Holiday Ball! [December GM Event]

[Game Master]

Welcome to the Harper Rock Holiday Ball! This formal event has been put on by Bancroft in hopes of bridging the gap between humans and vampires in these trying times. After all; it is the holiday season, and that means it's time to put aside prejudices and differences. It's time for a community to come together, to help the less fortunate, and feel the spirit of giving.

Put together by one of the personal assistants to Bancroft, the event has been meticulously planned, and all denizens of Harper Rock are invited. Held on Christmas Eve (December 24th), just after the sun has gone down, the Holiday Ball takes place at the Mayor's Mansion, in an enormous gilded ballroom, which opens onto a moonlit courtyard. There is ample staff supplying any number drinks, from champagne to blood (given by very willing donors), as well as hors d'oeuvres. Clad in black, deep red and green, they blend into the background seamlessly and are fairly easy to ignore. Only a trained eye might pick up the vague outlines of firearms hidden on their persons should the worst happen. Of course. That measure is purely for the sake of defense.

Near the center of the room are a pair of large Christmas trees, which are there for more than display. Everyone in attendance is encouraged (but not required) to bring a wrapped gift to place under the trees, which will then be donated to charity, to go to less privileged children in Harper Rock. No expense has been spared on food, drink, decoration, and a live string quartet has even been hired on to provide Christmas carols to the party-goers. People are free to dance, to mingle and to converse!

Here is some mood music!

I N F O R M A T I O N

This GM event is character driven. What this means is that the GM team is not going to be providing much in the way of plot direction or prompting. Rather, the event will take the shape the participants desire.This means it could be a pro-peace event, or it might be invaded and turned into a PR fiasco. It all depends on what the players decide.

About once per day, the GM team will provide one small prompt. People can choose to respond to them or not. They are most likely to be on the either beneficial or silly side though. There more to provide opportunity for people to interact, than to provide solid plot points. Expect the first ghost when the bell tolls one! Expect the first prompt tomorrow around this time!

As well, the GM team is going to be providing two special NPCs for this event. One is a representative of the Hebigumo Foundation and the other is Bancroft's personal assistant. They are open to be approached or communicated with and could potentially impact not only the story on the whole, but the current chapter as well.

Playlist put together by Amalea player, other information written by Az.

[Game Master]

MORI, ayuka ◦ Hebigumo Foundation Representative ◦ #804080

[for_peace][/for_peace][for_sirens][/for_sirens]

She arrived as a whisper, with no more ceremony nor fanfare than anyone else. Of course, Bancroft’s Holiday Ball was the ‘event of the season’. Everyone who was anyone was supposed to be there, and that meant the company needed a face in the crowd, and Ayuka was well known to the already present press as one of the voices and faces of the Hebigumo Foundation. The car was a Honda Accord - though she wasn’t driving. In fact, as soon as the vehicle came to a stop, one of the men in the front stepped out to hold her door open. The first thing anyone saw of her was a delicate hose clad leg and a stiletto heel that looked nearly dangerous. She slipped into the night, with stars made of flashing camera lights, a little black clutch in hand. Her dress was dark and soft as silk. When faced with a sea of reporters, she offered the simplest of smiles - one that didn’t even reveal the white of her teeth. Her stance was conservative, and she waited until the car was gone before making her way inside and up the large stone stairs. There was a holiday themed carpet which ran from the drop off area all of the way up and into the manse, leading a person naturally to the ballroom, only a short distance in.

Given the mansion itself was a residence, and parking was limited, there was overflow parking on the normally verdant grass of the estate, which sprawled enough to accommodate any number of guests. There were also valets waiting at the front for those not being dropped off.

While the front was a cluster of journalists, the inside had been more carefully managed, and only one or two trusted news reporters had been allowed inside with flashless cameras. After all. The event was meant to promote a certain sense of tranquility amongst the many denizens of Harper Rock.

