EVENT #13: FEYWILDS - IC EVENT LOG

[abraxasmods]

Event #13 - Feywilds

OOC event plotting | feywilds setting | NPCs | bestiary

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On June 10, a few days before the portals open, the Summoned will receive invitations delivered to their doors. The ink on the magic scroll reveals itself as you unroll the parchment.

◎ The scroll invites you to The Vermilion Court, to join the Fey during their Masquerade celebration and to meet the King and Queen. They've heard of the exploits of the Summoned, as well as your unique connection to the Singularity, and wish to host you as guests.

◎ An accompanying letter from your nation's officials assures you all details have been closely examined. Their advice is for you to accept the invitation, to prevent any political fallout, but suggest you bring a personal weapon or defensive spells - which the Fey will allow - and to take the provided portal stone that will let you portal immediately back home in an emergency.

◎ The letter also requests you to bring back information you can obtain or observe - anything at all. The Feywilds are unknown, and officials would be immensely grateful if you could help gather details. They stress that you should avoid offending or stealing from the Fey as that could be critically dangerous.

To prepare, local services in all factions such as tailors, seamstresses, jewelry makers, and similar, are instructed to provide a discount to ensure you arrive looking your best and at your finest. Even Solvunn will do away with their plainer styles to help you piece together more detailed clothes for the week.

Although very little is known about the Fey, one thing that precedes their reputation is their elaborate appearances.

The Vermilion Court

The Vermilion Court resulted from the union of the Seelie Court and the Unseelie Court after the Fey emerged from hiding. The palace and most of the Fey reside in the City of the Vermilion Court. It's here you'll be staying while you're a guest of the Fey.

The Fey's isolation means their home isn't designed for outsiders. Doorways are low. Be sure to duck if you're taller than 5'6", or you'll smack yourself stepping inside. Ceilings, while also low, will allow someone of average human height to stand straight, though if you're much taller than 6'0", you'll need to be careful not to bump your head against any hanging lights.

As for furniture, fortunately, the Fey prefer to use stumps, rocks, and the ground itself as seating, so chances are you won't have to squeeze into any too-small chairs or embarrass yourself when you break their stool. Just pick a boulder and sit! Beds, however, are on the smaller side.

Making an impression with the Fey is key! Doing so will grant you some IC rewards that'll help your character with their Masquerade outfit, plus contribute to how receptive the Fey will be towards the Summoned in the future.

Further, characters will have a chance to meet two NPCs after the welcoming ceremony.

Welcoming

As the very first guests of the Vermilion Court in history, your welcome will contain a bit of fanfare. Admittedly, things do seem very structured and flashy, as though the Fey are demonstrating only what they want you to see. Nonetheless, there are no signs of maliciousness afoot. Rather, the Fey don't want to reveal all their secrets yet.

Royal Procession

You'll gather in the courtyard of the Vermilion Palace. Here, the same floating lights seen last month will announce the arrival of King Jaqod and Queen Rekhantra - current rulers of the Vermilion Court. Fey archers stand on opposing sides to create a pathway, then draw back their intricately carved bows - demonstrating incredible accuracy as arrows strike each other mid-air to form blooming fireworks that fill the sky.

Behind the archers are the disciples of Faerie, the faith followed by the Vermilion Court and upheld by the High Priestesses. Dressed in ceremonial garb, their illusory wings glow and shimmer as they perform an enchanting whirling dance. Each one carries an orb of light in their palms. The orbs resemble the full moon and are used as a prop to create shapes and designs through the air as they move.

At last, the King and Queen will arrive to welcome their guests. They assure you they're delighted that you've accepted their invitation and promise a week full of wonders - culminating in the Masquerade.

At the end of the procession, you'll have the opportunity to greet one of the following NPCs:

• The High Priestess Lady Cospraila, who is devoted to the Faerie ways
• Mestr Lord Kythros, who has a thorough knowledge of the Vermilion Court tracing back several kings

To have a short interaction, reply here to the NPC you wish to meet.

The Fey aren't aware of, and thus don't recognize, any influence characters might have throughout Abraxas or their respective nations - so there is no rank requirement.

The Cascading Boughs

Once the ceremony concludes, Fey guides will lead you to The Cascading Boughs, so named for the waterfalls that spill over its branches. High above the ground, The Boughs is one of the few locations where the sunlight is more substantial.

◎ Room Assignment

The Fey do love a good trick. Before you enter, the only thing they'll tell you is that the rooms will choose you. What does that mean? Step through and find out as the whirling portal door spits you out into a random room. Your roommate will follow through with no choice of their own.

You can somewhat fool the door in return by stepping through together initially, forcing it to assign you and your companion to a room together. Otherwise, you'll have to get along with whomever The Boughs has chosen to room with you. Switching is not possible - there's only one entrance into the lodgings wing, so what you get is where you're staying.

◎ Amenities

Luckily, The Boughs have plenty of communal spaces to spend time together: lush gardens, beautiful ponds, and an array of food and drink for guests to enjoy every hour of the day.

Need to freshen up? The baths offer warm waters which give your hair a temporary luxurious shimmer while your skin takes on a healthy, sparkling glow.

For a meditative space, you can visit The Listening Tree. Said to hear your deepest thoughts and feelings, The Listening Tree seems to be constantly humming in a low tone. The sound is soothing and almost mournful, like the call of a great whale. Speak to it if you wish, out loud or in your mind. Though it does not answer in words, you sense that it understands in its own unique way. When you leave, you'll feel surprisingly refreshed and calm, a feeling that will leave you in a gently pleasant mood for the rest of the day.

