A TRIP TO DIE FOR

[thedirectors]

Once everyone is aboard, the train pulls away from the station, its pistons slowly but surely accelerating as it peels through the countryside. Those who check their cabins will find a complimentary bottle of champagne, as well as toiletries and slippers. Next to the door is a bell on a hook, to be rung if you need to summon a staff member to your cabin. Your journey is underway, and now, all you have to do is sit back and relax, right?

Relaxation might come easier to some than others. There's an underlying current of unease as darkness begins to fall over the train. But perhaps that's just nerves from traveling. After all, what terrible things could happen on a train as decadent as this?

---

OOC: Private conversations are now open, as well as private chats with the NPCs! Let us know if your character will be investigating any part of the train in your toplevel! Additionally, if you'd like to talk to an NPC in your toplevel, please note it in your comment title.

If you want, you can note your character's location on the night of the murder by commenting to the pre-murder check-in by Wednesday, 12:00 PM EST. Who knows? Your character might hear or see something unusual....

DAY 1 | DAY 2 | DAY 3

Locations | Cast List | Investigation Notes
Private Conversations | NPC Threads | Pre-Murder Check-In

Comments

DAY 1 EVENING

[thedirectors]

[Dinner is the following:

Starter – Chilled fresh vegetable gazpacho, taleggio cheese mousse and sautéed chicken with summer savory
Main course – pan fried cod fish, green peas cream with cardamon; grilled lettuce with onions and bacon; olive oil violet mashed potatoes
Dessert – Melon bavarois and red berries in dark chocolate casing.

Guests may also order from a very extensive and delicious-sounding à la carte menu.]

[thedirectors]

[A sharply-dressed man is seated for dinner in the restaurant car, his napkin tucked delicately into his collar. His clothing seems to be carefully selected--a tweed jacket with a freshly ironed shirt and tie. It projects the sense of propriety and class without drawing too much attention to himself.

He's about halfway through his meal when the server--a white ermine--comes to his table to tend to him. The man offers genuine, warm smile up towards him, gently dabbing the corners of his mouth.]

Compliments to the chef on this absolutely delicious meal. You must tell me your secret for this pan-fried cod--it's hard to impart such flavor onto a fish like this.

[The ermine bows, graciously, then skitters away. The staff are at the back of the room, whispering among themselves about the charming American gentleman. Andrea Romero continues to smile, before turning his gaze towards you.]

And how are you enjoying your trip thus far?

[His tone is perfectly pleasant and conversational.]

[theobviousculprit]

......hoh.

[It takes only one glance to know who this man is. Oh dear. Eva's expression turns a tad conflicted for a moment, but at least she does answer]

I'm enjoying myself so far. It's unfortunate there are some flaws in this trip no matter what, though.

[She gives an insincere smile]

I'm referring to the accomodations in the cabin, of course.

[Eva definitely wasn't referring to the accomodations of the cabin, and the insincerity dripping from her proves it]

[leywright]

[ Laerryn has gone for the precise opposite technique to attempt producing the same goal. It's impolite to stare, and dangerous still to stare at the sun, so she is dripping in gold. Her gold dress seems to flow from beneath her mane of dark hair, finally allowed to sit free and curly around her bared shoulders after being pulled back the majority of the day, pooling down to cinch in at the waist before fountaining down to cover her legs to the ankle, where her heels take up the mantle of spun radiance. One wrong move and she could reveal too much, but she seems to know precisely how to sit. Her eyelids have been done dark to contrast a gold under-eye. Cuffs have come to join the hoops on her longer, more pointed ears.

A notebook lies open near her left hand and she'd been jotting down a few things while expertly navigating her meal to her mouth with the other until she'd been addressed by him. She sets her fork down to trade for the napkin when he does, looking up with a smile like someone whose father has asked if they like their birthday gift. ]

It's been enlightening. Did you know that this train can generate power for itself simply by moving along the track?

[campire]

[ Watching that white ermine go, he vaguely wonders if any of its distant relatives ended up in his furs...

—And he smiles brightly back at Romero when he meets his gaze. ]

I'm enjoying it quite a bit! It really is a splendid train, isn't it?

