Community ︶꒦꒷Oct2024 Haunted Festival꒷꒦︶

[Spoiled Bread]

Aqua

Location: Strength booth -> Haunted House -> Throwing Booth
Points earned: 9 pts​

---

Yep, she wasn't really built for this kind of stuff. Aqua put back the hammer and left for the next booth that she wanted to try. Her gaze briefly fell onto the spooky house... She shook her head and move to the shooting booth! The festival's atmosphere was already gloomy enough with the real death before the start, if she went into the haunted house she might piss herself.

Raising the darts, Aqua took careful aim at the target before giving her best try.​

 

[Giftvi]

Watching of Cosplay

Ambient Vibes

Languages: Common | <Bestial>
Titles: Beast [Mundane], Hunter, Guardian
Total Amount of Points: 16
Interaction:

Watching was far from done yet at this moment. As as the metal bell resounded through to give a beautiful noise to its achievement there was not yet a sense of its anger wavering in the slightest. After such a long time on its tireless pilgrimage, the incrementally cumulative stress it had wreaked upon itself worried for so many things for so much time, gone from its home. So far away from its precious siblings, so far from its precious family, isolated in a land it knew nobody and without its closest friend which it had gotten to know for so many years now. Not knowing whether it would make this journey, unable to hold itself back fueled by the curiosity held within. Nor able to worry about the safety of those closest to it. This was a moment for it to just find a sense of release, no matter how successful it may at it or not.

And that anguish, that worry, that pain. It fueled this little critter's strength, as with another successful swing of a hammer it hit the bell once more. Without a moment of wanting to stop dead its track just as of yet. ​

 

[NachoGod]

Caesar “Surpann” Romero

Languages: Common, (Beastial)
Mentions: Karcen , Megilagor
Location: Apple bobbing.
Points: 1

Caesar would seem to be at a loss for words at Katja’s comment. He hadnt even been thinking of this as a date…more so an attempt to befriend someone with similar ideals. After the statement had been made he found himself flushed beneath his mask. If this was a date he was doing rather poorly. He failed in the strength test and got spooked in the haunted house. He hoped that he would be able to make a better impression during the rest of the night, though even if he did not he was glad they were at least somewhat on the same page. “Well perhaps i should choose the next game then?” He would say with a bemused expression as he watched Katja dunk her head into the Water and emerge with an apple between her teeth. “Never done before huh? Could have fooled me You seem to have the technique down. ” He would say as she stood back up with water dripping from her Veil.

He would begin to unlace his mask in preparation for his turn when a familiar voice would call his name. Alister the wolfman he had met at the cruel Circus in Ryke. Being a fellow martial artist of considerable skill the two had become fast friends over the short period they had known each other, thought caesar was not sure if it was truly a friendship and not a budding rivalry. Either way he would happily Greet the Wolf with a firm grasp on his hand. “And who would have thought i would find you here? Though i suppose it is fitting. What fall celebration would be complete without a wolfman.” He would say smiling and letting him ahead of him while he finished undoing his lace and removed his mask. “Im not sure when i can make it back to the barony, but we are both here for now are we not? Perhaps we can find the time for that match a little bit later.”

Seeing Alister come up with an apple as well would make him smile, it was definitely amusing to watch his canine head dunked below the water. Yet seeing him shake the water loose was enough to make him chuckle. At Alister’s comment he would try and fail to stop himself from laughing. Shifting slightly closer to Katja as he neared the tub with the apples he would look at the floating fruits in an effort to find the Prize apple, finally dunking his own head in trying not to think too much about how many other peoples heads and open mouths had been in this water.
​

Spoiler: Summary

Realizes a bit to late that he is actually on a date.

Meets with a friendly rival.

Bobs for apples.

 

[Mephisto]

Titles: [Fae, Mundane]

Text Colors: #ffcf30, #e60606

“It's Showtime!!” - 1/1, cooldown not active

“One Hell of a Show!” - 1/1, cooldown not active

“We Have a Deal to Make” - 0/1, cooldown almost over

Mentions: | Irihi |

Total Amount of Points: 2
​

---

Poor Lord Driscoll has met with a horrible fate...
​

---

Mephisto hummed along with an invisible song traipsing along in his head. The results of earlier in the evening, his performance with the necromantic elf witch named Irihi, were more than he could have ever anticipated. His heart - black and shriveled as it was - swelled with a newfound purpose and intrigue. Irihi told a story with her eyes, regardless of what she fought back deep inside of her malnourished soul. The fae devil saw it clear as day. She was an excellent compliment to his repertoire and a most welcome addition to his growing escapades. The show he wove out of the fabric of reality gained so much from her vaguest interest. Even if she dropped out now, she knew his name. She would forever be haunted by his presence, the inevitability of him showing back up out of nowhere.

He occupied every shadow and every breath. He could grasp her throat in one hand if he so desired. He could trace her skin and rip it off. He just might... but he stopped himself as he patrolled the manor.

He was looking for something. The layers to the estate proved a bit of a challenge. Even with so much time in the seemingly eternal night under his belt with exploring the halls, he found... mysteries. Dead ends where he could have sworn there were stairs, locked doors, faint smells that faded immediately after he caught wind of them... these and more started piling up. He labeled them as strange, isolated incidental intersections between the living and the dead. Ghosts often needed decent surges of energy to operate outside of their preferred environments. The ones causing the guests their strife were, of course, nightly beings of the stalking variety. Even as the evening wore on, the idea of a fresh kill seemingly vanished from Mephisto's mind. He'd have to remedy that.

Following his song with Irihi, Mephisto stumbled upon a maid alone in [SQ1]. He approached her without uttering a word, despite her inquiry about if he wanted food or drink. No spiced apple cider could satisfy his appetite. Mephisto raised a finger. His Long Shadow crawled along the floor. With one simple slicing gesture, the poor maid was suddenly slashed straight across the throat, her body falling limply as blood faded - practically suctioned - from her wound into a dark patch on the floor. She squirmed, but more inky shapes held her in place and silenced her by clasping her lips shut. Mephisto shivered as the warm fluid ran from the portal on the floor and straight down his esophagus.

Blood trickled from between his teeth and down his chin. The light of life faded from her eyes at last. The fae devil loomed over the fresh corpse, ingesting the cold details. His sharp teeth clicked as he decided in those fathomless hours how best to make capital on this endeavor.

He slavered upon cleansing his palette with the taste of hot copper. The flesh retained a splendid moisture and tenderness... it was indeed close to the real thing. There would be horrendous waste in leaving it to spoil. He took up a cleaver.

With expert chops, he made idyllic bloodless cuts and threw them into his shadowy pocket dimension. He chewed on a mouthful of red meat, eagerly accepting the raw flavor of it. He removed a kerchief from his pocket and wiped the drool from his mouth, turning towards what he pursued. He knew he heard a piano from somewhere in this hallway.

He opened the door to [TFB4] and chuckled warmly, advancing into the dusty room without a care in the world. He sat down without a single word, disturbing untold years of isolation and solitary confinement. No instrument was meant to endure such torture - and he suddenly began to understand why the ghosts were tormenting the living in this manor.

His fingers cradled the ivories with the love of a father to his infant child, holding the notes tenderly and protectively. The music that came forth from the derelict thing churned out in hoarse, but cohesive, rhythm. Mephisto kept playing throughout the day, filling the manor with an unsettling - and yet poetically perfect - arrangement.

---

It's not every day you get to swing from your neck...
​

---

But when darkest twilight fell, the creature shuffled out of place. He left no trace of his even being in [TFB4]. Not even the dust sold his presence away. No, he had the ideal location in mind for a sort of dark ritual reserved for nights like these. Death did not satisfy him as much as a full belly and a willing accomplice. He stole into the Valenwood family graveyard, walking along the overgrown paths as if he belonged there himself. His footsteps were silent, practically invisible, but his presence was undeniably alien and bizarre. His lithe body swept between the tombstones, testing for something only he knew.

"It's almost time," he responded to the chill in the air.

Lightning cracked overhead and the sonorous rumble of thunder responded. No rain fell, and even the moonlight seemed a pale, sickly green. If one were to know the changes of the seasons in their entirety... then it was much too early for night to fall this deep and so soon. Mephisto perched himself upon an unmarked grave, placing his feet so he could balance on another unnamed headstone. His long fingers found themselves in a scholar's cradle as he glared into the space between. Faint surges of emerald energy crackled from his scarlet claws. He chuckled as he pondered the possibilities... but he didn't have to wait for long.

He tilted his head with a sickening sound like wet sinew. His honored guest had arrived, unbeckoned but ultimately bound to his unspoken invitation. They were inexorably drawn to each other, and Mephisto greeted her with a truly wicked smile.

"Hello again... Irihi~" he purred, lifting himself from the gravestone with all the grace of an elongated spiteful beast.

He brushed her pale face with the very hand she disintegrated from his body, both taunting and teasing her with his horrific potential.

"Have you thought about my offer? You've already done so much for me. I'd like to... repay the favor~"

His lips were barely an inch from her throat. The daydreams of chewing her skin were nearly a reality as he hissed against it. But he pulled away, giving her a sly look with his utterly haunting red eyes.

"I can grant wishes, you know. I usually keep it as part of a game... but you're so lovely, standing there pale as death. I bet you'd want my head on a platter... or is there someone else who has caught your eye?"

His smirk widened.

"I'll improve on our deal. You already have one wish in the pocket - why not go for two? I've noticed a distinct indifference towards the season of spooks and frights. Even with murders chasing these mortals around all night... they're more interested in the games and prizes. Let's revise the rules for this prolonged dusk... if only for a moment~"

He bent at the waist, leaning ever so close to Irihi's face...

"Bring the prize vendor to the crypt. We'll make a delightful show of her terror, won't we darling?"

His Long Shadow emerged from the depths of the darkness. It poked its visage over his shoulder and peered down at Irihi, framed by the pale green moonlight.

---

Actions:

1. Nom nom nom
2. Played the piano
3. Offered the pact to Irihi once more in the graveyard while spooky stuff is starting to happen more often

 

[Spoiled Bread]

Aqua

Location: Throwing Booth
Points earned: 9 pts​

---

Her first shot was a complete failure, but Aqua picked another dart and tries once more. Unlike the hammer one, this one didn't tire her so she could do this again and again.​

 

[Irihi]

Irihi Spokelse

​

Eventually the sun rose high enough to cause Irihi to fade a little. Annoyed, she headed back inside to haunt the various rooms of the estate until the day started to wane.