Exploring

The Feywilds is vast, but much of it contains dense woods, twisting vines, and towering mushroom caps. Lakes, ponds, and rivers run through the territory, while jagged mountains stand tall in the east.

Only within the City of the Vermilion Court will you discover more to explore: shops, taverns, and eateries populate the largest town in the Feywilds. Compared to other Abraxan cities, though, it's notably smaller - closer to a village than a city. Shops don't have prices displayed anywhere. Some citizens seemingly receive goods for free. Others receive them in exchange for an agreed-upon favor you can't understand. Theirs is an isolated society, firmly entrenched in ways that are much different than the outside world where, despite established borders, intermingling between cultures often occurs.

Nonetheless, the Fey are welcoming and curious. Some are hesitant, including the children, while others want to know who you are. Though mischievous, the Fey don't intend any harm. They'll be pleased to show you the sights: glittering lakes, beautiful gardens, many strange oversized creatures with an unusual amount of teeth, and The Duskwoods.

Shopping & Currency

Unlike the rest of Abraxas, the Fey don't accept gold or silver. Instead, they've declared that there's a unique currency you must use to make purchases. Not all of the Fey seem to participate in this type of currency. You have to wonder if they're playing a trick, but if you want to buy something, you'll have to do as you're told. To the Fey's credit, they're happy to make a fair exchange in return.

Currency options are:

◎ Candied honey pellets from the hives of a giant bee creature. They can be smoked out or put to sleep, but have a vicious sting that will itch fiercely for 12 hours.

◎ Sparkling pearls, easily obtained where they wash up on the shores of lakes and ponds, but cause you to forget one memory while they're in your possession. You must spend (or discard) all pearls to regain the memory. The memory is typically minor like forgetting your favorite food or that time you fell down the stairs, but some may find themselves forgetting a major event or even their own name.

◎ Something only the character can give. This can be anything, but characters should give genuine thought when making an offer. It could be a lock of hair, a feather from a pet, a kiss, or a valuable possession. They might have to try a few offers before one is accepted.

Each shop will want a particular currency from the list above. It might change from shop to shop, or even from hour to hour within the same shop - so act quickly! If you're having trouble getting the currency by yourself, you can grab a friend to help you with the task. Try to strike a bargain if you want. You could get them to lower the price or change to a type more suited to your skills.

As for the shops, there are boutiques with unique stained glass ornamentation for masks and attire that offer special glamours such as fine sparkling dust or a glowing aura. You can obtain last-minute additions to masquerade outfits with various shimmering enchantments. Small trinket-like weapons can be purchased, such as a pretty glass knife. You can also get larger prop-style weapons meant to accompany a costume. However, genuine weapons are off-limits. No matter what currency you arrive with, shopkeepers insist your money is no good here.

The Duskwoods

The Duskwoods refer to the deepest parts of the surrounding overgrown woods. A thick canopy of trees shadows much of the forest in a perpetual dusk-like state, lending to its name - though sunlight does stream through rare spots between the leaves. At once beautiful and foreboding, the Duskwoods encompass the aura of the Fey: mysterious, full of hidden secrets and dangers, and yet wonderfully rewarding for those who respect it and its inhabitants.

Here, you'll find berries and mushrooms, large insects to collect, and creatures to hunt. Nothing in the woods is off-limits. Hunting is a favorite pastime of the Fey, especially their foot soldiers, and you're invited to participate. Just be sure you know the way. The Fey won't be there to guide you, so you're on your own if you get lost in the tangled maze-like forest. Heavy mists and darkened trees can trick you into going dangerously off-path if you aren't careful.

Though the Fey prefer to hunt by bow and arrow or with a spear, you can take your personal weapon into the woods. Note that firearms will be frowned upon and are likely to get you removed from the area due to the excessive noise. The Fey won't tolerate anything that disturbs the natural state of their home.

For a list of wildlife found in the Duskwoods, see the Bestiary.

One or two personal weapons are allowed in the Feywilds, but don't overdo it and show up with an arsenal. Flora and wildlife should not be removed from the area.

Making an Impression

Unused to outsiders and isolated for centuries, the Fey are watching you closely to determine whether they wish to pursue continued contact. Some preferences can't be helped - they're wary of anyone large in stature, as most have never encountered individuals much taller or larger than they are, but the Fey are drawn to animal-like traits such as wings, horns, or sharp teeth. Other aspects, however, are in your hands, and you'll be able to show off a bit.

You won't be told upfront, so it's up to you to observe what's around you and use social instincts you possess to impress - if that's your goal. On occasion, if a Fey happens to see something they like from you, they'll give you a useful item.

To earn an item, submit a thread of your character performing the tasks below for approval. Threads can be in pairs or groups of any size. Threads do not need to be completed, but should contain a couple of tags from you before submission.

Once approved, we'll RNG from 1 of 3 items for each favor a character earns and provide you with the result. You can use the items to enhance your character's disguise for the upcoming Masquerade. All 3 items can be earned if you submit 3 example threads.

• A transformation potion that will grant and/or remove up to 2 appendages of your choice, such as horns, tails, or wings. For example, you could remove your horns and add wings, add a tail and hooves, or so forth.


• A perfume that hides your scent with delicate floral notes and provides you with a light charm that enhances your ability in one aspect you aren't normally good at. For example: words, confidence, musical talent, mimicking accents, or dancing.


