Spiral
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Posts: 236
Presence: 3, Sexualized
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Post by Spiral on Feb 5, 2024 11:50:45 GMT 1
"Beauty is everything."
“The right shapes, the right colors, the right forms blended in sumptuous harmony to touch the aesthetic senses underlying the emotional triggers at the most primal pillars of our brains. Beauty plays our minds like a harp."
"At the lowest notes, it summons our basest desires. At its brightest octaves, it invites inspiration … motivation … actualization?”
“YET, despite all that power, she can’t function when she’s lonely. Beauty lives in contrast to the world around her. Almost like a perfected reflection of what chaos could be if it ever stopped being such a messy bitch and got its shit together for once.”
The hellion was still talking about beauty, right?
She touched her own hair proudly and curtsied as it was complimented. “Not that I have any business prattling on about beauty to you, M’Lady. You look absolutely exquisite this evening.”
“Like, I’m Instagram pretty, but no cap, you are genuinely radiantly beautiful.”
She paused in an awkward moment of sudden self-consciousness.
“And now I imagine you get that a lot. Like, pretty much everywhere you go?”
Then her words begin to shrink ...
“Which makes me Captain Obvious … and annoying.”
... into whispers ...
“And now this is weird.”
She pivots in place slightly. Her arms fold, and her eyes roll. Her tone of voice resets.
“I probably should’ve just stuck to undeservedly lambasting the fountain lady.”
"Beauty's subjective, but everyone finds at least one thing beautiful. Else why would we bother living?"
Her masked gaze slithers back towards the direction of the fountain lady.
“What do you think her story is anyway?”
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Aubrey
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Posts: 248
Presence: 3, Exquisite
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Post by Aubrey on Feb 11, 2024 23:22:07 GMT 1
Aubrey put a finger to his lips at the mention of Static's name. "whether title or name, I would not give them openly. Just as I do not know you, so to do you not know anyone here. Such is the point of this masquerade." Another glass of wine for himself. He drank as if it were water. "I do hope the rest of this party is as... Entertaining... As you are." He couldn't be sure, no. That's what the next bit was for.
"Please, do feel free to ask me questions. You have earned that right, being here as you are." A little gesture, as Aubrey made there way around the club.
Like a flurry of flesh and fabric, he made his way around the club; holding conversations with multiple individuals at once, darting between bits of juicy gossip. And, inevitably, to the giant that felt the shadows of Aubrey's domain could adequately distance them from being drawn in. He made his way, to the one that would be known as "Grit". "Why hello. What a strapping physique- I'm sure you'll turn heads aplenty with that alone." A large glass of beer was offered- Aubrey pegged them for a beer person. "So with such a disadvantage in initiation of social standards, what brings you here?" Everyone would see Grit. Everyone would recognize them. "Standing Out" in a masquerade wasn't easy, but such size made it inevitable. Easier to recognize, as well. With just a bit more information, he could surely uncover their identity... A challenge for later, perhaps. "... Oh, I was not expecting an answer. I am asking a question everyone else has asked already, inside their head. And when they too ask, I delight in hearing the truths and lies you respond with." He would stay to converse if wanted, but elsewise leave.
And then he had bounced somewhere else. This was his life- few could match his ability to throw a party. Soon he had sauntered up to two beautiful ladies- one he recognized in that rather attractive silhouette that looked like it belonged on a magazine in a log, and another he couldn't recall seeing. "Your view of beauty is quite refreshing. When at rest, beauty is open for all to witness. And judge. And enjoy. And despise. It is a being shackled in front of our senses." A loooong drink of wine. "But when it is active, beauty is a dagger that can carve its way to anyone's heart. A flame that can expose anyone's darkest secret. And a whisper that makes your skin shiver.... Ladies. I'm curious to see what kind of beauty you both embody more." Two glasses were offered. One white wine, one red, for whoever would take which. "Though, If you two truly want to know the fountain lady's story, you could ask. Or were you making it a game? I applaud your efforts in that case, but there will be entertainment enough in the coming moments... And more later on, should I find someone I'd wish to know under the mask." A double meaning. To the uninitiated, a simple sexual desire matching his public image. To those who recognized his ambitions, a desire to pursue those he found interesting. To uncover them.
"Ladies. I am your host tonight, and perhaps tomorrow, and the day after that. Welcome to my realm. Enjoy the pleasures I offer, and those you can find." And he was back to zipping through the room, fanning flames, starting rumors, drumming up the audience.
