Prepare for the #LodanRespawn2024 Existing characters may choose to be displace from/have memories of different timelines, thereby allowing returning members the option to retcon their whole character. These changes are the result of the "Unnatural Fog" plot device that is running between now and the Respawn. The plot is simple: no matter where your character is, that place is shrouded in a thick fog that suspends time, but not thoughts or memories, so even if they're repeating the same day over and over again, they continue to remember, so each time feels like a new day. For those retconning OCs; this is where new versions of themselves have the opportunity to replace the old versions. Official lore and tree updates will be announced asap
OPEN TO ALL This was it, the OFFICIAL HAUNT, when the veil between their worlds was the thinnest and rumor had it... the shadows the thickest. A bounty was posted all around town offering a reward for those who dared to journey into the North-East Vineyard on this night. Some were in it just to spotlight the beasties and record what they see in their journals to turn in to the Beastarium for coin. Some, for the bravado of fighting the creatures, and others where simply here on a Dare because once the word was out there - there was no taking it back - and many a social circle from the rich to the poor had made it a personal challenge to show up in costume and witness the great success (or failure) with their own eyes.
Maybe it was curiosity that drove them... a curiosity that burned to see the reputed Vineyard for themselves, and knowing this was one chance to do it in a group so large they wouldn't have to feel alone. Or maybe it was peer pressure, and they were being dragged along by another who wanted to capitalize on this moment in history. Whatever the motive, a diverse mixture of costumed citizens from the city of Lodan now stood at the gates to the vast and hauntingly eerie:
Post by Caitlin Cockfoster on Oct 17, 2013 23:45:43 GMT
Caitlin had been to the NE Vineyard before, though she hardly remembered how the whole affair ended... or by what means she made it home that night. It was a cloudy memory at best, even the morning after her recollection had been clouded in mist. She did recall at one point there being seven of them all together crowded around this intricately carved fountain in presumably the center of the maze. About the time they all came together at that fountain, was about the time things started coming unhinged... Caitlin looked around at all the other citizens crowding the gate and she gulped. Hopefully the infamous effects of the NE Vineyard weren't triggered by numbers.
She couldn't tell if any of the same figures were here now that had been on their previous encounter with this mystical place. Not since everyone was dressed in costume, hiding their true selves behind make-up, masks, wigs and the sort (herself included, in a custom ancient Egyptian Cleopatra dress, shiny black wig, and generous amount of smokey black eyeliner). She was hardly the same, but one thing hadn't changed, even now in late October she could still smell the sweet sent of thousands upon thousands of sun-dried and summer-ripe berries. It was as if time didn't touch this place. Neither did a grounds keeper, from the looks of it. Everything was wildly overgrown. She peaked around her once more, wondering who would be the first to push open the gates and set foot on the cobblestone path. After noting how transfixed everyone seemed, she decided to take the lead. Stepping around the group crowding the gates, she unlatched the two halves and pushed them wide open. The only sound was a rusty groan from the warped iron. She felt her heartbeat pounding in her throat as she stepped in. Taking a few quick breaths and reminding herself why she was here, she turned to look back at the crowd.
"Well, won't you be coming in?" (Her first encounter in the NE Vineyard below as depicted by MaltedMilkBoat)
She sat her glass down next to the decanter and leaned back. This was nice... like falling into a vat of marshmallow fluff. Calm, muffled, the rest of the world blocked out by the closed door to his cabin, and here they were safe inside. Safe from reality, safe from their own complicated lives. Safe from duty. Safe from context. Just. Safe. --Caitlin
Post by Willoughby Tavers on Oct 18, 2013 1:15:10 GMT
This would be the year. It was the year that Willoughby Tavers, a simple mechanic from the Peasant's Hovel, would finally venture into the North-East Vineyard. As a child, his father had told him frightening stories of beasts, who ate kids like him, roaming the grounds. Being quite the logical young chap, Will never paid his father's stories any attention. He preferred to believe in gears and bolts opposed to magic, yet Willoughby always felt weary about entering the vineyard, due to its dreadful visual appearance. He had attempted this feat on several occasions before, but never made it past the rusted, bent fence. Somehow, someway, he managed to muster the courage to travel to the North-East Vineyard on this fateful night, dressed in a circus ringleader's outfit. He had spent months saving so that he could buy the red coat, tie, and black top hat. The vest, shirt, pants, and boots were items he had owned for years and was apart of his signature attire. He had various tools stuffed in his pockets, just in case he needed to fix anything. It was a strange habit he had formed over the years..