• A powerful dye that will turn one feature of your choosing a different color. The dyes are only available in rainbow pastels or bright shades such as pinks, greens, purples, or metallics like gold and silver. They can be applied to your skin (become pink or blue!), hair, or eyes.

Tasks

The Fey can be difficult to win over, but they have a range of interests and love a good show! You'll have several chances and methods to make a good impression, even if you may stumble in other areas.

◎ Hunting Skill

Hunting is a vital aspect of life. Their hunters prefer bows and arrows, but they'll be pleased to see a skilled demonstration of hunting using any method, including magic. The Gargantuan Viper Hydra is tough to fight one-on-one. Attempting to kill one alone will surely draw the attention of onlookers. Meanwhile, the Daggermaw Slug nests in dangerous areas in the Duskwoods full of poisonous flora and toxic spores. Successfully retrieving a handful of these toothy (and tasty!) critters will prove your competence in navigating the most treacherous of environments.

◎ Physical Uniqueness

You might notice the tamed creatures around the city have decorative jewelry or painted designs on their horns or tails. If you possess horns, claws, tails, or wings, you can impress the Fey by enhancing these elements on yourself with similar delicate gold chains or paint. If you have bright, colorful hair, you can achieve a similar effect by styling it in special ways, for example by adding flowers or beads.

◎ Mount Handling

The Fey have a few peculiar mounts they use. They'll be happy to teach you how to handle one or even all of them - and the quicker you learn, the more they'll acknowledge your talent. Mounts include:

• The Pearl-Eyed Leaper, an oversized lizard ideal for moving through dense treetops. It leaps from branch to branch at great heights, so handling the Leaper requires a solid grip and a steely stomach. Additionally, the Leaper can sense nervousness and will slap you with its sticky tongue if your approach lacks confidence.


• The Luminous Greatshell, a massive snail that travels quickly over flat ground and across lakes, leaving behind a slick shimmer. Its intense speed makes handling difficult. Greatshell races through the winding Misty Rivers are an excellent chance to prove yourself. Just be careful to navigate obstacles, or the snail will stop abruptly and send you flying off.


• The Grinning Longhorn is the most challenging to mount. You must be swift and agile getting on, or else it may kick, gore, or bite from impatience. Wooden replicas are available for practice, but if you're bold, you can greatly impress the Fey by forgoing any practice. Once mounted, the Longhorn is the most versatile and easiest to direct, following your wishes through an unexplained intuition. They can traverse steep, near-vertical surfaces.

◎ Magical Demonstration

The Fey love flashy magic. Show off your spells all you want, deliberately or as a part of your daily life. Conjure items, use magic as a tool to accomplish a task such as hunting or combat, or put on a fun show to entertain the Fey children. The more flash and color you include, the more the Fey will enjoy it.

◎ Consuming Food & Drink

Some dishes in the Feywilds are familiar, but others can be more unusual. The insect-like Daggermaw Slug is a delicacy, for instance, roasted over a fire or poached in citrus-scented leaves. Large bugs can feature in many meals served, while the liquor is exceptionally potent. If you clean your plates or drain your cups, the Fey will be pleased.

◎ Conversational Storytelling

As a close-knit community, the Fey love to chatter and love even more someone who can spin an entertaining yarn. These tales are conversational - anecdotes that arise naturally when having a drink or a meal. They're less interested in stories that feel rehearsed or stiff. If you like to be at the center of attention at a party and know how to embellish, you can win over some of the Fey listening.

The Masquerade

The Masquerade takes place on the final night. By now, you're expected to have your costumes and masks prepared. Spend the afternoon adding any last touches before the big event. Carriages arrive once the sun goes down, and they won't wait long for any stragglers.

This part of the event involves two aspects: a guessing game to try and identify your dance partners and the opportunity to meet one of several mysterious NPCs whose identity you won't know.

There's also a maze to enjoy for guests who want a break from dancing. The food and wine might be a bit strange, though not necessarily unpleasant.

Preparation

It's not taboo to be seen by a select few! You're welcome to choose a close friend or two who can help you get ready for the night. The expectation is that you won't be participating in the guessing game amongst each other.

If you're particularly secretive, private enchanted dressing rooms will be provided to truly obscure your identity.

Outfits & Glamours

In the days leading up to the Masquerade, you'll see shops with masks, outfits, and accessories. Examine what's popular among the Fey to build your look to fit!

The Fey prefer avant-garde fashion, elaborate hairstyles, and intricate accessories. Where a simple ball elsewhere might involve a flowing dress and a tiara, the Fey attending the masquerades will adorn themselves with detailed headpieces, overly stylized hair, and thematic costumes.

Seelie magic has an equally important role. Illusions are used for more than changing one's hair or eye color. The Fey will cast transformative effects that alter the shape and look of their very physical forms. They might add additional limbs, give themselves tails or horns, or elongate their already spindly bodies into something insect-like.

Don't be afraid to get weird. While beauty is an aspect, the Masquerade is also about transformation. Characters are welcome to play it safe if that's what they prefer, but those who break the mold will best catch the eyes of the Vermilion Court.

Masquerade Night

Outside the Cascading Boughs, golden carriages await at sunset. Climb on in. The ride is less than an hour long, and you'll have the opportunity to meet your mysterious companions on the way to the Vermilion Palace. Small refreshments of berries and sparkling wine are available inside the carriage.

