyway. Timing is everything.” He patted the Slytherin on the shoulder. ”It also might help if you walk through walls and speak in weird riddles. That guy might not be very helpful, but at least he has some style.”
The ghost rider’s entrance truly had been awe-inspiring, regardless of how useless his information was. ‘Fake it ‘till you make it,' Marshal’s father would say.

He rewarded the other boy’s smile with a notably larger one. ”Splendid to meet you as well, Alec! I’d ask what the most exciting thing you’ve done recently was, but the answer would be too obvious.” He glanced around, indicating the whole situation with his eyes. Shoving his hands into the pockets of his dress pants, he leaned closer to Alec, adding with a bit too much eagerness, ”Leo says things like this happen a lot around here. Is that true?” Of course Marshal didn’t consider Leo untrustworthy, but his storytelling may tend to get a smidgen… stretched here and there. The first-year merely wanted a second opinion to confirm that he would be experiencing this sort of adventure regularly. If so, he certainly wouldn’t be bored over the next several years.
While he might have been slightly overzealous concerning the subject of adventure, Marshal could hardly be blamed. The most exciting thing that ever happened at his old school had been the randomly enacted fire drills. Perhaps this was simply an elaborate form of a fire drill, made to prepare students for magically-enhanced disasters. Or perhaps this was the very disaster that the kids had been training for this whole time. Either way, one fact couldn’t be avoided; this was invigorating.

Leo insisted that now was not the time for dad jokes, but the comment was obviously absurd. Marshal refused to believe that a scenario wherein jokes could be labeled inappropriate existed, for it would truly be a traumatic experience.
If I can’t see it, it’s not true, he told himself. Never could a calamity of such magnitude be allowed to occur. It would be too much.
”Of course it would be laughter!” he exclaimed at Leo’s comments, cheerful grin still present. ”The only real pain is never getting to hear all the jokes that could have been said. Don’t you worry; I’ll never let you experience that kind of suffering. It would be cruel.” Smug sarcasm abounded within his words. Following his friend’s question, he pointed a finger at the rather noticeable spectral feline, and added, ”Yeah, the cat’s right there. Do you need glasses, by chance?”
Watching Leo’s eyes, he noticed the way they flitted from the floor, to the crowd, then to the stone underfoot once more. Tracing the dark-haired boy’s gaze, he caught his friend stealing a glance at a familiar figure, towering above most of those surrounding her, and sporting her usual breathtaking mixture of irritability and radiance. Truly, Anastasia glowed brighter than the cat, capturing the attention of many a roaming eye.
A sense of understanding grew within the blond Romeo, and he smirked knowingly at Leo. ”Look, I know she’s gorgeous, but you can’t let it control you.” His voice was lowered, allowing only for Leo and Alec to hear. ”You have to stay strong.”
Obviously, Marshal wasn’t one to talk, but regardless, he grabbed Leonard’s head with both hands in an attempt to gently guide it towards the ghost cat.

Just then, the cat in question came to a stop, staring at a particular painting on the wall before turning to face the group and emitting a sound that clearly stated, ’Look, nimrods!’ Typical feline.
Hazel eyes examined the scene in the picture, then widened in horror. The man in the frame was badly injured; it didn’t look as though he would survive for long. Marshal knew next to nothing about the paintings at Hogwarts, other than the fact that they were created through magic, of course, and he was fairly certain that the inhabitants weren’t actually alive. But again, he had no real clue, and was uncertain how he should feel. Without a doubt, the sight of anyone being so horribly injured was heart-breaking, and disturbing at best; but if the man wasn’t truly a living being, then the whole thing would be much easier to process.
Multiple attempts at helping the poor soul were met with no success, and the group as a whole appeared to be stumped, though ideas and possibilities flew freely throughout the hall.