As he joined the large crowd around the gate, his feet sore from the walk, he began to truly realize why he was here. It's the bounty, Will. The reward. He shook his head, No. I am here for me and me only. His palms began to sweat...remembering how he turned away and ran every year when it came to this moment. Maybe I'll just go home and hang up my costume and try this again next year. Yea...I can go home and work on that thing...
"Well, won't you be coming in?" A woman of remarkable beauty spoke, tearing him from his thoughts. Willoughby raised an eyebrow at this woman, feeling as though she was talking directly to him, as if she sensed his hesitance. He knew that was impossible, but he liked the way it sounded in his head. If she can do this. I sure as hell can. He slid his goggles down over his eyes and weaved through the crowd, moving past those wretched bars.
He shoved his hands in his jacket pockets and stood by this woman. He winked at her as nonchalant as possible, determined to take up his role as a confident, fearless, and rational man, "Let's go for it," he smirked, successfully masking his own apprehension about this place and this dark night...
[Flos has heard the many stories of the Northeast Vineyard from the eerie whispers and cavalier guffaws of his comrades back at the guild. They were meant to be rumors, fairy tales appropriate for this time of the season, but Flos couldn't shake off the returning chill each time he managed to overhear another version of the Northeast Vineyard legend. By some untimely bad luck, one of the robbers had called him over the other day in question of the young man's knowledge of the haunted place. Somehow, the conversation managed to involve Flos's cowardly nature, and gradually disheartened his already low self-esteem. The more he thought about what they said, the more he felt it was true: he was a big coward. He didn't have a speck of courage in him. The most he managed to face his fears was to run from them or avoid them by any means. And . . . maybe they were right. Maybe it was time he'd obtain some courage for once. Maybe it was time for a change. The Teal Roses didn't send him on his solo journey for a vacation after all. He had to show them that he can become his own successful individual in this biased world. Or something like that.]
[Apprehensive and restless, Flos stood within the temporary safety of the crowd, blended amongst the zany and gorgeous costumes of the other daring participants. He was dressed in the clothes of huntsman, an earth-colored tweed coat over a green vest, dark brown trousers, tall sturdy boots, and a dull cap pulled over his obvious orange hair. He fixed the fake spectacles over his large nose and tucked his trademark teal scarf into his vest. A toy rifle slung over his back and a wooden machete hung from his belt; rumored monsters or not, he really hoped he won't have to use these by any means. He had stolen the props, as well as his whole outfit, from a family mansion and was hoping to return them without damage by the end of the night. He looked around in anxiety, severely hoping that no one will recognize him. The last thing he needed was a familiar face asking for his reason to be here, and he didn't have the confidence yet to explain . . .]
[He heard the gates creak open. He could vaguely make out the shape of a woman in white making the first step in, and little by little everyone else began to make their way through. Some seemed as nervous as he was, others rushed in with bravado. Some went off by themselves, others marched forward in groups. Flos wished he was in a group, it would suely make this adventure a lot easier for him. Sadly, this was something he essentially had to do for himself. If he could enter the vineyard, find at least one souvenir to bring back as a trophy for his bravery, and return in one piece, it would be enough for him. He stepped forward and kept his head down, trying not to make eye contact. He could hear his heart pounding against his ears, but he forced himself to remain silent and looking calm as he neared the dreading gates.]
