MASQUERADE: Noveur 7

[rightfoot]

WELCOME TO THE MASQUERADE

I. Arrival

The event starts early evening, Noveur 7, thanks to the help of several hands. They had worked for a couple of days prior to the start to get the large ballroom decorated to everyone's liking. The day of the event, earlier on, a few may have appeared to do some final touches. Those who had stayed behind to help with some last minute decorating, Louis had cleared out and advised to leave so that they could get ready for the masquerade.

a. Outside

When you approach, you will find that the outside of the building is a perfect location for a masquerade. There's a large ballroom, granted to them for use by the Coven. They had been kind enough to allow them to have the space and necessary supplies in order to throw such a party. And, it's clear that they took every advantage of the granted space and land around them.

There's a gorgeous, outdoor fountain, and lights underneath the water to give it a pleasant, warm glow through the water. If you watch it long enough, the lights seem to shift colors. There's gardens surrounding the building, as well. The gardens, like the fountain, have low, warm lighting around them so that the plant-life will be clear well into the late night.

There's benches outside as well, with a clear view of the fountain - so if someone needs to step outside or take a break from the indoor events, they can enjoy the fresh air and the warm, calming feeling from the fountain and gardens. This is a perfect place to escape when you want to relax away from the bustle of a party.

b. Inside

The entryway has open curtains, gold - and tied back with a burgundy rope. There to make everyone feel as though stepping inside, they are making an entrance of their own. Once you step inside, you'll notice the grand ballroom with high ceilings is fully decorated. It is clear that a lot of effort and time went into this, thanks to the help of many different people and several sets of hands. The colors that seem to be continually present are gold, reds, and purples. Though from time to time there may be splashes of other colors and personal touches from those who had helped in places - mostly in the form of masks hanging on the walls, or balloons scattered in places away from the main dance floor.

From the main ballroom entrance, straight ahead, is the main dance floor and to the right - refreshments. Near the refreshments, there are a several standing tables to set down a drink or stand around to socialize with friends or people you've just met. In addition to the standing tables, there's a couple of dining tables and chairs so that you can sit and eat, drink, or chat.

Inside the main ballroom there's a few gaming tables scattered around - including card games with some dealers around where you can gamble, and pool tables. Make a wager or play for fun, it's all up to you. Additionally, on the floor Kaito will be performing magic tricks to entertain individuals and small groups throughout the floor. You'll be able to catch him periodically through the night.

There are a few hallways leading to several rooms, and it all depends on what you're looking for, but no matter what it is, you can probably find it.

One of the rooms has the silent auction. Here, you can look at some of the things that are up for bidding. There's several interesting, enchanted items including: weapons, jewelry, books, instruments. They are protected, as well, so they can only go home with the winner.

Don't worry - there's signs posted everywhere so you will be able to find what you're looking for.

c. Enchanted Masks

You're welcome to have brought a mask that you had picked out for yourself, or - if you prefer, you can pick up an enchanted mask near the entrance of the party itself. These enchanted masks will conceal all distinguishing features, whether they are as simple as horns and scales, or as large as a set of wings. The only obvious features will be what a character is wearing, whether it is their attire, mask, or both.

You aren't obligated to wear them, of course, but they do provide the total anonymity that is often part of the excitement at a masquerade such as this. These effects are only present when one is wearing the mask. The moment the mask is off, any distinguishing features are immediately visible.

It's a perfect opportunity to have a little fun and engage with someone you may not have spoken with otherwise.

This enchantment will wear off the next day at sunrise, so you may keep the mask you pick out for yourself at the party.

d. Photobooth

Near the front of the ballroom there's a neat looking photobooth set up thanks to the work of both Omi and Prompto. There's props so you can take fun or silly pictures with your friends or date for the night. The backdrop for the photobooth is magical, of course. With a quick flip the background can be changed to one you desire whether it's a different color, an entirely new environment. The photobooth will be available through the night.

Additionally, you'll be able to find Omi on the floor catching candid photos of the attendees. Smile!

II. Refreshments

Away from the dance floor are several tables with matching, deep purple, table cloths. On top of the table are a variety of foods - some brought by the attendees, others brought in thanks to the aid of the coven. You can expect to find at least something that you'll absolutely love when exploring the options. There's everything there - from healthier options like fruits, vegetables, and dip - to less healthy options such as cupcakes, and truffles. Food on sticks, and easy finger foods seem to be a very popular options.

While many of the options wouldn't even require a plate, there are some plates and utensils in shades of blue and gold available to use.

Next to the food there is a table featuring three punch bowls with three different flavors. One seems to be a fruit punch, one seems be purely berry flavored, and one - seems to be a bit of a surprise. It tastes a little bit different to everyone who tries it, but so far - there have been no complaints. Next to them, if you would prefer, there's pitchers of water.

Near the back corner, there's a bar with a bartender, there to serve those who would like a drink. Ask for a surprise, or your favorite drink, and you can have something mixed for you. Next to the bar, there are rows of the most popular bottles of alcohol. Though you won't be stopped if you take one, please tell the bartender so that they can keep their stock replenished for the other guests.

