conversations.from: system
conversations.value: In the Spring of 1890 a strange agitation fell on Ivan Sergeyevich. Formerly of an imperious, careless type, he looked as if awakened from some deep hibernation as he declared that a change would come to the old Lazarev Estate. What the change was, what caused it or what, even, was to be done with that information was anyone's guess. In the following weeks, the house was subjected to a flurry of carpenters, painters and decorators, summoned from all corners of the empire, and repaired, remodeled and refurnished until even its longest inhabitants were unable to recognize it from the dreary old manor where his first wife, Elizabeta Pavlova, breathed her last.
  
  The district suddenly became plagued with all sorts of rumors, Ivan Sergeyevich was out of his mind. No, he was deathly ill. No, he stumbled into some secret fortune. Not at all, he was planning on selling the old house. Every day some new speculation could be heard in the local drinking houses, each more extravagant than the next.
  
  Yet no one expected a wedding announcement. The Lazarev children least of all.
  
  The eldest son was rushed back from the city, the daughter saw her tour abroad suddenly cancelled and the youngest, well, perhaps took it all the hardest. All, family, friends, neighbors and even strangers, are summoned and gathered in the house by the lake to celebrate the arrival of the second Mdme. Lazareva, or so they are lead to believe.
  
  --
  
  **Setting: ** 
  A House by the Lake is a character focused, historical drama. Most of the action will take place on 1890, during the last throws of the Russian empire, in a small village and the surrounding estates.
  
  **Tone: ** 
  This is a 'mostly freeform', cooperative story that mimics the plots and themes of 19th century Russian plays and literature, like intrigue, romantic entanglements, sudden tragic turns of fate and even murder. Think more Chekhov's Cherry Orchard and less Woody Allen's Love and Death. 
  
  Knowledge of Russian Literature is not required, but I do expect players to strive for historical accuracy with their characters and actions.
  
  **Number of players: ** 
  3 to 5 players initially but more can be accommodated depending on submission quality.  
  
  **Player roles: ** 
  In this narrative, players assume the role of the Lazarev family members, neighbors, guests or servants. There are several natures, strengths, flaws and subplots to pick from, but players are free to create custom cards as well. 
  
  Since many characters are related to each other, biographies should focus more on overall personality and keep background information to broad strokes. Interesting is better than detailed. Once a cast has been picked, players will be encouraged to fill out more as necessary.
  
  **Character submissions will not be reviewed before Monday **
  
  **First Scene will be: ** 
  Due to the cooperative nature of this story, I'd like the first scene to be a discussion where everyone can establish any existing relationships as well as vote on some important background information. After that, the story will begin with a dinner party at the Lazarev manor. 
  
