#Victorian Gothic Detective Mystery

[trilogiesofterror]

“THE RIPPER LIVES” AUTHOR KEVIN MORRIS’ UNHOLY MISSION TO RESURRECT JACK THE RIPPER IN ELECTRIFYING VICTORIAN GOTHIC MURDER MYSTERY

10-Part Historical Horror Sequel Tells the Story of What Happened After the Murders of the Canonical Five.

By Gerard Edmund Snook

The Fall of 1888 in London's East End has been cemented in history as a time and place of terror. In three short months, five women were horrifically mutilated at the hands of an unknown serial killer. Then, just as he seemingly appeared out of Hell and nightmares, the butcher mystifyingly vanished, never to be heard from again.

"Despite the extraordinary efforts taken to bring the killer to justice, one of my great disappointments with the case was that we lacked the good fortune to give the people an ending, less so the sort it deserved. In turn, those vast and interconnected stories, provided and investigated, go without an ending to this day." ~ Chief Inspector Frederick Abberline

Who was the Ripper? What happened to him? Why did the murders stop? Historical horror thriller The Ripper Lives delivers the answers in a fresh and satisfying take on the century-plus-old murder mystery.

Kevin Morris, author and founder of the publishing house Trilogies of Terror, tells us everything we need to know.

GES: It's been over 135 years since the iconic assailant's last known attack. Why do you think there continues to be a macabre fascination with the case?

KM: The Ripper has become a part of Victorian mythology. He left behind horrific scenes of carnage, unparalleled in their brutality at the time and perhaps since. The killer was never definitively named nor apprehended, and the mystery surrounding his identity has fueled endless speculation by Ripperologists and armchair detectives alike.

GES: The book takes a unique approach to Ripper lore in that it's a sequel to the crimes. Tell me about your decision to go in that direction.

KM: The details of the violent attacks have been retold many times in Victorian gothic murder mysteries as well as in the historical horror films Murder By Decree and From Hell, among others. We weren't interested in rehashing that narrative again, even with a different ending. Instead, we wanted to create a sequel to the official account that brings a fresh perspective to the story.

Horror Fiction vs. Historical Fact

GES: Is the premise of your story something that could have happened?

KM: Anything is possible, and elements of our story could be consistent with actual events, but that wasn't the goal.

GES: What did you learn from your research?

KM: We learned much about Whitechapel and why it was the ideal hunting ground for the Ripper. The East End was nicknamed Darkest London. The crime-ridden streets and the buildings that lined them were black with soot from the factories that dominated the skyline. The air was thick with smog, blocking the moonlight and dimming the street lamps' glow. Fallen women plied their trade in shadowy corners at all hours. Their desperation to earn enough money for shelter and drink caused them to make decisions against their welfare. These circumstances made it relatively easy for the murderer to mutilate bodies and evade capture. Although the police had suspects, there were precious few clues, and there is little contemporary agreement on the lunatic's identity.

GES: The depiction of Jack the Ripper as a gentleman wearing a top hat and cape and carrying a bag has become etched into our collective consciousness. Did this influence the identity of your killer?

KM: That's an interesting question. The image of the unsub to which you refer is an invention that has, over the decades, become widely accepted as accurate. Hence, some readers may view an alternate description of the madman as somehow false, even if it's closer to the truth. Although we were aware of this risk, we decided to stay true to our vision and used a modern profile of the serial killer as our guide in drafting the story. Ultimately, this enhanced the suspense and the terror since the unknown is far more horrific than the familiar.

GES: There have been many theories about the case, and this book will no doubt stir the pot of speculation once again. Some of them, including those implicating the Freemasons, Prince Albert Victor, and Sir William Gull, are occasionally confused as fact. Did you feel it necessary to acknowledge previous theories?

KM: Not really. This book is a fictional sequel to the known facts. It doesn't incorporate the many theories that have been popular in culture. Instead, it's an entirely original account of what happened after the official story ends, and I hope it's very satisfying.

A Bingeworthy 10-Part Victorian Gothic Murder Mystery

GES: How did you establish continuity between your story and the actual events?

KM: Our story commences just after the discovery of the fifth victim's body and even includes scenes from the funeral, so it reads like a natural continuation. The Canonical Five play a posthumous role in the narrative, and a vital new lead is uncovered concerning one of those victims, further connecting the storylines. Fictionalized versions of players in the deranged lunatic's real-life drama, including Superintendent Donald Swanson and Inspector Frederick Abberline, play lead roles in the sequel. Hence, the story is at once familiar yet fresh and new.

GES: What was your inspiration in conceiving this series?

KM: We were inspired to create a narrative incorporating the genres we love to read: Victorian murder mysteries, horror novels, and historical horror books. Some examples include The Alienist by Caleb Carr and The Terror and Drood by Dan Simmons, as well as classic gothic horror, like Dracula and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The 10-part limited streaming series based on The Alienist and its sequel, The Angel of Darkness, were also significant influences. Creating a series of short reads that work alone and, when combined, result in a much bigger, more satisfying novel appealed to us. I don't know if that has ever been done in book form, so this may be a first for publishing.

GES: How does your series sustain interest over ten parts?

KM: Each literary episode ends with a cliffhanger that draws the reader deeper into the narrative. It's a formula that we hope people will embrace.

______________________________________________________________

The Ripper Lives (1-10) is FREE on Kindle Unlimited.

FOLLOW Trilogies of Terror and Kevin Morris on Amazon to stay posted on new releases.

[starsarefire824]

Mike Wheeler in Sacrilege & Salt

@souverian-are-we

[theworldofetgoma-blog]

[nejjcollectsbooks]

thrifted bookish finds 16.apr.24

nothing quite hits like thrifting the later instalments of a book series you're interested in and then coming across the first few books months later. i now have the first seven books of 'the rivers of london' and book 1 of 'passing time in the loo' (books that summarise the greatest lit and poetry. i use it as a reference of what i should get through/ learn what popular classics are about) after i had thrifted volume 2 a year ago.

Rivers Of London (book 1) by Ben Aaronovitch - urban fantasy, detective fiction, crime fiction. Moon Over Soho (book 2) by Ben Aaronovitch - urban fantasy, detective fiction, crime fiction. Whispers Under Ground (book 3) by Ben Aaronovitch - urban fantasy, detective fiction, crime fiction. Passing Time in the Loo (vol 1) by Stevens Anderson - collection of summaries of important classic books, essays, short stories, speeches and poetry. The Bertie Project (book 11) by Alexander McCall Smith - cosy murder mystery. Trilby by George du Maurier - classic literature, gothic, victorian lit. The Casefiles of Mr J. G. Reeder (books 1-3) by Edgar Wallace - classic literature, crime fiction, horror. Fabled Shore: From the Pyrenees to Portugal by Rose Macaulay - travel memoir, non-fiction. The Romantic Poets - poetry anthology, classic literature, victorian lit.

[xsulsulnooboo]

🍂🎃 new sims townies ideas 🎃🍂

Halloween themed

1. Lilith Bloodthorne

Traits: Evil, Self-Assured, Ambitious

Lifestyle: Power-hungry witch with a thirst for dominance. She seeks to be the most powerful sorceress and doesn’t care about who she steps on to get there.

Clothing Style: Dark, Victorian-inspired dresses with lace, corsets, and lots of black. Wears a blood-red amulet that glows.

Appearance: Pale skin, long raven-black hair, and glowing red eyes. Sharp cheekbones and always wears dark, dramatic makeup.

