[EVENT] MASQUERADE! PAPER FACES ON PARADE

[khuimods]

Characters: Anyone and everyone!
Date: October 20
Location: Aisling Tower grounds
Situation: It's the annual event! The Aisling Tower hosts an elaborate masquerade to celebrate Shadow Nights.
Warnings/Rating: In individual threads - please remember to warn!


As dusk falls on October 20th, the bone white spire of the Aisling Tower gleams brightly in the fading sunlight. Once a year, the Tower throws open its doors to begin the official Shadow Nights celebrations. It's a lavish and popular event, attended by all walks of life in Aifaran.

But as the Night Parade approaches, the excitement in the air is tinged with trepidation about the barrier. Perhaps the donning of masks will help Aifaran shed its fears.


In the week leading up to the masquerade, the Tower is a flurry of activity while things are rearranged and set up for the influx of visitors. A special room is designated to provide suitable attire to rent for the evening to those who cannot afford fancy clothes as a staple of their wardrobe. All for the low price of the dry-cleaning bill for the outfit!

When the day finally arrives, preparations are made in earnest during the morning and afternoon, festooning the surrounds with seasonal decorations. The steady deliveries of food, drink, and decor create a buzz about the place. Tables dressed with fine cloth are brought into the courtyard and as the gates open, spirit lanterns in a variety of shapes and colors are lit, and the courtyard shines invitingly as guests arrive.



At the base of the Tower, an atrium that makes up most of the ground floor has been cleared for the masquerade. Wide, sweeping ramps lead upwards, dotted with tables and some cushioned benches for seating. The upper floors of the Tower are still off-limits to the public, and discreet guards stand watch. The interior of the Tower is done in whites and creams, with accents shimmering like pearls. As a result, the vibrant costumes and decorations stand out all the more distinctly, a riot of color across a blank canvas.

Let Shadow Nights begin!

---

OOC Notes: The Masquerade log is available for threading throughout the rest of the month. While there are starters available for threading, feel free to create your own top-level comment! Enjoy the festivities.

Comments

VICTUALS AND LIBATIONS

[khuimods]

Tables of hors d'oeuvres and drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) are placed along the edges of the courtyard and the temporary ballroom inside the Tower. Laden with rich foodstuffs, both sweet and savory, there are examples of cuisine from each of the Alliance races. Some of these look better than they taste or vice versa, and some are simply inedible to certain species. Watch out for the sea prunes! Placed carefully away from where it might be knocked into are several truly spectacular cakes that will be cut at the end of the night, along with other, less precarious desserts.

someone has to guard the fancy cakes

[acicular]

Given the fact that the whole concept of a masquerade is alien nonsense to Antarcticite, it should not come as a surprise to anyone who has come to know them that when they show up to the celebrations, they are, in fact, attired only in their Verdant Sentry uniform. Mind you, they have taken extreme care to ensure it is pristine and with nary a wrinkle to be seen in the fine fabric, but they still seem quite out of place amongst the excitement and revelry.

Stiff and poised and a bit reproachful of all this frivolity, they've taken up a position beside a table festooned with gaudy decorations, and several enormous cakes. Someone has handed them a glass of wine, which they are holding and regarding warily, but certainly not consuming.

(Do you take pity on them, or come to harass them?)

THE REVELS

[khuimods]

The dance floor is alive with countless partners enjoying the live music. Popular bands throughout Aifaran are hired for the evening to serenade party-goers with music from all walks of life. It ranges from slow and somber, to rhythmic and spine tingling, to fast paced and upbeat. Dreamfolk may even recognize variations of popular songs from their world.

People of all ages are putting their best foot forward tonight and cutting a rug on the dance floor.

The Revels | Open

[redlightgreenlight]

There are plenty of dancers on the floor, and enough different styles for everyone to have a good time. A traditional Kedan dance picks up and Valdis happily joins in, knowing the steps to this one from long ago. There's laughing and twirling, moving from one partner to the next. A few of the other dances she has to watch for a bit before finding the steps, but her partners are happy to slow it down and show her a move or two. It's an over all friendly atmosphere. The music slips into something a little slower and she moves off to the side to catch her breath. The night is young, she doesn't need to stay on the floor all night. Besides, it's nice to watch all the glitter and costumes as they move around the floor.

