MINI EVENT - THE GRAND MASQUERADE

[ride_technicians]

↞NAVIGATION

strings

Late in the day on 10/31 the thunderclouds above begin to disperse, clearing up to reveal a dark night sky. Two large, blood red moons hang high above in the sky, painting the land in an eerie, crimson glow. The mist creeps inward, rolling out to coat the park in a thin blanket of fog.

There's an energy in the air that hums in soft vibrato, prickling at the skin and setting fire to nerve endings.

Lanterns float along the pathways seemingly of their own accord, drifting about as they lead the way towards Cirque Illume. The tent flaps are thrown wide, revealing the interior held within. It's... Nothing like it used to be inside, and the grand ballroom held within seems far too large to possibly be held within the confines of canvas and trappings. It's also livelier than it's been in quite some time; all rides and stalls have been closed for the evening, and upon entering the circus tent ballroom, the reason why becomes rather apparent. Each and every Mask within the park has seemingly found its way inside. Visible strings are attached to limbs and bodies as they dance and twirl in perfect, lifelike imitation. Each movement is smooth and human, and those who aren't making use of the dancefloor are loitering about in various groups scattered about the venue.

The most striking detail of all, however, is that they are speaking to each other.

The words and verbiage are alien and unrecognizable, but shouts and laughter drift through the air beside whispers and admonitions. Behind a curtain near the back of the ballroom, an organ plays music that bleeds out into every crevice of the space, lending further life to the scene and allowing the dancers a list of songs to keep time with. Along the westernmost wall, a large banquet table has been set up, littered with gourmet foods and deserts of all kinds. The smell is inviting and mouthwatering, no doubt a welcome break from the endless amounts of carnival foods that have been sustaining the guests so far.

To the left of the banquet table, a Mask behind a bar serves drinks of equally high caliber. Alcoholic and nonalcoholic options are both present, with the caveat that the former is only available to those who are of age to drink.

Welcome to the Grand Masquerade!

wardrobe malfunction

Of course, any who attempt to enter without proper attire are promptly shooed off the premises. Worry not, however, because it seems that KNICk-KNACK PADDY-WHACKZ has also been repurposed into something new for the evening. Gone are the racks of souvenirs and fish food, replaced by rows upon rows of formal attire and proper masquerade outfits. An entire wall has been covered with ornate masks of all shapes and sizes, while another offers jewelry and accessories of gemstones and glittering metals to accent any chosen ensemble.

Nothing appears to have a price tag, and there are no attendants in sight. It's safe to assume that everything is free for the taking.

stringless

Those who decide to forgo the festivities have an entirely different battle on their hands.

The Hi-RiZe has not moved since curfew's end earlier in the morning, and the stillness has been noticed. Figures move about within the mist, crawling closer and darting about like living shadows, growing ever closer to the open. Gurgling screams and echoing snarls ring out in the crisp evening air. As time moves on, the noises get louder and more apparent, until finally a few shapes break free into the crimson light of the moons above.

(CW: Some disturbing monster imagery)The hulking creatures are massive, standing at about the size of a fully grown moose. Pale, translucent skin twists into the shape of thousands of hands that pull and claw across the grounds to move with frightening agility. They crawl about the park, chittering and screeching to communicate with one another as they seemingly hunt about in search of... Something. Nothing good.

It doesn't appear that they are capable of sight, seemingly relying on sound alone to get their bearings. The creatures purposefully seem to avoid the areas around the Cirque tent, instead sticking near the fringes of the mist where they can duck back into cover if injured too severely. Because they certainly can be killed, just not easily.

Comments

QUESTIONS

[ride_technicians]

 

[selenokinesis]

im on the wrong ebalon rn sorry i have a question

if like. characters leave the party early or show up late, would they encounter the creatures or are the creatures ONLY showing up for people that don't duck in at all????

[ride_technicians]

Any characters can encounter the creatures at any time. For instance, should someone decide to leave the ballroom and have a nice evening walk, they may instead be hunted for sport.

[beathollow]

will the creatures go near or inside the tent at all?

[ride_technicians]

They will not! That appears to be a safe zone.

[beathollow]

oh fun i hope mafuyu can just step out for a moment, see the thing and slide riiiiight back in like "absolutely fucking not"

[songsearching]

I hate that I'm asking this but can the creatures be communicated with at all. Can Kanade attempt talking to them somehow.

Actually, another question. Are any of the songs familiar at all? Do they have any sort of theming, follow any sort of chord progression, etc?

[ride_technicians]

She can certainly attempt to speak with the hand monsters if she so wishes, but rather than converse they will attempt to attack the moment they hear her

The songs are roughly familiar in the sense that they're mostly arrangements that would be in the public domain. Bach, Mozart, etc.

[apotelein]

★ Asterizein ★

[The draw of the dancefloor is an appealing one, for many reasons. Those who don't mind being the center of attention can wander their way into the spotlight to lose themselves in the beating heart of music and jubilation. For those more accustomed to lingering on the fringes, the opportunity to people watch presents itself, which can be just as socially rewarding as the dancing.

A figure clad in a dark blue cloak has posted himself up by the bar with intent to do the latter, a flute of champagne held loosely within a gloved hand. Beneath the hood an ornate fox mask can be seen, obscuring all but the lower half of a tanned face. His skin is dotted with a smattering of freckles and crossed by two pale scars that slash across the right cheek. A pair of lips pull upwards to smirk around the glass as he takes a sip, letting out a pleased hum at the taste.]

I do so love gatherings such as these. The scale gets grander every year.

★ Synastry ★

[Watching, however, doesn't seem to be enough forever. Should you find yourself lingering by the ballroom floor, you may find a pair of hands suddenly tugging you forward into the throng of twirling dancers. The tempo of the song is fast and unrelenting, and your new companion spins you into position with a barely suppressed chuckle.]

You know how to dance this one, yes? I'll lead, and you can stand on my feet if you don't think you can keep up~

★ Perilune ★

[All dances must come to an end, but luckily there is a whole spread of food to capture the attention when the feet are too tired to keep up. A contemplative noise escapes from beneath hood and mask as he leans forward to examine a slice of chocolate cake, then turns a moment later to consider a bit of cherry pie instead. After a moment's pause, both platters are picked up, and he turns to present the both of them side by side.]

Which of these looks better to you? I can't seem to decide for myself.

★ Asterizein ★

[mooninthewater]

[ Mizuki is too curious to not explore the place, not matter if he has to wear stuffy outfits or not. He's slapped on one of the white suits and picked out the mask that appealed to him the most upon entering. Unfortunately for everyone else, the mask that appealed to him the most happens to be a very dramatic and over-the-top piece that probably draws more attention that he ever intended for himself. Whoops.

If you're wondering, "Hey, Mizuki, that looks really hard to see out of," then you're right! He's struggling. He can't imagine how actual jellyfish survive without eyes. If you're also wondering, "Hey, Mizuki, why are you soaked???" then don't worry about this. He may or may not have immediately went over to the food table and found some water to dunk on himself and his nice new suit. He's fine, and everything is okay. He'll just wallflower here until he figures out what's happening— ]

Oh! [ Just kidding. Social interactions are happening. Is he being spoken to? He hopes so. He's making it happen even if it's not. ] It's certainly, um… fancy! Very fancy. Makes me think of those sort of high society parties where they just drink and talk about politics and stuff. Is that what they're talking about?? Is there ghost-y adjacent politics???

[ He has many questions. ]

[apotelein]

[The amused smirk from before remains on his expression, and he shifts to set his drink down on the bar behind him.]

The conversation topics here tonight are nothing as dull as politics, fortunately. [There’s the smallest tilt of his head as he turns just slightly to focus on a pair of Masks nearby. He’s quiet for a moment as he merely… Listens, seemingly taking in the conversation before he’s leaning in closer to Mizuki. Conspiratorial whispers are only fun if no one overhears, after all.]

The one on the left is confiding in the other about a loss of some kind… A brother, or a father perhaps? I didn’t quite catch the relation, but apparently the body was found in the arcade, completely drained of blood.

[mooninthewater]

[ Mizuki does make it easier as he leans in, excited to hear… anything, really, so long as it has something familiar he can grasp onto. Fancy parties are very out of place for a country bumpkin!

But he gives a tiny gasp with stars practically in his eyes afterwards. Not that death is something to be excited about or anything, but… ]

How mysterious! [ Can the Masks hear them? He hopes he is talking quietly enough, himself… ] Like a murder mystery?? That could be fun…!

SYNastry... h e h

[capreelcious]

[ Floyd's already having a pretty good time at this little shindig! And why wouldn't he? It's Halloween! Or at least, it would be back in Twisted Wonderland! One of the biggest holidays needs to be celebrated, and it seems like this park has the right idea!

He's chilling and watching the event, though the organ is going pretty hard right now, maybe he just might--

Oh! He blinks as he's swept up into the arms of this mystery dude. He doesn't question it much though, after all it's a party! He lets out a loud laugh underneath his mask. ]

Aha~ I sure don't know this dance, but that's not gonna stop me. I think you'll find you gotta keep up with me instead!

god that wasn’t even intended akjddj

[apotelein]

[The playful grin that had already settled upon the stranger’s features only deepens with absolute delight at the reception, pleased that he seems to have found someone just as willing to cut loose as he is.]

Oh? If you have a different technique in mind, then by all means. [The grip shifts here, changing from the driver’s position to allow Floyd to have the honor instead.] Lead on. I’ll follow.

my pun-o-meter is in top form today

[capreelcious]

[ Well, don't mind if he does! It's sometimes rare for let Floyd to take the wheel in things, especially around certain colleagues. That's partly because he's normally around potions that could react wildly to various ingredients if put in all willy-nilly on an almost daily basis, but that's neither here or there. But also, Floyd does what Floyd wants. And right now, he wants to have a good time.

Floyd grins, sharp, pearly whites on display as he leads them both into a dance that doesn't follow the same steps and flourishes as those around them. You could say he's fighting the current with the way he leads them in the opposite direction without hitting anyone in this dance. He's pretty good! ]

Keepin' up? Or should I slow down for ya? [ He snickers. ]

★ Synastry ★

[beathollow]

( there's something alarming about the wolf capturing the rabbit for a dance, probably. mafuyu herself, on some level, is aware of the irony at least- but she lets it happen, because of course she does. she's not used to ballroom dancing, but she's a quick learner. it's weird having someone imply she could fail, though. )

... I can figure it out, don't worry.

[apotelein]

[The reply earns her a smile, and he shifts his grip to twirl and spin them both about to the tempo of the music. It's a bit wild, a bit chaotic, yet somehow entirely controlled in a manic sort of way.]

Apologies, I didn't mean to imply a lack of skill. Are you enjoying yourself at the masquerade, Mafuyu Asahina?

[beathollow]

( ... oh. well. she doesn't like that.

the tempo, she can at least keep up with. but everything else? call her paranoid, but after the month she's had, she thinks it's warranted. )

I don't remember introducing myself. ... Or saying anything about offense, for that matter.

[beathollow]

IDSMILE

( all of this is. very strange. and a little awful? and the masks continue to leave mafuyu feeling ill at the sight, but she's here with a rabbit mask that took too long to pick out, because decision paralysis is a bitch when you've never been able to make a real choice for yourself. the dress matches in color, white and adorned with five pointed flowers and purple swirls interwoven throughout the gown, and for once mafuyu's hair is down, gently curled.

this feels... dangerous somehow. or maybe it's the masks speaking and the ghosts that she's seen since the jack-o-lanterns' creations- and how they puppet the masks, almost- and it's just... she kind of hates this? she feels lost in the ballroom, surrounded by more than she's seen in months. quietly, mafuyu pushes herself towards the banquet table. ... a pity she can't truly taste anything, but it at least feels better than the carnival foods.

mostly, she's just a little overwhelmed. )

MERU

( eventually, mafuyu wants to just... go. a breath of fresh air? just to go back to the cabin? it's not clear, but as she pushes the tent open, dress bunched up to not trail through the dirt and dust, mafuyu pauses. because right down the way, sniffing at a food stall that's further down, is a monster unlike anything she's ever imagined. freezing, she watches as it moves and ducks back in just as it looks as if it's going to turn her way, a hand over her mouth. visibly pale, she backs away from the entrance. )

What...

VILLAIN

( your wildcard option, in case you want like. shopping threads. )

[songsearching]

♪ the dis[a]ppearance of hatsune miku

[ While Kanade herself doesn't exactly trust going into another new place, not after the mess that was the mirrors. But at the same time, there might be something there, too.

And while the change of food is nice, it doesn't really bother her much, being Kanade "cup ramen eater" Yoisaki. In fact, this is just an upgrade, really, in more ways than one. Of course, it was difficult for Kanade to get into another outfit, as she absolutely thinks that her tracksuit is the most comfortable, so being in something else is honestly kind of... odd, really. She can be found in a white fox mask that's adorned with painted on carnations--the flower that her mother loved--and it doesn't even cover her whole face; only the top half of it from the bridge of her nose up. Her dress, on the other hand is a contrasting dark black color that allows her stick out like a sore thumb.

In any case, all of this is a bit overwhelming for someone like her, so small in comparison and someone who isn't a fan of crowds finds herself a bit lost and out of place. It doesn't help that that she winds up floating up and away when she's not thinking about grounding herself, too.

Someone might need to get her down. ]

♪ hi[b]ana

[ After a while, Kanade desperately needs that breath of fresh air.

And what does she see? Monsters. It makes Kanade freeze up in place.

She is now a statue.

It's fine.

She's just gonna walk slowly away... slinking off...peace..........hopefully she doesn't bump into someone or make any noise while leaving. That would be bad. ]

♪ [c]hururira chururira daddadda!

[ Back in the masquerade, when Kanade isn't floating away, she's listening carefully to the pieces, humming them to herself. They're all familiar songs to her: classical tunes that have been engrained in her since she was younger.

While she didn't bring her piano with her, she's already off in her own corner writing more music.

Because she of course she is. ]

I wonder if maybe I can use this sort of chord progression... would maybe something a little more like these be good...?

♪ wil[d]card

[ u know the drill, come @ me for other things ]

♪ the dis[a]ppearance of hatsune miku (TAKE TWO, DONT DIE ON ME COMPUTER)

[beathollow]

( no need- the moment kanade gets a foot off the ground, mafuyu's hand is on her wrist and gently pulling her back down. there's no comment about it, not really- it's not kanade's fault. ... maybe the others might find it a little cute, even.

(does she mean niigo, or the other captives?)

it's only once she gets kanade a bit lower that she realizes... oh.

they match. )

... Kanade. Do you want me to stay with you so you don't float off?

[songsearching]

...that might be for the best.

[ If she goes too high, she might end up getting sick. She's not used to being in the air, after all and she's frail as it is. ]

Sorry.

SHOWS UP TWO WEEKS LATE WITH STARBUCKS

[starsmoothie]

★ I DON'T HAVE TIME FOR TAROT CARD PROMPT NAMES ANYMORE

[Noah shows up to the masquerade dressed to the nines and also still a cat. To make double-sure everyone knows he's a cat, he is wearing a cat mask, just in case people somehow forget that Noah is catboy-coded.

And also literally a catboy. A tiger, to be more precise.

The chattering of the masked individuals catches him off guard, ears swivelling around to hear the various foreign noises before he heads right for the table of food, shoves a few morsels in his mouth (with particular attention to those little finger sandwiches), and then makes for the bar to see what drinks they're serving.

That's where he sees you. And Noah, unfortunately, is beholden to catboy instincts right now, so instead of walking up... he slowly... inches forward... very carefully........... and he crouches...... riiiiight next to where you're sitting, just beneath the bar countertop...

...

a hand reaches up blindly to start nudging your drink off of the counter. Better grab it before it hits the floor. Or you.]

★ I'M TIRED

[Noah decides to leave the party somewhat early due to the fact that he's gotten the urge to climb the curtains all of a sudden and doesn't want to make an ass of himself further than he already has.

Leaving the party is a bad idea due to monsters. Or so anyone else would think, but Noah sees a fight and many monsters and has an internal moment of "I need to keep people safe". So, while everyone else parties and eats tiny sandwiches and any adults get white girl wasted, Noah is flinging all manner of celestial spells at the beasts.

He has not figured out that they rely on sound, which is probably precisely why he's shouting out his attack names like an idiot. The monsters, of course, are pleased as punch about this — they lumber after him every time he falls back to launch further ranged attacks. Though, it's not like he's completely useless; a few get so damaged they back off into the mist where Noah can't reach to land the killing blow. It's frustrating, but it is what it is.

If you see him and feel like assisting, have at it. He's pretty insistent upon keeping others safe, though. And do mind the sparkly, star-filled flying fish; they'll hurt pretty badly if you touch them.]

[beathollow]

( mafuyu watches out of the corner of her eye and briefly contemplates just letting him have his fun, honestly. as the glass inches further and further towards the edge, it almost seems like he's won- up until the very last second where mafuyu plucks the glass up again to take a drink.

catboy enrichment? or catboy instinct baiting...? you decide.

after a moment, she looks down at him crouched there properly. )

... Are you having fun?

[starsmoothie]

[Noah makes some upset cat noise in response to the glass being taken, and then her words hit him. It occurs to him that he's making an ass of himself.

Clearing his throat, he stands up and leans against the bar counter. Normal. He's normal.]

Uh-huh. I've never been to something so ritzy before!