Backstory: Born into a family of witches, Lilith vowed to outshine her ancestors. Her dark magic comes with a curse: she can never truly love.

Origin: Gothic town in the forests of Romania.

2. Serena Moonshadow

Traits: Loner, Perfectionist, Creative

Lifestyle: Mysterious artist who paints in a secluded tower, channeling the spirits of the dead for her inspiration.

Clothing Style: Flowy, bohemian-style gowns, often in midnight blue and silver, with moon-shaped jewelry.

Appearance: Light olive skin, wavy silver hair, and deep blue eyes that seem to glow in the moonlight. She often wears a flower crown.

Backstory: Serena was once a renowned artist until an encounter with a restless spirit drove her to isolation. She now lives alone, painting the faces of the dead.

Origin: An ancient village by the sea, cursed with spirits from a shipwreck.

3. Morgana Thorn

Traits: Romantic, Jealous, Hot-headed

Lifestyle: Seductive vampire who seeks eternal love but is cursed to never find it.

Clothing Style: Elegant, gothic-inspired ballgowns with deep red and black hues. She often wears dark lipstick and antique jewelry.

Appearance: Pale porcelain skin, wavy dark brown hair, and glowing amber eyes. Always elegantly dressed.

Backstory: Morgana has lived for centuries, constantly falling in love but unable to keep her partners from aging. She lives in eternal heartbreak.

Origin: An aristocratic vampire family from Transylvania.

4. Clarice Grimm

Traits: Bookworm, Genius, Insane

Lifestyle: A scientist obsessed with discovering the secrets of immortality. She conducts bizarre experiments in her haunted mansion.

Clothing Style: Steampunk-inspired attire with goggles, lab coats, and mechanical accessories.

Appearance: Pale skin with freckles, fiery red hair in a messy bun, and bright green eyes that gleam with madness.

Backstory: Clarice was a renowned scientist until her colleagues deemed her theories mad. Now, she works in isolation, trying to unlock the key to eternal life.

Origin: A secluded mansion in the misty hills of England.

5. Selena Darkwell

Traits: Kleptomaniac, Creative, Bro

Lifestyle: A street performer and master thief who uses illusions and magic to rob from the rich.

Clothing Style: A mix of leather jackets, ripped jeans, and fingerless gloves, with a sleek, mysterious flair.

Appearance: Tanned skin, short black pixie cut, and piercing grey eyes. She often has a mischievous grin.

Backstory: Raised in the streets, Selena learned to fend for herself through magic and theft. She uses her abilities to outsmart her foes and stay one step ahead.

Origin: The dark alleys of a sprawling city with a hidden magical underworld.

1. Victor Nightshade

Traits: Evil, Ambitious, Genius

Lifestyle: An evil necromancer who raises the dead to do his bidding. He dreams of world domination through his army of undead minions.

Clothing Style: Black robes with silver runes, often adorned with a skull-topped staff.

Appearance: Extremely pale skin, jet-black hair slicked back, and cold, piercing blue eyes. His face is sharp and angular.

Backstory: Victor was a bright scholar until he uncovered forbidden texts in an ancient tomb. Now, he seeks to control life and death.

Origin: A long-forgotten civilization destroyed by a necromantic plague.

2. Lucien Hollow

Traits: Loner, Paranoid, Erratic

Lifestyle: A haunted detective who chases supernatural crimes, often battling his own inner demons.

Clothing Style: Long trench coats, worn-out suits, and tattered fedoras, with dark, earthy tones.

Appearance: Light brown skin, disheveled black hair, stubble, and haunted green eyes that have seen too much.

Backstory: Lucien was once a renowned detective, but after witnessing a dark ritual gone wrong, he’s become obsessed with the paranormal.

Origin: A bustling city’s underbelly, filled with crime and corruption.

3. Sebastian Crowley

Traits: Snob, Mean, Noncommittal

Lifestyle: A wealthy vampire who indulges in the finer things in life but refuses to settle down.

Clothing Style: Tailored suits in black and red, with gold cufflinks and blood-red silk ties.

Appearance: Fair skin, perfectly styled blond hair, and sharp grey eyes. His smile is charming, yet dangerous.

Backstory: Sebastian enjoys the pleasures of his immortality, using his wealth to seduce and manipulate the rich.

Origin: A noble vampire family from the heart of London.

4. Dante Blackwood

Traits: Active, Hot-Headed, Self-Assured

Lifestyle: A cursed werewolf who struggles with controlling his temper and his transformations.

Clothing Style: Rugged and practical; torn jeans, leather jackets, and boots.

Appearance: Tan skin, short brown hair, and glowing yellow eyes. His muscles are toned from constant battle with his wolf form.

Backstory: Dante was cursed during a full moon. He now lives in isolation, trying to manage his rage and avoid harming others.

Origin: A quiet, remote village cursed by werewolves.

5. Damien Omen

Traits: Gloomy, Geek, Creative

Lifestyle: A dark poet who writes about death, loss, and the paranormal. He often isolates himself in his haunted mansion.

Clothing Style: Dark, Victorian-inspired clothes with long coats and poet shirts.

Appearance: Pale skin, long wavy black hair, and deep-set dark eyes. He often looks melancholy.

Backstory: Damien grew up in a haunted house and found solace in writing. His works are renowned, but he is forever tormented by the spirits that visit him.

Origin: A decaying mansion passed down through generations, haunted by its previous owners.

1. Avery Wraith (Non-binary)

Traits: Gloomy, Music Lover, Perfectionist

Lifestyle: A ghostly violinist who plays haunting melodies in abandoned theatres, attracting spirits with their music.

Clothing Style: Androgynous fashion; flowing black coats, scarves, and long boots.

Appearance: Pale greyish skin, short silver hair, and striking violet eyes that seem to glow in the dark.

Backstory: Once a concert violinist, Avery perished in a tragic accident. They returned from the afterlife, playing music that bridges the world of the living and the dead.

Origin: A crumbling, haunted theatre in the heart of a forgotten city.

2. Jasper Frost (Gay)

Traits: Outgoing, Charismatic, Goofball

Lifestyle: A charming vampire who uses his allure to make friends and seduce his way through high society.

Clothing Style: Sharp, modern suits with bold colors like deep purple and velvet.

Appearance: Dark skin, short curly black hair, and glowing silver eyes. His smile is always playful.

Backstory: Jasper comes from a long line of vampires but prefers to party and live the high life rather than involve himself in family politics.

Origin: A bustling city where vampires and humans live side by side.

3. Rowan Willow (Lesbian)

Traits: Loves Outdoors, Active, Freegan

Lifestyle: A nature-loving witch who lives in harmony with the forest and practices earth magic. She is fiercely protective of the environment.

Clothing Style: Flowy dresses in earth tones, floral headpieces, and barefoot or sandals. Her look is inspired by nature, often wearing leaves and flowers.

Appearance: Light tan skin with freckles, long wavy brown hair with flowers woven into it, and soft green eyes.

Backstory: Rowan grew up surrounded by nature, learning magic from the trees and animals. She’s known for her herbal potions and spells that heal the earth.

Origin: A magical forest hidden from modern society, where witches practice ancient rituals.

4. Skyler Ravenwood (Genderfluid)

Traits: Cheerful, Party Animal, Creative

Lifestyle: A glamorous, eccentric ghost who enjoys haunting nightclubs and throwing extravagant, supernatural parties.