[hardyboys]

[ Mabel mostly kept to herself for most of dinner, only really talking to anyone who initiates conversation first. She nods at Romero's question, smiling slightly with a nod. ]

Can't really complain, it's been pretty relaxing. Though I won't say I'm not looking forward to sleeping in my own bed soon.

[ She takes a sip from her drink. ]

What about you? Just seeing the sights?

Investigation: Caboose

[whodie]

I. Luggage Lore Hours (Luggage Car)

[Did you need something from the luggage car? Passing through? Either way, you'll find a girl in black and a jaunty hat all up in your business. She's even got what looks like a well-used notebook; it might have come from the luggage she got lugged out herself beforehand. It's quite the bulky suitcase. It is black, just like her, but has a great deal of cute stickers plastered all over it.

But more importantly, what's in your luggage? What are you up to?

Inquiring minds (Hu Tao) and pens (Hu Tao's) must know.]

So that's who that one belongs to! I was wondering, because there's so many cool ones in here, and also-- [lowering her voice conspiratorially, though who knows how good the stoats' hearing is??] --I could've sworn I heard something moving in here somewhere! Aside from the fluffy desk guy, of course.

II. Salutations, Felicitations, Bon Appetit Stations (Restaurant Car)

It's you!

[Any acquaintances, willing or unwilling, of a certain young funeral director will find themselves flagged down with enthusiasm -- somewhat literally, she's waving a table napkin around with some verve. If you have no idea who she is, you may still be hailed regardless.

People on this train seem to enjoy sharing meals with strangers, after all, and strangers on a long voyage are just compulsory roommates you haven't quite met yet.

That seems to be Hu Tao's philosophy -- and moreover, she has her bottle of champagne handy, and is brooding (not that there's really much brooding to it) over the current menu with the gravitas of a corvid with a stick and dinner stuck behind a scientist's glass box.]

How about some recommendations, hm? Everything is super French, including all the drinks, I was wondering if they even had tea on board! [there's a whimsical tilt of her head, indicating the champagne] I'm not one to look a gift bottle in the mouth, but I've only ever heard of this one, too.

III. With a Stoat Heart We Make Our Way (INVEST: Caboose)

[Later, later, later in the evening -- because apparently much like her habit suggests, Hu Tao's habits trend towards late nights and and light footing -- she sidles her way into the caboose to see if any of their wonderful stoat staff will have her as a conversation partner, or if she can take a look at their little pieces of home.]

'Scuse me, 'scuse me, coming right through! I've never seen a train like this, so I really wanted to get to know you guys better. You wouldn't happen to have any fun guest stories, or-- [a cheeky grin] --winter ghost stories?

Isn't that what sitting by the stove is for?

[At some point she'll also run out onto the balcony for a gander. It might be cold and dark but that's no deterrent whatsoever for a determined magpie like her.]

1

[agoddeal]

[Does Kotoko need anything in here? Who knows. But no way is she missing out on luggage gremlin hours. She gives someone's trunk a little poke with her cane and eyes it for movements.]

Goodness. I would think this train is much too new to attract any self-respecting spirits.

[Is it ghosts?? Do they have ghosts yet?? Kotoko's interest is piqued.]

In which case it must be someone smuggling something from Istanbul. Perhaps vipers. ...Do you think the staff is equipped to deal with those?

[Are mongoose related to stoats, help.]

investigation!

[thedirectors]

[There are a few crew members gathered in the caboose, some of which are taking a smoke break--because the ill effects of secondhand smoke were not well known at this point in time. Oops. Well, anyways, the graying ermine that pipes up has a rough Russian accent and has a cigarette clenched between his teeth--perhaps one of the engineers of the train.]

I have heard a few stories, yes. There is one that came to me recently. You wish to hear it?

[There's a few things that have been put up on the walls--there's a few tasteful pin ups of sexy badgers and some newspaper clippings. One of these things is probably more useful than the other.]

II

[theobviousculprit]

Tea? Oh dear, you can't limit yourself only to what's familiar. If you're asking for recommendations, mine is to try something you usually wouldn't. Doesn't that sound wonderful?

[That's what traveling is for, isn't it? But Eva says that only because she has the means to experiment with stuff. When you have money you can spend some in things like trying stuff you wouldn't otherwise]

i.

