SALTBURNT | research group chat.

[powerhungry]

[???] GROUP CHAT. SILCO HAS ADDED YOU TO THIS CHAT. 4 people: Silco, Gwen, Koby, Mithra.

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@MNANTONESCU

[transfuse]

Dear Group Chat,

I have taken a moment to formalize my considerations. I believe we have much ground to cover. Alone, these tasks may be insurmountable — however, gathering trusted confidantes to assist appears to be an agreeably eventuality. I have written some paths we might like to take, for actionable information in relation to the gifts-cum-warnings received by the Blessed Library.

Feel free to amend or add upon as you please.

INTERNAL INVESTIGATIONS:

— How did Natalie reach the Heart of the House, and is it a replicable path?

We may need to eventually check on the health of the Heart of the House, especially after it took a fiery blow. Must we physically traverse to it, or could we utilize house guest abilities to look in upon it? It appears to be the crux of the Watcher's interest — they wish it destroyed, as it powers boundaries between the manor grounds and external forces.

Already mentioned are:
— Entreating the Balfours: which may be done best by someone on good standing with them. Some questions we may wish to ask of them/uncover are: what are their roles within the house? When did their manor become the stage upon which this all began to transpire? Is it ancestral, or of recent note?

Additionally:
— Befriending our nameless staff members, especially Mister Giles or a head maid. Heads of households rarely are not intimately involved with the precise ins-and-outs of the House. At least, they were not in my family's house. If anyone has already become close with them, we might avail ourselves to ask them to keep an ear out for information or gossip.

EXTERNAL INVESTIGATIONS:

— Are we able to return to the woods, the commune, the Flock?

We may wish to keep an eye on them and investigate what could be brewing. They have lost their guide, Gods rest his soul, but cannot be ignored. I would volunteer do this, if you like. I have experience in speaking with people like them — and I was not a part of the houseguests when Miss Ani killed their leader. I might be able to forge some manner of relationship with them.

Already mentioned are:
— Calling for external delivery for the menus. This is brilliant! How will it arrive? Where does it come from?

SOME OTHER QUERIES:

— What is the Watcher's goal and what role to the Guardians serve against it?

Are they to protect the Heart of the House, or are they to become wardens to control the other guests? What are their duties, why were they chosen and are they more endangered by virtue of being named by the House?

The Watcher seems to have the ability to coerce guests into acting against the House's interests — Natalie wished to keep everyone save, but the Watcher specifically stated they would be "free". She wanted to go home. They stated she "will be home". Words are important, when dealing with entities and spirits. The Watcher likely wishes to be free of something shackling them ( the Heart? ), and transform the land into their domain instead.

— Is "L. Brary" the penname of the Library?

If so, is A. Carrion another room within the House? ( I hear there is a room made of meat? ) Or another Entity: discovered or not? Do the Entities already entreated with play a role for or against the House? It is of note that Mister Koby received a book from L. Brary and Mister Silco received his tomes from A. Carrion both times.

That the play has no author is curious to me. Did Miss Gwen's map have a cartographer credited?

We may wish to involve or at least inform the other Guardians, sooner than later. I do not know if — once claimed by the House — they become immune to the Watcher's persuasion, or they are as corruptible as any other soul. Or if the Watcher will attempt to harm them by using those they love, or trust.

That being said, thank you for your consideration and for my acceptance into your midst. I am grateful to be of service — please consider all of my education and training at your collective disposal.

Sincerely,
M.N. Antonescu