⇨ Special Event: BEAUTIES AND THE BEAST

[ringleaders]

PREPARATION↴ On Day 170, the Ringmaster will announce that she will be leaving the carnival for a visit to an 'ally', and that in the meantime everyone should just stay in the carnival grounds and wait for her to come back. She will shrug it off as being a simple matter, and say that it shouldn't take much time at all, and that it is something for the good of the carnival. Of course, a few hours later, she will return with another announcement - actually, her... "ally", has "requested" that all of her underlings join her in visiting his castle while they negotiate the terms of a potential agreement. She will insist that it's a diplomatic affair, and that while really all that is required of everyone is to behave themselves and to not provoke the Prince's ire, it's extremely important that they listen to her this time. This announcement will be made by radio. The evening of Day 170, everyone will be brought to an enormous manor house, apparently suspended in some kind of twilight void. They'll all be randomly assigned rooms in pairs of two (OOC RNG time!) and instructed to arrive for breakfast at 8AM sharp. Follow the schedule, be polite, and everything will be great. Right? Right. SETTING↴ Heartstone Manor is a spooky looking cross between a castle and a monastery, floating in the middle of realm filled with nothing else but empty twilight. Specifically, it is the home of a High Fae called The Prince - or so the Ringmaster will explain. He's one of the Wyld Fae, like she is, and when he fled from fae civilization eons ago, he hid himself away here to live in solitude as he saw fit. No one and nothing else lives here except for the Prince and his servants, and there is no visible sun - only stages between twilight and darkness. The Manor itself is a massive stone construction, filled with old fashioned looking architecture and filled to the brim with art. Frescos, statues, and engravings line every hall, ranging from classical to abstract. The subject matter is almost always that of beautiful humanoids - in the form of fae, angels, and the more seductive forms of demons. The servants mostly appear to be traditionally beautiful as well. This seeming obsession with beauty is tied directly to the desires of the Prince himself. While you are in his home, formal attire is mandatory. He will be gracious enough to provide everyone with appropriate wardrobe - that is, formal wear that could ambiguously fit anywhere from the 1500's to 1800's on Earth. PATRONS↴ ► THE PRINCE: Some kind of lion monster stuffed awkwardly into a humanoid shape and a fancy suit. According to the Ringmaster, the Prince is a Wyld Fae like her, and one that she has a personal connection with. The carnival is allegedly here to negotiate something with him, but he must have the upper hand, because the Ringmaster is actually bending to his wishes to some degree. His disposition is gloomy and strict, unwilling to put up with the nonsense of naysayers after thousands of years of living on his own terms. If diplomacy is the plan, he certainly doesn't make himself an easy target. Despite that, he has a great love for beautiful things, both living and artistic. He composes himself with the dignity of actual royalty despite his obvious Wyld Fae heritage. He doesn't come across as overtly cruel despite his grumpy disposition, but it's hard to say what goes on behind the scenes. ► HIS SERVANTS: The Prince's manor is filled with a large number of servants, all of them humanoid in origin, and seeming to fit the aesthetics of the Court Fae and traditional human ideals as much as possible. While many of the servants you see out and about are almost entirely without the marks of a Wyld Fae servant, some do have the beginnings of horns, claws, or other animalistic features. Others will have stone-like complexions, or bits of gems of metals woven into their anatomy. All of the ones that speak to you will be congenial to outright cheery - from their perspective, they appear to be perfectly happy with working for the Prince, and will go out of their way to compliment his kindness and grace. They seem pretty genuine about it, though there's no telling what further investigation would unearth, based on what most of the carnival already knows about fae and their changelings. DANGERS↴ ► FAE TERRITORY: The carnival is the guest of a High Fae, and that's enough sign of danger to be seriously concerned. Daily life in the Heartstone Manor is smoothly organized, and even pleasant if you let it be - but can you really trust any fae, after what you've seen? Especially when even the Ringmaster seems on her guard. The Ringmaster is not being very forthcoming about outlining everything that could go wrong, as is her way, but she is being far more cautionary than usual. That has to mean something by now. REWARDS↴ There are no automatic rewards as a part of the setting, beyond that may come up as part of investigations or roleplay prompts. Characters do have the opportunity to affect the setting around them, but there with be plot consequences for doing so, mostly in the sense that performing certain actions may force a character down a certain path. Not so much in the "you will get instantly dead" kind of way. Though, people in the carnival do always manage to find a way. CHANGES↴ There are no automatic changes as part of this setting, but there are certain paths characters will be able to take that will result in changes happening. Those will be handled on a case to case basis. There is the possibility of some potential bodyhorror if that floats your boat. Beyond that, this is a PLOTTING POST, which means you can use it to make plans! The game chat is also a great place to discuss plots, so we welcome you to pop on in if you haven't already! The Ringmaster will be making a public address closer to the end of the month, and there will be an opening log posted after things in Greysol have wrapped up.