During the evening hours, Irihi found the festival more tolerable. Emerging from the mansion, she wandered the estate grounds, considering whether she wanted to engage in any of the party games. The goldfish were not strong enough in constitution to survive her enervating presence. The fortune teller refused to scry her future or her past after the last unsettling experience. She would not return to the haunted house. Bobbing for apples, tests of strength and precision were beneath her.

So what did that leave? Why, obtaining that oh-so-interesting ghostly lantern by illicit means, of course, so as she drifted through the manor, the elfwitch had marked which of the staff was in charge of the prize room key.

When Irihi found which maid had access to the prize room, she was delighted and not just by having discovered whom held the key. The maid was one of those delightful arachnifolk; six arms, two legs, and oh so many eyes! Irihi was immediately smitten. She trailed the maid throughout the evening as she saw to making adjustments to the games, serving drinks to guests, and generally making sure the festival ran smoothly. Irihi was doing her best to seem studiously disinterested in the arachnid maid when she nearly stumbled over Watching of Reflection. “Geh! Watch where you’re going, rodent!” She hissed before drifting onward.

Not much later, she--at last--had an excuse to speak with the maid, as the arachnifolk had appeared bearing a tray of spiked ciders. ”Oh, thank you so much, dearheart.” Irihi purred, taking the last of the fluted glasses from the maid’s tray. ”I’ve been watching you, and--why--you’re working harder than any four people! Won’t your cruel taskmasters down in the kitchens spare you just a moment to relax and have a drink with me; for there’s no one here more deserving.” Irihi asserted, moving to thread her arm through one of the maid’s six. “I am called ‘Irihi,’ and I would be ever so pleased to learn your name.

Hecate, Manor Maid ”I’m named Hecate, my lady.” The maid replied, deftly slipping away from the pale elf. ”I am terribly sorry, Miss, but I really can’t--perhaps one of the other guests…?” She begged off.

This was an unusual occurrence, as most people were unsettled by the four arms and six eyes, more, that she possessed compared to bipedal humanoids. Only during this, the haunting season, was she allowed out of scullery or room-turning work to walk among the guests, and even then they tended to leave her alone.

Hecate was a little flattered by the attention, but she did not want to make a faux pas with a guest and end up back in the kitchens. Further, the black-clad Elfmaid gave her an uneasy feeling and, while she was excited to be out and amongst the party-goers, she feared that this Irihi might come with a little too much excitement for her, so she--a little reluctantly--made a point of avoiding the elfmaid.

It was only after the pale haunting elf seemed to vanish that Hecate found herself regretting her reluctance. Oh, she was allowed out to serve drinks and hors d'oeuvres to the guests. They let her hold the magic key to the sealed prize room. But Hecate was not part of the party even as much as the other staff. She was window dressing--and spooky window dressing at that; like fake cobwebs.

But my silk is real. She thought, trying not to let any of her eight golden eyes moisten enough to notice. I’m not just a monster to be propped in a corner holding the drinks, or a freakish scarecrow to frighten would-be thieves away from the prizes, and then stuffed back in the cellar until the next haunting season. She thought Irihi had seen that--had seen her, when no one else did. If the elfmaid reappeared, Hecate resolved, she would have that drink with her, duties be damned.

Irihi Amongst the Graves
“Why, dear Mephisto, I’ve hardly thought about you at all.” Irihi lied with a narrow-eyed smirk.

She closed her eyes, tilted her chin and felt the spiderweb brush of his fingers on her cheek, and his hellishly hot breath on her jugular. What would it be like to feel those aching teeth tear into her flesh; those wicked fingers clawing through fabric and skin?

Painful and messy. She decided. Just like before. Irihi stepped back and regarded Mephisto as he bowed toward her, bringing with him a haunting proposal. She might have eyes for the spider, but her blackened heart thrilled at this fiend’s suggestion.

“Oh yes! Let’s. She nodded in assent as the fog of the night time graveyard closed in around them, shrouding their wicked plotting in ephemeral mists, illuminated by the pale green moon.

Along Came a Spider and Sat Down Beside Her

Not too much later that night ​

Irihi patted the bench beside the sepulcher, motioning for Hecate to sit. She took a sip from her drink and smiled sinisterly invitingly at the Arachnifolk. “Sit with me a moment, won’t you, dear Hecate?”

When the spider-woman complied, a little nervously, a little shyly, she brushed a lock of her long black hair over three of her eight eyes, hiding them out of unconscious habit.

“Oh, none of that.” Irihi purred, her own wicked fingers replacing the silken strands behind the spider’s ear, brushing the lobe and lingering there just a little too long. Irihi leaned over, lips caressing where fingers had just touched.

What the elfwitch whispered into the spider’s ear made those eight golden eyes widen in surprise. Thin pale lips pursed, and then quirked so that one of Hecate’s fangs emerged with her shy, uncertain, smile. ”O-okay. I-if that’s what you want, my lady.”

A few eyes blinked as she processed the naughty suggestion. Fangs now gently dimpled her lower lip. “Are… are you sure we won’t get in trouble?” She breathed, knowing she really did not care.