Ikuze hated this. She was surrounded by so many people and if worst came to worse she wouldn't be able to run... not in this damned gown and heels! She immediately regretted going with the princess costume instead of the witch, the maid or even the harem girl costumes. At least those three would have given her legs some room to move in. This... this felt more like a damned cage. How the hell do nobles put up with this every single day? I'm going mad already and I'm only in this thing for tonight... the thief wondered in bemusement.
The gown itself consisted of a long skirt that reached down to her ankles, had shoulders that resembled balls, a stiff piece of cloth that formed a sort of collar-guard thing behind her head, and had frills on the ends of the sleeves, along the front of her gown which showed off what cleavage she had, and rimmed the base of the skirt. The gown was a satin blue, with gold-coloured trimmings, whilst the frills where a sheer white. On her face rested a gold mask that covered the top half of her face minus the forehead, and had a single piece of blue glass in the center to resemble a sapphire or something. Her legs were covered in a pair of white stockings which where held up by a garter belt. The heels in question where a matching yellow to the gown, and gave her an extra four inches in height. There was a corset underneath the gown that Ikuze was certain was designed by some insiduous torturer, as it made breathing that little bit more difficult but gave her more of an hourglass figure. The boning in the corset also meant she had to stand up straight as she could not bend in the infernal contraption.
She looked around the crowd and for the first time in her memory, couldn't tell the difference between noble and non-noble. Usually postures or the look in their eyes would be able to gleam the difference... but tonight?
There was definitely a difference tonight... one that would only happen tonight of all nights... because nobody could see who was what tonight... Of course Ikuze would be easy to spot no matter her outfit, even with the mask's and costumes around them. Not because of her hair cus tonight she'd chosen to go with a wig of raven black hair that the shopowner had recommended... well, he'd recommended the blonde but she'd went with the black instead much to his chagrin. No, her blue mane was covered in the shadows of hair. The reason she'd be recognisable up close was because of one thing. The choker with Knight piece pendant she always wore. Her lace gloved hand went to her throat where it rested for a moment before she followed the crowd inside.
If she'd had half a mind she'd be using this opportunity, with everyone out here, to go practice some burglarly. Instead she was here.
No vineyard was going to spook her... and so when everyone began to follow in after the white robed woman, she walked in as well. Her eyes were wandering over the crowd when something more natural caught her eyes. Everyone else, herself included, were all dressed up in a variety of colours and hues that almost screamed for attention... but one man was garbed more normally than the rest. She viewed the huntsman from behind her mask and had to admit, whoever it was looked kinda cute. And a bit lonely. Well... alright. Besides, it wouldn't do to have a princess walk into a "haunted" forest unescorted. she thought with an inward grin as she made her way towards him, and tried to lightly tap him on the shoulder to gain his attention.
"Excuse me kind sir... would you mind if I were to join you? I'm afraid I'd just get lost in there, and well... a huntsman like yourself should be more than enough to scare away any monsters that lurk within... would you do me the honour of being my escort for the night?" she asked, trying to remember the Lady lessons that Caitlin had been giving her recently.
Last Edit: Oct 19, 2013 11:35:06 GMT by Ikuze Storm
Post by Caitlin Cockfoster on Oct 19, 2013 13:33:40 GMT
Well that was easy, Caitlin thought as the crowd surged forward. Hesitantly some of the masked figures flowed around her like a stream and headed inward toward the maze of fruit vines. She kept her head high and her body poised like the queen of the Nile she was dressed to be and hoped her own doubtfulness didn't show. She knew how dangerous these fields could be, she knew how quickly they could turn you into something you are not, more so than a little bit of dress up would do.
A man, outfitted as a circus ringleader and looking devilishly handsome as one too, approached her with his goggles over his eyes and his hands in his jacket pockets. He smirked, and she almost imagined he was winking to her beneath the tinted goggles before he admirably cheered them onward. She gave him a winning smile. So she had earned herself a companion with her show of bravado? She could appreciate that. Truth was she didn't feel too particular about wondering this maze alone. Even before she'd been with Sarah, and once the seven souls converged in the center, madness broke loose and being alone when others went rabid was a dangerous situation to enter into... Of course, then it was Sarah herself that had gone rabid and tried to kill them all. What odd things it did to the mind. She shook away the thought.
