( OPEN ) it's party season 🎉

[transmit]

WHO: Anyone and everyone.
WHAT: Rodion's (axethrows) belated birthday party.
WHERE: One of the larger karaoke bars around Neo Tokyo.
WHEN: December 1st.
WARNINGS: Alcohol… Please mark your own content accordingly!


On November 29th, Outsiders will receive the following text:

「 < FROM @ HOTTIE >

Hey there! You're officially invited to celebrate the lovely Miss Rodion's birthday. Whether you're a close friend or just looking for a reason to party, (I'm looking at you, recently cured vampire friends!) you're welcome to join in with her blessing — so long as you bring in the good vibes.

Alcohol and finger foods will be provided, but feel free to bring something extra along if you'd like! No one has ever said no to more options.

Join us on December 1st at Sakura Serenade, starting officially at 8 PM. The venue is ours for the night, and there's no need to RVSP! See you there. ✨ 」

Reiterating that characters do not need to know the birthday girl herself and that this is just a casual party mingle for all those interested.

As for arrangements that have been made for the party specifically, with party games listed in the comments:

01. VENUE
Fitting its title as the largest karaoke venue on the block, Sakura Serenade offers a spacious, vibrant setting perfect for large gatherings. Dazzling with customisable LED lighting and cutting-edge projection technology, they work in tandem to sync with music to create a dynamic and immersive atmosphere.

Seating is luxurious, with plush wraparound couches providing ample space for everyone to lounge comfortably. A central open floor invites guests to dance, while barstools and cocktail tables along the perimeter offer spots for mingling and conversation.

The song library is seemingly infinite, featuring tracks from every genre imaginable with subtitles in countless languages. Have a song that "doesn't exist"? No problem. Guests can upload their custom tracks directly via their implants, ensuring no melody is left unheard.

For those seeking a quieter retreat, Sakura Serenade also features smaller, private rooms equipped with their own karaoke machines, ideal for more intimate and reflective moments as the night winds down.

02. "CHAMPAGNE" TOWER
Upon entering the venue, guests are greeted by an impressive "champagne" tower, sparkling under the glow of ambient lighting. A neatly designed placard stands prominently at the base, declaring in bold letters: "Take one!", with a smaller, playful note beneath: "Or as many as you'd like."

What sets these glasses apart from the usual drinks served at the bar is their origin. The "champagne" is actually a special regain from Yuwon's (yuwon) world, perfect for guests who typically can't get intoxicated by regular alcohol or those with an uncanny tolerance. Have fun!

03. THE GREAT WALL OF POCKY
As per the birthday girl's request (well, not quite, but a certain someone has chosen to interpret it this way), nearly every flavour of Pocky imaginable has been gathered here today, all neatly arranged in rows and columns on a table at the side.

Yes, they're from the batch you're thinking about. Whether your character has caught on to their effects by now or prefers to believe they're from a fixed batch, that's entirely up to you to decide. But what better time to partake in a round of a Pocky game or two? The robot staff seem to support it as one of the host-sanctioned activities, and will even offer an explanation on how to play.

04. AFTERMATH
Guests have the freedom to decide how they'd like to end their evening, whether that means stretching out on the floor for a spontaneous slumber party or taking advantage of the venue's connections with nearby hotels. The options range from luxurious accommodations to more colourful establishments, catering to a variety of budgets.

The night is yours to enjoy, and the journey home can be as adventurous as the party itself! With all the seasonal decorations now beautifully illuminated, there's plenty to marvel at along the way.

( much thanks to abbie, bijou, and chrissy for ideas !! )

Comments

GIFT CORNER

[transmit]

( it isn't necessary, but for all those who have brought a gift large or small for the birthday girl can drop it off here!! )

PARTY GAMES

[transmit]

( self-explanatory! feel free to add your own. be sloshed or bust (no) )

TRUTH OR DARE

[transmit]

FONDUE BAR

[axethrows]

welcome to the fondue bar

[While it may be her birthday party and Elysium was in charge of most things, she had a few ideas of her own that she put into action before the party start time. Can't have a Rodion party without her own extra touch after all and since she's a resident food enjoyer, of course this little idea is food related.

Nearby the infamous pocky table will be another table where there will be a few fondue machines set up along with various treats meant for dipping. Thanks to work in food business, she got a connection that let her rent these machines for the evening. A rough written yet legible sign will be placed on the table:

"Help yourselves! Goodie bags are available so you can take some treats home with you!"

