𝐻𝒜𝒫𝒫𝒴 𝐻𝐸𝒜𝑅𝒯𝒮 𝒮𝒯𝒜𝐹𝐹 (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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angryhearts2020-08-11 11:18 pm
happyheartsstaff) wrote in angryhearts2020-08-11 11:18 pm
Entry tags:
you want to hear it? well —
ONLY, MY SECRET'S MINE, AND I WON'T TELL
The garden may no longer be available upon return to the hotel, but there is still a bustle of energy. How fortunate all the Oysters are, to reside in such a renowned place! It's a great honor for those in Wonderland to be granted opportunity to teach their skills or ply their trade here, and the Queen permits only the best. Hotel staff themselves seem to delight in the presence of the traveling merchants. Many trade teas or favors for enchanted items, and will eagerly discuss their purchases. "Oh, it happens regularly enough," they will say if asked, "but you never know if the merchant you liked or the item you eyed will be back next time!"
The talk lingers after the guest instructors and merchants have departed, but it isn't the only thing left behind. Glimmers of green may catch your eye, tucked away in hidden places that seem almost impossible to reach without drawing attention to yourself. Those who manage it will find a scrap of heavy paper with a drawing of a stylized caterpillar, a series of numbers, and the words call a friend.
Are you curious enough to input the numbers into your Empathy? It will ring, if you do, until an answering machine picks up and asks a single question — How doth the little crocodile improve his shining tail? Do you dare leave a message? What will it be? Whatever you decide, the call will disconnect after a few minutes. It seems the only thing you can do now is wait for a call back.
But of course, the hotel is not in the habit of allowing such a thing as idle waiting. Her Royal Highness has noticed that some of her beloved Oysters seem quite reluctant to partake of the many splendors that the hotel provides, and she will be offering a special treat — indulgence.
QUEEN'S GAMES
8/12 - 8/22
What's more fun to indulge in than a little healthy competition? It's time for the Queen's Games, a truly dazzling spectacle. Competitors come from all over Wonderland, and this year for the first time ever, Oysters are invited to join! Announcements for the games schedule will be posted all throughout the hotel, along with directions on how to register to join.
The games will be held in either the pool area or the gym, which seems to have expanded to accommodate the number of spectators. Available games include:
Of course, even the games that Oysters are familiar with may not be quite the same. Chess in Wonderland is a team sport, for example, with each member of the team filling a role as a chess piece and a coach as a strategist directing the plays. Attempting to capture one of the other team's pieces includes having to successfully win a fight against them. Gymnastics and diving competitors include growing and shrinking in size to their routines, ice sculptures come to life when they've been completed, artistic swimmers and ice skaters change costumes and swap partners in the blink of an eye.
If they're lucky, Oysters may find one of the competitors willing to show them the ropes. If they're even luckier, or more persistent, there may be a spot or two open on one of the teams that Oysters can slot themselves into. For the most part, team members will be delighted to have Oysters there.
"You all just feel so much," one may say, sounding a little awed.
"Show off those emotions, it'll get us points," another will add.
Although competitors are friendly, with Osyters and with each other, it's clear that most of them are here to win. Rivalries may flare up throughout the month, ex-lovers may be reunited and broken up again, infighting may spark among the teams — all things that can be soothed or exacerbated, for Oysters who may have inclinations towards utilizing such things to increase their chances of winning.
Or to fan the flames of drama for its own sake.
The games will be held in either the pool area or the gym, which seems to have expanded to accommodate the number of spectators. Available games include:
- archery
- chess
- croquet
- artistic swimming
- diving
- gymnastics
- flamingo flying
- ice skating
- ice sculptures
Of course, even the games that Oysters are familiar with may not be quite the same. Chess in Wonderland is a team sport, for example, with each member of the team filling a role as a chess piece and a coach as a strategist directing the plays. Attempting to capture one of the other team's pieces includes having to successfully win a fight against them. Gymnastics and diving competitors include growing and shrinking in size to their routines, ice sculptures come to life when they've been completed, artistic swimmers and ice skaters change costumes and swap partners in the blink of an eye.
If they're lucky, Oysters may find one of the competitors willing to show them the ropes. If they're even luckier, or more persistent, there may be a spot or two open on one of the teams that Oysters can slot themselves into. For the most part, team members will be delighted to have Oysters there.
"You all just feel so much," one may say, sounding a little awed.
"Show off those emotions, it'll get us points," another will add.
