synflux | ( open. ) masked gala

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( open. ) masked gala

WHO: Any Outsider is more than welcome!
WHAT: The Royal Gala (citation needed)
WHERE: "Ruby Room," an event hall in Neo Tokyo.
WHEN: 10th day of September.
WARNINGS: Alcohol, potential suggestive topics, and will update as we go!

Throughout the week leading up to the event, every Outsider will have received an elaborate invitation in a wax-sealed envelope. Each letter will be relatively unique, but ultimately seems to carry the same contents:

Your presence has been summoned to the first annual royal gala, which will take place at the Ruby Room on the 10th day of September, the year 2078. Please come dressed appropriately, and do not forget a mask. While not required, depending on your dancing abilities, it is highly suggested.

- Callisto Regulus

CODED BY TESSISAMESS
Whether people attend out of a sense of obligation, out of suspicion in finding more about the event (and by extension, what it entails), or even simply as an excuse to dress up and raise ones spirits— all is welcome. While no theme is established, one could likely surmise from the envelopes that the colors of the venue will be predominately decorated in reds, black, and golds.

No matter where one looks, the entire hall has been intricately decorated. While the vast majority of the venue appears to mirror what one would see in a palace, including all the pillars and seemingly expensive items put on display, if one peer through their oculars, they will find it is designed much like ones room upgrades are: through technology. Though, a smaller percentage of some of the items appear delicately handmade, including the lace on the dining tables thanks to some assistance. It is as much the decadent scenery as one could envision, even if to some degree, it's fake. But, listen, they do technically have some sort of budget.

Additionally, as specified on the invitation, as soon as anyone walks through the doors of the venue, and have their names announced (per course of a royal celebration)— if they are wearing a mask, they will find that their identities are obscured from others. This includes their appearance and voice, which may appear blurry or slightly different to what it usually is. This is because the venue itself casts an affect on anyone wearing a mask, making them completely anonymous to one another. However, the illusion is quick to break if one just removes their mask!

Aside from the mystery of the masks, there will also be several other forms of entertainment available for the night:

1. DANCE
As with any gala, there will naturally be music and dancing throughout the night. Soft music will play throughout the venue and will include several tunes. If one doesn't know how to dance, perhaps they will have a partner who knows all the steps? If not, if they open their oculars, they will find several guides passive aggressively attached to a folder dropped to all Outsiders called "Educate yourselves" made by yours truly. They do, however, appear to be fairly good guide videos, even if they are made through AI, and may even utilize your own face? Oops.

2. GARDEN MAZE
There will be a section in another room of the venue that is labeled as being a maze. When one enters, they will find themselves surrounded by extremely tall shrubs, or what appears to be that. Instead, it is much like a virtual escape room. The point is to find the exit that will lead them back to the dance hall. However, it won't be so easy. Hopefully no one loses their partner for the night in here.

3. SECRET PASSAGEWAYS
If one explores the maze deeply, they will find that the main hall isn't the only place it leads to, instead they will discover that there are several hidden passageways that lead to secret rooms. Perhaps, it was made to provide some people some privacy. Privacy appropriate for such a demure and mindful event, that is.

4. FIREWORKS
At the end of night, there will also be a firework show. Considering that actual fireworks weren't permitted even during the festival period, it's reasonable to say there will be no real fireworks here. However, what guests will get is a VR firework show at the end of the night. Perhaps, not an entirely poor way to end it.

Perhaps, these events and how elaborate the venue is at least makes up the lack of food items. While there are food, they are kept rather simple. Maybe in light of recent events, it was decided they keep it within means. While the food may appear fancy or delicious, they will be made with what is similar to ration bars, but in varying flavors. To make up for it, the main dish, however will be a delicious mystery meat. No one knows where it comes from, or what it's made of.

There will also be several speeches throughout the night, and perhaps you may also feel inclined to make your own before a toast? Whichever the case, surely no one is here for Callisto's speeches, at least.