"I'd be glad to," she replied warmly and offered her hand for a shake, "will you be my date for this evening, for this particular affair?" Past his shoulder she could see others sizing each other up and forming into pairs like picking dance partners for a soiree. Only this dance could turn deadly, and one never knew when or if they'd ever find their way out. Stragglers made their way to the gates, catching up with the tail end of the original crowd, and even when they were all lost from sight within the twists and turns of the vineyard maze, more would surly still come and take their chances on old Hallows Eve.
She sat her glass down next to the decanter and leaned back. This was nice... like falling into a vat of marshmallow fluff. Calm, muffled, the rest of the world blocked out by the closed door to his cabin, and here they were safe inside. Safe from reality, safe from their own complicated lives. Safe from duty. Safe from context. Just. Safe. --Caitlin
[Flos felt a nudge at his shoulder and he turned around to face a princess. Well, someone in a princess costume anyway. He made certain to only glance at her to avoid eye contact.] "Hmm? Well . . ." [Alright, so it looks like he may not have to go alone after all. Well, so as long as they don't end up recognizing one another, that would be bad. Not to mention with that kind of outfit, the girl looked a little vulnerable. It would at least be only common courtesy to escort her, hopefully she wasn't one of those prissy rich girls . . .]
[He smiled back at her, in a more gentlemanly fashion than his usual big ol' grin.] "Of course, milady. How could I not accompany a beautiful young woman such as you?" [He spoke in a smooth, elegant manner, as picked up from eavesdropping on aristocrats time to time. He bowed to the young lady, gently lifted her hand and kissed her fingers. He also prayed she wouldn't slap him for that.]
Post by Willoughby Tavers on Oct 19, 2013 16:59:14 GMT
"I'd be glad to. Will you be my date for this evening, for this particular affair?" The woman in the ancient Egyptian Cleopatra dress, spoke, extending her hand towards him. For once in his life, he was glad he was wearing gloves. These white gloves hid his dirty and callused hands, they hid the truth about his hard life. He returned her smile and grasped her small hand, for once, not caring about trivial things such as social class. "It would be my pleasure," he crooned, letting go of her hand, after giving it a firm and friendly shake, his eyes following her own. He looked behind his shoulder, his eyes falling on the two others who separated themselves from the crowd. A woman dressed as a princess and a man dressed in garb not as extravagant as the rest.
He chose not play them much attention, preferring the company of this Egyptian queen, "Since I'm going to your escort, I should probably introduce myself," he took the hat from his head, revealing his red curls, and bowed, ""Willoughby Tavers, ma'am, at your service."
Willoughby returned to his normal posture, his heart pounding in his chest. Was just being here enough to strike fear into my heart? Why do I keep getting the feeling that something terrible is going to happen soon?
Ikuze smiled at the huntsman, taking note of his aversion to looking directly into her eyes. Okay, that's just making this guy even more cute with the shyness. And... damned woman that she is, I guess mother has a point... the shy ones are usually the better ones... she thought to herself before giggling softly as he kissed her fingers. "Good ser, you are a flatterer. You truly believe me to be beautiful when surrounded by tonight's revellers?" she asked as she held out her arm for him to take hold of. "May I be so bold good ser huntsman, to know the name of my escort for this evening?" asked the thief of this gentleman before her. He's probably some noble or other from Lodan's good parts... a shame... doubt he'd stick with me if he ever figured out I wasn't a noble myself... Ikuze mourned before resolving to enjoy herself tonight.
[Flos took the young lady's arm around his, applying a smooth, sly touch to his masked voice.] "Milady," [he chuckled.] "I had my initial intention to spend the fine evening by myself in the vineyard, to test my knowledge on its speculated wonders. But I cannot possibly allow you to suffer by your lonesome, not with such a rare beauty as yours. Why, you mimic the hidden light in the dark sky." [This wasn't his first time playing the "smooth criminal," but that doesn't mean he's willing to get used to it. He quickly faked a name for tonight's persona.] "My name is Jacob Trinoby. But you are free to refer to me as however you wish." [Don't forget to smile, don't forget to smile. Subtle smile, don't overdo it!]
