middaeg | MASQUERADE: Noveur 7

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!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"That's what I call it, anyway!" she laughs, and hand in hand, begins to pull him out towards the dance floor.

"I'll warn you, though, I don't know any of the steps, and if I step on your toes by accident, it's gonna hurt."

"Warning taken," he answers with a chuckled grin as he lets her pull him out onto the dance floor. Not like he'd intended to resist anyway. Dancing seemed to be a natural expectation at a party such as this, in his own mind.

Although he does take a moment to skin an assessing gaze down her form as he follows her.

"Are you going to be insulted if I say I may have had worse?" The Iron Bull had really big feet. Then again, the Iron Bull had really big everything.

Tsutha laughs. "Insulted? More like impressed! What, have you been dancing with giants and ogres?"

Orcs are one of the taller common races on Shartis, but there are certainly others larger. Though, nothing that would look like the kind of person her partner is talking about.

He just grins at her question. "I can't say I've danced with them, but I've certainly faced off a few in my time. They're a pain in the ass to fight. Especially when I come up to maybe their knees."

"But no, I wasn't referring to them. One of my close companions from home is a Qunari." Realizing she might not know what that is, he stumbles over his words to try and describe the race from his world. "They're huge, they average at about 7 feet but some are even taller. Most of them have massive horns, like a bull. They're also some of the most skilled fighters in my world. But a few of them are fond of dancing, as well."

Or maybe that's just the Iron Bull. He's fond of a lot of things Brennan never associated with Qunari.

"Oh yeah, giants are a bitch and a half to fight. Thankfully, most of the time they're dumb as rocks, so even somebody like me can outsmart 'em, but still... Not fun." Though, Tsutha would take a giant fight over a beholder fight any day.

At the description of Qunari, Tsutha's jaw drops, looking totally impressed. "Man, I want to meet somebody like that! Are there any Qunari here?" She knew there were monsters with horns here, but she didn't know if any of them had them naturally or were seven feet tall.

"A valid point. Although sometimes I think the real skill is outlasting them, rather than outsmarting them." Because damn, had those been some long fights. Except that one time the dragon had done most of the work for him before he got there. The only time he's ever been thankful to accidentally run into a dragon.

He grins at her reaction to the Qunari, because honestly? Him, too, Tsutha.

"Not that I've seen here, no. Although Iron Bull would probably love being a faun, from what I know of them."

"Outlasting is a tricky one. I've only got so much magic I can use." Especially here, where she has to relearn all her spells from scratch.

"Iron Bull. Is that the friend you mentioned?" It does seem to Tsutha like fauns would have fun, but in all honesty she doesn't know too many of them to know for sure.

"Ahh, so you're a witch, then? Could you wield magic before coming here or is it new to you?" His eyes light up in interest at that, because he was finding the changes to what he knew about spellcasting fascinating. He's blaming Dorian for that.

"And he is, yes. He was a mercenary when I found him, offering the services of his group to aid in helping resolve a particular threat in our lands. Although he and his Chargers ended up doing much more and staying much longer than anyone just there for a job."

"Yup!" Tsutha nods, chuckling a bit. "It's still weird to call myself a witch when I'm used to thinking of myself as a sorcerer. But yeah, I've always been able to use magic. I was born with it." Having to learn to cast spells from scratch has been pretty annoying, but Tsutha's making do.

"That's pretty cool. My friends back home and I are kind of like that. Mercenaries who travel around helping resolve threats and such."

"I can imagine the change in titles is a strange thing to get used to, indeed. In my world, people who are born with magic are simply called 'mages'. My Bonded is one - and he's none too thrilled about having to learn everything from scratch either."

Her words about what she'd done back home only make him certain that he and Iron Bull would get along great. He just grins. "I can see that, actually. Did you enjoy it?"

"Yeah, it is definitely weird. Mages is a new one for me, too, though. We have all kinds of different spellcasters back home, but if you're born with it, then you're a sorcerer." Tsutha has a feeling that if she was a wizard or a bard instead, like her friends Walter or Marzia, she would have an easier time learning magic in a classroom.

"Oh, boy, yeah I did! Traveling the world is great. I can't even tell you about all the cool stuff we saw!"

"In my world, you're either born with magic, or you're not. There's very few other options in between." At least that he knows of. Enhanced abilities aside, the lines were fairly clear-cut.

"Why don't you tell me about one thing, then?"

"One thing?" Oh, there's so much to choose from. Tsutha thinks back to all her adventures with her friends.

"Well, there was this one time when we had just finished some adventure or another, and then our friend Mazon got kidnapped by a dryad and brought to the Feywild, because she wanted him to marry her. We had to go after her and bring him back. That was pretty crazy."

Brennan blinks for a moment before giving a low chuckle.

"You know, I've heard of wedlock being a trap before, but I think that gives new meaning to the phrase. I'm sure your friend was very grateful. I take it the Dryad probably wasn't so thrilled with the loss of her groom?"

MASQUERADE: Noveur 7

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