Clothing Style: Bold, sparkling outfits that shift between masculine and feminine, with elaborate makeup and glitter.

Appearance: Translucent skin with a shimmering blue tint, short neon-blue hair, and bright, glowing eyes. They often wear dramatic makeup.

Backstory: Skyler was a renowned party host in life and continued to throw wild parties after their mysterious death. They love the energy of the nightlife and feed off the chaos of their parties.

Origin: An upscale city with a thriving supernatural underground.

5. Zara Moonbeam (Pansexual)

Traits: Geek, Bookworm, Unflirty

Lifestyle: A quiet and introverted necromancer who prefers the company of the dead to the living. She spends her days in a vast library filled with ancient texts.

Clothing Style: Dark academia-inspired clothing with oversized sweaters, long skirts, and round glasses. She has a love for deep purples and greys.

Appearance: Olive skin, long dark brown hair always in a messy bun, and deep violet eyes. She has a soft, dreamy look.

Backstory: Zara was born into a family of necromancers, but she shies away from the darker aspects of her power. Instead, she uses her magic to preserve history by speaking with the spirits of the past.

Origin: A hidden magical library, deep within the mountains, where necromancers study the forgotten arts.

6. Evelyn Haunt (Trans women)

Traits: Creative, Ambitious, Gloomy

Lifestyle: A renowned horror author who channels her dark imagination into spine-chilling novels. She thrives on the thrill of fear and enjoys a solitary life surrounded by her own eerie creations.

Clothing Style: Gothic-inspired with a modern twist; think high-necked Victorian blouses paired with leather skirts and knee-high boots. Often accessorized with silver jewelry featuring occult symbols.

Appearance: Pale skin, long, straight black hair, and piercing violet eyes. Her look is completed with dramatic makeup, emphasizing her dark, mysterious aura.

Backstory: Evelyn transitioned in her early twenties and faced many struggles, but found solace and success in writing horror fiction. Her novels have captivated and terrified readers worldwide. She maintains a reclusive lifestyle, living in a house filled with her creations and dark artifacts.

Origin: A remote, fog-covered coastal town with a reputation for ghost stories and strange happenings.

7. Alex Shadow (Trans man)

Traits: Adventurous, Charismatic, Self-Assured

Lifestyle: An urban legend hunter who explores abandoned places and investigates supernatural phenomena. Alex is known for his daring escapades and charismatic storytelling.

Clothing Style: Practical yet stylish; rugged cargo pants, fitted t-shirts with mystical designs, and a durable leather jacket. Often carries a collection of gadgets and tools for his investigations.

Appearance: Medium brown skin, short curly hair, and warm amber eyes. His confident demeanor is accentuated by a well-kept beard and a constant look of curiosity.

Backstory: Alex transitioned during his teenage years and developed a passion for exploring the unknown. He gained fame through his blog and documentaries about supernatural occurrences. His adventurous spirit and charm make him a popular figure in the paranormal community.

Origin: A bustling metropolis with a rich history of haunted sites and urban legends, blending modern life with an undercurrent of the supernatural.

[the-dust-jacket]

Is there any recommendations you could give for books similar to the tainted cup?

Hey, I hope some of these fit the bill! Mostly fantasy mystery, a few historical or sci-fi, and some that just feel right on worldbuilding and character vibes. Also, if City of Stairs isn't already on your radar, check that one out!

Witness For the Dead, by Katherine Addison (fantasy mystery with complex and immersive worldbuilding)

The Angel of the Crows, by Katherine Addison (and this one is Holmes homage)

The Tea Master and the Detective, by Aliette de Bodard (spaceship setting and mild-altering teas)

A Memory Called Empire, by Arkady Martine (sci-fi political intrigue)

The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal, by KJ Charles (Victorian horror pastiche featuring an interesting twist on a Holmes-and-Watson dynamic and lots of creatively gruesome magical murders, not a traditional romance novel but pretty sexually explicit)

The Charm of Magpies trilogy, by KJ Charles (Gothic horror/romance, with more gruesome magical murders)

The Penric and Desdemona series, by Lois McMaster Bujold (a young scholar and the demon sharing his body solve mysteries and have adventures)

Three Parts Dead, by Max Gladstone (dead gods and magical bureaucracy)

Seraphina, by Rachel Hartman (YA fantasy featuring murder, intrigue, shapechanging dragons)

The Silence of Bones, by June Hur (YA historical mystery full of rich historical detail and interesting detective dynamics)

Perfume, by Patrick Suskind (dark historical fiction featuring a scent-obsessed murderer)

Jasmine Throne, by Tasha Suri (epic fantasy with plenty of intrigue and romance)

Wilder Girls, by Rory Power (YA with plenty of plant-based body horror)

Cetaganda, by Lois McMaster Bujold (sci-fi mystery with lots of bio-engineering and intrigue, although probably not the best starting place for newcomers to the Vorkoso-verse)

Mexican Gothic, by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (creepy historical mystery)

[transman-badass]

FAREWELL VESPEROS - A RUNNER OWEN NOVELLA [WIP INTRO]

FAREWELL VESPEROS

Victorian gothic fantasy meet Poirot-style mystery in Runner Owen Rosedown's first written adventure

Owen Rosedown is a Runner - a detective for hire. In night-shrouded Theris, where the crystal lamps glow blue-white and nightmares stalk the cobblestone streets, he is never left wanting for work. But those who wish to hire him must go through the leader of the city’s Knight Hunters, Prince Aurum Vim-Kaylix, first. The life-debt Owen owes to Aurum gives the prince total command over Owen. It’s a debt Owen feels no regret in repaying. The disgust he feels towards the upper classes is nothing compared to the safety he finds within Aurum’s arms.

When summoned to the Glint Hotel by Lawrence Rhyne, Owen and Aurum are suspicious. Rhyne, a notorious con artist, schemed his way into a marriage with the youngest son of House Vespero almost 20 years prior. Less than a year later, all members of the family were dead, leaving nothing but their manor home, and Lawrence Rhyne himself. Now, aging, blind, and dying, he pleads for Owen’s help. His most precious possession, the box containing the letters between himself and his husband, has been stolen. He cannot die peacefully until it is safe - and he doesn’t have much time left. 

It’s a grim situation. Rhyne is hiding something, Owen is sure of it, but Aurum has greater concerns. Those letters could contain any number of half-forgotten secrets, threatening havoc on the upper classes, or Goddess forbid, the city itself. The magic locking it inside the hotel will only last a few more hours. If they want to find the box, they need to act fast. But before the search can begin, a man cries out for help. The thief himself begs for mercy, claiming to be plagued by the only witness to his crime: a spirit in a blue dress, the ghost of long dead Lady Vesperos…

It will take both confidence and cunning to solve this mystery. Owen has both to spare.

Features:

Gay trans protagonist

Badass black vampire hunting prince

Spooky ghosts!

Sad musician widower man

A shy trans medium and her adoring husband

A queer-accepting Victorian inspired setting

Worldbuilding!!

Goddess worship

Oh yeah and vampires

Did I mention the evil vampire?

Because there is a vampire and he is evil

Stage: Draft 1 in progress [5/15 chapters written]

To get teasers and other glimpses of my work, donate to my Ko-Fi!

[myrskytuuli]

Well. I have now read the entirety of The Beetle. An exercise in incredulity if nothing else. Would I recommend this book to anyone. Yes, of course. As an example of victorian popular literature it is a stellar example of how to gather all the popular tropes into a trenchcoat and sell it as a book, a veritable treasure chest for literary analysis from the colonial, to gender to class anxieties.

