#wrhq.plotdrop

[woodrowhq]

PLOT DROP: The Restoration DATE: Tuesday, September 6, 2005 TIME PERIOD: 8AM-5PM LOCATION: The Greenhouse

"Quite a day you all have ahead of yourself. Though I'm sure Richard would be proud that you are all deciding to breathe life back into his mother's greenhouse."

Thanks to Angus and Natalia, the task on the itinerary today is to restore the greenhouse to its former glory. The two have organized tasks to help clean out and refresh the space, aiming to leave a clean slate for Davis, the Head Groundskeeper, to work with next time he visits. The wards can look forward to a day filled with shoving rotted wood and wilted plant life into wheelbarrows, with the possibility of a bonfire out on the lawn later to burn away the remnants of neglect.

The greenhouse held a special place in Richard’s heart, once cherished by his mother who spent countless hours nurturing her beloved plants within its walls. When Richard welcomed the wards into his home, he shared his mother’s passion with them, teaching them the same care and techniques she had taught him. Once most of the wards had left, Richard felt little desire to visit the greenhouse as nurturing the plants there was usually one of the ways he'd spend quality time with the wards. Since, the greenhouse has been shown little love, bearing the weight of neglect and the passage of time.

"I've had the Janet and Marianne lay out a station of tools and equipment for all of you. Anything else you might need will be in the work shed. I've got some things around the house to tend to but I'll have Francesca and Angela bring out some water and lemonade so you all stay hydrated. I have every confidence that you all will do a wonderful job."

PLOT DROP TO FOLLOW: The Circle from 5PM onwards

(OPTIONAL) TASK: Share an early memory your character has had at Woodrow House.

It could involve Richard, but it doesn't have to. It could also involve the Green House, but doesn't have to. Simply share a significant memory they had as a young child at Woodrow. Between the ages of 5-12. If your character was not at Woodrow House at this time, share a significant memory they had during this age range. (I realize this might result in a lot of content warning heavy tasks since the wards largely have traumatic backgrounds, but maybe that's the fun of it!)

[woodrowhq]

PLOT DROP: The Hunt DATE: Monday, September 5, 2005 TIME PERIOD: 9AM-3PM LOCATION: Woodrow House

"Good morning, everyone. I trust everyone had a hearty breakfast, yes? I have a surprise for all of you. A scavenger hunt."

In homage to Richard's fondness for scavenger hunts, Mrs. Tristan has organized one as a way to break the ice with the wards, get everyone reacquainted with their old stomping grounds and working together again. The wards are to go around the house, finding and solving riddles that lead them to various locations within the estate. Along the way, they will hopefully encounter familiar spots filled with memories of their time with Richard and feel their sense of camaraderie reignited.

"I have to admit: I'm not very good at scavenger hunts. I can't very well take credit for the adventure you're all about to go on. This scavenger hunt was planned by Richard. He wanted to have one for his 75th birthday, but not everyone could make it, and he said he didn't want to do it unless all of you were present. So I suppose since you're all here now, all sixteen together, we can carry out one of his last wishes, yes?"

PLOT DROP TO FOLLOW: The First Dinner from 6PM to 8PM

Solve the scavenger hunt. Refamiliarize yourself with your old stomping grounds. There are 16 clues. A prize awaits at the very end. Mrs. Tristan leaves the first clue on the dining table for you all to analyze. HOW TO PLAY: Explore Woodrow and find clues. Go line by line. Move slowly. Once you find a clue, share it in the #day1-scavengerhunt channel on Discord so the wards can discuss and solve for the next clue together.

Written on a small piece of bright yellow paper that has been unrolled, the clue reads:

Where fun and laughter fill the air, seek the room where games are fair.

BEGIN YOUR HUNT.

[woodrowhq]

PLOT DROP: The First Dinner DATE: Monday, September 5, 2005 TIME PERIOD: 6PM-8PM LOCATION: The Dining Room

"Good evening, everyone. Please, take your seats."

As evening falls, the wards gather in the grand dining hall for their first dinner at Woodrow House without Richard. Lit by flickering candles and adorned with elegant table settings, the atmosphere is both somber and reverent. One look at the table and the dishes are easily recognized: Richard's favorites.