"This brings back memories," she says to the person next to her.

THE COURTYARD

[khuimods]

At the edges of the courtyard or in one of the terraces around the Tower, colorful candles light the way, creating a more intimate atmosphere.

Unfortunately that cozy intimacy is short lived as stepping into the clearing, one is assaulted by a raucous din. The rowdier (and drunker) party goers have taken over the area. Like inside, there are tables of snacks and drinks out here too, though the hors d'oeuvres aren't the dainty party food, but rather what one might expect at a pub in the small hours of the morning after a night-long bender. There's a lot of grease, cheese, and sugary, salty nuts.

The party games are a bit raunchier - one group is reciting dirty puns (though why Igheeri find ceiling grout particularly scandalous is anyone's guess), and there's a circle of people with one in the center, blindfolded and spun around, planting kisses on random strangers who've chosen to participate (or in the case of the short Kin'nal, licking kneecaps).

Further along into the courtyard away from the light and noise, is a tent where some have gathered to tell scary stories. Anyone headed inside is handed a candle, and once their story is told, they have to blow it out. Only when all the candles have been extinguished does the game end.

Scary Stories | Closed to Devin

[redlightgreenlight]

The opportunity to spread a few myths was too good to pass up and since there seemed to be interest in hearing stories from the worlds of the Dreamfolk, Valdis was all too happy to oblige with one that the humans of her world had come up with. The legend of the Barghest and how its cries were said to be a harbinger of death, how a traveller had encountered one while performing a death ritual and had died by its teeth. There was an awed apprehension in the tent by the time she had finished, some wariness, but not fear. The fear would come later. Valdis blew out her candle and slipped outside after listening to a few other stories, mostly uninterested. The night was still young and she had plenty more to do. The courtyard was loud, but not so loud and distracting that she didn't recognize Devin's presence.

"Going to relate some scary stories?" She asked, "It is quite entertaining, though perhaps moreso for me considering I can twist my tales to suit the mood of the room."

COSTUMES ON THE CATWALK FOR CHARITY (THINK OF THE ORPHANS)

[khuimods]

One of the lecture auditoriums has been repurposed into a makeshift catwalk for all attendees to strut their stuff and show off their hard work. The judges don't seem to have any particular criteria and they give out an array of small prizes for any number of miscellaneous things. Fluffiest tail? Sparkliest body glitter? Many of the participants put on little skits, or play a tune, or recite some dirty limerick, and to enter one need only donate a silver crescent rhinn or more to one of the charity organizations at the masquerade.

The charities vary, but are all for supporting the disadvantaged in the city; making sure the elderly or ill get the care they need, building homes for those without, sustaining faculties for orphans, etc.

[OOC: Feel free to use this comment to post images of your character's outfit if they have chosen to take part in the contest!]

[redlightgreenlight]

If it weren't for the insistence of her designer friend, Valdis would have ignored the catwalk entirely, but seeing as he had designed the dress, the exposure was the least she could give him.

The dress had been designed to look like chainmail and armor. Fit for a warrior queen, he had said when she tried it on.


Her hair and mask complemented that theme quite well.





It made for an impressive and striking image, one that she didn't really mind in the slightest.

[ninjainviolet]

If this hadn't been for charity, Sheena would definitely not have set foot on the stage. But thanks to that and the insistence of others, the ninja found herself on display, showing off her costume. Which she had basically culled together using a formal kimono,



A long white wig,



And a matching mask.



All in all, not really a bad disguise, right?

