Game 102: Trial 1 (WHO KILLED MY PRECIOUS ALCHEMIST)

[༺☆Venelop3☆༻]

After soon time has passed you were collected outside Fauna's Cottage.

"I finally fixed my elevator, single file please."

You follow her into her Cottage she moves a painting on the wall and clicks a button. Stairs suddenly appear to the side of the cottage. The floor slots down into a spiral allowing you downstairs. When you finally get to the bottom you realise you have entered a giant elevator.



(Look I know - this is the best I got please ignore pumpkin Chibi Ame)

"Some of the buttons aren't working but I thinkkkk"

Fauna presses a button and click. Now the strange part is the elevator didn't move. You guys have teleported.




You are in front of the seats of council. Kronii is there.

"Follow me."

You follow her behind the chairs. There is not a basketball pit But a trial circle of 17 stands are set up in front of a taller chair with Ame sat there holding a Gavel. You are all directed to stand behind a chair in the middle. On one of the stands is:




When you look up there is a Fauna standing either side of Ame. You cannot tell which one is which when they aren't talking.

You 16 visitors of the forest. One of you killed your fellow forest friend. Who did it? If you do not find the right victim I feel like something will bad will happen, something Yandere Fauna isn't telling us. I wish you luck.

Case Information:

Difficulty: Intermediate

Completion Rate to win: ?%

Locked Objectives Involved?: Yes

Objectives:

Case Objectives:
(Trial only Objectives)

1. How did the victim die?
2. What is the murder weapon?
3. How did Mr. Lacey get stuck to a tree?
4. How did the murder actually happen?
5. Who is the Culprit?
6. Is the Spider-web important to the case?
7. Are there more key item's involved in this murder?

Game Objectives:
(Whole Game Objectives - could gain you benefits)

1. Why are their two Faunas?
2. How did Yandere Fauna's hideout become unlocked?
3. Why have you been captured?
4. What is the Killer's Motive? (This indeed a Game Objective and NOT a Trial Objective)

UPDATE: UNLOCKED OBJECTIVE: What/how were the sticks and pebbles used in this case.

----------------------------------------------------------
So I'm attempting Emi's system with a Ven's Game twist. IF this doesn't work I will adapt for Trial 2.

You have 48 hours. Will extend to 72 if requested.

You have 24 hours to ask me questions about your investigation results.

[Ame]

"Maize's injuries are not particularly bad. There is merely one wound. Likely the result of bludgeoning."

"Anyone with eyes can determine there is more than that. A mere bludgeoning wound is not enough to create a pool of blood which he lay in."

"Indeed. There is more. Inside the head wound, lies a small piece of ceramic. It was hard to spot, due to all the blood pouring out. What this means, I must still think about."

[Peregrine]

"Miss Fauna said that Maze... died, right? Does that mean we won't get to see him anymore?"

"He's really nice though. He helped me get un-lost from the forest. So, I don't think he should've gone."
Qcdcdycq kapk aokfaaoucq exjk txkjogc Ipuc Hcyplpdth? Jpdc tig jktqv.

The Earl-King is forced to grapple with this difficult, gargantuan, abstract concept for about four seconds.


"The last time I saw him was at dinner. He'd be okay if he'd stayed at the Village, but everyone left because of those letters we got."

[Hansbulla]

"I state to the court that I was performing my duties between our considerate host's cottage and the area the dinner party was held. There is nothing else I wish to report."

Serra promptly bows her head.

[Kuroneko]

“I don’t believe the retreat has anything related to the murder of Mays. All I could find was that someone picked azaleas.”

[Peregrine]

Hansbulla said:

"I state to the court that I was performing my duties between our considerate host's cottage and the area the dinner party was held. There is nothing else I wish to report."

The Earl-King holds up a leather-bound book.




"Oh yeah, you forgot this at the Tree-Stump Village, Serra!"




Fig. 1: Artist's rendition of book found at Tree-Stump Village. Conjecture; not verified by governing bodies.


The page which the Earl-King has helpfully bookmarked with a leaf concerns, and I quote, "the use of animals and creatures as a sacrifice for charming people."


"You also forgot to clean up your blood!"

[Hansbulla]

Oct 16, 2022 19:30:14 GMT -6 Peregrine said:

The Earl-King holds up a leather-bound book.