Comments

⇨ QUESTIONS

[ringleaders]

If you got 'em! Yes, your character can bring their own outfits, as long as they fit the dress code. Also, all characters who would have reason to are allowed to know about the fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast!

⇨ VIOLATIONS

[ringleaders]

If your character refuses to cooperate with an activity, does something disastrously wrong in terms of decorum, or does something risky like sneaking out of their rooms after midnight, you must report it here.

Take this seriously! If your character acts out too much or is caught breaking the rules, then they may end up being taken aside until the Grand Ball, and suffer other consequences for their actions. Breaking the rules is accepting that your character may have to deal with traumatic or unpleasant situations.

[soft_focus]

HOW RUDE IS UNCONTROLLABLE EMPATHY uh, I mean-

Really the question is in general if the entire location would have some effect on that particular ability-would it dampen it, would Reira end up picking up on various npcs as easily as she does most of the employees, etc etc.

It's the kind of thing I feel like I ought square away as soon as I can before plotting...

[ringleaders]

Yes, empathy will be able to function within the building, which means that Reira can get a read (to various degrees) on how servants are feeling. There is also some other weird phenomenon it might pick up on.

As for the specifics, you'll need to wait for the investigation prompt.

[soft_focus]

Works for me! This is all I need for plotting for now, so thanks!

[whattaprick]

Do Supervisors get any more of a heads up or specific warnings of what to expect here, or what RM is trying to do, or are they in the dark as much as anyone else?

Will characters be able to return to the Carnival during their stay at all, or will they be forced to remain in the Prince's realm for the duration of this world stop (and is there some IC idea of how long that will take)?

Lastly, and this is probably obvious: what can characters bring in terms of weapons/self-defense, and are there consequences for using offensive/protective magic?

[ringleaders]

1) The Ringmaster is going to warn Lambert and Sans in particular that they need to try to keep the others from getting into trouble while they are here. Since the whole carnival is here, in a foreign place, it basically falls into both of their jurisdictions. So they are basically in charge of supervising everyone else. (Yay!) Her explanation will basically be that the Prince is her uncle, and she's trying to make a deal with him that will protect the carnival from future fae problems. Unfortunately, given that he's a older fae, they don't see eye to eye on a lot of stuff, so it's kind of awkward and is probably going to be difficult.

She is interpreting him demanding that everyone comes to stay at his place as a show of power/a vague threat, so she really just has to try to stand up to him while also appeasing him. No problem, right?

They can tell the other supervisors, but she will advice against panicking the other workers. She really doesn't want anybody to do anything stupid.

2) They won't be able to go back to the carnival, unless there are special circumstances. Essentially, the Prince has to approve anyone coming or leaving, and he's unlikely to do so unless it's an emergency. She is going to estimate they will be here for "a few days" but is wishy washy enough that it seems like it could be longer.

3) Characters will not be searched as they enter, so essentially they can bring a "polite" amount of weaponry - think about it in terms of a gentleman having his formal sword at his belt at a public gathering. Also, no iron what so ever, for obvious reasons. RM won't allow that, either, because that's asking for a fight.