Drinks, of course, come free to those who are able to legally drink. Anyone underage will be met with a powerful enchantment that is acting as a method of preventing that from happening.

III. Dance

a. The Lock Box

Maybe you want to find a new dance partner. Maybe you want to find a new Bond. Maybe you just want to talk to someone new. The Lock Box is near the entrance of the ballroom. It's inaccessible thanks to both a lock and enchantment that are on it.

It's set up neatly on a table, with only it, paper, and a pen so that names can be written and added to the box. When you enter your name, another name will be produced from the box. It is clearly enchanted, of course. Once you're given a name, you and your new dance partner will be compelled to be near one another. This will last for about the length of a song - long enough to dance, or have a conversation.

Usually, only others who have put their names in the box will have their name drawn, but sometimes those who didn't put their name in the box will have their name drawn and will feel compelled to seek out someone who drew their name.

Sorry to those who didn't volunteer, magic isn't always the most predictable! Though you may get lucky and just find your next friend or Bond, so it's hard to get mad about it.

b. Song & Dance

Whether you picked your dance partner yourself, or were compelled to dance with your partner thanks to the Lock Box, the dance floor is ready for you. The music is enchanted, to provide a feeling of calm, relaxation, and joy. Characters will feel at ease, and even those who may not typically dance will want to get out on the dance floor.

Thanks to the talents of several Mirrorbound and collected records you'll have a variety of music all through the night. While much of it is upbeat, as it is encouraging individuals to dance. Whatever your mood, you will find a song that you'd love to dance to, as long as you want to dance.

IV. Gaming

Throughout the venue, there are a variety of gaming tables. There's poker tables with a dealer available so that you can play a game, place a bet - maybe you'll lose some cunes, maybe you'll win big. That's all up to how good you play the game. Note: Dealers (and the party host) are not responsible for any losses that occur when gambling. Play responsibly (or not).

There's also some pool tables available to those who wish to play. These table are open to anyone, and they are free to play. There's only a couple of tables available; however, they are scattered throughout the venue.

Set up near the bar are three long tables with only an array of cups and a printed set of rules for a game that some may recognize as none other than something very closely to beer pong. In place of the ping-pong balls there's a small, plastic coin that is used. Have fun drinking with friends while playing a game. What's not to love?

Are you looking to play a game in a quieter space? Down one of the hallways there's a couple of game rooms where you can not only find decks of cards and a pool table, but also a variety of popular party games such as charades. You'll also be able to find a room for those who want to settle in for a game of chess or checkers.

V. Late Night

The lights dim, just a bit more as it starts to turn into a late night, though there doesn't seem to be any sign that the party is ending. Small, glowing trinkets are brought out when the party seems like it should otherwise be dying down. These trinkets are - of course, to your taste, whether it's a bracelet, a ring, a necklace, or just simple something small that almost resembles a wand. This will glow up to a month, so you should like what you pick: whether it is for for you or is to act as a gift for someone of your choosing.

The music is meant now to entice you to go a little wilder than they may have been earlier in the evening. Most of the food has been replaced and only small, quick snacks have been brought out for those who were still wanting something a bit to eat. Alcohol is still readily available to each and every person who is able to legally drink, of course.

You're welcome to - quite literally - dance until the sun rises or until you just can't stay awake any longer.

Note: Please see the questions thread if you have any for me - don't be afraid to ask. Please assume all characters received fliers this year, and anyone who would have wanted to work would have had the opportunity to help setup. As there are a variety of performers through the night, I did not note any specific ones and will leave that up to the performers discretion.

Please place any warnings, including 18+ content, in the subject line! Thank you!

Comments

[tothemetal]

[there's laws about that now, actually...although there's probably some sort of strange harpy commentary to be made in a world such as this one.]

You sure? You picked it up first 'nd all; not like there isn't other stuff I could grab instead.

[no one has ever, in Styx's life, offered him food other than for the express purpose of laughing at him biting into something that's been tampered with. and yet the only thing holding him back now is the fear of taking something (quite literally) out of the hands of someone who might need it more.]

[bingyun]

Have you?

[he arches a brow curiously, letting his eyes sweep over the table once more. he's right, there are a lot of things on offer. too much.]

What have you tried? How did it taste? Does any of it seem unusual to you?

[rapidfire questions, one after the next.]

[tothemetal]

[that's a lot of questions assaulting the sensibilities of a man who struggled to get through a restaurant menu even when prepared. his brows furrow and his lips press into a thin line, every inch of his body being commandeered into helping him catch any of that and claw his head to back above water.]

Uh...had a lot, by now.

[he'd asked about that one right? and...how it was. there had been another question as well, but it didn't quite fit into the context of the others - and so his brain reinterprets it as an awkward way of asking about which had been his favorite. Styx hoped. slowly (very slowly) regaining his momentum, he turns slightly to face the table and gesture broadly at all of the plates he's sampled from.]