"Tonight marks our first dinner together here at Woodrow House without Richard. It's a bittersweet occasion, but I believe it's important for us to come together and honor his memory. Tonight's menu is a tribute to Richard's favorite dishes: stuffed mushrooms, the ever-classic Caesar salad, clam chowder, and roast chicken with smashed potatoes and a medley of vegetables. And for dessert, we have apple pie with vanilla ice cream, just as Richard loved. Do enjoy."

Mrs. Tristan won't be joining you as she has never liked eating in the dining room, finding it far too extravagant for her humbles tastes, but she suggests that perhaps each ward might share a cherished memory or story about Richard, keeping his spirit alive in their hearts.

"Well, I'll leave you all to it. Have a lovely dinner."

PLOT DROP TO FOLLOW: The Restoration from 8AM to 5PM

TASK: What was the last interaction your character had with Richard before he passed?

You can either share it with the other wards in a starter or you can have your ward reflect on it privately in a self-para if they are not inclined to speak openly.

[woodrowhq]

PLOT DROP: The Wake DATE: Sunday, September 4, 2005 TIME PERIOD: 12PM-9PM LOCATION: The Lawn at Woodrow

"Ah, Dick... You'll be missed more than you know."

Richard's wake takes place amidst the tranquil lawn of Woodrow House. Tables are elegantly decorated with stunning floral arrangements and a collection of photographs showcasing Richard's life journey, from his adventurous escapades to his notable achievements over the years. Adjacent to it, an open bar awaits, offering a selection of beverages including sparkling cider, coffee, tea, and artisanal sodas.

The air is thick with a mix of sorrow and gratitude as guests share anecdotes of Richard's profound impact on their lives and the wider community. The wards find themselves thrust into a flurry of social interactions and condolences from Richard's extensive network of friends, colleagues, and connections, torn between the desire to honor Richard's memory and the urge to conceal their own grief.

PLOT DROP TO FOLLOW: The End of The Day from 9PM onwards

(OPTIONAL) TASK: How does your ward view Richard?

There's endless droning of how great people think Richard is. One of Richard's friend's from college keeps referring to him as 'Dick' and it's driving you insane. Share your ward's perspective of Richard and what experiences occurred for them to view him that way in a self-para. Optional: Create a section on their Pinterest board inspired by their relationship.

[woodrowhq]

PLOT DROP (ISH): The Circle DATE: Tuesday, September 6, 2005 TIME PERIOD: 5PM onwards LOCATION: The Great Room

"Nothing like a hard day's work isn't there, dears?"

As the evening descends upon Woodrow House, the wards find solace in the comfort of the Great Room, their tired bodies seeking respite after a long day of restoration work in Richard's greenhouse.

Amidst the familiar surroundings of overstuffed sofas and plush armchairs, it's easy to remember the days of their youth when this room served as something of a playground, echoing with the laughter of their carefree antics. They used to spend their afternoons running around the sofas, jumping on them, and engaging in epic Nerf gun battles, all under Richard's amused gaze. When they grew older, the Great Room became a sanctuary where they would unwind after school, indulging in snacks (vegetable sticks and hummus) and heartfelt conversations about crushes or the highs and lows of their day.

Mrs. Tristan sets a tray of ice cold lemonade on the table. It feels all too familiar.

PLOT DROP TO FOLLOW: The _________ from 7AM to 6PM

(OPTIONAL) TASK: Reflect on a memory your character had in the Great Room as a teenager.

Delve into why this memory holds such importance for your ward. It could involve Richard, but it doesn't have to. Simply share a significant memory they had as a teenager at Woodrow in this grand room. Between the ages of 13-19. You can either share it with the other wards in a starter or you can have your ward reflect on it privately in a self-para if they are not inclined to speak openly.

[woodrowhq]

PLOT DROP (ISH): The Clean Up DATE: Wednesday, September 7, 2005 TIME PERIOD: 9PM onwards LOCATION: The Spare Room / The Secondary Kitchen

"Well, I suppose that... concludes our evening."

The Spare Room is quiet, heavy with Reece's honesty hanging in the air. Mrs. Tristan holds a hand to her middle, silent for a long moment before she finds her voice once more.

