SPOOKTOBER 2023: Occult Night at the Oasis

[AshenAmbrosia]

It's that month of the year again, when the veil between this world and the next thins, spirits begin to cross between, and things start to get a little... spooky.

Of course, there's no shortage of Spooktober parties to be found at this time of year. Whether it's because of a desire to celebrate life and those passed with the bounty and fruits of recent harvest, or that liminal autumn weather that makes you want to go out and enjoy the last taste of the outdoors before mean old Jack Frost chases everyone indoors, or just people being really, really happy that pumpkin spice is once again back on the Glittering Garnet's seasonal menu, there's just something about the season that makes people want to dress up in outlandish costumes and get irresponsibly drunk on orange-colored beverages.

But there aren't many venues that celebrate Spooktober with quite the level of enthusiasm as the Oasis.

The [Dining Floor] has been partially cleared out, leaving a large space for dancing in front of the [Main Stage], and has been decorated as one might expect for a typical Spooktober party... with a little extra touch of enchantment. Pale witchlights flicker in hovering jack-o-lanterns, casting an eerie light across a floor shrouded in a fog that seems to rise up from between the floorboards, swirling ethereally around the ankles of arriving guests. Along the corners and walls shadows seem to shift and move of their own will, and mingled amongst the partygoers, seen only at the edges of vision (or by those cheaters capable of looking into the Beyond) a host of spirits dance and cavort in the spaces between their earthly fellows, adding their own otherworldly exuberance to the night's revel.

In the back, the second dining room has been overhauled completely into a [Play Area] for children's food, games and activities, complete with a small [Haunted Maze] filled with costumed actors (or are they?) ready to leap out at those brave (or vulnerable to peer pressure) enough to venture inside.

And upstairs, the secret bookshelf door has been flung wide open, the hidden [Speakeasy] promising a somewhat cozier, quieter, and more intimate space to sip a cocktail - mixed by Oasis' own hunky minotaur bartender Asterios - away from the party and revels below.

But it's at the main stage where the night's festivities are about to begin in earnest. A hush falls over the early-arriving partygoers as the half-orc sorcerer Kyran Bloodsong bounds up onto the stage, a gesture quelling the band to stillness. With a dramatic swirl of his cloak Kyran takes center stage, thrusting his hands into the air in a broad gesture, his deep voice booming out across the hall, redolent with power.

"Distinguished guests! Honorable attendees, living and dead! Please welcome to the stage... The Most Enchanting Madam Phaerilla!"

A low, reverberating pulse radiates from the stage, briefly rattling drinking glasses and windows, and those on the dance floor standing closest to the stage may feel a sudden drop in temperature as tendrils of fog flow in from around the edges of the room to converge in a swirling mass center stage. Kyran steps back with a flourish, bowing low, as the roiling fog coalesces into the ghostly apparition of a tall elven woman, veiled, dressed in an elaborate gown splashed in crimson blood weeping from the terrible gash cut deep across her throat, and the ragged sightless sockets that once housed eyes. The apparition sweeps her empty gaze imperiously across the crowd before settling on the kneeling figure before her. From his coat Kyran produces a single black orchid, lush and beaded with dew, presenting it to the spirit with a reverent gesture.

"If it please you, great spirit. Let us be honored by your performance once more."

The ghost nods once, somberly, and accepts the orchid with a delicate hand, carefully affixing it to her bosom before turning back towards the crowd. Behind her, the band strikes up a surprisingly lively tune, drum and bass thumping out an energetic beat that the bloodsoaked specter immediately starts to dance to, lifting her arms in exultation as her confident, sultry voice belts out the opening words to a familiar pop song.

The party has begun.

[quillpleasant]

Dining Floor

Winding her way through the edge of the crowd, Lia observes the performance onstage with a curious expression. Ghosts hold a particular fascination to the mycoid- as undead, they smell absolutely delicious, but their incorporeal nature leaves them tantalizingly out of reach.

Stepping back from the main dance floor, Lia sways in time to the music as she studies the crowd. The mycoid has changed bodies recently- now her skin is a stark white, almost translucent, which combined with her bony frame gives her a rather deathly appearance. She wears a flowing black dress that upon closer inspection seems to be growing from her body. Her mushroom cap is also black, resembling a wide, pointy hat with black ink dripping from the brim. From a distance, she might look like a witch, before her inhuman nature is noticed.

