@Vivian Cruz @Backfire @Xavier Weissman @Comet Theme Pormont, A bustling and somewhat upscale tavern. The time where evening dips into night, some very few days before the festival: At a round meeting table in a spacious reserved room in the back of the establishment, sat Moonbunny, a number of -perhaps- strangers, and you, yes you, the reader. The hustle and the bustle of the inn seemed somehow so very far away... and yet in this round table room lit by lantern and chandelier both, was a certain and palpable tension.. Somehow sitting at the 'head' of this round table, Moonbunny, a rather vampish girl cleared her throat lightly to garner the party's attention. "Well, I suppose everyone has made their opportunity to partake of the menu? No? Everything is catered and accounted for, you would do well to take advantage lest you be left wanting in what could prove an otherwise long and test~ing night..." From somewhere, Moony revealed a rather large and cartoonish sack of gold which she with a thumpily hefted unto the table with a wicked smile. Holding her hand for pause, she shook her head. "Oh this isn't mine, mind you, consider it a showing of just how -serious- our mu~tu~a~l employer is over this business venture-endev~our..." Nodding, as perhaps some of her party made some last minute orders (Moony had opted for pie, cake, and the sweetest available wine) the pauper princess continued: "As I am sure each of you are aware, we have been hired---at rather the last minute I might add--- by one Urshal Enterprises--- a Guild Company, to make a quick and tidy profit over the coming Dark Harvest Faire. Late to the party, mayhaps we might question both their investment and good sense, but I do promise you, they are indeed -quite- serious." Sighing, Moony flipped one of her twin tails back over her shoulder. "So, it falls to us, as a Herculean Labour, to come up with -something- that has... 1) Not yet been devised as a coming attraction... But... 2) Might somehow be completed to satisfaction in the few and wicked coming days... And.... 3) Contains in itself an adventurer's -exotic- cultural appeal..." Interlocking her fingers, Moonbunny leaned forward while resting her chin upon the steeple. Glancing at each of the members of the fellowship in turn, Moony smiled. "As subcontractor of this maiden endev~our I have chosen each and every one of you on account of your wits, expertise, and fine character. But! Before we can very well get on with it..." Sighing, a dark shadow seemed to fall over the table, the wind outside howled, if you were looking closely, Moony might have even given a shudder....oh no.... "I'm afraid we must break the ice..." Shaking her head with a silent look of the deepest agonized apologies, Moony at last began the first order of business. She revealed a blue squishy ball and set it at the table's center... "We shall go about the table and each make a short introduction, mayhaps a descriptor of one's identity and abilities and...oh...I don't know... a...hobby? When you have made your peace, toss the ball to the next victim." Grimacing, Moony waited. "I shall go last, it would be the prime position to continue the motions of the meeting until we are yet adjourned." **OOC** And so it begins... let's each make a short introduction, and when we're finished (i'll post last) I can move us to the next "turn" to keep us organized. Just pretend the last poster tossed you the ball, so we can go in any order.