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Post by Arete on Feb 21, 2024 9:15:12 GMT 1
She smiled faintly behind her half-mask as the host flitted between their conversations like an artful social conductor. His words held wisdoms worth considering despite the interruption.
Turning back to the hellion at her side, she replied gently, "Just like anything worth considering, beauty draws both admirers and the envious. I sense there's a story waiting to be told, perhaps we could ask her"
Her lithe form swayed lightly, her head pointed at the woman standing by the fountain.
"Thanks", she replies like someone used to compliments and yet whose ego yearned for more, like a sponge, "you're way too humble however"
A flash of movement drew her gaze - the host had drifted closer once more. His comments on beauty's dual nature intrigued, yet left questions. "Beauty is another form of power, one for gentler souls, or more conniving. Though, I wonder, which mysteries you perceived in each one of us to warrant this invitation"
Her melodic voice held a gentle probe into their host's motives.
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Spiral
Full Member
Posts: 236
Presence: 3, Sexualized
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Post by Spiral on Feb 29, 2024 21:32:55 GMT 1
Spiral took the red wine and placed her lips to the rim of the glass to sample what was served.
Perhaps a stint of amateur oenology might keep her mouth shut long enough for Aubrey to answer Arete's question, providing of course he felt like obliging the blonde's curiosity.
This slight step back from the limelight was also her chance to scan the room for new masks and plot an approach towards the woman at the fountain.
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Aubrey
Full Member
Posts: 248
Presence: 3, Exquisite
Striking Looks: 1, Handsome
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Post by Aubrey on Mar 1, 2024 0:38:50 GMT 1
His response came quickly, and naturally. His words carried the faint scent of fermentation, no doubt from the many drinks.
"Oh, I didn't invite any of you. Had I known an icon of Aphrodite were in this city, I would have penned a far more personal invitation." drink. "I invited no one in this room- or perhaps more accurately, I invited everyone." Was there a double meaning behind the use of 'everyone'? "The invitations can be held in any hand- no matter how beautiful and engaging the company, a planned event does not interest me nearly as much as this setting does. It just... Drips... With potential." Drink.
"How many people in the world get a chance to attend such an event as this? And for many here, this may be their last- to return to the waking world unmasked. But here, their desires bubble to the surface. It is enthralling, almost primal. Creatures in my forest, though perhaps that is being too prideful." A laugh that was nothing like the one those who knew him in private would hear; no, this was the 'public' Aubrey. "I hope at the very least I can make this a night to remember. Or, inversely, a night with enough wine to help forget- should my performance as host fail quite spectacularly." D r i n k
"The main event will be coming up shortly. I do hope to see you there." This was addressed directly to Arete. "Were this a different sort of party, I would ask you for a dance later. And when I have had a few more drinks, perhaps I will ask for a dance of a different kind." A raised glass in cheers, as he emptied his.
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Post by Arete on Mar 10, 2024 23:55:03 GMT 1
She listened with keen interest, savoring the host's untold promises of further enjoyment.
A soft laugh like bells escaped her lips. “You're giving wings to our imagination. I wonder which kind of unmasking you're referring to”
Lifting her wine in acknowledging toast, she looked at Spiral before going back to the man, "To a night of fun, then"
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Spiral
Full Member
Posts: 236
Presence: 3, Sexualized
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Post by Spiral on Mar 11, 2024 21:50:33 GMT 1
The gloved pinky of Spiral’s free hand coils around a free pinky of Arete's. “I need arm candy and YOU need a baddie to get in trouble with before the festivities begin. C’mon!“ She’d respectfully tow Arete with her towards their first destination. ”Plus, we’ve already got ourselves a mystery to unravel. This is gonna be fun. Trust!”
Spiral navigated the dark dance floor like a soiree veteran through a drunk reveller’s minefield. Each body in their path was gracefully bypassed or gently brushed to the side with the faintest nudge.
It wasn’t long before they stood next to a lady with a polished ore mask near the central wine fountain of the venue.
“So!” She speaks energetically over the music to the Fountain Lady. “What is this mask?”
“Kymopoleia: Daughter of Poseidon, goddess of the storm waves as they eat ships and violently thrash against stoney shores?”
“Or … Dynamene: Daughter of Nereus, the deific embodiment of the ocean’s strength?”
