This is Halloween

[sinfulmods]

Event: This is Halloween



There comes a time once every year when the veil is thinner between the realms, and in a place like the City of Sin - already vexed by the ability to draw people in from every place imaginable - that isn’t always a good thing.

Though the City has been seeming very even of late - the sun’s been shining and nothing’s come to visit since the Darkness - there’s always a hint that maybe it’s all luring the City’s populace into a false sense of security. Few seem truly worried about the coming holiday, but there have been things that give people pause. The shadows, for example, creeping around just outside of one’s vision.

But no one can quite prove that those are actually the City’s doing. Still, it doesn’t seem to stop things from happening.

Regardless of everything that’s been going on - or perhaps because of it - the City goes on as normal, just as it always has. In fact, the Emperor seems to have something special under wraps. Word has it there’s a party being planned for the holiday, and that’s exactly what’s going to happen. Instead of setting it up at the Tower, though, it’s a much more down to earth bash, set up at OHM with the help of a few Chosen.

Sometime on October 27 (OOC: August 1 - 3), every citizen and Chosen in the City will receive a rather modern-looking invitation outlining the details of said event.



As with any Halloween party, costumes are highly encouraged. On the lower level of the club, there will be a more raucous party for those who care to take part in club-style partying, while the VIP area is reserved for those who’d rather celebrate the party with class.

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Starting on the 27th as well, unbeknownst to the City, the shadows lurking around everyone’s peripheral vision will begin to solidify. Creatures rather like Dementors seem to creep out of the shadows, looming ever closer. Perhaps they even get close enough to touch; in that event, the air will feel cold and full of dread, though the shadowy creatures don’t attack any more than that. Yet.

As of the 31st, things will shift around a little more. Instead of appearing as Dementors, the shadows will start to appear as nightmares from characters’ own worlds: dead lovers, family, friends; some kind of thing that goes bump in the night; you name it. It’s as though all those fears from the past suddenly came back to say hello, just for a night.

As of November 1st, things will start to ease back to normal. The shadows will return to simply being shadows, though the paranoia that comes along with them may not fade so easily.

This is a mod-run event spanning from August 1 - 15 OOCly (October 27 - 31 in-game). There will be a log for the main event as well as reminders in the coming State of the Game.

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- Do I have to participate in any of this?
Not at all! The party will be open to all, but just because you attend the party does not mean you have to deal with any of the other very optional plot points going on. Your character may simply see people reacting to their shadows and believe them to have had too many drinks, for example. Or, if you like, you can opt out entirely. It is up to you!

- What kind of things can I have the shadows appear as for my character?
We recommend some kind of individual significant to your character’s life, particularly if they’ve died. This is, after all, when the veil between the living and the dead is thinnest, and everyone loves dead friends and family coming back to haunt you!

- Is there anything else going on at the party?
There may be an interesting announcement or two. The Emperor will be in attendance, after all, and he’s always good for a spectacle.

Have a question that isn’t answered here? Feel free to ask us below! Additionally, please use this as a plotting post!

Comments

QUESTIONS

[sinfulmods]

Re: QUESTIONS

[hesnohero]

On the 31st, will the shadows and the creatures they depict be solid?

[sinfulmods]

We have decided that the shadows will indeed be solid to the touch! This, of course, means that they'll be able to do all sorts of things to people.

Re: QUESTIONS

[hesnohero]

Also will people be able to see all the Shadows or just the ones that come for them?

[sinfulmods]

As the shadows will be solid, we're inclined to say that they'll be seen by all. If that means they're also willing to bother / attack / generally bug other characters, then so be it.

[diana_abel]

If your character is a CRAU (like, say, Diana), could the shadowy creatures resemble people they knew in a previous game?

[sinfulmods]

We don't have a problem with this!

[intuitive_aptitude]

Sylar currently has the ability to turn into anyone he touches (except Magistrates of course). If I get explicit player permission, can I have his ability work on the now-solid-important-dead-people?

Ex: Erik is going to be seeing his mother. I've talked to Sarah, and she is okay with Sylar touching her once and being able to transform into her at-will on a later date. Is this okay with you guys?

[sinfulmods]

Yes, we'll allow it on a player-by-player basis. Because that sounds like it would be a really great way to mess with people later on.