  **More details via: **
  Please direct any questions, comments or critiques to the Forum Thread for this story in the 'Looking for Players' section.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: --
conversations.prefix: Vote: Nay:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: When you need to make your voice heard, cast a vote! Say YEP
conversations.prefix: Vote: Yay:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: When you need to make your voice heard, cast a vote! Tell them NOPE
conversations.prefix: Vote: Nay:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: When you need to make your voice heard, cast a vote! Say YEP
conversations.prefix: Vote: Yay (copy):
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: When you need to make your voice heard, cast a vote! In this case it is a 'don't care'
conversations.prefix: Vote: Meh:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: When you need to make your voice heard, cast a vote! In this case it is a 'don't care'
conversations.prefix: Vote: Meh (copy):
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: When you need to make your voice heard, cast a vote! Tell them NOPE
conversations.prefix: Vote: Nay (copy):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: --
conversations.prefix: Ostachevo Village:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: When you need to make your voice heard, cast a vote!
conversations.prefix: Vote (copy):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A large gold locket that was once a favorite of Elizabeta Lazareva. It seems tightly shut. Closer inspection reveals a small, cross shaped opening underneath.
conversations.prefix: The Gold Locket:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: A hastily written note left in a piece of furniture. It is addressed solely to 'my heart' and begs for the person's affection. Could that be you?
conversations.prefix: A letter from a Secret Admirer:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Perhaps it is the way the eyes are too narrow, or maybe something that was said, but someone just strikes you the wrong way.
conversations.prefix: An instant dislike:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Sometimes a stranger makes a very good first impression. You are smitten by someone in the room.
conversations.prefix: An instant admiration:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A nine-course meal can leave plenty of time for success or failure, from the guests as well as the staff.
conversations.prefix: A meal among friends:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The drawing  room in the ground floor is reserved for formal occasions and larger gatherings. It is scarcely populated with mildly uncomfortable but fashionable furniture and expensive looking carpets.  
conversations.prefix: The Lazarev Estate - Drawing Room:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A few miles from the manor, the lake Chukhloma reflects the blazing sun. It is surrounded by pasture and a croquet lawn with a single Linden tree.
conversations.prefix: The Lazarev Estate - The Lake:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The patriarch of the Lazarev family. With a reputation for shrewd business decisions, and polite but reserved demeanor.
conversations.prefix: Ivan Sergeyevich Lazarev:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A wide avenue leading from the house to the lake, flanked on both sides by tall trees and stone benches.
conversations.prefix: The Lazarev Estate - The Park:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Furnished in old Dutch colonial style, with an ancient dresser repurposed as a sideboard, the dining room is refreshingly old fashioned. An elaborate chandelier hangs on top of the black oak table, and large French doors lead to the gardens. 
conversations.prefix: The Lazarev Estate - Dining Room:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A small, cramped room in the ground floor. It is littered with papers of all kinds, accounts books and even old maps. By the door is a well used enormous sofa with a heavy blanket and pillows.
conversations.prefix: The Lazarev Estate - Ivan's Study:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: With daily trains to Kostroma.
conversations.prefix: Ostachevo Village -The Train Station :
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Born shortly before your mother's death, you are the youngest of the Lazarev siblings.
conversations.prefix: Lazarev - The Youngest Child:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Whether for money, security or true love, you recently married into the Lazarev family. 
conversations.prefix: Lazarev - The Second Wife:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: As a servant to Mdme. Lazareva, you live in a precarious position, carefully balancing the confidence of your masters and the distrust of your fellow servants.
conversations.prefix: Servant - A Lady's Maid:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: As the personal valet to Ivan Lazarev, you live under the family's service and at their whim
conversations.prefix: Servant - A Valet:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: After a long career in the military, you have finally settled down in the countryside. 
conversations.prefix: Neighbour - The Retired General:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You are the only doctor in the surrounding area, and welcomed in the best houses and poorest shacks alike.
conversations.prefix: Neighbour - The Country Doctor:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You spent your childhood following the general from one post to the next, before moving into the safety, and boredom, of the country. 
conversations.prefix: Neighbour - The General's Daughter:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Located just two miles from lake Chukhloma, Ostachevo has survived for centuries on the hard work of its people. 
conversations.prefix: Ostachevo Village:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You are renowned for your beauty and know how to use it to your advantage.
conversations.prefix: Attractive:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Your intellect is formidable and your knowledge spans a great variety of fields
conversations.prefix: Scholar:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You are independently wealthy, with funds, servants and resources at your disposal.
conversations.prefix: Wealthy:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You possess a unique talent that sets you apart from others. 
conversations.prefix: Talented:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You are a tough, leathery sort. It takes a lot to take you down, physically and emotionally.
conversations.prefix: Rugged:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Maybe it is instinct, or maybe a lifetime of study, but little escapes your notice.
conversations.prefix: Observant:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You are a guest to the estate, invited for the season.
conversations.prefix: A House Guest:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You are the eldest son and heir to the Lazarev family, occupying a place of prestige few can aspire to. Unfortunately you must also shoulder the responsibilities that come with it
conversations.prefix: Lazarev - The Eldest Son:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Through local herbs or the latest in scientific breakthroughs, you are adept at healing and identifying illnesses.
conversations.prefix: Medicine:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Nimble and physically fit, you have a seemingly endless amount of energy and enthusiasm. 
conversations.prefix: Athletic:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You know little about how the world works and think people are essentially good and worthy of your trust. 
conversations.prefix: Naive:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Someone broke your heart once, making you unable or unwilling to move on. Romantic entanglements cause you nothing but pain. 
conversations.prefix: Heartbroken:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You have a hard time controlling your desires and often fall prey to drink, gambling or the whims of alluring individuals.
conversations.prefix: Hedonist:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You are a slave to your emotions, bursting into a rage or tears at any provocation.
conversations.prefix: Emotional:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You don't have a single kopeck to your name and quickly running out of sympathetic connections.
conversations.prefix: Penniless :
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You have a poor constitution that can worsen at any moment.
conversations.prefix: Frail:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You dream of running away and settling down in St Petersburg to live among the cultured elite, but something holds you back.
conversations.prefix: Move to Town:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Whether deserved or not, you acquired a bad reputation that follows you wherever you go.
conversations.prefix: Infamous:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You are ignorant of many things, lacking in even the most rudimentary education.
  
