Back Row: Compusmurf, Archman, Oleg, Alexander (Neutrino-X)Front Row: Cherries Jubilee, Falc, SoftHart On Sunday, October 25th at 15:00 in-world time, the Entropia community was introduced to the First Annual Skillin' Villains Haunted Castle, and to King GonG, Lord of Darkness, who claims to be the Master of the Creatures who dwell in the darkness. This introduction took place at the Castle of Death (Deathifier's mansion) on Treasure Island. The story goes that King GonG has existed for centuries, and long before any modern age with its conveniences and luxuries. It is said that King GonG's insatiable appetite has kept him seeking new subjects, and with Halloween close at hand, this Lord of Darkness has risen from a long rest and invited his next potential victims into the darkness. However, he also warns us to avoid the inhabitants that dwell there. The estate looked quite normal the day before with sunshine, blue skies and whispy clouds overhead. Even as the day progressed into evening everything seemed as it should with a peaceful feeling during dusk and the rising of the Calypso moon above the castle. However, the night became progressively eerie as the Calypso moon moved slowly across the sky. Vapors in muted colors seemed to have been drawn into the night sky, like exhaled breath in the dead of cold. Strange sounds could be heard from a distance, fading only with what seemed to be a rustling coming from within the castle walls. As the eerie night and the moon gave way to a rising sun, it became even more apparent that something was not quite right, and this was not going to be an ordinary day. More prominent sounds were coming from within the castle, and the lake next to the estate was shrouded in a thick milky-colored mist. It was only upon approaching the courtyard of the castle that intentions of King GonG, Lord of Darkness were made clear. ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK Fire breathed from the entrance of the castle. Attempts to keep visitors away were made. It gave one pause as to whether or not it was worth intruding on this obvious hostile environment, but curious lot that we are, there was no keeping us from quenching our desire to know what lurked within this haunted darkness. Many felt that if they dressed themselves as goulish as possible, and/or carried their own deadly weapons, that it might save them from any potentially horrifying experience. George Ace Skywalker SoftHart Compusmurf & Blood Moon GenX Adam Heineken David Westmoreland Perhaps it may have been a bit of a saving grace, as many survived not only the moaning, groaning, and crying, but the maze that had been constructed in a previously empty room in the castle. While navigating the maze in the darkness, one was met with the eerie sounds of what could only be considered to be the spirits of the dead. The whimpering and crying-out was often muffled with what seemed to be cannon fire. Flashes of light illuminated the otherwise dreary confines of the darkness. Photos adjusted for viewing only, the environment was actually very dark. Desire, DJ from Atlas Haven Radio provided music to somewhat help soothe everyone’s frazzled nerves, but even she was found to be in danger as the penetrating sounds of the night air were driving visitors mad. As the night progressed, it became clear that the creatures of darkness were not happy that their domain was being invaded by the curious. At one point, a couple of them were barring the doorway of the castle and blocking visitors, killing them if they should attempt to enter. It seemed even their own were not safe in this frenetic environment, and a swift example was presented to all as a message to not risk entrance into the deep, dark passageways of the castle to invade this once-a-year rise from sleep of King GonG. It was later learned that this particular creature of the night who swiftly lost his life had broken the Hallowed Rules by joining in a dance group moving in rhythm to the sounds provided by DJ Desire. There's something about night music around Halloween that captures your spirit, and it seems that the melodic sounds held the attention of this creature long enough to join in the festive moment, ultimately to his detriment. Make no mistake, the message is loud and clear … Beware, be very aware of the dangers that lie within. There is no question that there are things going bump in the night, and that King GonG, Lord of Darkness has called upon the inhabitants of the castle grounds to walk in death as we approach this annual All Hallows Eve. There is more, as wildlife outside of the castle walls seem to also be drawn to the darkness in some state of aggressive behavior. The warning is clear ... if you dare to enter this realm of darkness and risk your senses, do so carefully, because ... Even Entropians Gone Mad Await You ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK .
