Fantasy Veiled Realms

[ManicMuse]

In 1800s Britain, a quiet small town becomes the stage for a mystery. A detective, pulled into a series of murders, discovers a link to ancient myths and folklore. The victims, seemingly unrelated, share ties to a realm beyond the known.

Following enigmatic clues, the detective partners with a reclusive scholar. Together, they uncover a hidden world of mythical creatures coexisting alongside theirs. The murders, it seems, are not the work of a human but a being from this mystical realm.

Embarking on a perilous journey, the detective and the scholar encounter werewolves, banshees, and other mythical entities, challenging the boundaries of their understanding. Secret societies, ancient rituals, and hidden agendas come to light as they race to close an interdimensional breach threatening the town.

"Veiled Realms" is more than a mystery—it's a tale of acceptance, understanding, and the delicate balance between the known and the unknown. As the fog lifts from the small town, it reveals a community forever changed by the shadows of its own history and the creatures that lurk within.

Elderbrook: A Detailed Setting

Nestled in the quiet outskirts of 1800s Britain, Elderbrook is a picturesque town that thrives on the edge of enchanting woods, creating a setting rich in history, mystery, and hidden tales.

Spoiler: Town locations

Town Center: The heart of Elderbrook features a charming town square, surrounded by cobblestone streets and quaint cottages. A central fountain, adorned with weathered statues, serves as a gathering point for the townsfolk. The air is filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread from a nearby bakery.

Enchanted Woods: The enchanting woods encircle Elderbrook, their ancient trees towering overhead. Sunlight filters through the dense canopy, casting a soft glow on the forest floor. The air is imbued with the scent of pine, and mysterious creatures stir in the shadows, their eyes aglow in the night.

Standing Stones Clearing: Just beyond the town lies a clearing adorned with standing stones. Each stone is weathered by centuries, bearing mystical symbols and an air of ancient power. The stones resonate with an otherworldly energy, especially during dusk when the setting sun casts long shadows.

Public Death House: Elderbrook's public death house stands as a somber reminder of mortality. Its high, arched windows allow natural light to filter into dimly lit chambers. Wooden beams creak under the weight of history, and hushed conversations echo in the corridors.

Local Pub - The Whispering Mug: At the heart of town life is The Whispering Mug, the local pub with low ceilings and a roaring fireplace. Wooden tables are worn with age, and the atmosphere is both lively and hushed as locals share tales of mysterious happenings over pints of ale.

Ravencliff Manor: Ravencliff Manor, the residence of the reclusive scholar, stands on the outskirts of Elderbrook. Surrounded by overgrown gardens, the mansion's timeworn exterior conceals dusty book-filled rooms where forgotten knowledge of the town's history lies dormant.

Underground Tunnels: Beneath Elderbrook, a network of underground tunnels winds its way through the earth. Damp walls and the echoes of footsteps create an eerie ambiance. The tunnels conceal remnants of Elderbrook's past, artifacts, and manuscripts forgotten by time.

Abandoned Theater - Moonlit Stage: The Moonlit Stage, Elderbrook's long-abandoned theater, is a relic of bygone performances. Faded velvet curtains, decaying stage props, and dusty seats tell stories of forgotten glamour. Within its walls, the detective and the nosy stranger uncover clues that tie the town's fate to a forgotten theatrical event.

*More to be added as we see fit

Shrouded Ones:

Spoiler: Shrouded ones

Beyond the tranquil outskirts of Elderbrook, the Shrouded Ones, mythical beings whispered about in hushed tones, defy the common perception of myth. For most, they remain relegated to the realms of fairy tales and folklore, a secret existence unknown to the ordinary. Yet, the Shrouded Ones, diverse mythical creatures of various species, each steeped in their own traditions and practices, traverse the boundaries between the mystical and the mundane.