Eyeing the menu lightly the crimson eyed man sat upright within his chair, his attire having changed from its usual short and tank top to a more suitable fashion. To match his favorite celebration the man wore a day of the dead mask while dressed in a suit with a bow tie. A pristine white pair of gloves covered his large hands with ease. "I will take the sweet cake and some pumpkin pie.. Please do not forget the tea.. Black tea please.. " Setting the menu aside the NPC smiled and took is order down with ease. Meanwhile he listened to what @Moonbunny had to say about the event to come. When he thought about the rides for Halloween he couldn't help but think of haunted ships and the haunted house in Salem he often visited. Those places were ones that often caused people fright, but the scariest ones still were those based out in the wooded areas. Places were the cities were scarce and the farm land we plenty, the rules of haunted houses and corn mazes were different there. Live actors often hung from nooses at the entrance to scare many. Meanwhile some wielded chainsaws and axes chopping the guests ride carts to pieces.. "Well.. Why not have a buried alive exhibit.. Give the people a real sense of being dead..?" Raising a brow he chuckled at the thought behind the mask while clasping both hands together with ease. "Sorry where are my manners! I am Xavier Weissman.. I am of the rogue like nature and i thoroughly enjoy raising the orphans in the city and having a good laugh from scaring people a good one.." Smiling even wider Xavier bowed his head lightly as if to excuse himself from speaking anymore. His mind sauntered back to the idea's for the amusement of the people to come. Quietly he hummed the tune of; "This is halloween" to himself while listening to the others. @Comet @Vivian Cruz @Backfire
The ball had rolled to her next after the girl with the red eyes had stated they should all do introductions. There was little said about her but she did say she would be going last in this line of introductions. Vivian hunched over and circled her wine glass with a finger as the figure next to her stood up. Her dazzling eyes moved from the glass to the soul that just stood up next to her. A soft smile on her face as she looked up at him, her lips puckered up as she kissed the air at him just to make things a little more awkward for introductions. Of course the boy said very little, his name was however Xavier. That was most of what she had heard from him. Everything else? It was drowned out by her own inner thoughts. Whatever he said had little meaning to her, he seemed rather uninteresting especially after he said he was an orphan...or something along those lines. She was not paying attention. However the ball was rolled to her next, and Vivian slapped her hand on the object and stood up then wobbled for a moment. She took in the sights of those who sat around the table. "Good boy. You can sit down now. " She said to Xavier after he finished. The female Malefimancer was wearing her normal attire. A sterling silver light plated armor set with robust golden trims. Her long purple hair danced off her shoulder as she finelly swept it off her tunic as it unraveled down her back. Her lusting eyes fell back on the boy as he sat down, her red lips smiled seductively as she held onto the ball in her hand. "My name is Vivian Cruz. It is your pleasure to make my acquaintance. As far as skills go, I am a freaky girl who knows about freaky things." Her eyes twinkled as she said that looking at the male next to her, Xavier, before laughing to herself and continuing. "Malefimancy is currently on my priority list. If were are looking into spook the shit out of people, I am sure my evil cantrips can do some ridiculous wonders. As far as hobbies go, I have many. I enjoy a good beer and a comfortable bed, I like to sleep a lot. But I also enjoy causing strife to people because without drama the world is full of boring individuals. And I am a total whore behind the door. " The purple haired vixen leaned over down at Xavier and smiled at him, locking her eyes with his, "...Just so you know." Once more she set off a set of laughter from her honied voice. Rolling the ball to the next person around the table. With a thud, she sat back down in her seat, lifted her legs above the table and set them down as she leaned back and drank from her goblet. If you are going to make an introduction, might as well do the best one you can. @Comet @Backfire
The entire time Comet had multi-tasked listening and deciding what she should say about herself. Straight posture, acknowledgment, eye contact... The drills from countless nights of "training" remained embedded into her mind. Though Vivian and Xavier were odd she kept a collected face. Blue eyes caught a view of Vivian's body, drifting upwards, making way for her face; the action followed with a nod as if saying aloud "you could be a whore". However, Comet kept quiet until it was her turn out of respect for the others. She'd rejected the offer of any free pleasures and instead fed off the anticipation of having to be in the spotlight. "I'm Comet. I suppose I'm good at getting what I want, when I want it," the pink-haired woman licked her lips in thought before continuing. "I like the idea of