BATCAT ADOPTIONS

[khuimods]

Introducing… Cat Bats! Literally winged felines that flapped out of the most recent shunt. These creatures were found to be surprisingly tame, likely to be descendents of domesticated pets from the world the shunt opened to. They're terribly cute and they've been tested at the Aisling Tower for any diseases or other dangers, and found to be quite lacking. These Cat Bats are quite small, completely black in colouring and rather excellent when it comes to pest control. Their nocturnal habits make them great pets for night owls, and the first batch of freshly weaned kittens will be up for adoption at the Masquerade, and after that expect them to be an increasingly common fixture throughout Aifaran.

One can find these adorable little rascals stowed in a room full of cat trees and hanging perches - anyone can go inside and play with them for a short time. Each kitten has a number on their collar and should you find there's one you want to take home with you, they ask you put your name down, pay the adoption fee, and your new friend will be ready to go home with you in a little carrier.

[OOC: Two dozen kittens are available to adopt - make sure to comment here if you would like one! Please limit 1 kitten per character.]

THIS GUY PLS

[afoolsgold]

1 BATCAT FOR THIS BOY PLZ

[soloflight]

Like anyone’s surprised :p

1 for Yuuko, please!

[shaini]

yesssss

Re: BATCAT ADOPTIONS

[ninjainviolet]

Sheena's going to be there somehow...so one Bat Kitty for her please!

1 for this kid!

[lightbranded]

+1 for Alice!

[makebelieveavenger]

she does like felines even if she doesn't consider them particularly altruistic

ONE FOR GENE, WHOSE ACCOUNT I AM CURRENTLY NOT LOGGED INTO

[squidiot]

OPEN

[soloflight]

A • PARTY ANIMALS (LITERALLY) • catbat forest

Jacen honestly had no plans of attending the masquerade, but when Anakin said that they should go... well, how could he refuse? It was hard to deny his brother anything these days — for reasons he hadn't admitted to anyone on the island, not even to the brother in question.

Fortunately, the event offered many entertainment options other than dancing and dining, and to his delight, there was a room where one could play with and adopt catbats. And while he wasn't averse to socializing, the idea of spending the night with the cute kittens instead was very appealing.

So the catbat forest is where Jacen can be found during the first hour or so of the party. Technically visitors are only allowed to stay for a while, but he's so good with the kittens that he's become as much of an attraction as the creatures themselves.


B • WALLFLOWER • dance hall

Jacen stands by a wall in the dance hall, a glass of wine in one hand and his newly-adopted catbat on his shoulder. He's no stranger to social functions, being a Jedi apprentice and the son of a diplomat, but he's content to watch from the sidelines tonight, already entertained by the dancing guests and the emotions swirling in the air.

Anakin's sneaky attempts to get him to eat more have paid off, because he certainly looks much better, despite the thick rope-like scars around his wrists, visible because of his rolled-up sleeves. With the attire and mask he'd chosen for the night, he looks rather dashing, albeit in a rugged sort of way. (A lot like his smuggler-turned-general and galactic hero of a father, in fact.)

"Not a bad way to spend the night," he says to his catbat with a smile, reaching up with his free hand to give it an affectionate rub.

B

[highprofilerichkid]

Man, those flying cat things are popular, aren't they? Tony isn't sure what to make of the phenomenon, because he's never had a pet or really been an animal person, but... he has to admit, they are cute.

There's even one guy standing on the sidelines who has his catbat critter sitting on his shoulder. It doesn't seem to mind the hubbub of the party.

"That is a really chill alien flying cat thing," Tony observes. "Aren't you worried it's gonna fly off? How do you catch an escaped catbat?" He eyes the adorable little fuzzball skeptically. A flying pet seems like a lot of hassle.

OPEN

[lasergrenades]

A - BOTTOMLESS PIT

Anyone who knows Pepper well knows that she likes food. A lot. Not quite as much as shopping, but she can chow down as much as athletes several times her size. It is entirely possible she needs the fuel to maintain her energetic persistence about... well, nearly everything she's interested in. Tonight, she seems to have made it her personal mission to try a little bit of every dish, though not all at once. Several times throughout the night, Pepper disengages from dancing or games to go sample something new, often bringing back enough for Bakura or whomever she happens to be hanging out with at that moment.

