Long Form Roleplayers

Previously: Chapter 1

Characters:

You are not logged in. - Lloyd Morgan-Jackson

You are not logged in. - Myster Emmet

You are not logged in. - Bartender Ghost

The Author:
Previously the two detectives arrived at the Overlook Hotel having been assigned the role of caretakers. Having just finished speaking with Wendy Torrance, they begin to look around and see what they can find.

Bartender Ghost:
As you two are leaving the kitchen into the Dining Hall and Bar area, you notice I have vanished. In my place on the counter is a bell with a sign written in cursive that says "Ring for service."

You are not logged in. - Counter Bell

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
"Oh, by the way... there's a hammer in the pantry, and a shelf with some more food that's not slaughtered animals in the freezer.... just so you know..." I come to the bell.... "Do you.... think we should try this out?"

Myster Emmet:
"Hmmmm, well people had all kinds of weird stuff back then," I notice the bell curiously. "Well, why not?" I tap the counter bell!

Bartender Ghost:
The sound of the bell echoes through the room, and a moment later I appear behind the counter. "Greetings, Mr. Emmet, did you need something? Surely your talk with Mrs. Torrance doesn't yet have you in need of a drink, does it?"

Myster Emmet:
"Uh, no, sorry I guess I just wanted to see if you actually showed up." I nervously scratched my head as I look to Lloyd for guidance. "Do you have any questions for our dear bartender, Lloyd? I haven't thought this through..." I whispered that last part into Lloyd's ear.

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
I think for a bit. "When I mentioned you to Mrs. Torrance, she seemed confused and acted as if there is no bartender here. Does that mean she can't see you? Do you only show up if one of us rings this bell, or can anyone summon you like this?"

Bartender Ghost:
"Ah yes, that little detail. I will share with you that the version of me you are speaking with is one from the present, the same one that serves in the WelCum Barroom you are employed at. In this memory, however, there is a version of me that is similar to, yet different from what you have come to know me as. People in this memory did indeed interact with me back then, and perhaps there will be a time in which you witness that. But for now, Mrs. Torrance is unaware of my existence."

Myster Emmet:
"Huh, that does make a bit of sense I guess. Say, I just want to make sure but there's no one else here besides the three members of the Torrance family and Mr. Hallorann? I rather not be blindsided by a secret hidden character."

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
"And also, is the reason she's unaware of your existence the simple fact she never tried to ring this bell? Or is there more to it?"

Bartender Ghost:
"Come now Mr. Emmet, if there were 'Secret Characters', as you put it, in the memory, would it not be rude for me to spoil the surprise? As for her knowledge of my past self, she is unaware that I was on assignment here. Mrs. Torrance simply abhors alcohol and would never come to the bar."

Myster Emmet:
"Hah..well that's what I thought." I sighed, before grinning widely. "Well, that just means I'll have to search every crook and nanny of this place! Well, maybe not every crook...but maybe every nanny? I'm great at discovering secrets." I wait to see if Lloyd has any other questions.

Bartender Ghost:
"Indeed you are, Mr. Emmet. You seem to have discovered one earlier than expected in fact. It took Mr. King three tries before he came to realize Mrs. Torrance’s condition."

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
I groan a bit at this pun, but have no questions otherwise. But the Ghost's latest comment makes me perk up. "Oh, so... it's true? She is pregnant? I suppose that's not why she's coughing, though."

Bartender Ghost:
"It is a bit more complicated than that. Perhaps you are familiar with Mr. Bernoulli's excellent thought process of the so-called superposition? One might equate Mrs. Torrance to such a thing at this point in time, however, I shall leave that for your discovery."

Myster Emmet:
"That's not ominous at all..." I murmur. "Well, I think we should get going and find Mr. Hallorann. We don't have all the time in the world after all...unless you have any other ideas on where to go?" I ask Lloyd.

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
"I'm unfortunately not familiar with what Mr. Bernoulli had to say about superposition." Then I turn to Emmet: "But it seems that Mr. Ghost won't divulge more on that topic, at least not at present. Nope, let's stick to our initial plan and find the groundskeeper."

Bartender Ghost:
"I believe he is in his room if you are so inclined. Time is ticking." I gesture to the nearby clock on the wall that shows it is just about 12:30 pm now, and then disappear.

Myster Emmet:
"Okay, then we have not a second to waste!" I take Lloyd's hand and race off to the East wing!

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
"Easy there", I give out a little yelp as Emmet suddenly yanks me behind him. It's a good thing Ghost pointed us in the right direction, because my first thought would be to look for the groundskeeper outside.