There is no consequence for using magic, but there ARE consequences for fighting in the manor and fighting/resisting his servants with violence. Basically, you can't really do anything you couldn't do while visiting a Queen's palace. It's all about decorum. You can use magic if it isn't hurting anyone or doing anything considered rude, like damaging property.

[otoko]

It says anywhere from the 1500s to 1800s, but are we referring to the European sense of fashion here, or could it be from elsewhere on earth if appropriate for the character?

Asking more for Carly. GON'S GETTING STUCK IN A SUIT IF IT KILLS ME.

[ringleaders]

Mostly European, because the Prince is a loser and is obviously going for a certain Aesthetic. Mild ethnic inspiration is cool, though.

[soft_focus]

ALRIGHT. So Carly's wearing proper dress then, got it.

that might help with designing Reira's tho hmmmm

[whattaprick]

Great, clashes with parental figures, Lambert totally has experience with that! He will probably quite bluntly tell her that he thinks this is stupid and someone is obviously going to do something stupid whether they try to prevent them or not, but he'll agree to do his best.

She will have to provide a little bit more clarification on what 'anything stupid' would look like to a Wyld Fae, though. Attacking the servants or messing with them is an obvious one, but since he's her uncle, what else do they need to look out for?

Finally, can Pokemon be brought along, and would there be accommodations available for them when not kept in the Pokeball?

[ringleaders]

Messing with the servants in general is a big one. Because... you know. You KNOW what they are going to think about the servants, after everything that happened in Portland. Right? Right.

They're going to get killed, that way.

Otherwise, just WEAR the clothes they're supposed to, sleep where they're told to, and come to dinner when they are supposed to. Just, do what he says. Be civil. You know, everything the Ringmaster is terrible at.

Don't be petulant about the small stuff, like clothing and food and whatever. Just do it, and don't be a smartass about it.

As for Pokemon, yes, them and other pets can be brought, because he DID say he wanted to host everyone. There is a stable for larger creatures to hang out, but otherwise they can be kept in your rooms. Don't let them run loose.

EDIT: Also shut up, he's not a parental figure.

[hippocarnival]

Will there still be a performance week for the castle and the Prince or are they treating it as a long off period?

[ringleaders]

No official performance week, no. Some people may be asked to perform, but that will be strictly a performer thing, if it happens.

[tacosgay]

So! Will the Prince provide "men's" clothing only to the men, and "women's" clothing only to the women, or will characters like Taako be allowed to wear dresses, etc?

[ringleaders]

Generally speaking, yes - the Prince's sensibilities are actually weirdly heteronormative for a fae, which is actually a notable trait. However, if the person is capable of pulling off the look and requests alternate clothing choices, the servants will probably acquiesce. It's more important that you look presentable.

So I guess the status on wearing non-standard fashion choices is "ultimately accepted but somewhat frowned upon." The Prince will roll his eyes, but that's about it. Though if your character can easily "pass" as either of the gender binary, he probably won't even notice.

[espigeon]

Is Julien's bird body gonna be relegated to the stables?

[kingsroads]

so, being a fairly well-off guy from the 1810s who regularly hangs out with sirs, attends fancy parties, and actually met the king one time, Strange has all of this manners shit in the bag. He'll gladly help out and teach people how to tie a cravat, how to waltz, how to formally introduce themselves to an important person, which fork's the salad fork and which isn't, how to be polite, and so on and so forth. I'm up for threading or handwaving these, but I'm totally up for characters hitting Strange up for ✨ fancy lessons ✨

(this also might be an attempt to distract himself from the fact that during his canon update, he got stuck in a tower of darkness himself and that he's NOT TOO PLEASED and KIND OF PARANOID about this whole realm of twilight thing)

[hippocarnival]

YUYA Is going to try his best not to cause any trouble, but after Portland and the Summerlands he's very interested in trying to find a redeemable aspect to other fae and see if they can cooperate as friends vs a series of alliances.

