Mythos, Book One News

[p][/p][p](Author's Note: Rain speaks with a "Bawlmer (Baltimore) Accent". For the uninitiated, it means she says "hon" a lot, and a "unique" pronunciation of some words - such as Tuesday being Tuesdee, iron being arn, etc - may seem like odd typos, but I assure you they are intentional. It's a sort of difficult accent to convey through typing, so I encourage you to look up videos of people speaking to get a good grasp on how Rain sounds... and what I've lived around all my life.)[/p][p]Rain Sunbeam: Wow... it's so bright in here! [/p][p]Jessica Lee: Yes, the lighting in here can be a little harsh if you're not used to the studios... which clearly you're not - did you come in here barefoot?[/p][p]RS: (Sitting cross-legged on the couch) I try to be barefoot whenever possible, hon. It keeps me in tune wiff Gaia.[/p][p]JL: Ah, right... Well, this is just going to be a standard interview—[/p][p]RS: Like the one wiff Tara?[/p][p]JL: Oh, um... no, that one wasn't standard. More like—[/p][p]RS: The one wiff B?[/p][p]JL: Er... Not like that, either. More like the one with Ky. Think of Ky's interview.[/p][p]RS: So there won't be any innerruptions like Sophia had?[/p][p]JL: No no, certainly not. Security is on high alert now. We should go undisturbed.[/p][p]Stage Manager: And we're live in five... four... three...[/p][p]B: (Peeks up from behind the couch. The stage manager's eyes widen.)[/p][p]JL: (Not noticing) Good evening, and welcome back! We continue our series of Mythos interviews with another cast member — Rain Sunbeam! Thanks for coming, Rain.[/p][p]RS: Thank you, Jessica! And hello, Bawlmer![/p][p]JL:  Now, you're the fifth member of the Mythos cast we've interviewed — technically the sixth, if you count Ky as two people, which I'm still a bit confused about. Regardless, what can you tell us about your role in the story?[/p][p]RS: (Cringing slightly, pulling her braids forward over her shoulders) Sorry, hon, felt like something was yankin' on my hair back dere.[/p][p]JL: It's alright, whatever's most comfortable.[/p][p]RS: That totally weird. So anyway, I've watched your other interviews every Tuesdee, hon. I come into the story wivout any connection to Ky — the main character — at all. I was actually Lisa's employer.[/p][p]JL: For those at home who don't recall, Lisa Harrison is the victim whose murder starts off the story of Mythos.[/p][p]RS: That's right. She worked part-time for me up until... well, she died.[/p][p]JL: Her death was a murder, correct?[/p][p]RS: Well, that's what we're trying to figure out over the course of the game. Offishly, she died of natural causes, but you know how spicious that sounds, hon? When the poh-leese can't figure it out, they just let it go like wooder under the bridge.[/p][p]JL: I see. So it seems like things come together, so you join forces with the others. Like a sort of "mystery gang."[/p][p]RS: Seems kinda like that, don' it? We all just know there's more about Lisa's death than anybody wants us to know.[/p][p]JL: So you say you were her employer — what business is it you run?[/p][p]RS: Oh, it's a lil' place out by Highlandtown called Gaia's Cradle — a greenhouse right on the edge of Patterson Park.[/p][p]JL: I see! So you mentioned Gaia to me off-camera a little earlier; is there a significance there?[/p][p]RS: (Flipping her braids back over her shoulders) Absolutely! Gaia's the spirit of the erff, who I feel a real special connection wiff. [/p][p]JL: Interesting. Now, with the name of the game being Mythos, and you feeling connected to this "earth spirit," is there some deeper meaning to all that?[/p][p]RS: Naw, hon! I'm just a regular gardner just tryin' to make a livin'. Ow, dangit! Somethin' back dere keeps dickin' with my hair![/p][p]JL: (Oblivious) Speaking of hair, that's an interesting style you have! Green on one side, black on the other. What made you go with that particular look.[/p][p]RS: (Turning to look behind the couch) Ey! What are you doin' back dere?![/p][p](B springs up, holding a few green and black hairs plucked from Rain's head)[/p][p]B: Gottem! Now I can do a wacky Gaia ritual to make you looooove me!!![/p][p]RS: Gaia don' work that way! [/p][p]JL: Security! You were supposed to keep her out of here![/p][p]B: (Running off the set with a security guard stomping after her) Fast as fast can be, you'll never catch me~![/p][p]JL: I am so sorry about that, Rain.[/p][p]RS: Eh, I'm used to it, hon. I always see her 'round Gaia's Cradle takin' pixtures of me through the glass. Pretty sure she even followed me downyoshun once.[/p][p]JL: And unfortunately, that's also all the time we have left for the interview. Maybe we can have you back again to talk more?[/p][p]RS: We'll, uh... hafta see 'bout that, hon...[/p][p]JL: Sounds good! Tune in text week for— (Putting her hand to her ear) Oh... I'm sorry, I've just been informed that our interview with Monica has been cancelled. [/p][p]RS: (Looks uneasy)[/p][p]JL: (Listening to her earpiece for another moment) So join us next week where I'll be coming to you live from Ram's Head to cover the final round of the Battle of Baltimore Bands; Crystal Sh*t versus the Gargle Blasters! Until then, I'm Jessica Lee, WETT News, reminding you to keep the legends alive![/p]

