apocalypsehowcomm | Season Turning Festival

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Season Turning Festival

season turning festival

winter turns to spring The Oval Playground, just south of the Old Bridge Street Burying Ground had seemed the perfect place to set up for the Winter to Spring Turning Festival that this get-together has become. It's a grander affair than Mercy had first envisioned, but she's glad for the shift given Rue's help. The air is brisk, the day clear, and colorful tents have been erected on the open green up against the northern edge of the park… not terribly far from the graveyard, if one were to hop a fence. It's no grand city festival, but there are more than a few activities and foodstuffs to catch the eye of those who might deign to drop in for the fun.

Everyone who does stop by will be immediately directed to a table where winter-themed flower crowns can be picked up. Each one is unique and there seem to be enough crowns for any who might want them.

A photo area has been set up with a tasteful background and a variety of Seasonal Props (and just cute or interesting things Mercy and Rue have come across) one may wear or hold: cornucopias, bouquets of flowers, heart pillows, a skull with antlers, and all other manner of odds and ends that seem seasonal to winter or the coming spring. Some of them are a bit more macabre than others.

There is food and drink aplenty to be found within the tents. Nothing excessively grand (or too alcoholic), but set out in a very pleasing array with a chocolate fountain at the heart of the display. A variety of unique and wintry centerpieces are dotted about to add some additional flair.

There are also sign-ups for a Blanket-wrapped Race and Campball with promised prizes for the winners. These come along with another sign-up for a Fashion Show to be judged by Rue and Mercy at the end of the afternoon's festivities. Wear your seasonal best to the festival or step into the Fashion Tent where you'll find an offering of clothes and accessories to help pull your winning design together!

sampling the season

celebration in style Introduction
Mercy isn't usually nervous about giving speeches. She's spoken to all kinds of people for her work both as an undertaker and as a healer… even as a rebel, after a fashion. But this is particularly important, sharing something with others that's part of her homeland, something that's not technically her right to do. She adjusts the flower crown atop her head, steps up onto a makeshift little platform, and raises her hands for attention.

"Thank you, kindly, friends, for coming out. Me'n- The Honorable Rue and I have been working to put together a little shindig we thought folk might enjoy, something to liven the spirits while we're coming out of this long stretch of dark and cold. Where I'm from, Evergreen Abbey, we got a tradition of celebrating the changing of the seasons. Spring to summer, summer to fall, fall to winter, and winter again into spring. The world is cycles. A deep breath in and another out as the earth, hisself, breathes.

"With a season turning comes a naming. We honor the time we've spent with the past and present even while we look to the future. It's the right of the Abbot or Abbess of Evergreen to name the season, but seeing as we ain't got one of them on hand…" She manages a crooked grin. "I name this the Winter of Kindled Flames. Whether that's warmth in fire or in friendships, both'll see us through to what's ahead." She looks to Rue and steps aside in case the owlbear would like to say their own words.

Of course crowned in their own set of vibrant flowers, Rue’s glamoured countenance beams down at Mercy before they turn their charming smile on the crowd. They wave an arm out - and for any familiar with Rue’s true form, it would be easy enough to imagine the grand flourish their feathery wing would make - directing the attention to them. “My friends, we only ask that you open yourselves up to the true beauty of the changing seasons. It must be said, that although the aim of this festival is to bring some lighthearted reprieve into our lives, it would not behoove of us to simply ignore the fear we have all been faced with as well. But as a wise woman once spoke -” And though it’s quite subtle, Mercy would feel a gentle, feathery paw at her elbow. “‘Fear falls when it's faced with bonds it can not break.’ So please, we welcome you to enjoy the grand festivities planned, while you engage with friends, both old and new.”