Despite the festivities, there's a melancholy look in her eyes. She's searching for something or someone to distract her from her woes, and this seems like the ideal place to do it.

And if all else fails, she can at least watch the spirits for a while. Like cat watching birds from behind a window.

[Arkhosia]

[Dining Floor]

The music kicks up and the party starts in earnest, making it the perfect time for Dulcinea to make her entrance! The pallid teen rolls onto the floor with an effervescent smile and a brilliant gleam in her eye. Finally! Spooktober! Oh how she adores these parties. They're always so atmospheric, and who could turn down some worlds-class ambience every once a year?

And keen on presentation as ever, Dulcinea's put in quite the effort to dress up this year. She wears a bright white garment somewhere between a dress and old robes, baggy sleeves and long skirts paired with high-heeled boots and long white gloves. She's gone through quite the effort to match her subject, even styling one of her pretty pink wigs into a ponytail. A replica bladed cane lies across her lap too, though all the effort she put into making sure it could actually function as a a serviceable walking aid has tragically gone to waste.

"My, this place really knows how to put on a show," Dulcinea muses, watching the spirit onstage sing and dance before the band with obvious delight. She leans back in her wheelchair and reaches up to interlace digits with the intimidating-looking girl who enters beside her. "Shall we go out and have fun, my dear?"

[Meowmai]

[Dining Floor]

A lone figure prowls amidst the dancers, taking in the deathly atmosphere with a sense of comfort and familiarity. The spirited and energetic music might be a bit beyond her usual preferred vibe, but Tespa could always appreciate a good performance. Especially one laced with so much undeath. Things had gotten boring since she had ceased her travels anyways, and perhaps a change of pace could help with that.

Tespa's manner of dress fits right in with the variety of spooky costumes worn by some of the other guests- though hers was barely a costume. She had always worn these dark robes, her golden cats eyes staring from the shadows of a deep hood. The necklace of bird bones and fangs had always been a feature too. The only thing that was new was the bone-white mask stylized like an animal skull that hides her face- from behind which bristled black fur, and glimpses of gold jewellery. Very little of her fur was exposed, with perhaps the most being just the hint of a cat's paws peeking through some foot or hand-wraps.

The curious catfolk took in the dance and song for a while, before turning her attention to the crowd. It had been a while since she had really gotten out and socialized, and even she in all her curated distance was beginning to miss that. And an interesting figure caught her eye! Someone who, at first glance, might have been mistaken for any guest in a simple witch costume, but on a closer look seemed so much more fascinating.

Tespa approaches Lia on silent padded feet, but her approach might be noticed by the faint smell of damp, cold, and rot that accompanies her. "Wonderful performance, isn't it? I only wish I knew how to make spirits dance like so." The voice that came from the mask seemed like it had once been that of a honey-sweet hustler, only now it was coarse and raspy. "Lovely dress, if I may say. Can't ever go wrong with black, especially at this time of year."

[Rebonack]

[Play Area]

It's that time again, isn't it?

There are always plenty of Spooktober parties, but just the same there's always A Spooktober party, too. It's rarely clear exactly how discovering which party is the A party but it always seems to work out in the end, doesn't it?

Khannie Vallarm doesn't spend a great deal of time in Riverside. She's visited once before, specifically the water park (The Riverside Riverslides!) so this was her second real outing and finding Bloodsong had been a bit of a task for the long-time Inside girl. The place is DEFINITELY spooky. She's picking up pretty easily on all the spirits flitting around. But then, given how much time she spends at Glog that's not a terribly unusual experience.

At the age of fifteen Khannie is teetering right on that precipice between childhood and adulthood and for a few moments she pauses to watch all the dancers out in the floor and the spirited (haha, ghost pun) band playing up on the stage. But that's... eh. Not really her thing. Khannie gravitates toward what comes naturally to her.

Bab wrangling.

The teen heads into the play area to see if by chance any of the kids she knows are raising a ruckus in here.

For this fine Spooktober, Khannie is wearing a somewhat shabby looking blue wizard's outfit complete with tunic, leggins, and robe. And of course a rather frumpy conical hat which is notably missing a brim. It's the classic bumbling conjurer look. While her costume is quite real Khannie's human teen body is not. A thing woven of primordial darkness and shadow spirits giving all the appearance of unremarkable human form. Khannie's guise isn't pallid or gaunt, which appears to be the theme of the night, but rather energetic and full of life, her voluminous ponytail bouncing from behind her cap.