Alec mentioned the candy that seemed to be scattered about the corridors, reminding Marshal of the candy in his pocket for the first time since he had snatched it off the floor outside the ballroom.
Pulling the Lemon Sherbet from one pocket, he examined it curiously. Upon hearing Alec’s comment that the sweets might be related to the ghost rider’s name, the Gryffindor’s mind jumped - unbidden - to Lemony Snicket. A burst of laughter nearly escaped him, though he managed to cut it off with a well-placed hand over his mouth. Despite his earlier sentiments, it hardly seemed respectful to laugh in front of a dying man, painted or not.
Surely he had uncovered the ghost’s name. It made about as much sense as anything else that Lemony Snicket was involved in. Such a lack of sense, in fact, that it almost made complete sense. Yet still, he was fairly certain that Lemony Snicket was not the answer they were searching for. Sad, really. That twist would really put this adventure over the top.

Placing the candy back in his pocket, he moved closer to the painting for a better look, just as Ana’s voice rose above the din.
Noticing the label at the bottom of the elegant frame, he quickly surmised that someone - or something - was clearly missing from the scene. Coupling that clue with the blood stains, indicating that something had been attacked, then dragged away, and the lion symbol that seemed to have been ripped from its rightful place, he produced a rather chilling thought.
”Thank you for pointing out my matchless wit and intellect.” he said aloud in response to Ana’s sarcastic comment. He still wanted to keep the mood as light as one conceivably could. Morale and all that. ”You’re the second person to do that in the last few minutes. I have say, it makes me feel good to hear what I already know.” He flashed a grin at the older girl. ”I don’t know this Perry Taji character, but if you ask me, this almost looks like some sort of animal attack. That lion crest might have been torn from somebody’s cloak in a cloud of claws and teeth, and those drag marks make me think of a predator dragging prey to its den.”
Returning his gaze to the gruesome painting, he squinted at the visible victim in an attempt to get a better look at the man’s wounds. Perhaps they could paint a clearer picture, as it were.

The Masquerade Ball
X § X § X § X

The Hunt
X § X § X § X § X

Open to Interactions; Pursuing
Mentioning: @Rafael D'Spacito as Hanzo & @Lydia Cooper as Alexander Ward

The spell came easily to me. Of course it did; it had been a spell I had been casting religiously at Durmstrang, and now it came back to me here. People about me watched the sparks, but I was watching for something else: any kind of information that perhaps was magically hidden in the portrait itself. Any sign that could give testament to some breach between these dimensional worlds. Alas, my attempt comes up empty-handed, but as I peer at the portrait victim, I can't help but offer a gentle smile to his pained one. Perhaps this casting wasn't as futile as I had perceived it to be. Perhaps comfort was what was needed most in the moment.

I am interrupted by Hanzo greeting Alexander! Good friend, though I was a little less familiarized with him. Turning away as the sparks finally faded, I offer the best lighthearted smile that I could offer in the moment. Perhaps Alex had clever ideas of his own...

"Yes. I heard the commotion of the ghost... and well, here I am. Afraid that I yanked Hanzo along with me, though." I raise an eyebrow teasingly at him. "This whole situation is rather strange, isn't it? First the ghost, who appeared to me to have silver blood upon his sleeves, and now this portrait, who, against all reason, is dying from a mortal wound inflicted by something that is yet undiscovered." Running though the clues and trying to put together the puzzle pieces, trying to find the hole where things slipped through an indescribably curious sieve. More clues, more questions... "Have you any other bits of information? Perhaps we could figure this out together."

Thankfully there were now three Durmstrang students, and two of them seasoned at that. I, being the youngest... well, it was no reason for shame, but it was a little bit humbling. A good humbling, of course, for every man needs humility in his life.

Nodding along with Hanzo, having snickered at his teasing of my mindset towards the adventure, I shrug. With the things going on, every opportunity we have to resolve any amount of uncertainty, in this school or in our own, should be taken. Come on guys! Let's go on a field trip..."

Perhaps the cat could lead us to another clue. Only time would tell. Now I was one man stronger, possessing another brother in arms. Let's do this.

Following

Statistics and Abilities
Stamina 7 | Strength 10 | Evasion 7
Wisdom 7 | Accuracy 10 | ArcPower 0

Obnoxiously Strong: +10% to any Strength Checks
Perfectionist: -1 Critical Failure Chance

Conditions:
- Under the Positive Effects of Piérre Marchonné's Calming Presence (10%Auto-Hit Rate)

Outfit:

Reducio

Mask


Outfit

Stamina: 6 | Evasion: 6 | Strength: 4 | Wisdom: 7 | Arcane Power: 5 | Accuracy: 7
Seer | Binding Mark

Mentioning @Percival Rainwood, @Dmitri Jones

Action: Observe surroundings.

Interacting: @Lindsey Springhall
Mentioning: N/A

Outfit

[font=times new roman]“We’ve got to be prepared.”

Wyatt couldn’t agree more with his date’s statement. Wyatt anxiously clutched his wand even tighter as he nodded to Lindsey, a sign that he whole-heartedly agreed with her. It was odd they knew they had to be prepared for something they knew nothing about. How dangerous was this evil force? The few clues they had to go on were terribly vague. Lindsey was looking around, searching for miscellaneous clues to solve the riddle, he suspected. It was what most of the kids were doing. Obviously.

A few kids were talking to the portraits. Makes sense. They’d know of everything that happens at Hogwarts. Some people forget they’re there, or just don’t treat them like real humans at all. They’re not real human beings, of course, but they gossip like them, that was for sure. Wyatt mentally kicked himself for not thinking of talking to a painting first. A few portraits actually spoke to the kids. Wyatt heard echoes of the “he” they were looking for being near the Gryffindor common room.

Wyatt turned back to Lindsey. “If this isn’t just some Halloween scavenger hunt the professors set up, if this is actually a real threat… we wouldn’t stand a chance. I know this might be a little late to start thinking about how legitimate this wild goose chase is, but either way, this is really bad. I mean, either we’ve wasted our time on some riddle or we battle an evil entity that managed to break through Hogwarts’ wards-”

Wyatt heard himself rambling and stopped immediately, looking down at the ground. “I know I’m probably just overthinking this, but I’m…” He trailed off, still looking at the stone floor. He didn’t want to tell Lindsey he felt worried if it would make her scared or uncomfortable. He changed the subject. “I heard a couple portraits mention they saw the ‘he’ all those kids are looking for by the Gryffindor common room… the one who caused that.” He pointed to the bleeding person in the portrait.[/font]

Masquerade Posts: [1][2][3][4]
Hunt Post Tracker: [1][2][3][x]

Action: Overthink at Lindsey Springhall/share information he heard
Ability: Parseltongue
Stamina: 5 | Evasion: 6 | Strength: 3 | Wisdom: 7 | Arc. Power: 9 | Accuracy: 5

As Lindsey Springhall | open to interactions
Interacting with @Wyatt Starkey

Really, what’s going on?? She had seen nothing important to notice around, though maybe that’s only because she’s not so good at observing. But still, it was disappointing.

She grabbed her own wand tighter. Something was going to happen…but no, maybe not here. Suddenly something struck her. Lindsey’s thoughts quickly went back. First, a rider. Second, a cat. Third, some candies…they had been wasting their time searching meaninglessly around here, like what she did, and everything had gone. None of them stopped the rider. None of them hold the cat. None of them found anything suspicious of the sweets. Maybe…they were tricked.

It wasn’t created by herself at all. The large army of ghosts might be coming into Hogwarts now, when they were investigating useless surroundings. Maybe the weird thing wasn’t around them, in the corridors at all…or maybe they were heading here. But all in all, things were getting worse over the times.

“If this isn’t just some Halloween scavenger hunt the professors set up, if this is actually a real threat… we wouldn’t stand a chance.” she heard Wyatt saying beside her. Well, he was right…after all, they were students. Second year ones, who knew few spells to defend themselves. “I mean, either we’ve wasted our time on some riddle or we battle an evil entity that managed to break through Hogwarts’ wards-”

“Indeed.” she heard herself muttering in a voice that could hardly be heard. Maybe they couldn’t win the battle, or couldn’t survive at all…she knew that he was right, though she didn’t really wish to agree. Compromising wasn’t really something Lindsey Springhall would do. But she had already grew bored of investigating the surroundings. If it was useless, why should they do it?

Suddenly Wyatt changed the topic. “…by the Gryffindor common room… the one who caused that.” he told her. Gryffindor common room? Why would the rider go there? Was he, once a Gryffindor, by any chance?