Bartender Ghost:
Traveling through the foyer you come to the split of the Hotel leading to the East and West wing. It is here that you can clearly see its lovely carpet.

Bartender Ghost:
At the split between the two wings, you quickly come to the first room, E101. Beyond its door you can hear the faint sound of a radio.

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
I frown. "Orange is such an... oppressive color."

Myster Emmet:
"Hmm? I think orange is a warm color..."

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
"Too garish for my taste, but anyhow....", I knock on the door of E101.

Bartender Ghost:
After a minute or so, you hear the unlatching of the door. It opens slowly letting you see Richard Hallorann dressed in some rugged blue jeans and a loose shirt. "Hey you two, what can I do for you?", he says with a friendly smile with one hand holding the door open.

You are not logged in. - Richard Hallorann

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
"Good afternoon, Mr. Hallorann, we just thought we'd introduce ourselves. I'm Lloyd Morgan", I say, pausing to give Emmet space.

Myster Emmet:
I give Mr. Hallorann a winning smile and introduce myself too. "Hello there, Mr. Hallorann, I am Emmet Morgan. It's really nice to meet you."

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
I frown, but don't contradict Emmet's outrageous statement.

Bartender Ghost:
"It's nice to meet both of you, please, come on in." He steps aside gesturing for you to enter while keeping his hand behind the door. "The new couple, rest assured there is no reason to hold back your affections around here, barely anybody around to judge." The door immediately opens up into a hotel room he clearly is using for living, a radio is on by the bed broadcasting current events, but is actively talking about the weather.

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
"That's.... reassuring", I say with a strained smile. I take a look around the room. Is there anything in it that seems interesting or out of place? Any weapons, any electronic devices beside the radio?

Bartender Ghost:
As you come in and look around, he closes a door revealing the first object you might consider a threat, his hunting rifle is mounted on the back of the door. Besides that, the room is relatively tidy. There is also a television that is currently off, and above it hangs the picture of a naked lady with her hair spread out wide and thick.

You are not logged in. - Naked Painting

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
I wonder what conditioner she's using.... I muse idly.

Myster Emmet:
"Well, that's an interesting painting you have there." I remarked as I walked into the room, taking a hard glance at the hunting rifle.

Bartender Ghost:
"She is a beauty, isn't she? Damn fine woman." He glances up at it with a smile, then turns his attention back to you two. "What can I do for you, fellas? You two settling in okay?"

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
"One thing I was wondering was whether we could just take any two rooms, or are there specific rooms that can be inhabited? Or do we have designated rooms already? And also... is there anything that we could help out with right away?"

Bartender Ghost:
He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a set of keys for you to room E223. "Here you two go, figured you two would want a room to yourselves. If... if you two would prefer separate rooms, I'll have to swing by the office and get you another set of keys." Just then the radio cuts in with a dire announcement.

"The local winds are starting to pick up, the winter storm is expected to hit tonight around 6pm, maybe sooner up in the mountains. If you have anything to do outside, it is best to get it taken care of and prepare to bunker down for a few days. Take care of your shopping, firewood, and whatever else while you can."

Myster Emmet:
"That doesn't sound good."

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
"Oh, that sounds rough.... But I guess we do have food to last us a few days. Anything that needs to be done outside?"

Bartender Ghost:
"Ah don't worry about it y'all, I'll take care of it. Usually I need to make sure the tools are put away and all that and the gate is closed as sometimes animals will come on the grounds to take refuge. Found a bear held up one year in the Ground Storage, that was a tricky situation to deal with."

Myster Emmet:
"Oh, that sounds scary...what type of bear was it? Black? Brown? Don't tell me it was a polar bear?" I hope and pray that wasn't the case, I take the set of the keys from him for our room and put it in my pocket. "Thanks for this, hopefully we'll have good dreams tonight."

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
"Uhm.... so about the room... does it have two separate beds, or one large bed for two? I need to sleep by myself, you see.... I toss and turn at night... a lot. It's an issue.", I say emphatically.

Bartender Ghost:
"Ah yes, that room happens to have a king-sized bed in the center. Once I do my rounds here today, I'll unlock room 221 for you and leave the key in there, sound good?"

Myster Emmet:
"Yeah, that would be perfect! Thank you so much." I smile warmly, looking around subtly for any hiding places someone might hide in....

Bartender Ghost:
Looking around the room, there are few spots that stick out. A small table, under his bed, the adjoined bathroom, even behind the door given the right circumstances. "Oh right, you were asking about that bear. It was a black bear with her cub, real protective she was. Didn't end well for them sadly."

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
I take a moment to think sadly about the poor bear. Us humans are really a pest on this planet. Shaking such thoughts off, I look up and say: "Alright, anything that you might need help with today?"

