Awards Killing Game 2x2: Moon of Hope (Game Thread) - Night 1 - A Shattered Lunar Memory

• Lounge Thread - Please look here for the rules of the game.​
• Unique Gimmicks - AKG2x2 has several unique gimmicks. They're all organized in this post.​
• Discord Server​

• Foyer: The large central foyer that one enters the Complex through. Besides a grand entrance and chandelier, there's even an aquarium with tropical fish.
• Archives: This room contains several boxes of densely-written documents, and a large computer server plugged into the wall.
• Clock Tower: A huge clock tower that extends through all three floors and the roof of the Complex. Inside the tower is a staircase extending both up and down, and a huge pendulum swinging behind frosted glass. The clock can be seen while standing outside at the front of the Complex.
• Studio: A small room full of art supplies and blank canvases, as well as plenty of paint.
• Hollow Tree: A large tree that extends through the entire Complex. Inside the tree is a staircase running around the edge of the tree.

• Study: A room full of books on the four exhibits in the back of the Complex, as well as a laptop with a scanner.
• Garage: Contains a single car parked in the middle of the garage, a large garage door exiting to the outside, and various car tools lying around the interior. The car is currently not running.
• Metal Laboratory: A high-end laboratory with all sorts of high-end technological equipment lying around in various stages of repair and examination. [Gaddget Roles have a special affinity for this room.]
• Drafting Office: An office for drafting designs, full of blueprints and other writing supplies.
• Shaft: A three-floor mining elevator now integrated into the main Complex.

• Plant Nursery: A room full of exotic plants that require special growth conditions. It's been carefully arranged to provide said plants with all the right conditions they could want.
• Container Yard: A large room full of various containers, with unknown contents. A big garage-style door leads outside, and handtrucks are available for moving them.
• Coatroom: A room with a whole lot of coats, outfits, and costumes.
• Workshop: A fancy workshop with plenty of tools and supplies, as well as a large workbench.
• Cargo Lift: A moving cargo platform that now serves as an elevator for the three floors of the Complex.

• Gloomy Bedrooms: A large communal dorm room that sleeps nine. It's decorated in a fancy mansion style.
• Chalet: A comfortable resting area, with a rocking chair, a fancy fireplace, and a big couch. The fireplace is currently lit.
• Bathroom: A rather upscale bathroom, with all the essentials - toilet, sink, bathtub, and most of all, soap.
• Aviation Exhibit: A big museum room about the history of aviation. A couple full-scale airplanes are on display. A back exit leads to the outside.

• Old Bedrooms: A large communal dorm room that sleeps nine. It's decorated in a warm bunkhouse style.
• East Gallery: A fancy art gallery, this one devoted entirely to sculptures and physical displays.
• Train Exhibit: A big museum room about the history of railroads. A large train engine is present, mounted on a single loop of track. A back exit leads to the outside.

• Garden: The main feature of the Mansion Grounds. A large, well-manicured garden with plenty of plants and a fancy fountain as the centerpiece.
• Graveyard: The main feature of the Forest Grounds. A fully-loaded graveyard with plenty of gravestones, as well as a large mausoleum in the back.
• Clockworks Court: The main feature of the Sandy Grounds. A fenced approach to the Complex with plenty of clockwork pieces buried in the sand, some of them still turning.
• Ice Lake: The main feature of the Snowy Grounds. A frozen-over lake sits here, a single hole cut in the ice. A small fishing hut sits next to it. An abandoned, frozen-over water pump serves as a spawning ground for Ice Elemental spirits.
• Cliffside: The main feature of the Rocky Grounds. The side of the outside sharply drops here rather than sloping down, with plenty of pointy, spiky rocks at the bottom.

