Solstice Catacombs

The stars guide us, they do not bind us. 12/16 remain.

[solstice-catacombs]

THE ROSTER HAS LANDED!!!!

Thank you all SO MUCH for applying! It’s been an overwhelmingly positive reception to the game, with so many quality apps! It’s been really hard narrowing them down, but we tried to do our very best!

We hope you enjoy the roster video

Akito Mikage || Dramaturge Amora Moretti || Gambler Athena Moriya || Inventor Chaaya Igel || Costume Designer Fenwick Bassett-Bouchard || Hotel Manager Haru Shibasaki || Dog Trainer Haruka Mikazuki || Criminal Profiler Heartbeat! ||   Roller Derby Star Jane Doe || Glass-smith Jupiter Osbald || Playground Creator Mirai Satou || Idol Manager Nelle Oellen || Curator Osamu Katsumei || Boxer Percy Garnet || Train Mechanic Scotty Warwick || Roadie Yuuma Mitake || Lucky

We will be sending invites to those we accepted shortly. Thank you so much!

[solstice-catacombs]

Show Stopper

And where would the Starship Solstice venture next? That was not for us to know.

It’s taken weeks of deliberating, but we have come to the decision to shut down the game.

We’re so thankful for all of you playing, but we feel like this is the best choice for both mods and players. It has been a fun ride with both its ups and downs, but we are very glad you came along for the ride!

We wish you good luck with all your future applications, and keep an eye out, maybe we’ll be back someday 💖

[From Mod Alice/Naz]

There’s a lot I have learned and will be taking out of this, but I hope there were things that you enjoyed in it, too. Take care 💖

[solstice-catacombs]

See? Now They're Gone. Forever Gone. | Haruka | RE: Execution

It was over, just like that.

There wasn’t anything left.

Haru's last-ditch battle didn't make any difference. Haruka's words to Oberon - threats and pleas alike - didn’t make a difference. Of course they didn’t. This was never about justice. The only part about his hand he tipped was that the deaths he needed had to involve two of us, his prisoners, at least. Perhaps Oberon’s lack of response to her was fitting. It was never about justice. Oberon knew that from the beginning.

Yes, it was her clinging onto that false premise all this time. That there was some meaning to this ‘justice’. That there was some worth into figuring out who killed who. That she was doing her job up here in space, in this strange situation.

But there wasn’t any meaning in it anymore.

It was all gone.

There weren’t any tears, something that surprised her. Holding Haru’s backpack tightly, she gritted her teeth.

“The first murder was a premeditated crime. The others were hardly so. Crimes of desperation. Accidents. This whole trial system has been a sham from the very beginning.”

She exhaled slowly, her arms trembling.

“He pushed us to the brink until we broke, and then punished us for that. It wasn’t any sort of malice, no. This was the outcome he wanted all along. None of this ever mattered. All he cared about was that someone died in this trial.”

Hanging her head, she took a few deep breaths. A few moments later, she turned and kicked the wall behind her. When she turned back around, her face was... twisted, in anger.

“I’m not doing this anymore! We need to draw the line here! This far, no further!”

“And we'll be the ones to make him pay for what he’s done to us!”

[solstice-catacombs]

EXECUTION: Beast Of Prey [Haru Shibasaki]

Haru finds himself in what looks like a colosseum once the void finishes dragging him, and he’s surprisingly released from it’s grip. No longer does he have his backpack now, but on the ground he spots a metal pipe, so he quickly grabs it and gets into an informal fighting stance. And for good reason too. Before him, a giant boss enemy appears, a giant dragon-like wolf monstrosity that towers before him. It’s claws and teeth are sharp, it’s rough scales shift faintly like ink, and from the cigarette-like smoke coming from it’s mouth it almost certainly breathes fire too. Haru growls at it.

[ ♩ ♪ ♫ ]

To his surprise, apparitions of dogs appear as well around Haru; White, shining and instinct, but from the look in Haru’s eyes they’re so clearly forms that are familiar to him regardless of that. Ghost of the past and present, images of those he’s known and lost. Companions, comrades, allies, friends. On Haru’s whistling mark, he and the dogs charge in unison just as the enormous dragon-wolf begins its attack, working in perfect harmony with one another at battle under Haru’s leadership.

At first it’s going well, and their team seem to have the upper hand under Haru’s command with attacks that chip away and movement patterns that seem to overwhelm and confuse the enemy, but over time it becomes clear that the ghostly dogs are slowly disappearing or running away one by one, leaving less and less allies to fight alongside Haru.  