Bartender Ghost:
"Nah, I got it all taken care of. Guess I need to double check the boiler in a bit, the last thing we want is for it to go out and leave us in the cold during a blizzard." He pauses, "Say, have you two fellas encountered anything... unusual since you arrived?"

Myster Emmet:
"No, but I guess you should define what unusual would mean for you?"

Bartender Ghost:
"That's a fair enough question. Sometimes folks around here during the winter report seeing things... hearing things. Trick of the eyes and all that. That boy of theirs, Danny, has himself a real active imagination. If you two see or hear anything unusual, you come and find me ASAP, ya hear? Remember, it's just the six of us here, nobody else is around."

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
"Oh... that's good to know... but... now that you mention this... there's something I was wondering about. In the bar, there's a bell, and a sign that says 'Ring for service'. That's just there from the time when the hotel had guests, right? There's no one... tending the bar right now?"

Bartender Ghost:
"Oh really? Not sure if that is new or not, but I always keep my liquor here in my room. Even still, it's just a bell, doubt anybody would pop up if you rang it... right?"

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
I turn and look to Emmet, eyebrows slightly raised. Unsure if we want to share this with the groundskeeper or not.

Myster Emmet:
"Hmmm, well you never know I guess? This hotel seems like the perfect place for someone to just camp out here. Have you heard any suspicious noises or traces of someone else living here?" I turn the question to Mr. Hallorann.

Bartender Ghost:
"As I said, the place can play tricks on you. A few years back there was a homeless man who was squatting in one of the rooms. I was turning a blind eye to him as he was trying to keep off the old radar and seemed peaceful enough. Come spring though, I found him hung up in the room he was in. Since then, I make sure there ain't no squatters around here, check every room every day, and make sure my pistol is on me just in case." He lifts his shirt to show a holstered firearm.

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
"Oh wow....", I give an uneasy look as Mr. Hallorann shows off his firearm. "Have you... experienced any such tricks yourself? Saw something that you later realized wasn't there?"

Bartender Ghost:
He lets out a little bit of chuckle, "You don't have to worry about me, I ain't crazy or anything. As spooky as this place can get, let's just say I'm just about the best person to handle it. Got a solid head on my shoulders, and a keen set of eyes if it ever comes the time to pull a trigger."

Myster Emmet:
"Well, I'm glad we have such a dependable groundskeeper." I offer as a compliment, but slightly take a step back in nervousness. "Though, crazy or not, I just wonder if you ever saw something that disturbed you. Like for example, maybe a...fight or tension between...two individuals? I mean what you witnessed with the homeless guy is pretty bad.."

Bartender Ghost:
"When you get as old as me, you see a thing or two from people. Violent scuffle, of course. Police brutality, more than most would believe. There's a reason I live up here all year round, I don't care for folks as I've seen an ugly side to them. Even now in the dead of winter, maybe get far too much news about what people are doing to each other." He gestures to the radio and then to the television.

"If you mean about the people who help out during the winter, sometimes things happen, but usually they know how to stay out of each other's way. Three months here in isolation, pretty sure folks don't want to kill each other."

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
I nod. "Since that homeless guy... there have been no other squatters or uninvited visitors?"

Bartender Ghost:
"One time about 3 years ago a person tried to, but I found them and reported them to the police before things got too cold. Things have been peaceful since then, but good to keep an eye out. Is there anything else I can do for you, gentlemen? It's about time for me to start my rounds."

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
"If you don't mind, can I accompany you when you go to check the boiler room? I've always been curious about heating systems and the engineering behind it...", I say, hoping my reasoning sounds convincing enough.

Bartender Ghost:
Richard thinks for a moment at your question, "I don't see why not. If you're gonna be with me, we can swing by the office together and get your key, and Emmet here can have room 223." He gives a toothy smile and then moves to the radio to turn it off just as it was starting to change topics.

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
"Alright", I smile. "Mrs. Torrance mentioned you usually check it at 2pm. Should I wait for you there, or come pick you up here?"

Bartender Ghost:
"Sure, that would work out well. Usually, get to the kitchen about 1:45 or so and enjoy some of whatever she left me for lunch. Mentioned something about making some stew with that deer I shot a couple days ago, till then I'll be making my rounds."

Myster Emmet:
"Well, that's all well and good. I might explore a bit elsewhere, you know, get familiar with this place so I don't get lost!" I wryly chuckle, but I ask another question for Richard: "Oh, if I might ask, we met Wendy earlier and I know you mentioned Danny but, what kind of people would you say are the Torrances?"