( ooc note: the mask prompt was approved by mods and purchased with points, but feel free to have your character remove their mask if it's not their thing! i just wanted to add in a fun surprise in the log. also, you're free to assume whatever is typically in galas to be here, so don't feel locked into anything! the most important rule of all— have fun!!!

once again, your character is free to get an invite as everyone was invited! 👍 )

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

( Aventurine, having been invited, would never turn down an offer to go to a fancy party. And this time the only work he'd be doing was networking and attempting to be as annoyingly in love with Ratio as possible simply to drive the point home to Callisto that he knew what he was talking about when it came to romance and because Ratio had mentioned that the man was making unwelcome overtures, and well. Aventurine is oh so very good at being obnoxious when it means getting what he wants. As one does. To that end, if seen without his mask, Aventurine has chosen to wear a dress to the gala, with a matching peacock feathered mask. )

1. DANCE (MASKED)

( He might have come from the desert, and he might have been enslaved until his early twenties, but Aventurine does not need the guide on how to dance. While most formal IPC events are purely for networking, Aventurine has never skimped on the skills he might need to know for his job. Wining and dining and dancing are useful tools to have, and he does them all exceptionally well. While he mostly dances with the tall gentleman he entered with (who's identity is also disguised by the mask, but anyone familiar with Aventurine's choice of fashion and his personal life will know who clearly hides behind it) there are stretches of time where he gives Ratio a break and bows to whoever else might be simply standing to the side of the dance floor. )

Might I have this dance, mysterious stranger? We can make a game of it, if the simple pleasure of dancing is not to your taste.

2. GARDEN MAZE (UNMASKED)

( He'd only meant to look around to see what else Callisto had managed to put together for this event. That he'd gotten lost in a VR maze would be his luck, but Aventurine is confident he'll find his way out eventually. His luck, after all, only truly fucks him over whenever he doesn't want it to, when he has something to lose. And Ratio wouldn't leave him over the fact he'd accidentally abandoned him for five... ten? Fifteen at the most. Twenty minutes. He'd be a little more confident if the man had his bust, but there's still no sign of it--

Anyway, Aventurine turns to the unlucky soul who's in this maze with him. )

I don't suppose you saw any sort of power source for this when we walked in, did you?

3. WILDCARD

( Aventurine spends most of the event with Ratio, though he can easily be pulled away for more private conversations, masked or unmasked. He nibbles on the few offered refreshments, including the mystery meat, and eventually will attempt to start a game of blackjack at a side table for the other guests. Even if his date does not stay to the end of of the evening, Aventurine will, watching the vr fireworks show with the rest of anyone who's managed to survive the night. )

[ Galas aren't new to Ratio. For someone of his fame and caliber, getting invitations to various galas, dinners and the like is an unfortunate part of his work. Soliciting sponsors for the Intelligentsia Guild's projects or simply representing the guild was often the reason given for his required attendance. Where he could, he rejected such events, but there were always a few that he could not afford to ignore.

Here, he wasn't beholden to such obligations, so he'd been fully prepared to ignore this one. However, when Aventurine asked him sweetly (begging, almost, except the gambler would never admit to that), Ratio had no choice but to acquiesce. At least he would be familiar with most people attending, and other than the host himself, he found them to be decent company.

The masks are a curious addition to the event, and in a dark blue three-piece suit bereft of his signature visual motifs, Ratio might actually be difficult to identity at a glance. He only keeps it on for the novelty, and because it's peculiar to see the effect on Aventurine, who is as alluring as ever even with his face obscured. ]

Well? Who are you trying to impress?

[ That's the conclusion Ratio's come to, after a moment of thought. To be in a beautiful dress, pressed against the scholar like a clingy girlfriend showing off their boyfriend... it's almost juvenile, but there must be more to it than he's seeing. ]

( Aventurine has missed this, the fancy formal affairs and working through them because he is, as ever, a man who must have a purpose to everything he does. Lately, doing things with Ratio have become a cherished exception of doing something simply because that he has grown to cherish. But the other man is right: he has a reason for this, and because Ratio is a part of it, Aventurine decides to let the good doctor in on some of his plotting.

But not all. )

Can’t you guess, Doctor? How about I give you a hint – you’ve met him in person, though I never have.

[ It's easy to see the cogs of the scholar's brain turning as he ponders the hunt. For a brief moment, he scans over the sparse crowd gathered in the ballroom, eventually settling his eyes on the host of the event.

And then his gaze turns back to Aventurine, unimpressed irritation painted all over his face—at least, it would be were it not for the mask concealing most of it. ]

What benefit could you possibly gain from ingratiating yourself to that nuisance of a prince?

