gooseberryhigh | Entries tagged with ! npc: staff

goosemods

In the aftermath of what Jade experienced, students are informed of some changes around campus.

The buddy system is now mandatory. Being caught alone away from the grounds of the lodge or a campsite will be a punishable offence. If you're unable to find a buddy, staff or an Auror will escort you.

Curfew is now 8:30 PM. All students must be at their house campsite by curfew. Staff will be joining prefects for nightly headcounts.

MACUSA has insisted on doing additional patrolling along the trails, and Aurors will be seen more frequently from now on. Students are reminded not to bother the Aurors unless they need help or see something that concerns them.

Locations such as the Quidditch Pitch, Stables, Artificing Shed, and Greenhouse will be closed unless an adult is present. This is to ensure that no one ends up stranded without a buddy.

There are new signs up across campus, reminding students not to leave the trails. If they see something, they are to report it to a prefect or staff member instead of investigating themselves.

goosemods

Thanks to the efforts of Jade Otterwell, within the hour Ursula de Luca was freed from the basement and Stewart Ocean, an Azurcrest freshman, was caught.

Headmistress Bloom decided to not hold Ocean's actions against Azurcrest, and awarded Jade 30 points for the rescue. Reece Downing and Mackenzie Prince are informed that Ocean will be serving detention for a month and attending counselling for the foreseeable future. They may tell the younger prefects in their house, but are asked not to make his punishment a public matter.

However, Mr. Merrill agrees with Reece: Azurcrest needs to clean up their act... as well as the trails! Azurcrest as an entire house will be forced to spend the afternoon shoveling snow around campus to earn their house extra points. (Mini IC/OOC to come.)

An anonymous individual (Marie Patterson) went to staff saying that Rosemary Stoker was mean to another student. Mr. Hightower pulls Rosy aside to ask what's going on. She appears to be under a lot of stress lately.

goosemods

In the morning, the blizzard has passed, but everyone is detained in the lodge, apparently so Mr. Covington and other staff can have time to clear the snow on the trails to the campsites. A black-robed MACUSA agent stands at every exit, and the mood is sober as everyone settles in for breakfast. Headmistress Bloom stands up and makes some announcements:

The "Strangers" entered the lodge during the storm and attempted to cause wide-scale panic. They may have imitated a friend or trusted adult and said something to try to upset you. However, it's been determined that these doppelgangers are easily dispatched by basic defensive spells and jinxes, and will likely run rather than fight. Although staff recommends that students disengage if they encounter another doppelganger, Ms. Lilywhite is offering lessons in Duelling Club and in the DADA classroom during non-class hours for anyone who needs help handling themselves in a fight.
The MACUSA contingent lead by Director Grimshaw is working to contain the situation. In the meantime, students should not take unnecessary risks. The buddy system is mandatory when travelling the trails. Do not go into the forest. Do not go to the Grotto. Anyone you buddy up with from your cabin or the lodge will be safe, for reasons detailed below:
Security has been tightened on the cabins. The doors and windows to a cabin will be magically locked by default, and can only be opened at the touch of one of the cabin's inhabitants. Any outsider visiting a cabin must be escorted in (and out) of the cabin by one of its inhabitants. (Prefects and staff may be granted access to a cabin in case of emergency, but by default, they're not able to come in.) Mrs. Bloom says that the MACUSA has assured them that this measure will work to keep the doppelgangers out of the cabins, although she doesn't elaborate on how they found this out.
Everyone must be magically scanned by an Auror before they can enter the Lodge. Two agents will be posted at every exit of the lodge, and will scan their wands over everyone who wants to enter, to assure that they're not a doppelganger. It's recommended that students should come to the lodge for classes five minutes than usual so they're not held up by scanning. (There will also be scanning at the entrances to the Artificing shed, greenhouse, stables and Quidditch pitch.) Every evening after the lodge is closed at 9 PM, Aurors will do a patrol of the school to ensure that no one has been left behind or forgotten.
If anyone is struggling with that they saw on Saturday, Dr. Perry's office is open for new appointments. ("I also accept drop-ins!" he calls out, interrupting Mrs. Bloom.) Please make use of the counselor's services, he is here to help.
Be critical, but do not lose faith in your friends. If someone you care about acts in an unusually hurtful way, they may be a "Stranger" and you should attempt to disengage. Communicate with your friends often to avoid any doppelganger-induced discord. The teachers at Gooseberry are doing our best to protect you all and provide you with a good school experience.

Students will be permitted to leave the lodge after breakfast. Aurors watch carefully for any imposters trying to enter, or any dangers coming from the forest.

goosestaff

After dinner, Sylvester Stoker and Reid Wainwright are called into Ms. Vector's office for a mandatory meeting with her and Mr. Thorn. The mood in the room is tense, but the two strict teachers get right down to business. They don't mince words.

For attacking a fellow student, Sylvester Stoker is being benched until the new year, January 1. This means he will not be participating in the game against Azurcrest.

He may keep his badge and act as Captain during practices, and he'll have to decide whether he'd like Ira Ashworth or Dinah Dixon to replace him for the next two months or so.