The thief blushed as he flattered her. "Be careful with your words Ser Jacob," she said as they walked, "for I fear that I may lose my head to my heart for all your kind words." Ikuze blinked for a moment at her words. Where in the hells did that come from?! Is this place starting to get to me already? It's not helping that he is flattering, shy, cute and gods that smile... gah! The hell is going on?! Somehow I'm going to blame the Baroness for all this... somehow. drat woman's corrupted me or something! Ikuze gave a gentle cough. "Apologies Ser Jacob, I don't know what came over me just now... And it seems only fair that I give my name in return." she said, her mind coming up with a suitable alias, juuuust in case this Trinoby person had been someone she'd stolen from in the past. By now she was really starting to lose track. "I'm Lireal Tamar." she said with a gentle curtsey even as their arms were entwined with one anothers.
Last Edit: Oct 20, 2013 11:13:14 GMT by Ikuze Storm
[Okay, so she wasn't too bad. What a relief! The last time he had to entertain a girl while his troupe broke into a mansion, she was just finicky and spoiled and incredibly bad-tempered and . . . phew! He got lucky with this Lireal.] "Miss Tamar? I'm charmed by your given name." [Annnnd now he wondered how long he had to keep up with this guise. This might just be another tedious side quest . . . Flos glanced at the man tipping his hat to the earlier woman wearing white. Well, he better get used to it, just for the night.]
Post by Caitlin Cockfoster on Oct 21, 2013 0:22:59 GMT
Her companion removed his cover and gave her a prestigious bow, introducing himself as Willoughby Tavers. She smiled kindly at him, giving away his Christian and his Sir name all at once. He certainly wasn't hiding behind his costume, at least not from her.
"Pleasure to meet you, Willoughby," she responded quietly, lest he didn't wish the whole night to know his name. She debated whether or not to provide him with her proper name. It seemed such a shame to dispense with the illusion so soon, but it would be slightly unjust to leave him in the dark (so to speak) after his forwardness. "Please, just call me Cait," she decided in the end. A nickname was better than the farce, but not quite the same as her full identity.
< Ladies and lads, please be on the lookout for a note in your messages soon! If you have yet to join thats ok! Jump right in and I will send you your note as well. These will help you to know how the legend of the NE Vineyard works, and what.. comes.. next... >
She sat her glass down next to the decanter and leaned back. This was nice... like falling into a vat of marshmallow fluff. Calm, muffled, the rest of the world blocked out by the closed door to his cabin, and here they were safe inside. Safe from reality, safe from their own complicated lives. Safe from duty. Safe from context. Just. Safe. --Caitlin
The thief girl looked around as the crowds began to disperse, each person making their own way for whatever reason they were here tonight. "So then Ser Jacob... what shall we do this evening we have together? You said something about testing your knowledge on the wonders of the Vineyard? I must confess kind Ser that I know very little of this place, or even its supposed wonders." she admitted, a blush creeping into her cheeks. She looked towards the woman in white for a moment, trying to place her. I'm sure I've seen her before... but can't tell from this distance...
"Well, I am certainly aware of the rumored monsters and creatures that lurk within this vineyard, behind the walls and corners we face." [Crap, crap, crap, he had forgotten this was a maze. Crap, crap, crap! He shouldn't have gone with this girl, he would've made his way climbing the leafy walls of the maze on his own. Well drat, look at what he did now, already leading Miss Tamar into the maze. Composure, composure . . .] "But I seek not for the adventure, nor the assumed treasure many have speculated to be hidden in the center." [Lies, he may as well be taking it home by now.] "I only want to see if this is all true, or merely a child's game after all. Personally, I think it is the latter. But should it all be true, I'll make certain to rush out of here quicker than a jiff. With you, of course." [He added a smile. Oh, how he prayed hard that there were no monsters.]
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