As each glimmer of a dog is lost, Haru’s heart aches as he notices, but still he presses on. There’s nowhere for him to run, and no hope to survive this fight by giving up. He begins to take more and more damage as he does his best to take up the work of those no longer in this fight, and is roughly knocked aside and slashed more than once, though he’s not hurt quite enough to stay down for long with his raw determination.

In the end, Haru is left without any of the dogs beside him and he’s forced to fight for his life alone, a fight he surely can’t win. But still he growls and readies himself further despite it all, determined to survive even as angry tears stream down his face. He and the smoking dragon-wolf both charge, and… In the end, Haru is no match for the giant swing of claws that pierce straight through his body. As he falls to the ground, it’s clear that Haru Shibasaki, the Ultimate Dog Trainer, has been executed.

[solstice-catacombs]

Bloodhound

Haru and Haruka’s moment was heart shattering. Nobody else could find words to say, at least, not before Oberon cut time short. 

“Time is up. You understand how things are done here, Shibasaki.”

Haru growled, darting away from the portal that had opened behind him, and instead barreling straight towards Oberon. He was going to take down the alien freak with him. 

He leapt up, slamming a punch directly into Oberon’s head. He did not flinch, not even the slightest of movements could be seen. Haru’s own surprise was just a split second long enough for the tendrils darting out the portal to finally drag him inside. Bark and struggle as he might, he could not escape.

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No More Running | Haruka | Mistrial Reaction | RE: Haru

It was that pit of dread that cropped up earlier. Something in her that thought the worst possible outcome could come to pass here. That was only confirmed when Oberon’s verdict came.

He was going to blame Fenwick for this after all, huh?

She froze up, emotions swirling violently. Such a whirlwind that it all froze up, and nothing came out. There wasn’t anything she could do here. This was the worst possible outcome.

But oho, it could get worse.

Her eyes darted to Haru as soon as Oberon spoke his name.

“N-No, no, you can’t- This isn’t-”

Haru immediately reacted, but perhaps not in the way she had expected. He was willing to go, if it meant- If it meant they would survive. Even now, he was willing to make that sacrifice for their sake.

“H-Haru...”

She couldn’t meet his gaze at first, trying to collect herself somehow.

“Okay. I. I will. I’ll keep going, I promise. I won’t forget. I... won’t let this stand.”

“And I’ll. I’ll find a way to take care of them, too. When this is over.”

And with that, she accepted his backpack, hugging it to herself tightly. She wasn’t a fan of dogs, but she had to do at least that for his sake. To honor his memory.

[solstice-catacombs]

Howling at the Moon | Haru | Trial 4 Mistrial Reaction | ATTN: Everyone, Haruka

Though Haru had had his final idea, in the end, he hadn’t been certain enough to insist on a vote for who he assumed to be the culprit was, and even then, wasn’t sure that he SHOULD when it all seemed like some sort of freak accident. And regardless of who had directly caused this, it was without a doubt Oberon’s fault that any of this was happening.

When it’s announced that someone innocent is going to be killed for this, as the killer gets away, Haru growls fiercely and defensively at Oberon, both for himself and for any that their murderous mascot would attempt to kill over this.

And the… of course the announcement that it would be his life to be forfeit, not that he would be bowing down and giving in willingly. Haru gives a scoff to Oberon. All of their necks had been on the line, huh?

“Fuck you. Too much of a fucking coward to put your own life on the line with us, but deciding which of us can fucking live or die on a whim. I voted for you for a fucking reason. No matter your goal or how justified or not you think it is, you’re a fucking bastard who doesn’t deserve to live while the killing off the rest of us, and to everyone BEFORE us too. It’s fucking unforgiveable.”

But to everyone else... Haru looks around the room. So few of them were left now, only 6 other faces to glance between. Haru’s heart is heavy every time he remembers it, but he takes a breath and gathers his resolve just as quickly. He had protected the others as best he could here, and he would need to once more now.

“If someone has to do this, I’m at least fucking glad it’s not the rest of you, even if it shouldn’t be any of us. Don't think that I wouldn't willingly trade my life to protect all of yours.” He gives a nod to Fenwick. Yes, even you.

“You all better fucking LIVE after this. Survive, and help each other. Do better than this bastard wants you to do, and whatever might have happened to you before. Teamwork is the best way to make it through, to rally your anger and hurt TOGETHER instead of suffering with it alone. This entire game counts on us turning against each other, and FUCK that."

It was the best advice that he could leave them, and for now… Haru steps away from his spot, and walks to Haruka in particular, and takes off his backpack and puts something from his pocket inside it before holding it out to her with a nod of respect.