"Oh yeah, you forgot this at the Tree-Stump Village, Serra!"

The page which the Earl-King has helpfully bookmarked with a leaf concerns, and I quote, "the use of animals and creatures as a sacrifice for charming people."

"You also forgot to clean up your blood!"

"Yes, my hands were full with the plates. I intended to retrieve that item and return it to our kindly host's home. The blood I left behind is a spell, not a mess."

[Kuroneko]

"When everyone split apart for the night, I went to the cottage to help with dishes. However, Serra said to just leave them by the sink for her, so I decided to look around instead. The child ran in for a moment to ask Fauna a question before running off, presumable to pick flowers at the retreat. This matches up with the investigation results. The masked individual was siphoning pie through unknown means. Fauna, Mori, and Li Yong spend the time in conversation. As there was a lack of instruments, I wander off to the hideaway to test my luck there. We pass Mays at this point. He was headed North from the retreat. Laurel joins us along the path to the hideaway. We find Rain pulling a bucket out of the tree and a click which opens a passage under the waterfall. Spotting the body in the ritual circle, we rush over to try and determine what had happened. There were no clues to be found in the surrounding area aside from a strange symbol similar to another that had been found during the day. After a bit of discussion, I split off to search for Ina. That gets interrupted by venelop3 barging in and dragging us off to the old tree. Then we get interrupted once more by Fauna's twin calling everyone over."

[Sachi]

Mr. Lacey stands tall with aid of pretty white block -

He stares from his podium and gives a little light knock.

"The last night has aged me hundreds of years,

For what is it that came true but every one of my fears?

I'll tell this pained tale as best as I'm able,

So sit back and relax as I reveal my timetable:




First, I'll say, and it must really be said,

I wanted some more pie before I headed off to bed.

So I stayed in the Village a tad longer than most,

With Elias, Yasuraka, Laurel and Ina - all those lovely folks.


But once I had finished my second serving of pie,

A tear came to my eye - I almost near cried!

I knew it was missing the most crucial of flavours,

So off I set out on my Flavour Endeavour!


In the same first action, you see,

I made off in search of that dear Old Tree.

I believed and hoped, in my silly little mind,

It would be old and withered, and some leaking sap I'd find.

Cynthia was there upon my arrival, 

So we chatted a while, as I dreamed dearly of trifle."

You get the feeling Mr. Lacey is still hungry. And that he also couldn't think of a rhyme for 'arrival'. Oh well.


"Now on Action 2, Cynthia left, but in her place,

Came Venelop3 and our victim - our dear Mr. Maes.

I'd spoke to Cynthia so long I forgot about my sap!

So during this action, I got on with that.


But as I looked and searched around the Old Tree,

Strange sounds caught my attention... quite naturally.

Rustles in brushes and things thrown at bark,

Curious and confused, I looked around in the dark!


And that was when, if you'll understand,

That injury happened to my hand!

I don't know what trap I triggered, or if by someone it was thrown,

But I heard footsteps and turned around... and a knife at me was flown!


I leapt for evasion, but that knife was thrown high,

Did they predict that I'd do that? Or expect a taller guy?

Whatever the case, you know what's next - me stabbed through the hand.

And there I was, stuck to that tree, so high that I could not stand.




Action 3 is next, and trust me, we're near the end.

Maes ran up to help me, what a lovely and dear friend...

Maes removed the knife most carefully, but still I was stuck to the silly Old Tree,

He looked at me, confused as I, but only for seconds three...


Before we knew it, from up on high,

Something cascaded down from the sky!

It bonked on his head with a sizable sound,

And though he stood for a second, he then fell to the ground...


Venelop3 was alerted by that sound that came from strife,

A second after that came Cynthia, who had returned while holding a knife...




Now finally, comes 4, my lovely good friends,

And with that my little tale is about to reach its end.

Ven gathered others to help with that body,

And then rang the bells all through forest's lobby."

[Nahema (Yasuraka)]

"During the first hour of the night, I decided to stay at the Tree-Stump village. I can concur that Mr. Lacey stuck around for a little bit, before leaving. While Elias seemed to have tested their alcohol tolerance... pretty thoroughly. I do remember seeing the kid, I believe his name is Timmy, leave Fauna's Cottage, heading towards Rester's retreat. In the end Laurel, Ina and I ended up conversing about some symbols I found."