Bartender Ghost:
"Now there's a question." He picks up a glass of water he had by his bed and drinks before continuing… "They seem like usual folk, the type who might get roped into doing this whole caretaker thing because they either want to get away or need the money. Wendy seems a bit lonely, is always worried about things, and quiet as a mouse. Jack is often held up in his room working, and, if I'm being honest, I try to stay clear of him. I can't help but feel that he isn't the most tolerant of my people, if you get what I mean."

He glances toward the painting, "Just a feeling though, he hasn't said or done anything directly. He knows I carry a gun though, so that might have something to do with it. As for the boy, he's a whole other story." Richard takes a seat on the bed and gives you both a chance to respond before he continues.

Myster Emmet:
"You said he had an...active imagination?" I prompt.

Bartender Ghost:
"That boy is special, plays by himself in the halls with toys and talks with his 'friends'. It's not uncommon for kids to have imaginary friends when they are lonely, that much is true, but around here that might be..." He pauses and looks to see how you are responding, "Danny seems like a normal kid, I'm just afraid he might poke his head in places a kid his age shouldn't be, is all. Overactive imagination." He then finishes what little was left in the glass and rises up, "Let's meet up at the boiler room at about 2, sound good Lloyd?"

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
"Yes", I nod with a smile. "Great meeting you, Mr. Hallorann... or... should I call you Richard?"

Myster Emmet:
"Well, I guess we should get going... Oh! I almost forgot, have you seen Danny around by chance?" I address Richard, my face set in a worried countenance. "After that weather report, I'm just worried about him. If he's a lonely kid like I was, he might accidentally wander outside."

Bartender Ghost:
"Richard is good, since we are gonna be neighbors for a few months, just don't be calling me Dick. Not my favorite nickname. With it coming up on lunchtime, figure the boy might be headed towards the kitchen, but he likes to roam around the second floor West Wing." He looks at the clock in the room as it is about 12:50 pm now, "Best I start up my rounds if you two don't mind." Then he gestures towards the door.

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
"Understood", I grin a bit. "Alright then, see you in about an hour", I say, as I open the door, and step out, holding it open for Emmet.

Myster Emmet:
"See you around, Richard." I smile at him before walking out of the door kindly held open by Lloyd. I linger in the hallway, thinking about my next move....

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
"Do you wanna drop by your room first?", I ask Emmet. "I'm curious to see what it looks like."

Myster Emmet:
"Hmmm, yeah. I'll see how my room looks like," I mumble at the end: "Even though I'll probably not use it." I start walking towards where E223 should be...

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
I walk alongside Emmet, wanting to be inside the room before saying my next bit.

Bartender Ghost:
With the room being on the second floor, your options for getting there are to use the stairs or the nearby elevator around the nearby hall.

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
"I'm always a bit distrustful of elevators.... And besides.... walking up stairs is good for your quads and glutes", I smirk playfully.

Myster Emmet:
Seeing how it's faster and healthier to just use the stairs, I walked my way up those steps until I reach the second floor with Lloyd following behind. "Well, I never skip leg day."

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
"Although, we might call the elevator and peek inside, just to make sure there's nothing... weird... in it", I muse, but then follow alongside Emmet as he rushes up. "Maybe later..." Once on the second floor, we look for number E223.

Bartender Ghost:
The staircase is furnished like the rest of the hotel though the steps are hardwood. Stepping onto the second floor, the door closes behind you, and the room isn't too difficult to find as it is about a third of the way down the hall. The key you were given opens the door and you see a spacious room with a single large king-sized bed in the center with a bible resting on it. There is a dresser, a television, and a few other typical things you would expect. The curtains are open letting you see the dark cloudy sky.

Myster Emmet:
"Well, this seems to be a perfectly… normal bedroom for a hotel." I walked over to the king bed and picked up the Bible, something deep in my soul just wants to shout out "The Power of Christ Compels You!" But fortunately I keep that urge inside. I flip open the bible instead..just to make sure it is a bible.

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
I close the door behind us and turn to Emmet with an eyebrow raised. "Emmet... *Morgan*? Really? There were no same sex marriages in the 1980s."

Bartender Ghost:
The bible is a standard King James edition, but otherwise unremarkable.

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
"Also, kinda hilarious to place a Bible on the bed, is that's supposed to be shared by two 'sinners'."

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
"Also....", I add, as I just sorta keep going.... "Is anyone going to notice we didn't bring any luggage for our supposed three month stay?"

Myster Emmet:
"Well, I'm sorry, it's just that I hate introducing myself with my original last name. It was actually a whim. I don't think he cared too much really." I apologize as I put the Bible away into my coat pocket, just in case I need to exorcize something. I turn back to Lloyd.

