synflux | ( open. ) masked gala

Entry tags:

( 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

[ The maze seemed like the entirely best place to get away from the hustle and bustle of everything to cool off after his speech. Get some alone time, give the other Outsiders time to digest his words rather than impulsively do something stupid. But a lot of Outsiders are humans, humans are good at that impulsively stupid thing.

Right now in his human cloak there's only so much Godzilla is capable of, he hasn't gained any human weapons as backups yet, this incident has him thinking he should. Still the old king's reflexes are sharp as ever and even honed to deal with blades thanks to his regular training with Raidou.

As the tip of the blade flies up to Godzilla's throat his right hand shoots out, grasping firmly, not a care in the world as it bites into the technologically disguised body. It hurts, yes, but it's nothing he's unused to. ]

I would suggest you withdraw your blade and apologize. Immediately. [ He reaches up his left hand to rest behind his ear, quirking an eyebrow at Callisto. ] Unless of course you are seeking to learn what your own steel tastes like. It can be arranged.

[ Yes he did just threaten to feed Callisto his own sword. The normally agreeable big guy is not in the mood, especially not after being compared to a rat. ]

[ he doesn't quite expect the hand that comes to wrap around the edge of the blade. it's... not customary for people to reach out so audaciously when the fresh scent of danger lay in wait on the other side. hence, his eyes to widen momentarily, taking in the sight of the stranger a bit more carefully. then his prior flare of adrenaline and murderous attempt fizzling out upon recognition... of the man in his speech.

his own hand does seem to drop aptly. sheathing his sword in a sort of silence. ] I have never heard of a guest who brazenly threatens their own host. [ says callisto who had done so on numerous occasions. but, there's no one here to call him out on his lies. ]

You seemed to want to be caressed by my blade so desperately, so why the temper?

[ actually, was there a reason to be upset while at such an event?

(apparently yes, but shhh). ]

[ He watches closely while the blade is pulled back and sheathed, nodding in approval. At least there's some sense to this man though Godzilla doesn't think he realizes how thoroughly outmatched he really is. There's still arrogance on display and he can't help but notice not a word of an apology. ]

When the host is the first to break hospitality the guest cannot be blamed for answering in kind.

[ Godzilla inspects his hand for a moment. Yup, bleeding. No he doesn't care. He actually snorts in amused contempt, his mood such that his cloak glitches and allows visible smoke from his nostrils to break through the disguise. ]

I have been compared to a lower mammal and had a blade put to my person. This is vaguely vexing, yes, but you have not seen temper yet. None of your kind have. Have hope it stays that way. The better question is why you respond to the presence of your guests with instant hostility.

[ He feels like he's been perfectly reasonable actually! If he was really mad he would've just turned off his cloak and gotten to stomping... ]

[ he supposed some habits still remained. while he could readily make light of it, it was rather easy for him to devolve right back to presuming there is yet another assassin at his heels. while he doesn't apologize, he isn't devoid of the comprehension that the blood on the man does have sone relation to his own misgivings on the situation.

he's about to offer a handkerchief as one would in these sorts of moments, but recalls he may have not replaced the one he gave some time back. hence, his hand stops midway from his attempt to offer one. instead, he looks at the same, and the slight... smoke?? he literally sees rising from him.

was he upset, or was that another technique employed? ] Fair enough. While I would offer you something to wipe your hands with, it seems I have misplaced it. [ he puts his intentions out there, at least.

before: ] Our kind...? [ but, the other question is what makes him remain oddly still for a moment, his brows furrowing slightly, before they seem to quickly be cast aside for something a bit more carefree. ] You could call it an old habit. You see, people tend to target your life in the most foolish of times. It was no reflection of you specifically... [ damn, no stomping time. ]

[ He waves his uninjured hand dismissively. ]

It is only a wound of the flesh. It takes far more to warrant concern on my part.

[ That answer is a lot more reasonable than Godzilla was expecting. It's close enough to an apology that he can justify not turning off his cloak and smacking some respect into the human. Almost kind of disappointing, he's still in the mood to fight someone to get the rest of his aggression out after that speech. Oh well... ]

Indeed, there is sense in your reaction then. I confess I have been expecting much the same since declaring war to the dissidents. You were almost the missed steak as one. [ Mistaken. ] Peace then, we have no true quarrel with each other as of yet.