Probably easier to tell you what I haven't had, haha! But it's all been killer, man. Real killer.

[he scratches the side of his cheek, contemplating, and then passes the ultimate judgement.]

Think the best ones're the chicken curry over there 'nd...mm, probably the little weenies. They're super crispy!

[bingyun]

[it's all been killer. yan bingyun's eyes get wider at those words, because guess who isn't up to date on his slang. he reaches out for styx's wrist while the other man is still talking about weenies.]

Quickly, salt and water. We'll induce vomiting. You won't die tonight.

[you've given him valuable information and he must thank you for it.]

thank you for giving me exactly what i wanted

[tothemetal]

Huh..?

[for someone so big, he takes to unexpectedly handling quite well. when Yan Bingyun grabs his wrist it stills instantly, docile in the man's grasp even as its owner stares at him with absolutely no understanding anywhere in his expression.]

I - huh!?

[and now the alarm has set in, his eyes practically popping when he leans in to gape at his companion. what was - why - since when he was dying?!!?!?]

D-dude, what's that even mean!

it was the perfect opening

[bingyun]

If we act quickly, we may purge enough of the poison from your body.

[not yet letting go of him, yan looks around until he spots a shaker full of salt. he grabs it, but water is surprisingly more elusive. whatever bubbles up in the fancy glasses isn't what he's looking for. it's likely tainted as well.

but then he remembers something.]

There's a fountain outside. We'll draw water from there.

it wrote itself tbh

[tothemetal]

The -

[poison!?!?!?!!??!? the big guy's face had been perfectly robust moments before, but it drains of color instantly when he hears that word. the urgency with which the man was acting made it clear even to him that this wasn't a simple case of food poisoning, but when had it happened? he's felt fine the whole night?

...oh, god. had someone been mad about how loud his playing onstage had been? this was totally a metal sort of way to take revenge. oh fuck, oh shit -]

Come on, dude! We gotta go!

[the fact that a total stranger somehow diagnosing otherwise symptomless poisoning and then offering to help is a ludicrous scenario at best simply doesn't occur to the idiot. Styx is swept up in the danger, completely in fear for his life now. the hand the man was holding shifts to wrap around his wrist now, and then he's pulling Bingyun towards the exit - and the fountain - at a near gallop.]

[bingyun]

[finally, someone takes his suspicions seriously. there is no place in the world that's without dangers and enemies, and this city is no exception. he's not wrong about that.

it's just the part where those dangers and enemies might be presenting themselves here tonight that he's mistaken about.

yan bingyun scoops some water up with a cup, and then contemplates just how much salt is needed to do the job. his eyes shift to styx and....well, he's a big guy. he adds all of it.]

Quickly.

[he urges, not liking the man's pallor. bingyun lifts a hand, trying to reach his forehead with the back of his hand. there's sweat, but no real fever that he can feel.]

[tothemetal]

[that's...a lot of salt going into that cup, wasn't it? Styx watches with growing trepidation, thinking that he must really be on the verge of death to need that much. why didn't he feel worse? a poison that deadly, without any serious effects...it felt like something meant for a spy, not an idiot like that.]

Yeah. Thanks, man.

[thoughtfully, as one used to being the largest person in the room, the drummer leans in slightly to facilitate the check of his temperate while accepting the cup of salvation from Bingyun's hands. this was...an awful thing to contemplate, honestly, but if it was this or dying did he really have a choice?

he hesitates only long enough to find somewhere 'polite' to deal with the aftermath - this large bush, he guesses - and then...well, best to do it all in one gulp, right? maybe it won't be so awful if he doesn't taste much of it.

...the retching starts almost immediately.]

[bingyun]

[it's not pleasant business, but yan bingyun has seen - and heard - far worse. after a moment he steps over to the bush as well. yes, get it all out.]

I can't promise that you won't feel weak for a few days. But all things considered, you should live. [he sighs, closing his eyes and bowing his head slightly forward.] I am Yan Bingyun, your ally in this place.

[tothemetal]

[as much as one can while puking up a large portion of their meal for the evening, Styx tries to be considerate of the fact he has someone watching over him. his head remains bowed even as the convulsion cease, shielding the unfortunate dribbles of acrid spit which fall to the ground once his stomach has found nothing else to upend from itself. it tastes bad...but he supposes that it's been quite some time since he's thrown up.

Styx wipes his mouth with the back of his hand and sighs; he still feels too weak to stand, but he can at least brace his massive hands on his knees and look up at his savior now. watery through his expression may be thanks to all of the unpleasantness, the gratitude in his eyes is sincere.]

I owe you - [Yan? Bingyun? Bingy??] - dude. Like...shit, you saved my life.

[and with no benefit to himself, damn. after all, how useful could he be as an ally? but he still inclines his head in kind when the other man does so, mimicking the gesture he'd seen Vincent unconsciously make at home on occasion.]

'm Styx. You ever need something, let me know. Like, anything.