Upon entering each carriage, you'll be handed three butterfly pins, to be pinned on guests whose identities you uncover during the masquerade's guessing game.

The Vermilion Palace

As the carriages draw near, the whimsical spires of the Vermilion Palace tower over you. Some stand tall and sturdy; others twist like tree branches, adorned with windows or small balconies throughout. The palace shimmers a faint silver in the moonlight. A light reddish mist hangs low on the grounds, giving the palace its name. The mist is cool and refreshing to walk through, and leaves no stains or traces on clothing.

The stairs leading up to the main entrance appear carved from geodes. At the top, two-story tall doors inlaid with the same silvery filigree give the palace its shine. As you walk through the doors, the red mist surrounds you for a split second. Then you're instantly deposited into the main ballroom.

A disembodied voice announces you based on your chosen pseudonym or title and your appearance rather than your true name. Though you're positive you just walked into the palace, you can't tell whether you're inside or outside. The domed glass ceiling floats above the dance floor. The walls appear to be halved or missing entirely, leading to a sprawling landscape of forests and gardens. Don't stare at the ceiling for too long - you might give yourself vertigo or a falling sensation.

The Ballroom

The ballroom consists of the main dance floor. It's flanked by several seating areas with tall tables and chairs, each with a different flower motif tying them together. The lighting is gentle as the moon's glow filters through the ceiling, broken into a colorful prismatic effect. A masked orchestra plays on a rotating stage throughout the evening, playing the most popular songs in the Feywilds. As one piece flows into the next, the colors of light shift with the changes in key, pulling excited cheers from the Fey guests in attendance.

Attendants carry bottles of Full Moon Wine. The Fey never turn down a refill, and there is an expectant air that the Summoned should also accept. Strangely, the wine's taste changes after each glass. The flavor seems to be entirely dependent upon the recipient and varies from a sweet soda pop-like mixture to bubble gum left for several weeks under a table. But it would be rude to make a face if it's not to your liking, wouldn't it?

Food is much more familiar. Hors d'oeuvres make their way around on platters, and full meals are available upon request. Unlike typical hors d'oeuvres, which are small dishes meant to be eaten in a bite or two, the Fey's version is notably large. Further, no matter what you partake in, the item appears ever so slightly ... off. A deviled egg with a blue yolk, a cracker that is delicious but weirdly mushy when you bite into it, a vegetable skewer that tastes like a sweet dessert instead of savory. Like the wine, the Fey watch expectantly to make sure their guests are enjoying the cuisine.

Rose Garden Maze

Want to do more than dance? Stepping outside into the greenery will send you into a rose garden maze. Filled with the same red mist, the rose garden maze is as beautiful as it's disorienting. No dangers lurk to hinder you, though giant butterflies flutter and overgrown lizards scale the hedge walls. Their sticky tongues might steal a piece of your outfit or any food you're holding, so be careful!

Finding your way out is a bit tricky, but not overly difficult. Small orbs of light will guide you from point to point if you're feeling especially lost. The Fey like a bit of mischief, but they don't want anyone to be miserable at their grand party. You might even run into some of your mysterious companions. Maybe you can finish the maze together? Be sure to keep up your hidden identities while you do!

Completing the maze will lead you back to the ballroom as if you had never left, and you'll have the bonus of smelling like a bunch of fresh roses.

Guessing Game

Socializing with other guests is a game from the start. Fully masked and disguised, you never know just who you are talking to.

Remember those butterfly pins given to you in the carriage? Hold onto them since getting rid of all 3 is the goal! Talk to your mysterious companions, ask them questions, and deflect their suspicions yourself. Any guest you can "pin down" receives a butterfly pin from you placed on their costume.

Although concealing your identity is important, the masquerade is equally about having fun. Provide a few bizarre clues or lean into your costume (maybe you'll only communicate in a single word or a howl!) if you want to help your partner slowly figure out who you are...if they can!

Of course, if you're not very good at it, that's alright, too. It might just be obvious you're you in a mask, and you'll end the night with many pins in you. The point is to enjoy yourself. As long as you're having a grand time of it alongside the Fey and you're giving it your best efforts, your hosts will approve.

Getting rid of all 3 pins will earn your character a glowing orb activated by moonlight. During clear nights when the moon is bright, set it on a windowsill to watch a beautiful scattering of lights cast over the walls and ceiling.

Mysterious Meetings (NPCs)

During the night, you might find yourself with a dance partner or a companion who isn't one of the invited Summoned. Who are they? Well, that remains to be seen. You probably won't find out right there, though you can make your guesses. Maybe you'll get it right!

To receive a brief interaction with a mysterious NPC, fill out the form here and reply with a link to your character's top level in the event.

Only one character per player can sign up. Dances are short, so there won't be a lot of time to chat. Give your questions or responses some thought!

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Comments

tiny dancer!

[godshattering]

"But of course."

Claude had been idling to the side of the room for a change rather than making his way through their fellow guests in search of those who looked like they were reluctant to take part in the dancing. It feels fitting, then, that someone finds him now where it might appear to be the same, and with a smile beneath his mask he sinks into a brief curtsy meant to show off his dress for the evening. Might as well get all the theatricality in where it fits and especially when tonight is made for it.

The mostly empty wine glass he's holding onto is also discarded upon a nearby tabletop to be worried about later as he then holds out that hand with the intention of being escorted to the dance floor. "Might I have the pleasure of learning your name to go with the one that's your company?"