Ayuka immediately stepped towards the large Christmas trees. It was as she was looking at the lights and the elegant ornaments that she pulled her clutch open. From it, she produced two things - the first being her own ornament, a gilded spider with its limbs wrapped around an ivory bulb with intricate filigree in gold and text that read ‘Happy Holidays from Hebigumo!’. She then produced a small teddy bear with a large red ribbon around its neck. It would have been more for a baby or toddler than anything else. She placed the bear on the already growing pile of gifts that were going to be donated and took a step back to take in the full sight of the trees, which were enormous and filled with that sense of cheer the ball was attempting to convey.

Her smile grew and she turned, going to mingle.

[Ripper]

[against_sirens][/against_sirens]

Ripper entered the evening's reception chamber attired in his usual state of dress, with one exception. The XL Salvation Army Santa out fit costumed him in the greatest disguise he was sure to get with out giving off an aura for the use of super natural power! Nobody would expect him to be caught dead in this get up and it lent a seasonally festive cheer to his persona which might not normally be achievable other wise in most normal circumstances.

"Ho, ho, ho!" he bustled loudly, giving the belly laugh a trial go and hoists a largely stuffed bag over his shoulder with a metallic clank as he enters in side the building the building with full confidence of his welcome there being assured.

He was Father Christmas after all and who doesn’t love Old Saint Nick?

[Amalea]

[for_peace][/for_peace]

The red-head sighed as she glanced into the mirror to check the makeup she had just applied. While she was looking forward to tonight’s Mayoral Holiday Ball, Amalea really wasn’t keen on having to arrive by car. She preferred nearly every other method of transportation aside from driving, but it wouldn’t do to arrive on foot for what promised to be the society event of the year. She supposed she could, but it wasn’t exactly appropriate. She loved her car...just not driving.

The car she had won at the Tytonidae-hosted auction a couple years ago when her name had been drawn as the door prize winner. It had been a bit of a shock given the red-head had never learned to drive. Living in Boston and having access to public transportation had played a part in that; her mother's refusal to allow her to learn had been the other. Blake had promised to teach her after she had won, but that hadn’t occurred.

It had been a rather interesting experience the day she had gone to the licensing office to get information on getting her permit and lessons. The clerk had looked at her as though she had had multiple heads before snidely informing her that permits were not issued to those currently holding a license. How the woman had mistaken her ID card for a license she never knew but she had left the office with a license and no information. She knew the bare bones basics, but she really needed to be taught properly.

Shaking her head as if to free herself from the memory, her attention returned to the mirror in front of her. She had chosen a light-blue dress for the occasion. Hidden beneath was her usual variety of weaponry given she was never without. Red tresses had been left free flowing while her face had been graced with the lightest touch of makeup. A quick application of lip gloss completed the look before she dropped the container into her clutch. After a moment’s contemplation, she removed the lip gloss, license and a credit card, which she slipped on to her person.

Feet slipped into silver shoes before carrying the red-head to the front entry where she retrieved her keys and the wrapped gift for the children she had picked up earlier in the week. It was a quick, thankfully uneventful, drive to the venue where she gratefully surrendered her keys to the valet.

At the insistence of the press, she stopped to answer a few questions on the state of the city before heading up the festive carpet to the ballroom. It was a gorgeous room with impeccable decorations though her initial attention was drawn by the pair of trees graced with gifts. It was here she headed first to add her own wrapped gift to the mix knowing someone would enjoy the game she had chosen. Stepping away, she turned to scan the crowd, wondering whom else had already arrived.

[Game Master]

R O L E P L A Y + P R O M P T + ! ! !

Right as everyone is still arriving, a 'Jolly Old Elf' makes an appearance on a red sleigh which is drawn by (contrary to popular mythos), two reindeer. The white bearded, Saint Nick is only going to make a brief appearance, though this may be more to do with the reindeer and the staff not wanting to have to clean up after them than anything else. He stands in the sled, reaching into a large sack which looks like it should be filled with gifts. From it, he pulls dozens of strands of beads which glimmer like Christmas tinsel.

