A strange bell tolls, echoing throughout the grounds of the Manor of Mysteries. The piercing metallic clang causing shivers down the backs of each contestant. As each player seeks out a window to look where the sound is coming from, each watches as a procession of hooded figures bearing candles makes their way across the lawn.
The hooded figures enter into a stone structure with a large chimney coming from it. As soon as they disappear, each player receives a knock on their door as a piece of parchment slides through the gap. The paper reads "Enter the stone sanctum. Emergency ceremony." Each player dons the provided ceremony robes left in each of their wardrobes and file out into the halls of the dormitories. Some players murmur to each other, wondering what could be the issue at this time of night.
"I wonder what's so important?" asks
@Chaos Cat
"I don't know, but they're disturbing my sleep schedule." grumbles
@spacemt354 "I'm exhausted."
The players soon make their way across the yard and towards the stone sanctum that stands in the center of the beautiful gardens. Gregorian-style chants echo through the doorways as the procession of hooded figures line the balcony above the main service room. Upon entry, each player is given a lit candle to hold and then directed to stand over a selected spot over their name. The whole cast files in, all except for one. Before anyone can question where that player is, the chanting ends and a hooded figure steps forward to the pulpit ahead of the group. The two teams face each other, a large hole in the center between them protected by a railing. The hooded figure at the pulpit pulls their hood away from their head revealing
@Dark PerGron
"Thank you for arriving on such short notice. I am sure you are all wondering why this ceremony has been called. Nothing like it has been done yet, and to be fair, we didn't expect it until it was planned to happen. Still, life happens and things occur and we who remain simply must adapt and move on.
We, the Council of Those Who Remain, have gathered you here for our first departure ceremony. Our first departure has occurred and it is time to grieve it and move along. Brothers and sisters who remain, we stand here tonight to grieve the departure of one
@Muppetsfan#1 who has chosen of their own volition to make their departure from the grounds. Their departure has already occurred, so there will be no voting or elimination as will be hosted at these events going forward."
Two hooded figures approach, one holding a censer containing sage and thyme burning, much like an incense display. The other holds a folded robe alongside a picture of Muppetsfan. The two approach the hole in the center railing and open the gate, stepping out onto a narrow platform over the hole.
"It is now with these final words we thank Muppetsfan for their participation in our game and wish them well in their future endeavors. Bene in nocte, or go well into the night."
With these words, the robe and image are cast into the hole where fire swells and incinerates them. The large bell from before chimes as the portrait of Muppetsfan is covered. Dark PerGron and the other hooded figures depart through the back of the stone sanctum while the players are ushered through the entry door they came in through. Each deposits their candle in a basket after safely extinguishing the flame and make their way back to their dormitories.
A sincere thank you to
@Muppetsfan#1 for playing and a sincere well wish going forward. We can't wait to see what else you do on the boards! With that...
Eleven Players Remain