[Intriguingly enough, closer inspection reveals that the walls themselves are painted a uniform dark brown; it's not the wall itself that's a deeper color, but something clinging to it. As a matter of fact, the swirls and whorls bear an unsettling resemblance to the tentacles of shadow that they'd dealt with in the morgue a week ago, following the same shapes and designs.
So, then: one of what are probably many of this basement's defenses. Shadows that cling to the walls, camouflaged against paint chosen deliberately to be dark and obfuscating. They don't seem to have a problem with Alucard's descent; a retreat, however, may well be another story.
There's also a hint of magic down by Alucard's feet, radiating off the steps. Closer inspection, particularly with the help of light, will indicate that each step has a small marking carved into it, down near the base and in the corner where it's easily missed.]
no subject
So, then: one of what are probably many of this basement's defenses. Shadows that cling to the walls, camouflaged against paint chosen deliberately to be dark and obfuscating. They don't seem to have a problem with Alucard's descent; a retreat, however, may well be another story.
There's also a hint of magic down by Alucard's feet, radiating off the steps. Closer inspection, particularly with the help of light, will indicate that each step has a small marking carved into it, down near the base and in the corner where it's easily missed.]