"After that I decided to go to Fauna's Cottage looking for a candle to illuminate the darkness. As I entered, ?? and Destiny left the cottage. Inside were Mori Calliope, Li-yong, Serra and Fauna. After I found a candle, Cynthia walked in seemingly panicked and looking around the cottage. Serra seemed to gather quite a collection of items. I saw her picking up a book, dustpan, knife, matches and a candle. She was nice enough to give me a few matches and lit my candle for me."

"As I had something to help me navigate my way through the darkness, I decided to make my way towards the Druid's hideaway during the third hour of the night. I wasn't the only one who left Fauna's Cottage, Serra, Li-yong and Cynthia, after grabbing a knife, left as well, Usagi entered it right after we left. Going through the Tree-Stump Village, Serra stayed behind. Ina and Elias were still there. Cynthia split up from the group, going North from the Rester's Retreat. Li-yong and I continued to the Druid's hideaway. It was quite interesting, I took a quick peek through an opening in the stone wall and saw another area behind it. I think I saw other people in there, but not quite sure."

"Being very curious, I decided to enter the area behind the opening in the wall. It seems my guess about seeing other people was correct as Destiny and Laurel left the area. Li-yong and Rin joined me in the exploration of this area. It was quite an intriguing sight, Rain was in the river throwing rocks and singing about making it rain. And there seemed to have been a sacrifice of some sorts a while ago. The body left behind was really old. After that I was called to come to the Old Tree by Fauna since a body had been discovered."

Yasuraka coughs slightly. Not really used to having to tell a whole story in one go.

"I investigated the Spider nest clearing. It seems to not have changed much from before the night even started. The two tunnels have been cleared out from spider webs. I know one of the tunnels was cleared out by Mori Calliope and I before the night started. Quite saddened the other tunnel was cleared out as well, I hope the spiders have a nice web to return to elsewhere..."

[Izumiko (Emi)]

You see Venelop3 standing relatively still. She has her palms clapped together closer to her face (much like the profile picture)

"I guess I should probably explain what I was doing first... So, Rin and I hung out together by that big Fallen Down Tree. I just wanted to take a curious look around there. Then we split off. Rin seemed to be really worried about me... And now I understand why. I am sorry Rin, I should have listened."

She sends an apologetic smile and Rin before continuing

"Then I decided that investigating one tree wasn't enough, so I went that biiiig Old Tree. That's where everything started to go wrong... Going there I saw little Timmy and then Cynthia who was walking away from the tree area. I definitely saw that! When I got there, I went straight into investigation the area! Lacey was already there, but I didn't give him much mind at first... Oh and there was some strange movement behind the spider webs at the top half of the tree!

When Maes came around, all three of us heard some straaaange, strange noises in the bushes. Of course we couldn't help but to pay attention to that sound. And then... there it was again! Twice! In another bush this time! A-And there was some banging at the far side of the tree, where we could not see. Lacey found it weird and went around the tree where Maes and I couldn't see him either.
Right as Lacey got out of sight, there was suddenly a lot of stomping, movement and a lot of rocks falling down from who knows where? I didn't know at the time! But the Lacey was crying out, so we rushed out to help and found him stuck to the tree with a knife right through his hand!"

Ven shudders at the reminder

"Maes and I tried asking what happened, but even Lacey didn't know. Maes went over to help Lacey remove the knife. I thought we simply got attacked by a scared druid... So I went into the bushes to investigate, only to find nothing in there. Just sticks and stones. And then... Right as I turn away for just a second... It happened! I heard a very loud banging sound that spooked me out of the bush! Then right as look back at Maes and Lacey... I just saw Maes slump down in front of Lacey... Dead."

She sends a suspicious stare at Lacey

"Lacey was still stuck to the tree. Knife removed, but it seems that the sap kept him hanging. Cynthia walked in riiight as everything was said and done... She was holding a knife of her own, but I knew... The knife did not match the one that kept Lacey stuck. She got it to cut the spider webs, since you couldn't do anything about it with you bare hands...

And we were three people... Looking at the very same dead body of Maes... Yet nothing happened. Only when I finally got help, as soon as another person saw the body did everything... Just. Stop.