So! He'll be wandering within their limitations, talking and playing along with the nature of the castle. He'll also probably put on some small-scale performances for the servants and other carnival members and generally try and keep the mood positive and friendly.

He has... decent manners but will need a crash course in civility and a lot of reminders not to talk with his mouth full.

stuff to do: Get dragged along with his antics, performance buddies, reminders how to behave, shake their head at his attempts to befriend the fae, and obvioisly and dinner or dancing mingles.

SYRLYA Will be maintaining more of a polite distance with the scene because he doesn't understand noble court politics and is pretty sure he never will. He'll bring his sword just in case (that's gentleman's armourment, right) and as a merc/bouncer probably mostly make sure other carnival members stay out of trouble.

If anything he can fake fitting in decently but he'll mostly try and stay in the fringes on the excitement since the Ringmaster seems so worried about this. Having your powerful boss nervous doesn't make this easy to enjoy.

stuff to do: Try to explain nobility to him, get reminded to behave, general CR building since he's a lot newer.

[whattaprick]

COULD HER EXPECTATIONS GET ANY HIGHER???

This is probably most suited to an investigation prompt, but just in case: are there any areas that are outlined as explicitly off limits, or is that something that will be detailed in the post?

Does the Prince's realm have courtyard/gardens/outdoor areas at all, and how extensive are they?

[whattaprick]

Thanks to the heads up from the Ringmaster, Lambert isn't going to treat this as flippantly as he otherwise would be inclined to, much to his own annoyance...

Having no intention of being caught off guard by unpleasant surprises, he will be bringing his silver sword acquired from the Summerlands, concealing a couple of daggers, and probably stashing some firepower under his fancy clothes (luckily, the Celebration has left him with a coat with generous amounts of hiding space). He's also bringing Pig the Mudsdale and Butcher the dog-horse baby Mudbray.

He and Sans will (probably) be contacting the other supervisors about working to keep their people's noses out of trouble. Whether that's successful or not is another story.

He wiiill also be making a closed radio post for his Nightrunners, because if shit goes sideways they're obviously going to have to clean up the mess, and he wants all of his people ready to fight and/or center in on whatever's going on! The general gist of his expectations are to keep in touch over the radio and be ready to intervene if other Carnival members look ready to start shit ... which isn't going to make them popular, but whatever!

One of his stated priorities will be to develop a map of the place (if that's even possible, which he doubts because FUKKEN MAGIC CASTLE), see if there's anything like a library, and identify points where people with teleportation/transportation abilities can travel through.

For non-nightrunners, Lambert has a mental suggestion spell he won't hesitate to make liberal use of (or like, knock someone out) so lmk if that's something you wanna do something with. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Other than that, uh, have fun??? People can be pleasantly surprised that Lambert apparently has a functional grasp of dining etiquette, but he really doesn't like it here, he's convinced it's fucking cursed.

[dressedtothe]

Will 9S be able to build a rough map of the castle's layout, as per his scanning abilities? Normally he's able to create something similar to a general floorplan, just without any labels of what any of the rooms are. Or will it be blocked/distorted/(unknowingly) incorrect because of the fae magic in the place?

Also, will bringing the non-iron robot buddy be frowned upon?

[ringleaders]

Yep! At least, most of it. Whether or not there are hidden areas will be impossible to know, but he can at least get a scan on the common/accessible areas. Checking whether there are disparities can be done as an investigation.

The robot will be fine! Especially since the guns are deactivated.

[ringleaders]

It doesn't have to be, but it will at least have to sleep there, though it could come out during the day. The Prince wouldn't feel like both bodies needed to be there, especially when the bird body is sort of indignant.

[ringleaders]

Yeah, there are certain areas that are off limits that will be described in the mingle log, as well as hidden areas that could be discovered.

There is a large courtyard in the center of the Manor that is far more extensive than the technical space should allow. Some magic spacial distortion is going on there, for sure.