D23: The Hotel Elysium - Lobby

*What is this? What game is it for? I have no idea. It came in a dream and I think that's what my output for this little project will be. Inspired by the grandeur and mystique of old hotels, The Shining, and the existential dread of what will, what won't, and won't could never be.*

The Hotel Lobby

The Hotel Lobby is covered in multi-colored pastel streamers and confetti with long ribbons descending from a ceiling so tall its as though the ribbons apparated from nothing at all. Every few minutes the record scratches as the song repeats itself. Hung on the streamers are dozens of partygoers their faces frozen in eerie jubilee some of even holding signs scrabbled with chalk saying “Happy Solstice”, “Enjoy Your Stay”, “You’ll Never Want To Leave”.

THE GRAND PIANO

A solid gold grand piano with keys inlaid with numerous gemstones cut into the shape of playing cards. The former player lies slumped over head lain peacefully amidst scattered sheet music. If music is played in sequence to a Full House the piano opens revealing a wooden box containing a silver derringer loaded with two bullets named for Damien and Maura. If the bullets are fired at anyone else they function as normal rounds but if fired at Damien and Maura they are turned to statues of solid gold and can be sold for a high price.

THE LOBBY GAME HALL

Ordered rows of decorative chairs and game tables are arrayed in the hall with stale food and half drunk glasses of fine wine. The smells of perfume, tobacco, and humanity hang over the hall. There is an inescapable feeling of anticipation and of being watched. It seems the night’s game was bingo.

• The Game Tables: Scattered coins of various denominations can be found on the tables as well as various photographs and lucky charms belonging to the former players. Maura’s Lucky Rabbits Foot. On the table closest to the Caller’s hidden under a a winning bingo board is a Lucky Rabbit’s Foot with bloodied nails and gossamer fur. If freshly spilled blood is applied to the paw the wielder’s next Save is made with Advantage.
• The Caller’s Desk: Jacob Wurst, the dearly departed former Caller, resides here as a translucent barely corporeal spirit using the tinny sounding intercom to continue informing the players of the next space. If interrupted, he will snidely shush casting silence on the rude interloper. If a winning Bingo is called Jacob and several other shades hidden in waiting will approach to confirm the results leaving the safe filled with the grand prize winnings unattended. If the Bingo call is illegitimate Jacob and the Shades attack but will flee if obviously outmatched or overpowered.

THE RECEPTION DESK

Manned by the receptionist Hobbes who is currently buffing out a few scratches caused by heeled shoes used to climb on to the large desk before festooning themselves onto the streamers. Hobbes seems unaffected by the quiet carnage save for a bullet hole in his rose adorned breast pocket and prefers to speak of the characters accommodations. He has only four rooms available one of the 2nd, 5th; 10th, and 13th floors. He advises against the 13th as it is quite dangerous though he won’t say why. Hobbes expects payment but won’t say how much, if too little is given he will be insulted and send their luggage to another room or even sabotage the elevator, and if much is given he will escort them through the hotel or even show them a shortcut. If killed, an identical Hobbes emerges from the luggage tube some time later and cleans up the mess left behind by the other acting as though nothing strange had occurred. Will accept items of value as collateral in lieu of payment.

EXITS

The front doors lead back where you came from.

The elevator is broken and a tall thin man in workman’s clothes is eating lunch out of a tin box nearby. “It’ll be ready before you know it. These things just take time.”

The stairs are locked. Hobbes has the key but another is hidden amongst the game tables