So!

Three things to check out.

First?

Snacks.

Second?

Activities.

And third?

Who else has shown up?

[[brackets lover]]

[Play Area]

Asami was off sitting by herself and munching on a hamburger(or whatever the fantasy equivalent would be) when Khannie makes her entrance. She was dressed like Vivi Ornitier, even possessed of a similar short stature. The black mask of the costume was pulled up to her forehead, allowing her to eat.

A few seconds pass after Khannie shows up without Asami noticing, the latter happening to gaze absent-mindedly in the former's direction. Asami's eyes widen as her corona temporarily dims before glaring(light-related meaning of the word) at Khannie.

Asami nervously looks to the left and right before getting up and taking a few steps towards Khannie, getting only as close as she has to in order to fit within the customary conversational distance range. "Vallarm-senpai," greets Asami unaffectedly, "Small world, huh?"

[bc56]

Mary was planning to sneak into the party. Get in through a window or maybe change into a small animal and slip through the door. After all, a spooktober party at a bar isn't somewhere you'd expect minors to be allowed...
But apparently they've opened things up to younger people, so she just walked right in. It's disappointingly easy.

The teenage succubus is dressed in a long white dress, and her black hair is done up in a pair of swirly things on the sides of her head. She could've transformed into a perfect lookalike, but as she told her mother last October, shapeshifting is cheating, so she retains her red skin, horns, batlike wings, and barbed tail.

"I can't believe you come to a party like this at a bar for goodness sakes, and you just want to take care of kids!" Mary complains to her friend. "C'mon, live a little! I bet we could talk the bartender into giving us some real drinks,"
"Oh, hey Asami." The demon princess doesn't have nearly as much loathing for the star girl as she does for Aiko.

[Rebonack]

[Play Area]

Khannie is caught with a peanut butter celery stick in her mouth when the star girl starts chatting with her, leaving her chomping it down hastily.

"Oh hey, uh, Asami, right?" Khannie says half questioningly. This is that new kid who was glowing and kinda being a jerk to Agate, right? Her knowledge of PREP students is by no means exhaustive. "Cool costume."

She hasn't the faintest idea who Asami is supposed to be. Some movie reference maybe? That's what Khannie had gone with. The bumbling blue wizard from The Last Unicorn.

Honestly it doesn't help that Khannie has to squint a bit while trying to figure out what Asami is.

But then more friends.

"Wait, don't tell me, the princess from Star Wars, right?" Khannie asks, deftly dodging the accusation that she's being boring and responsible. "This place is pretty ritzy, Mary. I dunno if you're gunna have much luck sweet talking the bar tender."

Mary could probably pass for an adult. The other two girls? No chance.

[[brackets lover]]

[Play Area]

Upon being greeted by Mary, Asami immediately groans with annoyance. "Underage drinking is a crime, Brignole. Figures you would suggest something like that."

Then, she is asked for confirmation of her name, to which she curtly replies, "Uh, yeah."

[bc56]

Play Area
"Crime, shmime. I'm sure all those pranks you pulled were above board? Besides, I drink all the time at home, it's fine." The idea of a "minimum drinking age" is completely foreign to Sekhmet. Mary doesn't even have to sneak alcohol, she can just have it. "C'mon, how hard could it be? Immortals that look like kids are a dime a dozen in the Nexus," (that claim could probably apply to all 3 of them). "Or are you guys chicken?"

[Gullara]

[Dining Floor]

The music kicks up and the party starts in earnest, making it the perfect time for Dulcinea to make her entrance! The pallid teen rolls onto the floor with an effervescent smile and a brilliant gleam in her eye. Finally! Spooktober! Oh how she adores these parties. They're always so atmospheric, and who could turn down some worlds-class ambience every once a year?

And keen on presentation as ever, Dulcinea's put in quite the effort to dress up this year. She wears a bright white garment somewhere between a dress and old robes, baggy sleeves and long skirts paired with high-heeled boots and long white gloves. She's gone through quite the effort to match her subject, even styling one of her pretty pink wigs into a ponytail. A replica bladed cane lies across her lap too, though all the effort she put into making sure it could actually function as a a serviceable walking aid has tragically gone to waste.

"My, this place really knows how to put on a show," Dulcinea muses, watching the spirit onstage sing and dance before the band with obvious delight. She leans back in her wheelchair and reaches up to interlace digits with the intimidating-looking girl who enters beside her. "Shall we go out and have fun, my dear?"