Disguised within nearly every land across the globe, the Shrouded Ones seamlessly shift between their mystical forms and the semblance of everyday life. Their gatherings, concealed in shadows, transcend cultural boundaries and geographic distances. Whether whispered about in Asian legends or woven into the fabric of African myths, the Shrouded Ones are the silent architects of a universal dance, where moonlit secrets bind them to the tapestry of diverse lands.

For most, the Shrouded Ones have been relegated to the whimsy of bedtime stories, thought to exist solely within the confines of fairy tales. In truth, they are a confluence of various mythical species, each preserving their unique traditions.

Spoiler: NPC Sheets

Superintendent Williams

Name: Superintendent Reginald Williams

Age: 56

Appearance: Weathered countenance with thinning silver hair, distinguished by a neatly trimmed mustache. Wears a perpetually serious expression, and his eyes reflect the weight of years spent in law enforcement.

Background: Born and raised in Elderbrook, Superintendent Williams has dedicated the majority of his life to maintaining order in the town. His commitment to duty has made him a respected figure among the local authorities.

Occupation: Superintendent of the Elderbrook Police Department

Skills:

1. Leadership: Known for his calm and decisive leadership in times of crisis.
2. Investigation: Years of experience have honed his investigative skills, allowing him to dissect complex cases.
3. Community Relations: Actively involved in the community, Superintendent Williams understands the town's pulse and the concerns of its residents.

Personality: Stern but fair, Superintendent Williams carries the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. He values justice and is determined to protect the town, even if it means seeking outside help.

Weaknesses:

Emotional Burden: The recent string of mysterious incidents has taken an emotional toll on Superintendent Williams, testing the limits of his resolve.
Reluctance to Delegate: Sometimes struggles with delegating tasks, preferring to shoulder burdens himself.

---

Constable Turner

Name: Constable Thomas Turner

Age: 47

Appearance: Weathered and rugged, with lines etched on his face that tell the tale of years spent patrolling Elderbrook's streets. His eyes, however, hold a sharp glint of determination.

Background: A native of Elderbrook, Constable Turner comes from a long line of town protectors. His family's commitment to law enforcement instilled in him a sense of duty and loyalty to the community.

Occupation: Constable in the Elderbrook Police Department

Skills:

1. Patrol Expertise: Well-versed in navigating Elderbrook's labyrinthine streets, Constable Turner excels in patrolling and maintaining order.
2. Survival Skills: Possesses practical survival skills, gained from years of experience in dealing with various situations in and around Elderbrook.
3. Local Knowledge: An invaluable source of information about Elderbrook's history, its residents, and the town's hidden corners.

Personality: Steadfast and resilient, Constable Turner is a reliable figure in the police force. He has an innate sense of duty and takes pride in protecting the town he calls home.

Weaknesses:

Stubbornness: Constable Turner's determination sometimes borders on stubbornness, making him reluctant to change his methods.
Family Ties: The weight of his family's legacy in law enforcement can be a burden, as expectations loom large.

Spoiler: Main Characters

ManicMuse -
Dr. Alexander Caldwell

Age: 40

Appearance: Dr. Alexander Caldwell cuts a captivating figure with his neatly groomed chestnut hair, adding a touch of refinement to his demeanor. His eyes, framed by round spectacles, exude a keen intellect and unyielding determination. A well-maintained beard enhances the symmetry of his face, embodying the essence of a Victorian gentleman. Clad in a tailored waistcoat and a tweed suit, he moves with a graceful confidence that leaves an indelible mark on those who cross his path.

Background: Hailing from a lineage of scholars, Dr. Caldwell rose through the ranks as a Professor of Folklore and Mythology in a distinguished British university. His departure from the confines of academia was driven by an insatiable curiosity about the Shrouded Ones, leading him to dedicate his life to unraveling the truths behind the myths that have fascinated him.

