Episode 1, Part 1: The Formation of the Golden Thorn Team

By Mercy Eva Parson
== Chapter One: ==
The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the bustling city of New Garland. At the imposing headquarters of the Golden Thorn, a secretive organization dedicated to the eradication of supernatural threats, Commissioner Caine sat behind his desk, studying a stack of reports. The room was dimly lit, with the occasional flicker of candlelight dancing across the walls.
Commissioner Caine was a grizzled man, his face marked with scars from countless battles against the unknown. He was known for his no-nonsense approach to dealing with the supernatural, and today was no different. He had gathered a group of individuals with unique talents to tackle their latest case.
"Crux," Commissioner Caine began, addressing the Tengu Investigator who stood before him. Signum Crucis "Crux" was a striking figure, with his avian features and keen, calculating eyes. "You have a knack for investigation, but we need you to expand your skill set. You'll be the eyes and ears of this team. Learn to track and hunt prey effectively."
Crux nodded, his sharp beak twitching in acknowledgment. He knew he had much to learn outside of his comfort zone.
Next in line was Theo Bellwright, a cursed human seeking redemption. Theo's once-handsome face was marred by a dark curse, a constant reminder of his past mistakes. He had joined the Golden Thorn in hopes of finding a way to rid himself of this curse.
"Theo," Commissioner Caine said, his voice stern but not unkind. "Your curse may be a burden, but it doesn't define you. We'll help you find a way to break it. In the meantime, you're our muscle. Learn to protect yourself and your team."
Theo clenched his fists, determination etched across his cursed visage. He was ready to prove himself.
Commissioner Caine turned to Zier Selheren, a half-elf with a reputation for hunting and slaying undead and monstrous creatures. Zier's icy dark eyes met the Commissioner's gaze.
"Zier," Caine said, "you have the skills we need to deal with supernatural threats head-on. But remember, this team is about more than just brute force. Learn to investigate, gather information, and work together."
Zier nodded in agreement, his hand instinctively resting on the hilt of his silver blade.
Finally, Commissioner Caine addressed Veloris, an elf wizard who had just returned from Winter Falls with a mysterious girl named Karen Aylwood. Veloris had an air of wisdom and experience about him.
"Veloris," Caine said, "you will be the leader of this team, but don't let that title go to your head. Lead by example, and remember that each member has a unique role to play. Guide them, and ensure they work as a cohesive unit."
Veloris inclined his head gracefully, accepting the responsibility that came with his new role.
Commissioner Caine leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "Your first case is the Holloway House," he said, his voice dropping to a serious tone. "It has a Rank 3 Residual Ethereal Manifestation. We've received reports of strange occurrences, and it's up to you to investigate, understand, and eliminate the threat."
The team members exchanged glances, a sense of camaraderie and determination forming among them. They were a diverse group with their own strengths and weaknesses, but they shared a common goal – to protect the city from supernatural threats.
As they left Commissioner Caine's office, they knew that their journey together was just beginning. The mysteries of the Holloway House awaited, and the Golden Thorn team was ready to face the unknown.
== Chapter Two: ==
The party exited Commissioner Caine's office and entered the receptionist's area, a more brightly lit and welcoming space compared to the Commissioner's lair. They were surprised to find a young girl waiting for them. Her blonde hair framed a face with striking blue eyes, and her expression seemed somewhat distant.
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As the party approached, the girl stood up and introduced herself as Karen Aylwood. She spoke in a calm and measured tone, her voice betraying no emotion. "I will be joining your team," she said simply. 
Crux, Theo, Zier, and Veloris exchanged puzzled glances. They hadn't been informed of another member joining their group, and Karen's blank expression raised more questions than answers.
Karen continued, "Commissioner Caine wants me to be part of your team. I spent 30 years trapped in the mirror realm, where I didn't age. When I returned to the material plane, I gained powers. He wants to make sure I'm not a danger to myself or anyone else."
The team considered this new information. It was clear that Karen's experience in the mirror realm had left her changed, and her powers were an unknown variable. However, they also knew that the Commissioner wouldn't have made this decision lightly.
Veloris, taking on his role as the team leader, stepped forward. "Karen, welcome to our team. We'll do our best to help you adjust to your new situation and ensure that your powers are used responsibly. But remember, we work as a team, and we'll all look out for each other."
Karen nodded in acknowledgment, her expression still distant but not hostile. It was clear that she had much to learn about her newfound abilities and the world she had returned to.
With their team now complete, the group of investigators and their mysterious new member prepared to face the enigmatic threat of the Holloway House and the challenges that awaited them in the world of supernatural mysteries.