Irihi answered her tremulous query by smiling without saying a word.

Summary;
Irihi absconds with the servant, Hecate the spider-girl, who holds the key to the prize room.
Prizes will be indefinitely unavailable (to anyone else) until Hecate is located.

 

[Irihi]

Spoiler: OOC: Mephisto and Irihi’s Side-Quests

Hello all! Moonberry is too busy to continue the murder mystery for a while, or perhaps the entire month. Until she returns, there will not be a common narrative time progression.

You are all free to quit, schmooze, grind the games, post your own wanderings around the estate, or respond to the ghoulish voice saying…

“I want to play a game.”

Mephisto and Irihi will be running a series of side-quests until Moonberry comes back, or Halloween is past.

The quests are voluntary, most will be dice-or-puzzle-based, and they will probably not be lethal to OC’s. Please bear with us, as we are making it up as we go along, and trying to keep it fair, fun, and horrifying.

Because we have a LOT of players but do not know what the interest level will be, we will try to keep these side-quests from slowing any participants down. My best guess is that we will run one or two per week, each one consisting of 1-3 narrative posts and an equivalent number of reaction posts.

There will be points and gambling involved, with the potential to win/lose more points on these quests than you can from the festival minigames. These quests are a good option if you don’t want to / can’t grind for points on a daily/hourly basis. We are trying to replace Moon’s cool narrative Werewolf game.

The first quest is to rescue the maid who has the key to the prize room (for extra motivation). An IC announcement of the details will follow.

The basic mechanics of spooder maid rescue are:

• Wait for Mephisto / Irihi’s announcement.
• Make one or more posts moving your character to the Graveyard/Crypt.
• Roll 3 six-sided dice (all at once) to play Mephisto / Irihi’s game.
• Try to get over the crushing/haunting guilt of having accidentally killed the poor girl.
• Once [any] two 1’s are rolled, the game is over.
• Once [any] three 6’s are rolled, the game is also over.
• Unless the devil changes the deal. Mwahaha!

Good luck!

 

[II-CinderRadcliff-II]

TRAVERSING SOMEWHERE

Lauren had contemplated what thoughts about the murder Adelhein had voiced, and of what he and his two companions could recall from last night. While they had no leads to work off of it still provided some insight for her, as it seemed as if the three of them were wary of the others attending the festival as well. Perhaps it was less that they were wary and more that they were guarded, as they seemed confident that they'd be able to avoid becoming a victim in the night yet to come. She had conversed with them enough to feel a little more at ease around them, though she had no way of knowing if they felt at ease with her as well... They at least seemed friendly and willing enough to chat. As she didn't really have anything else to add to the conversation now, she decided to participate in some of the other festivities - though not before flashing Adelhein and his companions a smile.
"It's been a pleasure talking to you all, and perhaps we'll see each other later today at one of the other stalls. For now though I'll be enjoying the other festivities. Thanks for the information, and stay safe tonight!" Lauren wished them a safe night as she parted ways with the three of them, walking past the creature wearing a dino-hoodie without further acknowledging its presence. It was probably for the best though, as she could of sworn that she sensed the fury it had at someone for mistaking it to be a puppy. She took note of the fellow elf amidst the crowd, as the mechanical parts they had resembled her own prosthetics to a certain extent. She was tempted to walk over to him now to chat, though she had already visited the fortune teller today and would feel a little off just lingering around the stall. Perhaps later she would cross paths with him.

Lauren wandered over towards the archery booth where a skeleton in a concerningly purple outfit seemed content to be firing off shots at the targets, curious about what the booth had available to use. As she approached a large variety of items seemed to be available, including various darts, slingshots, and other ranged equipment to use to hit the targets down range. The one that particularly caught her eye though was a compound bow, deciding to try using that to hit the targets. She wasn't too familiar with how to use a bow as she had never even held one in her prior life, though the muscle memory her host body seemed to have implied that Lilan had prior experience in archery. She briefly turned her gaze to Jebidiah before refocusing on her target, notching an arrow and pulling the bow string back with her prosthetic hand. She had pulled back as far as she could without putting too much strain on the bow, making small adjustments to her aim before becoming still. She took a deep breath before letting go of the string, watching the target with anticipation to see whether or not she had hit it.

The arrow she had shot was quick to veer off course and plant itself into the bark of a tree to the left of the target a few meters further back, a slight sigh escaping her lips as she looked to the skeleton beside her. It seemed as if they were having as much luck as she had with hitting the targets, though she had only been around long enough to watch him miss one shot.

---

Festival Points: 6
Interactions/Mentions: Maxxob Develius

IN ISEKAI HELL

 

[Voider]

Glacier​

​

---

Glacier raised his head from the basin, water dripping off of his muzzle and ears, two bashed-in chunks of an apple now floating with the whole ones.

...it would appear he was a bit too eager to succeed.

After apologizing to the stand owner, Glacier asked for yet another try, to which he received reluctant agreement. Just like when he was connecting with his nature, Glacier was going to keep trying until he got somewhere.

So, he dived in a fourth time, aiming for a shiningly bright red apple.