“...Here. You can take this. You keep eating and drinking what you need this time, understand? Whatever happens, take care of yourself, Haruka.”

It’s the first and only time that many of you have seen him without his bag for more than a moment or two, and by far his most important possession here. It's what he would want her to have.

[solstice-catacombs]

Oberons’s figure loomed over you. Someone was about to die. Someone innocent. It was a matter of who he decided to pick. 

“Haru Shibasaki. These are your final moments. You may do with them what you wish.”

[solstice-catacombs]

Grim Embrace

Silence. Right or wrong? Oberon let the tension fill the room, before he announced the result. 

“I had parted with my advice, but it seems it wasn’t enough. Truly a shame.” 

Uh oh.

“Congratulations to the first culprit who will get to see another day. Though it most certainly means you’ll be paying with someone else’s blood instead.”

Though the majority of you had voted for Jupiter. 

“I am unable to kill what is already dead. All of your necks are on the line.”

(Do keep an eye on your chats...if you have a pass to use, you may use it to avoid execution. Though if you don’t, well…)

[solstice-catacombs]

Beebee’s eyes ceased to glow, as he started to recite the results. Back to the norm. 

OBERON - 1

FENWICK - 2

JUPITER - 4

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Frantic Debate

The debate raged on, through theories and a malfunctioning robot, you tried your best to come to a conclusion. And then, Oberon cut all debate off.

“Time is up. This is your final opportunity to vote. Fail to do so, and the vote shall default to yourself.”

[solstice-catacombs]

Mrow Mrow Hiss | Haruka | Case File 4.6 | RE: Fenwick, Heartbeat, Akito, Haru, Oberon

Haruka sucks in a deep breath. After Oberon’s words she had been working up the nerve to read him the riot act, but the discussion that came after that gave her some significant pause.

She didn’t like the implications of Fenwick’s words there. And what that meant for what Oberon had said. She didn’t like this whatsoever. That familiar feeling of dread was bubbling back up. A cold pit in her stomach. The stench of inevitability. But she had to say something.

So she turned to Fenwick.

“You fucking fool. Do you understand the implications of what you’re saying?” That came out a bit harshly, but she continued nonetheless. “Think about it. If this keeps on going like this, it’s only going to end one way. Just... think about it.”

Her bluster faded a little.

“Please. I’m. I’m tired of being party to sacrificing people to this sick goal. I don't want to do this anymore.”

Turning to Oberon, she stiffened her expression.

“There is no possible way you can consider xem responsible for Jupiter’s death. His death happened as a consequence of the storm. And if you intend to go through with this, Oberon, then you’re ditching any sort of ‘justice’ that these trials could ever had stood for. This isn’t a court anymore. It’s just... a sacrifice. Killing for the sake of killing. I won’t stand for it anymore. I’m voting for Jupiter as well.”

She turned to Akito and offered him a small smile. Solidarity.

[solstice-catacombs]

Woof Woof Bark Bark | Haru | Trial 4.4 | Re: Fenwick

“If you say you say it’s not you, or that you’re sure you didn’t rip the suit with the poker, I believe you, I fucking guess. You could be lying, but the fire poker wasn’t bloody but Jupiter’s slash was, so… URGH.”

Frustrated, Haru taps his foot against the ground a couple times and growls to the open air.

“If we think it’s not ‘Athena’ or ‘Heartbeat’ and it’s not ‘Akito’ because of the list, and it’s not Jupiter who was trying to live and it’s not me or Haruka since we were in our room, then… Beside Fuckwick, the yellow cowboy is the only other person left, I guess??? Other than those fuckers.” Haru gestures towards Oberon and ‘Beebee(?)’. “But that doesn’t make any sense either, why the fuck would he have been out there, or anyone. Urghhh….”

“I don’t think we FOUND any other evidence that points to anyone else! Which is why I have no fucking idea if you say it couldn’t have been you, unless anyone else saw or noticed anything???” Do y’all got bonus testimony to share-

Right when he thinks he’s done though, Haru is quiet for a moment, thinking. Maybe there was one last thing he could think of, though he’s… still not totally sure of it either.

“No. Wait. One of the statues seemed like it had totally fallen over in the graveyard. If you only THINK that you saw someone tackle Jupiter… Could it have been that? A damaged angel statue that fell on him and snagged his suit somehow??”

That is as much abstract thought as this dog man is capable of right now.