[ Tezcatlipoca is very much unmasked for this celebration, since even if it’s to tradition, he’s just too arrogant to consider hiding his identity. Even the mask he dons in his armor serves a different purpose—There’s no mistaking him, and he doesn’t want to be. But other than that refusal, he’s dressed well for the occasion in a simple black suit, though he does have a little bit of style in the lining being red, and his nails are painted to match that today. It's the little touches.

However, even if he’s comfortable and has been happily chatting people up, this still isn’t exactly familiar to him. So, when it comes to dancing, he stays on the sidelines. It’s not to say that he isn’t interested, though, so when Aventurine speaks to him, he looks his way in surprise first, then cracks a little grin. ]

A game, huh? What kinda game?

[ …That’s what appeals to him more, naturally. They’re similar in always being willing to roll the dice and play a game. Just, you know. His usually comes up as a loss. It’s Fine. ]

A simple one, naturally. We talk, we dance, and we take a guess at who the other is underneath the mask. I shan’t hold it against you if you can’t so long as you do likewise.

( It’s a game, not a bet, and Aventurine doesn’t have anything on the line. But he wants to know how noticeable he’s been. If there is anyone he should be aware of, beyond his general distrust of nearly all who have ended up grabbed by LILITH. It’s not their fault, but LILITH does seem to bring people in who are capable – that means the potential for danger, and Aventurine still feels as if he has yet to grasp the full picture.

It makes him feel uneven, grasping at straws instead of at chips. )

[ as per the laws of the palace, if ones eyes gaze upon another for too long, it was no different than acting as a request itself. as if it were some unspoken blend of interest. while callisto himself may have no such intentions, it's true that he does genuinely wonder who each individual is beneath the mask. despite this being a mechanic of his own creation in a sense, he didn't quite expect how well it operated.

even now, he can't glean any specific characteristics, not in their voice, their mannerisms, or anything else. perfect anonymity may have left him uncomfortable at home, but within these walls in which he feels he's built up his own tiny empire, he feels no such innate apprehension.

so he reaches out, taking the stranger's hand perfectly into his own before drawing closer. ]

A game? You really have no sense for danger. [ it's not actually (dangerous), but the ease of a threat leaving his tongue felt far more natural than anything else. though, he does seem to even it out with a: ] But, sure. What should be the rules and wager to this game of yours be?

( That has Aventurine laughing, and while it is not as true as the laughs he shares with Ratio, there’s still an edge to it that betrays how amused he really is at the pointed remark. Aventurine draws the man out onto the dance floor, but he settles his hands on the other man as if he expects his dance partner to lead. Most men prefer to do so, and Aventurine has no qualms about letting people assume what they will about his own preferences at the moment. )

Well, friend, I’ve been known to enjoy the thrill of danger. Too much, in the minds of some. ( He lives for that gambling high, after all. Or used to, it’s… less of all of what consumes him these days when Ratio’s warmth and kindness is offered to him so readily. ) Just a simple one – we dance and we talk, and at the end we take a guess as to who the other is. As for the prize, well – what would you ask of me?

[ it isn't an incorrect judgment that aventurine makes. callisto is as accustomed to leading as anything else, and finds it far more natural to do so. had he been challenged here, he likely would have sought out his own form of vengeance, not unlike what he speaks of via text on the network. it keeps his mood relatively light, even with the lingering "game" that manages to grip some form of tension over him.

he's just as excited at the prospect of seeing who this stranger could be. even now, there are some indicators, not exactly bold-faced ones, but he certainly doesn't know many would would refer to him as a friend for one. ] It seems that may be accurate. Perhaps, it's a testament that you do not know who I am that you can say such words without fear of retaliation. [ he says as if it isn't obvious that only a handful of individuals could make such casual threats, even in jest. ]

Very well. [ ... ] To commit to doing something you would be uncomfortable with. [ as for what that is, he supposes that's for him to figure out alongside the person's identity. ] What do you think? [ besides, if he likes danger, the more vague it is... the better, right? ]

[ Ah, another dance! She's danced so many times tonight and she can tell she's going to pay for days and days to come — Her social batteries are drained and she's taxing into non-existing reserves.