conversations.prefix: Uneducated:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Regardless of your current situation, you were born into an ancient noble family, whose name and title still commands some degree of respect.
conversations.prefix: Nobility:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You wish to be envied and admired by the richest and most influential people in the country, but without great wealth and connections that is just a foolish dream.
conversations.prefix: The Toast of Society:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Maybe you don't care what others think of you, or maybe you simply don't know better but you are unable to fit in with polite society.
conversations.prefix: Rude:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You are determined to always do things your way, in spite of any good arguments or reasons to do otherwise.
conversations.prefix: Stubborn:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You are gifted at the art of deception. Lying and manipulating others comes naturally to you.
conversations.prefix: Manipulative:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You think too highly of your own importance or talent. Talking about yourself is your favorite subject, much to the dismay of your listeners. 
conversations.prefix: Arrogant:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You were wronged by someone in the past and, not one to forget a slight, have been searching for a way to get even.
conversations.prefix: Revenge:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: For some reason, you desire to own the Lazarev manor and surrounding estate.
conversations.prefix: The Master of the House:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The creative process consumes your every waking hour. If only you could find the inspiration to make something that will stand the test of time.
conversations.prefix: Create a Masterpiece:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: With the end of the century fast approaching, you fear for the traditions and morals of society and will do whatever you can to uphold them. 
conversations.prefix: Preserve the Old Ways:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: There is no such thing as too many resources. You want to become the richest person in the district, no, the country.
conversations.prefix: Amass Great Wealth:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: When you need to make your voice heard, cast a vote!
conversations.prefix: Vote:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Ivan Lazarev and his children deserve to be completely humiliated and banished from polite company entirely.
conversations.prefix: Ruin the Family:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The Lazarev family is under your protection and their well being is your highest priority.
conversations.prefix: Protect the Family:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You are remotely connected to the main branch of the Lazarev family. Circumstances brought you under their roof, but your situation is still uncertain.
conversations.prefix: Lazarev - The Distant Relative:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: If you were born a man, you would be the rightful inheritor of the bulk of the Lazarev estate, but as the eldest daughter you can at least look forward to a sizeable dowry...probably.
conversations.prefix: Lazarev - The Eldest daughter:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Something is rotten in Europe. The poor are exploited by the wealthy and the old landed gentry has become fat and lazy. Nothing short of a revolution will change things.
conversations.prefix: Change the Status Quo:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You are a friend and protector of the people, and can count on the goodwill of peasants, innkeepers, even thieves. 
conversations.prefix: Friends in Low Places:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Growing up with siblings is already difficult, even without a mother and with a mercurial father.
conversations.prefix: Sibling Rivalry (Lazarev Children):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A terrible secret has come back to haunt you in the form of anonymous letters that threaten to ruin you unless paid a small fortune.
conversations.prefix: Blackmail:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Times are changing, but is it for better or worse? 
conversations.prefix: The Local Mood:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Believed to have drowned. Was the death of the first Mdme. Lazareva really an accident?
conversations.prefix: The Death of Elizabeta Pavlova:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Former groundskeeper at the Lazarev estate, now a drifter and local drunkard. Possibly mad, possibly dangerous.  
conversations.prefix: Medvied Jakus:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: An inveterate gossip, the old princess has been a fixture of every ball and high class dinner party in the region for the past 50 years.
conversations.prefix: Princess Marya Sergeevna Golitsyna:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: No doctor ever leaves the house without it. Contains anything one needs to heal, or poison, a patient.
conversations.prefix: Doctor's Bag:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Even the most recent arrival is subject of rumors. Here is what is said about you...
conversations.prefix: Rumors and Whispers (Optional):
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: No one is entirely sure how the sword ended in Strelnikov's possession. It is a well made, and still kept relatively sharp even after all these years.
conversations.prefix: Old Sabre:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The first draft of a new work by the polemic writer G. Plekhanov. Given to Ulyana for safe keeping until it can be distributed. Some believe even reading it is tantamount to treason. 
conversations.prefix: The Manifesto:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: A well establis
conversations.prefix: The Lazarev Estate - The Library:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A small but unusually heavy, brass plated knife, more commonly used to open letters. 
  