“Gryffindor?” like still in a dream, she asked back. “Why, that’s quite weird…the ghost near the Gryffindor common room. What’s his intention? Find some precious jewelries?” she teased. Her eyes turned to the portrait. It was…well, clearly the person wasn’t very well. Maybe she was able to mend it, but that’s not the most important thing. Her eyes fixed on the paintings over there.

She ventured further, near where the portraits were staying, including the bleeding one. With the most charming smile and most lovely expression she could ever have, she inquired them. “Hello! I — I’m wondering, could any of you recall something suspicious near the Gryffindor common room? Like, something powerful or precious people would like to get greedily? Or something — something the rider seems like searching for? Or even, something suspicious — all around this castle?”

Action: inquiring the portraits about something suspicious they know
Stats: Stamina 7 | Evasion 6 | Strength 8 | Wisdom 7 | Arcane Power 6 | Accuracy 8
Abilities: Statistically Relevant | Lovely Creature

[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]

Reducio

ALLY LIST
-Wyatt Starkey
-Elizabeth Isaacs
-Scarlett Aden
-Leonard Oaksworth
-Marshal Mozor
-Casandra Ironwoods
-Mars T’ien

MODERATION POST

Moderation Post Tracker:
[Start] [Interlude] [First] [Note] [Second]

While others were excitedly examining the painting and getting clues, maybe looking at it from a safe distance or killing time with trying to eat sweets, @Alan Vanes joined his cat. Star (thank you Kara for the name, we will call the ghost cat Star form now on) purred happily about the attention and snuggled up to Tiger.
Alan had a closer look at the mysterious and majestic cat - maybe befriending her would speed things up?

Observation Roll (DC 15+2(Lovely Creature)): 17

This was indeed a ghost cat. Even though she was acting very cat-like her eyes were fixed on the investigating students and her ears twitched as if she was straining to listen to everything that was happening.

@Kara Capricorn also took this rather pragmatic approach. They had already found some clues, right? She had already tried to organise the investigation somewhat, now it was up to the cat again. She had led them to this place, maybe she would do it again?

Observation Roll (DC 15+2 (Lovely Creature)): 14

The cat answered by meowing and purring, but did not yet make any attempts to get moving. Was she waiting for something?

@Andrew Vance on the other hand did not put the responsibility in the paws of the cats. He had noticed some odd things in the picture. Was someone missing? Had someone been removed from it involuntarily - maybe Paran Taja? Smart boy, speak up, @Dan Palmer is busy with his own thoughts at the moment. You might help others who are lost!

He was not the only one who shared his information with a strict selection of people. Romeo Marchonné (@Piérre Marchonné) whose imaginary boyfriend Hanzo (@Rafael D'Spacito) had finally shown up and turned out to be a real person, shared his thoughts only with the other foreign students. Let’s be real, this tragic event took place at Hogwarts. Who knew which students were involved? Let’s keep it private!

But not everyone was so careful. @Wyatt Starkey was alert enough to pick up some information from the surrounding chatter and draw his own conclusions. He still was struggling with the situation - was it a prank or real trouble?

@Lindsey Springhall was sharing his doubts and decided to turn to the paintings. They had provided some other students with useful information, why not just go straight-forward and collect evidence something bad had actually happened here.

Charisma Roll (DC 15+2 (Lovely Creature)): 13

The people in the painting looked rather confused as the girl asked about something precious and powerful near the common room. One man with a monocle shook his head in indignation. “So you are looking for a treasure? Do I look like a treasure map to you? Pfft, the young people of today. Shush you.”

The idea that other paintings around might have seen something or be able to help was spreading, with a few more asking for help. @Alexa Mackenzie had heard half of what the other paintings had told her peers, but apparently not all of it. While she managed to locate a painting of red and gold, presumably a Gryffindor, her request received a frown.

Charisma Roll (DC 15+2 (Lovely Creature)): 28

“I’m not entirely sure what is going on, but from what I have heard the others say, it isn’t a painting in the realms of Gryffindor that you are looking for. It should be accessible for you, little one.”