[ well, if he says so, callisto has no reason to cast doubt on it. he is also not so charitable and gracious that he would think to push such a point to a man who seems rather firm on projecting the fact that he was fine.

in turn, he's just as surprised that the man he had seemed to once offend so deeply, seemed to also ... comprehend where he was coming from. it was less an excuse than a reality he had to live with, after all. he didn't expect anyone, including the duke's daughter, to have understood his point of view. ]

Miss... [ the steak? gathering from context clues, he figures it best not to make this more convoluted than it had to be. ] Declaring war.... Is that something you're accustomed to doing? [ it sure sounded like it, and... well, callisto could relate. less in declarations than he was often thrown straight into the fray, but they were about the same surely? ]

[ Godzilla shrugs, he's well used to explaining all of this by now. ]

Indeed. I am Godzilla, I am king. I have protected my world for millions of what humans call years. There are many wars I have had to wage against those who would have destroyed its balance.

[ Well. That's his idea of explaining it at least. The kaiju still thinks his simple name is enough to explain everything in the world about why he is who he is. ]

What of yourself? You are used to the conflicts of your kind?

[ it's an explanation that is likely no more farfetched than those who had labeled themselves as god before him. yet, it's one he isn't sure he accepts at complete face value. it isn't that he believes it to be facetious as much as it was simply difficult to accept. maybe no more difficult than the concept of cults and those who utilized a magic that could drain another's life force— but, listen... whether he believes or not, he doesn't exactly show any real inkling to his actual considerations. ]

Quite the title. [ ... ] I am more surprised to hear you aren't calling yourself a god. [ but, it doesn't surprise him to hear that conflict seems to run rampant in any time period. as for the millions of years... no comment. ]

As the crown prince of the Eorka empire, it would be accurate to state I am no stranger to war. Prior to my arrival here, I had just completed conquering a hostile enemy nation.

Bah, god. I have been called and venerated as such, it was never a title I bestowed upon myself. Only Mothra was worthy of it.

[ He just can't resist the urge to casually bring up his mate in the most out of place conversations, can he? He'll stand by it though, out of all the titans that gained worshippers Mothra was possibly the only one that even titans could argue was a god amongst them.

But that's his one Mothra praise for the conversation, as a little treat. Now to redirect and indulge his favorite hobby, learning about humans. ]

Ah. An expansionist then. [ Mixed feelings on that. Some expansionist cultures brought great things but they always tended to leave disaster in their wake, not to mention their collapses were rather messy. ] Do you battle amongst your warriors or hold to the rear?

[ mothra, he figures must be a respected individual of the man before him. maybe truly a god. there's only so much he can speculate. especially, as he seems so keen on changing the subject. which in turn only seems to strengthen his original curiosity.

he saves the name "mothra" for later. you can't escape him... ]

I wouldn't exactly label it as that, but as you know, when you're met with enemies on either side of you, sometimes you have no choice but to spring into action. [ lest you become the one dead instead is the hidden implication. ]

It depends on the battle itself. [ different formations in war, and differing objectives could change things, after all. ] However, as the strongest man in the empire, it would be pointless were I not present. Besides, I believe it was the current Empress' desire to see me on the frontlines. [ ... and despite his own feelings on his home country, it's also true that he wasn't about to let his men die pointless deaths, either. ] What of you? [ with a title like his, surely he had some orthodox tactics used in war. perhaps, it'd be much like a history lesson. ]

[ It is entirely Callisto's future funeral that will involve hours of Godzilla speaking on the virtues and qualities of his mate who is a giant moth. That'll be fun!

In the here and now Godzilla's good humors drop as the topic is turned back to him. He was trying to avoid that and unfortunately for him there isn't a single lying bone in his body. If someone asks a question they'll get an answer. ]

The front, always the front. Oft I am the only one who is able to take to the battle. This is fine. It is my duty. [ Granted in recent years there's been a certain giant ape fighting alongside him but Godzilla's trying to stay in as good a mood as he can here. ] It is normal that I am much larger than this, it allows me to secure the world easily on my own.

[ i am ready for this future thread...

but, at the explanation, callisto does seem to give his own thoughtful pause. he wasn't about to dismiss the answer to his own query, after all. especially an answer that seems so far from the norm. he supposed in many ways even his own response back isn't one people would assume typical of a "crown prince." ]

... and you never tire of such duties? I do not know if I label that as resilience, or... [ the words die on his tongue. instead, he restarts: ] Is your love for your people that deep? [ much larger. while callisto takes this metaphorically (little does he actually know). but, he does comprehend being the only one with enough power, and acting as the difference between victory and abhorrent failure. ]

[ A far better question! One that has his back straightening and chest swelling with pride. ]

Tire? Never. The duty is who and what I am, I was hatched for it. To defend my territory is no more tiring than to breathe or eat. [ His smile falters just a little while he scratches at a spot behind his left ear. ] The whole of humanity is my people... but yes. I care for them as much as I do the balance of the world. I will always stand between them and those that would Destroy.