"I am not actually sure what's in this, but it's amazing," she praises, holding out a tiny cube of pastry that is baked with some kind of seafood inside.

B - DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY

Pepper knows exactly one dance that isn't a line dance, and that is the waltz Tony and Solomon taught her back in Keeliai. Beyond that, she's mostly just making it up and having a blast doing it. Her dress is longer than she usually wears, but that only means occasionally gathering up her skirts to move more quickly. Her date has not been especially enamored of dancing at these things in the past, so Pepper makes a point to drag any of her slightly-less-reluctant friends onto the floor for at least one song. She might take invites from a few strangers, too (or apparent ones, if their mask actually hides their identity). Her own mask is definitely not intended to actually disguise her.

C - BEHIND THE SCENES (Closed to Bakura)

Although there is security at the Tower intended to prevent people from wandering too far, it is by no means an impenetrable net and there are assuredly a handful of party-goers who slip through it every year. Besides, sneaking past a guard to explore more of the Tower isn't some grand heist. If it were, Pepper might prefer not to know about it in advance. Tonight, though, she's insisting on coming along so they have a front line of defense that neatly fits into the narrative of a party instead of magic.

"You're a bad influence," she teased, affection evident even in a hushed tone. This was hardly the first time Pepper had broken the rules.

A!

[makebelieveavenger]

Alice didn't laugh often but seeing someone else chowing down was surprisingly validating.

She wasn't really in costume - but then again, when you looked like an immediate relative of the Addam's family, you were already born pre-costumed. Black dress, black coat, and it was hard to tell if the dark circles under her eyes were make-up, exhaustion, or a bad case of the consumption. Despite Alice's most recent conscious years being spent in abject poverty, she'd splurged on the boots for the party. Black leather, silver buckles, and very sensible soles. The black and grey cat mask was on top of her head, grinning its unnatural grin at the ceiling.

"I'm taking home seconds," she whispered conspiratorially to Pepper, opening her black coat to reveal the inside lined with pockets where she'd stowed wrapped bits of food. "Is there anything you'd like me to save for you?"

[annihilist]

A - ICICLE IN THE COURTYARD - OPEN

It had taken some convincing for Devin to agree to attend the masquerade. He'd only gone to the last one because he worked for the police in Keeliai and had been there for security purposes. Even though he is not employed by the Sentry, when Devin arrives he opts to stick to the margins. Seeing as he would have a hard time hiding who he is to anyone who knows him, Devin is wearing a black brocade coat and a simple blue mask (lower).

Once he gets himself a glass of wine, he finds a spot at the edge of the courtyard to observe the festivities rather than engage in them. As is his habit, Devin keeps an eye out for trouble, which includes occasionally steering a few drunk attendees towards a couch or an exit before they topple over bushes or break something.

B - THE REASON FOR COMING - Closed to the Fool

In order to avoid a public announcement of their relationship and because Devin hates being the focus of attention, he and the Fool chose to arrive separately. This is part of why he's been aloof at the party; when the Fool does get here, he wants to be able to disentangle himself without arousing suspicion. That, and he's not really a fan of parties.

Undoubtedly, the Fool will make an entrance few will miss, so around the time he's supposed to arrive (and accounting for the inevitability of being fashionably late), Devin drifts back towards the gateway into the Tower grounds. He has some ideas of where they can find more privacy but no pre-determined meeting spot. So long as Devin can find the Fool (which will not be hard, he is certain), they can withdraw from the main crowd without too much difficulty. The anticipation is completely unlike what he's used to during hunts, and he tries to ignore it without much success.

B

[afoolsgold]

Some people say less is more. But more is also more, and this is evidently the guiding principle that informs the Fool's every wardrobe choice when he is given even the barest opportunity to flatter his vanity.

When he arrives at the masquerade, he does so in the same manner that he seems to arrive anywhere: as though he's simply appeared here without the need for trifling things such as traveling. (Does Aifaran have an Uber equivalent? That might explain things.) His mask is undoubtedly the most ostentatious and eye-catching of his accoutrements, its contours enhanced by the judicious application of face paint and the elegant fall of his braided golden hair. In comparison, the layers of deep sapphire blue silk, velvet and tule that compose the rest of his genderless garb are far less eye-catching... except for when he turns just so in the evening light, and the peacock feathers reveal themselves amidst the fine fabrics.