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
Seeing Emmet check the Bible, I check under the bed and behind the curtains. Does the room have its own bathroom? If yes, I will check in there as well.

"I don't think he cared either, but we should keep our story straight. You told Wendy your real name. If she and Richard talk to each other, they might notice you didn't tell them the same thing... If someone asks, just tell them you were joking", I say, as I kneel down on the floor.

Bartender Ghost:
Checking around the room, there isn't anything out of the ordinary. The underside of the bed is clear, the curtains have a little dust on them, and the connected restroom has a toilet, sink with a mirror, bathtub, and shower.

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
Is the shower in the bathtub or separate from it?

Bartender Ghost:
They are combined together.

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
Is there a curtain?

Bartender Ghost:
But of course, its amber shade is drawn to the side at present with nothing hidden from sight.

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
I leave the bathroom door open as I retreat back into the room.

Myster Emmet:
"Yeah, I will, and....oh...um...those are some ominous looking clouds." I break off from my perusal of the room itself to look out the windows at the weather outside.

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
As I finish my examination of the bathroom, I come join Emmet by the window. "Well, there doesn't seem to be anything unusual in the bathroom, at any rate."

Bartender Ghost:
The window oversees a few things of note, outlining just how grand of a location this is. With it facing south, you can see the untamed trees and wild brush held back by the stone walls of the grounds. Aside from paths, you can see the large hedge maze that was mentioned earlier. You noticed with it being a little past 1pm now, Mrs. Torrance is outside taking a walk and moving towards the grand attraction. The sky is dark, but it is not currently snowing.

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
Is she alone? Can we see Danny anywhere, or at any rate, a child who might be Danny?

Bartender Ghost:
She is alone wearing her coat, of course, as it is a crisp 30 or so degrees Fahrenheit.

Myster Emmet:
“It seems like she’s taking her walk…maybe I should go and talk to her. Just to make sure she’s doing okay and to not stay out too long. Do you think we should split up? Or stay together? I’m fine with either…” I wait for Lloyd’s reply to my proposal.

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
"Seeing how it's past 1 o'clock, I thought we might go and have lunch.... and then continue to investigate after that. After all, the food is best when it's still warm. But... if you want to talk to Wendy right away... I guess you could do that. I mean... she might not have heard the announcement, so it would make sense to give her a heads up. If that's all you want to tell her, I might as well come along. If you wanted to talk to her more, I think I'd rather leave you to it and go eat. Besides, I think she might be likely to open up more to just one person, rather than two."

Myster Emmet:
“There were a few things that did strike me odd about her, mostly just gut feelings but…I think I might have a chat with her.” I nervously stretched my hands before looking back at the hedge maze, “Though I hope I don’t get lost in the hedge maze…”

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
"Well, Ghost was kind enough to give us a map of the grounds, which includes the map of the maze. Did you take it? Or did I? I'm not sure anymore", I say, as I start checking my pockets.

Myster Emmet:
“Actually, I took a quick photo with my phone on instinct, though I probably should be extremely careful not to let anyone else see this…” I take out my phone to pull up the photo of the blueprint, giving out a chuckle as I try to commit the hedge maze structure to memory….

Bartender Ghost:
On the blueprint itself is displayed a layout of the maze. It lines up exactly with what you see while glancing out the window with Mrs. Torrance disappearing into it while you speak.

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
"Well then, I suppose you shouldn't be lost. As long as you make sure the blueprint is aligned accurately."

Bartender Ghost:
Based on the size of the Overlook Hotel compared to the height of the hedges, it would be an easy task to discern your location regardless of your position in the maze.

Myster Emmet:
“Yeah I can, my dad made me…” I trailed off before continuing, “I know where north is. It’s there,” I hesitate, lingering in place by the window…before determination fills my bones. I point into the left…of course if it’s wrong then I look like a fool.

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
Since the window is facing south, north is actually behind our backs, but I don’t tell Emmet that. "Well... either way.... if you're ever unsure, just look up at where the hotel is and align the map accordingly", I offer helpfully.

Myster Emmet:
“Well, I better go now to catch up with her, but you stay safe okay? We can regroup later to share the information we learned.” I say this while in the process of walking towards the door, I look behind me towards you and give you a soft smile. “See you later, babe.” I give a playful wink before walking out the door into the hallway, wanting to get outside as soon as I can to catch up to Wendy.

Lloyd Morgan-Jackson:
"Sure, I'll be visiting the boiler room with Richard at 2pm, and then come here after that", I say, before you leave the room, sighing and shaking my head a bit at that last comment.

Published: 2023-01-31, viewed 23 times.