He throws the beads to everyone around him with a loud 'Ho ho ho!' before he is pulled out through the front entrance and into the night.

[Everyone who has posted thus far receives free 1,000 RPP!]

[Game Master]

MORI, ayuka ◦ Hebigumo Foundation Representative ◦ #804080

[for_peace][/for_peace][for_sirens][/for_sirens]

“My my, Bancroft really has outdone himself.” She commented aloud. To the casual observer, it probably seemed as if she wasn’t talking to anyone as her gaze swept the crowd. There was a natural parting of bodies, like the red sea rising away from itself as the Santa Clause figure in the sleigh was pulled through. The moment with the beads reminded her of Fat Tuesday, and she caught a strand of them when they were tossed in her direction, only to wind the beads in on themselves several times before letting them lay over her wrist. Less like a necklace and more of a bracelet. There were all manner of people there, from major business owners, to members of the police force, to the paparazzi, to respected members of the community whose families had been in Harper Rock for generations. While the ball was technically an open invitation to the whole of the little community, there had been a few invites sent to various pillars of the community. It was important to the mayor that the rest of the world see Harper Rock as a united front. That it seem as if the tragedies at Longslade were fading into memory, even though they’d only occurred a few months before.

There were a few things she took note of. One was another Saint Nick (not the one being pulled by reindeer). She heard the metallic clang of his bag and her brow lifted curiously. ”I don’t suppose he’s got a bunch of instruments in there.” She said. This time it wasn’t an anonymous message, but one spoken to an attractive redhead in a wintery light blue dress. There was the faintest of smiles that curved the corner of her plump, barely decorated lips at the observation.

And then she winked to the Santa.

As if to say If you think you can. Do it.

Ms. Mori could convey a lot with one look.

She lifted a hand which revealed her nails - they were a modified French tip in the coffin shape. Instead of white and flesh tone, they were black and a deep pearlescent red tone. Her voice itself had this quality that made it seem as if she could have whispered everything she said, and those around her would have heard it with perfect clarity. As if she meant what she said. Spider silk was, after all, soft, and yet exceedingly strong. Her fingers briefly gripped the redhead’s arm, giving the faintest of polite, warm squeezes. ”I’m Ayuka Mori. I don’t think I’ve seen you at one of these before, but you have a look about you that says you’re not new to Harper Rock. Tell me more about that before we get absolutely swamped with people flooding in to enjoy the free food?” She offered, glancing sidelong to Amalea.

[Amalea]

[for_peace][/for_peace]

The red-head certainly wasn’t the first nor the last to arrive judging by the stream of people still coming through the door. It was of no surprise to her given it was a Mayoral ball and sure to be the event of the season, if not the year. The who’s who of the city were all sure to be in attendance, particularly given some had been sent personal invitations, though opening it to the entire city had been a nice touch. It was a subtle statement that all the city’s inhabitants were equal, especially if one took into account the fact that the event was timed so all could attend safely. In comparison to the Longslade incident, this was bound to be a bit tamer, or so she hoped. Someone would need to be crazy or desperate to try to start something here with as many witnesses and press members there were in attendance.

A look of confusion crossed her face as the crowd started to part as if Moses himself was commanding them. Her understanding was that Bancroft wouldn’t be making a personal appearance this evening and she wasn’t sure if there was another person in the city that would demand such respect from a varied group such as the one gathered. The soft jingle of bells paired with the sound of hooves on the wood floor brought the image of Santa and his sleigh to mind seconds before the actual Jolly Man and his ride came into view. The throwing of beads reminding her of Mardi Gras celebrations, not that she had been to any to know for certain. Deftly catching a strand, she twisted it around her wrist to form a multiband bracelet; wearing it as intended was overrated.