[ hatched...

strange figures of speech aside, he does see that the man before him was clearly the sort who was committed to their cause. bound by it just by birth, and in that sense while he can relate to it, he also finds a contrarian part of him that doesn't want to. this only seems further amplified by how genuine the man seems. the puff of his chest, the way his voice reverberates clearly and without a single cloud of doubt.

though, in the same breath, callisto does seem to be almost easygoing or laidback when he approaches the topic once more. almost as if he were distancing himself from it. ] The whole of humanity, is it? You have your work cut out for you. In that sense, your convictions must feel convenient for this world.

[ ... ] Is this one quite similar to your own?

Similar, but not similar. Much of the history matches as well near as I have been able to discern. However my earth is not as advanced, neither in the technology humans possess nor the state of decay the balance of nature has reached. I and the titans have done much to reverse my world's wounds, one hopes the same will be achieved here.

[ A deep sigh. That's one of those easier spoken than accomplished kind of things. The whole reason the titans and Godzilla effect their world so heavily is because of the radiation and other natural byproducts they give off is coupled with their sheer size. He's noticed if he spends a lot of time in one spot in the green house the plants will start to grow a bit stronger but it's a far cry from what he caused before, and nowhere near enough to reverse the climate change on this planet. ]

Time will tell. As you stated, my convictions apply as much to this earth as my own. There is nature, there is life, there are humans, and now there is myself. So I shall fight and defend it just the same, even if the planet itself is silent to me it does not change that it requires my aid.

[ everything godzilla speaks of sounds grand in comparison to a simple discussion between nations. simple, if just by comparison rather than truly being simple, that is. after all, how could the whole of humanity be compared to a single empire.

still, perhaps that's what captures his interest. while it makes sense that everyone here would harbor separate experiences, he had only got an in-depth view of it through a very select handful of individuals. it's odd to think of a world in a similar state to this one, except, as he stated— less in a state of decay and general disarray. ]

That is rather honorable of you. [ but, does callisto tend to believe in this "honor" other people tended to throw around so easily in just conversation? but, there's no hint of lie as far as he could tell. ] I look forward to seeing that fight in you. It's a rare trait amongst people, I've found. [ for people to fight for beliefs rather than necessity... for someone to be this impassioned. ] Ah, but speaking of the advancements of this world...

It's a relief to see not everyone is so adjusted.

[ Honorable is it? He's never really thought of it that way before, to him it's always just been what he's supposed to do. Godzilla's dedication to his role as protector is something set into his very bones, even if LILITH were to needle him or prove themselves enemies at thee end of the day he'd still protect their world. If he did otherwise he wouldn't be Godzilla. The simple fact of who and what he is is honorable?

Well, not the worst thing he's ever heard to be sure. ]

Indeed. [ He nods thoughtfully, tapping the side of his head where his implants were installed. ] I am used to the existence of human technology, their machines, their weapons, their cities. Using it for myself however has been... an experience of learning, they do not make machines for my scale. [ Unless said machine is a metal copy of him that proceeds to repeatedly hit him in the head, or a metal glove for a giant monkey who proceeds to repeatedly hit him in the head. But that's neither here nor there... ] You have had to learn of its usage as well, yes?

[ so it existed, but he just was unable to use it for whatever reason? (he's literally said the reason, but callisto probably isn't comprehending his true scale). ] I suppose using it for yourself would be different.

That is correct. The empire was no stranger to magic, despite sorcerers being far less common through the years. [ rather, there was a social stigma and intrinsic dislike people developed for them over the years. however, callisto didn't hold such discriminations, and felt no one way over it. ] But, technology of this caliber is a first, so it has been a learning process.

For example, we often sent physical letters... [ now people text..

... and then there's the mind library. the sims... ]

Ah. Letters, writing upon parchment. Curious how such a simple invention has become a rarity in this world.

[ If nothing else the big guy nods sympathetically to Callisto's plight. They've had a leg up on each other in different ways, magic's been more of a hurtle to get his head around than technology. Humans aren't supposed to be capable of hidden power, heck even most of the titans telegraph what their abilities are in some visual way, but this magic stuff? Total nonsense.

Just another thing he kind of likes about people, really. Always so full of surprises. ]

An adjustment to be sure, yet worth it in the end is it not? The knowledge at our ready access, the ability to seamlessly communicate with our packmates. The invasion of the flesh vexes, to be sure. [ There he goes scratching that spot behind his ear at just mentioning the implant. ] Yet the advantages far outpace the frustration.

I suppose paper resources may also be a bit more uncommon. Considering a library can be accessed with your mind alone, it does make books feel a bit superfluous.