Mr. Thorn makes it clear that if it were up to him, Stoker would have his badge removed permanently.

Further inquiries will be made into whether or not Stoker is a fit captain. This means that interviews will be set up with his team, Coppertale senior and junior prefects, the Coppertale Cheer captain, and the other Quidditch captains.

Stoker has a week to tell his team, after which it will be made clear to senior prefects and the victim of his attack how and why he was punished.

With that said, the boys are dismissed. You can attempt to ask questions or make arguments if you like, but Mr. Thorn and Ms. Vector rarely sway from their decisions. This sounds like a done deal.

Elsewhere, Calvin Evercreech is being spoken to by Mr. Hightower about implications that he had, in fact, tried to frame Stoker. Ribbonfin junior and senior prefects (and the Head Boy) as well as Calvin's roommates will be asked if they can vouch for his character or his whereabouts.

goosemods

( RETURN TO THE GROTTO )

goosestaff

Today, there is a mandatory assembly before dinner. Ms. Vector first gives a run down of the procedure for attending prom tomorrow. Students will be taken on buses to a location where there is a portkey service to the space that was rented for the evening. If they plan on returning to the school and not staying the night, they will be brought back to campus at 11:00 PM.

If students are staying overnight, they're reminded to pack appropriately. There will be a continental breakfast in the morning, and everyone will return to campus at 10:00 AM.

This is quickly followed by a stern reminder that anti-prom is strictly forbidden, as is the Grotto. Students found going to the Grotto will receive detention, lose house points, and may be suspended from extracurriculars like clubs and Quidditch teams. They'll find that there's now a fence blocking the way to the path that leads to the Grotto, which will alert staff if people jump it or go around it.

It looks like anti-prom might be nothing but a dream, unless some enterprising volunteer finds another way...

goosestaff

Today after lunch Mr. Merrill sets up a large box in the atrium. (He was a big fan of the dance, by the way! He started an enthusiastic standing ovation even as the dancers and musicians were returning to their seats as though nothing had happened.)

"Now what I need from you kids is very important," he explains seriously. "I need all of you to find your silliest item of clothing, and then I need you to put it in this box." He pats it for emphasis. It's a bottomless wooden box with a lid that lifts on heavy-duty hinges. Items put in can't be taken back out, in the interest of stopping potential thieves, but Mr. Merrill will retrieve items for you if you change your mind.

He promises that all items will be returned to you over the weekend, but does suggest that no one donate anything they couldn't live without.

What this means is that we would like the students of Gooseberry to reply to this post with a description (or a link to a photo) of an unusual, silly, ugly or unique item of clothing (or accessory) that they might have in their possession. You'll find out why tomorrow!

BRIBERY: The person who donates Mr. Merrill's favorite* item of clothing/accessory will get a Felix Felicis Laced candy, as detailed here. You have until midnight tonight (11:59 PM 4/20).

The same character may make multiple donations.

* The one that makes the mods laugh the hardest.

goosestaff

At 6 AM, when the doors to the lodge open, students can find this list posted on the bulletin board next to Mr. Thorn's office:

( GOOSEBERRY CHEER ROSTER )

goosestaff

After receiving multiple student complaints, Mr. Thorn requests that Christopher Park and Levi Kramer come see him in his office after classes end. It's immediately apparent that the normally upbeat Quidditch coach is in no laughing mood when he tells the boys that if they want to skip this chat, they can consider themselves removed from the school team.

"We talk a lot about pro scouts and showing up Ilvermorny, but Team Gooseberry is meant to represent the school, first and foremost. Bullying and harassment aren't qualities we want Gooseberry to be known for, and they're definitely not what I want associated with the person I've trusted to lead. Being on this team is a privilege. If you don't think so, there are a dozen kids who'll take your spots. And sorry, gentlemen, but I hold my players to a higher standard than Vector or Merrill do.

"Chris, you're no longer captain. Levi, if you're serious about wanting to play pro, then you should learn to show respect and restraint. Attitude can mean the difference between first string or staying on the reserve bench." Thorn crosses his arms, looking at Chris and Levi in turn to make it clear that his next words are addressed to them both. "If I hear about another incident like this again, you're off the team. Consider this your one chance." He dismisses them with that warning.

Before junior bonding begins, Mr. Thorn tracks down Clementine Decourt for a talk.

He gets right to the point. "Clem, I'm making you the new captain of the school team. Roster's the same otherwise. Game against Ilvermorny's on March 12. That's three weeks. Plenty of time to get settled." Thorn pauses a moment, his demeanour softening. "If you need help, I'm here, but I know Fiori and Stoker respect you and will offer advice." He laughs. "Not that you're forced to listen to them. I'm more than confident you can handle this."

goosestaff

( MANDATORY SEX ED ASSEMBLY )

goosestaff

Since Katya Ivanova has the whole Friday afternoon free, Mr. Merrill asks her to walk with him to his office right after lunch. Although he tries along the way to be his usual chipper self and set her at ease with jokes, it's obvious once he closes the door that this will be a serious conversation.