[p]Jessica Lee: Just... "B"? That's not short for anything?

B: Oh, it is!

JL: Great! What's your full name, then?

B: B-yootiful.

JL: (Sigh) Right. Well, I'm glad to see you came dressed professionally, at least.

B: Well, of course! I have to look my best for the interview.

Stage Manager: And we're on in five... four... three...

B: Why don't they ever say the last two?

JL: Good even--

B: (Cutting in) Good evening, Baltimore! I'm here with our guest Jessica Lee to talk about the upcoming game, Mythos. Thanks for coming in, Jessica.

JL: (Staring dumbfounded)

B: (Unperturbed) Great! So, what can you tell me about your role in Mythos?

JL: (Attempting to recover, putting on a far-too-wide smile) Haha... ladies and gentlemen, introducing B - one of the main cast from the upcoming game Mythos!

B: "One of the main cast," she says! Girl, I am Mythos! The game wouldn't exist without me, ya know!

JL: Is that so? What makes you so central to the story?

B: Oh, there's so many reasons, Jessie! Can I call you Jessie? You let Tara do it.

JL: I did not.

B: Thanks, Jessie. So my part in Mythos? I'm the sexiest, the funniest, the smartest, the blue-est. The game's like... stupid-boring without me in it. You think people would wanna play a game with nothing but Sophia in it? She's about as interesting as wet parchment!

JL: I see, but that doesn't really explain your role in the game.

B: I'm gettin' there, zammit! (Looking right into the camera) Check out April O'Neil over here tryin' to be all "investigative." My role is to be what's needed, when it's needed, and where it's needed. Does Ky need some faces punched? I'll be a punch-o-matic! Set things on fire? Hooo-DOGGIE, will I set some s*** on fire! If Ky needs to know something, I'm there and I know it.

JL: Well, hold on a second there, B! Sophia was on last week - as you know - and she claimed that her role in the story was to be an information dispenser.

B: (Rolling her eyes) Uuuugh, Sophia. Yeah fine, I guess she does know stuff. But she'll all mysterious and obtuse about it. Nah, dawg - I just come out and say it. She's like me, but boring and without the other stuff. I'm way more shocking.

JL: So, judging by last week, it looks like you and Sophia have some sort of rocky past together? [/p][p][/p][p]B: Dude, okay. So like I'm cool with Sophia! I really am! But like... a long-ass time ago, when we were younger, there were some cliques. You know how it goes, right? And like... the popular one in my clique did something to piss off her clique, and so she just hates me by extension. I haven't done a damned thing to her! Salty bitch.

JL: So you'd say this conflict is one-sided?

B: I mean... kinda. Like I don't have a problem with her, but it's really fun to mess with her too, you know? Nobody gets her upset the way I do, so I gotta take advantage of that, you know?

JL: I see. Do you have any other relationships with the cast like that?

B: Nah, just Sophia, really. I actually screwed around with Monica before, but she has no idea who I am. Pretty funny, really. She's even more uptight than Sophia.

JL: (More interested) Monica? This is the first time any of you have really mentioned Monica, and her preview text is... well, there isn't any. How do you connect to her?

B: Ah... I... wouldn't say it's a connection so much, as it's a burning need to watch her get pissed off. Let's just say she takes her job way too seriously.

JL: Right; do you have a job? All the other characters seem to have some sort of employment, but it seems that you just sort of... "hang out"?

B: Er... well... I guess I'm what you could call "asset rich, cash poor"...

JL: So you're broke and jobless.

B: Basically, yeah. But I got a bunch of cool stuff! Like this necklace.

JL: ... that's my necklace! I haven't seen that since last week!