“Or … honestly … I’m drawing blanks because I’m not all that much of a classics nerd. If you’d be so kind, m’lady, help a sister out.”
“Also, your stylist did an amazing job! The way your hair flows with the waves of your mask is absolutely crackerjack. I freakin’ love it!”
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Post by Demiurge on Apr 6, 2024 2:35:35 GMT 1
The woman with the ore mask turned as Spiral and Arete approached, her eyes glinting with intrigue behind the metallic waves. She smiled enigmatically at Spiral's exuberant greeting and compliments.
"You have a keen eye," she replied, her voice smooth as glass. "The mask represents Kymopoleia. I find her tempestuous nature...relatable." She tilted her head, appraising the two women. "I don't believe we've met before. I'm Cynthia."
"This gathering has proven most...stimulating so far. Our mysterious host certainly knows how to pique one's curiosity."
Just then, the lights dimmed and a hush fell over the revelers. All eyes turned to the grand staircase where Aubrey had first made his entrance. A single spotlight illuminated his celestial robes.
Appreciative murmurs and nervous titters rippled through the crowd. The spotlight winked out, plunging the room into darkness and eliciting gasps and yelps.
When the lights rose again, the club had been transformed. Gauzy curtains sectioned off private alcoves. Gaming tables dotted the floor. Servers circulated with trays of mysterious libations. The guests looked to one another, excitement and trepidation warring on their faces.
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Aubrey
Full Member
Posts: 248
Presence: 3, Exquisite
Striking Looks: 1, Handsome
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Post by Aubrey on Apr 7, 2024 15:52:07 GMT 1
Aubrey took another drink, mingled with the guests, but eventually it was time for the main event. The reason everyone was here, even if they didn't know it yet. The host, Aubrey, stood on the balcony of the second floor- voice commanding, as he spoke. "Welcome guests, tonight you have temporarily ascended to the residence of ancient gods- closer than ever to touching divinity. But of everyone here, only a few are truly capable of representing those you have chosen to mask yourselves with."A projector light came on, to a wall above him. On it was an apple- a solid, golden apple- engraved with Greek writing and.... symbols. Vague symbols that resembled high speech. "It was said that, to cause discord among guests, the goddess Eris threw a golden apple. Inscribed 'to the fairest one.' Naturally, many gods flung themselves to try and prove their worth and obtain such a treasure- a symbol of pride. And power...." The projector turned off, along with any chance of further observation.  "Today, you can all prove your worth. There are three challenges; labors, you could call them. Within each lies the chance to win a golden coin. And whoever wins the most by the end of the night, shall receive the golden apple." Surely just a normal golden apple with fancy writing. "Any can volunteer, and there is no penalty for failure- these are labors meant for gods after all. There is no shame in not measuring up. And if there was, you are all masked anyways." A somewhat mean chuckle. "At each section of the room, you shall find your challenge- and instructions, should these words fall on deaf ears. Staff will assist in preparations. Results will be tallied at the end of the night."And with that, he went on explaining the three labors: 1st Labor: The three goddesses. Statues representing Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite are shown (in gratuitous detail). An offering box lies at the foot of every goddess. One box holds a gold coin. However, there is no way to know which. In short, you must be lucky. One out of three- pretty good odds. 2nd Labor: The Dragon Ladon. A metallic figure of a dragon is coiled around a tree with golden coins dangling. If one can 'slay' the dragon, they shall receive one such coin. Spears and a Bow and Arrow are provided. You must roll either DEX + Athletics OR Dex + Firearms; you can ask me to justify another roll. The catch is that the dragon's hide is nigh invincible (made of metal), and no weapon can pierce it! (Because they're dull-tipped). Only the dragon's open maw is vulnerable (a -5 modifier to target). Any who pierce the dragon's hide will earn a golden coin. 3rd labor: three pedestals with three large, fake apples. One pedestal says "wealth." One says "Beauty." and one says "Wisdom." You must simply pick an apple. There is a lock on each of them, and the key will be received after all individuals have completed their events. An attend takes away and replaces every apple after every pick. |
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Post by Arete on May 28, 2024 0:26:04 GMT 1
Her lips curved into a knowing smile as Aubrey unveiled the night's great game. The lure of the golden apple was undeniable, a symbol of triumph and prestige. But enticing was even the challenge itself, a chance to test her wit and intuition against this intriguing gathering.
Turning to Spiral, she muttered, "He's certainly a showman", she said, as she moved toward her choice.