@Aida Mòrsgor-Ama Ellwood had noticed a red scrap of cloth in the painting, depicting a lion, and shared this with anyone who would listen. She also asked the portraits whether she or them might be able to help the man, desperate to do something.

Charisma Roll (DC 15+2 (Lovely Creature)): 29

Although the old woman seemed truly apologetic, she shook her head. “Only the one who was meant to save him can do so. He’s the one you’re looking for.”

Despite the failure of the attempts of those around her, @Frost Cira was still hoping to be able to help the poor man, ease his suffering. She cast a healing spell at the painting.

Frost casts Reparifors (DC 11 + 2 (Lovely Creature)): 11

Or at least she tried. Had she been alone, it might have worked, too, but there seemed to be a ridiculous amount of distracting people around today. Man, they had really gone all out for the ball, hadn’t they? Feathers and masks, who was supposed to be able to focus here!

@Falentra Black and @Howard White were still staying apart from the crowd, talking between themselves and sharing their observations with no one else. Falentra tried to keep a keen eye on her surroundings, still - you never knew what you might miss!

Observation Roll (DC 20 + 2 (Lovely Creature)): nat 1 (critical failure)

Oh!! Was that some lint on her dress? Good thing she’d kept her eyes open.

@Alec Mason, @Leonard Oaksworth, and @Marshal Mozor had formed another sub-group of the crowd of students, and a rather entertaining one. While most had at this point given up on the sweets, discarded them as irrelevant or decided to just eat them instead, Alec was convinced they had to be connected to the ghost’s name, somehow. And how did the painting tie into it?

Observation Roll (DC 15 + 2 (Lovely Creature)): 15

But like Frost before him, he was simply too distracted by the charisma and feathers of those around them. So many lovely people around, so many.

Marshal tried to keep the mood light, and proved he had excellent taste: Truly, despite being obnoxiously unhelpful, that ghost had style. The Gryffindor was also the first one who decided to take a closer look at the wounds of the man in the painting. What had caused them? Maybe that would help solve the riddle?

Observation Roll (DC 20 + 2 (Lovely Creature)): 23 [owl]

The romantic Gryffindor had also somehow misunderstood Leonard’s predicament - Anastasia might be pretty, but she was also pretty terrifying - but took pity on him and forcefully turned his friend’s head towards where Star was still playing with Alan’s cat Tiger. [Leonard didn’t post but can assume an auto-success in spotting the ghost cat if they want to.]

But, well. The cause of Leonard’s distraction, one way or the other, was @Anastasia Beckett, who had watched her peers’ attempts to help and talk to the dying man in the painting with contempt. Obviously he wouldn’t be able to answer, what a bunch of idiots. She had also spotted something very interesting, however: There were supposed to be two people in this painting, called Paran Taja and Laiks Denbora. Since the latter was supposed to be saved, the missing one must be Paran Taja. Since everyone was shouting names anyway, she might as well join in - but would he hear her?

Painting Listen Roll: nat 1 (critical failure)

No. Just no.

@Dmitri Jones had collected his clues, now it was time to step into his role as the duelling captain of Slytherin. If someone would solve this riddle then it would be the Viridian Vipers…. Or at least someone from Slytherin! This required a firm hand and leadership. So he drew his wand and cast Sonorus at @Percival Rainwood and @Astrea Soleil Neptune with the clear order to call for Mungo Bonham or Paran Taja.

Casting Sonorus (DC 13 + 2 (Lovely Creature) +2 (Spell Spread)): 28

With that, those people had to notice the students calling for help - even though no one knew how a ghost could help a painting and the life of the poor man was obviously about to come to an end soon.
@Opeila Winters and @Henry Knight should look out for more clues. The captain had spoken!!

@Astrea Soleil Neptune would rather make sure she didn’t miss anything important in the painting herself. The information her captain had provided was not enough.

Observation Roll (DC 15+2 (Lovely Creature)): nat 20 → crit. success
Cue Roll: 2, 3

Hm… The young Slytherin noticed a few things that were odd about that painting. But would that help her solve the riddle?