B: Pretty sure it's my necklace. And hey, who's the one running this interview, anyway?

JL: Me!!!

B: Aw, damn, you right.

JL: Make sure to give me that back after the interview.

B: (Nasally voice) Absolutelyyyyyy...

JL: Now, what is your relationship with the main ch--

B: Well, folks, that's all the time we have for tonight! Tune i--

JL: No! This is not your interview! You can't say when we're out of... (Looking off-camera) Oh. Oh, we are out of time? Right.

B: Told ya so, bitch!

JL: (Ignoring B) Tune in next week, for a hopefully more normal interview with... (Squinting at the teleprompter, then slowly looking crestfallen) ... Rain... Sunbeam...

B: Whoo-hooo! Rain! She's freakin' hot.

JL: I'm... sure she is. So be sure to tune in next week! I'm Jessica Lee with WETT, reminding you to keep the legends alive!

Stage Manger: And we're clear!

JL: Okay, give me my fucking necklace, you crazy bitch!

B: Hey! Language!!! (Already running away)

JL: God dammit... where is security, anyway!?!

B: (Shouting as she darts out the door) Probably watching for Tara!!![/p]

Jessica Lee: No! He really said that?!

Sophia: It is true! The eulogy was actually pretty funny, at times!

Stage Manager: And we’re live in five… four… three…

JL: Good evening, Baltimore! Tonight we continue our weekly interviews with the cast of the upcoming game Mythos. Our guest today is Miss Sophia… erm…

S: Just Sophia is fine. Thank you for having me, Jessica Lee. I hope your time with me will be found more enjoyable than when Tara Norwood was here.

JL: (Strained laughter) Oh… she was a handful! But let’s talk about you, Sophia! What role do you play in Mythos?

S: Well, to hear others describe it, I am to be “the brainy one.” In short, I am present to provide crucial knowledge to others when such a time becomes pertinent. But really, I am just a normal person that works at an electronics store.

JL: CyberDaze, right? Oh, yes, it says so on your shirt.

S: That is correct! I decided to come in my work uniform, as that is how you will be seeing me in the game during my introductory scene.

JL: I see! Now some of the other promotional art we’ve seen of you shows you with what appear to be glowing green eyes. Is there a story behind that?

S: (Lightly laughing) They did look as if they were glowing, did they not? No, no, my eyes do not glow. It was some issues with lighting and perhaps my contact lenses. That has been corrected, as you can see!

JL: We definitely can! Still lovely, of course… just not so glowy. So what is your relationship to the main character?

S: Well, initially I am simply an acquaintance, of sorts. The main character comes to CyberDaze often, being as they are… I suppose one could call them a “nerd.”

Tara Norwood: (Off-camera) A big ol’ nerd!!!

JL: Why is she still here? Could someone please…

(There are sounds of security escorting Tara out of the studio)

S: Right. Being as such, the main character found themselves in my presence often – they always seem to stop by when I am working for some reason.

JL: So you two never met outside of your work? No dates or anything.

S: Ah… dates? Why, no. I do not think… well, rather… I did not assume… No. No, at the point of my first appearance, we have never had the pleasure of each other’s company outside of the store.

JL: (Grinning at Sophia’s reaction) I see, I see. But it seems rather clear that you’re one of the main cast members in Mythos, so surely you can’t just stay at work the entire time, right?

S: Well, of course I am not permitted to speak too much on the events, but I can assure you that I will be seen wearing something other than these clothes.

JL: Naturally. So it would make sense that you are going to be assisting in the investigation of Lisa Norwood’s death, right?

S: Oh, I am not so much an investigator, no. I simply provide information relevant to the mystery as I find it.

JL: Finding information sounds kinda like you’re an investigator.

S: (Sternly) No. I am not to be involved in these affairs.

JL: Did… your eyes just do that glowing thing again?

S: (Laughing) Oh, Jessica Lee, you are so humorous at times! I was simply stating that I have a different role in the story than you may be thinking.

JL: Ahem, yes. So do you have any relationships to the other characters? Did you know Lisa before her death?

S: I actually was never personally acquainted with Lisa Harrison, no. But I did learn much about her! I wish I had seen some of her dancing performances while she was alive. Tara Norwood was occasionally with the main character to visit CyberDaze, but other than that I do not have any particular connection to any of the other characters.

JL: Is that so? I see here that you and B-

S: No connections. At all.

JL: I swear I just saw your eyes-

S: (Laughing again) But of course I will meet others as the story progresses. No woman is an island, as they say.