• Greenhouse: A well-stocked glass-roofed room with plenty of conventional plants. Automated systems manage their care.
• Clock Tower Heights: A huge clock tower that extends through all three floors and the roof of the Complex. Inside the tower is a staircase extending both up and down, and a huge pendulum swinging behind frosted glass. The clock can be seen while standing outside at the front of the Complex.
• Parlor: A nice sitting room for lounging around. A phonograph with several records is ready to be played; there's a couple chairs, a grandfather clock, and a lit fireplace as well. The fire is ghostly and eternal, and Fire Elementals make their home here.
• Hollow Tree Heights: A large tree that extends through the entire Complex. Inside the tree is a staircase running around the edge of the tree.
• Crow's Nest: A thin, rickety bridge that spans the exhibits of the second floor. It's only wide enough for one person to cross at a time.

• West Gallery: A fancy art gallery, this one devoted entirely to various paintings and wall hangings.
• Library: A library well stocked with many, many books, along with a huge globe of the world and a grand piano.
• Kiln Room: A room with a large firing kiln, though it's not big enough to fit a person inside. There's also plenty of clay and modeling supplies.
• ???: ???
• Shaft: A three-floor mining elevator now integrated into the main Complex.

• Rumpus Room: A playroom with a whole lot of dolls, as well as an oversized dollhouse and huge teddy bear.
• Solarium: A room with huge glass windows to sit and view the outside with, along with some nice plants to add atmosphere.
• Horology Studio: A bedroom once used by a clockmaker. In testament to that, the room has a bed and many broken clocks in various stages of repair.
• Restroom: A utilitarian restroom with several stalls for privacy.
• Cargo Lift: A moving cargo platform that now serves as an elevator for the three floors of the Complex.

• Dining Room: A massive table dominates this dining room, enough to seat everyone in the G.H.O.S.T Complex. There's plenty of chairs and some beautiful centerpieces.
• Kitchen: A small kitchen with a sink, a stove/oven, and a fridge. There's not much food in the kitchen itself, but you can always bring more from the other rooms!
• Smokehouse: A small room equipped to smoke meat for long-term effect. A flue in the ceiling ensures it won't fill up with smoke.
• Space Exhibit: An exhibit on the history of space travel. A fully functional spacesuit and non-functional model rocket are the centerpieces here, along with a large planetarium.

• Armory: Several fancy suits of armor from various countries have been placed on display here... along with all their weapons.
• Terminal: A room with several computer screens showing various aspects of the mansion, as well as a set of high wires that you can ride down to the exterior first floor. You can't ride them back up, though! Not using the wires to descend would be ill-advised.
• Rafters: An attic-style storage room. Plenty of junk lies abandoned and unsorted here.
• Nautical Exhibit: Half of this room is shaped like a large dock, with the rest designed to look like the inside of a ship. The whole room talks about the history of sea travel, and plenty of nautical objects are contained within crates.

• Clockworks: The central machinery that powers the Clock Tower and keeps it on time. The gears are behind a strong transparent barrier, though a lock is visible at one side.
• Cellar: A large storage cellar tucked away in the basement. All sorts of nonperishable food supplies can be found down here.
• Smuggler's Hideout: A small room with plenty of treasure, currently frozen inside blocks of ice.
• Cinder Mine: A room with surprisingly hot rock exposed in several places. Heatproof gear hangs by one of the entrances.
• Tree Roots: The roots of the Hollow Tree. The staircase ends here, and the roots have invaded the floor of the room.

• Quarry Pit: A deep pit that was once an active quarry. Now it's just a big hole in the ground, though you can circle around it via the outside.
• Darkness Laboratory: A humming laboratory with dim lightning. Odd devices sit around the room, and strange globs of energy are visible within sealed containers. [Ghost Roles have a special affinity for this room.]
• Crystal Quarry: A large room with several small crystals placed around a single huge one in the center. The huge crystal is opaque.
• Shaft: A three-floor mining elevator now integrated into the main Complex.

• Sewer: A room with water channels in two directions - one flows into a storage tank for the building to use, and the other moves wastewater out of the Complex.
• Maintenance Hub: A room that holds a handcart, as well as various supplies for maintenance such as hammers, nails, or janitorial supplies.
• Pit Mine: A room filled with coal and coal veins, as well as minecarts full of coal.
• Hydro Generators: The power room for the entire Complex. A series of powerful hydroelectric generators use water connected to the Sewer's tanks and create electric power for the building. A reservoir where Water Elementals reside is present.
• Cargo Lift: A moving cargo platform that now serves as an elevator for the three floors of the Complex.