@Percival Rainwood was busy flirting with his girlfriend so it’s a surprise if he even noticed the order of the older Slytherin - to be fair, he wasn’t on the duelling team and he might also have some authority issues. Well, for now his only concern was to stay close to Opeila. By her side he felt safe. Aww.
His girlfriend @Opeila Winters followed the call of her smart and handsome leader and decided to look for more clues.

Observation Roll (DC 15+2 (Lovely Creature)): nat 1 → crit. failure

However, she was surrounded by good-looking boys and one of them put in a lot of effort to get her attention. As much as she tried, couples in love only had eyes for each other. So you could overlook one or the other. Don’t let them distract you! They are not worth it anyway.

@Henry Knight was still busy playing the Alpha wolf and delegating tasks himself. Kara, look for Paran Taja, Vipers, go to the Gryffindor Common Room! In between he took the time to flirt with Callista and then he finally looked around if he could spot the guy who looked like he would fit in the painting.

Observation Roll (DC nat 20): 28

Well, Henry didn’t suddenly turn into an art professional to be able to assign painting style and brushwork. Everyone here could be Paran Taja or no one…

@Callista Lovis would not be distracted by the charming compliments of the young Slytherin (good job girl!) but put the clues together. One thing was clear to her: They should go to the Gryffindor Common Room, but who would start to lead them there?

And then their hero stepped up: @Martyna Romero solved the confusion and called for action. It was like a story and she wanted it to be told. Let’s go to the Gryffindor Common Room! And just like that the decision was made.
As soon as the girl had spoken these words and moved, the cat Star stood up, swished her tail once and then ran with a satisfied meow beside Martyna.

WHAT HAPPENED SO FAR…

• A ghost appeared in the Ballroom, proclaiming warnings of doom and tragedy, and challenged students to solve the mystery. He pointed to a silvery ghost cat as the guide, who at this point, has been named Star.
• Several students noticed odd things about the ghost:
  • Dmitri Jones and Kara Capricorn shared that they noticed a crest on his robes that was later identified as stemming from the St. Mungo’s Hospital.
  • Howard White noticed the Hufflepuff crest on his robes, but only shared this with Falentra Black, somewhat separate from the main group.
  • Romeo Marchonné remembered odd silver stains on the ghost’s sleeves and told his companions about them… blood, maybe?
• The ghost cat led you to a painting, depicting a man who obviously had been attacked and was fighting for his life - but healing and repairing proved fruitless. Could anyone save him?
• Several students noticed odd things about the painting:
  • Anastasia Beckett, Andrew Vance and Dmitri Jones pointed out an inscription below the painting: “Paran Taja saves Laiks Denbora”. Who was the man in the painting? Why was no one saving him?
  • Dmitri Jones also noticed that the painting composition seemed somehow unbalanced, as did Sapphire Riddle. Maybe something was missing here!
  • Andrew Vance pointed out a streak of blood on the floor of the painting. Maybe there had been a struggle? Had someone been dragged away - but by who, or what?
  • Aida Mòrsgor-Ama Ellwood made anyone listening aware of a scrap of fabric on the floor in the painting, red in colour, and depicting a lion. Odd.
  • Both Soren Silverwood and Callista Lovis had the idea to talk to nearby portraits to find out what had happened here. Both were pointed towards a painting that was supposed to be near the Gryffindor Common Room.
• The Gryffindor Common Room? Martyna Romero took the lead and ran off in this direction. It appeared that Star agreed with this, as the cat followed Tina’s departing steps.

SECOND LOCATION

And again Star ran ahead, stopping sweetly every now and then to check if the students were following her. On the way up to the fifth floor a few observant students would notice some weird lights in some corridors, mystic and distracting. With the bad weather outside and the spooky atmosphere they completed the set for some cold shivers.