( Merrill comes right out with it... )

goosestaff

This morning, a black car with the MACUSA logo drives up to Gooseberry, and nosy students see two strangers step out. One is a tall, thin man with glasses, the other is a very short but capable-looking young woman. It seems as though the disappearance of Ulysses Quayle has attracted the attention of the government, but exactly who are these people? Well, if you ask around a little, you might discover they're...

( Dr. O'Hare & Agent Larke )

goosestaff

Ennis Harper organizes his classmates to try a whole slew of different divination methods to try and guide the search parties. There’s a strong message: Ulysses Quayle is in the woods.

What this means is that from this morning until Ulysses is found tonight, all Divination characters have open season to make an accurate prediction about Ulysses. The only answer they receive, however, is the very vague sense that HE IS IN THE WOODS.

If you wish, you may use this post to describe what your character tried. There's a small chance we may give you a special bonus result... if it's natural and fits the criteria. (There are no guarantees, however.) Please note that staff will be discouraging students from leaving the trails today—which isn't to say that characters can't, but if your character's readings take them into the forest, they should do it when a teacher isn't watching!

(Ali, we see your email, we will be with you in... a time the length of which I'm not sure of. But I hope this answers at least some of it! ♥)

goosestaff

By 4:00 PM, Ms. Vector officially concludes Ulysses Quayle is missing and potentially in danger, very likely having gotten lost in the woods. She doesn't want to cause panic, but nor does she want to deny the issue at hand. Ulysses' parents are contacted, and his sister, Cricket, is called in to speak to Headmistress Bloom about the situation.

After classes conclude, the majority of staff members can be found searching all corners of the lodge, the trails and the surrounding area, alongside worried students. However, when the sun goes down at 6:00 PM, teachers insists that students cease searching the woods, although they can keep walking the trails and visiting the lodge.

"Please, if you can, stay inside," Mr. Calderon-Boot implores. "Curfew remains unchanged. We are doing everything that we can to continue searching, but right now, what will help us most is not having to worry about the rest of you. If any of you need someone to talk to, we're here for you."

Curfew will be watched especially closely tonight, and members of the faculty can be spotted wandering campus, searching for Ulysses late into the night. At 10:00 PM, Heads of House will come personally to confirm headcount with all prefects. The one exception is Ms. Vector, who is preoccupied with the search, and is replaced by soft-hearted Mr. Calderon-Boot in Coppertale.

goosestaff

At 6 AM, when the doors to the lodge open, students can find this list posted on the bulletin board next to Mr. Thorn's office:

( TEAM GOOSEBERRY ROSTER )

goosestaff

Multiple prefects at this point have come to the staff about what's been going on in the woods. During dinner, Ms. Vector stands up to make an announcement on the subject.

"Students, we want to let you all know that the recent events in the forest with an unknown magical entity are being looked into. The staff have already had multiple discussions about what has changed and why, but until we have diagnosed the problem, we want to emphasize the importance of school rules. They are for your safety. Do not go out after curfew, do not go to the Grotto, and always stay on the trails."

"And," a voice cuts in. It's Mr. Calderon-Boot. "Stop responding to the anonymous writer. There's strong evidence it has something to do with the woods. Plus, the whole thing is terrible for school morale and encourages bullying. That's not the atmosphere we want here at Gooseberry."

Mr. Merrill looks sceptical about that connection, but no one else speaks up to refute his point. Vector thanks Calderon-Boot, and turns back to the student body. "We've been lenient with you all until now," she says. "The forest has always protected the children of this school. But until we better understand what's happening, the rules will be strictly enforced. Curfew is from 10 PM to 6 AM. No sleepovers and no camping."

goosestaff

During dinner, Mr. Merrill leaves the following notes with his senior and junior prefects, and the Head Boy:

( Memo to Cecil Honeychurch )

( Memo to Quinn Cunningham )

( Memo to Jesse McBride )

( Memo to Reece Downing )

( Memo to Katya Ivanova )

( OOC NOTE )

goosestaff

During lunch comes the moment everyone's been waiting for, although Headmistress Bloom seems exasperated with having to deliver schoolwide lectures, and keeps this one short. She reminds everyone that sledding down the hill to Azurcrest is against the rules and has been for years, and that's not changing any time soon. Everyone who was present yesterday afternoon knew that and have received a blanket punishment: loss of twenty-five house points each, one week's detention, and two weeks banned from the sauna (if applicable). The Heads of House have contacted your parents about engaging in dangerous activities and underage drinking (if applicable).

"Come on, everyone," Bloom finishes. "Stop doing such stupid things."

( The following characters have been punished... )

Mr. Merrill asks Quinn Cunningham and Jesse McBride to see him in his office at 12:45 PM, after they've finished eating. (Cecil Honeychurch can attend this meeting too, if he wishes.) He also keeps it short. "Listen... I know we're the 'fun house', but I still look to you guys to stop these things. You're both smart, and you know when it crosses a line. I want Azurcrest to be the place where kids are free to have fun and make mistakes, but it's becoming a problem when we've also got the reputation for not caring about being responsible or keeping each other safe. Guys, I know that's not true. I'm relying on you as the senior prefects to make sure that's not true." He sighs. "That's all. I mailed your parents this morning, and you can help Cecil decide how everyone in Azurcrest should serve their detentions."