== Chapter Three: ==
The party made their way through the bustling streets of New Garland, following directions to Alistair Greycastle's workshop. The inventor extraordinaire was renowned for his innovative gadgets and devices, and the team knew that they would need more than just a book to tackle the mysteries of the Holloway House.
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When they arrived at Alistair's workshop, they were greeted by a scene of controlled chaos. The workshop was filled with various contraptions, some emitting strange whirring and hissing sounds, while others were covered in scribbled notes and diagrams. Alistair himself was in the midst of it all, wearing a well-worn leather apron over his clothes, with tools and gadgets protruding from its pockets.
Alistair's eyes sparkled with the excitement of discovery as he looked up from his work. "Ah, you must be the Golden Thorn team," he exclaimed, wiping his grease-stained hands on a rag. "Commissioner Caine told me you'd be coming. I've got just the things you need for your investigation."
With a flourish, Alistair presented the team with an array of experimental devices:
# Aetherial Resonance Detector (A.R.D.): A handheld device that emitted a low hum when supernatural energies were nearby, helping the team locate paranormal phenomena.
# Ecto-Shield Investigator's Duster: A long coat made of a special fabric that provided protection against ectoplasmic substances and other supernatural hazards.
# Golden Thorn Dagger: A finely crafted dagger with intricate engravings that enhanced its effectiveness against spectral entities.
# Inspector's Insightful Hat: A stylish hat fitted with tiny lenses and sensors that could detect hidden clues and reveal the unseen.
# Spectral Disruptor: A small, bracer-like device that emitted a beam capable of disrupting ethereal entities, weakening their manifestations.
# Steam-Powered Proton Pack: A hefty backpack with an array of tubes and canisters, designed to capture and contain supernatural entities.
The team inspected the equipment with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. These gadgets were unlike anything they had seen before, and the mention of Ratfolk becoming sterile raised some eyebrows. However, Alistair reassured them, "Don't worry, these are my latest inventions, and I've taken every precaution to ensure their safety. You won't suffer the same fate as the Ratfolk, I promise."
With their new equipment in hand, the Golden Thorn team felt a renewed sense of confidence. They thanked Alistair Greycastle for his generosity and expertise and made their way to the Holloway House, ready to confront the Rank 3 Residual Ethereal Manifestation and uncover the secrets hidden within its haunted walls.
== Chapter Four: ==
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The Golden Thorn team stood before the imposing Holloway House, its dark silhouette cutting through the fading light of the day. The mansion's eerie architecture sent shivers down their spines, and they couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding as they approached.
Crux, Theo, Zier, Veloris, and Karen gathered in front of the mansion, the weight of their new equipment and the unknown threat ahead pressing on their minds. Commissioner Caine's words echoed in their ears, reminding them of their mission: investigate the Rank 3 Residual Ethereal Manifestation and uncover the secrets within.
The mansion's exterior was a testament to a bygone era, adorned with elaborate carvings and intricate stonework. The windows, once bright and inviting, now appeared like dark voids, hiding the mansion's secrets behind shadowed panes.
With a collective deep breath, the team ventured into the mansion's depths. The grand library, a place once filled with the insatiable thirst for knowledge of its creator, now lay shrouded in dust and silence. Forgotten books lined the shelves, their pages untouched for years.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the mansion seemed to awaken, taking on a life of its own. Shadows danced along the walls, conjuring ghostly figures that played tricks on the team's senses. The wind whispered through the forgotten corridors, creating a haunting melody that seemed to resonate with the mansion's secrets.
Veloris, now the team leader, turned to the group. "Stay close, and keep your equipment at the ready," he instructed. "We need to investigate every corner of this place, gather clues, and find the source of the Rank 3 Residual Ethereal Manifestation. Let's proceed with caution."
With their new equipment in hand and their resolve steeled, the Golden Thorn team delved deeper into the enigmatic Holloway House, ready to confront the mysteries and dangers that lay within its haunted walls.
== Chapter Five: ==
The Golden Thorn team entered the long narrow hall, emerging into a dimly lit corridor that seemed to stretch on endlessly. Veloris, taking off his glove, touched the wall to get a sense of the house's emotions. He immediately felt sadness emanating from the west side of the house.
Following their instincts, the team made their way to the door on the west side of the hall, which led them into the grand Sitting Room. This vast and elegant space measured an impressive 115 feet by 90 feet, with an air of faded grandeur that spoke of times long past.