Although competitors are friendly, with Osyters and with each other, it's clear that most of them are here to win. Rivalries may flare up throughout the month, ex-lovers may be reunited and broken up again, infighting may spark among the teams — all things that can be soothed or exacerbated, for Oysters who may have inclinations towards utilizing such things to increase their chances of winning.
Or to fan the flames of drama for its own sake.
THE CALL
8/16
Starting in the early morning hours and continuing late into the night, any who left a message will get a call back.
Those who completed the poem will be greeted immediately by a friendly male voice, with an apology for the delay. "Ugh, our lines are backed up like crazy," the caller will say. "Where are you reporting in from?"
Those who somehow identified themselves as an Oyster, as residing in the hotel, from off world, being held by the Queen, or otherwise potentially against the Queen, will have their call returned by a cold female voice, guarded and wary.
"Show me your Oyster mark," the caller will request. "We can't risk giving you anything without proof."
Regardless of which caller contacts them, anyone who cooperates will receive similar information.
The friendly caller will readily provide assurances that the resistance base was not found, despite Mad March and the Order's attempt at reconnaissance in the old kingdom.
"Can't say much more than that over these channels, you know, but worry not! Everyone is safe. We have a follow up from the last mission — sorry about the air conditioning, you know, couldn't be helped — you ready for this? Keycodes. Access keycodes. Didn't get more than a handful, of course, and the intel is vague about what they access. Are we glad to get your call! How about it, you ready to try one out and see what information you can get?"
The guarded caller will allude to the Order not being able to find what they wanted out in the ruins.
"Did you think they took you out there to show you the sights? They're looking for us, obviously. No I'm not going to tell you more than that — just because you're an Oyster doesn't mean we can completely trust you. All right, look. Last time we broke into the hotel, we recovered a few access codes. We had to get out of there before we could find out what they accessed. How about a trade? We give you the code, you call us back and tell us what you find."
Those who completed the poem will be greeted immediately by a friendly male voice, with an apology for the delay. "Ugh, our lines are backed up like crazy," the caller will say. "Where are you reporting in from?"
Those who somehow identified themselves as an Oyster, as residing in the hotel, from off world, being held by the Queen, or otherwise potentially against the Queen, will have their call returned by a cold female voice, guarded and wary.
"Show me your Oyster mark," the caller will request. "We can't risk giving you anything without proof."
Regardless of which caller contacts them, anyone who cooperates will receive similar information.
The friendly caller will readily provide assurances that the resistance base was not found, despite Mad March and the Order's attempt at reconnaissance in the old kingdom.
"Can't say much more than that over these channels, you know, but worry not! Everyone is safe. We have a follow up from the last mission — sorry about the air conditioning, you know, couldn't be helped — you ready for this? Keycodes. Access keycodes. Didn't get more than a handful, of course, and the intel is vague about what they access. Are we glad to get your call! How about it, you ready to try one out and see what information you can get?"
The guarded caller will allude to the Order not being able to find what they wanted out in the ruins.
"Did you think they took you out there to show you the sights? They're looking for us, obviously. No I'm not going to tell you more than that — just because you're an Oyster doesn't mean we can completely trust you. All right, look. Last time we broke into the hotel, we recovered a few access codes. We had to get out of there before we could find out what they accessed. How about a trade? We give you the code, you call us back and tell us what you find."
INDULGENCE
8/13 - 8/23
Throughout the event, there will be a number of activities available alongside the games designed to encourage unwinding. A concert set up in the hotel lobby will kick off the start of the games, at which indulgence teas will be made available for the first time. They will continue to be served readily at all hours of the day. Enhanced spa facilities will be made available as well — dazzling pedicures and manicures with nail polish that can do anything from change colors based on your mood to emit light so bright it can function as a flashlight; makeup that gives you a kiss that will literally stun the recipient; aromatherapy that will cure any kind of hangover; oils that double as aphrodisiacs, for those interested; healing massages that will take away your aches and pains, wiping away any bruises or injuries with no questions asked. A clean slate, ready to indulge again.
Then, of course, there are the less official activities. Whispers will begin to spread about another kind of competition being run after hours, when all good competitors should be sleeping. No one quite knows who's running it — one person heard it was the coach of one of the chess teams, eager to get her players extra practice; another heard it was one of the chess players themselves; still another will say it is an ice skater, a flamingo pilot, a gymnast. After all, it hardly matters, does it, as long as it runs, and there is a fight every night? Oysters are welcomed into this competition as well, where the only rule is not to kill your opponent. Teas of all kinds exchange hands as bets are placed on the fights, and the champion is rumored to receive a truly spectacular prize.