Occupation: Independent Scholar and Author

Skills:

• Eloquent Oratory: Dr. Caldwell possesses the refined art of eloquent expression, captivating audiences with his spoken word and written prose.
• Archival Mastery: Well-versed in the archival methods of the time, he navigates dusty manuscripts and historical records with precision, uncovering hidden truths.
• Sartorial Elegance: Draped in Victorian fashion, Dr. Caldwell's attire reflects his commitment to both intellectual pursuits and societal decorum.

Personality: Charismatic and approachable, Dr. Caldwell combines intellectual depth with a refined charm befitting the Victorian era. His passion for unraveling hidden truths is infectious, making him a revered figure among those who share his curiosity.

Weaknesses:

• Reckless Inquisitiveness: Driven by an impulsive desire for knowledge, Dr. Caldwell sometimes ventures into uncharted territories, risking his own well-being.
• Romanticized Belief: His romanticized belief in the supernatural can cloud his judgment, leading him to favor fantastical explanations over pragmatic realities.
• Womanizing Tendencies: Despite his charm, Dr. Caldwell often undermines the capabilities of women and succumbs to womanizing tendencies, reflecting the societal norms of the era.

Character Arc: Dr. Caldwell's Victorian charm and intellectual prowess draw attention as he arrives in Elderbrook, convinced that the rumors about the Shrouded Ones hold the key to the town's mysteries. Navigating the societal norms of the era, he must confront his own biases and reckon with the consequences of his actions, all while unraveling the mysteries within the confines of 19th-century society.

 

[ManicMuse]

In the dimly lit room of Elderbrook's town hall, the flickering candlelight cast wavering shadows on the faces of the local authorities gathered around an aged wooden table, worn by years of deliberations. The air was thick with the scent of musty books, ancient wood, and the pervasive unease that hung like a shroud. Maps, their once vibrant colors faded with time, adorned the walls, revealing the intricate layout of a town steeped in both history and ominous mystery.

Superintendent Williams, a man of weathered countenance and thinning silver hair, leaned forward with furrowed brows, his eyes reflecting the weight of the ten missing and three murdered souls. His fingers drummed nervously on the tabletop, tracing patterns amidst scattered documents and flickering candlelight. Beside him, Constable Turner, a figure etched with lines of experience, gripped the edges of the map as if seeking solace from the unfolding nightmare.

"We've done all we can at the local level," Constable Turner intoned, his voice roughened by the chill of countless nights patrolling Elderbrook's shadowy alleys. The candlelight cast shadows across the lines etched on his face, evidence of a career spent navigating the delicate balance between order and the unknown.

Around the table, the assembled officials, each bearing their own burdens of responsibility, exchanged glances filled with a shared anxiety. The room seemed to echo with the whispered conversations of those who had gone missing, their stories woven into the very fabric of Elderbrook's tapestry. A low murmur, like the distant rumble of an approaching storm, reverberated through the hallowed halls.

The decision to seek outside help hung in the air—a palpable tension that gripped the room. Superintendent Williams, a pen clasped in his hand that betrayed the slightest tremor, began to compose the desperate plea. The parchment, aged and yellowed, absorbed the ink as he detailed the unsettling events, the cryptic symbols found at the crime scenes, and the pervasive fear that had settled upon Elderbrook like a dark mist.

As the letter, sealed with the official insignia of Elderbrook, was dispatched into the cold night, the room seemed to hold its breath. The candle flames flickered, casting long shadows that danced upon the walls. The weight of ten missing and three murdered souls hung heavily in the air, and the town awaited the arrival of a detective—their beacon of hope in the encroaching darkness.

Spoiler: Letter

ElizaVioly

To Whom It May Concern,

We write to you in a time of dire need and uncertainty that shrouds our quaint town of Elderbrook. Recent events have thrust upon us a darkness that eludes our understanding—a series of inexplicable disappearances and murders under mysterious circumstances. As the custodians of justice in our community, we find ourselves grappling with a malevolent force that defies explanation.