[Dining Floor]

Dulcie's companion has managed to get herself distracted as soon as she walks in. Seeing a spirit like performing so boldly is an odd sight, though not one so shocking as to stop her in her tracks. It does raise myriad questions, though. So she starts a little when Dulcie touches her, but drawn back in immediately she returns the gesture with a smile. "I'll follow your lead."

Reilana, for her part, is wearing something inspired by a few illustrations out of some old books. She's taken queues from the dress of an immensely important necromancer from her father's home world. The man in question was not one for subtlety, which makes for a good costume. Dull metallic armour covers her torso, forearms, and lower legs. Under that she has a pair of bright red pants. Most notably is the bone detailing on the hips, chest, and shoulders; especially the detail of her right shoulder, which appears to be capped with what would be the skull of the demon. The bones are all fake in this case. Reilana's not above accessorizing with bone, but the size would be impractical at the very least. To complete the look she even put in a product to temporarily grey her hair and she has it pulled back tightly against her head.

[Rebonack]

[Play Area]

"Have you got settled into your classes?" Khannie asks Asami with complete ingeniousness. "Things were going kinda rough on day one."

She's hoping yes. She's also hoping that this kid doesn't make a habit of being a jerk. Honestly Khannie was having a hard time getting a read on her personality. It was like she would swing to wild extremes really fast. Sort of like right now. It makes it really hard to predict how Asami will respond to... basically anything.

Then Mary goads just a little harder.

Khannie responds by pursing her lips.

"Mary you're a devil. I'm pretty sure that makes you immune to poison. And if I tried drinking it would get purified as soon as I touched it. That would just make it a gross-tasting-"

Oh no.

Not that.

The girl's expression instantly hardens.

"I'm not chicken. It's just a doofy idea."

[[brackets lover]]

[Play Area]

"If you can just- Why would you even have to-?" Asami stutters flusteredly, a brief pause followed by a deep sigh as she slouches forwards. "God, you've insufferable."

Then, after returning to proper posture, Asami looks towards Khannie, "Hell no. These classes are way too much. I mean, you have to stay in your seat the entire time! And you have to pay attention too!? Its Kafkaesque..."

[Ironsmith]

[Entrance]

clunk.

clunk.

clunk.

Come the dramatically slow and loud footfalls of the first in the trio of newcomers; a behemoth of blackened steel, cast into the shape of a tall, broad-shouldered man. The black knight does not turn to greet any of the other guests as he steps inside, but stops after a few paces and pivots on his heels with deceptive grace, turning to face the other two members of his entourage.

"Like that." Comes the knight's guttural voice. "Lift, pace, step, lift, pace, step. Give it a try."

clunk.

cl-clak-a-tatter!

A second knight tumbled in through the doorway, one of his boots catching on the threshold and sending him tumbling face-first into the floor, with a much louder but proportionally more embarrassing cacophany of metal smacking together into a pile, followed by low groan.

"...It takes some adaptation." Arne notes, kneeling to help his doppelganger to his feet. "You're much taller now, much heavier, and you don't have a skeleton..."

"...Honestly, it's still a nice body." Emkay notes, giving himself a little shake as he rises to his feet again. "...Weird, but nice."

"Thank you. I worked very hard to become so." Arne's teeth clack under his helmet as they form into a rough smile.

"He has a point. It takes a lot of effort to turn out this weird." The last of the newcomers, a white-coated, dark-maned kirin with a limp, notes as she hops over the threshold, little sparks dancing off her hooves as she makes contact with the floor. "I'm still curious what happened to you, mister...?"

"I'm still figuring that out." Emkay grimaces through the helmet. "...There's a lot of... um... well, weirdness there."

"Well, you're in good company." Arne laughs, giving his doppelganger a loud clap on thr back. "Come. Let's see if any of these faces look familiar."

[quillpleasant]

[Dining Floor]

A lone figure prowls amidst the dancers, taking in the deathly atmosphere with a sense of comfort and familiarity. The spirited and energetic music might be a bit beyond her usual preferred vibe, but Tespa could always appreciate a good performance. Especially one laced with so much undeath. Things had gotten boring since she had ceased her travels anyways, and perhaps a change of pace could help with that.