JL: These interviews just get more peculiar, don’t they?

S: We are just having a conversation.

JL: Right. Um, so… the name of the game is Mythos, and the synopsis states that the main character finds themselves mired in the world of the supernatural. What role do you play in all of that?

S: Well, of course there’s that supernatural element. Most of the information I supply is of the mundane variety, but there may be a few instances where I am called upon to provide more esoteric knowledge.

JL: Indeed. And being as this is also an adult game, are you going to be one of the potential love interests, as well?

S: (Looking down) Well… that is for the individual players to decide, of course. If they believe me to be appealing in such a manner.

JL: We’re running out of time for this interview – is there any last words you’d like to say to the audience, Sophia?

S: Yes! When you mee-



B: I’M UP NEXT, BITCHES!!!

JL: Oh, what the hell…

S: (Visibly furious) What is that doing here? I did not agree to appear with B!

B: C’mon, “Sophia”. You know you love me!

S: I most certainly do not. Do not come near me!

B: Just a lil’ hug, c’mere!!!

JL: (Shouting over the chaos) Securi—

(The screen cuts to a picture of a Maryland Blue Crab holding up a sign that states “WETT is having technical difficulties!”, before cutting to a commercial of a group of ladies talking about their bowel movements while eating yoghurt.)

Jessica Lee: Please don't put your feet up on there...

Tara Norwood: Why? You told me to make myself comfortable. Yer lucky I left my boots on!

JL: But that's not wh--

Stage Manager: Jessica! We're live!

JL: (Pauses, then puts a brightly smiling face) Good evening! I'm Jessica Lee, sitting down with another of the characters from Mythos - Miss Tara Norwood! Thanks for coming by, Tara.

TN: Thanks fer havin' me, Jessie!

JL: Haha, that's Jessica, please. So who are you in the story of Mythos?

TN: Well, Jessie, I'm actually the best friend of Ky - the main character. Me an' them's been friends since we was real young, 'bout 8 or 9 years old, I reckon.

JL: It's Jessica. So you've been friends with Ky basically all your lives. The catalyst that begins the story is the death of Lisa Harrison, Ky's ex-girlfriend. Were you and Lisa close?

TN: With Lisa? I mean... listen, Jessie--

JL: Jessica.

TN: (Without even pausing) -- I honestly barely knew 'er. While Ky and I were friends fer 'bout fifteen years or so, I can't say we was always best friends. Up through middle school we was like a pair o' pigs in s***, happy as can be. When we got to high school though, things kinda changed fer us. I took an interest in athletic stuff, and Ky turned into one o' them emo drama nerds. They was always doin' weird things, like rollin' all them funny-shaped dice an' playin' their online games. We didn't hate each other or nothin', we was just mostly movin' in different circles.

JL: I see, and that's when Ky and Lisa met?

TN: Yes ma'am! There was dancin' in them plays Ky was in sometimes, an' Lisa was the dance team captain. She'd help 'em with their fancy stage dancin' and I reckon them two just hit it off. Dated fer years outta high school 'fore they split.

JL: Was the breakup hard on Ky?

TN: HAH! You said "hard on!"

JL: (Forces a smile, but stays silent)

TN: But naw, Ky an' Lisa felt they was driftin' apart when Ky dropped outta college an' Lisa was livin' on campus up in Towson. It was only 'bout a 20 minute drive... well, about a 3 hour drive on Fridays... but with Lisa's schoolin' added to that, they just kinda decided to do their own thing. Or I guess Lisa probably doin' someone else.

JL: You sounded a little scornful there, Tara - is that a little jealousy?

TN: F*** no!

JL: (Forced laughter) Whoa, you're definitely Ky's friend, talking like that, but try to keep it PG - we're live.

TN: Shucks, sorry Jessie...

JL: Jessica!

TN: (Smirking and obviously enjoying herself) Naw, I'm Tara - I think we went over this.

JL: (Obviously not enjoying herself) Right. So you and Ky became close again after they broke up with Lisa?

TN: Yep! I ain't never bothered goin' to college, an' without Lisa takin' up all of Ky's time we could hang out again.

JL: So you feel like Lisa was monopolizing on Ky's time, perhaps keeping you away?

TN: (Pause) ... I reckon I don't like where yer goin' with that thinkin', Jessie.

JL: O-oh. I was only aski--

TN: (Coldly, her eyes suddenly hard) You just gon' just keep askin' me 'bout Lisa?