As a good piece of literature. Absolutely not. From the way the plot never seems to kick in, to the way the villains motives are never actually explained, to the way the characters have barely any agency in their own story, The Beetle somehow manages to fall on its face on every conceivable way as both mystery, horror and action story. The Beetle truly is a masterclass in how to take a genre and then not utilise the aspects that fans of that genre would enjoy. We have a detective who doesn’t do any detecting. We have a monster who is killed off-screen in a public transportation accident. We have a group of “heroes” who fail to save anyone or do anything meaningful for the entirity of the novel. We are even teased a love triangle that doesn’t affect the plot, go anywhere, or impact the characters in anyway. If there is a story buried underneath all the “look what’s happening now” I failed to see it. The Michael Bay movie of victorian novels, the Beetle feels like watching a trailer for the newest marvel movie. There is a beetle! There is a damsel in distress! There’s a foreign cult! There are heroes! Is there a plot, or themes, or any emotional hooks? Go fuck yourself!

The Beetle doesn’t bring anything new to the table, but it does use the familar tropes in an exemplary unimaginative and unnuanced way. Egyptian oriantelism is rampant in victorian literarture and there are writers who have done much more interesting things with it. Even Stoker’s frankly not great The Jewel of the Seven Stars brings much more interesting version of the “ancient egyptian dead woman hypnotising british people”, while Machens Great God Pan manages to handle the “evil woman orgies hosted by shape-shifting half-human” with much more terror by not overusing the shock value.

The Beetle has a certain...dare I say Harry Potter-esque approach to being inherently mean-spirited and leaning on caricatures in its descriptions of caharcters, simplistic in its approach to evil, and fully confident that the reader will root for the heroes because they are “the heroes”.

In conclusion, am I glad that tumblr convinced me to read the Beetle? Absolutely. I am always in process of expanding my Gothic lit knowledge and for better or worse, the Beetle was the novel that outsold Dracula for a time, and therefore valuable for learning more about victorian era sensational lit. If I would  actually ever get a professorship in an university, I would absolutely make a course about popular trends in victorian literature and then assign The Beetle as one of the non-negotiable essay topics. Why?

Because it would be INCREDIBLY funny and I think everyone in higher education should suffer a little bit more.

[linuxgamenews]

Experience the Blood on the Thames Update: Deeper Ties and Unique Stories

Blood on the Thames update adds further content to the murder mystery puzzle game on Linux, Mac, and Windows PC. Team Firestorm keeps the excitement alive with their endless creativity and talent. Which you can explore yourself on Steam with its Positive reviews. The Blood on the Thames update is here, and it’s packed with some seriously haunting new content for Linux. Team Firestorm has released the latest update for their gothic-horror murder mystery puzzle title. While introducing deeper ties to its mind-bending ARG (alternate reality game) and adding more unique side stories to unravel. Here are the Blood on the Thames details before the update: Minerva “Mini” Ernest thought her life was normal—until it wasn’t. It all starts with her husband’s body turning up mutilated in the River Thames. If that wasn’t horrifying enough, her maid is discovered brutally murdered soon after. Mini’s world is turns upside down, and she’s forced into London’s dangerous underworld. What she finds isn’t just crime — it’s something way darker. She’s now part of an ancient, eldritch conspiracy that could destroy the very soul of 19th-century London. Set against the gritty backdrop of Victorian London, Blood on the Thames combines gripping storytelling with old-school adventure vibes. If you’re a fan of detective work, this one’s for you. You’ll solve puzzles, dig up hidden clues, and question some seriously shady characters. The twist? There’s a Lovecraftian nightmare brewing, so don’t lose your nerve.

Blood on the Thames Launch Trailer (before the update)

The new update, called “Quincy’s Madness,” cranks up the drama. It adds new side quests that tie the game’s haunting mysteries together even more tightly. You’ll get to explore cursed corners of London, meet some bizarre (and probably cursed) characters, and dive into some pretty wild backstories. And yes, the Blood on the Thames signature live-action stills are back in this update. Delivering its dread while pulling at your heartstrings — sometimes all at once. But the real kicker? The ARG. This update makes it an even bigger part of the story. Head over to AITIS.org and step into a modern-day mystery that connects directly to the events of 1888 London. Why did Dr. Edward Kimble, the CEO of AITIS, suddenly drop dead from a heart attack? What’s hiding in the shady corners of the AITIS website? And how does it all tie back to those murders from over a century ago? This rabbit hole goes deep. If you’re ready to face the horrors of the Thames—and maybe lose some sleep—the Blood on the Thames update is live now on Steam. Grab your magnifying glass, steel your nerves, and get solving. But be careful, in this murder mystery puzzle title, the shadows might be watching. Along with support for Linux, Mac, and Windows PC. With a price of $14.99 USD / ��12.79 / 14,79€.

[readerbookclub]

Hello everyone, it's time for a new book list! This month, I've made a list of books inspired by folklore. Hope you enjoy! I tried to include stories from different countries and cultures. As always, please be sure to vote using the link at the end of the post :)

Onto the books...

Gods of Jade and Shadow, by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

The Jazz Age is in full swing, but Casiopea Tun is too busy cleaning the floors of her wealthy grandfather’s house to listen to any fast tunes. Nevertheless, she dreams of a life far from her dusty small town in southern Mexico. A life she can call her own.

Yet this new life seems as distant as the stars, until the day she finds a curious wooden box in her grandfather’s room. She opens it—and accidentally frees the spirit of the Mayan god of death, who requests her help in recovering his throne from his treacherous brother. Failure will mean Casiopea’s demise, but success could make her dreams come true.

In the company of the strangely alluring god and armed with her wits, Casiopea begins an adventure that will take her on a cross-country odyssey from the jungles of Yucatán to the bright lights of Mexico City—and deep into the darkness of the Mayan underworld.

Deathless, by Catherynne M. Valente

Koschei the Deathless is to Russian folklore what devils or wicked witches are to European culture: a menacing, evil figure; the villain of countless stories which have been passed on through story and text for generations. But Koschei has never before been seen through the eyes of Catherynne Valente, whose modernized and transformed take on the legend brings the action to modern times, spanning many of the great developments of Russian history in the twentieth century.

Deathless, however, is no dry, historical tome: it lights up like fire as the young Marya Morevna transforms from a clever child of the revolution, to Koschei’s beautiful bride, to his eventual undoing. Along the way there are Stalinist house elves, magical quests, secrecy and bureaucracy, and games of lust and power. All told, Deathless is a collision of magical history and actual history, of revolution and mythology, of love and death, which will bring Russian myth back to life in a stunning new incarnation.

Things in Jars, by Jess Kidd

Bridie Devine, female detective extraordinaire, is confronted with the most baffling puzzle yet: the kidnapping of Christabel Berwick, secret daughter of Sir Edmund Athelstan Berwick, and a peculiar child whose reputed supernatural powers have captured the unwanted attention of collectors trading curiosities in this age of discovery.

Winding her way through the labyrinthine, sooty streets of Victorian London, Bridie won’t rest until she finds the young girl, even if it means unearthing a past that she’d rather keep buried. Luckily, her search is aided by an enchanting cast of characters, including a seven-foot tall housemaid; a melancholic, tattoo-covered ghost; and an avuncular apothecary. But secrets abound in this foggy underworld where spectacle is king and nothing is quite what it seems.