• Crypt: An underground crypt. Some sealed coffins lie in state within the room.
• Basin: A room with a completely frozen floor. The ice here is polished to a mirror finish.
• Haunted Catacombs: A maze-like room with more passages than should be possible. It's very easy to get lost here.
• Tomb: An ancient tomb of unknown make. A single massive sarcophagus sits in the middle of the room, with mysterious markings all over the walls.

• Roundhouse: The central hub of the minecart tracks that run throughout the Basement. Several minecarts can be found here, as well as various minecart and track controls.
• Guard Tunnel: A linear tunnel flanked by suits of armor on both sides. Approaching them causes them to automatically force you back.
• Prospector's Crossing: A small, frozen room. The ice that covers the entire middle of the room looks... concerningly precarious.
• Ceremonial Chamber: A huge throne sits in the center of this room, radiating power and authority. A banner with an unknown symbol hangs on the wall behind it.

Spoiler: embeds

At the edge of the universe, a lone oracle casts their gaze towards yet another curious fold in spacetime. Like a stage curtain caught in its own rope, parting a brief rift, an opportunity. Forgotten set-pieces that once remained caked in dust for eternity prepare to rearrange themselves at the orders of those even more distant than they.

In a single blink, the five observed buildings become one. The story rewinds, revises, and rewrites. The rift in the curtain grows, and light flows through to the stage, illuminating an unassuming pile of invitations for the opening act.

You are cordially invited to this year's Grand Experiment, held at the GHOST Complex in Evershade Valley! Here, the greatest minds of the paranormal sciences gather, assembling at one of the world's greatest hubs of paranormal research, in order to push the boundaries of knowledge and pursue a deeper understanding of the world!

If you received this invitation, we have selected you based on either your innate paranormal abilities, or interest in the paranormal itself and its related technology. Either way, we would love to have you here to pool your knowledge and skills with the resources of the GHOST Complex. With your help, our knowledge will reach heights never before seen!

Please reply to this invitation to communicate your interest. We expect you on May 1st, when the Grand Experiment will begin!

Yours sincerely,

Gadd Z.

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Now, a Grand Experiment is set to take place.

Our tale begins in Evershade Valley, a location renowned for its perpetually gloomy atmosphere, but more bizarrely, the presence of five perfectly intersected and even contradictory biomes. At the intersection of all lies a lone building, almost as mismatched as the valley itself: The Gloomy Haunted Old Secret Treacherous Complex, otherwise known as the GHOST Complex. It serves as a hub for researching the spiritual and paranormal. Countless ghosts, both benign and harmful, make their homes in the valley, while the few caretakers of the Complex live in harmony with these spirits, researching new technology with their assistance.

Hanging in the sky shines the Moon of Hope. A localised celestial body, old folk tales describe it being formed from the hearts of five heroes, who perished fighting a terrible demonic spirit after overcoming an arduous trial. As their final sacrifice, the Moon of Hope banished the spirit for good, and brought peace to the valley before remaining in the sky as its guardian.

However, the moon's once-radiant glow has waned considerably for reasons unknown, leading many to call it the Dark Moon instead. The Dark Moon's paranormal influence provides ample energy for ghostly research, as well as protection from malicious demonic spirits and terrible accidents. From it, Darklight technology was created, capturing the Dark Moon's wavelengths to illuminate the unseen and ghostly.

Under the moon's dark light, the lead researcher, owner of the Complex, and eccentric curator of the curious himself, Dr. Gadd Zooks, has been conducting the "Grand Experiment of Evershade Valley" once per year. The GHOST Complex invites many with an interest in the paranormal, or those claiming to possess powers of the paranormal, for a single week, when the Dark Moon is at its perigee.

