The Creepy And Now Holiday-Appropriate Mansion, Thursday Evening

[deathsmajesty]

Once again, the gate that blocked off the bottom end of Phoenix Way was opened, inviting everyone to the creepy (though much less abandoned) mansion. This time, however, instead of being guided around to the gardens, the lit path led them to the front door, where the a tall figure in a tattered robe and deep cowl gestured for them to step inside the door and get onto a...boat? Once people had climbed in settled themselves, the ferryman began to guide the ship down the River Styx. Or, okay, their long entrance hallway, with blue lights to either side of their boat to mimic water and bathing everyone in an eerie blue glow. (Yes, okay, the boat perhaps wheeled down the hallway rather than floated, but they had not refinished this house just to flood the hallway for verisimilitude. Even if Liliana had considered it for a few minutes.)

The double doors leading to the ballroom were opened, with thick fog rolling out of the doorway. And through that doorway, people could descend the stairs into the Underworld proper. Black and gold were the prevailing color, with deep red nods to a pomegranate motif. Gold coins and loose gemstones added to the decor, a nod to Hades' wealth - but even amidst all the dark opulence, touches of other colors could be seen: tucked away in various corners and small niches were flowering plants, a surprise kiss of springtime to be found in the least likely places. Rather than one large chandelier, they had several, creating areas of both light and shadow around the ballroom.

Welcome to the Underworld, dear friends.

Comments

Re: Arrive and Mingle

[betterthanaplan]

"Oh yeah. He spent millennia 'in charge' of his world's underworld," Duke said, blinking only a little at the sharpness of that smile. "Sometimes I think he's still working on figuring out how humanity actually works."

Re: Arrive and Mingle

[deathsmajesty]

It's fine darling, no reason.

"And his Underworld is Hell, yes? And your demons are subordinate to your devils."

And ruled over by an angel. Down was up and up was down and cats were lying with dogs...

Re: Arrive and Mingle

[betterthanaplan]

"Yes," Duke said. "And . . . I guess? Maybe? I haven't actually asked him about the local politics much. I gather mostly the demons fuck with the human souls, but most of it is all self-fulfilling prophesy."

Re: Arrive and Mingle

[deathsmajesty]

Liliana shook her head. "Very strange comparatively. I'm no demonologist, but I've had extensive dealings with both and there doesn't seem a great deal of overlap, save being inimical and malicious."

Re: Arrive and Mingle

[betterthanaplan]

Duke shrugged. "I mean, what Luce talks about doesn't match up with a lot of the human lore about it all, either. I figure we all like to tell our own stories, you know?"