I. Flower Crowns and Photographs
A table is set up and regularly replenished with a variety of unique flower crowns that seem to have been handmade. Each is different, featuring little touches of interest here and there, whether in an unusual color combination or arrangement. There are even some supplies in a nearby box and some basic instructions laid out should one want to fashion their own flower crown or add to an existing one. A small sign accompanies the table of crowns, written in Mercy's neat and very old-fashioned looking handwriting:

We weave the world together
And place each blossom bright
To find ourselves the vigor
To carry on our fight
And with each crown we place
Our hearts alight with yearning
We name ourselves the vessels
For joy and season's turning

- Mercy Summermist, Hero of Evergreen Abbey

Not far beyond the flower crown station is a photo point. This place seems to have been set up specifically to provide an excellent opportunity for any person (or persons) to pose for a picture. There are rich cloths draped artfully over some branches of a tree and little lanterns and faerie lights that twinkle in the shade. There are a few logs and stumps that have been rolled over to provide seating or something to stand on for those who might wish to be a bit taller than usual. Off to one side of the photo area, there is a cardboard box filled with all manner of eclectic items. Some of them are sensible and seasonal. Others are just a bit odd. You might be surprised what you find in that box to join you in your photo. The stranger things undoubtedly came from a certain gravedigger, but it's best not to ask where she might have acquired them.

II. Food, Mingling, and a Grave Path
Tables have been set up in some of the tents and out on the green of the park that sport an assortment of foods and beverages. They're mostly the standard platters of fruits, cheeses, veggies, and meats one might be able to purchase at the local grocery store, but they've been arranged on nicer plates. There's one table set up as the central and most prominent display. In the center is a chocolate fountain and assorted dipping items. There are also whimsical candies here from the newest shop in Gloucester that's making an invertebrate splash!

In addition to the tables for food, there are little seating areas that are a combination of chairs and whatever else could be found at Bonnie's and on short notice to serve as seating. These more… eclectic sitting locations are covered by comfy-looking blankets and set up around small fire pits where they're available. Enjoy a plate filled with food or a big cup of hot chocolate or coffee from a nearby drinks station.

For those who are less keen on mingling with others or who just need a moment to themselves, there is a gate leading out of the park to the north and directly into the copse of trees that surround the Old Bridge Street Burying Ground. The graves here date back to the 1700s and some of them look… strangely fresh considering their headstones. Has something been digging here? Have zombies been clawing their way from the earth, itself? Who can really say? There does seem to be a pattern to the graves with turned earth. They appear to be the grandest and most well-preserved headstones in the yard. What curious times we live in!

III. Campball Lessons
"Campball's the easiest thing you ever played," Mercy tells those assembled on the pitch. She has a soccer ball in hand as the closest equivalent to a campball that she could find. "No touching the ball with your hands." She drops the ball down and dribbles it briefly between her feet. "But anything else goes so long as you ain't drawing blood or breaking bones." Her enthusiastic grin might be just a bit too much for the faint of heart. "We got goals set up on either end of the pitch. You can take turns kicking and guarding to start, then move on to running the pitch with the ball. Got some cones set up for you there. Practicing stealing the ball from each other'll be next. Don't be afraid to get a little rough. Or getting sneaky. I seen one team win a match using tricks to keep the other team guessing where the ball actually was."

"The first team to score 5 points is the winner, and we'll take breaks every 20 minutes. We'll try to make the teams even on numbers, and I'll be watching off to the side while you do drills so's we can even the skill out, too."

Those assembled will be unleashed upon the practice pitch in pairs to test their mettle. Occasional encouraging words will be thrown out over the course of the 30-minute practice before everyone is dismissed for refreshments and preparation for the ~~battle~~ game to come. Perhaps you've been lured by the game itself or some curiosity. Perhaps you've been lured by the promise of a free, tailored outfit for each member of the winning team. Either way, there's practice to get to and a campball championship title to be won!

((OOC: Sign-ups for the campball teams are below. Terri will RNG the winning team on March 1st.))