[toomanynotes]

[Ah, Mozart did come in here to fetch an instrument, but—]

Oh? What are we doing in here? Looting, perhaps?

II

[contentions]

Aha, you decided to make the trip after all. [ Eiji smiles, fairly used to Hu Tao's whimsical nature even though they've only talked once at length. There's a slight dip in his smile at the waving napkin gesture (that isn't really proper, you know?), but Eiji says nothing and sits down across from her as requested. ]

Now let's see...if you really wanted me to walk you through the finer points of French cuisine, I might have to bill you my retainer. [ Wink. ] But we can go over the basics pro bono.

Unfortunately— [ His eyes flicker to the champagne bottle and it's current precarious fate in her hands ] we won't be starting this meal with champagne, unless you'd like to wear it.

[theobviousculprit]

[Oh, a marvelous dinner! That, coupled with the champagne, has Eva in pretty good mood.

That's why she's at the lounge, examining the bottle of champagne]

Not bad, not bad at all! The attentions of the staff of this train truly are worthy of praise. It has been so long since I had a niiiiice glass of champagne.

[She's in such a good mood she calls over to anyone coming by]

How about we share a glass? My treat. Traveling broadens the mind and I'd love to hear tales from other travelers. Not everyone makes a trip on a train like this one, you know?

[Eva has that relaxed, kind of carefree and sing-songy intonation one would expect from somebody in a leisurely trip. Come on! Let's have a drink!]

[takethebacon]

[She looks up from her writing with a smirk.]

It's hardly a treat when we all have a bottle of this stuff.

[...But you know what? She's up for this.]

But you know? I could get used to this.

[agoddeal]

[What a charming invitation! And with such company. Kotoko smiles as she turns from her straight-line path towards the bookshelf and instead heads over.]

How generous! And what shall we toast to?

[Too late to turn back now, she's already making herself comfortable in the seat next to Eva.]

Safe travels? Pleasant company? Success in love and in business?

[toomanynotes]

[Good drink and a beautiful woman? Maybe Amadeus died, and he’s in heaven right now. Either way, he’ll take her up on this offer!]

Absolutely! Now, what shall we toast to?

[contentions]

[ Champagne sure is popular here. Well, Eiji isn't about to turn down a reasonably polite invitation, especially since this one isn't opened by waving the bottle of champagne around. ]

Traveling is sadly, largely a privilege for those fortunate enough to partake. At present at time, at least, though I have hopes that it will be an experience everyone can afford soon enough.

[leywright]

[ After dinner, Laerryn can be found looking radiant in the lounge. She's a tall, lanky woman; the dress compliments the latter while the former is exemplified by the way her feet just touch the floor even while she sits on a stool at the bar.

The way she initially leans over the bar is threatening, voice husky and low to the barkeep. ]

Whiskey. Irish. Double. Now.

[ Soon enough, the dragon is sated halfway through the glass. She looks around the room at her fellow patrons, idly plucking cherries off the stem with her teeth on occasion from a separate glass she ordered. She's not enough in her cups to go initiate conversation, but it doesn't look like she's going to snap a head off any more.

She'll wander the board game rack, still sipping her drink, before she eventually decides on Go. People who understand the game will realize she's not actually playing it, instead using the stones to map out various lines.

Later, she'll be at the caboose, apparently not bothered by the chill on her bare shoulders or through her dress. She watches the scenery fall away behind them, leaning on the rail. ]

Got a spare cigarette?

[ She'll ask whoever comes out. ]

caboose

[toomanynotes]

[Amadeus makes his way out, wanting to get a look at the stars and the scenery as they go past. He wasn’t expecting anyone out here, but he’s not complaining.]

I’m afraid not —- they make me cough up a storm, and it makes playing the flute an awful task.

[Oh, but if only he had one to offer!]

Have you tried asking the ermines?

Caboose

[hematocritic]

[Well-- after doing a walkthrough of the train and pausing to partake in a conversation or two, Ozaki hadn't considered anyone else would have been out here this late.

He couldn't exactly ignore the question either, with a pack of cigarettes already in hand.

