ashen.eidolon
where do we go now but nowhere?
Fletcher Estate, hidden behind ageless trees overflowing with Spanish Moss, surrounded by elegant, humidity drenched gardens... You've heard of this place, maybe if you've been lucky enough you've even seen it before. Unlikely, however, as the Fletcher family is known for their reclusive tendencies. The most affluent family in town by far, they can afford the most extensive staff of maids, butlers, gardeners, and tutors for their children. Many years ago, they possessed such a staff, with over fifty of the local townsfolk employed at their estate, they provided jobs over the last century that kept this town afloat.
A decade ago, something terrible happened at the Fletcher Estate. Their staff never returned to their homes one night after a fire, and whether their own family suffered any loss remained a secret, their bodies buried in the cemetery behind their home. Condolences were issued by letter from Mr and Mrs Fletcher to the families of their help, and the family was not heard from again.
Ten years later, as the town beyond their estate has begun to suffer from poverty in the wake of all the jobs lost, there were suddenly new ads in the paper.
Fletcher estate looking for help, after ten years in solitude.
You carefully consider the ad, because, after all, your family needs to put food on the table. Perhaps you have others to care for, or if you don't, perhaps you have dreams to fund. There's talk in the town that the estate is cursed, that there was never even a fire... After all, no one saw any smoke. But... Something about it has called to you, or maybe some other reason forces your hand.
You answer the ad.