[ an observation more than anything. he supposed even if the resources existed, would they prioritize getting those over building a solid backing of an army, or investing in kaiju battling endeavors? it's a question he's pondered upon, but definitely didn't invest much time in. as long as they've all been in this world (some longer, some shorter), he presumes it wasn't meant to be anyone's real "home." wasn't meant to actually cause them to be genuinely invested. save for individuals like godzilla who seemed firm to fight for humanity, regardless of where these skirmishes would take place. ]

Packmates? Is that what you call them? [ ... ] I suppose the implication of humans also being animals isn't entirely wrong. [ in regards to the oculars, however: ] I think touching the body of a royal would be more than enough reason to cut off their tongues, hands, and feet... but, it works decently for our purposes. I had considered ripping them out at a time.

[ but, what's the point when it would probably just be re-implemented. ]

Bah. Take away their inventions and humanity is not far from any others. We hunt together, we fight together, we share no blood. We are packs. It is a fitting term.

[ He's never going to understand why people keep getting surprised by this, although they often seem to take less issue with the term when he uses it in his true form. Clearly because of the respect said form commands, who's going to question him of all beings.

A level Callisto seems to see himself of a scale to, the way he talks of such excessive barbarity as a response. The man thinks highly of himself, it was obvious from the start but it only becomes more so. Godzilla's learned better than to judge a book by the hide it is bound in, as they say, so possibly Callisto has hidden power to warrant such attitude.

It's not as if all he has is the luck of parentage and a decent reflex for swordsmanship... probably. Maybe. You can never be sure with humans. Whatever the case Godzilla simply shrugs as his response before speaking up. ]

It is my understanding such an action would cause damage to our minds. There is sense in this, I suppose, the device is placed directly inside them.

[ There he goes scratching that spot again. Dear Mothra how he hates thinking too much about it. ]

For my part I am not able to protest overly much. With the lack of it I would not be able to move amongst the humans, nor converse as we are now.

[ no, don't think too much about it, godzilla...

it's mostly ego. or so he is sure to find out eventually. not that callisto was a slouch by any standards, but it was clear that outsiders had their own unique abilities that far exceeded what was typical of the empire. regardless, it's not a topic to be breached tonight. much like how instead of coming up with another snide remark, he seems to simply accept the term of "packmate." compared to the statement of being a god or anything similar, it seemed relatively... innocuous by comparison. ]

You likely are not incorrect, and yet it stands the question of whose mind is truly and perfectly in tact? [ a joke, except per usual it's not very funny. it seems to hinge on a slightly more morbid touch. ]

Oh? Is your language and normal manner of being so different?

[ though, judging by packmate... hm, seems valid. ]

My own mind is, a few others. Though perhaps you are on the trail of something, as many other Outsiders do not seem wholly... present.

[ The joke like many things flies right over Godzilla's head. He doesn't look bothered by it though, he just shrugs and continues. ]

Very. It is simpler to show than explain, a moment.

[ His hand goes up to behind his ear where it was poised earlier to press the button on his implant and

Blorp

The 10ft tall lizard is standing there now. Looking down at Callisto, tail swaying on the ground slightly. With his hand already in position he starts to scratch his usual spot. ]

In my own world I am far larger than this. Communication with your kind is... oft impossible. There are a handful few that seem to understand me in the current era, yet we can not hold conversation as you and I do now.

[ when he mentions showing instead of explaining, he isn't sure what he had expected. considering how careful and well-spoken the individual before him was, he suspected him to perhaps have been an old man, mirroring the appearance of a haggard skeleton, or an old sage in fairy tales. what he's actually greeted with...

is far more scaley.

was he was dragon???? when he stands in his 10 foot glory, he just stares for a good minute. a whole minute of silence as he seems to be taking in the entire sight of him, and he makes no secret of the way his eyes seem to scan him up and down. several times over. ] I could see that. I would be more surprised to know if most do not simply run away in shock. [ though, it is fascinating to discover the man before him was some of... creature...? ]

Are you magical in nature? [ if just because that's mostly his experience with those he couldn't readily identify. they came in all forms, after all. ]

Most do run. Others attack with their machines, though it is more annoyance than threat. I am of a much larger scale in my full capacity.

[ Which he misses, kind of, but also kind of not? It's nice to be able to move amongst people, mingle with them, absorb their culture, join in at their parties like this one... eat their food. He really enjoys the results of cooking, it's possibly the best thing humans have figured out. ]

Though I am not what you or others would deem magic. I am a natural part of my world, as much a piece of it as the ocean or land. All I am capable of is a natural process of my own being, I do not manipulate forces outside myself to grant me borrowed power.

[ Except his atomic breath might actually be Quantum Breath and somehow fueled by a nebulous conceptual thing (it is UNCLEAR....) and also his "radiation" is 100% magic because it makes things grow instead of whither away but those are semantics he's entirely unaware of. ]

Edited 2024-09-27 07:18 (UTC)

( open. ) masked gala

002: swords (mazes and monsters is a far out game... )

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