[intuitive_aptitude]

/cackles

Re: QUESTIONS

[hesnohero]

Can the shadows be destroyed?

And if so, do they stay away once destroyed, or come back?

[sinfulmods]

They can indeed be destroyed, but they will indeed return. Probably at a very untimely moment, just to ruin everything.

PLOTTING COMMENT - The Beast

[thegreatestproject]

I kinda walked into this all on my own, but still, THANKS MODS

The shadows are going to see fit to take the form of an ultra-powerful magician who is canonically able to pwn gods. So that Eliot can have some time to actually enjoy the party, I'd like to have his shadow-stalker crash the party right near the end. However, I'm not so much interested in 1) breaking the game world, 2) forcing other characters into some kind of boss battle, or 3) getting anyone murdered dead.

Therefore, the Shadow-Beast will be somewhat nerfed when he appears: first of all, by being so single-mindedly focused on Eliot that he doesn't attempt to hurt anyone else (unless they attempt to attack him first). He will also stop short of actually killing anyone (instead he'll make them sleep VtM-Dominate style, force choke them, toss 'em across the room, etc). Unless you wanna plot out a death, in which case, come at me bro? Finally, being a Shadow, he's not going to be quite as scary-powerful as he is for real. Just scary enough.

Mods, let me know if there's any issue with these plans. Everyone else, come at me with questions, and prepare to help Eliot run like hell.

[intuitive_aptitude]

I would like to propose something maybe. Maybe.

I don't know what Eliot is capable of, or what his magic can do. But rarely do I have a romantically-inclined ending to pitch someone, so here goes. At some point, after some bashing and throwing and generally terrifyingness, I'd like for Sylar to see that Eliot is in danger. Whatever happened when the Shadow-Beast stormed in, he wasn't there. But he sees all the destruction he's caused in the end. He can't fight it if it can pwn gods. But he can get Eliot THE HELL out of there by sweeping him up and flying away at supersonic speed.

I think it'd be the first time he'd reveal any powers to Eliot directly, and I kinda love it. BUT only if you love it too. Sooooo can I save your Eliot in distress? <3

[thegreatestproject]

Iiiiiii am here for this yes

Eliot's magic can do quite a bit, but for sheer power, he doesn't stand a chance against the Beast, so escape is going to be his priority. Given all of Sylar's mojo, it's possible he could put a dent in the Beast if he wanted to stay around and fight... Still, if he sees how much peril Eliot is in, I can see how he'd prefer to gtfo and literally sweep Eliot off his feet in the process.

tl;dr, yeah cool I'm down

[sleight_of_fate]

Rhys will definitely throw into the fight. He's got a shitload of defensive tattoos and his hexblade is charmed to fight shadows/ghosts/nasty stuff, so while he's not a powerhouse, he's actually pretty competent and can at least keep it busy! Eliot's told him enough that he will take it as a very serious threat.

If he gets squashed while Eliot and Sylar make their romantic escape, he WILL be pissed, though. Just sayin.

[thegreatestproject]

He's not gonna be too jazzed about abandoning Rhys, or anybody, if it comes down to that. Although I'm thinking that since the Beast is going to be mostly concerned with Eliot, he might turn heel and leave as soon as Eliot's gone.

But before that happens, there will be for fight. And between Rhys and Diana, this is looking like it could shape up to an actual throwdown /strokes chin. I'll probably write up a little form for people who want to take part in the fight, to indicate how much they're willing to let their character get hurt.

[sleight_of_fate]

No worries, and if the Beast runs, too, it's all good. :D

That sounds like an excellent plan. I'm not going to put Rhys in a critical situation, but he'll get banged up a bit. Oddly, he deals WAY better with getting busted up physically than, well, pretty much anything else so hell, it'll be like a vacation for him. :>

[diana_abel]

Hi friend, how would you like a shiny vampire escort with a sword?

[thegreatestproject]

I will fully admit I already had this image of Eliot and Diana hanging out at the moment the Beast crashes the party, and him being like "Run" and her being like "uh, nope"

[diana_abel]

Sounds about right.

A FORM TO FILL OUT, everybody likes forms

[thegreatestproject]

Stolen with great affection from a player at Fade Rift. The Shadow-Beast is gonna ignore everyone except for NPCs and anyone who attempts to attack him/protect Eliot. He's also gonna pretty much turn and leave if/when Sylar swoops Eliot away.