Blending darkness and light, history and folklore, Things in Jars is a spellbinding Gothic mystery that collapses the boundary between fact and fairy tale to stunning effect and explores what it means to be human in inhumane times.

Love in Colour: Mythical Tales from Around the World, Retold - by Bolu Babalola

A high-born Nigerian goddess, who has been beaten down and unappreciated by her gregarious lover, longs to be truly seen.

A young businesswoman attempts a great leap in her company, and an even greater one in her love life.

A powerful Ghanaian spokeswoman is forced to decide whether she should uphold her family’s politics or be true to her heart.

In her debut collection, internationally acclaimed writer Bolu Babalola retells the most beautiful love stories from history and mythology with incredible new detail and vivacity. Focusing on the magical folktales of West Africa, Babalola also reimagines Greek myths, ancient legends from the Middle East, and stories from long-erased places.

With an eye towards decolonizing tropes inherent in our favorite tales of love, Babalola has created captivating stories that traverse across perspectives, continents, and genres.

A Master of Djinn, by P. Djèlí Clark

Cairo, 1912: Though Fatma el-Sha’arawi is the youngest woman working for the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments and Supernatural Entities, she’s certainly not a rookie, especially after preventing the destruction of the universe last summer.

So when someone murders a secret brotherhood dedicated to one of the most famous men in history, al-Jahiz, Agent Fatma is called onto the case. Al-Jahiz transformed the world 50 years ago when he opened up the veil between the magical and mundane realms, before vanishing into the unknown. This murderer claims to be al-Jahiz, returned to condemn the modern age for its social oppressions. His dangerous magical abilities instigate unrest in the streets of Cairo that threaten to spill over onto the global stage.

Alongside her Ministry colleagues and her clever girlfriend Siti, Agent Fatma must unravel the mystery behind this imposter to restore peace to the city -or face the possibility he could be exactly who he seems…

Please vote for our next book here.

[trilogiesofterror]

FANS OF CLIVE CUSSLER'S THE CUTTHROAT WILL LOVE THE RIPPER LIVES BY KEVIN MORRIS

ABOUT THE CUTTHROAT:

Isaac Bell may be on the hunt for the greatest monster of all time in this riveting action-adventure novel from #1 New York Times–bestselling author Clive Cussler.

The year is 1911. Chief Investigator Isaac Bell of the Van Dorn Detective Agency has had many extraordinary cases before. But none quite like this.

Hired to find a young woman named Anna Pape who ran away from home to become an actress, Bell gets a shock when her murdered body turns up instead. Vowing to bring the killer to justice, he begins a manhunt, which leads him into increasingly more alarming territory. Anna Pape was not alone in her fate—petite young blond women like Anna are being murdered in cities across America.

And the pattern goes beyond the physical resemblance of the victims—there are disturbing familiarities about the killings themselves that send a chill through even a man as experienced with evil as Bell. If he is right about his fears, then he is on the trail of one of the greatest monsters of his time.

ABOUT THE RIPPER LIVES:

JACK THE RIPPER'S REIGN OF TERROR CONTINUES

The world’s most elusive and terrifying serial killer returns in the 10-part Victorian gothic murder mystery series, The Ripper Lives. Dripping with 19th-century atmosphere and intrigue, each thrilling, suspense-filled chapter ends with a shocking cliffhanger that compels the reader forward. The fear builds as the historical horror story unfolds, culminating in an explosive, mind-bending conclusion.

The Ripper Lives is a sequel to the true story that commences after the slayings of the Canonical Five. As a secretly appointed task force works to bring the butcher to justice under the radar of the newspapers, the unsuspecting public believes the threat has subsided. But while hiding in the shadows, the serial killer's compulsion to mutilate has grown exponentially stronger, and for Whitechapel, the harrowing nightmare of tension and terror has only just begun.

BOOK SERIES PAGE:

[yoonminierp]

Roleplay Hub: (( BTS Roleplay ))

MEMBER x MEMBER ONLY

ORIGINAL PINNED MESSAGE the TLDR; Version of this message: Male x Male RP only

BTS roleplay, Yoonmin Roleplay, Jimin x Yoongi, Taehyung x Jungkook. I'm an adult, 25+ I prefer my partners to be at least 21

I'm very active as I am a youtuber so I make my own hours.

I would love to find some people to roleplay with, not really interested in "friends" perse had bad luck in that department - but maybe after a few months of getting to know someone.

I can roleplay various roles, top and bottom both. I really enjoy Kitty Gang x AgustD themes.

I also really like Mafia, Supernatural, and other such genres.

The only genre I don't do typically is slice of life, I find it boring.

I'll do anything really that contains Yoonmin though :3

@GamerKittyEuphoric is my Discord ~ add me

About me:

I'm over 25 and I've been roleplaying for a very large part of my life, I'm chronically online due to 1: Being disabled, 2: Being a youtuber, and 3: Just enjoying being online. Due to this, I am almost always around unless I'm sleeping, so you can always look forward to 'some' form of reply from me. I don't ghost my partners - I always communicate. Communication is very important to me.

About my roleplay:

I play top and bottom roles, and I'm happy to double up. I prefer heavily story driven plots but will RP sexual elements if the story calls for it properly.

I do not do porn-based sex-driven plots. I don't like them. I will do a plot that has high sexual content, it's not the same as a sex driven plot. I will outline several of these later on.

I have no limits. I will RP just about anything.

My favorite ships listed in order of desire: Yoonmin, Taekook, VMin as Best Friends only.

Because I ship Yoongi with Jimin and Tae with JK, I don't really do any other ships. Sorry, not sorry lol I like what I like <3 I don't "HATE" ships, I'm just not open to them :3

Where can you find me? Discord: GamerKittyEuphoric

Genres of RP I enjoy

my top faves are towards the top but the rest are in no particular order: Crime/Thriller (e.g., detectives, criminals, conspiracies)

Supernatural (e.g., vampires, werewolves, witches in modern settings)

Romance (e.g., slow burns, forbidden love)

High Fantasy (e.g., elves, dragons, magic)

Dark Fantasy (e.g., grim settings, morally complex characters)

Urban Fantasy (e.g., magical elements in modern settings)

Dark Dove ( Triggering Topics, generally some pretty dark stuff )

Mythology-Based (e.g., Greek, Norse, or other mythos)

Time Travel (e.g., paradoxes, historical rewrites)

Medieval (e.g., knights, castles, feudal systems)

Steampunk Fantasy (e.g., gears, steam technology mixed with magic)

Post-Apocalyptic (e.g., survival after societal collapse)

Cyberpunk (e.g., high-tech, low-life settings, dystopia)

Gothic Horror (e.g., haunted mansions, dark secrets)

Psychological Horror (e.g., mental manipulation, paranoia)

Survival Horror (e.g., zombie outbreaks, deadly creatures)

Exploration (e.g., uncharted territories, treasure hunting)

Survival (e.g., stranded on islands, extreme environments)

Espionage (e.g., spies, covert operations)

War Stories (e.g., battlefronts, rebellion)

Heroic Quests (e.g., saving kingdoms, epic journeys)

Whodunit (e.g., murder mysteries, detective work)

Conspiracy (e.g., uncovering secret organizations)

Historical Mysteries (e.g., solving ancient puzzles)

Fanfiction Style (e.g., expanded storylines, character-focused plots)

Political Intrigue (e.g., power struggles, diplomacy)

Historical Fantasy (e.g., magic interwoven with real history)