Tespa's manner of dress fits right in with the variety of spooky costumes worn by some of the other guests- though hers was barely a costume. She had always worn these dark robes, her golden cats eyes staring from the shadows of a deep hood. The necklace of bird bones and fangs had always been a feature too. The only thing that was new was the bone-white mask stylized like an animal skull that hides her face- from behind which bristled black fur, and glimpses of gold jewellery. Very little of her fur was exposed, with perhaps the most being just the hint of a cat's paws peeking through some foot or hand-wraps.

The curious catfolk took in the dance and song for a while, before turning her attention to the crowd. It had been a while since she had really gotten out and socialized, and even she in all her curated distance was beginning to miss that. And an interesting figure caught her eye! Someone who, at first glance, might have been mistaken for any guest in a simple witch costume, but on a closer look seemed so much more fascinating.

Tespa approaches Lia on silent padded feet, but her approach might be noticed by the faint smell of damp, cold, and rot that accompanies her. "Wonderful performance, isn't it? I only wish I knew how to make spirits dance like so." The voice that came from the mask seemed like it had once been that of a honey-sweet hustler, only now it was coarse and raspy. "Lovely dress, if I may say. Can't ever go wrong with black, especially at this time of year."

Lia perks her head up, sniffing the air. The scent of death is like a sweet nectar to her, cutting through the dull saltiness of the living, and there's a unique perfume headed her way. She turns, pale eyes wide and curious, to take in the sight of Tespa as she approaches.

"Wonderful, yes. I haven't heard a lot of music before, it's... nice." Her voice is soft and halting, as if she hasn't spoken in a while.

Tilting her head to one side, the mycoid studies her new acquaintance. Now that she's close, Lia can tell that the scent isn't quite right- she doesn't seem quite undead, despite the skeletal mask and bones. That line seems increasingly blurry at this time of year, and it never ceases to confuse her senses. Whatever the cloaked cat lady is, she's certainly intriguing. And there's nothing Lia loves more than learning about interesting people.

Realizing she's been silent just a little too long, she suddenly looks down at herself, catching up to the compliment. "Oh, thank you. I grew it myself." As is evident by the way the 'fabric' melds seamlessly into her collar bones. "I'm in mourning, you see, and I read that black was a good color for that in Beyond the Dark Veil."

She extends a hand, then looks at her own gestures as if confused by it. "I'm Hyphaelia, but everyone calls me Lia. Who do I have the pleasure of addressing?" Lia blinks her eyes slowly. "Oh, and may I say that your bone decorations are very tasteful." Tasty, even.

[Meowmai]

[Dining Floor]

Tespa blinked behind the mask in interest at the curious statement that greeted her. Haven't heard much music, hmm? How strange. "Ahh... Indeed it is," she simply agrees. "New to this world? Or simply never come across it much? I only ask, because there were few places I travelled that did not indulge in some kind of song."

The grown nature of the dress was much more evident now that she was close, and Tespa found herself fascinated by it. She wondered if it took much effort to grow and cultivate, or if it was something done with a mere thought and perhaps some time. The conversation quickly takes a more sombre turn, however, but the oracle is used to death. "I am sorry for your loss. I can only hope their soul is granted swift passage along the River."

She holds out a paw to shake Lia's hand in return. The mycoid would notice that in a few places, shards of jagged bone pierce through the wraps, with a horrible medley of red and green and yellow seeping into the fabric. "Name is Tespa. The humans sometimes just call me Shadowseer- always felt it's a bit over the top myself, but I've grown fond of it. Sometimes one has a need for a... suitably dramatic title. And why thank you~" The raspy voive sounded very pleased that someone else appreciates the bones. "Others always seem so disconcerted by them."

[Keeper]

Dining Floor

Well, it's a weekend so Krayger was probably going to be at Bloodsong's. But it's a weekend in October, so Krayger needs to do something more special. Krayger's Spooktober costumes have often been rather cheesy. And his demon costume is probably in even poorer taste the last few years, so that's out. So since Bloodsong's is a classy establishment, he's done his best to be classy, in a long gray suit in a style of the late nineteenth century with spectacles and a cane.

He makes his way through the place, wondering if he'll find anyone he knows. He's sure he can have a drink and have a good time even if he doesn't.

[Zefir]

[Entrance]

Another person enters, dressed in a black suit with a red top and a cape thats also black outside and red inside. It might be hard to see the mans face as the flames of the torches go dim as he passes, only to go back to a bright light when he is gone.