But she can't just say no, can she? ]

No game is needed. [He'd been dancing with the doctor so far, hadn't he? She'd spotted them earlier. She offers him her hand.] Are you familiar with Ratio?

[ She recognized his tsundere-ness from miles away, masks can't hide that. ]

( Aventurine laughs at that, amused that his partner could see through Ratio so easily. It’s not the fault of Ratio, of course, the man just has that air about him. Aventurine pulls her out onto the dancefloor, easily starting on a waltz if she allows him to lead. )

He’s not one to care if others see through his literal mask, but I’ve no doubt he’d be perturbed you managed it so easily. ( Not for long, however. It is Ratio they’re talking about. ) But yes, you could say we’re familiar.

To most people, all the stars in the sky look the same. But when you know them, they stand out for their unique qualities.

[ And does Ratio stand out! In some good ways but - unfortunately - in some really bad ones also. For now she follows his lead, pretty competently so at that. ]

The doctor is a good person, in spite of what he'd like people to believe. I hope you will take good care of him.

As best as I'm able, at any rate.

( It's said a little ruefully, because Aventurine knows that he will hurt Ratio in some way, at some point. He's too reckless, too willing to put it all on the line, and too willing to accept the consequences of a loss that never comes. )

We... understand each other. The things that drive me, the things that drive him -- they might not be all that compatible in the long run, but we know that. So neither of us are going to hold that against each other, if it ever becomes a problem.

Oh? Looking to shut it down?

[ He's mostly been meandering aimlessly. Silco's quick, and he's a survivor, but one didn't grow up in the fissures without learning both how to get lost, and how to fix that easily. This is nothing. There is open air above, no crushing closeness of cave walls, it's well lit... Really, he could stay in here a while. Probably has, actually. Without his mask on, having just finished a cigar, he's mostly idly tapping a finger against a surface of some sort, trying to consider how it works, but finding himself wanting.

Ah, if only his daughter was here to pull it apart. ]

I'm afraid I wouldn't know what to look for. I employ many mechanical savants where I am from [ one, actually ] but I'm afraid I've picked very little up in that regard. I don't suppose you could describe what it might look like, hm?

I enjoy a good escape room as much as the next person, but this? This is more of a maze. ( So yes, he wants to shut it down. He’s running his hands against the walls as Silco continues to talk, though he pauses when he mentions employing many savants that has him raising a brow. ) Oh? I’ll admit, I didn’t take you for a businessman.

( Which isn’t a bad thing, Aventurine has dealt with all types. As for what it might look like — )

Let’s see here– given the predisposition for screens and projections, it’s likely not as simple as a physical button. A control panel with a smooth surface would be my first guess, different in texture. At least something tactical to pull up a holographic control.

The industrialist is what they call me, actually.

[ He says it idly, his tone makes it sound like it's half a joke — and it is. There's something about Silco that doesn't give off the air of a posh businessman, he's more like sludge, or slime, slithering through every interaction like the refuse pumped out of something more prosperous. He was as much a businessman as Aventurine was unlucky.

His smile even said as much. Veneer over the rot. ]

You seem rather familiar with these sorts of things. Advanced society?

[ He asked, even as he reached out to a patch of the wall, to feel at it. See? he can play along too. ]

Where I am from, this is unthinkable. [ Compared to Piltover, where such stuff could maybe be thinkable, if not in development. He had no clue what the academy wonks did. Maybe Jinx had an idea. ]

Smooth, you said?

[ He tapped across a surface, but most of it is rough, until — ]

Hm.

[ He pauses. It's probably not right, but he pokes at a patch anyway. And then from another angle, trying to take a page from the aforementioned savant. ]

[Aventurine finds what...looks to be a young man (it's hard to tell with the mask) wearing a suit something like this. He'd been at the edge of the dance floor comparing the tutorials given by Callisto with the dancing on the floor proper when he's approached by someone in a fabulous dress.]

A-A game? I-

[He yelps, being pulled along before he can protest too much, right into the center of the party. If he'd been overwhelmed BEFORE...he holds onto the other's offered hand with the other landing on a bare shoulder, movements stiff and supremely awkward.] I-I'm sorry, you'll find my dance skills somewhat lacking. Maybe it. It would be more entertaining for us both to play that game. What did you have in mind?