---

Current Action:
Play Apple Bobbing #4​

 

[Mephisto]

Titles: [Fae, Mundane]

Text Colors: #ffcf30, #e60606

“It's Showtime!!” - 0/1, activated this round!

“One Hell of a Show!” - 1/1, cooldown not active

“We Have a Deal to Make” - 1/1, cooldown not active

Mentions: | Irihi |

Total Amount of Points: 2​

---

Dust settled in the dark, shriveled heart of the family crypt [GG5]. Nothing living stirred… at least what others would consider human. Insects and rodents made their sanctuary amidst the crumbling stonework, eagerly crawling through every available crack and crevice. The stench of death oozed from every corner, muffled by the pungent aroma of lime powder but omnipresent.

The creatures remained as they were. Left undisturbed in the chasm, they developed symbiotically with the corpses. There was a semblance of familiarity and peace. The ecosystem extended into the roots around the crypt, with death feeding directly into life. Entire generations of animals were dictated by the cadavers sealed within their tombs. It seemed poetic. Even as death itself hovered around the manor, life would continue to persist in one way or another.

That was, however, until the fae devil intruded upon what was to be a sacred place of remembrance. He crushed a roach underfoot and his Long Shadow flicked a rat from the surface of one of the stone resting places. The vermin scattered at the mere sight of him, caught unawares by his sudden presence. Perhaps he blended much too well in the dark…

His long fingers graced the surface of the macabre slab, sweeping across the details while not disturbing a single speck of dust. He started to hum something as he worked, using his hands in pointing gestures to change or entirely convert parts of the crypt into a truly sinister environment. Shadowy magic cascaded from the tips of his digits, lighting torches with a pale green glow and materializing many various culinary accouterments to dress both the scenery and himself. He hovered a portal above the floor and with a snap of his fingers, a cooking range slithered out and lit from within using an insidious black fire.

The crypt, once empty and bare, became a devilish kitchen - and Mephisto adopted the title of chef as he tied a white apron around his slender waist. Pink and red stains clouded the cloth. He rolled his sleeves up, revealing the true extent of the oily stains bleeding from his hands to nearly his elbows. Necrosis came to mind, but they were not stiff or rotten. In fact, the dexterity with a knife he possessed while chopping aromatics and vegetables was to be admired.

With a bit of oil, he started to heat up a steel pan on the cook top. Every once in a while he'd glance at it, but had no interest in disturbing the process. Instead, he materialized a cutting board. This was his favorite part. Pulling some fresh meat of questionable origin from his private stash within his pocket dimension, he started to chop it into manageable pieces… and sing while he did it.

The shadows played along with unseen instruments of their own.

“Je m'baladais sur l'avenue
Le cœur ouvert à l'inconnu
J'avais envie de dire bonjour à n'importe qui
N'importe qui, ce fut toi
Je t'ai dit n'importe quoi
Il suffisait de te parler
Pour t'apprivoiser,”​

With the meat browned, he removed it from the heat and onto a rack. He added the chopped onions, celery, and carrots for the aromatics along with a generous amount of butter, salt, and pepper. Once they were cooked through, he deglazed with some red wine, scraping the rendered flavors from the bottom with a wooden spoon.

“Aux Champs-Élysées
Aux Champs-Élysées
Au soleil, sous la pluie
À midi ou à minuit
Il y a tout c'que vous voulez
Aux Champs-Élysées,”​

The chorus saw him cut some red potatoes lengthwise all around, setting them to boil in some salted water. He added the meat back into the pan, put a lid on it along with some thyme, rosemary, and a couple basil leaves. He lowered the heat and set about finishing the rest of the meal.

“Tu m'as dit, "j'ai rendez-vous"
"Dans un sous-sol, avec des fous"
"Qui vivent la guitare à la main du soir au matin"
Alors, je t'ai accompagnée
On a chanté, on a dansé
Et l'on n'a même pas pensé à s'embrasser

Aux Champs-Élysées
Aux Champs-Élysées
Au soleil, sous la pluie
À midi ou à minuit
Il y a tout c'que vous voulez
Aux Champs-Élysées,”​

He crushed some garlic cloves with his knife and squeezed them into a paste, rendering that down in a hefty butter glaze. Added to this, he also chopped some garlic greens and added that to the bubbling gold. The potatoes were easy to peel following their bath, and he minced them into a bowl. Adding cream until it was smooth, he finished it with the garlic butter mixture and stirred over low heat until it all turned golden brown.

Mephisto gave a sinister laugh as he caught a whiff of the tender meat.

“Hier soir, deux inconnus
Et ce matin, sur l'avenue
Deux amoureux tout étourdis par la longue nuit
Et de l'Étoile à la Concorde
Un orchestre à mille cordes
Tous les oiseaux du point du jour chantent l'amour

Aux Champs-Élysées
Aux Champs-Élysées
Au soleil, sous la pluie
À midi ou à minuit
Il y a tout c'que vous voulez
Aux Champs-Élysées,”​

Adding more salt and pepper as he felt was necessary, the meal was almost completed. All that he needed was to plate it. He had three dishes and gave each of them a generous smear of the garlic mashed potatoes. The meat was ready, and he removed it completely from the heat. He plucked the herbs from their resting places and rested hearty portions right next to the potatoes, being very generous with the vegetables.