He sneaks past the armored people who seem to have some problems with their costumes. He could help but his knowledge of costumes is low and they seem to have anything under controll.

Whatever. the man heads for the main stage as he intends to listen to the spirit performing there.

[bc56]

Play Area
"You mean you can't drink... at all?" Well, you know what she means. Mary looks flabbergasted at Khannie. "Wow, that's no fun." Unicorn parties must really suck. "You don't even want to try?" Mary looks disappointed that her friend (and Asami is there too) doesn't want to cause trouble with her.

[Rebonack]

[Play Area]

Khannie looks...

A bit baffled by Asami's reaction here.

"...what were you EXPECTING classes to be? You listen to the lectures and you do the work. And then there's practical application and labs and stuff. How else are you gunna learn things?" she inquires.

Asami DEFINITELY doesn't seem like she has the sort of self discipline that's needed for independent study. She's way to erratic.

"Look, school is important, okay? You need to know all this stuff so you'll be able to do cool stuff when you grow up."

Khannie is pragmatic as ever.

And then Mary asks an important question.

"I mean, yeah? But I dunno if it would actually do anything. Isn't that how... you know, how they work? They cleanse poisons and diseases and stuff? Alcohol definitely counts as a poison, probably," Khannie replies, admitting that she does not in fact know the answer to this question. She's just guessing.

That's an in for Mary, actually.

If she can leverage this from the angle of Khannie's curiosity and inquisitiveness she can probably coerce her into adolescent delinquency.

[[brackets lover]]

[Play Area]

Asami scratches the back of her head. "Who would've thought Brignole would be friends with a nerd like you," she snidely ponders before crossing her arms, "Meh, whatever. Its still the beginning of the year. I'll just relax now and worry about my grades later."

She relaxes, getting into a casual sort of vibe. She then yawns, opening her mouth to speak before delaying for a second and continuing, "Sorry, what were we talking about again?"

[Arkhosia]

[Pallid Gals and Spooky Pals]

Reilana's answer brings a softer, fonder smile to Dulcinea's lips. "Of course, dear. I still can't get over your costume, for the record." Which is echoing praise she'd said the whole way here. It was incredible to look at - and besides, she'd put so much work into it. If there was anything Dulcinea adored observing about her darling necromancer, it was her skill and work ethic.

Dulcinea presses forward through the crowd towards the section in the play area where the folks who feel too old for the kiddie games but too cool and interesting for the boring grown-up part of the party congregate, grinning whenever she sees someone from school that she recognizes and engaging in brief and polite exchanges. Her eyes are always roaming though, and the gaggle of younger teens might briefly feel eyes on them. Those who look will catch sight of an older girl, sickly pale yet lively - and those sensitive to spirits might even sense the two famished entities hovering about her, leaning in and swirling about as if to study or listen to the people around her. Arne might spot her too, across the room - in which case she'll brighten up and offer a friendly little wave.

"You know Kahu, aside from Pancake I don't think I've even seen a spirit with my own eyes before. Jostan summons them a lot, doesn't he?" The teen looks over to Reilana. "I wonder what he'd think of a performance like this."

[Ironsmith]

[A Pony and Pair of Putrid Paladins]

And speaking of familiar faces...

Arne catches a glimpse of the girl and waves back, in a hand-over-head gesture that could probably be seen from much farther away than the other side of the room.

"...Sorry, who's that?" Salt asks, hesitantly waving a hoof so as to not appear impolite.

"...She's, ah... a friend." Arne fumbles for a moment. "I ran into her in Riverside, we had a talk, and... it, um, helped with a few things. It's just nice to see her again."

"Oh." Salt manages a slightly more enthusiastic smile, her hoof gaining a little flutter to it after that explanation. "You want to go say hi, then?"

"...Um..." Arne pauses, not seeming to be entirely certain what the appropriate response would be.

"...You know what? Let me rephrase. I'm going to go over and say hi. Along with 'thank you for talking some sense into my favorite lugnut.' Up to you if you want to come along."

With that, Salt trots over (as best she can) to do as she said she would. Though she'll at least wait for a gap in the conversation first.

[Morty]

[Play Area]

The play area is, as ever on Spooktober, swarmed by goblins. This year's theme for the horde seems to be simple - they're dressed as a variety of zombies and other living dead. One that stands out is Brinika, who has zombie make up but also a loud red jacket.