If fighting is not to your speed, fear not. All of the competitors seem to have different ways to unwind after the games are completed for the day, and all are happy to allow Oysters to indulge in attending the various get-togethers and parties they host. The knight on one of the chess teams has the most renowned wine collection, and he's brought some of his finest with him to be enjoyed alongside cheeses and poetry. One of the swimmers is a passionate musician, and has recruited anyone who can play an instrument to discuss musical theory and play together. A croquet player is known for hosting the wildest parties, with free-flowing moonshine and sips of ecstacy tea readily available. There is a flamingo pilot with a book club, an archer who is a fabulous chef, a diver who is a skilled debater with a wicked tongue — whatever you like to indulge in, chances are, someone's throwing a party for it.
The games will end on the 23rd, with a roaring celebration of all who participated in the competition. The pool area will be taken over for the farewell party, with music, food, alcohol, and dancing available. It is here that the winners of the competitions will be announced, and prizes will be awarded.
Then, of course, there are the less official activities. Whispers will begin to spread about another kind of competition being run after hours, when all good competitors should be sleeping. No one quite knows who's running it — one person heard it was the coach of one of the chess teams, eager to get her players extra practice; another heard it was one of the chess players themselves; still another will say it is an ice skater, a flamingo pilot, a gymnast. After all, it hardly matters, does it, as long as it runs, and there is a fight every night? Oysters are welcomed into this competition as well, where the only rule is not to kill your opponent. Teas of all kinds exchange hands as bets are placed on the fights, and the champion is rumored to receive a truly spectacular prize.
If fighting is not to your speed, fear not. All of the competitors seem to have different ways to unwind after the games are completed for the day, and all are happy to allow Oysters to indulge in attending the various get-togethers and parties they host. The knight on one of the chess teams has the most renowned wine collection, and he's brought some of his finest with him to be enjoyed alongside cheeses and poetry. One of the swimmers is a passionate musician, and has recruited anyone who can play an instrument to discuss musical theory and play together. A croquet player is known for hosting the wildest parties, with free-flowing moonshine and sips of ecstacy tea readily available. There is a flamingo pilot with a book club, an archer who is a fabulous chef, a diver who is a skilled debater with a wicked tongue — whatever you like to indulge in, chances are, someone's throwing a party for it.
The games will end on the 23rd, with a roaring celebration of all who participated in the competition. The pool area will be taken over for the farewell party, with music, food, alcohol, and dancing available. It is here that the winners of the competitions will be announced, and prizes will be awarded.
If you have any questions, please leave them over here! Results for the access code sign ups and the distractions will go out on the 14th, so players have until then to sign up. Characters can use the keycodes to access areas and cause distractions from the 16th through the 23rd — and beyond, but after the final party they may no longer have an easy excuse. If you wish to have your character compete in one of the competitions for the prizes, you can sign up here! Winners will be RNGed.
© tessisamess
Wu Xie | The Grave Robbers' Chronicles | ota
Admittedly the longer he wanders the place, the more he really starts disliking it. Wu Xie grew up knowing that nothing is perfect, that everything he held as a close and sweet memory was just another facet of his uncles and grandfather's workings towards the destruction of 'it'. It costed him a lot to complete that work, and he expected to live his remaining few months doing what he wished with his friends, but no, this place had to grab him first. The familiar anger of being forced onto a path ate at him but he didn't let it show on his face.
Instead he looked at the games being offered before selecting the ones that he actually had any skill at. So in the first half of month, he was a Black Rook in a chess game, annoying the coach with his insistence of ignoring orders and moving how he felt his should move while gamely either hitting other pieces with his rock crown or teasing those pieces that couldn't reach him. When he is finally taken out - a group of pawns gained up on him as well as his own queen - Wu Xie heads for his next chosen sport.
Although he didn't expect the mallets for croquet to be as unwieldy as they were. He does entering the spirit of the match, but he isn't as blood thirsty as was the normal crowd. In fact, he'd often shoved his mallet into a random watcher's hands before sprinting the moment someone decided he wasn't paying that much attention.