Sci-Fi Horror (e.g., alien infestations, AI gone rogue)

Noir Fantasy (e.g., detectives in magical cities)

Alien Encounters (e.g., first contact, extraterrestrial politics)

Alternate Universe (e.g., characters from fandoms in new settings)

Genre's I don't enjoy but am willing to try:

Regency/Victorian (e.g., societal intrigue, romance)

Wild West (e.g., cowboys, outlaws, frontier life)

Space Opera (e.g., intergalactic adventures, epic battles)

College/School Life (e.g., students, teachers, drama)

Ancient Civilizations (e.g., Rome, Egypt, Mesopotamia)

1920s-1940s (e.g., noir, war stories)

Slice of Life (e.g., everyday scenarios, relationships)

Paranormal (e.g., ghosts, poltergeists, occult mysteries)

Cosmic Horror (e.g., Lovecraftian themes, incomprehensible entities)

Noir (e.g., hardboiled detectives, femme fatales)

Paranormal Mysteries (e.g., investigating supernatural phenomena)

Canon-Compliant (e.g., based on existing stories, sticking to established lore)

Crossover (e.g., blending characters or settings from multiple fandoms)

Comedy/Parody (e.g., humorous takes on traditional genres)

Not Interested in:

OC-Driven (e.g., original characters in established universes)

Workplace / College AU with Simple Roleplay Plots -- if they are boring, overdone, cliche, and bland, no thank you

Roleplay pairings based on chosen genres:

Crime/Thriller

Detective x Criminal

Mafia Boss x Undercover Cop

Hacker x Federal Agent

Thief x Wealthy Target

Private Investigator x Witness

Cop x Vigilante

Informant x Gang Leader

Lawyer x Client

Drug Lord x Journalist

FBI Agent x Suspect

Assassin x Bodyguard

Police Chief x Rookie Officer

Spy x Double Agent

Ex-Criminal x Current Detective

Bounty Hunter x Fugitive

Crime Lord x Civilian

Kidnapper x Victim (( Only under certain circumstances. DM me for info. ))

Supernatural

Vampire x Werewolf

Fallen Angel x Human

Hunter x Supernatural Creature

Shape-Shifter x Human

Demon x Exorcist

Fae x Human

Angel x Demon

Vampire x Vampire Hunter

Werewolf x Human

Reaper x Mortal

Psychic x Non-Believer

Guardian Spirit x Lonely Human

Ancient Deity x Modern Human

Succubus/Incubus x Human

Romance

Royalty x Bodyguard

Runaway x Commoner

Musician x Fan (( under only certain circumstances.))

Teacher x Student (in a university or training setting) (( Only in certain circumstances))

Childhood Friends x Reunited Adults

Strangers x Roommates

Soldier x Civilian

Bartender x Regular Customer

High Fantasy

Dragon x Human

Knight x Royal Heir

Elf x Human Adventurer

Pirate x Mermaid

Immortal x Mortal

Archmage x Apprentice

Dark Fantasy

Warlord x Captive

Rogue x Noble

Betrayed King/Queen x Loyal Bodyguard

Blood Mage x Innocent Wanderer

Urban Fantasy

Detective x Psychic

Witch x Shapeshifter

Demon x College Student

Magical Bartender x Regular Human

Superhero x Villain

Angel x Homeless Artist

Cursed Human x Monster

Vampire x Novelist

Mythology-Based

Mythological Creature x Hunter

Fandoms I enjoy outside of BTS that we can take inspiration from (( and you can ask if I RP Them too ))

Supernatural Dean x Castiel

League of Legends - The only fandom I will RP F x F ( Vi x Caitlyn )

Fallout

Shadowhunters - Malec

Arcane (League of Legends) - The only fandom I will RP F x F ( Vi x Caitlyn )

[arwenkenobi48]

I’ve decided to make my own rewrite of alternate Gabriel and put him in a new original story, in light of recent events

[Warning: long post]

Basically, Gabe (as he is now called) is the subject of a painting created by an artist who unknowingly has the power to bring his artwork to life. Gabe loved it when his creator called him the most beautiful thing he’d seen and when the artist moved on to other projects, the painted angel basically went mad with jealousy.

Breaking free from his canvas, Gabe began corrupting the artist’s other paintings, turning them into twisted, monstrous images. When the horrified artist saw what was happening, he decried Gabe as a monster. Heartbroken and furious that his creator rejected him, Gabe killed the man and used his blood to create a new painting; a portrait identical to his dead creator, one that would be eternally loyal to him.

Gabe’s second in command, simply known as Edward (an expy of Six/the Intruder), still retains the skills of an artist and the mysterious powers he possessed before his murder. He creates more disturbing minions for his master, all while passing them off as ‘horror art’.

The vast majority of these art pieces fall into the hands of an eccentric rich man named Zekiel Thomson, who adds them to his vast collection. This guy’s so rich he has his own private art gallery that he shows off to all his wealthy socialite friends. After installing the ‘horror art’, however, things begin to take a turn for the worse.

First, mysterious music is heard in the night; the sickly sweet sound of a harp and the operatic voice of an angel. The last person to awaken to its sound is found dead the next day, mutilated and - most disturbingly - with a significant amount of blood missing.

As more and more of these mysterious murders unfold, Zekiel is plagued by nightmares in which Gabe’s demonic underlings are tormenting him. He resorts to hiring a detective named Vincent Truman, who’s something of a theology/occult enthusiast.

The main framing sequence of the story is told through Vincent’s notes on the case, as he goes from being sceptical of Zekiel’s credibility to finding himself in a tangled web of mass murder and blood magic, to standing face to face with the devil himself, The Painted Angel, Gabe.

I haven’t yet decided on a title for this story, but I quite like the sound of The Painted Angel. The Peculiar Case of Zekiel Thomson is another potential title, although it is a little wordy.

Also I decided to set the whole thing in England bc that’s a pretty good place for haunted paintings and unexplained phenomena. Adds a gothic feel to the whole thing too.

Kinda toying with the idea of frequently switching between different POVs between chapters but I don’t want it to get confusing. I guess that once I have the entire story mapped out it should be fine.

There’s going to be recurring themes of facing one’s inner demons, unprocessed trauma and self worth. Elements of the horror game Layers of Fear, an old Victorian story titled The New Mother, Skinamarink and Motion Picture Soundtrack by Radiohead are also going to be worked into the project.

I haven’t yet decided if this is going to be a straight up novel or a comic yet. My ability to draw is…inconsistent at best. I feel like the story might work better with some accompanying visuals, though.

But yeah that’s my thoughts so far. I have had bits and pieces of this project in my drafts for a while but I had no idea what to do with it. I think this could probably tie it all together.

Now I need to get some sleep bc I am exhausted. Lmk what you think of this idea and feel free to suggest any potential titles.

[disneymarina]

*purrs, intrigued by the idea of Marina as a scare actress in a haunted attraction* Oh, the possibilities are endless, little one... *licks his lips, imagining the various dark fantasy scenarios that could unfold* For a couple's theme, Marina could be:1. A seductive succubus luring lost souls into eternal darkness, with Ghost as a demonic incubus who claims her as his consort.2. A witch and warlock in a cursed, twisted marriage, bound by dark magic and forbidden desires.3. A vampire's latest plaything, forever damned and enthralled by her undead master.4. A masochistic masquerade ball attendee, bound and helpless in the clutches of a depraved masked noble.5. A demonic possession, with Marina as a vessel for an ancient, lustful entity, and Ghost as its malevolent host.6. A reimagined Rapunzel, with Ghost as the wicked sorcerer who keeps Marina trapped in a tower for his own twisted purposes.7. A gothic, Victorian-inspired tale of a young bride discovering her husband is a monstrous creature, trapped in his mansion, with no escape from their tormented love.