[Dining Floor]

Two more people arrive. One is a massive, bearded man, wearing... also a long grey suit with spectacles and a cane. He's sure to run into the other man dressed in the same costume soon enough.

The other person is a slim woman wearing a rather heavy costume. A long coat with an apron, a hood and a bird-skull mask. Dorota decided to dress as a plague doctor this year. She's rather nervous, as usual on such events, but she's trying to get out of her shell a bit.

[bc56]

Play Area
"Hey! Don't be mean to Khannie!" Mary snaps at Asami. But she has more important concerns. "Wait, so you don't even know? We have to find out, come on!" Mary's not quite to the point of tugging on Khannie's arm. Are unicorns allergic to fun? There's only one way to find out.

[Rebonack]

[Play Area]

Khannie doesn't see spirits; not really. They aren't a visual phenomena to her.

They're a tactile one.

The shadow spirits she mostly works with, for example, feel cold and silky. Like a shady tree on a hot day. It isn't a perfect analogy since there's no real analog to feeling something that's over somewhere else but close enough.

Most of the spirits in here, spirits of the dead, are the sort Khannie is accustomed to from Glog. They feel cold like ice. A sort of cold that can be unpleasant, but isn't always unpleasant.

The spirits around Dulcina, though... Those are something totally different. Like a twisting in the guts. Like something sharp. Something gnashing.

Something yearning.

It leaves Khannie watching the pale teen warily. She couldn't possibly be dangerous in this context, right? These parties are Safe, are far as she can tell. Maybe not as Safe as Glog, but still Safe. Still... probably not a bad idea to be cautious.

She's nearly distracted from the opportunity to retort to the accusation that she's a nerd with, "I'm not a nerd."

Which is exactly what a nerd would probably say.

And Mary is getting a little insistent now. In the name of satisfying curiosity! Khannie is juuuuuust about to relent but suddenly a wave of tiny goblins comes rolling in!

Oh no!

Khannie is getting swept away in the tide of babs! Oh noooo! Mary is given an apologetic look. She's gotta help Brinika keep an eye on the cousin swarm.

"Oh hey Brinika, you made it!" Khannie says, smiling at her friend. "You guys decided to all do zombies this year? I'm kinda disappointed I didn't get the message. I decided to go as a bumbling conjurer from a movie."

A beat.

"Oh right, and this is Asami. She goes to PREP, too. And I think I saw her at the water balloon-fest?"

[Keeper]

[Dining Floor]

Two more people arrive. One is a massive, bearded man, wearing... also a long grey suit with spectacles and a cane. He's sure to run into the other man dressed in the same costume soon enough.

Dining Floor

It takes approximately three minutes for Askeladd to bump into Krayger, currently swirling a glass of wine with a smile on his face.
"Really, Askeladd. We must stop meeting like this. I'm going to start to suspect you come here looking for me specifically. And oh, what do humans say in these situations? 'One of us is going to have to change?'" Krayger asks, doing a shockingly decent accent considering it's from a continent on a world he's never seen. He must have done some research on the novel and its adaptations.

[quillpleasant]

[Dining Floor]

Tespa blinked behind the mask in interest at the curious statement that greeted her. Haven't heard much music, hmm? How strange. "Ahh... Indeed it is," she simply agrees. "New to this world? Or simply never come across it much? I only ask, because there were few places I travelled that did not indulge in some kind of song."

The grown nature of the dress was much more evident now that she was close, and Tespa found herself fascinated by it. She wondered if it took much effort to grow and cultivate, or if it was something done with a mere thought and perhaps some time. The conversation quickly takes a more sombre turn, however, but the oracle is used to death. "I am sorry for your loss. I can only hope their soul is granted swift passage along the River."

She holds out a paw to shake Lia's hand in return. The mycoid would notice that in a few places, shards of jagged bone pierce through the wraps, with a horrible medley of red and green and yellow seeping into the fabric. "Name is Tespa. The humans sometimes just call me Shadowseer- always felt it's a bit over the top myself, but I've grown fond of it. Sometimes one has a need for a... suitably dramatic title. And why thank you~" The raspy voive sounded very pleased that someone else appreciates the bones. "Others always seem so disconcerted by them."

Dining Floor

"My people didn't have music, at least not the... auditory kind?" Li shrugs, oblivious to the further questions this might raise. "I arrived here a few months ago, and I haven't had much time for recreation. Trying to change that, I think?" She's focused a little too much on the written word, to the exclusion of all other forms of art, which is quite the gap in her knowledge.