Ten of our fellow townsfolk have gone missing without a trace, and three have met a grisly end under circumstances that defy the norms of our known reality. Cryptic symbols, etched in the blood of the victims, serve as harrowing clues that this is no ordinary crime but a sinister tapestry woven by forces beyond our comprehension.
Despite our best efforts, we stand at an impasse, unable to decipher the enigma that has befallen Elderbrook. Our local authorities, though seasoned, find themselves outmatched by an adversary that eludes conventional understanding. It is with a heavy heart and a desperate plea for assistance that we turn to you, seeking the expertise of a detective who can unravel the mysteries that shroud our town.

Enclosed within this letter, you will find details of the unsettling events, witness testimonies, and the cryptic symbols that have become the hallmarks of these crimes. We implore you to join us in our quest for justice and lend your expertise to shine a light into the shadows that threaten to consume Elderbrook.

Time is of the essence, and the fate of our town hangs in the balance. We await your swift response and the beacon of hope that your arrival promises in our darkest hour.


Yours sincerely,

Superintendent Reginald Williams
Elderbrook Police Department

 

[ElizaVioly]

Spoiler: Main Character Nr 2

ElizaVioly -
Inspector William, ”Billy”, Sutter.

Age: 49


Appearance: Inspector Sutter could by no means be called a handsome man, a striking face perhaps would be more suitable. With a somewhat crooked nose, obtained years ago while boxing, and a scar along the right side of his mouth; he is no beauty. In fact most find him rather intimidating, yet he has yet to complain for it suits him in his chosen profession. He is tall, think Abraham Lincoln as a more macabre apparition. Yet, he has more meat on his bones compared to the president. His hair, dark brown with streaks of grey, grows down to below his ears. It often being sleek and pristinely styled. He is very keen on style and ”perfection”, often wearing a stylish grey waistcoat and matching light grey to dark grey striped suit. Flashing a pocket watch more than often in his hand. Many wonder why a man of his fortune would choose to engage in such a profession. In fact many gossip about it, yet he would not yield, only saying: he has his reasons.


Background: Inspector Sutter was born in London, and has remained there ever since really. Though of course he’s traveled in the line of his work, London is his home. For better or for worse. It being a central for crime, giving him lots of dark experiences.
Having grown up with not a lot of money, he quickly found boxing as a way to make his name as a teenager. Though later in life, an injury as well as a grand inheritance would put a stop to those plans. He joined the police force in stead and worked his way up to Inspector.



Occupation: Inspector of The London Police Force



Skills:

* Logical Deductive Skills: Sutter finds a red thread in everything, one red dot connected to the next, and then the next… creating eventually a map of red dots. He has an ease in finding out how things are connected to each other, in other words; he knows his clues, when he finds them.


* Street Smart: Sutter has been around for a long time, and having been in both worlds; of the poor and almost criminals to the wealthy and high esteemed… he knows how to travel in both worlds.


* Kind Manners: Sutter has a warm heart, despite his intimidating looks. He has kind eyes and can radiate true concern for victim’s loved ones and such. People easily giving their devotion to him, both people he works with and people he interviews.




Personality: Sutter is a man of refinement and intellect, yet with a foul temper and intimidating appearance. He has kind manners, with true concern for people. He’s open to all, but detest crime.

Weaknesses:

* Foul Temper: His temper grows wild and can especially blossom on occasions when he’s subjected to for example, ignorance in his own police force, people being incompetent and when he sees injustices.


* Poor Eyesight: He sees well on far away, but struggles with reading crooked letters and writing. He has a pair of spectacles which he almost on all occasions refuses to use.

* Haunted by memory: One particular murder of a young girl, haunts him to this day. Making him see wrongdoings sometimes where there aren’t none.



Character arc: Inspector Sutter must face the intricate and gruesome crimes that await him and have all his belief’s questioned as he ventures into a world unknown to him and his likes. Will his mind be open enough, will his experience be of any help, and will he stop the coming darkness ahead?
/SPOILER]