If you want in on the boss battle, comment below with how much injury you're comfortable putting your character through. During the thread, I'll be puppeting the Beast, and he'll only do things that could, worst-case scenario, result in the types of injuries you indicate. The actual, final results will all be up to you.

(Enter allowable severity as "None," "Minor," "Moderate," "Severe," or "Grievous") <b>Physical pain:</b> <b>Lacerations:</b> <b>Burns:</b> <b>Electrocution:</b> <b>Abrasions:</b> <b>Concussions:</b> <b>Sprained joint:</b> <b>Bone fracture:</b>

RHYS

[sleight_of_fate]

Rhys's tattoos protect him from stabbing, slashing, and abrasions. He can also shield against energy attacks to a certain degree, but...getting thumped is still going to break his bones. Otherwise, bring it, because he's a tough bastard. :D

Physical pain: Moderate
Lacerations: Moderate
Burns: Moderate
Electrocution: Moderate
Abrasions: Moderate
Concussions: Moderate
Sprained joint: Moderate
Bone fracture: Moderate

[intuitive_aptitude]

It's possible they won't fight at all. But just in case they do, I have the same answer for all: Grievous.

Sylar has literally suffered every physical pain there is to suffer after getting obliterated in canon a few times. Plus he heals fast. :D

DIANA

[diana_abel]

Physical pain: Moderate
Lacerations: Severe
Burns: None
Electrocution: Minor
Abrasions: Severe
Concussions: Severe
Sprained joint: Severe
Bone fracture: Severe

In WoD terms, Bashing and Lethal is fine. No Agg :)

[fivethreestrawberryblonde]

Physical pain: Moderate
Lacerations: Moderate
Burns: Moderate
Electrocution: Moderate
Abrasions: Moderate
Concussions: Minor
Sprained joint: Severe
Bone fracture: Moderate

Additionally, Lydia has the ability to foresee death or severe damage being done - can she see some sort of event going down at the party immediately prior to it?

[thegreatestproject]

How immediately would that be? Before the party starts, or like a minute before it happens?

[fivethreestrawberryblonde]

Shortly before the party starts, and vaguely enough that she can't do anything to stop it. Most of the time, she has only the faintest idea of what's going to happen. It's terribly frustrating for her.

[thegreatestproject]

I'm reminded of Avenue Q. "Is there anybody here it doesn't suck to be?"

I think that'd be all right. I was a little worried about what might happen if she tried to warn people away from going to the party, but thinking about it, Eliot's in such a state of fuck-it about being followed that he might go anyway. He makes good decisions.

[fivethreestrawberryblonde]

Avenue Q: accurate since forever.

Also well done, Eliot. You do make good decisions. And thankfully, she wouldn't warn anyone away from the party - she's hosting it, after all. That would be way too much hard work wasted! :D

[thegreatestproject]

lmao I didn't realize she was organizing it! That's perfect, then. Forebode away. Lemme know if you want any particular details before the fact.

[fivethreestrawberryblonde]

Yep! She's running the club where it's hosted! She's so pleased. Except when shit crashes it. It'll be great.

Ooh, just an idea of what the Beast looks like? I'm sure you've shared one before, but I've forgotten. The rest, I can pretty much wing.

[thegreatestproject]

This is what he looks like. A dude in a suit with his face obscured by a swarm of moths. Also, six fingers on each hand.

[fivethreestrawberryblonde]

Wonderful, thank you! That'll make for an appropriately creepy vision.

[wellbredbitch]

This is for Lorna Dane.

Physical pain: severe
Lacerations: severe
Burns: severe
Electrocution: mild
Abrasions: severe
Concussions: severe
Sprained joint: severe
Bone fracture: severe

[alphaophiuchi]

Damn, Draco's not going to the party. That said, I would love to have Lydia run into this, because that sounds really great.

[thegreatestproject]

Lydiaaaa :C

Eliot will feel terrible if she gets banged up. Does she have any supernatural fighting mojo?

[fivethreestrawberryblonde]

:C!

She sort of does! Banshee ears that might warn her of coming danger, and the ability to kick a little bit of ass. Mostly that's hand to hand when dealing with people, though.