<div align="center">(http://s24.postimg.org/gs1sf17sl/helterskelter.jpg)<br/><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 10pt;">art by Alan Aldridge "Helter Skelter"</span></div><br/><div align="center"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 8pt;"><em>'Twas then when the Hurdy Gurdy Man<br/> Came     singing     songs     of     love<br/> Then    when   the  Hurdy  Gurdy  Man<br/> Came      singing      songs    of     love<br/><br/>"<strong>hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy, hurdy gurdy gurdy</strong>", <span class="bbc_u">he sang</span><br/></em></span></div><br/>This is the IC thread for the Haunted Mansion story line. The only people who can post are those who have joined the current story.<br/><br/>Setting: Somerset Estate, June 13th, 2013. We exist in a dimensional off-split for the one we actual reside in for the purposes of the story. Importantly, super natural activities are in fact known to happen, though perhaps not widely experienced and therefore is typically greeted with the same appreciative skepticism that it is greeted with in our world.<br/><br/>Here (http://s12.postimg.org/k0g27n8e5/mansion_floor_plan1.jpg) you can find a floor plan for the main portion of the estate. The highlighted gray areas are what are accessible to the guests. The white areas are under renovation still and sealed. There are several outer buildings marking the rest of the property and those are also under renovation. However, Eric has gone so far as to entirely rebuild the infamous rose garden and marble fountain which is viewable in front of the estate itself. The estate is an entirely fenced in, gated structure sitting on a full acre of land in the Hollywood Hills of California. It is virtually impossible to view the mansion from the road because it sits a mile back from the road and is surrounded by an old, but rehabilitated orange and lemon grove. To access the mansion from the main road, the driver will need to depress a callbox button and exchange information with security. The wrought iron gate will open if access is granted and the car will then be permitted to take the winding road, a mile through the groves until they end suddenly, and there before them sits the aging brick estate. The is an arching driveway in the front which wraps around the large, ornate and full restored marble fountain. To the far left is a footpath and one can see the rose garden in full, fragrant bloom. Eric has indeed kept the vintage appeal of the estate while renewing it with some modern splendor as well.<br/><br/>We will begin this role play, well into the cocktail party celebrating the opening of the renovated estate. There are notable figures present in the party, ranging from schmoozing celebrities to wealthy, influential types, and even politicians. It is considered a more formal affair, with appropriate attire expected (ie: suit/tie for men and cocktail/party dresses for women). The winners of the Golden Ticket Scavenger Hunt are given the opportunity to obtain a gift card for shopping purposes if they did not feel they could obtain the appropriate clothing on their own finances. This was offered as an additional perk for the winners. Upon arrival, the winners were assigned to their rooms, all of which are on the second floor, main portion of the estate. (See the floor plan and pick the room. First come, first served)<br/><br/>The Press has been present here and the winners were asked to take pictures. They were even introduced to Eric and photographed with him. It was a quick meeting, but he was kind of charming in a distracted sort of way. He assured them that they would see him again.<br/><br/>There was quite a bit of food, music, and dancing all around the main reception hall. Eric had even purchased and restored an enormous crystal chandelier that hung between the arching frames of the main staircase.