There are three flavors available for dipping: dark chocolate, strawberry, and green tea cream and the snacks include pretzels, plain pocky sticks, and common fruit. Anyone can dip anything else in if guests brought their own food. Unlike some of the boxed pocky, there is no worry for any strange side effects here. There are also sprinkles, salt, and little bottles of chocolate and caramel sauces provided for those that want to enhanced their treats to another level. Like the sign said, treat bags and ties are available for any take-home treats or even possible gifts. To cool down and solidify the coating around your dipped treats for packaging or preference, there is one of the robot staff stationed at the table to help thanks to it's built in cooling features. It will also provide other types of assistance such as recommendations and watching over the table so nothing shady occurs while the birthday girl is occupied. This robot will also hold on and guard your bagged treats for you in case you make a snack yet want to save it for later.

There is not much rules or limits here with this table, but given that Rodion is renting these machines, anyone who tries anything shady such as tampering with the machines or food will meet her wrath. The robot staff will alert her if it catches you acting strange around it's station. Any leftovers or abandoned treats will be eaten/saved by Rodion, but some will also be donated to the orphanage to give the children a treat in these colder yet festive times.

Make something for yourself or your friends, create some good treats with a partner, and have a good time among the party. Try not to have a sugar crash! You are free to either tag this top level or include this prompt in your top levels.]

[hitokiller]

( it should come as no surprise to see izou flushed, his eyes fluttering open-and-closed like an old-fashioned shuttering camera on the occasion.

when he finally manages to pay attention to the game they're playing, a shiver runs up his spine at the name. a CERTAIN WOMAN who SHALL NOT BE NAMED obliterated him last time. flat-out. no holding back.

so, this time... yeah. he'll just. izou licks his lips. )

T... Truth.

[yuwon]

[ seeing izou flushed isn't exactly a surprise. but, what is a surprise is the fact that someone who seemed so impulsive and always up for a challenge... would be more open to choosing truth over dare. ]

What? You too drunk for a dare today? I told you that you couldn't handle it.

[hitokiller]

Wh... Who're you callin', too drunk to handle--

( a show of teeth as izou jabs a finger angrily in yuwon's direction, and then... fixes it because he overshot. by a lot.

drink down for focus.)

You think I'm afraid 'a you? N... Nah. It's not like that. I'm just not gonna get instigated into whatever this time. Not even by you.

[yuwon]

[ he looks at the direction izou initially points in, then back to izou himself, as if to punctuate how far off he is. his expression completely flat, before he offers a small shrug. ]

Wow, you're learning. How did you know I was instigating? [ he says this as if he's really impressed. in reality, he might still just be messing with izou... it was easier than addressing any other hint of vulnerability he may have displayed in the weeks prior. ]

[axethrows]

venue

[Dressed in something extra nice yet not restricting along with her hair tied up with a butterfly hairclip (thank you kabru), the "birthday" girl is overall very pleased with how Elysium set everything up. Rodion is never in one place for long as she is alternating between making sure everyone is having a good time, making conversations, eating and drinking... There may be times where she does wander off to a private room to recover her social battery some, but since this is a party all about herself, she is absolutely doing her best to enjoy herself and keep a good vibe going. If someone ruins that, well... She will deal with it. One way or another. For now, her wish on finally having an enjoyable birthday has been granted. She is happy with that wish becoming true among her list of desires.

For now, she will continue her wandering, greeting, and checking in with all the guests. It's not hard to wave her over or approach her if she missed you, but trying to be a wallflower will simply not do here!]

Hey! Having fun or do you want me to fix that for ya?

[It's an offer if you need some help deciding what to do around here since there is a bit of a lot going on right now.]

wildcard

[Lazy starter for the chill season... You can honestly find her doing various activities from the eating to figuring out what/if she is going to sing in front of everyone and even to playing one of the various party games. Feel free to message me to plot and I can even write a custom starter for you if you want!]

[immortalpoet]

[Hi. Hello. Here's a familiar red-eyed fellow just. Staring right over at this whole mess of a dog.]

Are you sure. You're asking for a lot.

[immortalpoet]

[Vergilius is NOT sloshed. He IS a grumpy party-goer even if he knows the party girl, but here he is, trying to....participate?]

Ugh.

[Okay, he's very bad at participating, given that he's sitting here with eyes faintly glowing like he's a disgruntled demon being brought out from under a child's bed to play games. He's staring down at his glass, before heaving a sigh.]