[solstice-catacombs]

Resurfacing | Fenwick | Trial 4-4 | Re: Haruka, Heartbeat, Akito

Fenwick had been deep in thought for a while, now. But xe couldn't remain silent forever. "Oh... Um... I think I did look back. Just once. I thought that I saw someone tackling Jupiter to the ground. But that's not possible. They were statues, so they can't actually move, right? Plus, Jupiter continued running with me afterwards, so I just assumed that he'd shaken them off just fine. At least until we split up somewhere..." When  exactly had that happened? Fenwick should've been paying better attention. But fear does things to you. It doesn't make you act the best. Fenwick then turns to Heartbeat, looking a bit exasperated. "No! I told you that I wasn't swinging it when Jupiter came over! There's no way I could've torn the suit with the fire poker, so don't even suggest that again!" Xe seemed a little upset at the implication that xe was involved in this death. "I'm innocent, I tell you! Innocent!" Finally, Fenwick turns to Akito. "I... I don't think that's a good idea. I'm certain based on what Oberon said that this was a murder. This couldn't be an accident on Jupiter's end because we're having a trial, and I don't think he'd try to make this into a case on purpose. I'm not too sure I want to get this wrong. Whoever killed him... did something horrible. They took a life." That being said, Fenwick wasn't even sure what to do at this point.

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No Straight Roads || Akito || Trial 4.3 || Re: Everything

Deeper and deeper they delved into the mystery of what or who had been responsible for Jupiter's death, and Akito was confident in declaring he dreaded either outcome. The logician in him despaired the worst: the likelihood that Fenwick's motions with the fire poker as xe swung it against the people xe perceived had inadvertently damaged Jupiter's suit was uncomfortably high. Even though the planet had seen better days, their suits were meant to be sturdy enough against general environemtal hazards, and he really could not think of a reason Jupiter would have otherwise fled the mirror maze. Chilly as it was, it wasn't the icy tundra outside, so that had to mean...

"I hate that the truth behind this case boils down to whether someone damaged Jupiter-kun's suit on accident, or that he had managed to do it to himself." Akito declares gravely, gripping his podium tightly enough that under his gloves, his knuckles were raw white. "But... because I know Jupiter-kun would have wanted us to, I'm... I'm going to vote for him. Jupiter-kun believed in the best of all of us, and I think he would have pushed for mercy however he could if he was still here. I can't tell you if it's clearly the right thing to do... but I have to try. I'm sick and tired of all this death. I don't want to condemn yet another of my classmates to a fate none of us deserve. So I'm just... going to try again."

He enters his vote shortly after.

[solstice-catacombs]

A Cold Casing || Heartbeat! || Trial 4-2 || RE: Haruka || Attn: Everyone

Man, these cases get more and more complicated, don't they?  Heartbeat could only listen to everyone's theory, as well as passively wonder what's happened to BeeBee with how strange they've been acting.  It wasn't even the information - it's like BeeBee hasn't really been doing great spinning around!  Everything that they've learned so far seems like they're getting... somewhere. Poor Jupiter though... trying hard to make sure he could stay alive but it seemed the cold didn't let that happen... She wished that he had the time to get back but... since they were here, she couldn't just wish for that. She starts to speak, if only because she hopes someone can get something out of her thoughts.

"I don't remember seeing anything bloody but... I wonder if that matters if it snowed a lot? Mmm... Or maybe not since it was kinda ruined. The only thing I can kind of think of is... well... if Jupiter tripped on an ice chunk while his suit was torn up and hurt himself there... since they looked really sharp, like you said, Haru...ka." Almost forgot that nickname would be confusing. "I just think you could probably just throw it somewhere in the wastelands if someone went back to the spaceship. That's not really an accusation, I just... don't really know..."

Torn up... Something else seems to click in her mind. It... really didn't sound good in her head. But... maybe it would help. Maybe... it would help them clear something up...?

"...Actually... I'm curious about something then... If... the damage on Jupiter's suit is the reason that he would have to hide 'cause he wouldn't survive if he tried going through the wastelands... And he died from the cold... Then does that mean we're... more or less trying to figure out how his suit got torn up? 'Cause it sounds like the thing that could've done that was..." ... "...The fire poker?"

[solstice-catacombs]

I will also bark at you||Oberon||Trial 4-3||RE: Haru

Oberon looks over to Haru, raising a hand and pinching the air.

"If the deceased and/or culprit were either intentionally trying to make a case, or a murder was done be it accidental or not. Those are my conditions."

A pause.

"Chaaya's death was unjust at the hands of the rogue. Percy brought about his own undoing. I would not force a trail for either of them, as it is outside the realms of what we-what I seek."