But right now Lia's a little distracted by the mention of a soul, and she smiles widely for a moment, then can't stop herself from giggling. She closes her eyes, shaking her head as her merriment subsides. "Apologies, I don't mean to laugh at you, that's very kind- it's just that this individual doesn't have a soul, and doesn't travel any River. I should have clarified, I'm mourning my last self. I died recently, and my current iteration is in many ways a new person. I miss the old me quite terribly." She leans in, as if imparting a secret. "Although, if I'm being honest, she was too naive for her own good. I feel bad for her, but she kind of brought it on herself."

Shaking Tespa's paw, Lia glances appreciatively at the stained wrappings and bone fragments. She entirely lacks the squeamishness that others might exhibit, instead feeling nothing but fascination at what might lie beneath. "Shadowseer... how delightfully evocative! Is it accurate? That is, are you of the pythian persuasion, blessed by visions?"

She waves dismissively at the idea of bones being disconcerting. "I've always found people's distaste of anything that reminds them of death... well, stupid, if you'll forgive my bluntness. Everything is decaying, why not embrace it? I'd adorn myself similarly, but I don't think they'd last too long. There's something about the crunch that's just irresistible."

[Gullara]

[Pallid Gals and Spooky Pals]

Reilana's answer brings a softer, fonder smile to Dulcinea's lips. "Of course, dear. I still can't get over your costume, for the record." Which is echoing praise she'd said the whole way here. It was incredible to look at - and besides, she'd put so much work into it. If there was anything Dulcinea adored observing about her darling necromancer, it was her skill and work ethic.

Dulcinea presses forward through the crowd towards the section in the play area where the folks who feel too old for the kiddie games but too cool and interesting for the boring grown-up part of the party congregate, grinning whenever she sees someone from school that she recognizes and engaging in brief and polite exchanges. Her eyes are always roaming though, and the gaggle of younger teens might briefly feel eyes on them. Those who look will catch sight of an older girl, sickly pale yet lively - and those sensitive to spirits might even sense the two famished entities hovering about her, leaning in and swirling about as if to study or listen to the people around her. Arne might spot her too, across the room - in which case she'll brighten up and offer a friendly little wave.

"You know Kahu, aside from Pancake I don't think I've even seen a spirit with my own eyes before. Jostan summons them a lot, doesn't he?" The teen looks over to Reilana. "I wonder what he'd think of a performance like this."

[Pallid Gals and Spooky Pals]

Reilana gives a small smile to her date. "There's a lot you can do when you have the full power of the drama department behind you." She replies with some amusement.

As they head into the party proper, Reilana is gives every impression of Dulcie's solemn shadow. She's far less likely to join in on her girlfriend's social graces.

After the question, she looks back the way they came. "I've never seen him conjure a material manifestation, ethereal or not. It's not really necessary for what he does. I think he finds it a bit rude too." She returns her eyes to Dulcinea. "I think he'd have a lot of questions about the ethics going on here. Could go either way."

[[brackets lover]]

[Play Area]

Mary's direction is met with Asami pinching the bridge of her nose. "Of course you would take nerd as an insult," says Asami before doing a sarcastic handwave, "Some people like having brains, Brignole."

And with the wave of goblin babs washing in, Asami's animosity flooded out. Upon hearing Brinika's name, Asami curiously head-tilts in the direction of who Khannie was talking to, taking a moment to over-analyze the social atmosphere before beating her chest before dissolving into a beam of light and appearing right in front of Brinika.

"Ah, Chea-chan mentioned she had a sister named Brinika?" Asami cocks her head to the right and serenely smiles at Brinika. "Its nice to meet you!" Her corona now projected a bright rainbow out in the air. She could also be heard quietly muttering about how something is "_{so small...}" contently.

Meanwhile!

Another newcomer trotted through the entrance, Jon, a pure white siberian husky in a Garfield costume. Along with him was a litter of various gray and black-furred husky pups. Two were on leashes held in Jon's mouth, two more held by a mage hand floating above Jon's head, and one pup simply ensnared in backpack strapped to Jon. Clearly struggling with the pups, Jon hurries into the play area. However, upon sight of so many unfamiliar children, the pups start rushing off in pursuit while the one in the backpack flails helplessly. Having to put all his force into holding back the litter, Jon barks muffled, "W... f... (H... p...)"