IC-Ep 1-The Heart of the Maze(Everyone else)

[Mr. Handy]

Duc's Palace Grounds, Hedge Maze - Vyones, Auvergne, France
4:00 PM - Monday, April 20, 1517

Jacques led the way through the maze. There were some wrong turns and dead ends along the way, and Elizabeth was absolutely convinced that they were lost, but sure enough they made their way to the center of the maze. At its heart stood a marble statue on a plinth in the middle of a fountain. The statue was of a tall masked figure in flowing robes.

[Snapper]

Jacques:

Jacques has been enjoying the fresh air and pleasant company. Once at the centre of the maze, he stops and peers.

"I was expecting a saint or mythical figure from Greek or Roman legend. Does anyone know who this is?"

[Mr. Handy]

Elizabeth, you may roll Cthulhu Mythos. Nobody else has any idea what the statue represents.

[aine]

Elizabeth walks all around the statue.
“No I don’t know who it is.” She looks carefully at the figure’s face.

Cthulhu Mythos (5) roll: 43 (fail) Is it a man? Has it a benevolent or evil face? Can Elizabeth date it from the clothing? History (73) roll: 62

[Mr. Handy]

The figure looked male, but the mask (not removable, but chiseled out of the marble) covered his face completely. The robes looked ancient in design, but they were not of any culture familiar to Elizabeth - and they probably should be.

[aine]

“I don’t recognise his culture either- and I’ve researched historical fashion so I ought to. How old would you say the maze is?” Elizabeth frowns.

[Snapper]

Jacques:

Mildly intrigued by the puzzle but not greatly concerned, Jacques looks about to see if there is an inscription anywhere or any other statues, anything to give a clue to whom this represents.

"A mystery within the maze. How appropriate." He looks over to the others present. "Does anyone else recognise this statue?"

Spoiler:

Would an "Own Kingdom" roll be of any use here, in case the figure is from local legend or folk lore?

[Mr. Handy]

There was no inscription on the statue or the plinth, and nothing about it reminded anyone of any known culture - not even Story, who knew of more cultures than anyone else present. The statue and the fountain looked to be centuries old, but there was no way to know how old the maze itself was.

There's no need to roll Own Kingdom. It's like nothing you've ever seen before. However, Elizabeth may roll Archaeology. So may anyone else, but the base chance is only 1%.

[aine]

Elizabeth looks at Story, “It seems this place has had a connection with er, mystery for a long time.”
She looks carefully around the statue for any moving parts.
“It’s a pity Gui isn’t here, his talents might have been useful. I wonder how he is getting on. Should we call him do you think?”

[Mr. Handy]

"Pity he hasn't got a mobile," said Brook.

"You're right, Elizabeth," replied Story. "There are a lot of oddities in this region. It is though the fabric of reality is thinner here than in most places."

The statue had no moving parts, unlike the automaton. It was carved from a solid block of marble.

Feel free to roll Archaeology.

[Snapper]

Jacques:

Jacques rolls his eyes at Elizabeth. "I was enjoying the peace without the little rodent. Let's not call him here any sooner. He's like mould on a bun, you just have to wait long enough and he'll appear no matter what."

"Besides, it's hardly worth spoiling his fun in trying to conquer the maze just to see an old statue a few minutes sooner. Think on the sense of accomplishment he will feel whenever he finally gets here."

[aine]

Elizabeth grins,
“I expect you are right, Chevalier. Gui is probably enjoying the extra challenge he has set himself.”

Archeology roll: 46 fail

To Story she says,
“I wonder what all these oddities will add up to.”

[Mr. Handy]

"Trouble," said Story. "Shall we go?"

[Snapper]

Jacques:

Jacques is caught between the competing chivalrous demands of attending to the ladies and generally not being a cad.

"Ah, perhaps we could give said rodent a few minutes more to find his way to us? Unless anyone of the ladies is feeling faint or whatnot? I feel we should give L'Argot a few moments more so as not to deny him his chance to crow about his navigational prowess."

[aine]

“I’m ready to move on, this statue is giving me the creeps.” Says Elizabeth.

[Snapper]

Jacques:

Jacques nods politely to Elizabeth. He is not entirely certain what a "creeps" is but understands the sentiment. "Of course, in that case we shall leave immediately. We can simply take the left wall now I believe and shall find our way out."

[Mr. Handy]

It took the group some time to make its way back to the entrance, but Jacques's technique was sure, and soon they exited the maze. Henri stood waiting for them nearby, alone.

"You made good time," he said. "Weren't there two more of you? What happened to the scoundrels?"

[Snapper]

Jacques:

"Scoundrels is exactly what they are, but apparently not scoundrels with any great sense of direction. I doubt they will die of thirst or hunger before they find their way out again."

[Mr. Handy]

"I shall give them some more time to make their way back out, then," said Henri. "Supper is not for an hour and a half yet."

[Snapper]

Jacques:

"Can you tell us about the statue at the heart of the maze? I'm afraid I did not recognise who it was meant to be."