Don’t worry, I’ll lead. It’s much easier to follow in my experience.

( Said with a grin before Aventurine takes a step forward, waiting for his partner to move that same leg backwards. It’s simple enough; he takes mercy on the young man’s floundering by not simply dragging him into a whirlwind dance. No, that was saved for Ratio – he can at least trust the other man to keep up. )

The game is simple: we dance, we talk, and by the end of it we both take a guess as to who the other is. No stakes, no wager. Simple enough?

Oh. Alright, that can work, I think.

[Still nervous, Dan Heng steps back with the other man, reacting quickly and in tandem, something that actually does come more naturally to him as an agility based fighter.

Which means his movements may be a bit more suited for combat than dance but...well. He does keep up. Learn by doing and all. He had been watching videos...]

Alright. I can- I can do that. [He agrees, too focused on not stepping on the man's feet to wonder if the grin is a good sign or not...

He does mentally wince at the game rules. So it's a social basis...alright. He can do this. Probably.

(If he were the Trailblazer, he would have been clued in by Aventurine's talk of wagers and risks. BUT since Dan Heng stayed on the train like a shut in for most of Penacony!! He doesn't know the man's speaking habits. Just what Orion told him in passing...)

He clears his throat. Talking. Small talk. OK. ]

What's your favorite. Erm...color?

[Great start Dan Heng.]

( Dancing, Aventurine would argue, is indeed a form of combat. Or Combat is a form of dancing -- whatever suits the other. An ebb and flow, and one that can be controlled and used as needed. )

Turquoise. ( Which, given the shifting colors of his dress, might come as a surprise. Yet he remembers enjoying the soft, blue colors of the stones the Avgin treasured. ) And yours?

[He would have a point there. Both activities go hand in hand, honestly. Except one could argue that dance is perhaps more cooperative... ]

It's a good color. Fond of it myself. [Alot of Dan Heng's more polite speech gets left on the wayside while he focuses on the dance moves, and moving to the beat, and working with his dance partner- well. He can't overthink his own answer either. ]

Red. [His suit is made up of many greens, so it's also a bit surprising on the surface perhaps. Red used to be...blood, death, and That Man hunting him...but. It's more now. It's the Express, it's Himeko's warm presence, it's Pom-Pom's fiery temper stemming from worry...it's home.] Greens just...make me stand out less, that's all.

[ Let's say that after a certain king's speech, Elan ends up sliding into an open seat at Aventurine's blackjack table, eyes shifty and head down like he's trying to avoid catching the attention of someone. It's only after a certain drunk speaker has left the premise that he turns his attention to the man at the table. He wasn't really here to play cards, buuut. ]

Sure, why not. Deal me in. You were right to bring your own entertainment, this party's kinda a letdown.

It certainly holds no candles to the ones I’m used to. Though with the galaxy’s wealth at the fingertips of my usual hosts, it’s no surprise that nothing else compares.

( Aventurine shuffles his cards before dealing two to the other and then himself, flipping over one of his to reveal a ten. He’s yet to to make up his mind whether or not he wants to lose against this man, but he’s sure his reaction to one round in Aventurine’s favor will show him the better option. )

You must be well-connected! Born rich like our prince? [ He waves a hand in the vague direction of Callisto. ] Or just that good at your game?

[ Elan's imagining like. The fancy fundraising parties corporations hold where money is thrown around. He can't say he's been to one personally, but he's been debriefed about them. ]

Run the rules by me again! In case they're different in your part of the galaxy.

Good at the game. ( He says with a wink. ) It's amazing where good luck will get you, don't you agree?

( But that's exactly the sort of thing one should imagine when it comes to the IPC. They didn't get to be in charge of the universe's credit system for nothing. )

Let's see here-- aces are worth eleven or one, depending. You can ask for a hit, but if you go over twenty-one you automatically lose. Whoever has the higher at the end without going over wins.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

( open. ) masked gala

aventurine | hsr

wildcard ofc

5 pages total btw smh

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1 (I think this would be a funny time to meet....)

asdfsdf ABSOLUTELY

Sorry Aventurine. Dan Heng has my social skills from dances I hated going to-

he's SO relatable

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crawls into this thread late with no starbucks