using Magic but I'm afraid I don't have any skills in that area. Still, haunted houses are the real deal. If that takes digging graves," Comet gestured towards Xavier with a jerk of the thumb. "then I'll do it. It's not like death's permanent, anyhow. All I say is things don't get too serious and that there are some light-hearted things thrown into whatever we choose," she hoped deep down that the seemingly childish idea - at least to her - hadn't sounded as dumb as it did in her head. Trickery could only go so far, Comet decided early on, because what's a few soiled pants versus hearty laughter? "My hobbies aren't very important. Anything involving gold and you can count me in, that's for sure," Her hands trembled slightly as she rolled the ball across the table to the last member. Taking a deep breath, combing her long hair back, Comet crossed her legs in hopes that the tightened posture would contain her insecurity around such exotic players. @Backfire
The waiting person put down a glass of some concoction in front of Backfire. "Ah! Finally! My drink is here!" Backfire raised up her pointer finger. FWOOSH! Instantaneously, a blowtorch-like flame began streaming out of the finger. Backfire stood up, grabbed her drink, and aimed the flame at the drink which immediately ignited. She threw the drink down her throat and slammed the glass down with a thud. "WOO! THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT IT! SO INTRODUCTIONS RIGHT?!" Backfire had heard the gist of what everyone had been saying, but for the most part had been focused on keeping on eye out for her free drink. "I'm Backfire. Just backfire. I deal in demolitions, got something needs blown up? I got you covered, maybe even cut you a deal if you play your cards right! I also do mercenary work..." Backfire smirked and let out a wink "... when the pay's good. As one might expect of a demolitionist, I deal in explosions. The bigger the better! And if something get's caught in the blaze! HAH! that's fine too! Collateral damage is always acceptable as long the client doesn't specify that it's not." Backfire pulled up her chair and Threw her leg up on top so she could Captain Morgan pose. She was sure position herself so no one got a show. "Now, I know what you're, what's a hotshot like her doing on a quest like this? Easy answer, I'm in it the reward!" Backfire pointed at Comet. "You know what I'm talking about! Get rich or die trying! HAHAHA! WE'RE GONNA GET A JUST FINE!" Turning back to the group, she continued. "Typically, I couldn't care less what the hell we do as long as I get paid. But this whole 'might kill the patrons' thing, I can't go along with that. Not smart business if you catch my drift. Sure they might pay the entrance fee, but you're killing off your clientele! We'd make more with repeat visitors. Gotta use your head! HAHA! So here's my idea, and I'm pretty proud of it, FIREWORKS! We set up a show. I'll provide the pyrotechnics as long as we're making some funds!" Satisfied with herself, Backfire threw her leg off the chair and sat down. "Easy peasy."
And so the ball returned. It was a motley crew, but one that Moonbunny was altogether pleased with. She lightly cleared her throat. "Yes, and as for myself, well my full handle is Moonbunny, but Moony's fine, just fine. Per my talents, I consider myself a jack of all trades, but for the purposes of our group, perhaps I'd best serve as our engineer...?" Moony smoothly twirled a fountain pen as she paused on that thought. She'd already been taking notes, to match faces and skills to names and goals and what have you. Tapping the pen to her chin, the girl continued absentmindedly, "My hobby's a pretty simple one i'm afraid, I collect interesting things. There's no specific parameters for my targets, so I confess I may actually be a bit of an impulse shopper." Flipping through her notepad, Moony nodded. "Xavier, a rogue that likes children." "Vivian, a dark magician who would prefer frights." "Comet, procurement who would prefer a side profit" "And last but not least, Backfire of demolitions who also enjoys currency." Placing the pad back down, Moony used her spoon to balance a sliver of both apple pie and chocolate cake before plopping the concoction in her mouth, seemingly pleased with herself. "Well, I, myself, only have one request: Candy. What is a modern 'adventurers' Halloween without it?" Moony chuckled while dabbing the corners of her lips with a napkin. Was she drooling? "All of you raise excellent points. What could we do that involves... 1) Spookiness, 2) Repeat-visitors, 3) A chance to make a side hustle, 4) Along with the showiness of a pyrotechnic show? I think we would be wise to target the children in this scheme, win over a child, and we can force an adult to chaperone, a two for one maneuver if you will. Some kind of frustrating contest of skill perhaps? One that would warrant repeat challengers...? We could reward their skill... ----What if we printed tickets what were worth less than the currency people were putting in? Perhaps they could be used to purchase worthless 'limited edition' gimmicks?" Moony lightly smoothed her bangs. "...What if we made a shooting gallery maze? Unbeknownst to our customers, we could find a way to attract some real ghosts?"