He quickly gets booted from that and so he wanders to the next big thrill - a fight club. He begs off actually fighting himself, but is willing to help out any of the other fighters - mainly by giving them pointers like how that dragon can't actually stand or that troll is easily to crumble dirt.
OMG Look at that! (distraction)
He had found one of the little notes with help of one of the Wei Wuxians but he didn't feel comfortable with actually snagging a code. It just screamed 'look this will probably get you killed' and Wu Xie knew that if he fell for that both Pangzi and Xiao-ge would mock him even more than they do now.
But that also meant that others would be trying their best to unlock the codes, so what should he do but cause as much of a disturbance as he could. Which, given that he had spent a lot of his youth not only in college but also robbing tombs and destroying several thousand years old secret organizations, he had a little talent in being annoying. He just needed to get creative.
Which means that he suddenly is releasing smoke bombs made from basic condiments off the party tables and standing in a very conspicuous manner in the path of anyone that comes near him holding a very powerful flashlight. With all the smoke, said flashlight looks almost like it's a glowing sword.
Depending on who he runs into with said flashlight sword, either he is going to challenge them to a duel or ask them to join him. And when the staff appears, he is definitely going to challenge them before falling into the age old tradition of running away - which means he's going to jump on tables, scatter people and then giggle a lot when he gets caught like he's entirely drunk.
Wildcard
[ ooc; Catch him at playing ring toss using wine glasses and pineapple rings, or help him make a few more smoke bombs. Or even get him going on his favorite subjects like art, antiques or ghost stories. Or just find him in a corner, trying to muffle a really nasty sounding cough and then denying that he is sick at all. Go wild! ]
OMG! Look at that! And watch him be a horrible influence on Leanne
The smoke bombs were thrown and she lets out a squeak, flaring her wings a little to try and make herself look bigger at the sigh of the glowing sword. This couldn't be good... This was scary. So so scary.
She swears she can smell lord Wu Xie but that scary sword is making her stop and pray that she will be spared.
he certainly will try
Oh. Well now he felt a little like crap. Kicking one of the diy smoke bombs away, he moved over to try to calm the poor kid down.
"Hey, it's okay, it's not really a sword. See?" Shutting the flashlight off, he offered her it.
no subject
"Don't... Don't I feel silly now..."
croquet
"Ha--?? I don't think that's how you play! Sir! Sir!"
no subject
"No? Maybe you should try telling that to them?"
He motions towards an elderly looking woman dressed in black, her skin a little on the green side underneath the large and pointed black hat that she currently sporting. She was also marching in Wu Xie's direction while holding her mallet like it was a club.
no subject
He starts running towards Wu Xie, but if he'll care to notice, Aziraphale looks. Ridiculous, running. Like he hasn't ever really tried it in his life, and is making the motions from something he read in a book.
This boy is doomed.
The flapping of his wings behind him? Probably not helping.
"I really-- Protest-- you should take one of these!" he yells, out of breath.
no subject
Though those wings? Yeah they probably just knocked something over as they head in the new direction.
"Toss it."
no subject
He just throws it back through the gap and it turns out that Aziraphale's really got an arm, because it bowls through some of the people coming after them and trips them up.
"Do we have to keep running?" he asks, trying to catch his breath.
no subject
"Depends on if they find us and want to teach us 'young'uns' better manners," he replies. "Sorry about that."
no subject
"They'll be surprised to know I'm not exactly that young," he replies, a little disdainfully, since he looks middle-aged but that was mostly a choice to get people to leave him alone at the time.
"What is your name, by the way? I'm Aziraphale."
no subject
Wu Xie fixes his hair by simply running his hand through it, letting the messy locks fall however they want. It never was really that important anyways, unless he had to impress someone. Since his list of people he wanted to impress did not make it with him, he was just not going to care.
"Aziraphale?" He squints at the guy, nose crinkling before he chuckles. "I'm Wu Xie."
no subject
"Thank you, for saving me, I suppose," he says. "Do you think we've lost the game?" He frowns slightly; he's usually very good at croquet!
no subject
"We were playing a game?" Wu Xie hadn't been that aware. He was trying but well, he never understood the whole thing besides hit a ball part. "They were on our side so... I don't know?"
no subject
Anyway. "Think we should get out of here before we get disqualified."
no subject
"Aren't we already?" But even as he says that, Wu Xie is looking around before picking a direction to go into.
no subject
Actually, he probably also wants to go back to his room, so it's not that weird, right? Right? "For never having played croquet, I think... you weren't terrible!"