[everybodysterrible]

"Prince Maxwell," they answer, better at holding the confidence in their name compared to previous introductions. Boldness was the name of the game for their persona, and if you don't believe your own story, nobody will. Lying about their own name was new, but they have done the rest before.

Except escorting rather than escorted, they fell into the passive roll so easily they take a few moments to lead him to the floor properly. "You were announced as Anthophila?"

Names to faces became much more difficult when the names ranged all sorts of shapes and sizes, faces oddly were easier when a mask carries most of the work.

[godshattering]

There's a small pause in where they seem to not quite stumble but have to consider the action of leading, one where Claude has to wonder if that's a clue. But the guessing game's on pause temporarily for the sake of making conversation, so it's easy to fall into step to their destination.

"I was, yes. I thought better of going by my title for tonight since names seemed simpler." He's committed to the character he's been inventing over the course of the night when called for. No harm in having fun with it since the point is to be someone besides himself - or putting a little truth in there. "If you meant to flatter me from remembering me so clearly from the introduction, you've certainly succeeded."

That's of course said in an entirely too pleased tone to play along with that when the dance begins, though Claude tilts his head in consideration of their introduction. "Speaking of titles, I see you've decided to put yours out there. Are you a prince in name only?"

[everybodysterrible]

"Mostly luck, I was near enough to your announcement to get a good look at you." Maxwell tried to remember as many names as they could, the strange names were the ones that gave them the easiest to hold onto. "Having a theme also suits. Yours is bee-autiful, if you need more flattery."

Maxwell's grin is cheeky at the most basic wordplay to get their point across. The dancing is point of tension, their skills on their feet do not match their title at all. And at any point Anthophila could start leading and Maxwell would let him take over.

"I felt I needed a title to go with the name, but just about any title would do." It's dismissive of the title, and also the question of if the title was theirs. Answering without an answer. Plus, better than their previous questions on the title, the have a better retort to the question as a whole, "How much of your name is just yours for tonight?"

[godshattering]

"My ego will never say no to more flattery, my dear." There's as much of a bow-curtsy combo as can go with that without interrupting their dance too much, and the toss of an affectionate title in there goes with the grin he's put in his voice he found that wordplay rather delightful. It'll certainly serve to continue their back and forth banter. "And don't worry, I have plenty for yours as well as it's been a very long while since I've met any prince. I daresay you're a better one than most."

Something he's rather enjoying as he tests something by leading them into a bit more of an intricate set of dance steps. It's not meant to cause stumbling - though should it, he'll be quick to prevent it from happening - but more so to up the game unfolding here.

The title not being anything of importance is interesting, and Claude considers whether the admission puts another puzzle piece into place about them. It might, but he decides he'll need more detail behind that first which of course comes with sharing his own. "All of my name is my own. Temporarily, so if you were hoping to use it to determine who I am, I'm afraid there's no information to be had there."

One spin to put in motion where he means to spin his new prince friend, and then Claude adds, "Though I think the both of us aren't alone in being someone else for the night, are we?"

[everybodysterrible]

The praise on their princely nature was always an amusing one, a soft smile gracing their lips. As the praise felt genuine but they lacked most of the requirements for the job. They'll revel in that paradox and bow their head slightly in turn.

Switching who leads and who follows doesn't lead to any stumbles, but Maxwell falls into the ladies role of the dance without any fight or hesitation. They barely register the shift as it happens.

"If anyone came as themselves completely I would think they missed the fun of the event." The entire game wouldn't be any fun if you just were yourself, just in a funny hat. The more one tried to hide, the more breadcrumbs they'd accidentally leave. And the more fun had by all. Which Maxwell embraced fully, "I also didn't think your name would last to sunrise. You seem to be enjoying yourself too much for that."

[godshattering]

The shift being seamless is something else he files away as a potential clue, given that he's followed rather than leading in many a time and it doesn't necessarily point towards anything. But there's much to hold onto here since who knows what might be useful, and Claude hums slightly in response.

"I'd have to agree with that. I've found it's freeing to be someone besides who everyone expects you to be in more ways than one. Something like reinventing, if you will, but without all the baggage behind it."

Which might be a giveaway of his own, had he shared that with anyone before. It's easy enough to shrug one sheer fabric covered shoulder following like it's merely a throwaway comment when he's enjoying this greatly, and Prince Maxwell seems to be feeling the same. "Much like not pretending, it'd be a shame to come to a party and not enjoy all of it to the fullest. I've always been a fan of a spotlight and now's no exception. But what I'm hearing is I should be even more flattered you've made note of it since that's some careful attention you've paid to me. Are you sure your princely title wasn't one earned through charm?"

He's teasing intentionally now, but it's mostly to see what information it might bring back to him.

[everybodysterrible]

"Baggage?" It was the most curious part of the sentence, they were with him up to that point. But that's a bit more thought out than anyone usually gives reinventing themselves. Most people never get that far in planning, right? Inventing themselves for an evening was hard enough, didn't want to think about living this day in and out.

As much as they'd like to claim extra attention, it was more cursory than that. He seemed more than willing to play, in much the same way they played. It was easy to suspect they wanted nothing more than to enjoy the evening and it's nature. Although desiring the spotlight felt more real than most banter, filing that away as true. Maxwell smirked, "If I couldn't be charming, I probably would have picked Viscount as my title."

Being a charming prince was a part of the game, no sense in hiding that aspect.