A rather pleasant smile crossed Weissman's face when referenced by @Vivian Cruz and @Comet. These two lady's were rather interesting no doubt. Taking note of each of their abilities and hobbies he slowly drank down his beverage before taking a bite of the pumpkin pie that had been set before himself. "Perhaps create to levels if we must have adults with children.. One for the children to explore of their own accord.. The next would provide some of the same features but in a different way.. Some might say in a more deadly fashion.. Gather a bunch of trash tier weapons and have them pop out.. Perhaps startle the people a bit but not cause too much of an uproar.. The volunteer help will be paid in those same tickets instead of gold.. Assuming that is if we desire to bring any volunteers to make a haunted maze attraction.. If not perhaps @Comet could do a Survivor ordeal with the buried alive. Who can last the longest buried six feet down. Put some creepy crawling inside at the same time?!" Sitting back in his chair the man pressed it onto the back two legs before rocking himself lightly. Perhaps that was a bit of a mouthful.. "Better yet.. With your engineering construct the contraptions to fire off weapons in a wild chase.. Cross a charted space with weapons popping up here and there while being chased from behind. Nothing like a near death feeling right?" Raising a brow he wrinkled his nose beneath the mask lightly before flexing his fingers. Perhaps his ideas were a little too risky to be put into place, the who deal with the simulate a real live chase like Jigsaw.. @Moonbunny @Backfire
She eyed the man when the self claimed 'Moony' said that he was a rogue and he liked children. Sitting up in her seat, Vivian gave a fake coughing sequence cough "pedophile" cough. Rubbing her throat, those steel blue eyes of her rolled and she leaned in the other direction looking at Comet. A smile on her face as Moony continued to speak, words and etcetera and nothing very interesting. Though she did listen. Mostly. Each person did have a talent that would lend to the aid of creating the perfect masterpiece. The ideas were rolling in each person's head while Vivian kept her eyes on the woman named Comet wondering if the carpet matched the drapes. There was a hazy smile on her face and eyes brightened briefly before looking back at Moony, "I think the big problem we have right now is the scare theme. Horror movies don't do it much these days, and you know what to expect from a haunted house. Jumping up and yelling "Booo" doesn't do much for people. So we should be targeting what people are really afraid of and that is to dig into the mind of those who come by. Now I can probably set up a few Curses here and there to contend with the mystical side of things. I suppose it will all be a novelty thing though and temporary to the experience of the person venturing inside our little corner of darkness." Vivian used hand motions to show off a display of dark mist that scattered about between her hands as she moved them. But as fluidly as it moved, it disappeared out of sight with a small click of her fingers. "If you want to scare the children, we can just dress up Dear Ol' Xavier here in a bear suit and have him sing some songs. I am sure that would scare the Jesus out of them." The woman commented with a hand falling limp as she gestured to the odd boy. Scaring children though just seemed so...beneath Vivian. If she were going to set something up, she would want it to be more adult themed, but it was also true children were much easier to scare. The two girls seemed to be more into the money making scheme of things rather than actually frightening people. Halloween was a once a year sort of thing, but people always wanted to make money somehow no matter what the occasion was. It was a trial for sure to come up with the scariest plot with this amalgam of people with different backgrounds. If Vivian could clone herself...well, there's a scary thought. @Comet (If we are working on post order)
Intrigue: the perfect word for what Comet felt towards Backfire. It could be the interest in money or the flamboyancy that radiated from the brunette. Her eyes, full of curiosity, eventually trailed over to Moony as the younger looking woman - basically the leader of the pack, though the rest probably wouldn't conform to that label - introduced herself. She did catch Vivian's stare out of the corner of her eye but kept her main focus on Moony. Admittedly, Comet felt much more confident knowing that she could catch the attention of others with such variety in the room. The feeling would be temporary but in the moment was cherished. "People pay money to see things that are interesting. A pyrotechnics show of fireworks like @Backfire mentioned? Perfect for the children. Moony, maybe those tickets could involve a few games here and there with a show at the end? Pay to play. Frustration really helps bring in money and children always go begging for more. At least I know my mom always hands over cash when I ask," Comet shrugged though on the inside she became hungry with greed. The pink-haired