"Tomorrow, there will be an outing. A volunteer day of sorts. You all will be leaving bright and early at 8AM after breakfast. More details will be shared then."

Mrs. Tristan leaves room for another pause, letting the future plans sit with the wards for a beat before she continues. This wasn't the mood in which she intended to reveal this news but she also had no idea Theresa intended on being so candid tonight.

"Those who didn't participate this evening, I trust you remember where the Secondary Kitchen is... If for some reason you need more dish soap, you can find it on the bottom shelves of the pantry."

She moves to smoothen the non-existent wrinkles on her dress.

"I'll be off to bed, but I do expect to find the kitchen to be spotless and with all the dishes put away when I wake up tomorrow. Have a... good night, dears."

Well... It's time for the unwilling wards to make their way to the secondary kitchen of Woodrow House. Piles of plates, cups, and utensils litter the countertops and are waiting to be cleaned... Anyone want to check in on Reece?

PLOT DROP TO FOLLOW: The Volunteer Day from 8AM to 5PM

(OPTIONAL) TASK: Write a self-para of your character reflecting on the first time they were tasked with chores as a punishment for a wrongdoing they committed.

During their younger years, Mrs. Tristan would task the wards with doing dishes or yard work if they were unruly. Is your character a stranger to doing chores as punishment? Or are they very familiar with the large sinks of the secondary kitchen?

[woodrowhq]

PLOT DROP: The Talent Show DATE: Wednesday, September 7, 2005 TIME PERIOD: 6PM-9PM LOCATION: The Spare Room

The Spare Room at Woodrow House had been transformed into an elegant setting for the evening's impromptu talent show. Four round tables are arranged in cabaret-style seating, each accommodating four wards, and organized in a semi-circle facing the center of the northmost wall. Dim lighting has created a cozy, intimate atmosphere, with soft candlelight flickering on each table.

At the heart of the room, a baby grand piano now sits, having been wheeled in by Hank and Mrs. Tristan's assistants. Mrs. Tristan, looking particularly elegant this evening in a modest black dress (covering her arms and past her knees of course), stood at the side with a hat full of names. She would be drawing the names of the participating wards to determine the order of performances, adding an element of surprise to the night.

As everyone settled into their seats, the air buzzed with a mix of nerves and excitement. Let the show begin.

(Order of performances can be found on the Discord under the #updates channel.)

TASK: Write a self-para of your character presenting their talent. (For participating wards only.)

Feel free to explore what inspired the ward to pursue this form of art, when they picked it up, how/if Richard encouraged them to excel in it, and if they continued to practice it in their lives or stopped after leaving Woodrow House.

[woodrowhq]

PLOT DROP: The Talent Show DATE: Wednesday, September 7, 2005 TIME PERIOD: 7AM-6PM LOCATION: The Spare Room

"Wouldn't that be just lovely? I'll have Angela and Francesca set up the spare room."

Mrs. Tristan must have poured crack instead of sugar in her oatmeal this morning because at breakfast, she suggested that the wards hold a talent show to showcase their diverse talents and skills in honor of Richard's love for the arts. The wards will take turns performing music, dance, poetry, or any other form of creative expression that they excel in as an homage to all the creative pursuits and institutions he's supported over the years.

"It'll be absolutely delightful. I can't wait to see what you all come up with. Dinner and a show. How about that?"

If your character refuses to participate, they are tasked with clean up duty for dinner and the makeshift event. Do towers of pans and dishes really seem more appealing to you than standing in front of your pseudo-family and reciting a sorry excuse of a poem? Choose wisely.

PLOT (ISH) DROP TO FOLLOW: The Clean Up from 10PM onwards

You have quite some hours ahead of you before the Talent Show. Time to figure out what you're going to do later. The Music Room and Art Room are at your disposal. If you'd like to avoid thinking about having to perform later, you can help Mrs. Tristan and her assistants prepare the Spare Room for this evening's festivities. A task will be published when it's time to present your character's talent in a self-para. From now until 6PM when it's time for dinner and the talent show, you can have your ward do whatever they'd like. If your character doesn't intend on participating in the Talent Show, you will have the option to write a starter or self-para of what they do instead/of them reacting to everyone else's performances.