JL: (Swallows) Ah, no... no no... (Glancing nervously to the teleprompter) Right, so outside of your relationship with Ky, what can you tell us about yourself?

TN: (Suddenly all smiles again) Well, before I came into Ky's life an' made it a million times better, I was actually livin' on my parents' farm out west in Hampstead. My folks sent me here to Baltimore to live with my grandparents when I was a kid, an' that's how I met Ky. Nowadays I'm a cashier at the Endrox station out in Ellicott City.

JL: Ah, alright. Looks like we're coming up against a break, Tara. Is there anything else you would like to say to the players at home before we wrap up?

TN: Hmm... I reckon if I had to say one thing, it'd be this: Don't assume you know how anythin' works goin' into this. Our world ain't yours.

JL: Alright! Thanks for your time, Tara...

TN: Aw, no problem, Jessie! I'd be happy to stop by again!

JL: Oooh, haha... that... that definitely won't be necessary. (Looking to the camera) That's all for tonight. Tune in next week when we have Sophia joining us! From WETT Baltimore - I'm Jessica Lee with Nine of Swords Studios. Until next time, keep the legends alive!

Stage Manager: All clear!

JL: Ugh. Someone bring a drink to my dressing room.

The following is the first in a series of interviews of the Mythos cast, giving you an idea of the personalities and motivations of the characters in the world. Think of these as a sort of "behind the scenes" glimpse into Mythos, where the characters can talk about their role in the game.

Without further ado, I'll pass this along to Jessica Lee!



Jessica Lee: Good evening! I'm Jessica Lee, and here with me are the main characters from the upcoming game Mythos. Or... rather... I guess only one of you is the main character? How does this work?

Ky: Thanks, Jessica. So at the very start of the game, the player chooses which of us they want to play through the game as - male or female. Then they can choose my first name and my nickname - if they go with the default, no matter my gender, my nickname will be "Ky".

JL: Did you both... just speak at once...?

Ky: No, just me.

JL: (Clearly unnerved) Alright... so what can you tell our viewers at home about yourself?

Ky: Honestly, my life is pretty boring at the start of the game. I'm working as an IT rep for a local insurance company, just kinda muddling my way through life, when I find out my ex-girlfriend died.

JL: That's Lisa Harrison, right?

Ky: Yeah, Lisa. She was great, and we parted on... I guess good terms? But it's not like we really stayed friends after that. We sorta drifted apart. I found out about her death when I stumbled upon a friend's post on social media.

JL: Social media? Do you mean Tw—

Ky: Just social media. Nine doesn't want the Muskrat to sue.

JL: Right, right. So you discover Lisa's passing - what next?

Ky: Well, it's a weird feeling, you know? Even though we hadn't talked in years, she was still a pretty big part of my life, y'know? Plus, Lisa was healthy. Like even without keeping in direct touch, I saw she still was a dancer in her off-time and just kept in good shape. I wanted to know how she died, but it's really uncomfortable to just like... ask someone out of the blue "hey, I know we haven't talked in a while, but... how did Lisa die?" So with all that, I decided to go to her funeral to see if maybe I could learn about what I'd missed in the last few years of her life.

JL: I see. Now it says here that this string of events has you "find yourself fumbling through the hidden society of supernatural beings that lurk in plain sight" Can you elaborate on how that comes to pass?

Ky: Haha, well obviously I can't give away too much, or I'll spoil the game. But let's say that, starting with the funeral and some chance encounters I run into right after it, I start digging into what could have caused Lisa's death, because like... nobody actually seems to know. She's just dead. Before long, I somehow find myself being an investigator, and sticking my nose into places I probably shouldn't.

JL: So you sorta play detective?

Ky: Well, yeah! The stuff that the crew and I start to uncover are things you really can't go to the cops with. Supernatural stuff.

JL: Sounds spooky! Are there going to be horror elements involved?

Ky: Believe it or not, no! It's a game about a murder with supernatural terrors all about, but it's really just a mystery-comedy. Like if you've ever seen films like "Murder by Death," "Clue," or "Knives Out," you're probably on the right track. It's like that, but with sorcerers and s***.

JL: Whoa! Hahah... language, Ky!

Ky: Oops, f***, I'm sorry! AH! S***, I did it again.

JL: Well! That's all the time we have for today, folks. Join us next time when we have an interview with Tara Norwood!

Ky: Oh, god, you'd better have a drink beforehand. That bi—(Microphone cuts off)

JL: Thanks for watching! I'm Jessica Lee with Nine of Swords Studios. Until next time, keep the legends alive!