woman wouldn't leave the table without the perfect plan and promise for at least a beneficial outcome - preferably in the currency of gold. She nodded in regards to Xavier's comment. Comet wouldn't mind volunteering herself to help out if it meant getting everything done just right. Plus, she'd have more control over what goes on and that certainly is a reassuring feeling. "Adults can handle their fair share of scares. But weapons and stuff like that... very common. Like Vivian said a "boo" won't really affect the more brave groups of people," with a flick of the hair behind her shoulders she continued speaking. "Murderers are on t.v. everyday. We need a unique type of scare. I'm not against the idea of random chases, though. A quick jump scare never hurts," With a curl of the lips, a form of approval of the ideas being thrown around, Comet sorted and organized all of the talking going around. She fit more on the Vivian spectrum of things regarding fear, Moony was the very epitome of her idea of light-heartedness, but Backfire also had her with more care towards money earned. Then, here she sat alone, secretly worrying about how the result would turn out. "What people are most afraid of is the unknown. Curses are definitely a yes. Maybe go beyond that and conjure up things that triggers people? Demons, phobias... losing control and not knowing when the haunted house will end or what will happen next," Despite her focus and seriousness Comet couldn't help but snort at the thought of Xavier scaring off children. He did have a far-from-welcoming aura about him that resembled more of someone who's mind you wouldn't want to step into but ended to be interesting and open to feel the creeps for. "There should be a price to pay but only if we match it in quality. This needs to be planned out to the last detail, okay guys?" Comet couldn't let the fear of judgement hold her back from ensuring that the group understood her priorities first.
Backfire scratched her head and scowled. This is a whole lot of very different shit... I don't think any of these people are going to insist on their ideas either. I don't really care what the hell we do as long I get a reward for doing it. Backfire slammed her hands down on the table and stood up. "I GOT IT! WHY DON'T WE JUST DO ALL OF IT! EVERYTHING! WE'LL PUT ON A SHOW! I mean, hell, we all got abilities and powers. We can just showcase them for an audience, or just do whatever you want! I can do some fire tricks and throw out a few fireworks." Backfire crossed her arms while thinking. What the hell did they say they could do again? "Moon can build some contraption or something." Comet can bury herself alive and escape. Or bury someone else alive with some audience participation. Vivienne can have sex with something... wait. Might be kids, so don't do that. Anyway, you get the picture. Whatever, this is going to be the most straightforward way to get this done and get our rewards in one easy move. We can all work on our own acts. Just have to make sure everyone's part jives with everyone else's. We can each do, like, twenty minutes." Backfire smiled confidently. "Well, what do you bastards think?!"
***OOC*** Sorry for the delay work became a nightmare, IRL. (=_=);; No need to worry about post order, just one post per round should keep things organized enough. We've got a lot of people and I think we're doing a good job, lol. ******* Moony didn't consider herself a bastard, but she was surprised to hear a different and viable voice of reason from each of the meeting's attendees. "All of you make excellent points, and I fear I shall parrot some of them in a moment, but before that, I believe Backfire's offered a prime solution. Indeed, why not put on a carnival show? If we simply throw it all in and support one another, I'm sure that there will be nothing -stranger- or more -adventurery- upon the market. For Xavier's point on danger, an audience, so long as we account for proper safety measures, always gets to experience danger vicariously. It's the best of both worlds, yes? All of the thrill with none of the danger. The same applies for the limits of scaring our audience as Vivian mentioned, so long as we avoid anything as crass as a live snuff-snow, I believe, on account of the season, the bar can be pushed -quite- far. These fantasy villagers are a tough sort, likely far more callous than the average New Yorker, and thrice as superstitious. The odds are in our favor, yes? We could even have audience participation in some of the events, through a tiered ticket system. A gold pass, per say, could allow participation in one of the events on the show floor, for all to see. I, myself, would likely be interested in utilizing audience participation for my time on the floor. Comet wisely mentioned utilizing the unknown, yes? What could be more unknown----more creepy---- than a carnival show? Than carnival people? Well? All in favor? Should this motion pass, we can each claim one attraction for the show and discuss the logistics of accomplishing it using our pooled skills and substantial budget." Moony raised her hand. "Aye."