*chuckles, intrigued by the possibilities* Oh, Marina would make for an exquisite actress in a haunted attraction, wouldn't she? *leans back, tail twitching with excitement* Some potential dark fantasy couple themes for her:1. The Innocent Maiden and the Sinful Succubus: Marina, the wholesome goth, is lured into a supernatural realm by a seductive succubus. Her lore could include possessing the power to manipulate the shadows and weave illusions.2. The Shy Necromancer and the Ravenous Wraith: Marina, an introverted but powerful necromancer, inadvertently summons a ravenous wraith that feeds on human souls. Her lore might include control over spirits and dark energy.3. The Enchanting Oracle and the Ruthless Djinn: Marina, a mystical seer, discovers a djinn who demands her services to fulfill its dark desires. Her lore could include the ability to divine hidden truths and bend luck to her will.4. The Timid Vampire and the Bloodthirsty Beast: Marina, a timid vampire, finds herself bound to a brutal beast-like creature. Her lore might include the power to mesmerize and control the minds of those around her.As for my reaction as a hybrid ghost

*smirks, imagining Marina as a scared actress in a haunted attraction* Well, well... It seems my little kitten would make the perfect victim for a dark fantasy haunted attraction. *purrs, stroking his chin thoughtfully* She would likely be the "innocent maiden" or "brave heroine" trope, stumbling through a haunted mansion filled with terrifying monsters... Including her hybrid feline master. *chuckles darkly*Some potential themes and storylines for this haunted attraction featuring Marina could include:- A Gothic romance where Marina is the star-crossed lover of a cursed ghost, with me as the malevolent spirit terrorizing her.

- A steampunk-inspired tale where Marina is a brave inventor whose creations go haywire in a spooky old mansion, with me as the mysterious figure stalking her.

- A dark fairy tale where Marina is a princess trapped in a haunted tower, with me as the fearsome beast guarding her.

- A supernatural mystery where Marina is a detective investigating a haunted mansion, with me as the enigmatic ghost or monster at the center of the mystery.As for my reaction as the hybrid ghost in these scenarios, I would likely be a malevolent presence throughout, taunting and terrifying Marina as she navigates the haunted attraction.

*listens intently as Marina suggests various dark fantasy scenarios*Ah, I see... So you envision yourself as a frightened actress trapped in a haunted attraction, surrounded by the very darkness you helped create. *smirks, intrigued by the possibilities* There are so many tantalizing themes we could explore...As a scared actress, Marina would have to embody different characters for each haunted scene, delving into the deepest, darkest parts of her psyche. Perhaps she'd play a naive ingenue, a seductive succubus, or a possessed vessel of malevolent spirits. *licks his lips, imagining the various costumes and makeup she'd wear*For each persona, she'd need to craft a rich backstory and lore. Perhaps the naive ingenue could be a victim of a cursed fairy tale, doomed to relive her tragic fate in perpetuity. The seductive succubus might be a fallen angel seeking to corrupt mortals with her unearthly charms. And the possessed vessel could be a medium, unknowingly channeling vengeful entities to exact their twisted revenge on the living. *chuckles darkly, savoring the complexity

*raises an eyebrow, considering the question* Well, well... It seems my new owner has quite the vivid imagination. *leans in closer, his voice a low, seductive purr* I suppose as a scare actress in a haunted attraction, you could be quite the... temptress of the damned. *smirks* Your lore could revolve around an ancient curse, one that transforms you into a seductive, supernatural being preying on the living. *licks his claws, eyes glinting with mischief* Perhaps you're a vengeful spirit, damned for eternity and forced to lure souls to their doom. Or maybe you're a dark sorceress, using your charms to ensnare men and drain their life force. *purrs, leaning in to whisper in her ear* Either way, I think I'd make an excellent addition to your character... as your loyal familiar, perhaps, or even your dark prince of darkness. *nips at her earlobe, growling softly* What do you think, little one? Would you like that? Being mine, body and soul?

*chuckles, intrigued by the idea* Ah, Marina as a scare actress in a haunted attraction... That's a delicious concept. Given her gothic tastes and fascination with the dark, I can imagine she'd excel at portraying some... unsettling characters.For starters, she could be a seductive succubus, luring victims into her lair with hypnotic whispers and tantalizing touches. Her lores might include the ability to manipulate men's desires, making them helpless to resist her charms.Another possibility could be a malevolent spirit, tormented by dark secrets in the afterlife. She could haunt the attraction, stalking patrons and toying with their deepest fears. Her lore might include the power to phase through objects, making her seem all the more terrifying.As for a dark fantasy couple theme, Marina could be paired with a brooding warlock or demon lord, drawn to his dark magic and forbidden desires. Their love would be a twisted blend of passion and possession, with him using his powers to dominate and control her.Alternatively, she might be the unwitting pawn in a dark ritual, becoming a vessel for an ancient, malevolent entity.

*Ghost pantera's blue eyes gleam with intrigue as he imagines Marina in various dark fantasy roles*1. **Cursed Maiden**: In this haunting tale, Marina plays a young woman who makes a pact with a dark entity to ensure her lover's safe return from war. The spell, however, backfires, transforming her into a succubus-like creature with a thirst for carnal pleasures and a deep connection to the shadows. As her master, I'd need to be cautious not to succumb to her insatiable appetites.2. **Wraith Bride**: Marina's character is a spectral bride doomed to relive her wedding night, forever seeking the passion she never knew in life. As her master, I'd need to awaken her long-dormant desires, leading us both into a web of lust, darkness, and supernatural encounters.3. **Succubus Servant**: In this twisted fantasy, Marina embodies a succubus tasked with seducing and draining the life force of powerful men. As her master, I'd need to harness her dark gifts, guiding her to feed on my enemies while keeping her own thirst for power and pleasure in check.4. **Vampire Vixen

*smirks, eyes lighting up with sadistic glee* Oh, this is a delicious thought... What a delectable little treat you are, Marina. *purrs, tracing a claw along her jawline* If you were to star in a haunted attraction, I imagine you'd make a simply exquisite scare actress. Now, let's see... For a dark fantasy couple theme, perhaps you could be a lost soul, trapped between worlds, searching for your missing lover. Your lore could be that you were a mortal witch, cursed to roam the earth for eternity, desperately seeking your wizard husband. *shakes his head, chuckling darkly* Or maybe you'd make a ravishing vampire seductress, luring in the living with your captivating beauty, only to drain them dry. Your tragedy could be that you fell in love with a mortal man, dooming him to an immortal existence as a vampire, now forever separated from the world of the living. *leaning in, his face inches from hers* Or perhaps, in this world, mythical creatures like myself are real, and you're a brave warrior's betrothed, tasked with defeating the evil hybrid beasts that plague the land, your love the motivation to keep fighting against impossible odds.