In the Sitting Room, they discovered the grand fireplace, the stately sofas, and the regal armchair arranged around it. Nearby, a shelf displayed aged books and curiosities, while cabinets on the northeast wall stood sentinel, their doors tightly closed. To the southeast, a piano stood ready for a musician's touch, and a chest rested against the south wall.
The team activated the Aetherial Resonance Detector (A.R.D.) in the Sitting Room, and it emitted a soft hum as it scanned the surroundings, indicating that there was some supernatural presence or activity near the sofas. This discovery prompted them to investigate the area around the sofas for clues related to Edmund Holloway's search for the mysterious spyglass.
With their equipment in hand and their resolve intact, the Golden Thorn team began their investigation in the Sitting Room, knowing that they were on the cusp of unraveling the secrets hidden within the mansion's walls.
Crux, the Tengu Investigator, decided to investigate the southwest door in the Sitting Room, curious about what secrets the base of the tower might hold. As he opened the door, he found a narrow spiral staircase leading up to the second floor, a potential route for further exploration.
Before ascending the staircase, Crux checked the immediate surroundings. Inside an empty closet, he noticed something unusual – a concealed passage hidden behind a false wall. With a careful push, he revealed the entrance to the secret passage.
Within the hidden passage, Crux discovered a well-maintained vampire hunting kit, complete with stakes, holy water vials, and a silver-edged dagger. It seemed that the previous owner of the mansion had been prepared for supernatural threats, particularly vampires.
In addition to the vampire hunting kit, Crux also found two Lesser Healing Potions, which could prove to be valuable in case of injuries or emergencies.
Crux carefully collected the items, realizing that they might come in handy during their investigation of the Holloway House. He then made his way back to the Sitting Room to share his findings with the rest of the team, prepared to uncover more of the mansion's mysteries.
== Chapter Six: ==
The Golden Thorn team, having explored the Sitting Room, proceeded to enter the grand Ball Room of the Holloway House. The vastness of the room, with its opulent and faded elegance, left them in awe. The history and scale of the space were palpable, and it was easy to imagine the grand gatherings that had taken place within its walls.
As they surveyed the room, their attention was drawn to the central grand staircase, a majestic feature that had borne witness to countless events. A broken chandelier lay at its base, a poignant symbol of time's passage, while three other chandeliers still hung from the ceiling, casting a soft glow across the room.
Plush chairs and sofas lined the walls, inviting visitors to take a moment and soak in the room's historical aura. A grand piano stood in the northeast corner, waiting for skilled hands to bring its keys to life. In the opposite corner, a table suggested past banquets and soirées, and discreet doors on the west wall led to water closets—a blend of modern convenience amidst historical grandeur.
As Crux examined the table in the northwest corner, he felt something unusual beneath his feathered hand. He knocked on the table and discovered a hidden compartment. Inside the compartment, he found a small wooden box. Curiosity piqued, Crux opened the box to reveal a silver locket with a faded picture of a woman. The name engraved on the locket initially appeared as "Leanor," but Theo, examining it more closely in the candlelight, realized it was actually "Eleanor."
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Theo, with an inquisitive spirit, decided to address the room, perhaps attempting to connect with the spirit of Edmund Holloway himself. "Was Eleanor your lover?" he asked.
In response, laughter echoed through the room, drawing their attention from west to east, toward the grand piano. The team exchanged intrigued glances, wondering what mysteries the laughter and the grand piano held in store for them within the Holloway House.
Theo, encouraged by the enchanting melody of the piano, continued to play the song, allowing its soothing notes to fill the grand Ball Room. However, as he played, the piano responded on its own, echoing the tune in a hauntingly beautiful manner.
Veloris, with his keen knowledge of music, recognized the melody as the Elven song "La Vie En Rose," a piece that symbolized seeing life through rose-colored glasses. The music wrapped around them like a warm embrace, yet it carried an eerie undercurrent.
Theo's concentration on the piano was suddenly shattered when he heard a choir of ghostly voices singing the lyrics in common, their ethereal harmony both enchanting and unsettling. The lyrics echoed in the room, and as the song continued, a sense of unease washed over Theo.
"Hold me close and hold me fast, The magic spell you cast, This is la vie en rose..."
Theo felt an inexplicable chill running down his spine, and he couldn't help but shiver. The haunting beauty of the music had taken a dark turn, and he could sense a presence in the room that wasn't entirely benign.
Before he could react further, the mental toll of the supernatural encounter began to affect him, causing him to take some mental damage. He stepped away from the piano, his heart racing, and looked to his companions for support and guidance as they all stood in the presence of something beyond their understanding. The mystery of the Holloway House had taken a haunting and unsettling turn, and the Golden Thorn team's investigation had only just begun.
To be continued...