It was... one of us three. I knew it couldn't be Cynthia. Because she wasn't lying! I did see her walk away from the Old Tree without a knife, only to come back with one! A-And I know I didn't do it! I wasn't even there at the second it all happened..!"

Ven narrows her eyes in determination.

"It was you Lacey. You killed Maes. Or perhaps you would prefer a rhyme like you usually do? Would that help you understand it? Here, let me try"

She clears her throat

"It could have only been one of us three
With Cynthia excluded, it's just you and me
And to kill Maes, you made use of the great Old Tree
Without you even needing to be set free"

[Misaki]

"Unfortunately the Lovers Outlook didn't yield any useful info but I shall give my account."

A1: "I was with Ven at the Fallen Down Tree. She was searching for some rocks and we spoke for a bit. I also tried to warn her not to wander around the forest alone but she insisted on going on her own so I let her go."

A2: "Ven then went on ahead and I made my way towards the Lovers Outlook. Along the way. I passed Chuuni King (Timmy) as I got to Spider Nest Clearing and then saw one of those Vtuber scum (Luca) and Sailor Girl (Usagi) come out from the tunnels. The 3 of us passed the Tree Stump Village and we split off from there and continued on my way. I then saw another Vtuber scum (Ina) and Weird Pirate guy (Elias) passed out on a table. When I finally reached the Lovers Outlook. The first I saw was some Masked Creep (??) lying on then ground and thought they were dead at first but then then suddenly turned their head at me and this freaked me out for a moment. Needless to say they creeped me out so much that I just left them alone."

A3: "I quickly left and decided to head for the Druid Hideaway. As I passed the Tree Stump Village. I saw the same Vtuber scum (Ina) and Weird Pirate guy still there and also saw Robo Maid (Serra) cleaning the table and Chuuni King (Timmy) jumping over the old tree somehow which I found weird but didn't question it. When I reached the Druid Hideaway I saw some weird ninja guy (Li-yong) and Mothman (Yasu) there."

A4: "I saw Mothman (Yasu) grab a stick I along with them and weird ninja guy (Li-yong) then headed over to the some weird area (Yandere Fauna's Hideout). We saw Weather Girl (Rain) there grabbing some rocks and tossing them into the river and doing some weird rain chant. That was when we were informed about what happened at the Old Tree.

Rin then was then caught by surprised at what Ven just said.

"Woah there! I've never seen my sweet little Ven act like this before! Since when did you become so assertive all of a sudden?"

[Izumiko (Emi)]

Ven blinks at Rin's comment

"What do you mean? Nothing changed with me. It's just that poor Maes did not deserve any of this and must be avenged! We must catch the one who wronged them. It's the right thing to do!"

[Misaki]

Oct 17, 2022 5:40:18 GMT -6 Izumiko (Emi) said:

Ven blinks at Rin's comment

"What do you mean? Nothing changed with me. It's just that poor Maes did not deserve any of this and must be avenged! We must catch the one who wronged them. It's the right thing to do!"

"Uhh of course. Mr. alchemist guy (Maes) must be avenged."

She then turned towards Lacey


"So Mr. Rumpelstiltskin (Lacey). What do you have to say for yourself?"

[Sachi]

Oct 17, 2022 5:06:33 GMT -6 Izumiko (Emi) said:

"It could have only been one of us three

With Cynthia excluded, it's just you and me

And to kill Maes, you made use of the great Old Tree

Without you even needing to be set free"

"I'm glad that you're trying to rhyme like me,

It's suspicious, I'll admit that wholeheartedly!

But it's hard for Mr. Lacey to see,

Why you're already pointing at me!


I have an idea that I'll say in turn:

Mr. Maes' body! I am filled with concern!

Do you recall what dear Cynthia said to us last night?

When we all wondered if he had died, enamoured with fright?


She mentioned unconsciousness times and all that,

Apparently only lasts for two minutes flat!

Any time beyond that, brain damage is sure,

Or otherwise, death, if they cannot endure...


Based on all that, I got to thinking as so:

Is it possible Maes did not die immediately, ho ho?

I'd ask the Masked Lady to tell us more of his body -

Before we make all this pointing a very common hobby!"