He snapped his fingers and conjured a table, setting the suppers gingerly in front of all three chairs. He tilted his head, observing his careful measurements with a certain fascination… but he had a song to finish.

“Aux Champs-Élysées
Aux Champs-Élysées
Au soleil, sous la pluie
À midi ou à minuit
Il y a tout c'que vous voulez
Aux Champs-Élysées
Aux Champs-Élysées
Aux Champs-Élysées…”​

His voice faded into stark silence. The shadows lengthened against the flickering emerald light. His eyes glared at the entrance stairs leading down into the crypt proper. It was Iri… and their new friend. His smile tightened and he held his arms out in a warm greeting.

“Ah! You must be Hecate! Welcome, welcome!”

He extended a hand and would kiss the bare knuckles of the one she gave him, considering she had so many to choose from. He gestured for them to sit down, with him pulling the chair out for Iri while his Long Shadow did the same for their guest. He stood, eager to introduce them to his handiwork.

“Beef bourguignon, cooked and braised with red wine and aromatics, served with creamed garlic mashed potatoes,”

He bowed proudly. His Long Shadow even started to pour wine for the trio.

“Bon appétit,”

Afterwards, he sat down and allowed himself the luxury of eating as well. Whether or not they believed him wasn't for him to decide, especially with the distinct lack of anything remotely beefy about the meat other than the color and texture - both of which were dictated by the wine and method of cooking. Mephisto, in the meantime, enjoyed it to the fullest. His sharp teeth clicked with grotesque wet snaps at every opportunity.

It didn't take long for such a ravenous beast such as him to finish a meal meant for more eloquent palettes, desecrated as it was with such a heretical main ingredient.

“You look lonely,” he remarked directly to Hecate, ignoring any common courtesy.

His smile reached from ear to ear.

“How would you like to be part of a game? It'll be delightful! The three of us against the world! You'll go to dizzying heights, experience frightful delights! You might even steal a kiss from the enchanting elvish miss!”

He sneered at Iri, sticking his forked tongue out at her.

“All you have to do is shake my hand… and look me in the eyes when you make your wish, that deepest wish crammed into the coldest parts of your broken heart~”

When she extended it, his chest rumbled with a low, mirthful laugh. He grabbed her hand and shook it without hesitation.

“Yes~”

His jaw snapped with a sickening pop, and the crypt became washed in brilliant green light centered in his vile eyes. The energies therein slithered like smoke, turning the crypt from its minimal arrangement to something altogether unreal and unexpected - at least for the spider.

Bones rose from their graves, moaning and groaning in unison. There was no painful, morose cry above the other. As they climbed into standing positions, Mephisto snickered and pulled Hecate onto the table. Only there could they meet eye-to-eyes.

“The curtain is pulled, darling. Wear something a bit more dramatic,” Mephisto asked, tapping her forehead with his cane and changing her outfit to a gorgeous layered dress designed precisely for elegant ballroom dances.

He held his arms out proudly.

“It's Showtime~”

Just then, his Illusion magic blended into her Wish to be seen and heard. Poles emerged from the bare ground, unfolding speakers once they reached their summit. Mephisto tapped the crown of his cane. Everyone could hear him. There wasn't a place on the property where he couldn't reach with his magic, his lies, and his truths - not anymore.

“Testing, testing, one, two, three… is this thing on?”

The intercom system crackled with his voice.

"A blueblood dies in the middle of the night
Alone, afraid, struggling to breathe
Did he make a sound? Did he try to run?
He must have screamed with an awful fright
Gasping, choking, hanging from a tree
But no one seemed to care for that one

No, you played your games and wasted daylight
Collecting points, doing as you pleased
Did you clear the final round? Did you have fun?
Your eyes were glittering with ghoulish delight
Right after you saw him hanging from the tree
Perhaps they'll care about this one?"​

His smile creaked a bit wider, but Irihi snatched the cane from him and started on her own part of the song.

"Pieces moving on the chessboard
Wrought from blinding ivory
Do you see now? Are you glad you won?
What's a story without a little discord?
I certainly appreciate the irony
That you'll care about this one

Collecting numbers on a page
One after the other
Can't get away, can't even think to run
Losing his best friend on that day
Must have felt like losing a brother
So perhaps they'll care about this one,"​

Mephisto snarled and snatched his staff back, glaring knives at the elf witch - yet they sang in tandem with each other.

"Perhaps they'll care
Perhaps they'll stare
Towards the rising sun
And ignore this one

It's not like we can force them
More like coerce them
To understand
That this one is the plan

She holds the key
Plain for all to see
To unlock the prizes
That everyone emphasizes

When we bring that
Put a ring to that
And open up the broadcast
Then we can hope that

Perhaps they'll care about this one,"
​

The fae devil scooched Irihi over a bit and took center "stage" on the table, knocking over a wine glass in the process.

"The rules are simple: save the poor thing
Since you like games this'll be a hit
We have her in the crypt
Tied up in her own silk string

An old-fashioned damsel in distress
Bonus points for each solid pitch
(She's strangely into it)
But saving her isn't without some risk

Tonight's game is axe throwing
Above a deadly, fatal pit
Roll sixes to hit
Roll ones and your hack is showing

Freeing her requires consecutive precision
Or at least some luck and grit
Any three sixes that's it
But any three ones and that's a spider done in,"
​

Irihi gnashed her teeth and joined in again.