Her attention was drawn to the other Santa unaccompanied by reindeer but with the metallic clanking bag. That wasn’t suspicious at all; the voice chiming in beside her only served to confirm her thoughts. ”Doubtful,” she shook her head as she turned slightly to smile at the well-dressed woman. ”I don’t believe we would be so lucky to have the night pass without any sort of issue.” Though she wasn’t quite sure whom the mysterious Saint Nick was, she was fairly certain that mayhem was afoot if not by them then by another. The event was too much of a tempting target to occur without incident.

The gentle, yet firm grip and squeeze of her arm refocused her attention on the mysterious woman beside her. The dress was something more suited to a Halloween event in the red-head’s mind though she had to admit it fit the woman like a glove; a very well-fitted glove at that. She had to admire the woman’s ability to wrangle herself into hose without getting a run as it was a skill the blood thief had been unable to master. Even the woman’s nails were impeccable if unconventional. Given the oddities she’d seen in the city, this was really nothing too out of the ordinary.

”Pleased to meet you Miss Mori. I’m Amalea Devadas.” The red-head internally cringed at sound having become unaccustomed to it in the past couple months as in most instances just her first name sufficed. This was a more formal introduction so it couldn’t be helped though it was a good reminder that she needed to do something about it sooner than later. ”I’ve lived here just over six and a half years and you’re correct. This is the first that I’ve attended. To be completely honest, I didn’t even know it was an event till this year or that there were even events like it.”

She couldn’t help but look a bit sheepish at the admission. It was a testament to how much of a non-social being she had been outside of work and her circle of friends the past several years. She was working to change that, but knew it would take time. There was a brief lull as she considered how to answer Ayuka’s question as she was quite sure that she wasn’t looking for a life story, even if the red-head had been willing to tell all. ”I’m Canadian by birth, though I was born and raised in the United States. I came here on a quest for information into my history and never looked back. I found Harper Rock to be more of a home than the one I left behind. “ She smiled at her companion before glancing around the room, ”How about yourself? Have you always lived here?”

[Noelle]

Social settings were a thing that Noelle typically tried to avoid. Large crowds, awkward conversation...just socialization in general, were not her strong suit. Over the years, she had practically become a recluse, only to be seen at family gatherings on occasion. Rarely did she show face at a public affair. However, things needed to start to change. She was getting so far behind on what was going on around the city. Oblivious to anything that she didn’t happen to stumble upon while out hunting, or that wasn’t shared with her. In this day and age, that wasn’t going to cut it anymore. Too much was happening for her to stay hidden and away. First step to getting back out there? Go to a big freaking party that was right in the center of all of it.

While inwardly, Noelle was nervous as hell about jumping in, outwardly she didn’t let it show in the slightest. The pale blonde haired woman stepped into the impressive ballroom, allowing eyes to briefly scan the room. There was at least one person that she recognized, having seen and met her at VooDoo before. Granted she didn’t know the woman well, in the slightest. It was still comforting to see a familiar face, though. She offered the redhead a smile before carrying her package over towards the trees. The perfectly gift wrapped art set was set down with the other presents just as hooves could be heard stamping across the floor. Turning towards the sound, eyes opened wide in shock. No..he didn’t...did he? She wanted to facepalm. Before she was able to bring hand to face, beads were tossed in the air and she instinctively grabbed for one.

It was then that she noticed another Santa, who had been blocked from her view moments before by the sleigh. A chuckle vibrated her chest a little as she immediately recognized the male. Her male. He hadn’t gone to crazy extremes with a sleigh and reindeer...however, that wouldn’t have surprised her. It would be him to do the unexpected. Noelle smoothed hands over the front of her red gown before making her way over towards her unnaturally plump Santa Clause. This night was bound to prove interesting one way or another….hopefully in a positive manner.

[Every]

[for_peace][/for_peace]

When the news of the Mayor's Ball reached Every, she hadn't made up her mind about whether or not she would attend. Despite the fall of the masquerade, and the shadow becoming more and more comfortable with it, she was still uneasy about public events. There were too many uncontrolled factors, too many things that could go wrong, but ultimately, she knew it couldn't hurt. The time off was put through, she invited Jayden and Dante - although she doubted either would attend - and Every began to make sure that things would be in line that she could make the evening. The date was set and so were her plans.