IV. Blanket-wrapped Race Strategizing
The Blanket-wrapped Race is a curious sort of affair. People are asked to pair up in teams of two, one to wrap their partner in the blanket and the other hop, waddle, or roll their way to victory while cocooned. The blankets provided come in a range of sizes to accommodate competitors of different builds, but they're all thick and stiff. There are colorful bungee cords available, as well, a nod to these modern times. Mercy would usually use standard rope, but she doesn't want to make anyone suffer having to figure out knots on the fly.

Instructions are provided that the one being wrapped must have the blanket bungeed to them at the ankles, waist, and shoulders, at a minimum. They'll be checked before they're let off the starting line. Once on the move, the pitch isn't the longest in the world, but to someone wrapped in a blanket, it might seem quite the distance… especially considering the hazards laid out before them. There are down tree branches, patches of ball bearings, and well-hidden trip-wires.

Attentive partners to the blanket-wrapped will run ahead of them to warn of hazards or maybe even move them into the way of competitors who might be behind or ahead of their racing companion. Work with your companion to test different wraps and strategize for your run down the track before the starting bell.

((OOC: Sign-ups for the Blanket-wrapped Race are below. Terri will RNG the winning pair on March 1st.))

V. Fashion Show Prep
“Now remember,” Rue is thrilled to remind those eager to participate in the festival’s impromptu fashion show. “Half of a fashionable presentation is simply being confident. Whatever you end up wearing, as long as you feel most glamorous, you’re certain to leave the judges panel in absolute awe. But having said that, sticking to the seasonal theme will certainly net you a few bonus points in the final tally.”

Those wanting to participate are welcome to use from their own collection or to peruse the clothing racks provided in the changing tents. There’s a little something for everyone in every shape and size, Rue has made certain of that, so no non-humans should be feeling left out if they want their chance to strut down the improvised runway.

The esteemed panel - Mercy Graves, Delloso de la Rue, and Neal Caffery - will be sitting on as the judges this afternoon, each scoring every participant separately only for Rue to round up all of the points at the end of the festivities. Come and show off your own special brand of fashion, dance your way down the catwalk, or maybe come give a friend a hand in the hopes they’ll walk away with the top prize of the evening.

((OOC: Sign-ups for the Fashion Show are below. Mey will RNG the winning pair on March 1st.))

♡

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

i. [mingling] i had watched you taking in the spring

[Though Rue is happy to step aside and let Mercy bask in the glow of hosting such a delightful festival, the glamoured owlbear is still floating around from here to there at all times, swooping in to fix any problems they see rise up or to gently set any mischief-makers straight.

Glamoured as they already are, Rue's used just a touch of their newly accessed magic to amplify their outfit to fit with the theme, an elegant, champagne-colored dress accented in lines of gold that shine just so when it hits the sunlight. The sleeves that glide so divinely behind them as they move, that almost look like an imitation of their own feathery wings, are covered in that same glimmering gold that stretches out like tree branches across each swooping sleeve, connecting dozens of delicate spring flowers together. Upon closer inspection, the flowers are all living, caught in Rue's magic to blossom over and over again over the course of the afternoon.

Though the dress pools like liquid around Rue's dainty feet, the hem remains perfectly pristine the entire event, untouched by the muddy earth. Rue's hair is pulled up on top of their head into artfully messy curls, a crown of gold tree branches keeping it secured off of their elegant neck.

Though Rue's on a mission to keep the festival on track and running smoothly, they'll absolutely take the time to visit with any familiar faces they spy out among the crowd or to simply engage with anyone looking a little lonesome.]

ii. [fashion fashion] through dusty, sun-kissed bodies wandering

[As an Official judge, Rue can't give too much help to the participants, but if they just so happen to see someone looking absolutely helpless around the clothing racks, they'll just have to step in and lend a hand. Or feel free to flag them down in the case of a true fashion emergency.]

iii. [wildcard] between you and me, as if they don't see this distraction

[ooc: please hit me up if you want a specific prompt from me or go wild here! i'm usually down for anything, but hmu if you have a question!]