[godshattering]

"Is baggage the wrong word? Pretend I said something more fitting for tonight, like a clutch or a nice satchel. I wouldn't want to interrupt the theme of fashion, after all."

Breezily enough and as though that's what he really intended to say there - as much as he loves a good game (this one included), there's only so far he's willing to take it and risk upending someone else's night. Claude in particular can't help wondering whether some of the costumes around tell a closer story about who someone is than what might be noticed at first glance, but there's also no harm in being a character for the night.

That just makes it all the more intriguing, really.

As does when the prince in front of him points out that if there was a lack of charm then a lesser title would've been best, and that Claude has to laugh rather genuinely. "You wouldn't be wrong there. Most viscounts seem to spend their energy being bitter they aren't counts. Then counts want to be margraves or dukes, and so on. Princes really are the best choice for when it comes to having a good time."

For tonight, anyway, though Claude hums as he steps them through another spin. "Where I was going with that, by the way, was that your charm's certainly succeeding so the title's apt in all ways."

[everybodysterrible]

They let the comment slide, or rather they don't say anything about it. Baggage was the right term. They just had the questions of who would understand the baggage that well.

A curiosity for a later date.

"A title with a lot of leverage, but very little actual power in the moment. Free to have all the fun until their title eventually changes." Mostly it sounded the least threatening and most fitting for someone who managed through clever footwear to clear 5'2", but only just.

They were getting used to being spun and maneuvered through routines, and enjoyed it more than they wished to admit to. "I can't read you quite so easily, I can presume you're sweet as honey. And appreciate the results of your work outs."

Maxwell was dressed conservatively. this was a requirement for the facade. As much as they would like to show a bit more skin it wasn't meant for this party. Although they allowed the fit to make clear their trim waistline through the clothes as best they could. Anthophila was wearing something that made clear, outside of transformation magic, they were definitely presenting male.

[godshattering]

Though it's several years too late to be anywhere remotely near the same, Claude can't help feeling a slight pang of something close to nostalgia for this moment but in another ballroom and with different royals. Baggage fits there, too, for what he didn't know would follow shortly after one fateful ball held at the academy and where a prince and a princess took the floor to lead the dances while he created his own mischief on the sidelines.

The latter isn't all that different than now, considering he hadn't been any easier to read then even without a literal mask over his face. It's easy now to grin again in the face of more flattery, though this time he's choosing to view it through the lens of all that princely behavior mentioned already.

"It seemed a shame to wear something that'd cover up the hard work entirely since what I usually wear tends to on its own." And since it was pointed out, now he's quick to cast an appraising gaze over his companion's outfit. "Yours, on the other hand, befits a very proper prince not unlike ones I've heard of."

Or knew, but. That might be one clue too many. Either way, it's enough to bring back a fleetingly fond memory of Dimitri and all of his extreme properness. That's not a thought he'll let linger for long, both because it's so far in the past and because he realizes there's another potential clue to pursue.

"Given that there's no princes in Thorne, I'm surmising that you're not from there or imitating anyone from it." He lets a few bars of the music go by and then adds while leaning in conspiratorially, "For the best, as their royalty doesn't have much of a sense of humor."

Or so Claude's heard, but it's equal parts curiosity to see what Maxwell might say plus a misdirect (of sorts) regarding his own identity.

[everybodysterrible]

"Maybe a different profession is in order, one with a more relaxed dress code?" There wasn't a lot to go on there. The full mask hindered a good read on expression and his voice didn't betray any extant feelings. It was familiar in its own way but they'd worry about that later. "I haven't had the pleasure of Thorne's hospitality. This is built off of stories when I was a child, and what I could find in shops."

Their outfit was fitted to them, the stitching strong and well hidden but not professional in any way. The hat and mask were clearly not meant for the initial outfit but they paired together well. They didn't think they should add that layer to their disguise, shaping it as if from another nation as a whole. They layered their disguises well, but some people took it deeper still.

Also, there was some sort of spite in the term hospitality when paired with Thorne. An edge that hung in their words. Nothing they personally experienced, but you hear the same story from all the angles you get a pretty clear picture. "But that's still more attention on me. I don't mind your interest, but it's feeling more and more that's just to keep yourself out of the spotlight."

[godshattering]

So - not from Thorne, which at least narrows the potential identity of his dance partner down a bit more. Not by much considering it also comes with reminding himself he doesn't know that many people from Thorne, or Solvunn for that matter, but it's a start.

"Hmm, that's a possibility. What sort of relaxed dress code would you suggest, my dear prince? I'm open to suggestions." If there's a flirtatious tone to that, well: call it also part of the game in flattery here as much as another way to distract while he puzzles through what he knows versus what to ask next.

Which unintentionally plays into that being pointed out and Claude can't help a laugh. "Guilty, considering I don't have a way to refute that. I might like the spotlight and any chance to shine in it, but I also like sharing it now and then. Being in one goes along with being a prince, or so I've heard." Or knows, but anyway - "Maybe I'd simply delight in getting to know you more. I never say no to new friends, especially not the longer that I'm here and able to meet them."

[everybodysterrible]

Maxwell pretended to consider the question, it was mostly a pause to try and gauge how much of this was 'interest' or 'game.' It felt like game, he'd had her answering questions in the same way that fed did. It was a little annoying, honestly. "Belly dancer."

Straight face, full chest, said it.