The past few years hadn't been the best for the woman. A trip to Brazil to learn more about the encantado in the rainforests had taken over one Christmas, a fight with her childer having her in no mood to deal with it on another occasion, and then Spade's disappearance had left her quiet the following year. "It can't be any worse than last year." She thought as she felt her thrall's hand on her spine as she set the black shawl against her back before Every slipped it over her bare arms. Her dress was satin, hugging her curves as it wrapped around healthy looking tanned skin, nearly backless where it set against her back. She'd paired it with simple jewelry, a few rings including the relic of danger intuition she hardly went without.

Although she'd teetered on the reluctance not to leave herself unarmed, she tucked away a lipstick knife into her clutch for safe keeping, a small caliber handgun in a holster attached to her inner thigh. It would keep her comfortable, even if she knew she was a capable fighter, without. Locryn had shook her head at the sight, calling her paranoid, but she knew better than to argue with the shadow. The drive to the Mayor's Mansion had not been a difficult one, the town almost as familiar to Every as the back of her own hand even in the winter weather. The winter tires creating a smoother ride than the previous studded ones she'd traded out just four days before as she pulled to a stop where the valet was found. She idly chewed on the inside of her cheek as she handed over her keys of her Silverado over to the young man in a red vest. There was something about someone else driving her vehicles that set her nerves on edge.

Her nerves didn't distinguish as she slipped away from the press - vampire or not, she wasn't comfortable doing anything past flashing a smile before entering. A long pause had her puffing out the bad, focusing on the task at hand as she turned in her shawl to a coat check in. Next, she moved to place her wrapped gift to the children down beside the others. Her heels gave a soft click as she straightened up afterwards, looking around at the other attendees in search of a familiar face. There weren't many - officers whom she'd seen over time, a few politicians whose faces were recognized from posters and the television screen when Locryn was watching her shows. The only face she knew for sure was Amalea, Every nodding lightly in the blood thief's direction as she took in the woman that she walk talking to.

A man dressed similiarly to others passed her carrying a tray, offering a different range of drinks. Her hazel eyes moving downwards to the outline of his gun causing her lips to pull in a soft twitch before she lifted her gaze back to his features. Her fingertips curled around a champagne flute filled with blood that she lifted in a small notion of appreciation as she said, "Thank you" and made her way to greeting the politicians with a charming smile playing across her lips for the time being, all the while repeating silently to herself that everything would end up alright if no one started a ruckus.

[Game Master]

R O L E P L A Y + P R O M P T + ! ! !

Just after the reindeer pulled Santa makes his exit through the front door, passing any incoming party-goers, some new attendants make their presence known. These party staffers differ from the ones serving food and drink in that they're clad in the vibrant greens, reds, blues and yellows of 'Santa's helpers.' Elves. The costuming is on point, including prosthetic ears that come to points, and slightly elongated, narrow noses. Many of them wear caps with bells on them, along with bell laden sashes and boots, that make their presence exceptionally easy to pick out.

One of them, with a clip on mic, wirelessly tuned to the hidden speakers both in the ballroom and the courtyard outside (which the ballroom spills into), clears his throat. "Attention everyone!" His voice is oddly high pitched, which indicates the potential use of a synthetic augmentation device, or some skill in voice acting. "If you turn your attention to the sitting room, just off of the grand ball room, you will find a special photo opportunity set up! There are tinsel wigs, holiday props and costumes as well as holiday masks (including Rudolf, Mrs. Clause, Frosty, etc). You will also find a green screen, as well as the 'Your Face Here' cardboard cutouts with various scenes! All photos taken will be of professional quality, and most are available as soon as the party is complete. Anything involving the green screen will require additional time to finalize. All photographs are free of charge, though some may be used by various media outlets in the near future! Happy holidays!"

[This feature will remain through the remainder of the party.]