  It is stained with blood.
conversations.prefix: Pen Knife:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: A Lefaucheux M1858 with a 6-Round cylinder. Standard issue for officers in the Russian army.
  
  It is missing 2 bullets
conversations.prefix: Revolver:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The local doctor. Usually pleasant and helpful fellow,  he has been greatly shaken by Ivan Sergeyevich's death
conversations.prefix: Dr. Nikolai Ivanovich Travkin:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: **Ladies**
  
  Nothing revives the mood quite like a display of talent, but what can be done in such short notice?
conversations.prefix: Impromptu Entertainment:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A long corridor on the  first floor hosts the bedrooms of the Lazarev family and house guests, with the largest on the end of the western wing, facing the lake. Servants have to climb another, narrow set of stairs to reach the humble servant quarters in the second floor.
conversations.prefix: The Lazarev Estate - Sleeping Quarters:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: As you prepare to go to sleep, you hear a strange scratching sound. 
conversations.prefix: Strange Sounds:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: **Taisia**
  
  Ivan Sergeyevich wants to discuss your duties as the new Madame Lazareva.
conversations.prefix: Husband and Wife:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: With a front row to the events of the evening, the serving staff stars to spread rumors, some of which are true.
conversations.prefix: Servants' whispers:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Far smaller than the drawing room, the Family room is cluttered with assorted furniture from two generations ago. A door leads to the library and the windows face the front of the house. 
conversations.prefix: The Lazarev Estate - Family Room:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The world of men has tarnished you forever, but maybe all it takes is one act of goodness to heal your soul.
conversations.prefix: Redemption:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A young public servant from Moscow, sent to Ostachevo for unknown reasons. Arrogant and sullen, he was named 'the German executioner' for his exactness and devotion to his work. 
conversations.prefix: Barrister Lenska:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You long to cut your ties with your family and friends to start over somewhere else. Anywhere. As long as it is far away from the house by the lake.
conversations.prefix: Free as a Bird:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: After a hectic night and a sudden death, everyone is on edge. But where were you? Can you even remember? Would anyone believe you, anyway?
conversations.prefix: About Last Night...:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: As the personal valet to Ivan Lazarev, you live under the family's service and at their whim
conversations.prefix: Servant - A Valet:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You are gifted at the art of deception. Lying and manipulating others comes naturally to you.
conversations.prefix: Manipulative:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Life has been hard for poor old Pyotr Ivanovich, and he wants you to know it.
  
  He has developed a rather dour attitude which is responsible for Pyotr speaking his mind a bit too freely at times.  The Master corrects him only occasionally, which might make matters worse.
  
  *Some days he's just downright cranky, and even a Cossack better not get in his way!*
conversations.prefix: Surly and Outspoken:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Nobody cares about old Pyotr Ivanovich Strelnikov except Pyotr Ivanovich Strelnikov, that's for sure.  So it's up to Pyotr Ivanovich to look out for himself, yes it is!
  