Just before the Gryffindor Common Room, the cat turned into a side corridor covered with wine red carpets. Several portraits decorated the walls here as well, but one hung prominently at the end of the hallway - it was a dead end here and due to the entire architecture the painting attracted everyone's attention.
It showed a man in life-size with a red robe embroidered with gold lions - clearly a Gryffindor. The man was holding a ruby-studded sword in his hand and his raven-black hair fell to his shoulders in elegant waves. His moustache twirled elaborately at the ends, and all in all he was wearing a rather grouchy expression on his face.
Star’s fur started to bristle and she remained sitting at the entrance of the corridor with a quiet hiss. Obviously she was not happy to see the man and he was not exactly pleased about the company either.
When he spotted the cat and the first students, he leaned on his sword with a disparaging snort, which sank an inch into the ground. ”Hey, you tots! What do you want? Looking all fancy, huh? Do you want to undermine us with your fancy dresses and costumes? Showing us that you are invited to a party, rubbing it in our faces?!” He laughed without real joy and glared at them. "Good luck with that. Go on, and play somewhere else!"

OOC Information:

• From now on, please state your location above your post (e.g. First Location, On the way, Second Location)
• If you have the ability Lovely Creature, Calming Presence or Charmer, and you haven’t done so yet, please define your allies in your next post. This decision applies from the next moderation post to the end of the thread.
• This thread is now closed for new people to join.
  • Anyone who stated they are joining before the respective deadlines is assumed to be with the group and can post.
  • Exceptions for people who did not state they are joining before the deadline can be made if you have an IC explanation for how your character knows where to find the group. In that case, please contact us for permission.
• The next moderation will take place on November 28th.
• This is a moderated event, please state your actions (spells, attacks, observation attempts) accordingly. We will be rolling for them during moderation. You only have one action per moderation post.
• You can return to the Costume Party and the Masquerade at any point (as long as you're not involved in combat )
• If you have any questions feel free to owl Dealla Prince or Ileen Knight.

Reducio

Allies for Abilities:

1. Lovely Creature
   • Anastasia Beckett: Eyre Reeves, Alan Vanes, Marshal Mozor, Astrea Soleil Neptune, Soren Silverwood
   • Lindsey Springhall: Wyatt Starkey, Elizabeth Isaacs, Scarlett Aden, Leonard Oaksworth, Marshal Mozor, Cassandra Ironwoods, Mars T’ien
   • Jacqueline Levant (Allie Lewis): Cassie Heather McGregor-Martin (Lucia Fox), Scarlett Aden
   • Dan Palmer: Everyone in the thread except Dmitri Jones, Jack Burnett
   • Astrea Soleil Neptune: Dmitri Jones, Opeila Winters, Henry Knight, Starlee Kennedy, Anastasia Beckett
   • Percival Rainwood: Opeila Winters
2. Charmer
   • Charles Woodward: Ami Procoppio, Scott Alexander
   • Søren Silverwood: Calanthe Choi, Henry Knight, Anastasia Beckett
   • Dealla Prince: Everyone in the thread
   • Alexander Ward (Lydia Cooper): Hanzo Fransson (Rafael D’Spacito, Romeo Marchonné (Piérre Marchonné), Ruka Burnett-Tân
3. Calming Presence:
   • Frost Cira: Everyone in the thread

Mentioning @Dan Palmer
Heading from first location to second location

REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE BOY HAD RESPONDED, SAPPHIRE WOULD IMMEDIATELY DROP THE CONVERSATION IN FAVOUR OF FOLLOWING THE GHOST CAT. She was not aware that it had been gifted the name Star, but that did not matter to her in the present moment. Her goal was to follow the cat and find out what was happening.

She had heard a few people speak of the Gryffindor Common room, which seemed like a good thought. Still, she trusted the guidance of the spectral cat a bit more than the guesses of a bunch of children disregarding the fact that she as well was a child. The guidance of the creature had, after all, deemed to be useful so far.

She was light on her feet, having grown used to running in heeled boots. There was an eerie feel in the air, with the terrible weather outside the castle walls and the ominous warnings and sights that had appeared so far. She felt a shiver run down her spine, both from a bit of nerves and a load of excitement.

Up the stairs to the 5th floor, to the Gryffindor Common Room and down a hall. The carpets were a wine red colour that doubly reminded her of blood, portraits covering the walls. There was one, however, that stood out most. It was at the end of the dead-ended hallway - never a good sign, in her opinion. She felt as if something would end up happening, but she wasn't sure what.

The painting was one of a life-sized man, wearing a red robe embroidered with golden lions. He gave off an air of authority and carried a ruby-studded sword in his hands, raven-black hair falling to his shoulders. He seemed like a Gryffindor, but also seemed like quite a toxic one - just judging from the expression on his face. He had one of those mustaches that people sometimes associated with flashy fantasy villains.

The cat seemed a bit hostile towards the man, not wanting to be in his presence. She lurked in the shadows, trying not to be clearly noticed by the dude in the painting.

Clearly, he was not pleased to see them. He leaned on his sword, giving off an air of aloofness even through the painting. "Hey, you tots! What do you want? Looking all fancy, huh? Do you want to undermine us with your fancy dresses and costumes? Showing us that you are invited to a party, rubbing it in our faces?!” he said, laughing dryly. Sapphire decided she didn't like him. At all. "Good luck with that. Go on, and play somewhere else!" She sighed, feeling immensely exasperated with the dude.

"Oi, do you mind keeping the b***hing to a minimum? I highly doubt that any of these people are trying to show off, you a**. Maybe some of them, but most have more important things to do than rub it in other people's faces that they think they're better than them." She sneered, voice raised. She didn't really like this dude - not at all. She would let the other people take over now, choosing instead to observe her surroundings. She didn't really have anything to say, but she was good at listening. And looking. So that was what she would attempt to do.

FOR MODERATION:
Stats: Stamina - 7, Evasion - 8, Strength - 7, Wisdom - 9, Arc. Power - 7, Accuracy - 7
Species: Fully human
Action: Observing surroundings, snapping at the man in the painting

-RPing as Durmstrang iNPC Alexander Ward-
-Interacting with Hanzo & Romeo ( @Rafael D'Spacito & @Piérre Marchonné iNPCs) -
-The texts in bold are in Russian-

-Following the cat and arriving at the second location-

Alexander raised an eyebrow when Romeo mentioned that the ghost had silver blood on his sleeve; looking back at the painting, he wondered if he was somehow involved in the injured man from the painting. If that was the case, how?

His own attempt to communicate with the dying man didn't bring him any closer to an answer, it only made him feel worse as he apologetically glanced one last time towards the man. He then looked back at Romeo and nodded, "I recognize the cat; well, her breed a least. It's a Celtic shorthair cat," he said to his friends as he looked at the feline. "Did you notice the inconsistent tiger pattern, the dark spot above her right eye, and the lighter right forepaw? I managed to get a good look at her before- oh, look!" he explained and then pointed to the cat that had started following a girl. "Let's follow her!"


Making sure to have his friends with him, but also keeping an eye on the cat, Alexander followed the feline, trying his best as well to keep his eyes open. Some lights were a little creepy in his opinion, they almost reminded him of his house back in York, whenever there would be a storm outside: the lights would go out quite often, so they would have to use candles to light up the rooms, and that gave the whole mansion a creepy, spooky feel.

Shaking his head, he followed the cat into a side corridor, where a lot of other paintings hang on the walls; what was it with this school and the insane amount of paintings?
Alexander almost stopped in his tracks when he noticed that the cat had brought them to a dead end; he didn't like that, it felt like they were cornered, and if anything wanted to attack them, they would have been trapped there. He was so tense that he had subconsciously reached for his wand, and when the big painting behind him talked, the Durmstrang boy slightly jumped up in surprise, directing his wand towards the portrait.

The guy sounded quite rude, and Alexander couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at him, a judging expression written all over his face. The cat didn't seem to like him either, with the way she reacted to him. "Well, no wonder why they have put you in a dead corridor, Mr Kindness," Alexander told the painting, his Yorkshire accent heavy, as he hoped that the man would talk back.

In the meantime he started studying the painting, hoping to find anything useful that might guide them towards whoever had killed the man in the other painting.

For the mods
Action: Talking back to Mr Kindness in the painting, and looking for clues
[Allies: Hanzo Fransonn & Romeo Marchonnè, (and Ruka Burnett-Tân once we start interacting)]
Abilities: Charmer || Perfectionist
Stats: Stamina: 5 || Evasion: 5 || Strength: 5 || Wisdom: 9 || Arcane Power: 8 || Accuracy: 8