Edited 2023-02-26 07:54 (UTC)

[ And this is when Hickey learns that his enhanced senses can help see through glamours! Because as he looks over at Rue, he gets a whiff of that scent of bird and he knows exactly who the tall person in the ostentatious dress is.

And, oddly enough, he can't help but bet a little annoyed by that? There's a pause before he walks over to Rue and asks, ]

Why'd you change your look?

[Of course the only person in this whole city that Rue would prefer to avoid can see right through their glamour. Life is suffering.

Still, with a gentle hooting sigh, they clasp their hands gently in front of them, shoulders pulled back, and address Hickey with as much calm, even composure as they can summon.]

How enchanting to see you again. Are you unaware that all non-humans are forced into wearing such a glamour while off of ADI property? I did not choose to do this to myself.

[Well. Not this time, at least.]

Considering that I've only met a handful of non-humans, yes, I was unaware.

[ There's a pause as he looks over Rue again, frowning before, ]

Your other form's better. It's cowardly of ADI to shove you behind this frilly nonsense.

[ Because obviously that stupid dress is part of the glamor, right? Rue wouldn't choose something so ostentatious by themselves. ]

[How incredible that he gets it half right.]

...Truly.

[Rue hates how their glamour can feel both like a second skin but also like an itchy rash all over their body, how it both lays perfectly but still cuts them into pieces just to make them fit.

And now that it's been called into question, it's all Rue can do to move their body, to feel the stretch of their feathery wings, to be reminded of the taloned feet hiding beneath the illusion of dainty heels.

Now that they've begun to feed the Stranger, they hate how easy it's become to slip back into this mask.]

I understand their apprehension, the panic that could ensue at the sight of me. But I find myself agreeing with you wholeheartedly. It's cowardly, to force me to change for the benefit of their own limited mindset. To expect anyone different to simply conform to expectations, instead of opening up their own stunted view.

[The dress though, Rue absolutely adores, over-the-top as it is.]

Though we have not always seen eye-to-eye, I do appreciate your words.

Edited 2023-02-27 03:53 (UTC)

[ Sure there could be apprehension. There could be panic. But if all the people here, from such varied worlds could grow to tolerate the massive, terrifying owl monster, surely everyone else could as well.

Hickey lets out a little 'hmmph', obviously not really expecting being appreciated. ]

It's just obvious, [ he shrugs. ] It's stupid if people don't plan for failure. If that glamor breaks, how do they think people'll respond knowing that the person they talked with was someone else the whole time?

[ says the man who's been using a fake name for the past four years. ]

[It's a little undignified, sure, but Rue can't help the snorting laugh that erupts from them at the man's commentary, some of the obvious stiffness in their posture dissipating.]

Wouldn't that be quite the terrifying surprise? Though perhaps they deserve the panic it would cause.

[Rue's gaze draws away towards the crowds, full of both ADI workers and the general public.]

And beyond all of that, let me tell you how troublesome it has become to have to apologize for my deception at every introduction, to tell others that my true self looks nothing like what's presented to them.

[ There's a pause before Hickey lets out a low little chuckle of his own, ]

And I doubt that most people would immediately think of a fuckoff huge owl monster as your true self.

[Alright, that kills the good mood!]

Spirits! [Rue huffs, rolling their eyes, but they don't appear to be too upset.] You're impossible! I'm an owlbear. I'm neither a 'fuckoff huge owl' nor a 'monster'. Just an owlbear!

[ Jesus Christ. Hickey rolls his eyes, as if Rue's being the difficult one, not him. ]

There's nothing wrong with being a fuckoff huge owl monster. You're taking all this far too personally.

[Please ignore the festival host arguing in hushed tones with one of the guests.]

Oh! Just as if there's nothing wrong with being a fuckoff human with hideous facial hair either?

delloso de la rue | ota

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