At first, this year was no different to any other. The invitees arrived of their own accord, having received their assignments a few days prior. Some were given Gaddgets, personally designed inventions by Gadd Zooks himself, while others were preliminarily classified with Ghost Power files that summarize their abilities. Now officially test subjects, each with their own codename, many were excited and beaming at the opportunity before them, while others were less than impressed. Nonetheless, the Dark Moon rests in the sky, casting a welcoming light over the Valley and its new arrivals.

A distant torch grows brighter as it approaches, then its carrier opens the gate to the Complex with a loud creak, and a haze of smoke. A nearby group of idly hanging grey bats takes off at the small commotion.

Strangely, the one who greeted the test subjects at the front gate was not the famous Gadd.​

With nary a word, the figure begins handing out maps to each guest, smoke hanging heavy in the air around him. Only when the last guest receives their map does the hazy figure introduce himself to the crowd.

Spoiler: Vigil's Theme - A Distant Bell Tolling For Aught

...Be not idle. Thou may address me as Vigil, a lowly groundskeeper. Hast thou any questions, I remain at thy service for the duration of our gathering, save for at which moment Master Gadd calls. Presently, the master's whereabouts are unknown, yet I cannot hear the bell tolling his death.

Master Gadd oft vanishes into nothing as a matter of course. In due time, thou may realise Master's absences outnumber his appearances. So long as I cannot hear yonder bell, I worry not. Trust in the Master's ways, and thy faith will be rewarded.

Stray not far from the path ahead. Shall thee require knowledge of aught, I shall be thy temporary guide.

​

Available NPCs:

• Vigil - The Valley groundskeeper who watches over the Complex's residents, living and non. An expert mortician and gardener all the same, his primary residence is the Graveyard. Where there's smoke, there's fire, and his lantern can often be spotted from the Complex's misshapen windows, wandering the distant valley grounds at night.
• ???
• ???
• ???

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Dr. Lyra Orpheus said:

What the- Another anomaly?

Kyeh, I've seen about enough of you "spooky lantern guys in the woods" for one lifetime - talk about a generic archetype! What, did you follow the other two walking halloween decorations in? I think I'll hold off on categorizing you for now, at least until I can determine whether you have the capabilities to do... anything else. Not like we don't already have like three lantern men on file.

Whatever, let's go see the Lake - and that building next to it, if that's what it is. I'm a scientist, not a cartographer.​

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Jackson B. Humorus said:

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"Let's check out that Hollow Tree that the map places front and center. Surely this ought to have some stump to perform upon."[/CENTER]

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Lulu Azhal said:

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Oh, a study, I'll go check that out. I wonder what sort of old books this mansion has.

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Boo1268 said:

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Boo1268:
Well, now this is a rather interesting location, I must say the architecture is rather stunning! dont you agree specture my good man?
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Specture:
No kidding! This place makes our mansion look small in comparison! But im gonna Talk to Vigil what do you want to do boo?
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Boo1268:
Well Specture my good man im first gonna check out the archives see what history this place has to offer!

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...I wish to carry out mine own master's orders. Thy question is answered. I expect our time together shall be brief, provided Mona finishes her safety assessment of the second floor in time. Prithee, refrain from using the staircases until yond... uncertain time.
​

MoonAge said:

...I went too hard on the complimentary tea in the train. Could you point me towards the Bath Rooms?

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"On the topic of trains, I haven't been on one in ages. I'm gonna check out whatever that Train Exhibit is... and maybe the Aviation Exhibit afterwards."​

MoonAge said:

View attachment 63981
Hang on, seems I didn't do my research before showing up. You guys patronize with spirits? Here I was, thinking you were only in the business of hunting and trapping 'em. You know, like pests? Clearly, you people's mothers raised you all to be too trusting if you're swearing up and down and all around that a swarm of spectres can just mingle around like this without it spelling certain doom for us all...unless you're treating them like unpaid labor that don't need sustenance or rest. In which case, you've got an impressive business model going on around here.