He's go big or go home about these things.

And thus far, aside from being accosted by a few familiar faces, he doesn't appear to have made his grand entrance yet. Instead, having spotted Devin, he lifts his chin and strolls over to him with a coy, delighted little smile tugging up the corners of his lips, and turns about before him with a little flourish of his wrists.

"What do you think?" he inquires lightly, then adds with a tip of his head, "Too much?"

open

[quietsolo]

a. catered events

Even though he hasn't been here very long, Anakin was curious to see what the event was all about. Talking his older brother into coming wasn't much of a problem either because as much as the kid wanted to come - he wouldn't have gone alone. As adventurous as he might be sometimes, attending a party without one familiar face is just too much for the eleven year old.

He doesn't need Jacen to remind him to say away from the alcoholic beverages being offered but Anakin is collecting a little bit of everything offered at the food table. It seems a waste to not try it all when presented the opportunity. And well, if he can talk his brother into trying a few things then that's even better.

Thanks to the various lessons he's been given in etiquette, Anakin doesn't pile everything onto his plate at once. Which means he can be found coming and going on multiple occasions. If it looks as if someone is having a hard time deciding, he's more than happy to point out a few of his favorites.

"This one is really good if you like something with a fruity sweet taste."

b. ain't no party like a dance party

Truthfully, Anakin is here more for the music than the actual dancing. He's curious to know what might all be played and if anything might be familiar. The dance floor is also perfect for people watching despite many faces that are hidden behind masks much like his own. Unsure of just how many others his age might around it makes him aware that people might be drawn to him simply because of that, Anakin had gone for a vibrant colored outfit which would make him stand out a bit but was also quite comfortable. If he's going to stick out no matter what then he might as well do it and be comfortable about it.

One good thing about hanging around the dance floor is that it does make it a little harder to talk above it so he would have a good reason for not saying a whole lot. He may have been the one to get Jacen to come along with him but Anakin was still a quiet kid who tended to let others do the talking first.

c. wild animal attack

It doesn't matter if a kid's interest typically lies in solving puzzles or playing with technology, there's no way could he possibly pass up the catbat area. He already knows that his brother has been quite fascinated with all of the creatures this world has to offer and Anakin has the feeling that the Solo siblings will be going home with at least one new pet tonight. Even he has to admit that they're downright adorable and seem to be relatively harmless.

Knowing one of these creatures will end up part of the family is how he finds himself sitting on the ground while the catbats take to climbing on him as if he were an obstacle course. Anakin just laughs as one manages to scale his arm and make it to his shoulder. The kitten mewls at the conquest and he reaches up to scratch its head.

"Yeah, you faced down the smallest Solo mountain and succeeded in getting close to the top. You're very brave for making it this far." His tone is light and airy, a reminder that no matter how he often acts older that he is just a kid.

C.

[necrocabbage]

"If you're not careful, you might end up with one in your hair, and I can tell you that it isn't pleasant."

Trahearne is probably one of the odder-looking guests at this party, not only for being plant-like, but also for wearing a suit he grew himself accompanied by a somewhat eerie mask. He already has one of the small catbats hanging off of one arm, batting at a stray piece of leaf that it had managed to claw up from Trahearne's outfit. He doesn't seem to mind it one bit.

"I already have one at home, and she quickly discovered the joy of gliding off of every tall surface she can reach. Right after playing with whatever else might be up there, of course."

[ninjainviolet]

[ ooc: Her outfit is shown here ]

A: OM NOM NOM

Sheena's over by the tables, going over the food and drinks with a practiced eye. She's been here long enough that she should be able to figure out what's edible and what isn't.

"Should" being the key word here.