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Spiral
Full Member
Posts: 236
Presence: 3, Sexualized
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Post by Spiral on May 30, 2024 11:58:21 GMT 1
"Cynthia's a lovely a name and its pulchritude fits you like a crown."
Spiral introduces herself, "I'm ... a snickerdoodle in a mask."
Then she introduces Arete, "this ... is a lady in a mask."
"We" --
Somewhere mid-intro, she was cut off by the distraction of Aubrey's main event.
"Yeah, that one's certainly a lot of things," she mutters back to Arete while also eying their potential choices.
To Cynthia she squeezes in, "unless you're deliberately waiting, here alone, like for someone or something, feel free to join us. The party limit's 3."
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Post by Arete on Jun 4, 2024 9:00:45 GMT 1
Before she could move, Spiral had began introductions, thus she stopped to join the group at the last second.
She chuckled at the lioness quirky introduction, admiring her ability to bring a lightheartedness to any situation. As the distraction of Aubrey's main event unfolded, she turned her attention back to Spiral, her eyes glinting with excitement.
"I can't wait to unveil what he's gotten in store for us", she leaned closer, her voice filled with anticipation. "Sometimes masks bring out the best of us"
As the attention shifted to Cynthia, she listened with a smile.
"You should join us," she said, her voice warm and inviting, then she extended her arms to them.
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Spiral
Full Member
Posts: 236
Presence: 3, Sexualized
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Post by Spiral on Jun 13, 2024 23:22:53 GMT 1
Spiral would've pulled Cynthia along by with an intertwined pinky finger unless dark masked lady protested.
"The irony of a mask being able to bring out the best in someone," she chuckles, glancing at Arete with a wink. "Because somewhere between the lies and truth ... lies the truth, right? Is that why they say artists can use lies to tell the truth?"
She grins, her eyes casually glinting with mischief.
"Despite being diametric opposites, much like truth and lies, I find that often the best in us and the worst in us can look a whole lot alike," she muses, her voice thoughtful.
"Maybe that’s why we sometimes wind up looking straight past the substance and chasing the shadows," she adds, a note of sour melancholy in her tone.
Spiral side-eyes Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite as she, Arete and Cynthia drift the past the contestants trying their luck at Aubrey's first labor.
"Like, why idolize three fake goddesses when three real ones are walking right by you?" she whispers to the squad, her voice tinged with amusement.
Her babbling simpers at they approach Ladon's tree and the shadows it casts under Aubrey's fancy lighting.
"Aaaaanywhore!" she chirps, breaking any silence that would've welled up as they gazed upon at the extravagance of shiny gold coins and metallic winged beasts.
"You girls like dragons?" she asks, a playful smirk curling on her lips.
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Aubrey
Full Member
Posts: 248
Presence: 3, Exquisite
Striking Looks: 1, Handsome
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Post by Aubrey on Jun 16, 2024 3:06:38 GMT 1
Aubrey watched all of it, delighting in the choices of the guests. He did wish to stick around with the living goddesses, but wished not to tamper with any results- so instead returned upstairs, watching. People could approach if they felt they had a reason to- no bouncer guarding.
Several failed spear throws. Several unlucky guesses. Large hollow apples handed to followers; as expected, most people chose the third trial. A random guess with no wrong answer, on paper. And every now and again, a light cheer and polite claps as someone landed a lucky shot. A self-appreciative cheer as the correct box was picked. Gold coins held tight-fisted like trophies... Or handled poorly, in purses or loose pockets.
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Post by Demiurge on Jul 11, 2024 7:41:07 GMT 1
Cynthia stood among the trio, feeling a mixture of excitement and curiosity. She had been drawn into this enigmatic night, surrounded by gods and goddesses, each with their own unique presence. She couldn't help but be captivated by Spiral's infectious energy.
As Spiral intertwined her pinky finger with Cynthia's, a playful gesture that sparked a sense of camaraderie, Cynthia couldn't help but smile.
"The irony of masks indeed," she chimed in, her voice tinged with a hint of contemplation at the sight of the works of art. "Artists have a way of capturing the essence of humanity, using their craft to reveal the hidden layers"
"Dragons have always fascinated me," Cynthia replied, her voice filled with wonder. "There are so many old myths surrounding them. Symbols of power"
Should she attempt at taming one of them? She goes for the move, but her dress is in-between, restricting her movements.
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