"Perhaps they'll care
Perhaps they'll stare
Towards the rising sun
And ignore this one

It's not like we can force them
More like coerce them
To understand
That this one is the plan

She holds the key
Plain for all to see
To unlock the prizes
That everyone emphasizes

When we bring that
Put a ring to that
And open up the broadcast
Then we can hope that

Perhaps they'll care about this one,"
​

---

Actions:

1. FOOD
2. I'VE COME TO MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT
3. AAAAAAAAAAAAAA SAVE THE MAID AND GET BONUS POINTS FOR GAME AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

 

[Megilagor]

Alister Marrok
Point booster: Attentive Student
Languages: Common | ^Ancient Hermese^
Mention: NachoGod , Karcen
Location: LT2 Apple bobbing
Point Tally: 4

"Oh, no fall celebration would be found without a bit of fright. Though where I'm from that would be a Sanquines job... It's a more refined term for vampires from where I'm from, or to be exact for those who are not bound by their thirst for blood."
Alister added a small tidbit to what Caesar just spoke, truthfully Alister wasn't at many fall festivals in the best, heck he wasn't at many any festivals really, unless it was a festival related to warfare or his friends Klein or his identity as The Fool.

When Caesar started chuckling Alister found his idea of sparring during this fall festival even more so enticing if only to make him regret laughing at his way of cleaning himself from the after sticking to his fur.
"OOOOh it's on now. Before the end of this fall festival, we will have our spar, though we need to find an officiant now to make sure the spar is done well, and without others interfering. I don't suppose your lady friend would be interested in that?"

Spoiler: Nightly activities

Alister will go grab a bottle of wine and try and drink it with lord Alistair with an excuse of "The two people sharing similar names, should carry their burden together. Before going to his own room to sleep after drinking with him and talking, till either of them get sleepy.

 

[Moonberry]

The morning mist still lingered across the estate grounds, casting an eerie calm over the guests who quietly gathered near the scene of Ronan’s tragic death. The autumn sun filtered weakly through the trees, its light doing little to chase away the heaviness that clung to the air. The festival carried on, though whispers of murder and spirits haunted every corner.

Lord Alistair stood beneath the canopy of the courtyard, the weight of the event clear in his expression. “Malik,” he began, his voice measured, “I appreciate your condolences and your professionalism during such a tumultuous time. The discovery of these crystals has been nothing short of remarkable. What you’ve heard is true—they resonate with the ley lines beneath Valenwood. This resonance allows us to charge them, making them potent magical batteries.”

He paused, casting a glance at Lady Aurelia, who stood quietly by his side. “We’re only beginning to understand their potential, but I believe they can store and discharge magical energy at will, which could change the way we use magic entirely.”

Lady Aurelia, still unsettled, added softly, “But we must be cautious. There are... risks.”

Alistair nodded gravely. “Indeed. Harnessing such raw power comes with its dangers. But with the right collaboration, like what the Silver Star Trading Company could offer, we might uncover how to control this force safely.”
As the day drew on the festivities continued. Despite the macabre opening, the festival dwellers seemed content to ignore the strange happening. Save a few. For those few who went looking, it was easy to find some footprints leading from the guest house to the main building. However, beyond that it seemed near impossible to see any further clues. And the day would not hold still for any sleuths to ponder.

The villainous game that had been set up was maintained for a little while. No one seeming to really want to stand up against the musical villains. Their makeshift prison for the captured worker was approached by the large barrel-chested Merrick Greystone. His dark skin, and short cropped jet black hair gave him a dark appearance in the bright colors of the autumn festival. He carried a heavy hammer over his shoulders and looked on with a sigh.

"Well this just in' vereh nice isit? Hold'on ma'am. Ah'll get ya right out'a there. An'ah won't even do no singing." He sent a smug grin towards the singing pair, as the great hammer came swinging off his shoulders. He swept it in a clean arc Infront of him and the stall that had been used to imprison the prize keeper was torn in half. The top half cleanly being cleaved in two and smashed. Revealing the frightened worker curled in a ball of the stall.

There was a bit of applause from some of the festival goers. Almost a dead and muted sound compared to a true applause. The worker scrambled away with a few unintelligible cries. The crowd moved on without much else though. Lady Aurellia approached the blacksmith with a bowed head.

"Thank you Merrick. It seems the guests are a bit more brazen this year. I don't suppose I could talk you into using that on my nephew's device?" She said wryly. The blacksmith chuckled as he shouldered his massive hammer. Shaking his head.

"No Ma'am I don' reckon that'd be a good deal. Yer nephews plenty capable. Give him a chance." The man said amiably, looking down at the prim woman.

"It isn't him I'm worried about...This information isn't exactly new. His great uncle was the one who discovered what could be done with crystals and ley lines. And when he was making a plan that would have made the family rich and powerful...he suddenly killed himself." She spoke quietly as she looked around at the gathered festivities. "Beyond that the power isn't entirely stable yet. He hasn't quite got the math right. He's going public too early in hopes of finding someone to fund him. And he's going to get a knife in his back." Lady Aurelia sighed and fanned herself, quieting down. "Though it appears perhaps I've said too much. Please forgive my idle chatter Merrick. Enjoy the festival." The black smith nodded idly, watching as the lady of the house drifted away.