.......Ask. Sure. Whatever.

[hitokiller]

( shifting his weight as to get more comfortable on this particularly cushy sofa-- )

'Cus. You're always messing with me. Almost like...

( a contemplative sip. )

You get somethin' out of it.

[hitokiller]

A lotta... what. I can handle the truth.

ISHMAEL COURIER SERVICE

[transmit]

[ It's a lovely Sunday. Moonlight streams through frosted windows, casting the base in silvery hues. Its glow is soft yet unyielding, a stark contrast to the biting winter chill that lingers in the air. The world is hushed, and yet… there's a subtle tension in the air, an almost imperceptible hum wrapped in the kind of eerie stillness that so often heralds a storm.


It's precisely because it's a lovely Sunday that Ishmael will find herself in a surreal predicament when she rounds a corner: ambushed, a giant burlap sack shoved over her head with startling precision. ]

Aaaaalley-oop!

[ And, promptly—flung over one (1) Elysium's shoulder. Hi! ]

[transmit]

[ It should come as no surprise, given the trail of empty glasses Elysium has left in his wake and the cloying scent of alcohol woven into his clothes, to find him flushed and radiating the telltale warmth of indulgence. Yet, despite the clear signs of his revelry, he's remarkably steady on his feet, a testament either to practice or sheer force of will.

Eventually zeroing in on what will likely be just the first of several targets: ]

——You!

[ Exclaiming aloud with a jab of his finger, a fleeting warning before he strides forward with all the confidence of a man whose antics are partly fueled by liquid courage. With an attempt to throw an arm around your character's shoulders to pull them close in a gesture that's equal parts camaraderie and mischievous intent: ]

Truth or dare, my friend?

ACTUAL GIFT!!

[transmit]

( The gift of friendship may be the greatest gift of them all, but he isn't about to skimp out on a physical gift, either. In a neatly decorated gift basket sits several canisters of the whisky Pocky they'd talked about, as well as a bottle of actual whisky.

An enclosed note reads:

"Happy belated birthday, Miss Rodya! I hope this marks the first of many celebrations spent with your friends and loved ones. These biscuits are 100% safe for consumption without any surprise secondary effects; yours truly has ascertained it. ☆

All the best!

- E. 🐦" )

girl help

[wheft]

[ ftr, she was aware that it's rodya's birthday. and she did kind of decide that she will finally apologize either today or tomorrow -- only for a sack to be thrown over her head and being lifted up into the air and onto the shoulder of someone who sounded very familiar... ]

Eh? What the -- What's going on?! Elysium?? Where are you taking me?! What the fuck!!

[ yeah she's going to protest all the way, her feet just wiggling comically the entire time. no seriously, answer her!!! ]

[immortalpoet]

I could ask something deeply personal. You really sure?

[axethrows]

Dangerous~ You sure you don't want to sit on my lap again and call it a day?

[That certain woman could appear at any second now, but of course the birthday girl will tease over last truth or dare's events.]

[hitokiller]

( deeply personal...

izou's brow furrows, lips smacking as the humiliation he suffered previous rolls through his inebriated mindscape. )

I... I got nothin' to hide.

[hitokiller]

( wh... why's she bringing that shit up NOW??? let alone when being foul to her will make him look like the scourge of the earth?!!

izou tilts his chin away a little too... roughly, being too damn drunk to have any finesse at the moment. )

D... Don't know what you're talkin' about. Doesn't sound like me.

[immortalpoet]

[He takes a long sip of his drink. Okay.]

What are you compensating for?

[hitokiller]

C-Compensating?

( truthful. what... what is he compensating for?

izou turns the question over, not quite understanding it at the moment where he'd typically hurl a flurry of insults and deflect. here, he's overindulging after a long period of holding back, never a man unmoved by anything asked of him. )

Wh... Whaddya mean by that, exactly? So I can answer it right.

[immortalpoet]

You have a bravado that seems so exaggerated. Makes one wonder what it's all for.

[As matter-of-fact as anything, like he's just here to talk about the weather.]

[hitokiller]

( ah, the range of emotions that play across izou's face.

the sink of his brow, the open and closing of his mouth in an attempt to say something. his eye, frozen in a moment of awkward motion. )

I'm not--

( a hot, frustrated exhale through his nose, and then... almost sheepishly: )

You better not laugh. I just want... wanted, folks to notice me. No matter what that means. Without treatin' me, like... the dirt they walk on.