They need to be a little more on their back foot to be coy, and while their dance partner had given up a few useful things. He was even better at hiding deeper things beyond that line. Just past the surface of his mask. They hid themselves well enough at school, among friends, through a similar enough game of deflecting and distracting. But also they never had a spotlight on them. There was never anyone asking them questions.

Their smile was a little too big, a little too pleased to be sincere. "Or, and stop me if I'm off my mark. A part of this evening is a game. And if you avoid talking about yourself, it gives you information about who I am and how to unmask me. And little chance to do the same. So as much as you insist you love the spotlight, you've been standing just outside of it."

Now, just to be clear the spotlight was on him, and that they have been paying attention because it is a very stimulating conversation and this is the game, and they like games, "You have a proper title, along with a better understanding of ranks than I. You've thought through wearing a pseudonym before tonight. One longer than just a night of anonymous fun, one with 'baggage.' And you're not from Thorne."

[godshattering]

That gets an immediate laugh from him, both for whatever shamelessness might be behind that considering he'd brought on the idea of wearing less all on his own - mostly - and because it's that entertaining. Well played, he thinks, considering there were plenty of other options to choose instead.

Before he can respond to it, what's said next takes a turn into something not quite questioning, not quite an outright guess of who he is, but one he can also appreciate. The smirk of pure entertainment is mostly lost behind his mask's design, but Claude's listening to all that's said.

"It's always interesting to have the game turned upon me, I have to admit. You're on the mark that I'm not from Thorne, but other than the occasional prank or other masquerade tonight's the first night for a pseudonym. And I suppose I've told on myself a bit what with talking about courts too much."

There's a sigh there, one deeply pronounced for the sake of feigned dramatics, but Claude's not done with his thought either when it feels like this brings his slowly forming idea of who he might be talking to further into focus. "But you should know you've been telling me plenty about yourself in return. Even if most of it's not been about you specifically within those words, which is just as much a tell, they still help make the list of who you possibly are grow shorter by the minute."

[everybodysterrible]

It was a nice sound, laughter. Which meant they selected the correct change in career. There were other options where risqué attire would be accepted, but none quite as fun or flattering.

They don't drop the pleased little smile they had. There are two things about it, one is they were right. Anthophila confirmed both title and eliminating a country. Their third accusation was in a gray area where what Maxwell said wasn't dismissed even if the general concept was. Which was fine, they weren't actually expecting anything to be confirmed at all.

Second, however, was that they expected a list in kind. It felt like the kind of challenge one should meet. Confirm how much attention was being paid, and then turning the tables. Put them on defense. But that didn't happen. "Have I? I suppose I have been talking a great deal. The clever thing would be for us to go our separate ways before one of us ends up more exposed than the other."

The lack of challenge was either a bluff or a trap. And they didn't really mind either, if they were named here, well, that's that. But they felt they had solid odds to win this little challenge. But letting him out of the game, if he was a coward, felt like the princely choice to make.

[godshattering]

"But that would ruin the fun, wouldn't it?" There's a hum that goes with that like there's something to be contemplated there rather than just another step of the game like the ones for the literal dance they're going through. Guessing's all part of this since they each have those pins to give out, even if he's not exactly in a rush to reach for one here.

"Calling it off early, that is. Though in reality, we probably only have until this song ends, what with being polite in offering others a dance and all." Good old etiquette coming in there, or the guise of it to shorten the timeline of the game just a little bit.

Claude lets a few bars of the music go by while he contemplates what move to make next. "So, let's see about a guess. You're from somewhere without titles or where they're limited given that you picked yours from stories. You haven't said much about the places here even as a way to misdirect when I asked about Thorne which leads me to believe you've possibly arrived not all that long ago. Am I getting closer?"

[everybodysterrible]

They let a small involuntary sigh, he was close but if he had the biggest item on the list they would already be pinned. So with that secret tucked away, they were safe enough. "You're close, yes. You haven't missed anything important."

There wasn't a lot of real to go off of looking at him, his manipulations were as clever as their own. The rasp of wings in his voice was too thematic, same with the color of his eyes. The hair felt wrong, but they couldn't name if it was real (and ill suited to the theme) or just an odd change with the theme. The best they had for 'real' was flaunted skin feeling accurate to the man behind the name.

Maxwell let their eyes trail down a moment, and consider his footwear. Back up his body, then back down. Knit brow hidden by mask, but clearly the focus was there. If his entire physical form was wrong, they had nothing. But that didn't feel right, he moved too well, compared to her slight missteps in her raised boots. If it wasn't, if his proportions were as he appeared... "is this your actual height?"

The time was ticking away to end this with propriety, they were playing. So it wouldn't be fair to linger after the song too long to take their guess. And it felt like a waste to not at least endeavor a guess as best they could. They couldn't guess from as great a pool of suspects as someone here longer, but they were very detailed in their interactions.

[godshattering]

Huh. Height was a good one he hadn't thought about disguising, considering it hadn't crossed his mind until entering their ballroom and seeing what some of the other attendees had done. That would've come in handy for more reasons than one, but one of them is definitely an added layer here.

"It might be." Which is as good as saying yes and Claude knows that, but never let it be said he likes to make anything easy even when the answer's something easily read as something more straightforward than what's said. He's smiling as he says it, too, since the plan doesn't end there and this is some entertaining and harmless fun while considering what's been verified.

"I'm guessing yours is your own or rather close to it as well since if you've stumbled, it's not anything beyond not knowing the steps which any of us can hardly be faulted for in a new place. I think this might be your real hair," not that it looks immediately familiar and isn't mostly disguised by the hat, but every good guessing list needs one random thing thrown in there, "and that you're perhaps on the younger side."