A swift shake and one sticks just far enough out of the pack that he can offer it towards her to take. A lighter is follows after.]

If you've run out already, you're in for a long train ride.

DAY 2

[thedirectors]

[Today's forecast is cloudy, with intermittent rain.

Breakfast includes pastries, fruit parfait, juice, tea and coffee. Guests may either dine in the restaurant car or have their breakfast brought to them as 'breakfast in bed'.

Lunch is the following:

Entree – Scrambled eggs with smoked salmon; broiled lobster with fresh cress butter; potato and chive whirls
Desert – Nougat ice cream in tulip biscuit with sugared almonds

Dinner is the following:

Starter – Oysters, soup with Italian pasta
Main course – Turbot with green sauce, chicken ‘à la chasseur’, fillet of beef with ‘château’ potatoes, ‘chaud-froid’ of game animals
Dessert – Chocolate pudding and a buffet of desserts.

Guests may also partake in afternoon tea in the restaurant car, which will be served at 3 PM. Included in the experience are sandwiches, scones with preserves and clotted cream, a selection of teas, and sparkling rose wine.]

[takethebacon]

[Mildred spends most of her day bouncing between the Lounge and the Restaurant. She doesn't seem to be here for relaxation, however. All her meals are half eaten and she mostly seems to prefer the alcohol provided as she seems to be deep into writing. She mutters under her breath as she jots stuff down. She seems a little secretive about what exactly is on there, as shown by the fact that she hides it whenever anyone passes. Anyone with a sharp eye, however, will notice that she seems to be drawing up chemical equations.

As evening approaches, however, she finds herself again in the Lounge, looking through the various board games they have there. She pulls out a board of Monopoly and starts setting it up on the table. She looks to anyone else that's at the Lounge at the moment with a wry smirk.]

Hey if we're going to be stuck here for a few days, we might as well see how much we hate each other

DAY 3

[thedirectors]

[The forecast for today is heavy snow. It seems like there's quite a lot of snow piling up, actually...but at noon, the train will make a stop in Belgrade to allow guests to stretch their legs, send/receive telegrams, and wander the area.

Breakfast is the same as yesterday.

Lunch is the following:

Entree – Chicken breast supreme braised with duck “foie gras” juice; artichoke nest with Taggiasche olives; broccoli purée with couscous and Corinthian raisins
Dessert – Pistacho and morello cherries macaroon

Dinner is the following:

Starter – Turbot fillet rolled with rocket pesto, Prosecco and saffron risotto, Cuttlefish ink sauce
Main course – Slowly braised veal fillet and tuna fish anchovy cream and caper buds; mini bell peppers stuffed with eggplant caviar; poached spinach dumplings nutmeg flavored
Cheese course – selection of fine cheeses
Desert – Semifredo with agave syrup, rosehip jelly and lime zests, mignardises served with coffee.]

[toomanynotes]

[God smiles upon Amadeus once more; even though he sleeps in til gone 12, he doesn’t miss breakfast for having it brought to him. What service! He staggers out of his room for lunch, at least. There’s some dark stains on his hands, but never mind those.

Seeing as they’re stopping in Belgrade, he takes the opportunity to step on out —]

Cold! Far too cold! I’m too delicate for weather like this! That’s it! I’ve had enough and I’m going inside!

[—And go immediately back in, after hurriedly sending a telegram.

By evening he’s warmed back up and spends some time with the piano. The tune is jaunty, yet refined - almost heavenly - but, if you listen to him humming along…aren’t those words just a bit rude?]

[hardyboys]

[ It doesn't take long after they stop in Belgrade that Mabel can be found in town, mainly killing time by walking around town, with a sketchbook and local paper under her arm. It doesn't last though, as she's back in the station before long, shaking the snow off of her as she steps back onto the train. ]

Doesn't really seem like it's stopping any time soon. Do they light the tracks on fire out here?

[ She spends most of the rest of the afternoon in the lounge, either knitting what seems like a scarf or working on something in a sketchbook. She may or may not be staring intently as she does so. At another passenger? At nothing? Who can say.

And after the dinner, Mabel can be found at the caboose, trying to take up as little room as possible as she leans over the balcony, watching the surroundings fade into darkness as the train speeds along. ]