View attachment 63983
Anyway, gotta appreciate getting to explore at my leisure without some chirpy tour guide putting me on rails. Let's see, I could check out the Graveyard, get an idea of what these spirits might have been like in their mortal lives, or maybe-

View attachment 63984
...I went too hard on the complimentary tea in the train. Could you point me towards the Bath Rooms?

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Ah, I wouldst say there are certain spirits one wouldst consider "pests" haunting these hallow'd halls. Apparitions of rats, and such. With full respect to Sir Ratigan, of course. Pay this servant nary any mind. Forsooth, I require no use of these facilities... unlike thou.
​

...verily.
​

Power Flotzo said:

Anyway, now that I have arrived, I shall investigate the Chalet as I adapt to these environs.

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Jackson B. Humorus said:

View attachment 63986
"On the topic of trains, I haven't been on one in ages. I'm gonna check out whatever that Train Exhibit is... and maybe the Aviation Exhibit afterwards."​

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GBA said:

...I wish to carry out mine own master's orders. Thy question is answered. I expect our time together shall be brief, provided Mona finishes her safety assessment of the second floor in time. Prithee, refrain from using the staircases until yond... uncertain time.​

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Boo1268 said:

View attachment 63987
Specture:
Actually that WASNT my question dude, my question is, are you cursed to that coffin too? Also what's it like having to manage such a large estate and its ground, also from one Keeper to another how do you deal with the ghost rats?
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Boo1268:
Well this was informative! I Suppose I should check out the Plant Nursery see how the fuana fairs in this place.

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...prithee, I misspoke.

One might say I am bound to this coffin, or what lies within is bound to my spirit, depending on the eye of the beholder. 'Tis not at mine own behest to freely divulge its contents. On your final question, ghost rats doth generally carry the same weaknesses as their mortal counterparts... so, cheese. And large mallets. One could also use a vacuum, as generally all spirits may be bound with such a force matching their power. The grounds are easily maintained with such tricks in mind, and normally, the facility is locked from public access, except for this week.
​

Lulu Azhal said:

View attachment 63990

Aaah, I could spend days with these books, but that's not what we're here for unfortunately. I'll check out the Garage next, since it's right next door.

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MoonAge said:

Phew, and just like that, I'm at inner peace.

View attachment 63992

Right, then, now I'll go visit that Graveyard. Might as well check out what kind of wards they have propped up, if any. No doubt it's holding spirits even this Complex would find too much to handle.

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Lee Chaolan said:

View attachment 63994
Lee Chaolan​

Well, that's a tad disappointing. These mad scientist types are all the same, always with their head in the books and unable to realise that there's time to enjoy the finer things in life. I even brought my finest Romanee. No bother, I'll just have to open it in his honour.

The name's Lee Chaloan, Violet Systems. Can't say I entirely believe of these paranormal abilities and stuff that you bunch are claiming to have, but at the very least the tech in these Gaddgets is very intriguing, dare I say excellent.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to search this maze of a mansion for some paints. For no particular purpose. Perhaps I should start in the drafting office?

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Boo1268 said:

View attachment 63995
Boo1268:
How peculiar, this genus of flora from my research rather rare! perhaps I would enquire as to ask the owner Mr Zooks as to wheather or not I could precure this specimen for my own estate? Hmmm, a trifle for later I suppose, for now I shall see what lies in the studio perhaps I may meet another indevidual there.

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GBA said:

​

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Superchao said:

You investigate the Chalet. It's a comfortable sitting room, reminding you of nothing so much as a cozy winter cabin. It's even built with logs like one would be. A rocking chair sits in the middle by a polar bear rug (it's fake, don't worry), and a big couch allows one to recline while relaxing. A fireplace sits to one side, currently lit. It's just a normal fireplace, though.

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Lin Beifong said:

WINTER:
Ah.

Striker. One of your relatives, I presume?
There seems to be an epidemic of cursed coffins around here.

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Lin Beifong said:

View attachment 63996​

WINTER:
Ah.

Striker. One of your relatives, I presume?
There seems to be an epidemic of cursed coffins around here.

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