The day faded into evening, with the stars blinking into the darkness. A heavy fog rolling in to cling to the ground around. The guests began to find themselves turning in for the evening. There were some who went straight to the bedrooms. To pray or stretch before they tried to sleep. And some who laid awake at night, considering the complexities of what a life is. And what it means when it ends.

A couple curious souls decided to speak with the fortune teller. To ask after her opinion. She glanced between Aqua and John and lifted her hands.

"I sense this spirit is conflicted. There is an overwhelming urge to protect something. And a deep sense of vengeance. But what exactly is keeping it tethered to this plane, I cannot say. All I can offer is a warning that you are all susceptible to the spirit's rage."

Alister was able to easily corner Lord Alistair, with the bottle of wine pilfered. The stressed and grieving lord agreed to drink. Laughing heartily at the beastkins jokes about their names.

"There are hard times ahead of me friend. But we Alister's are strong men! We can achieve great things when we set our minds to it!" The lord exclaimed, perhaps a little too inebriated. He was distracted enough that he didn't see the large shadow of a man that passed by the door of the main hall.

Professor Korrin, observing Alistair's slight sway from the wine, cleared his throat. “Lord Alistair, regarding the crystal device… how exactly do you manage the energy transfer from the ley lines? Is it consistent, or do you face fluctuations?”

Alistair, rubbing his eyes to focus, attempted to respond. “Well, it's… uh, it's not consistent yet. There’s a lot of... trial and error. The ley lines, you see, can be… temperamental. But we’re making progress. They—uh—they sort of... surge, sometimes.”

Korrin nodded, trying to keep the discussion grounded. "Have you considered grounding the energy through a stabilizer matrix? It might offset the surges."

Alistair nodded slowly, a thoughtful smile crossing his lips despite his inebriation. "That's... that's a good idea, Professor. Could be... the missing piece."

Leaning forward slightly, the professor probed deeper. "And what exactly allows you to capture the ley lines' energy in the first place, Lord Alistair? Is it the crystal composition, or is there an external apparatus involved?"

Alistair, blinking slowly as he tried to clear his head, replied, "It's… mainly the crystals' internal lattice structure. They… hold the energy, but we use… conduits to direct it."
Korrin’s eyes gleamed with interest. “Fascinating. And these conduits—are they your design, or did you find notes among your ancestor's research?”
Alistair’s gaze sharpened briefly. “The notes, yes, but… the final design is mine.”
“Impressive,” Korrin said, his tone bordering on admiration. "I imagine others would be… eager to understand such advancements.”

"That's quite enough for tonight. My nephew seems to be in his cups. And he needs to be sharp for tomorrow mornings presentations. I've had enough disturbing conversations for tonight. These guests this year are certainly strange." Lady Aurellia stepped into the room looking slightly pale and frightened. She ushered Alister and Professor Korrin out.

Outside The Watching of Reflection easily maintained a quiet surveillance of the grounds. Seeing Glacier keeping cool by the pool. It seemed to be a quiet night. Except for the strange scuffling noise that seemed to come from the front area of the main building. However upon investigation the area was quiet and devoid of any apparent life.

From the library though, Adelhein and his companions had a view of the courtyard. Where the magical device that Lord Alistair would be presenting the following morning rested. Beneath a large thick tarp. What they saw was a large hulking shadow, and another smaller shadow. And then there was only one shadow. The very large figure limped away.

The Next Morning​

The next morning dawned with a heavy fog still clinging to the estate. Lord Alistair, standing in front of the gathered guests, unveiled the covered apparatus. “Ladies and gentlemen, this device represents the culmination of my ancestor’s work,” he announced, his voice a mix of pride and fatigue.

As the tarp was lifted, the crowd gasped—beneath it was Professor Korrin's body, shriveled and drained, with signs of magical energy discharge. Alistair’s face paled, and Lady Aurelia quickly intervened. “Servants! Remove the body immediately,” she ordered, trying to divert attention. “The festival will continue as planned,” she insisted, though the crowd’s shock was palpable. Alistair attempted to refocus on the device’s potential, but the gruesome discovery lingered heavily in the air.

 

[Moonberry]

-Ended-


My apologies for this event not going the way it should have. Everyone that took part has the choice of 7PTs OR One of These prizes.

Magical Chalk - A colorful piece of chalk. It appears normal, save that the colors on it change and shift in the light. When used to draw things, the drawings might take a life of their own in their design. Even a straight line will become a work of art.

Ever Lantern - A small lantern that gives off a dim blue light. It will ward off the darkness in the immediate vicinity of the user. But you might see shapes and hear whispers in the dark that looms beyond. (Liikely less than five feet)

Bag of consternation - A small dimensional bag. Though it seems to be cursed. You always end up pulling out the wrong thing until the third or fourth try. (no more than Grade F pocket Dimension within the bag)

II-CinderRadcliff-II Megilagor DarkKitsune Maxxob Novama Giftvi Develius Spoiled Bread Mephisto Voider NachoGod Karcen Maverick Six SixSense Gwen_Temi Elijay slifer37 Lolory Irihi