Unfortunately, she's being defeated by the food. There's so much of it that she can't seem to find anything she recognizes. Well, nothing ventured, nothing gained, so with a plate in hand, she takes a sample of the best-looking and worst-looking dishes.

And immediately regrets her choices as soon as she's bitten into them.

"Both of them? You've got to be kidding me!"


B: You should be dancin', yeah!

Parties aren't usually the ninja's thing, and tonight is no exception. For the most part, she's been keeping to the edge of the crowd, but the music keeps catching her attention. Finally, she's drawn to the dance floor, her eyes sparkling behind her mask at the lively music and dancing before her.

Despite not liking parties too much, Sheena does like to dance. For training, of course. Remembering her costume, she looks down somewhat disappointed--until the music changes to a slower tempo. Then smiling, she begins looking around for someone she knows.

Maybe Ilda? Or Yato? Or maybe someone she doesn't know will come by and save her?


C: She brings a real ghost to the party:

Air. Fresh, wonderful air. Something the ninja is enjoying immensely as she strolls through the area, her footsteps a light click on the stones beneath her feet. Despite the rowdiness near her, Sheena is finding the walk peaceful and calming.

Until that quiet reverie is broken by the sound of an argument.

Turning towards the sound, Sheena can make out a few things being said: "That's my girlfriend!" "That's how the game is played!" "She's with me!" And so on and so forth. And as most drunken arguments go, it soon turns into an all-out brawl.

Not Good.

Reacting instinctively before anyone can get seriously injured, Sheena calls out one word, "Shadow," bringing forth the Spirit of Darkness. The effect is immediate. In their drunken state, the partygoers take Shadow as a Spirit of the Season, and immediately agree to end the hostilities and continue partying without incident.

Once their attention is back to the circle, Sheena dismisses the Spirit and shakes her head in disbelief.

"Well, that was unexpected."


D: Here, Katty Batty:

What happens when you mix one ninja who is very cat-like with a whole room full of kittens?

A very happy and contented Sheena, who is currently playing with several of the little guys. She had fallen in love with one upon stepping into the room and is currently letting her climb all over her before it settles right where her kimono crosses--its head just peeking over the material as it purrs loudly.

Raising one eyebrow, Sheena laughs.

"As warm and comfy as that probably is, I don't think they'll let me take you home that way."

a

[highprofilerichkid]

Tony, of course, has spent a large portion of the night loitering by the food tables, vacuuming up as much food as he thinks he can get away with without being kicked out for being a gluttonous cad.

He sidles over to Sheena, trying – and mostly succeeding! – to not laugh at her dismay.

"Maybe you should have gone with the sea prunes. At least they're a known factor." A known factor of grossness. "Want to trade?" He holds out his plate. "I think I've figured out the good stuff." He has, at this point, actually managed to eat at least one of everything, so he's made a comprehensive survey.

Closed to Miles | Near Midnight

[redlightgreenlight]

Valdis couldn't claim that things were winding down, but she found herself at the bar, sipping her fifth or sixth, or maybe it was eighth, drink. She'd lost count, but at least the bartender removed the glasses once empty so no one else knew how many either. The night still had plenty of life in it, as most parties this size did. She'd barely seen Miles since arriving with him, too busy socializing to stick with her 'date', after all, they were only here as friends and because she had needed an excuse to say no to anyone who asked. She needn't have worried too much about that, Aifaran was better balanced than her world.

She turned to watch the dancers, who were doing another traditional kind of dance, not one she recognized, so Valdis was quite content to just watch. The dresses flowed and the colorful attire made the light shift and sparkle. The approach of the familiar soul caught her attention before his scent reached her.

"Care for a drink?" she asked Miles, her eyes still on the dancers.

[upshore]

It wasn't so much that Miles had been desperate to get away from his ostensible date that he wanted to gather as much information as he could. And people often revealed things nonchalantly. If he'd learned one thing over the years, people loved talking about themselves. Always useful in his line of work.

He hadn't even gotten close to Valdis before she apparently cottoned on to his approach, and it took him another few seconds to reach the bar and sit down. "How do you do that? Am I loud and stompy or something?"