The last being more of a guess than the way he says it has a statement might seem; it's one of his tactics from years of bothering Lysithea to toss that out now and then. The woman in question has a predictable response he relies on - might as well see how this goes here. Worst case scenario, whoever it is turns out to be significantly older than him and laughs in his face, which Claude would also find plenty amusing.

[everybodysterrible]

Their expression shifted as they worked through everything they had, he was his own height. But refused to admit when he was caught. He may, or may not, have met a prince before. He carries a title, well educated for it.

"I'm glad you don't think I look old." The words are absentminded as they compare what can be seen to what can be remembered. Mind still rolling through pieces and fragments that are softly hidden but still there.

He was smart, but didn't catch onto the more subtle parts of their disguise, but was trying to cover with guesswork. Like a politician. Someone good at talking but also likely to be in trouble sleeping with some diplomat's daughter. Or son. They still didn't have a clear answer on that one. It felt right. There was a cadence to how he spoke that sounded right. Strip away the disguise it looked right. Right height, right annoyingness, right education. There were so many summoned they didn't know, so there were certainly other options, in theory. But they could only take the shot they could see, and at this point what had they to lose but pride?

"I have one last question for you," Prince Maxwell smiled. A dangerous small smile. The kind with a subtle menace, playful but absolutely an omen of disaster. They reached into their pocket for one of the butterfly pins. "Does this belong to you, Claude?"

[godshattering]

A slight laugh leaves him over the matter of looking old, considering: if this was enchantments and glamours at work, it wouldn't leave him much room to think otherwise. Pointing it out doesn't yield much in the way of an outburst like it would have from who he has in mind from home, but he has the sense his dance partner is thinking about them and everything else all the same.

He doesn't have long to wait. The mention of one last question gets a slight inclination of his head as if to say go ahead regardless of whether it happens anyway, and then suddenly there's a pin in front of his face. And that gets far louder laughter from him this time to go with letting go of his grip on Maxwell temporarily to retrieve it.

"I never turn down a gift. It'd be bad etiquette and all, you know." Laughter's still present in his voice as he reaches then to pin it to his shoulder, mostly, given that it sags a little in the process since he doesn't bother to attach it properly. "Luckily for me it goes with the whole theme I have going on as I've now branched out into other insects."

What's also happening behind chatter about the pin he really is happy to accept in all good fun is a quick sorting through of the facts (and assumptions) he has, then it's time to narrow it down a bit more before the music ends with any luck. "Tell me, though. Did you guess because out of a certain group of people, I didn't resemble a nerd or a cop?"

A guess that'll only make sense to one person in particular, but: that's either a start in being way off or an ending.

[everybodysterrible]

She stops a moment, just a little, at the question. She can't help it. She'd been playing in that narrow line of 'capable' but not 'too capable' in the hopes of avoiding, well, this. A big clue to Claude's identity was how capable he was at this game. And she'd hoped to avoid being called out in such a way. But, still, best to play dumb.

They reach up and adjust the pin on his dress. Giving them time to settle the mask under their mask back into place. "Having a theme that goes well with the game has to be an advantage of some kind."

They are aware they got caught. But they'll just see if he makes an actual play at it. Even if they don't overtly own the sentiment in their reply, maybe that will throw him off? "I don't think anyone could accuse you of looking like either of those things, no. Why?"

Doubtful.

[godshattering]

The pin being adjusted is appreciated, but it's not enough to distract him if that was the hope behind it. Probably not since there's a comment to go with that which just gets a noncommittal hum from Claude since responding to that would give his princely friend a chance to change the subject.

For a second, anyway, since he'd pursue this one right back into the forefront. Nothing like that needs to happen and he smiles slightly at the answer he receives. It reminds him ever so slightly of his own attempts to shrug off something someone'd said when younger and when he thought he was far craftier about it than he probably was, even with all those honed skills to make it so.

"Interestingly enough, the person who made that remark didn't think I looked like either one of those either. Just another thing the two of you have in common." He's more than a little amused now considering he's pretty sure they both know They Know, but still. "Along with liking cats, a dislike of schools, and a knowledge of royalty of somewhere where they were from. Does any of that sound familiar?"

[everybodysterrible]

She smiled. She smiled. Maxwell's smile was a cocky little smirk, something full of a confident bravado. But her smile was a little more playful and gleaming. She shifted her weight, less defined pose and more casual photo session. Which made it ever clearer that her waist and hip ratio, while still possibly male, was a lot more female.

She was caught, but she was going to make him say it.

"Princes would know a little of royalty," Her inflection changed, a lot more grounded, common speech. Not the gravity of words the prince used, "Many people like cats, and schools are a fucking tool to control and contain people. Before they get any big ideas."

[godshattering]

There's a change there, sort of like a curtain dropping as a bit of the bravado slides away to something a little more familiar even with both of them still wearing costumes and partially playing their parts in this.

"Schools as a means of control? Now where have I heard that before?" It's easy to have fun with this - not that he hadn't been before, but everything's always more entertaining when everyone involved is in on it. He's grinning beneath his mask without bothering to hide it (beyond whatever it's hiding by default) since if he wasn't already mostly certain, that really just solidifies it.

"Wait, now I remember. I think it was while at a certain monastery of a church known for doing just that. But correct me if I'm wrong, Abby."