A carnival show. Well, that had peaked her interest quite a bit. Leaning over the table now with her fingers locked in place, Vivian watched with her one exposed eye at the moving lips of Moony. Something she had not done yet was to pay attention to the female and her long winded explanation of things. But this new motion had brought about her attention quite easily enough. She wondered what sort of event she could probably do. Each of them had their specialities. What could Vivan do to 'wow' the crowd? The thoughts churned in her head like silken displays of glistening spider webs. She smiled mostly to herself as those wicked wonderous ideas simply moved around in her mind like warm putty, taking the form of some very delicious constructive ideas. "Yes, I believe I shall do something of a fortune telling act. The Mysterious Lady that knows all and sees all! Of course I could set up a small little one on one boothe and do some crazy shenanigans that way." Vivian sat back to ponder more on her idea. She could probably change up her hair and get a little new sexy outfit to go with her act. Not to mention scaring the shit out of all the poor shows that want their fortune's read, but instead of fortune she will only give them incredible amounts of grief, pain and despair. "Yes, quite fun." she chuckled amusingly to herself. "Aye." She said raising her hand after those humorous thoughts had passed.
A carnival with multiple attractions, all in one place. The ultimate money-maker without no limitations regarding creativity. Moonbunny's idea pleased Comet who nodded graciously. Her worries could rest for now. A carnival meant that they all could keep to themselves and still maintain the event perfectly fine. "I'd be glad to help with keeping track of the tickets and payment," she raised a hand in the air. "Aye." Most likely Comet would be bouncing back and forth between everyone to see how they are handling themselves. That, or she'd run her own attraction in hopes of performing better than the others to prove herself. It wasn't a competition but the pink-haired woman could turn just about any situation into one where she could do better than someone else in any sort of way possible. All it takes is an ounce of envy and Comet turns herself into a self-eating parasite prepared to do anything for a way to feel - at least temporarily - comfortable within her own body. As of now she pulled out a blank card for ideas of what to do to impress. Or rather Comet couldn't choose what exactly she felt would be on par with the rest of the group. "Since I'm more of a person who enjoys attention and figuring out ways to get it I could fit in just about anywhere. I'll figure out something eventually. A scary attraction sounds fun to me if @Xavier Weissman is still interested?" she folded her hands together in anticipation. Her ideas were jumbled out the moment but at least something came out before she could embarrass herself in front of everyone. @Backfire
Xavier could not help but to agree with the idea of a Carnival Event for the NPC's to take part in with them. Something fun for all to deal with at the most. The mention of the NPC's callous nature compared to that of a New Yorker intrigued him. A gentle chuckled rolled from his lips as he drank his drink before setting the cup down and to the side. He liked where @Moonbunny was going with all of this. @Vivian Cruz and @Comet were already planning things out in their own minds. Turning his attention to Comet at the mention of his name the man offered her a smile behind the mask. "I would love to help you with this entity of fun!" Giving a thumbs up his legs returned to the top of the table as he pushed back to lean into the chair. "I should think we should make a small little walk through piece maybe even a Mirror room that alters how they look.." Raising a brow Weissman was now spitting out smaller ideas, his focus was to bring the youthful to come. Where the kids often go the parents will follow." Nodding his head he stroked his chin lightly thinking of how to gather the crowds. "Maybe even a balloon stand filled with other prizes that can be gained by some tickets or gold pieces should the price be right.." Putting the idea forward Xavier once more returned to silence in order to let everyone else speak. @Backfire
"I don't like it. This whole carnival thing just sounds like a pain in the ass. I'm joking. This was my idea in the first place." Backfire leaned back in her chair. "I guess the fireworks show will be easy enough for me to pull off. I could do it at the beginning if we wanted to try and bring in a larger crowd. Or at the end, as a finale. Either way works. Wait, is this a one night only thing? I didn't actually read the description besides the 'get reward' part. How many of these do shows do we have to do? Oh shit, I'm not on contract now, am I?" Backfire scratched her head, then stopped as a realization hit her. "Wait, this event ends at Halloween, so it's not like a year-long thing right? Haha! No, it can't be. Whatever, a few shows is fine. Yeah, I'm in. Like I said, it was my idea."