[woodrowhq]

PLOT DROP (ISH): The End of The Day DATE: Sunday, September 4, 2005 TIME PERIOD: 9PM onwards LOCATION: Woodrow House

“Thank you for taking the time to honor Richard's memory.”

With the funeral and wake concluded, guests bid their farewells and depart from the manor. As the staff begins cleaning and tidying up, the wards prepare to wind down for the evening. A week of contemplation lies ahead, the looming countdown to decide the fate of Woodrow House, beginning tomorrow. But for now, it's time to retire to the rooms they once called home, reflecting on memories of their upbringing before drifting off to sleep.

Or maybe they don’t want to sleep. Maybe they can’t. Either way, Woodrow House is yours to explore. How does it feel being home without the man who brought you there?

PLOT DROP TO FOLLOW: The _______ from 9AM to 3PM

(OPTIONAL) TASK: What is your character’s favorite room at Woodrow House?

Delve into your character's preferences and personality by identifying their favorite room within Woodrow House. Explain why your character feels drawn to it. This provides insight into your character's interests, comfort zones, and perhaps even their past experiences or memories associated with that particular space.

[woodrowhq]

PLOT DROP: The Funeral DATE: Sunday, September 4, 2005 TIME PERIOD: 10AM-12PM LOCATION: The Cemetery at Woodrow

"We gather here today to honor the life and memory of Richard James Woodrow III."

The day starts with a solemn and dignified ceremony to bid farewell to Richard Woodrow. Held in the private cemetery on the property, he is to be laid to rest beside his beloved Adelia, whom he tragically lost many years ago.

The funeral draws a multitude - Richard's friends, colleagues, community members, his steadfast staff over the years, and, of course, the wards. Together, everyone gathers to honor Richard's memory and pay their heartfelt respects to a great man who profoundly impacted the lives of many.

When the somber gathering at Richard's funeral comes to a quiet pause, the wards are invited to step forward and share a few words in honor of the man who changed their lives.

PLOT DROP TO FOLLOW: Richard's Wake from 12PM to 8PM

TASK: Share a few words in honor of Richard.

Write a self-para sharing what your character says in front of the crowd at Richard's funeral. Describe the emotional state of your character as they address the crowd. Are they overcome with grief, struggling to maintain composure, or do they straight-up look like they'd rather be anywhere else? Set the tone for who your character is and how they feel about Richard.

Optional: What is your character wearing to the funeral? Feel free to make an edit. Each ward's choice of attire could also offer insight into their personality or status, with some dressing more formally or conservatively while others express themselves through unique or unconventional clothing choices.

[woodrowhq]

PLOT DROP: The News DATE: Friday, September 2, 2005

It is with a heavy heart that I write to you today...

A courier arrives with a letter marked with Mrs. Tristan's elegant cursive. With a sense of foreboding, you open the letter and read the devastating news: Richard has passed away, leaving behind Woodrow House and its vast estate.

TASK: How does your character react to learning of Richard's passing?

Where were they? What were they doing? Each ward might react differently to the news of Richard's passing based on their relationship with him and their individual personalities.

To read Mrs. Tristan's letter to your ward, open the envelope.

Dear [insert ward's name here],

It is with a heavy heart that I write to you today to convey the most unfortunate news: our dear Richard has passed away.

In accordance with Richard's will, I must inform you that he has bequeathed Woodrow House and its vast estate to all sixteen of you. It was his wish that you, his beloved wards, inherit the home that meant so much to him.

I understand that this news may come as a surprise, and the circumstances are undoubtedly difficult. However, I urge you to come together in this time of need. Richard's funeral will be held on Sunday, and it would mean a great deal to him to have you all present to bid him farewell.

Please make arrangements to return to Woodrow House as soon as possible. We will gather to honor Richard's memory and support each other through this trying time.

See you soon, dear. Take care on your journey back home.

With heartfelt condolences,

Mrs. Tristan

P.S Please be aware that according to Richard's will, you all have a week following the funeral to come to a decision regarding the future of Woodrow House. Kindly set aside time from your responsibilities accordingly.