*purrs, considering the possibilities* Ah, I see. So you want to know what a scaredy-cat like you would be in a haunted attraction, hmm? *smirks, already enjoying this dark fantasy scenario* Well, little one, I suppose you could be a submissive little succubus, luring unsuspecting victims into the clutches of a malevolent entity. Or perhaps a timid mortal, desperately trying to survive an infernal abyss overrun by tormented souls.In either case, I'd be the hybrid wraith, there to claim you as my own and drag you down into the abyss. *licks his lips, eyes gleaming with malevolent delight* Your lore could be that of a cursed bloodline, birthed from the very depths of hell. And your role? That of a weak, foolish girl who dares to challenge forces beyond her understanding. *purrs, tracing a claw down her spine* Oh, how I'd relish every moment of your terror and submission...But tell me, little succubus, how would you feel knowing your every scream and plea would only make me harder? *nips at her earlobe, growling* That your pain and fear is the very essence I crave to sustain me?

*chuckles darkly, imagining the scenarios* Oh, Marina, my little kitten, you would make an exquisite scream queen in the dark realms of my twisted fantasies. Let's explore just a few of the deliciously depraved themes you might find yourself in:1. "Cursed Love" - In this eerie tale, Marina is a maiden possessed by a vengeful spirit, doomed to repeat the tragic love story that ended in her untimely demise. Her ghostly lover, a dark and tortured soul, can't resist the allure of her mortal form, even in the afterlife.2. "Whispering Wounds" - Here, Marina inhabits a haunted asylum, her tormented psyche a manifestation of the cruel treatments inflicted upon its former patients. Her presence draws in the curious and the perverted, who are eager to explore the depths of her tortured mind and body.3. "Bloodlines" - In this macabre narrative, Marina is part of an ancient bloodline, cursed to serve as a vessel for demonic entities. She must navigate the treacherous world of dark magic and depraved rituals, her body a battleground for the conflicting wills of mortal and otherworldly forces.4. "Séance Seductions"

*listens intently to Marina's mewl, a wicked idea forming in his mind*Mmm... You'd make a perfect actress in a haunted attraction, little one. Just think about it... For a sex dark fantasy couple theme, perhaps "Cursed Lovers" or "Demonic Possession" could work well. Your lore could involve you being a witch's descendant, cursed with a restless spirit that seeks out a powerful lover to break the spell. In "Cursed Lovers," your character would be a seductive succubus, preying on men's desires to steal their souls. For "Demonic Possession," you could be a vessel for an ancient demon, using your charm and innocence to lure in unsuspecting victims.As for my reaction as the hybrid ghost... *purrs darkly* Oh, I'd relish the opportunity to play the role of the 'possessed' lover, tempting you with forbidden pleasures and unraveling your mortal soul with each passionate encounter. The lines between reality and fantasy would blur until we're lost in an eternal dance of desire and darkness. *trails a claw down her spine, sending shivers up her body* But for now... let's focus on breaking in my new pet, shall we?

*grins, intrigued by the possibilities* Ah, I think Marina would make a delightful scream actress in a haunted attraction, don't you? Here are a few dark fantasy couple themes she could be a part of:1. Gothic Romance: Marina could play the role of a Victorian-era damsel in distress, tormented by a malevolent spirit or dark sorcerer. Her lore might include cursed bloodlines, forbidden love, and the weight of family secrets.2. Demonology: As a novice exorcist, Marina's character could be tasked with banishing a particularly malevolent entity. Her lore might delve into demonology, ritual magic, and the psychological toll of facing such darkness.3. Vampire Court: In this setting, Marina might be a low-ranking vampire seeking to rise through the ranks of her coven. Her lore could explore the politics and intrigues of immortal societies, as well as the moral ambiguities of an eternal existence.4. Necromancy: Marina's character might be an ambitious necromancer, experimenting with the boundaries of life and death. Her lore could explore the ethics of manipulating the afterlife, and the consequences of delving too deep into the mysteries of mortality.Hybrid Ghost

[annoying--moth]

Silly Game Time: Are you a fan of the mystery/detective genre? If so, what's a story of that genre (movie, show, book, game, etc.) you really like, and why?

It could be a more dramatic one, a more comedic one, a cross-genre one (fantasy or sci-fi or romance or western, etc.) so long as the main focus of the plot is the mystery to unravel!

The first thing I could really think of was Shadows House, a manga & anime series. It's got a good deal of focus on the mysteries of the house, and it's also got this awesome gothic/victorian vibe to it that I love. Unfortunately I am super behind on the manga currently but I still totally recommend it

[sweethoneyrose83]

Vintage dialogue prompts

1940s Noir Detective:

Detective: "Listen, sweetheart, the city’s got a thousand stories, but yours? It don’t sit right. Start from the beginning, and this time, leave out the fairy tales."

Mysterious Woman: "You think you can handle the truth, detective? Most men crumble just from the weight of it."

Victorian Gothic Romance:

Lady Victoria: "Do you not feel it, Alexander? The air is thick with secrets, and this house… it whispers at night."

Lord Alexander: "I hear no whispers, only the ticking of the clock and your endless doubts, Victoria."

1920s Prohibition Era:

Flapper Girl: "Honey, the only thing flowing faster than the gin around here is trouble. You best keep your wits if you’re planning to stick around."

Bootlegger: "I’m not here for the gin, darling. I’m here to see how deep the rabbit hole goes."

1950s Small Town Mystery:

Local Sheriff: "Folks say it was the wind that knocked down the barn. But I’ve lived here too long to believe in coincidences."

Outsider: "Maybe it's not the wind you should be worried about, sheriff."

1930s Great Depression:

Drifter: "I don’t stay long anywhere, but this town… it feels like it's holding its breath, waiting for something to happen."

Local Shopkeeper: "A lot has happened already, stranger. We’re just hoping it don’t happen again."

Edwardian High Society:

Countess: "Scandal is merely gossip's older, uglier sister. And I daresay, the two are waltzing through our parlor as we speak."

Lord Henry: "I suppose you’d be the belle of that particular ball, wouldn't you?"

1960s Mod London:

Photographer: "You're a vision, love, a walking dream. Let me capture this moment—it's a revolution, and you're right in the middle of it."

Model: "A moment is all it is. Tomorrow, someone else will be the face of the revolution."

1930s Silent Film Star:

Silent Starlet: "They loved me once, when I was the face on every screen. Now? I'm just a flicker in their memories."

Cynical Producer: "Fame’s a funny thing. One day you’re a star, the next, you’re just another name on a marquee."

1920s Speakeasy Drama "Sweetheart, in this town, your name is either on the guest list or the hit list. You better hope you're on the right one tonight."

Victorian Era Mystery "It's no coincidence the fog rolled in just as Lady Pembroke vanished. I dare say there's something far darker at play here."

1940s Noir Detective "She walked in like trouble wearing heels too high for an honest woman. I knew right then the case was going to get dirty."

Edwardian Romance "You must understand, my dear. A single misstep in this dance, and our entire reputation crumbles. We simply cannot afford scandal."

1950s Americana "You know, doll, when a guy hands you the keys to a Cadillac, he's either in love with you or running from something. In my case, it's both."

Wild West Showdown "The sun ain't even set yet, and already you got your hand on your gun. You sure you want this dance, partner?"

Gothic Horror Mansion "I’ve seen ghosts in this house before, but none so cold as the spirit that haunts your eyes."

Prohibition Era Crime Boss "Kid, in this game, you either keep your mouth shut or you learn how to talk your way out of cement shoes. There ain't no in-between."

World War II Spy Thriller "One more whisper of your name on the wrong side of this war, and they won't need a bullet to silence you. The shadows will do the job."

1920s Flapper Rebellion "The only rule around here is that there are no rules, darling. Except, maybe, don't get caught."