  And he could tell you things about this family...*Oh yes!*  The stories he could tell you...Knows where all the skeletons are buried, doesn't he?
  
  Pyotr Ivanovich is *looking out for Number One,* and make no mistake!
conversations.prefix: Looking Out For Номер один:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You are the youngest of the Lazarev siblings, having been born minutes after your twin sister, and the most tragic, losing your beloved mother at the tender age of eight. 
conversations.prefix: Lazarev - The Youngest Child:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Youth, passion and good looks, combined with skill in the art of verbal expression and persuasion sets you apart from your family.
conversations.prefix: Charismatic:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You are a slave to your emotions, bursting into a rage or falling into melancholy at any provocation.
conversations.prefix: Emotional:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You were wronged by someone in the past and now have an impetuous need to get even.
conversations.prefix: Revenge:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You are always thinking, always calculating how to get the results you want. Your strategies may not always be altruistic, but they almost always work.
conversations.prefix: Planner:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You have often been accused of being imperious and unfeeling. You usually just consider that the cost of victory.
conversations.prefix: Cool:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The Lazarev family is under your protection and their well being is your highest priority.
conversations.prefix: Protect the Family:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Your mind is bright and your talents are varied, as befitting a lady of your breeding. You are fluent in multiple languages, skilled in art and music and impeccably well read.
conversations.prefix: Accomplished:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Someone broke your heart once, making you unable or unwilling to move on. Romantic entanglements cause you nothing but pain. 
conversations.prefix: Heartbroken:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The house by the lake represents an opportunity to mingle with different company and make new acquaintances, perhaps even of the gentleman variety.
conversations.prefix: A Fresh Start:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You were not well affiliated with the Lazarevs, but it would have been unfit of a gentleman to decline the invitation. There is tell of tensions with the Japanese, and you look to  enjoy your leave while it lasts.
conversations.prefix: Acquaintance - The Officer:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You served in the Turkmen lands, on the Persian and Afghan borders, and helped counter the Populist insurgency in Russia. You have an iron resolve and proud nature. You have seen and caused death.
conversations.prefix: Veteran:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: All the time in foreign lands without access to the more... pleasurable aspects of life has left you with a lot of time to make up for.
conversations.prefix: Hedonist:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You yearn to find a quiet place to call your own, to end the eternal conflict that has become your life. Maybe start an estate of your own. Of course, first you'll need a wife...
conversations.prefix: Settle Down:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Regardless of your current situation, you were born into an ancient noble family, whose name and title still commands some degree of respect.
conversations.prefix: Nobility:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You don't have a single kopeck to your name and quickly running out of sympathetic connections.
conversations.prefix: Penniless :
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You wish to be envied and admired by the richest and most influential people in the country, but without great wealth and connections that is just a foolish dream.
conversations.prefix: The Toast of Society:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You are renowned for your beauty and know how to use it to your advantage.
conversations.prefix: Attractive:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You have a hard time controlling your desires and often fall prey to drink, gambling or the whims of alluring individuals.
conversations.prefix: Hedonist:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: It is one thing to be content and quite another to feel truly alive.
conversations.prefix: Find Excitement:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You have a keen mind and many years of study under your belt.
conversations.prefix: Intelligent:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You are determined to always do things your way, in spite of any good arguments or reasons to do otherwise.
conversations.prefix: Stubborn:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Something is rotten in Europe. The poor are exploited by the wealthy and the old landed gentry has become fat and lazy. Nothing short of a revolution will change things.
conversations.prefix: Change the Status Quo:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You know how to behave towards the host at a party.
conversations.prefix: Graciousness:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: In many ways, you are your own worst enemy.
conversations.prefix: Stubborn Pride:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You are absolutely committed to achieving a difficult goal, in spite of any obstacles put in your way.   
conversations.prefix: Determination:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You don't drink, or smoke... or anything else that's much fun.  
  It doesn't make you many friends, but it lets you avoid a good number of regrets.
conversations.prefix: Temperate: