Masquerade! Paper faces on parade
Masquerade! Hide your face so the world will never find you
Masquerade! Every face a different shade
Masquerade! Look around, there's another mask behind you




Welcome
Though the evening outside is chilly, there’s nothing but warmth and lively atmosphere inside. The room itself (the ballroom atop the self proclaimed ‘most romantic and luxurious’ Genessian getaway) is almost blinding, glittering with gold from floor to ceiling, save for the towering framed windows that provide a beautiful sight of the city below. Tables are scattered here and there around the perimeter should attendees wish to rest their feet, but the centerpiece of the evening seems to be the massive, sparkling chandelier casting its warm, golden glow over a rather extensive dance floor. One end of the room is reserved for the band, poised just near the hearth featuring a roaring fire, while the other showcases a grand staircase on which one may make their entrance, should they choose to explore the upper lofts that surround the room beforehand.

Early in the evening, once the room has begun to fill, a couple steps up to welcome everyone on behalf of Genessia’s Performing Arts Center and the cast of their most recent musical. While the event is free, and they are delighted to be able to share a magnificent evening of splendor with everyone, they do wish to make everyone aware that should they choose to donate tonight, be it through benevolent gift or through the auction or gambling tables, all proceeds will be donated to the Red House Foundation- more specifically, Genessia’s branch, located in the heart of the city herself.
The call to enjoy the masquerade is punctuated with a deep bow and the swell of the band picking up once more to lead everyone into a night of majestic merriment.


Photos
With numerous celebrities about and the event in full swing, it’s to no one’s surprise that there are photographers practically crawling the place. Fortunately for all, quite a few have been hired by the event planning team and will be snapping moments (both candid and posed) of everyone in attendance. There’s even a designated area with various props to play with and a lovely backdrop doused in gold. These photos can be downloaded from the network later, so take advantage of these professionals, should your heart desire! After all, did one really look their best if there’s no photo to prove it?


Dancing
While there’s certainly no pop star performing and the music is much more classically suited, one will hear a familiar tune more often than not, spun by the tuxedo clad musicians to suit a more modern crowd. It’s upbeat and energetic for the most part, but every so often, they're likely to switch the mood to something much smoother (dare they say, romantic?) to sway to. Instructors are scattered throughout the crowd, should those unfamiliar with the ballroom style wish to learn something new!


Food
A party without food is absurd, regardless of the occasion. Drink flows readily from the bar, and an impressive variation of hors d’oeuvre has been laid out in a brilliant spread on the long tables along the edges of the room. Partake as you will, and leave a donation to show your appreciation if you’re so inspired!


Costume Parade
What’s the point of a masquerade without an outfit promenade? Show off your inspired attire to all who will gaze upon you. The more flamboyant, the more attention your costume will draw, and the more in-character one seems, the more believable the evening will be- Embrace the masks and let loose! Tonight is the night to be whoever (or whatever) your heart desires.


Gambling/Auction
Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, there are multiple donated items on which to bid, ranging from weekend getaways to baskets of sweets to… rather peculiar fashion and odd home decor.
To the right of the auction display, there are multiple gaming tables with waiting croupier, ready to assist those with heavy wallets attempt to woo Lady Luck. The winnings (should there be any) can be kept or donated- the choice is yours.


Gardens
If one finds a need to escape the swirling of dance and swell of the music, the gardens below may serve you well. There’s a lovely courtyard, and just beyond the fountain, a garden maze, well lit for the season with the gentle glow of dazzling lights. Take a stroll alone, or hide away with a lover or confidant, or snag a seat for the fireworks- the choice is yours.


Fireworks
No grand gala ever ended without a burst of excitement to round out the evening. Toward the end of the evening, the sky will be lit with a brilliant display of silvers and golds, all timed perfectly with the band’s final performance. One can watch from the gardens or the rooftop, or, if in need of something more ~private~, the balconies throughout the hotel.



Masquerade! Burning glances, turning heads
Masquerade! Stop and stare at the sea of smiles around you
Masquerade! Grinning yellows, spinning reds
Masquerade! Take your fill, let the spectacle astound you

((ooc: Questions? PM this journal or poke dovefire on Plurk! Have Fun!))

[ The video feed is pitch black and Sora’s quick to speak. ]

So, about that party… I was going to have, it’s going to have to be held off until later.. Until things go back to normal.

You see, I’m a ghost. [ He backs up from the camera and he looks shadowed, a composition of grey and black with yellow eyes. ]
( see me now )

[video]

Funny. Very funny. Ha ha ha.

*Only, she looks far from amused. Is she wearing...a pink sock?*

Can I go back to normal now? What's the trick, huh?

*Behind her, something glitters and twitches, shedding a dusting of gold shimmer around her*
 

[action - Nova and Genessia]

Once Faye has acquired some clothing - a couple of cute outfits from some of Gale's model collection - she is ready to explore. Being Barbie-sized isn't great fun, it turns out, but she does like being able to fly. It takes some time to get any distance, but over the days of the curse, she will be zipping around Nova, seeking out the gardens, and spending a lot of time in Genessia Park among the flowers. Flying is fun, and so is spying on others. Annoyingly, however, she also seems to have gained a cute little giggle along with her fairy body.

[choose your own adventure]

Anything goes while this curse is on!
 

»VIDEO
[ Misery enjoys company, but Gren has discovered that he lacks the associations to coordinate such an affair. The realization hit him hard after a recent fallout with a friend that brought his numbers down to 2, and that’s including a fifteen year old acquaintance that he just likes to harass. His social standing is pretty abysmal at the moment which is disappointing considering just how outgoing and personable he actually is.

He acknowledges the lack of effort on his part, but now he’s willing to give it a good honest try now that he’s no longer fussing over the friend he lost. It still hurts, but he’s found distractions in work, his music, a cute guy, and now in the pages of a sketchbook.

He’s not an artist by any stretch, but he enjoys the odd doodle from time to time. It’s been good enough to charm an ancient, reticent type so Gren figures it could work on others too.

The feed starts on a curtain-esque black, sweeping mass that is soon revealed to be the drape of Gren’s hair as he leans over his phone trying to stabilize it. Once it’s secure he backs away, sits down, and settles himself in the frame. ]

We good? Okay... Hey.

[ He smiles and grabs a black sketchbook that was sitting just out of frame. ]

So, I’m doing portraits for anyone who wants one. I’m a musician, so this isn’t exactly my thing, but I do enjoy it at times. Just don’t expect the greatest quality. I think it’ll be a fun way to get to know some of you more and you get a little something out of it, too. This is what you can expect. Quality will vary, sorry.

[ He flips open the sketchbook and turns it to the camera. The first image is of a handsome dhampir in a horrendous hat. ]

Cute guy, cuter in person.

[ He turns to another page. It’s a woman. Her name is written in cursive and beneath that there’s a small heart. A sweet, little detail that no longer bears any meaning. The sketch is old. Gren’s smile falters and he turns to the next page without a comment. The next image, well... ]

This is Sora the Soaring Menace laying eggs upon the public for absolutely no reason. That’s me being assaulted.

[ Sora's face blinks into view, the camera moves a bit, but then it settles - he steps away, evidently he'd propped his phone up on something, and gives a small smile. ]

Hullo, so.

[ He clears his throat and then he looks down to his hands which he brings up to tug at his shirt. ]

There's been a few posts that have been about relationships and stuff, [ His face turns red but he does his best compose himself and he looks up to the camera. ] so I was thinking it'd be nice to have like a singles night somewhere, ... so people can gather around and get to know one another. Yeah. [ Yeah... ] So.

Yeah.

I'm going to find out where a good place is but if anyone else has some ideas or whatever, just .. you know what to do.

[ Nervous laughter vibrates over his body. ] But, I also have another thing!

I been thinking.. when I make these welcome kits for new comers.. like what is some of the stuff you guys wish you had when you first came? Working at the store has given me a lot of ideas of some of the essentials people buy regularly but.. I'd appreciate some feedback, in case I'm not thinking of something! Okay, thanks.

[ Sora walks over to the phone, the camera bounces, then it turns off. ]

Text - Public

OK, show of hands (figuratively) are there people who got dragged into this place who: A.) does not have supernatural abilities, B.) is a member of the military, and C.) is American. OK OK that last part ain't necessary. But really so far I've only met, like, one dude who isn't magically attuned.

[ She wants to mention the fact that there have been recent supers who've been boasting about their greatness in the network, and ask about how Guardians can guarantee the protection of non-powered people from those with powers but she's here to make connections, not enemies. ]

Action - Fayren

[ Starting her job at Fayren as a hunter, Andrea arrives at the city's blacksmiths after fawning at the displays of magic from the local mages, browsing their wares for anything that might be useful for her in the future. She can be seen like a fish out of water, walking the narrow streets with a handgun on her side. Andrea approaches someone who she probably is mistaking for someone who is a local, tapping them on the shoulder and giving them a friendly smile and wave ]

Sorry to bother ya, buy you know a place that sells good knives? All I'm seeing are the bigger blades.

 *Following the carnival, Faye had disappeared for several days. She didn't tell anyone where she was going, but just left. She wasn't seen at home, she didn't turn up for work, she wasn't seen around networks, and she didn't reply to any calls or messages that were sent to her. She just disappeared. Who would even notice that she was gone? Who would even have the time to realise and care?

When she returns, however, this is the first message that she makes, ignoring everything else and focused on Orihime's apparent disappearance. Faye looks and sounds positively thunderous*

Where have people already looked for Orihime? What leads do you have? What's the next step?

As for you - you sick bastard who took her - I hope you know it's only a matter of time before your guts are splattered on the ground and you're left to rot like the piece of shit you are.

*That scowl on her face is no laughing matter, nor is the resounding click of the gun she has just primed*

[It's been awhile, folks. Augustine hasn't made a video for quite some time, hasn't he?

Well, guess what? Today marks his return to social media with a sly smirk upon his face and the most handsome tailored made suit you've ever seen. He's dressed to the nines and tens today in a lovely red baroque themed suit looking very much like some sort of prince or duke from some far off land. Admire the golden embroidery work upon that slick black tie and the lovely print upon the jacket and slacks. Augustine looks very much like a Tepes today and there's good reason for that.

That reason being a little disclaimer he wants to record for all those planning to enjoy All Hallows' Eve.]

Good day and hello to all. I certainly hope that the sudden shift in the weather hasn't made anyone ill. [He chuckles quietly.] I know I've been feeling a tad under the weather as of late.

[His smile is positively dashing but what he says next isn't as charming.]

With the approach of autumn and the end of summer, we're all about to enjoy arrival of the holiday season. With that being said, there's one such holiday I feel needs to be taken to account and that holiday is none other than All Hallow's Eve better known as Halloween to some.

[He's talking about Halloween already? But it's only September---well, October is around the corner.]

Please be mindful for this Halloween that dressing up as a "vampire" might be considered a tad...[He pauses for a moment as he desperately thinks of the right word.] Offensive.

Vampires are proud and elegant creatures, most of which are hardworking individuals and not the monsters you know from pulp fiction lore. With that being said, please don't dress up as a vampire for the sake of drooling blood or some nonsense. We're much more than our pearly white fangs and fondness for capes.

Such stereotypes are quite harmful against my kind, and we would greatly appreciated if none of you attempt to win our ire by pretending to be us.

[That's a Augustine speech for "I better not see any of your fucks dressed up as Count Dracula this Halloween".]

Despite our terrifying reputation, most of us aren't bloodsucking demons. So be mindful when picking your costumes this season. I would hate for anyone to get the wrong idea about us vampires.

Nova City
[Winry said she would leave the hospital a while back and yet, she was still there. But it was mostly down to the fact she still wasn't sure what she wanted to do. Did she want to take another job similar and just take it to another city, or did she want to maybe start her own business and see what happens?

After all, before here she worked for her Grandmother and worked under someone else while gaining new experience. But here, she couldn't work under anyone. In reality, there was no one else who could do the job she was doing. At least that she knew of.

As her thoughts wondered about her next move she found herself on the outskirts of Nova City and she had happened to come across a small building that seemed a lot smaller compared to the other buildings. It seemed nice. Could use a little love and care, but nice otherwise. It made her smile. Soon she noticed the For Sale sign in front of it.

That was it. In her mind, she needed to have this building and maybe give it a shot at running her own business. As she turned on her heels she headed on to the address that was mentioned, making sure along the way to stop off in a few places. Places with building supplies, paints, anything that could give her some idea of what she wanted to do.]

Video
[Winry seemed happy more than anything as she was standing in a rather empty building. Cobwebs were littered around and dust seemed to be touching every inch of it.]

So... Good news. I decided to renovate this building and create my own business, which I know there is no one on this device that would need to use my services, but I am thinking of maybe taking on people to have work experience if they are ever interested in the world of prosthetics. It would be a paying job, of course, so one wouldn't have to worry about not getting money for doing it. [She tapped her chin lightly as she started to look around.]

I am actually looking forward to making this place look nice, even if it takes a while. [A pause before she speaks up again.]

This might sound weird, but... I've been doing a really odd thing without meaning to and I can't put my finger on why. But whenever a man says to do something to someone else or offhandedly I find myself then doing the said thing without even thinking about it.

[She sighed slightly.] In all honesty, I would not normally be that willing to do things that willingly which is why it's odd, but... Does anyone know why I am doing it? I worry that someone might say something awful around me and I kind of don't want that to happen.

[OOC: Winry had her fortune read by Minako and her curse is that she has to do everything any male figure tells her to do, even if it's an offhanded remark. So any male character is free to take full advantage of it.]

𝓌𝒽ℴ ; D v_hunter_d & Gren saxophone
𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 ; Distant One searches for his likeness in the other
𝓌𝒽ℯ𝓃 ; Dusk
𝓌𝒽ℯ𝓇ℯ ; Detour through the alleyways of jazz town
𝓌𝒶𝓇𝓃𝒾𝓃ℊ; NSFW
( As he lay down, a slight sigh spilled from his thin lips. Most likely it was just his chest wound having its say. Of course, no one else would ever know for sure. D's sorrow, his joy, and his pain belonged to him alone )

Oh, hey. So does anyone know if there's a music shop around here somewhere?

Or somewhere I can get a guitar?

01. [ACTION] Getting your feet wet

---

[First, the bad: his game was up. The bedlam he'd caused to try and spice up the horrifically dull, podunk called "Inaba" had, apparently, come to an abrupt end. And it was just coming to the good part.

He'd blearily stepped out of his pod, only to be greeted by Weiss' hologram. Which meant he had to endure Genessia's tutorial by his most despised kind of person. Once it was over, he bore it a grimace.]

Man. What a stuck-up bitch.

[Last and least, his feet were wet. That's the cherry on his, so far, shit sundae. For the good? He still has his gun. And he had his other weapon: the blood-red persona that practically gave him a migraine to bring forth. He could feel it within him, as though he were in the world of shadows. Wonderful.

Once he made his way out of The Bay, things looked to be turning up. The world was new. He was in a city again. He was out of the sticks! With a wad of cash. Maybe this wouldn't be so horrifically dull after all. At least he could get beer past evening now.

Along the city streets, he walks around with a sense of fresh purpose. He might actually enjoy this. This world seemed a lot more interesting than the one he was steering to ruin before. If it were from someone less bitter, it could be described as happiness.]

You know...this isn't too bad. Guess I should go to that GSRF place to see what's up. On the other hand, I could use a drink.

[Decisions, decisions. Wanna save him from talking to himself and show him a good night on the town?]

02. [VIDEO] Introductions

---

[Even a new world can't shake off old habits. He still feels the need to put on that dim, nice guy facade he'd used to cope with the reality he so despised. Might as well introduce himself, and fish for a job while he's at it. Give him a moment to get into character. What comes into view is a dopey looking, Japanese man shy of thirty with an off-center tie and a disarmingly innocent smile.]

Oh, uh, looks like it's working! Guess I should introduce myself.

[He cleared his throat.]

Umm...I'm Adachi, and I'm new here. Gotta say it's...pretty wild! That hologram back there looked like something out of a sci-fi movie. And I'm...whoa, speaking English! Don't remember taking classes for that, but I won't complain, heh. Wonder why that is? Oh, I'm from Japan, by the way. If that means anything.

Anyway, I'm a police detective, or...was, I guess. Is anyone hiring for that? I uh, don't have my papers on me, sorry. Will credentials be a problem? Hope I don't have to go through the academy again.

I, uh, do have my gun though. Am I in trouble? They were pretty strict about those back home; couldn't really take them out of work. Heh, guess it'd look pretty bad for an officer to break the law on his first day.

[Gee, he's just so shy and harmless, isn't he?]

Sorry, guess I'm pretty boring. Oh! But Check this out.

[The phone trades his shy face to focus on his hand, holding a 500 yen coin. It's only value lies purely in entertainment now.]

Okay, watch closely.

[He grasps it in his hand, then pumps it up and down.]

Are you watching?

[After that gripping suspense, he opens his hand. His palm is bare. The coin is gone! Wow!]

Ta-da!

...well, maybe it's more impressive in person. Guess if law enforcement doesn't work out, I could always be a magician, right?

a. Bay area

[Reno's not entirely surprised that he feels like he's had the best sleep he's had in a long time. With a job that requires sleeping lightly and the most recent catastrophes he's had to contend with, sleeping that heavily is a rarity that normally requires a not insignificant amount of booze beforehand.

More disconcerting is everything else: the fact he's woken up in a pod he doesn't remember finding his way into; the fact that none of his current surroundings seem at all familiar; the fact he can't remember anything at all between being with his fellow Turks and a recently-cured Rufus and shoring up somewhere new.

Frankly, it's a miracle he hasn't already thrown the box on his chest into the water already, given what could be in there. Even when he opens it - after making as many checks as he can to ensure it's not rigged to explode - he's none the wiser. He's never much good first thing at the best of times, and this is a hell of a lot of new to process.

Eventually, he makes it as far as the hologram. But he's wire-tense, senses on full alert and always with half an eye on the box he's still yet to remove the contents of, and as he listens to what is supposedly the full story it's with a slight scoff of disbelief, curses muttered beneath his breath.]

And right when I thought we were done with the bullshit for a little while.

b. The bars of Genessia

[For as cautious as he can be, for as cautious as he's been while he's tried to process the reality of what he's dealing with, Reno's never really been the sort to get too caught up in fretting over things. Once he's had time to process the basics - kidnapped but probably safe, with no apparent expectations save to live - and to perhaps do a little scouting out of the main city just in case - he figures there's really no point getting too worked up about things. Not to say that he's not keen to get back to what he knows but, well. He's got money in hand and the city has bars. Maybe he can consider it a vacation.

And so he makes his rounds of the bars within Genessia City, staying long enough to get a feel for how the atmosphere runs and if it's the sort of place he'd go back to. He finds himself drawn rather more to the dive bars, those that seem to cater to a broader range of people - partly because he hates the snobbishness of the posher places, more because he figures people-watching is a good way to learn about a place and for that, better to hit up the more varied places.

Not that it especially shows. On the surface, with his slouched, open posture and laid-back expression, he seems like nothing more than another bar patron. Only the sharpness of his gaze would give any indication that he's quite ready and willing to deal with any situations that may arise, for all he really just wants to chill out and drink a while. If company comes his way - for curiosity, or because he's spent too long watching someone and they've taken notice - all the better.]

Today is the Grand Opening of the Snuggly Duckling~ Yay~

[The first thing anyone sees is Rapunzel one arm in the air as she cheered her little heart out. She was so happy with what she had been doing for the past few weeks. She had managed to get everything ready within that time including all the painting that she did by herself.]

I have my menu sorted and over time I am slowly going to introduce various drinks, but right now it's mostly basic drinks like teas, coffees and juice. But I am planning on figuring more as I go so keep an eye out.

[She had lowered her arm in that time, making her way over to the backroom or at least her most important room. As she stepped inside the room seemed bright and cheerful as there were paintings everywhere, if one were to look closely they were painting of various people she knew and had met during her time here.]

While I have that business the money that it makes will be going into this venture. My Light Up a Dream project. I'm planning on helping those who cannot normally achieve their dreams and helping them. [She smiled brightly.]

it may not be as wonderful as various other business ventures, but seeing the face of someone whose achieved something they could never have dreams possible... Then to me, it was worth it. [She was carrying the device as she went and sat down in the chair by her new desk.]

Though with all of this I still have one question... Can anyone tell me why people like to drink alcohol? I am admittedly a bit curious and was thinking about learning to make some drinks for the Snuggly Duckling and just wanted to learn more